Homade Beef Bone Broth Celery Mushrooms Leeks Garlic Onions Nutritional Info

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Verywell / Chloe Jeong

Bone broth is a stock made by simmering the bones and connective tissue of poultry, meat or fish, which can be consumed as a beverage or used in cooking. It has gained popularity as a health drink, as it's thought to be healing for everything from the digestive tract to skin and joints, but clinical research is limited. However, bone broth is generally considered to be healthy because it contains vitamins, minerals, and collagen protein, including essential amino acids.

Bone broth can be made at home using few ingredients—usually water, animal bones, and veggies—simmered over an extended period of time. But if you're looking for a more quick and convenient option, there are great choices on the market. It's important to note that packaged bone broths can be high in salt, which may not be suitable for those following a low-sodium diet and should generally be consumed in moderation. We considered a variety of factors when selecting our top picks including ingredient quality, type, packaging, sodium content, consistency and flavor.

Here are our top picks for bone broth.

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If you're looking for a great-tasting, collagen-rich bone broth, Bonafide Provisions Organic Chicken Bone Broth is an excellent choice. The USDA Organic, gluten-free broth is made from free-range chicken bones, so you know you're getting the highest quality nutrition. Bonafide Provisions slow-simmers the chicken bones for 18 to 24 hours using only filtered water, garlic, onion, parsley, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar.

The delicious broth is paleo- and keto-friendly, Whole30-approved, and contains over 80 naturally occurring minerals. Plus, Bonafide Provisions is frozen rather than shelf-stable, so the broth is 100% fresh and untouched by stabilizers. Freezing locks in the flavor and keeps nutrients at their peak. You can keep it frozen for up to one year or use within seven days of refrigeration.

One cup provides 45 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 280 milligrams of sodium.

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For a delicious, ready-to-sip bone broth that's made with 100% grass-fed beef bones, EPIC's Beef Jalapeño Sea Salt Bone Broth takes the top pick. The keto- and paleo-friendly, certified gluten-free, and Whole30 diet-approved beverage tastes great and has a spicy kick. It's made with onions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, jalapeno pepper, garlic, sea salt, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. Lactic acid derived from beets acts as a preservative, helping to keep the single-serve broth shelf-stable.

Once you open the artisanal broth, it's best to refrigerate it and consume it within seven days. One 14-ounce jar contains 50 calories, 11 grams of protein, and 920 milligrams of sodium.

This grass-fed bone broth promotes sustainable farming and improved animal welfare standards. EPIC partners with The Savory Institute to source its ingredients from farms and ranches that use holistic land management and livestock-raising practices.

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Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth takes our top spot among organic bone broths thanks to its exceptional taste, nutritional content, and value. Made of all organic, non-GMO ingredients, this broth is also antibiotic-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. It's packed with a ton of veggies, including onions, carrots, fennel, leeks, and shiitake mushrooms, and it is slow-simmered for 14 hours, giving it a rich, home-cooked flavor.

Plus, it has a long shelf life and doesn't require refrigeration, so you can stock up. It's packaged hot in a vacuum-sealed environment, so the broth lasts longer and tastes better. The recyclable packaging is made of all-natural ingredients, so sipping on the broth is good for you and the environment.

One cup contains 45 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 310 milligrams of sodium.

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With its rich, homemade flavor, Pacific Foods Organic Unsalted Chicken Bone Broth is an excellent choice for those who want to consume bone broth every day as part of their wellness routine. When you're looking for a low-calorie afternoon snack or a soothing evening beverage, just pour a cup and heat it. You can also use it to enhance the flavor and protein content of recipes that call for water or broth.

With four servings per 32-ounce container, this organic pick proves that you don't have to sacrifice quality for a budget-friendly bone broth. It's also gluten-free, dairy-free, and MSG-free. The savory bone broth has no added sodium and contains only 90 milligrams of sodium per cup. One cup contains 45 calories and 9 grams of protein.

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Many bone broth products are full of extra sodium that boosts flavor and functions as a preservative to extend shelf life. For those who are watching their sodium intake, a bone broth with no added salt like Osso Good's Organic Chicken Bone Broth is an excellent choice. Each 16-ounce serving contains 80 calories, 230 milligrams of sodium, and 15 grams of protein.

Packed with nutrient-dense, organic ingredients, Osso Good Organic Chicken Bone Broth is also gluten-free and dairy-free, and doesn't contain any artificial flavors. It's made in small batches to ensure that the quality and taste are consistent.

With no added salt or preservatives, Osso Good Bone Broth has to remain frozen. When thawed, the broth is thick and gelatinous, which is indicative of its naturally occurring high gelatin content.

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Bone broth contains glycine, which animal studies suggest may help quell digestive issues such as acid reflux or GERD. Made from all organic, non-GMO ingredients, this broth from The Osso Good Company is also autoimmune protocol compliant, making it is free of potentially inflammatory ingredients such as onions, garlic, peppercorns, and tomatoes. These healthy vegetables, herbs, and spices add a ton of flavor to bone broth but can trigger reflux symptoms.

The simple broth is made of only three ingredients: filtered water, organic chicken bones, and apple cider vinegar. It's free of gluten, dairy, artificial colors, and flavors. Slowly simmered for up to 24 hours, the broth is highly gelatinous, rich, and has a full-bodied flavor that can enhance the taste of soups, stews, rice, quinoa, sauces, gravy, and other recipes.

One 16-ounce container provides 90 calories, 230 milligrams of sodium, and 20 grams of protein. It comes frozen and lasts up to 75 days unopened and refrigerated.

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If you're looking for the best-tasting bone broth with the highest quality ingredients, Brodo's Hearth Bone Broth is hands down the first choice. The frozen-fresh broth packs in hearty flavor and top nutrition with no concentrates, preservatives, or shortcuts. The nourishing beverage is made from a blend of 100% grass-fed beef, organic chicken, organic turkey, and fresh vegetables, which creates a deep savory flavor that complements the hearty, rich consistency.

The carefully crafted broth contains 45 calories, 350 milligrams of sodium, and 9 grams of protein per serving. It's shipped frozen and keeps well in the refrigerator for one week or in the freezer for up to one year. It's Whole30-approved, certified paleo, gluten-free, milk-free, and keto.

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If you're looking to reap the benefits of bone broth but prefer a product that is shelf-stable, easy to travel with, and very low in sodium, you may prefer a powder bone broth supplement such as Vital Proteins Bone Broth Beef Collagen. It mixes easily into hot water or tea as well as stews, soups, and sauces.

Made from the bones of grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, the powder is rich in amino acids and nutrients. One scoop of the USDA Organic powder contains 40 calories, 9 grams of protein, and 70 milligrams of sodium. The powder also contains collagen, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, which studies show may improve joint function in people with early-stage osteoarthritis.

Final Verdict

If you're looking for a superior quality bone broth that tastes great, Bonafide Provisions Organic Chicken Bone Broth (view at FreshDirect) is an excellent, affordable choice.

What to Look for in a Bone Broth

Quality

When possible, choose a bone broth that's grass-fed and organic. Quality matters because the process of making bone broth—simmering the bones with water—leaches all the nutrients, collagen, and protein out of the bones. Starting with the highest quality ingredients ensures that your beverage will be as nutritious as possible.

Type

There are various types of bone broth, including chicken, beef, turkey, and even bison varieties. If you are looking for a savory, meaty bone broth, a beef bone broth may be best for you. If you're not a huge meat-eater, you may prefer a poultry-based broth that uses chicken or turkey bones and still offers plenty of the protein and collagen you're looking for.

Packaging

Bone broth comes in a variety of packaging, including shelf-stable, frozen, or fresh. When selecting a bone broth, consider how often you use broth, how much you need, and your storage space. If you drink bone broth daily, it may be more budget-friendly to buy in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer.

Consistency

In general, bone broth is a thick, slightly viscous beverage. If you prefer a thinner liquid, try a shelf-stable broth, as these are usually less gelatinous than frozen bone broths. Powdered bone broth is also a great option if you prefer a lighter beverage but want ample flavor and nutrition.

Sodium

Always consider the amount of sodium in bone broth. Many companies use sodium as a preservative or flavoring. If you are sensitive to salt or are watching your sodium intake, you may want to drink a smaller portion of bone broth or select a lower-sodium product.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of bone broth?

  Bone broth is packed with important nutrients. The bones used to make bone broth are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iodine, minerals needed to build and strengthen your bones, muscles, and tendons. Bone broth can protect and heal the lining of the digestive tract, benefiting a condition known as "leaky gut," which is associated with many chronic diseases.

  Alanna Cabrero, MS, RD, CDN adds, "Bone broth is a useful beverage for a variety of people, especially those experiencing certain types of gastrointestinal distress. It's a delicious way to rehydrate and replenish after excessive diarrhea or a flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease. However, because of the polysaccharides that may leach from the cartilage as well as the garlic and onions that are usually present in the bone broth, it's not suitable for those with SIBO or people following a low-FODMAP diet."

  Bone broth also contains glycine and arginine, amino acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Collagen is the main source of protein found in bones, tendons, and ligaments and drinking bone broth has shown to support joint health due to the extra boost of collagen.

• How does bone broth impact the body?

  Bone broth is made with nutrient-dense ingredients such as animal bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices, and they all play a role to have a significant nutritional impact on the body. The minerals found in bone broth are thought to build and strengthen bones as well have an effect on thyroid function and metabolism.

• Should you drink bone broth every day?

  Bone broth can be consumed every day. Many people drink 1 cup of bone broth per day for optimal health benefits. While you can drink the broth alone, some do not like the thick texture. To glean the nutrition benefits without drinking the broth, use it as a base for soups, sauces, and gravies.

• Does bone broth have anti-inflammatory properties?

  Bone broth has anti-inflammatory properties due to its rich glycine and arginine content. Arginine, specifically, is especially effective at fighting chronic inflammation. Drinking bone broth may help prevent chronic diseases of inflammation including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and certain forms of cancer.

• How much protein is in bone broth?

  A one-cup serving of bone broth contains anywhere from 9 to 20 grams of protein. This varies based on the brand and cooking method.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

A personal note on my recommendations: As a dietitian, I am careful to recommend ingestible products, including bone broth. I spent time looking at multiple products and brands and reviewing research on bone broth and collagen. I believe the bone broth products in the round-up are made by trusted brands that I would feel comfortable recommending to my clients, friends, and family.

I have tried six of the eight products, and drink bone broth on occasion, mostly during the winter or when I'm not feeling great. I use it in cooking to boost nutrition and add flavor, and usually have Bonafide Provisions or Brodo bone broth in my freezer. When I'm near the store in NYC, I love to get a sippable Brodo broth. —Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN

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Source: https://www.verywellfit.com/best-bone-broths-4691175

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