What is Bone Broth and What Are Its Origins?

Perhaps you’ve seen the bone broth trend flying around the web and wondered what the hype surrounding this age-old liquid is all about. Well, let’s start with the basics: what is bone broth?

Bone broth is a savoury liquid made by slowly simmering animal bones, connective tissues and often meat, vegetables, herbs and spices in water. The slow cooking process helps extract flavour, collagen protein and other naturally occurring nutrients from the ingredients.

Bone broth isn’t a new fad or trend. Variations of broth have been made for centuries and are part of traditional cooking practices across cultures around the world. It has often been referred to as ‘liquid gold’ thanks to its rich flavour and nourishing qualities.

The original bone broth makers were likely our hunter-gatherer ancestors, who made the most of the whole animal when preparing meals. Bones, connective tissues and other parts that might otherwise have been discarded could be simmered into nourishing stews and broths. Waste not, right?

What is Bone Broth in Modern Times?

Fast forward to today and bone broth has found its way back into kitchens, cafes and wellness routines around the world.

While the modern bone broth trend might look very different from traditional cooking methods, the basic idea remains the same: slowly extracting flavour and nutrients from quality ingredients to create a versatile, savoury broth.

Our Broth Powders and Beef Bone Broth Concentrates offer a convenient alternative to making broth from scratch — because ain’t nobody got time for 24 hours of slow cooking!

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Bone Broth

There are plenty of questions surrounding bone broth, from what it is made from to how it is prepared. One common misconception is that bone broth is made from ground-up bones. Not quite! Bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissues in water, often alongside meat, vegetables, herbs and spices. The resulting liquid is then concentrated or dried depending on the final product.

Another misconception is that making bone broth is difficult. Technically, the process itself is relatively simple: add your ingredients to water and allow them to simmer for an extended period. The tricky part is finding the time, quality ingredients and kitchen space to have a pot bubbling away for hours.

This is one of the reasons convenient bone broth powders and concentrates have become so popular. They make it much easier to enjoy the flavour and naturally occurring nutrients of broth without the lengthy preparation time.

What About Sodium

As with any food, it’s worth checking the nutrition information and considering how it fits into your overall diet.

Bone broths can vary in their sodium content depending on the recipe and preparation method. If you're mindful of your sodium intake, check the nutrition panel and ingredient list when choosing a broth.

How We Make High-Quality, Nutritious Bone Broth in the 21st Century

While the basic principles of making broth haven't changed much, the way we prepare and package it certainly has.

Traditional bone broth can take many hours of simmering. Today, modern food processing methods allow us to create convenient powdered and concentrated broths without needing a pot bubbling away on the stove all day.

Our powdered broths are gently dried using a unique method called refractance drying. This process helps retain the flavour, colour and nutritional qualities of the ingredients while creating a convenient powder that's easy to store and use.

Our Bone Broth Concentrates are slowly cooked and contain collagen protein and zinc. They're packed with savoury flavour and can be enjoyed on their own as a warming drink or added to cooking.

Our range also includes Bone Broth Powders in Chicken and Beef, as well as Vegetable Broth options. They're incredibly versatile and can be used in soups, stews, gravies, sauces and other savoury dishes.

What is Bone Broth Good For?

At its simplest, bone broth is a delicious and convenient way to add protein and naturally occurring nutrients to your diet.

Bone broth containing collagen protein provides a source of amino acids, while varieties containing zinc and B vitamins can contribute these nutrients to your daily intake.

But perhaps one of the biggest benefits of bone broth is its versatility. You can sip it straight from a mug, use it as a base for soup, add it to a stew or use it in place of traditional stock when cooking.

It's an easy pantry staple that can add both flavour and nutrition to everyday meals.

Bone Broth and Gelatin: What's the Difference

Bone broth and gelatin have a close relationship because gelatin is produced from collagen-rich animal tissues.

The main difference comes down to how they're made and how they're used.

Gelatin is a purified form of collagen protein that sets into a gel when hydrated and heated. It's flavourless and incredibly versatile, making it ideal for desserts, jellies, gummies and other recipes.

Bone Broth, on the other hand, is a savoury liquid made by simmering bones and connective tissues, often with vegetables, herbs and spices. It retains the flavour of the ingredients and can be enjoyed as a drink or used in savoury cooking.

So while both contain collagen-derived protein and amino acids, they have very different culinary uses.

Why Choose Nutra Naturals Bone Broth?

If you've been on the hunt — thank goodness we don't have to literally hunt anymore — for a convenient bone broth made with quality ingredients, Nutra Naturals has you covered.

Our Bone Broth Concentrates, Bone Broth Powders and Vegetable Broth Powders make it simple to bring the flavour and naturally occurring nutrients of broth into your everyday routine.

Enjoy a warm mug on its own, add it to your favourite recipes or use it as a flavour-packed alternative to traditional stock.

Conclusion

So, what is bone broth?

Bone broth is an age-old cooking method that transforms bones, connective tissues and other ingredients into a rich, savoury liquid. While the traditional process can take many hours, modern options make it easier than ever to enjoy broth at home.

Whether you're sipping it from a mug, stirring it into a soup or using it to add extra flavour to dinner, there are plenty of delicious ways to make bone broth part of your everyday routine. 

And with Beef and Chicken Concentrates, plus Beef, Chicken and Vegetable Broth Powders, there's a flavour for just about everyone.

FAQs About Bone Broth and What It Is

What is so good about bone broth?

Bone broth is a naturally nourishing food that can provide collagen protein, amino acids and, depending on the variety, nutrients such as zinc and B vitamins.

It's also incredibly versatile. Use it as a warm drink, soup base, cooking stock or flavour enhancer for savoury meals.

What does drinking bone broth do?

Drinking bone broth is a simple way to add protein and naturally occurring nutrients to your diet. It's also a warming, savoury alternative to other hot drinks and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced and varied diet.

Which animal bone broth is best?

It really comes down to personal preference!

Beef and chicken bone broths have different flavour profiles and can work particularly well in different recipes. Our Beef Bone Broth Concentrates are a rich, savoury option, while Chicken Bone Broth is lighter and versatile.

The best bone broth is ultimately the one you enjoy and will actually use regularly.

Is bone broth the same as stock?

Not exactly, although they can often be used interchangeably in cooking.

Bone broth is generally made by slowly simmering bones and connective tissues, while stock is typically made using bones and/or meat and vegetables and is traditionally used as a cooking base. The exact ingredients and preparation methods can vary, so it's always worth checking the label when comparing products.

Can I drink bone broth everyday?

Bone broth can be enjoyed regularly as part of a balanced and varied diet. As with any food, consider the serving size, ingredients and nutritional information, particularly if you're monitoring your intake of nutrients such as sodium.

How is bone broth made?

Traditional bone broth is made by slowly simmering bones and connective tissues in water, often with meat, vegetables, herbs and spices. The liquid is then strained and can be reduced, concentrated or dried depending on the desired product.

Modern bone broth powders and concentrates provide a convenient way to enjoy broth without the long cooking time required to make it from scratch.