Bone Broth Review

Find the Best Bone Broth. Find Out How Much Collagen and Sodium Is Really In Popular Bone Broths.

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Last Updated: 09/25/2021 | Initially Posted: 03/25/2018

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Table of Contents

Summary

· What is bone broth? Bone broth (made from simmering chicken or beef bones) can be a good source of protein — particularly collagen. Although vitamins and minerals are naturally found in bone broth, amounts are small — less than 5% of daily requirements. The mineral found in highest concentration is potassium. (See What It Is). Sodium naturally occurring in bone broth is about 100 to 150 mg per cup, but some have added salt, boosting levels to about 500 mg.

· What are the health benefits of bone broth? Although there is not much clinical information about the effects of bone broths, research with collagen suggests that it may help with joint pain and modestly improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. The protein in bone broth also contributes to one's daily requirement for protein. (See What It Does).

· What did CL's tests of bone broth products find? The bad news: One product contained only 38% of its claimed protein and 75% more sodium than listed. The good news: All other products met their label claims for protein and sodium and none exceeded stringent limits for contamination with heavy metals (lead, arsenic, or cadmium). However, CL found large differences in the amounts of protein and collagen in products and the cost to obtain them. To obtain 5 grams of collagen, for example, the cost ranged from just 56 cents to $9.99. (See What CL Found). Powered bone broths, in general, cost only one-quarter that of ready-to-drink bone broths. Chicken bone broths are about half the price of beef bone broths — although more of the protein in beef broths tends to be collagen.

· Best bone broth? Based on results of our laboratory and taste tests, as well as cost, CL chose 4 products as its Top Picks.

Update

Bare Bones Bone Broth — Classic (Beef Broth) (9/22/21): A CL Member recently inquired with Bare Bones Broth company about ConsumerLab's finding of only 3.8 grams, rather than the listed 10 grams, of protein per serving in this product and of 456 mg of sodium rather than the listed 260 mg. The member asked if this has been corrected and if the company had test results to back up the nutrition facts on its label.

A Bare Bones representative responded "The ConsumerLab report is incorrect. I have attached our lab analysis for both our chicken and beef broths, and both measured 10 grams of protein and 270 mg of sodium per 1 cup serving. We have to go through intense verification processes to get our package nutrition labeling approved. I don't know anything about Consumer Labs' methods or credibility."

Bare Bones appears not to have investigated our findings or looked at our methods (which we freely publish for every review), and it did not contact us for information. Our results were based not only on tests from two initial independent labs that, respectively, found low protein and high sodium, but from two other independent labs that confirmed the deficiencies found in the initial labs.

The beef bone broth product we tested in 2018 was labeled as lot 112817 (which we assume represents 11/28/2017) with an expiration date of 11/20/18. It was purchased by us on Bare Bones' website and received on 12/12/2017. The lot number on the certificate of analysis from Bare Bones is OS080218-1, which we assume represents 8/2/2018, so a later lot than what we tested. The certificate is also odd in that 1) it is addressed to a division of McCormick, although Bare Bones does not publicly disclose ownership by McCormick or that the product is made by McCormick and 2) it shows a different sodium amount per serving (270 mg) than listed on the label of the product we tested (260 mg).

It is certainly possible that Bare Bones corrected the problems we identified, but we do not know. We plan on testing bone broths again within the next 12 to 24 months.

What It Is:

Bone broth is made by simmering bones and cartilage (typically chicken or beef bones which have been stripped of most or all of their meat) in water for an extended period of time. The resulting liquid contains significant amounts of protein, potassium, and sodium (and much smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals such as calcium) which have leeched from the bones. (Note: Potassium is not currently listed on many labels as its inclusion is voluntary until new labeling laws take effect). Perhaps most importantly, bone broth can be a rich source of collagen, the main protein found in bone. In fact, as found in this Review, about 40 to 80% of the protein in bone broths was collagen (see Results table for amounts found in the products tested in this Review).

Bone broth (known as "stock" in traditional culinary terms) differs from regular "chicken broth" or "beef broth" in that it is the liquid of simmered bones, whereas "chicken broth" or "beef broth" is the liquid of simmered meat (on or off the bone) — making bone broth likely to contain more collagen than regular broth. (Be aware that most bone broth products list "beef broth" or "chicken broth" as their primary ingredient and not "bone broth," although some mention that the broth is made from "bones.") 

Bone broth is sold as a liquid, powder (produced by dehydrating liquid bone broth) that can be mixed with water to drink, or powder encapsulated in pill form.

What It Does:

Although bone broth products are often promoted for a wide range of health benefits, from boosting the immune system and healing the digestive tract to reducing joint pain and reducing or preventing wrinkles, there is little research specifically on the effects of bone broth products. However, as noted, bone broth products are generally a good source of protein, especially collagen. Protein is an essential macronutrient for muscle growth and maintenance and bone broth can contribute to your daily requirement for protein which depends largely on your weight and level of activity. A 150 lb person, for example, requires 60 grams to 109 grams daily activity (see Protein Powders Review for more about protein requirements). There is no daily requirement for collagen, although studies on the effects of collagen supplementation suggest potential benefits, as described below.

Also, be aware many of the studies on collagen, discussed below, used specific forms of collagen, and most bone broth liquids and powders do not list the form of collagen they contain on the label. Collagen hydrolysate (enzymatically hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptide), one of the most commonly studied forms, is collagen which has been broken down into smaller peptides. Two other types of collagen that are also sold as supplements are collagen in its more raw "undenatured" form and gelatin -- which is derived from collagen but is not broken down as completely to peptides as enzymatically hydrolyzed collagen. The majority of the collagen found in bone broth is likely to be gelatin. Although undenatured collagen, gelatin, and collagen hydrolysate may all be broken down in the gut to yield absorbable amino acids, studies in mice suggest that absorption may be greater with hydrolyzed collagen (collagen hydrolysates), due to its smaller molecular size. Collagen is sometimes classified as type 1 (which is most abundant in connective tissue and a common source of collagen hydrolysate) or type II (found most abundantly in cartilage). In this review, just two products listed the types of collagen they provide: Jarrow Formulas Beyond Bone Broth Powdered Drink Mix lists types I and II, and Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein lists type II.

Immune system
Bone broth is often promoted for boosting the immune system or helping to reduce cold symptoms; however, these claims appear to be based on two very preliminary studies which used chicken soup, not bone broth specifically. One small laboratory study (frequently cited as evidence of the immune "boosting" benefits of bone broth protein) found that traditional chicken soup (including vegetables) inhibited the movement of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). This movement is normally part of the immune-system's inflammatory response, suggesting a possible anti-inflammatory effect, but not an immune "boosting" effect (Bo, Chest 2000). A study among 15 healthy young adults who did not have a respiratory infection found that compared to sipping cold water, sipping either hot (149° F) water or chicken soup increased the movement of nasal mucus in the nose, although the chicken soup was slightly more effective; the effect lasted for less than 30 minutes. (Saketkhoo, Chest 1978).

Arthritis
There are no published clinical studies on the use of bone broth products for arthritis or joint pain. However, bone broth products can be a good source of collagen and several studies suggest collagen may be beneficial.

Supplements with collagen hydrolysate (typically 10 to 12 grams per day) or gelatin may help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis when taken for several months (preferably at least 6 months). In fact, one study suggested greater benefit with collagen hydrolysate than with glucosamine sulfate (Trc, Intl Orthop 2011). However, larger studies are needed to confirm this effect and some people may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects.

One of the largest studies with collagen hydrolysate found that, after 3 months, it was not more effective than placebo in reducing joint pain (of the hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, hand or/and lumbar spine), but after 6 months there was a statistically significant difference: 51.6% of people taking the collagen (Genacol, Genacol Corporation Inc.) reported a reduction in pain compared to 36.5% of those taking placebo (Bruyere, Comp Ther in Med 2012). A small study published in 2014 in people with knee osteoarthritis found that taking 5 grams of collagen hydrolysate (collagen peptide) dissolved in a cup of water or milk in the morning and at night after food for 13 weeks significantly improved symptoms compared to taking a placebo (Kumar, J Sci Food Agric 2014).

There is very limited evidence that collagen may help for rheumatoid arthritis.

Collagen may also help to reduce joint pain associated with physical activity in healthy active adults. A study among 97 young men and women (average age 20) who were members of a college varsity team or sports club and who had joint pain or joint discomfort due to joint stress, injury, surgical outcome, or trauma, found that 10 grams of liquid collagen hydrolysate taken daily for approximately 5 months significantly reduced joint pain at rest (as assessed by a physician) and self-reported joint pain when running and walking compared to placebo. The study was funded by the maker of the collagen used in the study (GELITA Health GmbH, Germany) (Clark, Curr Med Res Opin 2008). Another study in Germany funded by GELITA found that 5 grams of collagen peptides taken daily for six months by male and female athletes (average age 27) with chronic ankle instability (pain, weakness and general instability as a result of ankle sprains) led to improved self-reported ankle stability and function, and decreased pain and swelling, compared to placebo. The number of athletes reporting ankle sprains during a three-month follow-up period was also lower in the group that had taken collagen compared to the group that had taken placebo (9 vs. 24) (Dressler, J Sports Sci Med 2018).

Bone health and osteoporosis
In mice, it has been found that after intestinal absorption, peptides from collagen hydrolysate accumulate preferentially in cartilage and bone; animal studies have also found collagen hydrolysate supplementation to have beneficial effects on bone and to increase bone mineral density (Fanaro, Rev Bras Geriatr Gerontol 2016). There are few studies on the effects of collagen supplementation on bone health in people. A single study in the Czech Republic among 97 postmenopausal women ( > 40 years old) with radiologic evidence of osteoporosis and bone mineral density of less than 80% found that taking 10 grams of collagen hydrolysate daily, in addition to treatment with calcitonin (a hormone that can modestly increase bone mass) for approximately six months was more effective in inhibiting bone collagen breakdown than calcitonin alone; however, this did not lead to statistically significant increases in bone mineral density (Adam, Cas Lek Cesk 1996).

Muscle
There is also some evidence collagen may help to build muscle and increase muscle strength in older adults when combined with exercise. In a study among older men (average age 72) with sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) who participated in a strength training program 3 days per week for 3 months, those who consumed a daily drink containing 15 grams of collagen peptides (BODYBALANCE, GELITA AG) had significantly greater increases in lean muscle mass and muscle strength compared to those who consumed a placebo drink (Zdzieblik, Br J Nutr 2015). There are also many studies with protein supplements showing similar benefits when combined with exercise.

Skin, wrinkles and nails
The best evidence supporting the use of collagen in aging skin is with VERISOL (Gelita AG), a collagen peptide made of hydrolyzed, porcine-derived type I collagen. Several studies have been conducted, all of which used VERISOL as a powder mixed with water. The most notable study focused on crow's feet wrinkles around the eyes of women ages 45 to 65. At 4 weeks of treatment with 2.5 grams of VERISOL daily, eye wrinkle volume was reduced by 7.2% in comparison to placebo and, at 8 weeks, by 20.1%. Even 4 weeks after treatment, wrinkle volume had decreased 11.5% more than placebo. In addition, fluid extracted from skin (of the inner arm) showed that procollagen type I content increased by 65% compared to placebo after 8 weeks of treatment and elastin increased by 18%. All of these findings were statistically significant (Proksch, Schunck, Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2014).

Another study among women (average age 48) found those who took 2.5 grams or 5.0 grams of VERISOL daily for two months had a modest improvement in skin elasticity of the inner forearms, but no improvement in skin roughness or increase in hydration, compared to placebo. Among those who took the collagen supplement, increased skin elasticity was greatest in women who were over age 50; both doses were equally effective (Proksch, Segger, Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2014). The collagen was given as a powder and added to water. A small study among men and women in Japan found that three grams of collagen peptides taken daily for three months modestly improved skin hydration and elasticity compared to placebo (Choi, J Cosmet Laser Ther 2014). The addition of 500 mg of vitamin C to the collagen peptides did not enhance these effects. (See more information about collagen supplements for skin and wrinkles.)

A study in Brazil suggested a benefit for brittle nails from a collagen supplement. However, there was no placebo control in the study, making the findings questionable. Women in the study consumed 2.5 grams per day of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP, VERISOL) dissolved in water for 24 weeks. Nail growth was reported to have increased by 12% and the frequency of broken nails decreased by 42% compared to the period before collagen treatment. There was no significant change in nail roughness (i.e., ridging and grooves) (Hexsel, J Cosmet Dermatol 2017).

Gut health and digestive disorders
Bone broth is often promoted for healing the gut and treating various digestive disorders, including "leaky gut syndrome" (increased intestinal permeability). Laboratory and animal studies suggest that a combination of gelatin and tannic acids (gelatin tannate) may help to reinforce the mucous lining of the gut and reduce symptoms of colitis (Frasca, Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2012; Scaldaferri United European Gastroenterol J 2014). Gelatin tannate, in combination with proper rehydration, has also been shown to effectively treat diarrhea in children (Cagan, Med Sci Monit 2017), and is sold in some countries for this use. However, it's not clear if gelatin or collagen taken alone would have this effect. Another study found that, compared to healthy individuals, people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease tended to have lower blood levels of collagen (Koutroubakis, J Clin Pathol 2003). However, there does not appear to be any research on the effects of bone broth or collagen supplementation in people with leaky gut syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or other digestive conditions.

Quality Concerns and Tests Performed:

As no government body normally tests bone broth supplements, ConsumerLab.com purchased and tested products to determine whether they contained their claimed amounts of protein and sodium and how much collagen they contained (not listed on most product labels). Products were also tested for contamination with lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, as heavy metals can accumulate in animal bones and cartilage and one small study found significant amounts of lead (7 mcg per liter [about 4 cups] in broth made from "organic" chicken) (Monro, Med Hypotheses 2013). Interestingly, that study found only 1/3 as much lead in broth made with just chicken "meat" as compared to broth with meat and bones, but 35% more lead in broth made with just chicken cartilage and skin.

What CL Found:

Wrong amounts on label
Our tests of liquid and powdered bone broths showed that the amount of protein you'll get from a suggested serving isn't always what's shown on the label. One product, Bare Bones Bone Broth, promised 10 grams of protein but contained just 3.8 grams per cup (8 fl oz). Making matters worse, it contained a whopping 456 mg of sodium rather than the listed 260 mg. The other products contained the amounts of protein and sodium they claimed.

Purity
None of the products were found to exceed stringent limits on contamination with the heavy metals lead, arsenic, or cadmium (see How Products Were Evaluated for limits).

Protein and collagen
As shown in the graph below, the amount of protein you'll get from a cup (8 fl oz) of each of the bone broths ranged from just 3.8 grams in Bare Bones Bone Broth and 6 mg in Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth to as much as 17.6 grams in Jarrow Formulas Beyond Bone Broth Spicy Beef Ramen Flavor.

We also calculated how much you need to pay to get an equivalent amount of protein (10 grams) from each product. The lowest amount was 73 cents from Organixx Bone Broth and the highest was $13.07 from Bare Bones Bone Broth. We found that protein from beef tends to be more expensive than that from chicken and protein from liquid products generally costs about twice as much as from a powder. (See cost comparisons in the last column of the Results table.)

Bone broths generally don't breakout the amounts of collagen protein they provide. As shown in the graph below, our tests revealed that collagen in the products ranged from just 2.5 grams (Bare Bones Bone Broth) to as much as 11.5 grams ( Jarrow Formulas Beyond Bone Broth Spicy Beef Ramen Flavor ) per cup of broth. The amount of protein in each product that was collagen ranged from just 39.3% (Jarrow Formulas Beyond Bone Broth Powdered Drink Mix Chicken) to 82.2% (Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth) and more of the protein in beef bone broths tended to be collagen than in chicken bone broths. The cost to obtain an equivalent amount of collagen (5 grams) ranged from 56 cents ( Jarrow Formulas Beyond Bone Broth Spicy Beef Ramen Flavor ) to $9.99 (Bare Bones Bone Broth), as noted in the Results table.

[Note: It is difficult to directly measure the amount of collagen in a bone broth, but this can be generally calculated based on the amount of hydroxyproline found in a product because hydroxyproline occurs at much higher concentrations in collagen (found in bone, marrow, and connective tissues) than in meat.]

Sodium
All products other than Bare Bones Bone Broth (discussed above) contained the amounts of sodium listed on labels. These amounts ranged from as little as 95 mg (Pacific Organic Bone Broth Chicken) to 503 mg in Lono Life. In general, products with no added salt contained about 100 mg to 150 mg of sodium — naturally -- although some products with no added salt had higher amounts such as Jarrow Formulas Beyond Bone Broth Spicy Beef Ramen Flavor, which had 420 mg of sodium as indicated on its label (and confirmed in our testing). Products listing salt as an ingredient had higher amounts of sodium.

Potassium
Significant amounts of potassium naturally occur in beef and chicken and, therefore, in broths made from them. Although we did not test for potassium and amounts are not currently required to appear on labels, the few products that voluntarily listed amounts of potassium indicated 190 mg to 470 mg of potassium per serving. (As a reference, a banana or a cup of coconut water each provide about 500 mg of potassium. The daily requirement for most people is 4,700 mg.)

Taste
Our staff tasted each product (preparing each according to its instructions). The results are reported in the 2nd column of the Results table below. Most products were quite bland. Several were bitter (possibly due to hydrolyzed proteins). The best tasting product overall in our opinion was Flavor Chef Organic Chicken Bone Broth, which had a definite chicken flavor and was slightly salty. Interestingly, the saltiness, or lack thereof, of some of the liquid products did not necessarily correlate with whether or not salt was listed as an ingredient.

Top Picks:

If it's protein or collagen you're after from bone broth, you'll typically get the most for your money by purchasing a powder (rather than liquid) that's made from chicken, rather than beef. In fact, if you look at the chart above, the top four products in terms of protein are powders and three of these are chicken-based. We found that ready-to-drink liquids cost about 4 times as much per cup of broth as powders. That's a heavy premium for convenience. Although the lowest cost for getting protein and collagen from bone broths in this Review is from Organixx Bone Broth Protein — Smooth Chocolate (73 cents per 10 grams of protein; 61 cents per 5 grams of collagen), our staff did not like the combined sweetness and bitterness of the prepared chocolate drink. To us, better tasting products providing relatively good values are the following — and these constitute our Top Picks:

· Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein (99 cents per 10 grams of protein; 89 cents per 5 grams of collagen) which has a mild chicken flavor (although slightly bitter).

· Jarrow Formulas Beyond Bone Broth Spicy Beef Ramen Flavor ($1.12 per 10 grams of protein; 56 cents per 5 grams of collagen) has a spicy flavor, although otherwise bland. (UPDATE: This product is no longer available on the Jarrow website www.jarrow.com -- visited 9/28/2021).

· Pacific Organic Bone Broth Chicken ($1.66 per 10 grams of protein and per 5 grams of collagen) which is very bland. You can add flavor to this as you like.

· LonoLife Grass Fed Beef Bone Broth ($2.00 per 10 grams of protein; $1.44 per 5 grams of collagen) which has a beefy, salt and pepper flavor — be aware of its high sodium content (503 mg per cup).

Unfortunately, the best tasting product in our opinion, The Flavor Chef Organic Chicken Bone Broth, turned out to have one of the lowest amounts of collagen and one of the highest costs to obtain it ($4.66 per 10 grams of protein; $6.14 per 5 grams of collagen).

Test Results by Product:

Listed alphabetically below are the test results for 11 bone broth products. Nine were selected by ConsumerLab.com and two products (each indicated with a CL flask) are included for having passed the same evaluation through ConsumerLab.com's Quality Certification Program.

The full list of ingredients is available for each product by clicking on the word "Ingredients" in the first column. Products listed as "Approved" met their label claim for protein and sodium and did not exceed limits for heavy metal contamination (see Passing Score). Cost comparisons are found in the last column, along with a listing of notable ingredients and features.

RESULTS OF CONSUMERLAB.COM TESTING OF BONE BROTH PRODUCTS Click on beneath a product name to find a vendor that sells it.
Product Name and Suggested Daily Serving on Label Click on "Ingredients" for Full Listing	Source of Bone Broth Taste Ingredients Special Features	Claimed Nutrients Per Serving Other Notable Ingredients^1	--TEST RESULTS-- (See How Products Were Evaluated)		Cost Per Suggested Serving On Label [Cost Per 10 g Protein] {Cost Per 5 g Collagen Found} Price Paid
			OVERALL RESULTS: APPROVED or NOT APPROVED (Based on results for protein, sodium, and heavy metals)	Contained Labeled Protein and Sodium Collagen Found Per Serving^2
Bone Broth (Beef) - Liquid: All amounts shown are per 1 cup
Bare Bones® Bone Broth (8 fl oz [240 ml], no daily servings specified) Dist. by Bare Bones Ingredients	Beef Taste: Bland with a faint beef flavor Beef broth, tomato, organic onion, organic carrot, garlic, organic parsley, thyme, sea salt, bay leaf, black pepper	Protein: 10 g Sodium: 260 mg Other^3: Calories: 60 Total Carbohydrate: 1 g Sugars: <1 g Vitamin A 6%^4 Calcium 2%^4	NOT APPROVED	Found more sodium and less protein than claimed: Protein: 3.8 g (only 38.2% of claim) Sodium: 456 mg (175.4% of claim) Collagen: 2.5 g found (64.5% of protein found)	$5.00 [$13.07 based on amount found] {$9.99} $9.99/16 oz. [474 ml] container (approx. 2 servings)
Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth (1 cup [240 ml], no daily servings specified) Dist. by Kettle and Fire Inc. Ingredients	Beef Taste: Very bland Beef broth, onions, organic carrots, organic celery, organic parsley, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, black peppercorn, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary extract Gluten-Free	Protein: 6 g Sodium: 240 mg Other^3: Calories: 30 Total Carbohydrate: 2 g Calcium: 2%^4 Iron: 4%^4	APPROVED	Collagen: 4.9 g found (82.2% of protein)	$4.93 [$8.22] {$5.03} $9.86/16.2 oz. [480 ml] container (approx. 2 servings)
The Osso Good Co. Beef Bone Broth (no recommended serving or daily servings specified) Dist. by The Osso Good Co. Ingredients	Beef (with Chicken) Taste: Slightly salty, tangy and beefy Grass fed beef (beef knuckle, femur and shank), pasture raised chicken (chicken feet and backs), organic veggies (onion, carrots, celery, shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes, thyme, parsley, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves), organic apple cider vinegar Gluten-Free	No values listed	NA^5	Protein: 9.2g Sodium: 132 mg Collagen: 5.8 g found (63.2% of protein found) Largest amount of collagen per cup of broth among liquids	$4.80^6 [$5.23 based on amount found] {$4.14} $11.99/20 fl. oz. [591 ml] container
Bone Broth (Chicken) - Liquid: All amounts shown are per 1 cup
The Flavor Chef Organic Chicken Bone Broth (1 cup [240 ml], no daily servings specified) Dist. by The Flavor Chef, Inc. Ingredients	Chicken Taste: Definite chicken flavor, slightly salty (CL staff pick as best tasting) Chicken broth (water, chicken bones, onions, carrots, celery, lemon, garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, parsley, thyme, peppercorns, bay leaf) Organic	Protein: 10 g Sodium: 120 mg Other^3: Calories: 50 Potassium: 190 mg Total Carbohydrate: 2 g Sugars: 2 g Iron: 2%^4 Phosphorous: 2%^4 Magnesium: 2%^4 Zinc: 2%^4 Copper: 4%^4 Manganese: 4%^4	APPROVED	Collagen: 3.8 g found (37.8% of protein)	$4.66 [$4.66] {$6.14} $13.99/24 fl. oz. [710 ml] container (approx. 3 servings)
Kitchen Basics® Bone Broth Chicken (8 fl oz [240 ml], no daily servings specified) Dist. by McCormick & Co., Inc. Ingredients	Chicken Taste: Bland and slightly bitter Chicken broth (made from bones), organic mirepoix (onion, carrots, celery), sea salt & spice and herbs (black pepper, bay leaf, thyme)	Protein: 10 g Sodium: 380 mg Other^3: Calories: 50 Cholesterol: <5 mg Potassium: 470 mg Total Carbohydrate: 1 g Sugars: <1 g	APPROVED	Collagen: 4.4 g found (43.6% of protein)	$3.63 [$3.63] {$4.13} $10.90/3 - 8.25 oz. [233 g] container (approx. 3 serving)
Pacific™ Organic Bone Broth Chicken (8 fl oz [240 ml], no daily servings specified) Dist. by Pacific Foods of Oregon, Inc. Ingredients	Chicken Taste: Very Bland Chicken stock (water, chicken, onion, carrot, celery, tomato, spices, rosemary extract), cider vinegar Organic, gluten free	Protein: 9 g Sodium: 95 mg Other^3: Calories: 45 Calories from Fat: 5 Total Fat: 0.5 g Cholesterol: 5 mg Total Carbohydrate: 1 g Calcium: 2%^4	APPROVED	Collagen: 4.5 g found (50.2% of protein)	$1.50 [$1.66] Lowest cost for protein from liquid bone broth {$1.66} $5.99/32 fl. oz. [946 ml] container (approx. 4 servings)
Bone Broth (Beef) - Powder: All amounts shown are per scoop or packet (scoop size varies — see first column)
Jarrow Formulas® Beyond Bone Broth® Spicy Beef Ramen Flavor (1 heaping scoop [18 g] added to 4 to 6 fl oz of hot water, no daily servings specified)^10 Dist. by Jarrow Formulas® Ingredients DISCONTINUED^11	Beef Taste: Slightly bland with a "spicy" taste from mixed seasonings like black pepper and garlic Natural beef broth, natural flavors, medium chain triglycerides (from palm oil), tapioca dextrin, organic carrot powder, black pepper, organic celery powder, organic onion powder and organic parsley powder. No wheat, gluten free	Protein: 11 g (17.6 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink^8) Sodium: 420 mg Other^3: Calories: 70 Total Fat: 1 g Saturated Fat: <1 g Carbohydrates: 3 g Calcium: 300 mg Collagen and Chondroitin Sulfate Glycosaminoglycans Complex: 1,700 mg Silicon: 5 mg	APPROVED	Collagen: 7.2 g found (65.5% of protein) (11.5 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink^8) Largest amount of collagen per cup of broth among all products	$1.23 [$1.12] {$0.56} Lowest cost for collagen among all products $20.99/10.8 oz. [306 g] container (approx. 17 servings)
LonoLife™ Grass Fed Beef Bone Broth (1 stick pack [15 g] added to 8 fl oz hot water, no daily servings specified) Mfd. by LonoLife™ Ingredients	Beef Taste: Beefy with salt and pepper flavors Beef collagen, chicory root, beef, salt, yeast extract, natural flavors, black pepper Absolutely no gluten	Protein: 10 g (10 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink) Sodium: 503 mg Other^3: Calories: 50 Calories from Fat: 9 Total Fat: 1 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: less than 5 mg Total Carbohydrate: 3 g Dietary Fiber: 3 g	APPROVED	Collagen: 6.9 g found (68.5% of protein) (6.9 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink)	$2.00 [$2.00] {$1.44} $19.99/10 sticks
Bone Broth (Chicken) - Powder: All amounts shown are per scoop or packet (scoop size varies — see first column)
Ancient Nutrition [Dr. Axe] Bone Broth Protein™ (1 heaping scoop [22.25 g] added to 12 fl oz of liquid, once or more daily^7) Dist. by Ancient Nutrition, LLC Ingredients	Chicken Taste: Very mild chicken flavor, slightly bitter Chicken bone broth protein concentrate. No other listed ingredients. Non-GMO, gluten free	Protein: 20 g (13.3 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink) Sodium: 150 mg Other^3: Calories: 85 Calories from Fat: 7 Total Fat: <1 g Calcium: 14 mg Potassium: 270 mg	APPROVED	Collagen: 11.1 g found (55.5% of protein) (7.4 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink)	$1.98 [$0.99] {$0.89} $39.56/15.7 oz. [445 g] container (approx. 20 servings)
Jarrow Formulas® Beyond Bone Broth™ Chicken (1 heaping scoop [18 g] added to 4 to 6 fl oz of hot water, no daily servings specified) Dist. by Jarrow Formulas® Ingredients	Chicken Taste: Slightly bitter with "bouillon flavor" from mixed seasonings like black pepper and garlic Coconut milk, natural chicken broth, natural flavors, tapioca dextrin, medium chain triglycerides (from palm oil), organic carrot powder, organic celery powder, organic onion powder, organic parsley powder, black pepper and garlic powder No wheat, gluten free	Protein: 7 g (11.2 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink^8) Sodium: 220 mg Other^3: Calories: 80 Total Fat: 4 g Saturated Fat: 3.5 g Total Carbohydrates: 5 g Sugars: <1 g Calcium: 300 mg Collagen and Chondroitin Sulfate Glycosaminoglycans Complex: 1,700 mg Silicon: 5 mg	APPROVED	Collagen: 2.8 g found (39.3% of protein) (4.4 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink^8)	$1.10 [$1.57] {$1.96} $18.69/10.8 oz. [306 g] container (approx. 17 servings)
Organixx Bone Broth Protein - Smooth Chocolate (1 level scoop [25 g] added to 12 fl oz of liquid, once or more daily^9) Dist. by Organixx Ingredients	Chicken Taste: Chocolate flavor, "stevia" sweetness, slightly bitter. Chicken bone broth protein concentrate, natural chocolate flavor, cocoa powder, xanthan gum, guar gum, stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract	Protein: 20 g (13.3 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink) Sodium: 150 mg Other^3: Calories: 100 Total Fat: 1 g Total Carbohydrates: 2 g Total Sugars: 1 g Potassium: 270 mg	APPROVED	Collagen: 11.9 g found (59.7% of protein) (8.0 g in 8 fl oz prepared drink)	$1.46 [$0.73] Lowest cost for protein from any bone broth {$0.61} $29.25/17.8 oz. [504 g] container (approx. 20 servings)
Tested through CL's Quality Certification Program prior to, or after initial posting of this Product Review. 1 Not tested but claimed on label. 2 Products were tested for hydroxyproline. To calculate the amount of collagen per sample, the amount of hydroxyproline was multiplied by 8. 3 Only nutritional facts that were listed and not zero are listed. 4 Percent of daily value, based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 5 Product lists no amounts; therefore it could not be "Approved" or "Not Approved". 6 Based on 240 ml serving. 7 Label states "Mix one heaping scoop (included) in 12 ounces of water, juice or in a smoothie or protein shake one or more times per day." 8 Calculations done assuming addition of 5 fl oz of hot water. 9 Label states "Mix one level scoop (included) in 12 ounces of water, juice, almond, coconut or cashew milk, in a smoothie or protein shake one or more times per day." 10 Product added on 4/10/18. 11 This product is no longer available on Jarrow's website (visited 9/28/2021).
Unless otherwise noted, information about the products listed above is based on the samples purchased by ConsumerLab.com (CL) for this Product Review. Manufacturers may change ingredients and label information at any time, so be sure to check labels carefully when evaluating the products you use or buy. If a product's ingredients differ from what is listed above, it may not necessarily be of the same quality as what was tested. The information contained in this report is based on the compilation and review of information from product labeling and analytic testing. CL applies what it believes to be the most appropriate testing methods and standards. The information in this report does not reflect the opinion or recommendation of CL, its officers or employees. CL cannot assure the accuracy of information.
Copyright ConsumerLab.com, LLC, 2018. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced, excerpted, or cited in any fashion without the express written permission of ConsumerLab.com LLC.

ConsumerTips™:

Since it's collagen and total protein that distinguishes bone broth from soup and other broths, look for products that list the amount of protein they contain (which should be at least 6 to 10 grams per cup sized at 8 fl oz or 240 mL). Also, check that the chicken or beef broth is made with bone, joint, or cartilage, as these are rich sources of collagen — something you won't get from a broth made only with meat. Most products do not list the amount of collagen they provide, but this will likely be about 40 to 80% of the total protein listed (bone broths made from beef tend to be on the higher side).  As noted earlier, you'll typically get the most for your money by purchasing a powder (rather than liquid) that's made from chicken, rather than beef. In addition, you can save a lot of money with powders, as they generally cost about one-quarter the price of ready-to-drink liquids. A study in Australia that compared the amino acid content of bone broths provided some potentially useful findings when buying, or making, bone broth. It found that the amino acid content of broth was significantly higher when 1) made from beef rather than chicken (similar to ConsumerLab's finding regarding protein content), 2) made from long bones (i.e. marrow-containing bones) rather than small bones, and 3) fat was not removed from the broth. The addition of vinegar did not influence the amino acid content (Alcock, Int J Sport Nutr Excer Metab 2018).

Dose/Serving Size:
As discussed in the What It Does section, if you are drinking bone broth for potential benefits from collagen, the amount of collagen used in clinical trials has ranged from 2.5 grams to 15 grams, with most studies using 10 to 15 grams.

A cup of bone broth averages about 5 grams of collagen but this can vary. Use our findings to see how much collagen we found in each product — see the brown bar in the graph or the 5th column of the Results table.

If you want to get 10 to 15 grams of collagen per day, consider dividing this into 2 or 3 cups per day.

Concerns and Cautions:

Bone broth is generally quite safe to consume. However, individuals with kidney disease should check product labels and consult with their physician before consuming bone broth due to the high amounts of sodium and potassium in some products. In addition, individuals on dialysis who have fluid intake restrictions should consult with their physician before consuming liquid bone broth (Gimbar, J Ren Nutr 2017).

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea and gas have occasionally been reported in people taking undenatured collagen, gelatin or collagen hydrolysate (Vijven, Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2012). Other side effects that have been reported have been generally mild and include headache, dizziness, insomnia, lack of appetite, itchy or pustular skin rash and canker sores (Zhang, Arthritis Rheum 2008). Rarely, liver function abnormalities such as elevated levels of liver enzymes, has been reported (Zhang, Arthritis Rheum 2008; Barnett, Arthritis Rheum 1998).

To further assist consumers, ConsumerLab.com licenses its flask-shaped CL Seal of Approved Quality (see The CL Seal) to manufacturers for use on labels of products that have passed its testing. ConsumerLab.com will periodically re-evaluate these products to ensure their compliance with ConsumerLab.com's standards.

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Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any product nor is it meant to substitute for the advice provided by physicians or other healthcare professionals. The information contained herein should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Consumers should inform their healthcare providers of the dietary supplements they take.

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Latest Clinical Research Updates for Bone Broth

Better Bone Broth

6/15/2018

How a bone broth is prepared can significantly affect its content of amino acids - building blocks for muscle and collagen, according to a recent study. Learn how to find or make better bone broth in the ConsumerTips section of the Bone Broth Review. (Also see our Top Picks among bone broths.)

Collagen for Ankle Pain and Sprains?

5/22/2018

A new study investigated the effects of collagen supplementation on ankle stability, pain and sprains in athletes. Find out if it helped in the What It Does section of the Bone Broth Review (which includes information about collagen). (Also see how much collagen we found in popular bone broths, and our Top Picks among products).

Related CL Answers (5)