The Ultimate Best Bone Broth Review: Top Brands, Benefits & Buying Guide
Bone broth has surged from a niche health trend to a mainstream kitchen staple, praised for its gut-healing properties, collagen content, and comforting umami flavor. But with so many options flooding grocery shelves and online marketplaces, finding the best bone broth can feel overwhelming. In this comprehensive best bone broth review, we break down the top contenders, share expert recommendations, and provide actionable tips to help you choose the perfect broth for your diet and lifestyle.
Why Bone Broth? A Quick Overview of the Benefits
Before diving into our best bone broth review, it's worth understanding why this ancient elixir deserves a spot in your pantry. Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones (often with vegetables and herbs) for 12–48 hours, extracting minerals, collagen, gelatin, and amino acids like glycine and proline. Key benefits include:
- Gut health support: Gelatin and glutamine help repair the intestinal lining.
- Joint and skin health: Collagen may reduce joint pain and improve skin elasticity.
- Immune boost: Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus support immune function.
- Hydration and satiety: A warm, nutrient-dense alternative to coffee or tea.
Not all broths are created equal, though. The best bone broth is defined by its sourcing, simmering time, ingredient purity, and flavor. Let's explore the top-rated options.
How We Evaluated the Best Bone Broth
For this best bone broth review, we considered five critical factors:
- Ingredient quality: Organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised, and non-GMO sources.
- Simmering time: Longer simmering yields more gelatin and minerals.
- Flavor and texture: Rich, savory, and free from artificial additives.
- Packaging and shelf life: Shelf-stable vs. refrigerated, and eco-friendly options.
- Value for money: Price per serving relative to quality.
We tasted, researched, and compared dozens of brands to bring you this curated list. Here are our top picks.
Top Picks: The Best Bone Broth Brands Reviewed
1. Kettle & Fire Bone Broth (Best Overall)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)
Kettle & Fire is a pioneer in the bone broth space, and for good reason. Their chicken and beef broths are made from 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised bones, simmered for 20–24 hours. The flavor is deep, rich, and free of any "gamey" aftertaste. Each serving packs 9–10 grams of protein, thanks to the long simmering process that extracts maximum collagen.
Pros: Organic vegetables, no artificial flavors, shelf-stable Tetra Pak packaging (BPA-free). Available in original, turmeric ginger, and mushroom varieties.
Cons: Slightly pricier than store-brand options ($6–$7 per 16 oz carton).
Best for: Daily sipping, soups, and stews.
2. Bonafide Provisions (Best Refrigerated Option)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
< p>If you prefer fresh, refrigerated broth, Bonafide Provisions is a standout. Their chicken bone broth is made from organic, pasture-raised chickens and simmered for 24 hours. It has a silky, gelatinous texture when chilled—a hallmark of high-quality collagen extraction. The flavor is clean and mildly herbal, with hints of celery and onion.Pros: Organic ingredients, no preservatives, available in frozen pints for convenience. High protein (10g per cup).
Cons: Requires refrigeration (shorter shelf life). Not as widely available in stores.
Best for: Purists who value freshness and texture.
3. Epic Provisions Bone Broth (Best for Flavor Variety)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
Epic is known for its meat snacks, but their bone broth is equally impressive. They offer beef, chicken, and turkey varieties, all made from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals. What sets Epic apart is their unique flavor profiles—like "Beef Jalapeño" and "Chicken with Mushrooms"—which add a spicy, savory twist. The broth is shelf-stable and convenient for travel.
Pros: Bold flavors, no artificial ingredients, 8–10g protein per serving. Great for cooking or sipping.
Cons: Some flavors may be too strong for plain sipping. Price is mid-range ($5–$6 per 16 oz).
Best for: Adventurous palates and those who want broth for cooking.
4. Osso Good Bone Broth (Best for Gut Health)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
Osso Good focuses on gut-healing properties, using organic bones and vegetables, plus a 24-hour simmer. Their beef broth is particularly rich in collagen and gelatin, forming a thick, jiggly gel when cold. They also offer a "Pure" line with no added herbs—perfect for those following an autoimmune protocol (AIP) or strict elimination diet.
Pros: Organic, soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free. High gelatin content. Small-batch production.
Cons: Limited flavor options. Slightly higher price point ($7–$8 per 16 oz).
Best for: Gut-healing protocols and AIP diets.
5. Pacific Foods Bone Broth (Best Budget-Friendly)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Pacific Foods offers a more affordable entry point without sacrificing quality. Their chicken and beef broths are made from certified organic, free-range chickens and grass-fed beef. While the simmering time is shorter (around 8–12 hours), the broth still delivers decent protein (6–8g per cup) and a pleasant, mild flavor. It's widely available in most grocery stores.
Pros: Affordable ($3–$4 per 32 oz carton), organic, shelf-stable. Great for cooking large batches.
Cons: Less gelatinous than premium brands. Some reviewers note a thinner texture.
Best for: Everyday cooking and budget-conscious shoppers.
How to Choose the Best Bone Broth for You
Now that you've seen our best bone broth review, here's a quick guide to match your needs:
- For daily sipping: Choose Kettle & Fire or Bonafide Provisions for rich flavor and high protein.
- For gut healing: Osso Good's high-gelatin content is ideal.
- For cooking: Pacific Foods is affordable and neutral-flavored.
- For variety: Epic Provisions offers exciting flavors like jalapeño or turmeric.
- For AIP or strict diets: Look for Osso Good Pure or Bonafide Provisions (check labels).
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Which is Better?
While store-bought options are convenient, making your own bone broth gives you total control over ingredients and simmering time. If you have the time, a homemade batch can be the best bone broth for your specific needs. However, our top-reviewed brands come close in quality—and save you 12+ hours of simmering.
Quick homemade tip: Save vegetable scraps (onion skins, carrot peels, celery ends) in a freezer bag. Combine with roasted bones, water, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 24 hours in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
< h3>What is the difference between bone broth and stock?Stock is simmered for a shorter time (2–6 hours) and often includes meat for flavor. Bone broth is simmered for 12–48 hours to extract collagen and minerals from bones. The best bone broth will have a gelatinous texture when chilled.
