Where do I get bones to make bone broth?

You can get bones for bone broth from local butcher shops, Asian supermarkets (for variety like oxtails/feet), or even your own kitchen by saving them from cooked poultry or bone-in meat, with many regular grocery stores also stocking them in the freezer section or asking the butcher directly. Online farms also offer grass-fed options, while saving scraps from rotisserie chickens or bone-in cuts you buy is a great free method.

How to find bones for bone broth?

Local Butcher Shops: One of the best places to find high-quality bones is at your local butcher shop. Not only will they have an array of options (think marrow bones, knuckle bones), but they can also provide insights on which cuts are best for broth-making.

What bones do I buy to make bone broth?

Mix of different bones: large, nutrient-rich beef or pork bones, mix in bones and meaty cuts from other animals. Throw in a ham bone or shank, leftover turkey bones, knuckle bones, neck bones and some chicken feet 😁. Cover with water. Bone broth should be cooked for a minimum of 12 hours.

Do butchers sell bones for bone broth?

Order Beef Bones online directly from trusted farmers and butchers. Skip the grocery store and enjoy these essential ingredients delivered straight to your door—perfect for making nourishing broths, flavorful stews, and hearty soups.

Can butchers sell bones?

4. —(1) No person shall sell any bone to the ultimate consumer for human consumption. (2) No person shall sell any bone removed from bone-in beef deboned in Great Britain for use in the preparation of any food or ingredient for human consumption.

How to Make Bone Broth - So Cheap, So Easy, So Loaded with Collagen

What to ask the butcher to make bone broth?

Your butcher should know if you tell them you want to make broth. But if your butcher needs specifics, marrow, knuckles, shanks, and oxtails.

Is it okay to drink bone broth every day?

Yes, you can generally drink bone broth every day, with 1-3 cups being a common recommendation, but it's crucial to watch sodium content in store-bought versions and be mindful of potential heavy metal exposure from bones, making homemade or low-sodium options ideal, and consulting a doctor if you have health conditions like gout or kidney disease. 

Why do I feel weird after drinking bone broth?

Feeling weird after drinking bone broth could be due to several reasons, such as a detox reaction if your body is adjusting to the nutrients or a sensitivity to certain compounds like glutamates or histamines present in the broth.

What happens to your body when you start drinking bone broth?

Bone broth supports your insides by providing collagen, amino acids (like glutamine, glycine), and minerals that help strengthen the gut lining, reduce inflammation, support digestion, and improve hydration, potentially aiding issues like "leaky gut" and soothing the digestive tract. Its nutrients also benefit joints, skin, muscles, and the immune system, while its protein content promotes satiety.
 

Which bone broth is the healthiest?

The healthiest bone broth is typically homemade from grass-fed, organic bones (beef, chicken) simmered long-term for maximum collagen and minerals, with minimal sodium and additives, or store-bought options with simple, recognizable ingredients and low sodium. Look for broths that gel when cold, indicating good gelatin content (around 6g protein/serving), and choose free-range/pastured sources for better nutrient quality. 

What not to put in bone broth?

To make great bone broth, avoid adding ingredients that make it bitter (like too many cruciferous veggies, dark greens, or organ meats), cloudy (potatoes, corn), or overly sweet (too many carrots/sweet potatoes). Also, skip strong-flavored additions like oily fish bones and stick to fresh herbs added later for versatility, not dried/powdered versions in the long simmer.
 

Which bone broth is highest in collagen?

Beef bone broth generally has the most collagen, particularly Type I and III, due to larger, denser bones, with some concentrates boasting 40% collagen protein, while high-quality chicken broth is also excellent but offers slightly less. For maximum collagen, choose beef or even fish (marine) bone broth, prioritizing grass-fed, slow-simmered options for nutrient density.
 

Do I need to roast bones before making broth?

Roasting your bones before cooking will make your broth richer and add an extra layer of deep rich roasted flavor.

Can I just boil bones to make bone broth?

Yes, you can just boil bones for broth, but simmering for a long time (hours) after an initial boil and adding vinegar helps extract more nutrients and flavor, while roasting bones first adds depth; just boiling gives you broth, but a longer simmer or roast creates a richer, more nutritious bone broth. 

What are common broth mistakes?

Common broth mistakes include not roasting bones, boiling at too high a heat (leading to cloudiness/greasiness), skipping blanching, adding too many ingredients (making it muddy), seasoning too late or unevenly, and allowing it to cool slowly, which risks bacterial growth. Focus on low, slow simmering with quality bones and aromatics, then cool quickly for a rich, clear, and safe broth. 

What part of the cow is best for bone broth?

Beef bone broth: Use grass-fed beef bones. The best ones to use for beef broth are meaty bones and bones that have a lot of tissue and cartilage or marrow like oxtail, shanks, and knuckles. Pork bone broth: For pork broth, ribs and the neck bones work well, as well as cartilage-rich pig's feet.

What happens if you drink bone broth for a week?

“After drinking bone broth for a week, you might feel more energetic, hydrated, and with smoother digestion,” she says.

What does the Mayo Clinic say about bone broth?

Mayo Clinic views bone broth as a source of beneficial amino acids and minerals, noting potential gut health benefits (like reducing inflammation due to glutamine), but emphasizes it's not a "miracle cure" and its benefits (collagen, protein) can come from a balanced diet; they list it among collagen-promoting foods and as a clear liquid option for some medical diets, but stress getting nutrients from whole foods is key. 

Does bone broth burn belly fat?

No, bone broth doesn't directly "burn" belly fat, but its high protein, low-calorie, and satiating properties can support overall weight loss, which reduces fat, including belly fat, by helping you eat fewer calories and build lean muscle. It's a helpful tool in a balanced diet, not a magic bullet, and it can't target fat loss in one specific area like your abdomen.
 

What is the downside of bone broth?

Bone broth disadvantages include potential heavy metal contamination (like lead) from bones, high sodium levels in commercial versions, and digestive issues (bloating, gas) for some, possibly due to histamines or glutamates, though scientific evidence for many claimed benefits like superior collagen absorption is weak. It's crucial to monitor intake, check sodium content, and consult a doctor, as it's not a proven cure-all. 

What happens when you drink bone broth every morning?

Drinking bone broth in the morning can help start your digestion and keep your gut healthy. Bone broth in the evening might improve sleep due to the amino acid glycine, which helps lower body temperature for better rest.

Why does bone broth give me anxiety?

Bone broth contains glutamate, a naturally occurring amino acid that may cause anxiety, restlessness or headaches in some people, though evidence for this is largely anecdotal.

What is the healthiest bone broth to drink?

The healthiest bone broth is typically homemade from grass-fed, organic bones (beef, chicken) simmered long-term for maximum collagen and minerals, with minimal sodium and additives, or store-bought options with simple, recognizable ingredients and low sodium. Look for broths that gel when cold, indicating good gelatin content (around 6g protein/serving), and choose free-range/pastured sources for better nutrient quality. 

Is bone broth better at night or morning?

You can drink bone broth any time, but mornings are great for gut health and energy, while evenings are ideal for relaxation and better sleep due to the amino acid glycine; choose the time that best fits your goals, whether it's starting your day, a midday reset, or a pre-bed ritual. 

Does bone broth help joint pain?

It may help fight osteoarthritis

Its results show that collagen can improve knee joint symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and poorer physical function, in people with osteoarthritis. Consuming bone broth may be an easy way to deliver the same type of collagen, along with other helpful nutrients, to the body.

---