Thanks to wellness gurus across the globe, the phenomenon of consuming bone broth has skyrocketed.
The traditional stock has undergone the PR glow-up of a lifetime, with a rebrand spearheaded by none other than Gwenyth Paltrow pushing holistic health enthusiasts across the globe to purchase litres of ready-made broth to drink morning, noon and night.
That’s right, bone broth and stock are the same thing. Some brands may claim that traditional stocks don’t make use of the collagen proteins which derive from the connective tissues attached to animal joins and bones. Indeed, while dehydrated stock cubes tend to be higher in salt and contain preservatives, the vast majority of options on the market still derive from animal bones.
Bone broth, on the other hand, tends not to contain additional flavourings and will often be simmered down from meatier bones. Nevertheless, there will naturally be purer broths and stocks, or those with higher concentrations of protein and vitamins; and others which prioritise additional herby flavours.
How is bone broth made?
Just like regular old stock, bone broth is made from simmering animal bones in water with a mixture of vegetables, herbs and spices. Standard broth is made using meat, water and flavourings, while bouillon and stock cubes are simply dehydrated stock.
If you’re interested in the solids-to-liquids ratio, simmer time and protein concentration of broth, stock, bouillon and bone broth, US-based Bluebird Provisions has an incredibly handy guide.
What are the benefits of consuming bone broth?
A delicious and warming snack, bone broth is incredibly rich in collagen, amino acids, calcium and magnesium. These nutrients can help to improve gut health while supporting joints and promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.
Emer Lowry, Nutritionist at Waitrose, says “Research is still emerging on the benefits of bone broth but everything we know so far suggests that it is a great addition to your daily diet. It is a nutrition-rich version of hot water and by no means should it be your source of daily calories - unless consumed with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat and vegetables. Adding this to your diet could support your health by increasing your intake of key nutrients such as collagen, calcium and iron.
Chicken or beef?
According to Bluebird Provisions, both chicken and beef bone stock are brilliant sources of amino acids, collagen and gelatin. While chicken broth is naturally richer in potassium, magnesium and phosphorous, beef is higher in collagen.
Without further ado, we’ve curated a selection of the best ready-made bone broths on the market for all your wellness needs.
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Freja Bone Broth | Best of Mixed Pack | Beef & Chicken
Freja bone broth is taking supermarkets by storm for good reason. Both chicken and beef options offer a hearty blend of meaty bones. The beef broth is simmered down with a delicious mix of onions, carrots, parsnip, salt, parsley thyme, salt, black pepper and bay leaf. Meanwhile, the chicken broth is simmered with onion, carrot, salt, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and black pepper.
Freja’s chicken and beef are responsibly sourced from Norway and are grass-fed, hormone and GMO-free. The broths are housed in 100 per cent recyclable packaging and have a whopping 24-month shelf life, making them a pantry essential.
Buy now £35.99, Amazon
Organic Beef Broth by Borough Broth
Borough Broth’s organic beef broth is an award-winning winter warmer that is made using organic British beef bones and vegetables. With sustainably sourced ingredients approved by the Soil Association and a whopping 40 per cent bone content, Borough Broth is filled to the brim with umami excellence. The delicious concoction is lowly simmered alongside mineral-rich British spring water for 24 hours to extract the utmost flavour and nutrients.
Buy now £38.75, Amazon
Jarmino Bone Broth
With a name that plays on the high concentration of amino acids afforded by bone broth, Jarmino offers a protein and collagen-rich health boost. Simmered for 20 hours to ensure the utmost flavour and nutrients, the beef bone broth is cooked in a scrumptious blend of onions, carrots, celery, leeks, tomato paste, tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, parsley, pepper, salt, bay leaves and thyme – all sourced from controlled organic cultivation.
The beef is 100 per cent organic, grass-fed, and sourced from 12 farmers in Bavaria and Tyrol. Each jar contains an incredible 11.9g of collagen.
Buy now £34.95, Amazon
Honest + Good UK's Beef Marrow Bone Broth Powder
Made in small batches with meaty bones deriving from grass-fed British cattle, Honest + Good is certainly staying true to its name. Free from nasties and any hormones, this broth offers a rich, keto and paleo-friendly protein powder that can be dissolved in hot water. Each 300g pouch contains over 30, 1-2 tablespoon servings. Simmered with onion, rosemary, thyme and sea salt.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Best Bone Broth Premium Beef Bone Broth
Packed with Type 1 and 3 collagen, this garlic and herb beef bone broth comes from Australian grass-fed and hormone-free beef. One container of this rich powder makes over five litres of broth, which equates to over 20 servings. It’s made with antibiotic-free, slow-cooked beef leg bone extract, organic basil, garlic, pepper, oregano, onion, marjoram and pepper.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
ABBCo Turmeric Beef Bone Broth Concentrate with Ginger, Black Pepper
With the added nutritional booster turmeric, ABBCo’s ginger and black pepper-infused beef bone broth helps to boost bone and joint health. With an incredible 80 per cent beef bone concentration, this halal option is sourced from grass-fed New Zealand beef. Each jar of this thick, concentrated broth contains 16 amino acids and 38.8g of protein.
Buy now £35.95, Amazon
Organic Chicken Bone Broth with Ginger & Greens
This nourishing, flu-fighting chicken bone broth from Daylesford is sure to open the sinuses and feed the soul. A meatier option than traditional bone broth, it’s made with chicken carcass, onions, celery, leeks, fennel, garlic, thyme, shredded chicken, carrots, cabbage, leeks, parsley, ginger, chervil and additional herbs. While we wouldn’t class this as a traditional bone broth, it’s a great soupy stepping-stone for those looking to introduce broth to their diet.
Buy now £6.99, Daylesford
