What Is Bone Broth? An Educational Guide to This Nourishing Superfood

Bone broth has taken the spotlight in recent years as a go-to comfort food, wellness tonic, and kitchen staple for health enthusiasts and slow-food lovers alike. But what exactly is bone broth, and why is it gaining so much attention?

We’ll explore what bone broth is, how it’s made, its potential benefits, and why incorporating it into your diet could be a smart move for your health and overall well-being.

Whether you're new to bone broth or already enjoy it, this we will shed light on why this traditional food is making a comeback in modern kitchens.

What is bone broth?

At its core, bone broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering animal bones (often with connective tissues, ligaments, and sometimes meat) for an extended period of time—usually 12-48 hours. The slow cooking process allows the bones and connective tissues to break down, releasing their minerals, collagen, amino acids, and other valuable nutrients into the broth.

Bone broth isn’t a new invention; it’s an ancient practice that has been used in cultures worldwide for centuries. From chicken soup in grandma’s kitchen to hearty stocks used in Asian and European cuisines, bone broth has long been valued for both its culinary and nourishing qualities.

How Is bone broth different from stock?

One common question people have is: How is bone broth different from stock or regular broth?

While stock and bone broth are similar in that they both involve simmering bones in water, the difference lies in the cooking time and the intent behind making them.

Stock is typically cooked for 2-4 hours and focuses more on extracting flavour rather than nutrients.
Bone broth, on the other hand, is simmered for much longer—often 24 hours up to 48 hours—specifically to draw out as many nutrients as possible from the bones, such as collagen, gelatin, and amino acids.

What are the nutrients found in bone broth?

The slow simmering process is what makes bone broth so special. It allows for the release of:

Collagen: A structural protein that helps form connective tissue, found in abundance in bones, cartilage, and skin.
Gelatin: A broken-down form of collagen that can help create the characteristic ‘jiggle when the broth cools.
Amino acids: Such as glycine, proline, and glutamine, which are essential for various functions in the body.
Minerals: Including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals, depending on the type of bones used.
Healthy fats: If you leave a layer of fat on the top of your broth, it can provide a good source of energy.

Because of its nutrient profile, bone broth is considered a ‘functional food’—a food that provides more than just calories but also helps support the body in various ways.

What are the potential benefits of bone broth?

While we can’t make therapeutic claims about bone broth, we can highlight how its nutrients play a role in supporting overall health.

Here are some ways bone broth may fit into a healthy diet:

1. Supports digestive health

Bone broth is known to be gentle on the digestive system, making it a good option for people who experience occasional digestive discomfort.

The gelatin in bone broth is thought to help support a healthy gut lining, which plays a key role in digestion and nutrient absorption.

2. Nourishes skin, hair, and nails

Collagen is a major component of our skin, hair, and nails. While the body produces collagen naturally, production tends to decline with age. Including collagen-rich foods like bone broth in your diet could support your natural collagen levels.

3. A source of amino acids

Amino acids like glycine and proline play key roles in the body, from helping to build proteins to supporting muscle recovery and tissue repair. Bone broth is an easy way to get these amino acids from a natural, whole-food source.

4. May promote joint comfort

The collagen and gelatin in bone broth are derived from connective tissue, which is similar to the cartilage found in our joints. While research is ongoing, many people include bone broth in their diets for its potential to complement an active lifestyle and support mobility as we age.

5. A nutrient boost for overall wellness

Bone broth is a warm, comforting, and nutrient-rich food that can be enjoyed as is or incorporated into recipes. It’s an easy way to get a variety of nutrients into your daily diet, especially during the colder months when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

Bone Broth is nutrient boost for overall wellness

How do I incorporate bone broth into my diet?

If you’re new to bone broth, you might wonder how to include it in your meals. The great thing about bone broth is its versatility! Here are some simple ways to enjoy it:

As a warm beverage: Sip a cup of bone broth on its own as a warming drink—just like tea or coffee. You can even season it with herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon for added flavour.
In soups and stews: Use bone broth as a base for hearty soups, stews, or chilli. It adds depth of flavour and a boost of nutrients.
To cook grains and vegetables: Swap out water for bone broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or vegetables for added flavour and nutrition.
In sauces and gravies: Bone broth can be used as a base for homemade sauces and gravies.
As an ingredient in recipes: From braised meats to marinades, bone broth is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless recipes.
As a stock alternative: Any recipe which uses stock, can be replaced with bone broth.

We highly recommend the Brodo Bone Broth Cookbook for a range of recipes, tips, and tricks from bone broth experts.

Making bone broth at home vs. buying it ready-made

Both options have their benefits—it really depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to the process. Homemade bone broth gives you full control over the ingredients and allows you to tailor the recipe to your personal taste and nutritional needs.

However, store-bought options can be a lifesaver for those with busy schedules or anyone just starting their bone broth journey.

Making homemade bone broth

One of the best parts of bone broth is that you can make it yourself with minimal ingredients and tools. All you need are high-quality bones (such as grass-fed beef bones or free-range chicken carcasses), water, apple cider vinegar, and optional vegetables and herbs for flavour.

Making bone broth at home ensures that you control the quality of the ingredients and can customize the flavour to your liking. Plus, it’s an excellent way to reduce kitchen waste by using leftover bones from meals.

To make your own homemade bone broth, check out our easy and delicious Bone Broth Recipe.

Buying ready-made bone broth

If making your own bone broth feels overwhelming or time-consuming, there are plenty of high-quality ready-made options available. Look for brands that use grass-fed or free-range bones and minimal additives for the best quality.

Sustainability and bone broth

Bone broth also aligns with sustainable food practices, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritise reducing waste and living more sustainably. By using animal bones that might otherwise be discarded, bone broth is a great way to honour the whole animal and reduce food waste in your kitchen.

When shopping for ingredients, aim to source bones from local farmers, butchers, or organic producers to further minimise your environmental footprint.

Ready to explore bone broth?

Bone broth is much more than a trendy health food—it’s a traditional, nutrient-dense food that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re looking to nourish your body, warm your soul, or simply add more flavour to your meals, bone broth is a versatile and valuable addition to your diet.

It’s easy to make at home, endlessly versatile, and packed with nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals that can support your overall well-being.

Ready to try bone broth for yourself? Start by making your own with our Bone Broth Recipe or get creative in the kitchen with the Brodo Bone Broth Cookbook.

Let us know—how do you enjoy your bone broth? Share with us your tips, tricks, and favorite recipes in our Facebook Support Group!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice or substitute for professional consultation. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making dietary changes.