The question, ” Is it cheaper to make bone broth or buy it?” has become increasingly relevant as bone broth continues to gain popularity for its health benefits and versatility. Whether you’re sipping it as a nourishing drink or using it as a base for soups and stews, the decision to make your own or purchase pre-made options hinges on cost, convenience, and quality.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The cost of homemade bone broth versus store-bought varieties.
- A breakdown of ingredients, cooking methods, and storage tips.
- The nutritional benefits of bone broth and how they compare between homemade and store-bought options.
By the end, you’ll know which option—homemade or store-bought—suits your lifestyle, budget, and priorities best. Let’s dive in!
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for an extended period. The process extracts valuable minerals, gelatin, and collagen, making it a health-boosting staple in many kitchens. Typical ingredients include:
- Grass-fed beef bones, chicken carcasses, or pork bones.
- Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
- Herbs such as thyme, parsley, and bay leaves.
- Acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar to enhance nutrient extraction.
Differences Between Stock, Broth, and Bone Broth
While often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct differences:
- Stock is made by simmering bones and vegetables for a few hours, primarily for flavor.
- Broth typically uses meat rather than bones and has a lighter texture.
- Bone broth, simmered for 12-24 hours, is richer in collagen and minerals, offering unique health benefits.
Nutritional and Health Benefits
Bone broth is packed with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, essential for strong bones and joints. Its high collagen content supports skin elasticity and joint health, while its gut-soothing properties make it a popular choice for improving digestion. These nutritional benefits of bone broth are key reasons for its widespread use.
Cost Analysis: Homemade Bone Broth
Ingredients Required
Making homemade bone broth involves simple yet versatile ingredients:
- Bones:
- Chicken stock vs. bone broth: Chicken bones are affordable and widely available.
- Grass-fed beef bones for a richer, nutrient-packed broth.
- Pork bones, especially feet, are excellent for extra gelatin.
- Vegetables and Herbs:
- Carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and parsley.
- Acidic Additives:
- Apple cider vinegar aids in extracting nutrients from bones.
Cost Breakdown
- Organic vs. Conventional Bones
- Organic bones can cost $3-$6 per pound, while conventional ones range from $1-$3.
- Using scraps or buying in bulk reduces costs.
- Buying Bones in Bulk
- Local butchers often sell bones at a discount.
- Farmers’ markets are great for grass-fed beef bones.
- Additional Costs
- Simmering requires electricity or gas.
- Equipment like Instant Pot bone broth cookers can be a one-time investment.
Labor and Time Investment
- Sourcing Ingredients
- Finding affordable, quality bones may require research.
- Organic suppliers or online retailers like US Wellness Meats offer discounts for bulk purchases.
- Cooking Time
- Traditional stovetop simmering can take 12-24 hours.
- Using a pressure cooker, like an Instant Pot, reduces this to 2-4 hours, saving time and energy.
Making bone broth at home may require effort, but its nutritional and cost advantages often outweigh store-bought options.
Cost Analysis: Store-Bought Bone Broth
Store-bought bone broth is a convenient option for those who prioritize time savings and ease of use. However, evaluating its cost and quality is essential before making a purchase.
Popular Brands and Price Ranges
Store-bought bone broth comes in a variety of brands, catering to different budgets and preferences:
- Budget-friendly options: Swanson and Pacific Foods, costing $3-$5 per quart.
- Premium brands: Kettle & Fire, Epic, and Bonafide Provisions, priced at $8-$12 per quart for organic bone broth.
- Powdered or concentrate versions: Costing $15-$30 per container, offering multiple servings.
Packaging Sizes and Servings
- Most store-bought broths come in 32-ounce cartons, equivalent to about four servings.
- Smaller 16-ounce pouches are available for single servings, ideal for those with limited storage or specific portion needs.
- Powdered forms are more compact and shelf-stable, lasting longer but requiring mixing.
Ingredient Quality
- Organic vs. Conventional Options
- Organic store-bought broths are typically made from grass-fed beef bones or free-range chicken bones, justifying their higher cost.
- Conventional broths may use lower-quality bones and less transparency in sourcing.
- Additives, Preservatives, and Flavor Enhancers
- Many store-bought options include additives such as salt, sugar, and artificial flavorings to enhance taste.
- Preservatives are added for shelf stability, while natural broths rely on refrigeration or freezing.
- Premium brands often avoid these additives, focusing on clean, simple ingredient lists.
Convenience Factor
- Time Saved
- Buying pre-made bone broth eliminates the time-consuming process of sourcing bones, prepping ingredients, and simmering for hours.
- It’s an excellent option for those with busy schedules or limited cooking experience.
- Shelf Stability
- Store-bought broths are typically shelf-stable for several months, making them easy to stock up on.
- Some refrigerated or frozen broths require more careful storage but may offer superior quality.
Comparative Analysis: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Bone Broth
Deciding between homemade bone broth and store-bought bone broth comes down to factors like cost, quality, and environmental considerations. Let’s compare the two options.
Per-Serving Cost Comparison
- Homemade Bone Broth: The cost per serving depends on the ingredients. Using chicken bones from a roasted chicken or scraps from grass-fed beef bones, homemade broth can cost as little as $1-$2 per quart. Bulk purchases and use of kitchen scraps further reduce the cost.
- Store-Bought Bone Broth: Budget-friendly brands range from $3-$5 per quart, while premium organic bone broth can cost up to $12. Powdered or concentrated options may offer lower per-serving costs, but they require preparation.
Quality Control and Nutritional Differences
- Homemade: Offers complete control over ingredients. You can select organic bones, add fresh vegetables and herbs, and avoid additives. Homemade broth is naturally rich in collagen and gelatin, contributing to its nutritional benefits.
- Store-Bought: High-quality brands provide nutrient-dense options, but conventional versions may lack sufficient simmering time, reducing collagen and gelatin content. Additives like sodium, flavor enhancers, and preservatives are common in many products.
Environmental Impact
- Packaging Waste from Store-Bought Broth
- Store-bought options contribute to significant packaging waste, particularly cartons, plastic containers, or cans.
- Premium brands may use recyclable materials, but their environmental footprint remains higher than homemade options.
- Using Kitchen Scraps for Homemade Broth
- Homemade broth is eco-friendly, often made from kitchen scraps like vegetable ends and leftover bones.
- It minimizes food waste while maximizing nutrient extraction, making it a sustainable choice.
Health Impact of Additives in Store-Bought Options
- Many store-bought broths include preservatives, stabilizers, and excess sodium to enhance shelf stability and flavor.
- Homemade broth avoids these issues, providing a cleaner, healthier option.
The Process of Making Bone Broth at Home
Making bone broth at home is a rewarding process that allows you to create a nutrient-rich, flavorful broth while controlling the ingredients. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve the best results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bone Broth
- Selecting the Right Bones
- Choose high-quality bones, such as grass-fed beef bones, free-range chicken bones, or pork bones.
- Opt for joints, knuckles, and feet, which are rich in collagen.
- For added flavor, consider roasting the bones before simmering.
- Adding Vegetables, Herbs, and Acids
- Use aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic for depth of flavor.
- Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, parsley, and bay leaves.
- Include a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals from the bones, enhancing the nutritional benefits of bone broth.
- Cooking Methods
- Stovetop: Simmer the broth over low heat for 12-24 hours. Keep the heat gentle to avoid a cloudy broth.
- Slow Cooker: A convenient option for long cooking times, allowing you to “set it and forget it.”
- Pressure Cooker (e.g., Instant Pot): Reduces cooking time to 2-4 hours while delivering excellent flavor and nutrition. This is ideal for making Instant Pot bone broth.
Pro Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Nutrition
- Roast the bones and vegetables beforehand to deepen the flavor.
- Skim the foam from the surface during the first hour of cooking to remove impurities.
- Adjust seasonings, such as salt and pepper, only after cooking to avoid over-salting during the reduction process.
- Use fresh, clean water to ensure a pure, untainted broth.
Storage Tips: Freezing and Refrigeration
- Allow the broth to cool completely before storing.
- Use airtight glass jars or BPA-free containers to refrigerate broth for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in portions. Ice cube trays are a great option for small servings, ideal for recipes calling for bone broth recipes.
- Label and date your containers to keep track of freshness.
By mastering the art of making homemade bone broth, you’ll enjoy a cost-effective, versatile, and nutritious base for soups, stews, and health-focused drinks. With this process, you can tailor the flavor, boost gut health, and take full control of your ingredients.
Store-Bought Bone Broth Options and Reviews
Best Brands for Budget-Conscious Consumers
- Swanson Bone Broth: Affordable and widely available, offering a light flavor and reasonable nutrition for around $3-$5 per quart.
- Pacific Foods Bone Broth: A step up in quality, Pacific Foods provides decent nutrition with a slightly richer taste, priced between $4-$6 per quart.
Reviews of High-End Organic Brands
- Kettle & Fire: Known for its premium organic bone broth, made from grass-fed beef bones or free-range chicken bones. It’s rich in collagen and has no additives, costing $8-$12 per quart.
- Bonafide Provisions: Offers a frozen option, praised for its fresh, homemade-like taste. Prices range from $10-$14.
- Epic Bone Broth: Packaged in convenient pouches, Epic focuses on clean ingredients and offers unique flavors like turkey and bison. Prices start at $8.
What to Look for on Labels
- Certifications: Look for USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and labels specifying grass-fed or free-range sourcing.
- Ingredient List Transparency: Avoid broths with additives like sugar, artificial flavors, or excessive sodium. Prioritize those with simple ingredients like bones, vegetables, and herbs.
FAQs Section
What is the healthiest bone broth to buy?
- Choose broths with organic certifications, free of preservatives, and made from grass-fed beef bones or free-range chicken bones. Premium brands like Kettle & Fire or Bonafide Provisions are great options.
How long does homemade bone broth last?
- In the refrigerator, homemade broth lasts 3-5 days. When frozen, it can remain fresh for up to 6 months.
Can you reuse bones to make more broth?
- Yes, bones can be reused for a second, lighter broth. This is especially effective for beef or pork bones.
What are the benefits of drinking bone broth daily?
- Daily consumption supports gut health, improves skin elasticity with collagen, and strengthens joints due to its mineral content.
Is there a difference between bone broth and stock?
- Yes. Bone broth is simmered longer, extracting more collagen and nutrients, while stock is typically cooked for a shorter time and used mainly for flavor.
Pros and Cons Summary
Benefits of Homemade Bone Broth
- Cost Savings: Over time, making broth at home is cheaper, especially when using kitchen scraps.
- Customizable Flavor and Nutrition: Add herbs and vegetables to tailor the taste and nutrition to your needs.
- Sustainability: Reduces food waste and environmental impact.
Downsides of Homemade Bone Broth
- Time-Consuming: Simmering bones can take 12-24 hours.
- Upfront Costs: Equipment like a slow cooker or Instant Pot may be required.
Pros of Store-Bought Bone Broth
- Convenience: Ready to use, saving time and effort.
- Shelf Stability: Long-lasting, especially powdered or concentrated options.
Cons of Store-Bought Bone Broth
- Higher Cost: Premium brands can be expensive.
- Quality Concerns: Some brands include additives and preservatives, reducing nutritional value.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Choosing between homemade bone broth and store-bought bone broth depends on your priorities. If you’re wondering, “Is it cheaper to make bone broth or buy it?”, the answer often lies in your goals. For those who value cost savings, sustainability, and control over ingredients, homemade broth is the best choice. However, if convenience and time are your main priorities, high-quality store-bought options like Kettle & Fire or Bonafide Provisions can be worth the investment.
Ultimately, both options provide the nutritional benefits of bone broth. Decide based on your lifestyle, budget, and whether making or buying aligns better with your needs to enjoy this versatile and health-boosting staple.