Bone broth protein powder is an exceptionally pure form of protein that’s derived from either beef or chicken bone broth.
It’s a favorite among low-carb and ketogenic diet enthusiasts because it is natural, minimally processed, and provides a complete amino acid profile and is very low in carbohydrates.
Among protein supplements, there’s few other sources that are as well-suited for gaining muscle mass while losing fat mass.
Not all bone broth supplements are equally effective, though—our research team has ranked the ten highest-quality bone broth protein powders that you can get.
Research
Rankings
1. Left Coast Performance Bone Broth Powder
Left Coast Performance makes one of the best beef-based bone broth protein powders.
Their protein powder uses natural vanilla flavoring, stevia, monk fruit, and cane sugar for sweetness, but even so, the carb content is still very low.
Even with sugar as an ingredient, each serving of protein powder delivers 19 grams of protein and only 0.85 grams of sugar. If you want the amino acid profile of beef and a well-balanced, natural taste, Left Coast Performance is the way to go.
2. Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein
Ancient Nutrition uses chicken bones as the source for its protein, plus cocoa powder and natural chocolate flavoring plus the non-caloric sweetener monk fruit extract.
It’s an excellent balance of purity, taste, and usability; it tastes great, is easy to mix into a protein shake or a smoothie, but doesn’t have too many extraneous ingredients either. Given its well-rounded composition, it ranks very high.
3. Wholesome Wellness Multi Collagen Protein
Wholesome Wellness makes a bone broth protein powder that combines collagen from cows, chicken, fish, and eggshells to provide an unparalleled range of different types of collagen.
It’s a great choice for joint and connective tissue health, though for athletes and dieters a more focused formulation might be a better choice.
4. Cognitune Bone Broth Protein
While most bone broth protein powders are oriented towards athletic performance, Cognitune takes a different track: aiming towards cognitive performance.
Protein, though it’s a major source of fuel for muscles, is also critically important for cognitive function, and thanks to the inclusion of the powerful antioxidant and superfood turmeric in this protein powder, cognitune is well-suited for people who are looking for a boost to mental performance as well as physical performance.
5. Vital Proteins Bone Broth Collagen
Looking for an ultra-pure and ultra-simple bone broth protein powder? Vital Proteins provides a single-ingredient protein powder that provides organic beef bone collagen and nothing else. It’s a good option if simplicity and purity are what matter to you.
6. Peak Performance Bone Broth + Collagen Protein
Peak Performance makes a hybrid of bone broth and collagen peptides, which are chains of amino acids linked together.
These peptides are derived from the breakdown of collagen, the connective tissue that makes up tendons, joint capsules, and more. Because these are still a source of amino acids, the protein content of this protein powder is still quite high.
It’s a good choice if you want to mix the high-dose protein benefits of bone broth with the potential connective tissue benefits of collagen protein.
7. Natural Force Organic Bone Broth Protein
Natural Force uses only grass-fed organically certified beef as a source for its protein, which is a nice touch—healthier cows mean healthier protein.
The only downside is that it’s a little heavy on the additives. These make it easy to mix up in solutions, but purists will prefer a simpler formulation.
8. Viva Deo Pure Bone Broth
Viva Deo has a fairly simple and straightforward bone broth broth protein. The company sources its beef from cows that are grass-fed as opposed to corn-fed, meaning the protein in this supplement is likely to be a little healthier than non-grass-fed beef.
While it doesn’t have any other distinguishing features, it’s still a pretty good pick if you just want unadulterated beef bone broth protein.
9. Zammex Hydrolyzed Bone Broth Protein
Zammex Hydrolyzed Bone Broth Protein contains 100% bovine bone broth, with no other flavoring or emulsifying ingredients.
It’s a fairly solid source of highly pure protein, though other manufacturers offer some perks that you won’t find in this supplement, such as an organic certification or using natural ingredients to add some flavor to the powder. Still, if you don’t want any additives, it’s a decent choice.
10. PurePaleo Bone Broth Protein
PurePaleo provides a bone broth protein derived from cows, alongside stevia, MCT oil, and cocoa powder for flavoring. It’s a bit bloated with ingredients like silicon dioxide, and the protein isn’t certified organic or grass-fed, which lands it lower in the rankings.
Category winners
Best bone broth protein powder overall: Left Coast Performance Bone Broth Protein
Left Coast takes our top spot thanks to its high-quality bone broth from grass-fed cows and its simple, natural flavoring that keeps the added carb content to a minimum. It’s an excellent all-purpose bone broth protein powder that’s a great pick no matter your use case.
Best bone broth protein powder for building muscle: Left Coast Performance Bone Broth Protein
The beef-derived bone broth protein from Left Coast makes a great building block for new muscle growth. Add to that the high concentration of Type I and III collagen for supporting connective tissue health and you’ve got a bone broth protein powder that’s perfectly suited for building muscle fibers.
Best bone broth protein powder for weight loss: Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein
Ancient Nutrition is our pick for weight loss because it is extremely strict about its added ingredients: you’ll see no sugar or other carb-containing additives. Since it’s derived from chicken bones, Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein provides a complete profile of amino acids, which helps with appetite suppression and fat oxidation.
Best bone broth protein powder for joint health: Wholesome Wellness Multi Collagen Protein
If you are looking for a bone broth protein powder to help with joint issues like arthritis or joint pain, Wholesome Wellness is our recommendation–it packs in no less than five different types of collagen to support healthy joints.
Best bone broth protein powder for the keto diet: Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein
Ancient Nutrition is our recommendation for the keto diet for two reasons: first, the Type II collagen in this supplement is less prevalent in the keto diet than the Type I and III collagen found in beef. Second, unlike some of the other products on the market, there’s no added sugar for flavoring–just all-natural stevia and cocoa powder, neither of which add any carbs.
Best bone broth protein powder with collagen: Wholesome Wellness Multi Collagen Protein
When it comes to bone broth proteins that are high in collagen, Wholesome Wellness is at the top of the heap. It includes four different sources of bone broth and collagen, which together provide five different types of collagen. Even with this diversity of ingredients, the protein content is still very respectable.
Who should buy bone broth protein powder?
Bone broth protein is great for most individuals since it is free of most allergens including soy, dairy and gluten. It is full of amino acids and beneficial nutrients designed support muscle growth, recovery and weight loss.
People with kidney issues may want to avoid bone broth since it can contain lead.
How we ranked
One of the most critical factors for our rankings was purity. We only included products that contained minimal fillers, additives, and coloring agents. While some flavoring was accepted, we preferred it to be from all-natural sources. Ancient Nutrition ranked well here for providing a delicious bone broth protein, sweetened with monk fruit extract.
The source of the bones was also crucial. We preferred products that came from humanely raid coats that were grass-fed. This allowed for healthy bone development and, thus, a higher concentration of minerals in the bone broth. It also allowed for limited amounts of lead, which was very imprint to us.
Lastly, we looked at the added ingredients. While not ideal, we did like products that included beneficial compounds along with high-quality bone broth to improve the overall health benefits. Cognitute ranked well here for including turmeric alongside their bone broth protein for an added boost in performance and mental acuity. That being said, we did prefer pure products like Left Coast Performance, which included a large amount of delicious, high-quality bone broth protein per serving.
Benefits
Bone broth protein is great for maintaining weight loss. One of the most consistently disappointing findings in weight loss research is that even after a successful weight loss program, many people regain the weight they worked so hard to lose.
After further research into how to prevent this, nutrition researchers reached a surprising conclusion: eating more protein can actually help prevent weight regain after a period of dieting.
This was contrary to the prevailing wisdom that the most important factor in weight maintenance was simply caloric balance, but several studies have backed up the finding that protein, even in addition to your usual diet, is beneficial for weight loss and weight loss maintenance.
One study, conducted by researchers at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, investigated the effects of a 50 gram protein supplement on weight loss maintenance after a period of intensive dieting (1).
Over 100 overweight and obese volunteers underwent a month-long diet that was restricted to 500 calories per day. Thereafter, they entered a three-month weight loss maintenance period in which half the subjects received a daily protein supplement, and half the subjects did not.
Those who received the protein supplement regained, on average, only half as much fat mass as those who did not receive the protein supplement.
Bone broth protein can increase your metabolism and burn off fat. In a later review article, many of the same Dutch researchers examined some of the biological mechanisms that might explain the surprising finding that additional protein intake helps with weight loss and weight loss maintenance (2).
The authors cite several studies showing that the digestion of protein and the conversion of protein into other energy sources is costly, metabolically speaking, and results in increased metabolic expenditure.
Interestingly, high-quality proteins with a well-rounded amino acid profile—such as bone broth protein powder—appear to be more effective at increasing this metabolic energy expenditure.
Bone broth protein burns more energy than plant-based proteins. According to a review article published in 2003 in Current Opinions in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, research has found that proteins derived from animals (such as beef and chicken, the source of bone broth protein powder) increases metabolic expenditure by about 2% more than protein derived from plant sources (3).
While diets high in plant protein are still effective at increasing fat loss and maintaining lean body mass, using bone broth protein powder is going to guarantee the greatest possible increase in energy expenditure.
Bone broth protein powder helps you feel more full. Another important insight into the weight loss benefits of a high quality protein source like bone broth protein powder is the finding that it induces a feeling that nutritionists call “satiety,” which is essentially “fullness”: not feeling the need to eat any more food.
This appears to help with long-term weight loss and weight maintenance, because this feeling of fullness drives you to eat less food. A 2008 article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by researchers at the University of Texas summarized the findings of multiple studies on protein intake and feelings of fullness (4).
According to the researchers, protein is better than either carbohydrates or fat at increasing satiety, making it the best caloric source for feeling full and decreasing your desire to eat more calories in the future.
Even though taking supplemental protein increases your caloric intake in the short term, the combined effect of increased energy expenditure and increased satiety mean the long-term effect is better weight loss.
Side effects
Given that bone broth protein is derived from natural food (chicken or beef) without any major chemical modifications, you’d expect it to be free from side effects, and you’d be right.
Protein powders in general are about as safe as any supplement is going to get, and aside from extraordinarily rare special cases —people with advanced kidney disease, for example, who can’t process any large amount of protein very well—you won’t see any side effects even with very large amounts of protein consumption.
Research has confirmed the safety of large protein intake by observational studies on bodybuilders, who consume a tremendous amount of protein on a regular basis.
Researchers at Free University of Brussels took blood samples from bodybuilders and non-bodybuilding athletes to study whether their diets had any negative effects on kidney function (5).
The researchers found that, even though the bodybuilders were consuming an average of nearly 3 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass per day, their kidney function was perfectly fine.
So, even at very high protein intake levels, you don’t need to worry about adverse effects from high protein intake.
Recommended dosage
As suggested by the research above, if you are looking to pack on as much muscle mass as possible, you may want to strive for a protein intake as high as 2.5 or 3 grams per kilogram of body mass per day.
For other athletes, a protein intake of more like 1.2 to 1.8 grams per kilogram of body mass per day seems to be about right, according to research by exercise physiologist Peter Lemon at Kent State University (6).
Endurance athletes should stick to the low end of that range, while strength, speed, and power athletes should aim for the high end.
What about if you are taking bone broth protein powder for weight loss and weight manitainiece benefits? Here, the best scientific research recommends doses in the range of 30 to 50 grams per day, regardless of your body mass.
This seems to be the optimal range for dropping body fat and retaining muscle mass, even when you are operating with a fairly large caloric deficit.
FAQ
Is bone broth protein safe for special diets? Bone broth protein is very popular among people on low carb, ketogenic, or paleo diets because it delivers a super-high dose of protein with carbohydrate and sugar content that’s nearly zero.
Pound for pound, it’s higher in protein even than whey protein, the golden standard of protein supplements: bone broth protein can exceed 90% protein content by weight. Thanks to the high protein content and the low carbohydrate content, bone broth protein is excellent for gaining muscle while dropping fat, and for keeping your body fat percentage low after you’ve lost weight.
What is the difference between bone broth and bone broth protein powder? Bone broth is a nutritious consommé made from the connective tissue and bones of animals that are simmered along with herbs, vegetables, or spices. Depending on your preference, you can slow simmer the bones in water or vegetable stock. Bone broth soaks up the nutrients of the bones and connective tissue to deliver multiple health benefits when you drink it or use it in your cooking recipes.
Bone broth protein powder is a dehydrated form of bone broth, leaving all the minerals without the liquid residue.
What is bone broth protein powder made from, and what are its traditional uses? Bone broth protein powder can be made from the bones of almost any animal: Bison, lamb, venison, domesticated turkey, wild turkey, or even squirrel, but cattle, fish, and chicken are the most common. As a result, the nutrient composition of bone broth protein powder varies depending on the type and quality of its source.
Historically, bone broth and bone broth protein powder has been used to help infants obtain more nutrients, tend to the sick, and nourish the body after a long, hard day in the cold (7). It’s been used in soups and stews for millennia to boost both flavor and nutritional content, and it holds a place in popular culture as a home remedy for colds, flu, and sore throats.
How can bone broth protein powder add convenience to my day? Instead of having to simmer bones for hours, you can simply add bone broth powder to your smoothie or soup. You can also pre-portion bone broth powder for travel or busy days between the office and the gym.
With sustainably sourced bone broth powder, you can also be assured that you’re getting the best broth possible. Grass-fed, pasture-raised, and organic bone broth powder options are all available.
How is bone broth protein powder made? Bone broth powder is made through a safe, spray-drying process. One study found that this spray-drying process does not produce any adverse effects on bone broth quality (8). On the contrary, putting bone broth in powder form makes it easier to store and transport.
In many cases, added flavoring also helps to make this healthy food more palatable for picky eaters. The convenience, flavoring, and nutrients make bone broth protein powder a popular supplement choice.
Why shouldn’t I buy bone broth from the store? Bone broth from a store-bought box doesn’t keep as long or travel as easily as bone broth powder. It’s also difficult to ascertain the quality of the broth. You do not know how long the broth was simmered for or, in most cases, the farming methods used in bone broth production.
Are there any risks associated with consuming bone broth protein powder? An animal’s connective tissue and bones contain beneficial minerals, as well as traces of essential metals. Depending on the animal’s diet and care, these metal levels may vary. While bone broth protein powder is generally safe, it’s still important to be mindful of the animal’s treatment and source (9).
This is why it’s essential to opt for sustainably raised, all-natural, or organic bone broth options whenever available. Check labels carefully before you purchase a bone broth powder because the farming methods and animal treatment matter for human health and nutrition.
How do I use bone broth protein powder in my everyday routine? Some individuals drink warm bone broth protein powder like a cup of coffee or tea. This is especially convenient for busy athletes, parents, and professionals who want to enjoy the benefits of bone broth.
Bone broth powder can also be added to recipes for smoothies and meals. Flavored powders work best in tasty shakes and smoothies, while additive-free broths work better in soups and savory recipes.
How long does it take to make bone broth from scratch? Bone broth can take hours to make from scratch. In some cases, the time to extract the collagen in a low simmer can take between 12 and 24 hours. Bone broth powder is much more convenient for most consumers.
What does bone broth protein taste like? Bone broth protein tastes a lot like traditional soup stock–because it is traditional soup stock. Good bone broth is rich, savory, but not too salty or spicy. For some, it is an acquired, but much-beloved taste. Bone broth protein powders sometimes come in different flavor options, such as chocolate, to increase their palatability.
Can bone broth and bone broth protein powder help boost immunity? Individuals who struggle to meet their daily requirements for mineral or protein intake may struggle with weakened or compromised immunity (10). Malnutrition and insufficient protein intake can be especially problematic for at-risk elderly individuals (11).
Children and teens also need elevated nutritional requirements to stay healthy (12). Active, athletic children also have elevated nutritional needs. Young female endurance athletes, in particular, need more calcium and iron than their less-active counterparts (13).
For these groups, bone broth may not only boost immunity, but it may also help to protect long-term health. Bone broth protein is rich in calcium, iron, and protein, as well as some healthy fats, which can contribute to overall well-being (14).
How does “wild” bone broth protein compare to bone broth protein sourced from domesticated animals? The diets of wild and domesticated animals are often different; Wild deer in an area that farms lots of soy enjoy a less-traditional diet than domesticated deer who are strictly grass-fed.
Logically, different animals’ nutrient consumptions result in varying nutritional profiles in bone broth products. Rather than juxtaposing wild versus domesticated or venison and bison versus beef bone broth, pay attention to the care, diet, and treatment of the animals (15). Always opt for pasture raised, grass fed, bone broth protein like Left Coast.
How is grass-fed or pasture-raised bone broth powder superior to store-bought bone broth? According to one study, “Plant diversity–manifest as phytochemical richness of landscapes–affects the biochemical richness of meat and dairy as well as human and environmental health” (16). By nurturing animal life and providing farmed animals with their traditional diets, we as a species also nourish our health and well-being.
Specifically, grass-fed beef features a higher antioxidant profile and a lower, more favorable fat content. Grass-fed beef also helps to increase the precursors of cancer-fighting antioxidants, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A. The decreased presence of unhealthy fats is beneficial to heart health, while healthy Omega-3 fatty acids help to boost brain function (17).
These fatty acids can help promote bone density and reduce cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol (18). They also help improve anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity while protecting the health of the nervous system (19).
Many store-bought bone broths contain high amounts of sodium. If you’re trying to watch your salt intake, avoid store-bought boxed broths.
How long will bone broth and bone broth protein last? While each type of bone broth is unique, one study demonstrated that store-bought chicken bone broth remained suitable for consumption for up to 12 days in the fridge. In frozen storage, it lasted for 90 days (20).
However, powdered bone broth can last for months at a time, making it a far more practical and easily stored wellness solution.
Is bone broth protein safe for pregnant and nursing women? There are no studies to suggest that bone broth powder is unsafe for pregnant and nursing women. Anecdotally, many pregnant and nursing women have found bone broth to be an excellent source of vital nutrients. Nevertheless, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before changing your health and wellness routine when pregnant or nursing.
Is bone broth protein safe for minors? Just as is the case with pregnant and nursing women, no studies currently suggest that bone broth is unsafe for minors. Historically, bone broth has been used as a nurturing, nourishing substance for young children. However, especially in a situation where your child struggles with allergies, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before adding new foods to your child’s diet.
Given bone broth’s nutrient content, it may be helpful for young athletes who need extra nourishment as they compete and grow. Bone broth’s fatty acids can help promote adequate and speedy recovery after exercise. Due to the neuroprotective properties of fatty acids, they can also promote brain health and development while protecting from neurodegenerative disorders (21).
Can bone broth protein support an exercise regimen? Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, protein content, and omega-3 fatty acid content, bone broth protein can support an exercise regimen (22). The presence of these nutrients helps your body repair and rebuild itself, which are essential factors in recovery and strength-building.
How does bone broth help digestion? Bone broth is rich in collagen, which helps to heal and rebuild your gut lining and reduce intestinal inflammation (23). This can also help soothe your digestive tract.
How do I select the best bone broth protein for me? To find the bone broth powder that works best for you, determine how you plan to consume bone broth. If you sip it in a thermos on the way out the door and love a savory snack, opt for a traditionally flavored broth. On the other hand, if you prefer smoothies and shakes, choose a broth powder with sweeter flavoring.
Traditionally, bone broth is used to create soups. You can also use it to add extra flavor to stuffings, stews, or mashed potato recipes. Cooking brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice in bone broth is another excellent way to add extra nutrition to an already-nutritious meal.
Can vegetarians or vegans use bone broth or bone broth protein? While bone broth protein from land animals is generally off-limits, vegetarians who consume fish may benefit from adding salmon to a mineral bone broth and bone broth protein powders. If you eat eggs, you can also add boiled eggs at the beginning of your slow simmer.
A fish bone broth protein also delivers many of the same health benefits that pork, beef, or chicken bone broths do. Use non-oily, white flaky fish such as cod, tilapia, or halibut to make the broth. Fish bone broths are also loaded with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and iodine, which is important for thyroid health.
When is the best time of day to consume bone broth protein? Bone broth protein is most effective on an empty stomach, but some people may find it difficult to consume it first thing in the morning. If you don’t want to drink the bone broth powder straight, mix it into a morning smoothie instead.
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Recap
Thanks to its excellent protein content and well-rounded amino acid profile, bone broth protein is a particularly good source of protein for people looking to lose fat mass or maintain their weight loss.
Don’t think that it’s only for people losing weight, though. These same qualities make it a great choice for athletes too.
The low carbohydrate content and the fact that bone broth protein is paleo-friendly means that it goes well with a wide range of popular diets, including low carb diets, ketogenic diets, and paleo diets.
Regardless of what your health and fitness goals are, chances are that you can benefit from bone broth protein powder.
For BodyNutrition’s #1 recommended bone broth protein powder, click here.
