Loading...
The Healf Source
The Very Best Bone Broths And How To Choose
From collagen-rich blends for glowing skin, to soothing staples your gut will thank you for, here’s our Healf-approved round up of the ones we rate…
Written by: Samantha Nice
Written on: November 17, 2025
Yep, bone broth has officially moved from old-school remedy to modern wellness essential and for good reason too. Packed full of goodness, it’s one of the simplest ways to nourish your gut, support glowing skin and help your body recover from the inside out. Whether you’re sipping Freja Bone Broth straight, adding it to a bone broth recipe you’ve seen, or blending it into soups and sauces, this nutrient-dense staple deserves a permanent spot in your weekly shop.
But with so many options promising a whole host of bone broth benefits, from beauty-boosting collagen to better digestion and all-day energy, it can be hard to know where to start. Thankfully we’ve vetted a fair few and rounded up the very best bone broths…
What is bone broth?
At its core, bone broth is the result of slow, purposeful cooking - a time-honoured method that extracts deep nutrition from simple ingredients. As nutritionist Megan Hallett explains, “Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones (typically chicken or beef) with water. Sometimes vegetables and herbs are added too. It’s then typically simmered for around 12-24 hours.”
This extended simmering is what sets bone broth apart from regular stock. While stock is usually cooked for a few hours, bone broth’s long, gentle cooking process allows for a higher extraction of key nutrients. “The slow cooking process extracts valuable goodness such as collagen, gelatin, amino acids like glycine and proline and minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus,” says Megan. These nutrients are what give bone broth its well-earned reputation for supporting gut health, skin glow and recovery from the inside out.
And it’s not just about traditional comfort anymore… bone broth has found its place in the modern wellness routines too. With the rise of functional nutrition and ancestral eating, it’s now recognised as a simple, everyday ritual that can work wonders for general wellbeing.
Is bone broth good for you?
Unsurprisingly based on the above, yes. Rich in compounds that nourish the gut, skin, joints and even the nervous system, it’s a real powerhouse of goodness. According to Megan, “The gelatin and amino acids help repair and soothe the gut lining, whilst collagen supports cartilage and connective tissues.”
When it comes to beauty from within, “Both collagen and glycine, plus these minerals, promote skin health and elasticity,” she adds. For joints and bones, the same collagen and mineral profile provide structural support helping the body maintain strength and flexibility as we age.
There’s also an immune-supportive and restorative angle here too. “Amino acids like glycine and glutamine help modulate the immune response, making it a nice base for winter soups and stews,” Hallett adds.
Hydration and electrolyte balance are another bonus. “The electrolytes and minerals can also aid post-workout recovery and hydration,” says Megan. And for those seeking calm and balance, glycine is known to support relaxation and better sleep.
How to use bone broth
Another big bonus? It’s as versatile as it is nourishing. Whether you’re sipping it straight from a mug, blending it into soups or using it to liven up your everyday dishes. If you’re making it yourself (we’ve got a recipe below if you fancy it) patience pays off. “Aim for slow-simmered broths cooked for 12-24 hours made from grass-fed, organic or pasture-raised bones. Ideally look for ones with minimal ingredients… just bones, water, apple cider vinegar and vegetables or herbs,” says Megan who adds that ones with a gel-like texture when chilled is a great sign of collagen content.
Not everyone has a day to spare of course but thankfully brands like Freja Bone Broth have made it easier than ever to enjoy all the benefits without the effort, offering chef-quality, ready-to-sip broths that deliver deep flavour and nutrition without the 24-hour simmer or kitchen cleanup.
When to drink the stuff
Try a mug mid-morning for sustained energy, post-workout for recovery and hydration or before bed as a calming, sleep-supporting ritual. “You don’t need huge amounts, but I would recommend drinking it consistently. Perhaps one cup daily or a few times per week,” says Megan. I like to drink it alongside a meal or snack or like a cup of tea on a cold, grey afternoon.”
The best bone broths
If you’re after maximum protein and collagen, this one packs an impressive 15g of protein per serving from grass-fed beef bones. Naturally rich in collagen, glycine and glutamine, it’s a good one for gut health too. Beyond its protein punch, this broth stands out thanks to its premium sourcing and clean formula made from marrow, knuckle and connective-tissue cuts, blended with vegetables and herbs like carrot, tomato, rosemary and garlic, it avoids artificial additives and fillers. Just mix with hot water for a quick, savoury hit of nourishment.
This slow-cooked chicken broth is made exactly how you would at home… simmered for up to 24 hours with organic bones and vegetables to extract every drop of collagen and flavour. The result? A rich, wholesome base that transforms everyday meals whilst also nourishing the gut. Try adding to almost any dinner recipe to level-up your winter soups, stews and sauces with extra flavour and amino acids.
This is bone broth meets functional nutrition. With 11g of protein and 9g of collagen per serving, it’s also home to organic botanicals and adaptogenic mushrooms like chaga, burdock and dandelion. Great for boosting your gut and stress response, this one is also made from grass-fed organic beef bones but finished with cocoa and cinnamon for a naturally rich and sweet taste. Try this one, stirred into a warm drink or smoothie for a daily dose of calm, collagen and plant power.
Another sweet option, this bone-broth-based protein shake is actually delicious. With 15g of protein and 12g of collagen (types I & III), this one is free from dairy and gluten. Made from just four clean ingredients and flavoured with real cocoa, it’s the simplest way to boost your collagen intake on-the-go. Shake it, blend it or stir it into your morning coffee for a beauty-boosting upgrade.
Rich, savoury and 100% plant-based, Freja’s Vegan Bone Broth proves you don’t need animal bones to get all the gut-soothing benefits. Made with onion, carrot, leek and herbs, it delivers deep flavour and light nourishment with zero additives. Low in calories and again free from gluten and dairy, this one’s a good choice for those following vegan, paleo or keto lifestyles.
How to cook bone broth: A super simple recipe
Set on making your own instead? If you’ve ever searched for a homemade bone broth recipe, you’ll know it often takes time, but this simple method proves it’s easier than you think. Here’s a basic (but good) bone broth recipe.
All you need to do is slowly simmer bones (usually chicken, beef or fish) with water, a splash of acid (like apple cider vinegar) and some aromatics (onion, garlic, celery, carrot, herbs and salt). The vinegar helps draw out the collagen, gelatin and minerals from the bones, giving your broth that rich, slightly jiggly texture once it’s cooled.
Ingredients:
1-1.5 kg of bones (chicken carcasses, beef marrow bones or mixed joints)
2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2-3 garlic cloves, 1 bay leaf, herbs of choice (thyme, parsley, rosemary)
Water (around 3 litres)
Optional: a tsp of turmeric for an extra nutrient boost
Method:
Roast bones for 20-30 minutes or longer for a deeper flavour.
Add all ingredients to a large pot or slow cooker.
Cover with water and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Simmer for 12-24 hours, skimming occasionally.
Strain, cool and store in the fridge for up to five days or freeze in portions.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
Samantha Nice is a seasoned wellness writer with over a decade of experience crafting content for a diverse range of global brands. A passionate advocate for holistic wellbeing, she brings a particular focus to supplements, women’s health, strength training, and running. Samantha is a proud member of the Healf editorial team, where she merges her love for storytelling with industry insights and science-backed evidence.
An avid WHOOP wearer, keen runner (with a sub 1:30 half marathon) hot yoga enthusiast and regular gym goer, Samantha lives and breathes the wellness lifestyle she writes about. With a solid black book of trusted contacts (including some of the industry’s leading experts) she’s committed to creating accessible, well-informed content that empowers and inspires Healf readers.
