We Tasted The Best Bone Broths for Cooking, Sipping, or Both! (2024)

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Although it may not seem like it, bone broth has many uses. During our taste test, we were impressed with the taste, texture, and value of this organic chicken bone broth from FOND—but firstly we loved the smell and what it brought up. It was "full-bodied of chicken and very much reminded me of being a kid and eating a can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup that my mom would heat up on a cold winter day," one of our testers claimed.

That homemade aroma carries into the taste, too—this chicken bone broth tastes like it just came off the stove. It is pleasant without being too bold, with a slight aftertaste. Since it's not super flavorful, we think this is best for cooking, unless you want a more mellow drink.

The texture is smooth with no chunks or grittiness. We poured a mug of it out into another cup and there was no sediment at the bottom of the mug, it was clear and pale yellow throughout the entire time we were testing it. This means any recipe you use it in won't have a gritty texture. Each 24-ounce jar contains enough broth for about three servings or around one or two soups, and we like the value a lot.

Size: 24 ounces | Protein: 6 grams per serving | Main Ingredients: Water, chicken bones, salt

Bone broth is somewhat of a "trendy wellness drink" nowadays, and after tasting this one, it is easy for us to understand why. In addition to beef bone broth, there are vegetables like mushrooms, onions, celery, tomato, carrots, garlic, as well as herbs and spices, and notable "healthy" ingredients like ginger and turmeric in the mix. The result is a very flavorful broth that isn't as gamey and meaty as others, but super sippable and a little bit thicker than water.

Although it's a bit briny and there is some sediment in it, we love that this one is easy to pour from its bag and reseal and that each bag contains 20 grams of protein.

Size: 16 ounces | Protein: 20 grams per bag | Main Ingredients: Water, beef bone broth, mushrooms, onion, grass-fed oxtail, celery, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, carrots, herbs, garlic, scallions, ginger juice, turmeric, gelatin, sea salt

This is another chicken bone broth that took us back during our taste test. The comforting and nostalgic flavor is also savory with no hint at an aftertaste, making it a great option to sip or cook with. We heated it up and discovered a nice earthy smell. Once it was cool enough to sip, we noticed the amber-colored broth is slightly thicker and more gelatinous than others, but still tastes homemade and creamy in the mouth.

There are no particles or grittiness in this broth, making it very easy to sip on while warm. We did notice a slightly more acidic taste, but didn't mind it. This may be a con for some, though.

Size: 32 ounces | Protein: 4 grams per serving | Main Ingredients: Chicken bone broth, natural flavor, yeast extract, sea salt

We tasted the beef bone broth that comes in this variety pack that also contains chicken, and were impressed. The option first intrigued us because of the ingredients—all are organic except for the bones, which come from either free-range chickens or grass-fed cows. After tasting it, we knew it deserves a spot on our favorites list.

The broth is simple, even though it has additional ingredients like vegetables, herbs, apple cider vinegar, and spices. All of it is slow-simmered into a soothing, but albeit watery, broth. While it was very easy to drink with no aftertaste and no grittiness, we do think both the chicken and beef would go better in a soup or to make rice, quinoa, or another dish.

There was a very small amount of sediment floating at the bottom of our glass during testing and we don't love how you have to cut the box open in the first place, but the organic ingredients and versatile nature of these two types of bone broth make up for it.

Size: 16.9 ounces | Protein: 19 grams per container | Main Ingredients: Organic free-range chicken bones or grass-fed beef, organic vegetables, organic herbs, organic apple cider vinegar, organic spices, filtered water

This broth was made for sipping, and after testing it in our lab, we agree. Although it also comes in a box, the to-go cup design is super easy to take with you. Be mindful that we had a hard time getting the lid off without it spilling. But that's about the only thing we don't like about this chicken bone broth.

Both the taste and the smell are saltier than others, but not too salty. Otherwise, the broth is smooth, slightly watery, but very drinkable, our teser says, noting that It is "easy to consume and enjoy in one sitting."

Each cup has 9 grams of protein in it and is ready within a few seconds in the microwave. Again, be careful with the lid, especially when the broth is hot.

Size: 10.75 and 32 ounces | Protein: 9 grams per serving | Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, carrots, cabbage, celery, onions, salt, tomato paste, parsley, thyme

Bone broth, like many other foods, can get lost in the pantry sometimes, so we love the idea of a frozen option that keeps all its flavor without taking up space in the back of a cabinet. This one from Bonafide Provisions is made from organic, free-range chicken bones and other organic vegetables, herbs, and spices, and apple cider vinegar—which gives it a nice tangy taste.

We taste-tested this bone broth just like all the others, but recommend it more for cooking. The flavor isn't as bold as others, making it ideal for soups and other dishes. The texture is watery, but we didn't notice any particles or chunks floating in it, just a smooth, lightly pale yellow broth. We also don't recommend taking a frozen bag of broth to-go...as it melts the condensation on the bag can get messy. On the other hand, preparing it by letting it thaw then putting it into a to-go cup or container would take a long time, and there are other easily sippable options out there.

Size: 24 ounces | Protein: 10 grams per serving | Main Ingredients: Organic free-range chicken bones (frames, backs, wings, and particularly collagen-rich chicken feet), triple-filtered water, organic onion, organic apple cider vinegar, organic garlic, Selina Celtic sea salt, and organic parsley

Innovations in the bone broth world mean more options for getting protein and nutrients while you're out and about, and for some that means delivering it in powder form. We knew we had to taste test some of these, and the Bare Bones Bone Broth is our favorite.

The powder comes in individual serving packets which have a lot of flavor for such a small amount. Hints of garlic and mushroom blend with the grass-fed beef bone broth, which tastes slightly less natural than others, but not bitter. Other ingredients like apple cider vinegar and tomato shine through, as well, making this taste like a wellness drink.

There were some clumps in our mug when we mixed it into hot liquid, but we still enjoyed it. Because it comes in packets that are super cheap, we believe this bone broth is great for someone who has not ventured too far into the bone broth world yet.

Size: 8.47 ounces | Protein: 10 grams per packet | Main Ingredients: Grass-fed beef bone broth powder, grass-fed beef collagen, baker's yeast extract, tomato powder, sat, chicory root fiber, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, sh*take mushroom powder, spices

The taste of this chicken bone broth was almost, almost, overwhelming, but has full of notes of chicken, sage, and thyme. Other ingredients include chicory root and black pepper for a more rounded flavor. The gamey smell is a lot, too, but again, it didn't stop us from taking sip after sip, despite the grittiness it has. Unfortunately, that texture doesn't go away when heated, but the heating process is easy.

Each packet is cheap and contains 10 grams of protein, making them a great option for when you're not at home. The entire box comes with 10 so you also won't run out super quickly. While they are small, we do think this option is a good one to not only sip on, but to cook with. Mix it with some hot water for a small serving of soup or as an ingredient when making rice or another savory dish.

Size: 5.06 ounces | Protein: 10 grams per packet | Main Ingredients: Chicken bone broth, chicory root, yeast extract, natural flavors, black pepper, sage, thyme

Final Verdict

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