Bone broth

meats

Bone broth

6/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 5.0

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve5 caution1 avoid
Is Bone broth Healthy?

It depends — Bone broth is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
38kcal
Protein
6g
Carbs
3g
Fat
0.5g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
0g
Sodium
480mg

Diet Ratings

Keto8/10APPROVED

Excellent keto staple with 0g net carbs and collagen-rich protein. Supports ketosis and gut health. Homemade versions are ideal; commercial varieties may contain additives.

iSome keto practitioners question the protein quality and macronutrient profile of bone broth, arguing it's more beneficial for electrolytes and collagen than as a primary protein source.

Vegan1/10AVOID

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue. Contains animal-derived collagen and gelatin, both explicitly excluded.

Paleo9/10APPROVED

Made from bones and connective tissue simmered in water. Paleo-friendly, nutrient-dense, contains collagen and minerals. No grains, legumes, or dairy.

Mediterranean5/10CAUTION

Whole food, minimally processed, and used in Mediterranean cooking. However, often made from red meat bones and high in sodium if store-bought. Homemade versions with vegetable additions align better with diet principles.

iSome Mediterranean diet authorities emphasize bone broth as a traditional, nutrient-dense food supporting gut health, rating it higher when homemade without added sodium.

Carnivore6/10CAUTION

Bone broth is animal-derived and contains collagen, gelatin, and minerals. Many practitioners include it for joint health and micronutrients. However, strict carnivores question whether it's a processed derivative rather than whole food, and some note minimal protein content.

iStrict Lion Diet adherents avoid bone broth as an unnecessary processed product. Saladino emphasizes whole muscle meat over broth for complete amino acid profiles. Baker includes it but notes it should supplement, not replace, whole meat.

Whole309/10APPROVED

Whole30 explicitly approves bone broth as a compliant food. Made by simmering bones and connective tissue in water with herbs and spices.

Low-FODMAP8/10APPROVED

Plain bone broth made from bones, water, and salt is low-FODMAP. Monash confirms bone broth is low-FODMAP. However, some commercial varieties may contain garlic, onion, or other FODMAP additives.

DASH5/10CAUTION

Bone broth is nutrient-dense with collagen and minerals, but commercial versions often contain high sodium (500-1000mg per cup). Homemade unsalted versions are acceptable; commercial varieties require careful sodium monitoring.

iNIH DASH guidelines do not specifically endorse bone broth as a primary protein source. Updated clinical interpretation recognizes potential benefits from collagen and minerals, but sodium content remains a concern for standard DASH adherence.

Zone6/10CAUTION

Contains collagen and amino acids but macronutrient profile is incomplete for Zone blocks—primarily protein with minimal carbs and fat. Best used as supplement to meals rather than standalone block component.

iDr. Sears' later writings acknowledge bone broth's anti-inflammatory polyphenol potential, but it lacks sufficient carbohydrate and fat for balanced Zone meal construction.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids (glycine, proline) supporting gut health and reducing intestinal permeability. Contains minerals and joint-supporting compounds. Growing research supports anti-inflammatory benefits.

iMainstream nutrition lacks large RCTs on bone broth efficacy. Some skeptics note collagen bioavailability questions and that benefits may be overstated in wellness circles.

GLP-1 Friendly5/10CAUTION

Bone broth provides collagen and minerals but is relatively low in complete protein (~10g per cup) and often high in sodium. Beneficial for hydration and gut health, but should not be relied upon as a primary protein source. Best used as a supplement to solid protein foods.

iSome GLP-1 specialists recommend bone broth for its collagen and hydration benefits; others note the low protein density and recommend it only as a supplementary beverage rather than a protein source.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.0Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Bone broth

Keto 8/10
  • 0g net carbs
  • Rich in collagen and amino acids
  • Supports electrolyte balance
  • Homemade preferred over commercial
Paleo 9/10
  • Whole food preparation
  • Collagen and gelatin source
  • Mineral-rich
  • No additives if homemade
Mediterranean 5/10
  • Minimally processed if homemade
  • Often high sodium if commercial
  • Traditional in Mediterranean cuisine
  • Source of collagen and minerals
Carnivore 6/10
  • Animal-derived collagen source
  • Lower protein density than whole meat
  • Processing and cooking method variable
  • Micronutrient bioavailability debated
Whole30 9/10
  • Officially approved
  • Whole food preparation
  • No excluded ingredients
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Homemade plain bone broth is low-FODMAP
  • Check commercial products for garlic and onion
  • Long cooking time does not create FODMAPs from bones alone
DASH 5/10
  • Variable sodium content
  • Rich in minerals and collagen
  • Homemade unsalted preferred
  • Commercial versions often high in sodium
Zone 6/10
  • Incomplete macronutrient profile
  • Anti-inflammatory compounds
  • Low caloric density
  • Requires pairing with other foods
  • collagen and gelatin
  • amino acid profile
  • gut barrier support
  • mineral content
  • low inflammatory markers
  • Low complete protein
  • High sodium
  • Good for hydration
  • Collagen and minerals
  • Supplementary, not primary protein
Last reviewed: Our methodology