Bone Broth vs. Chicken Broth: Nutrition and Health Benefits Explained
Diet & NutritionFood & Ingredients

Bone Broth vs. Chicken Broth: Which Is More Nutritious?

Bone Broth vs. Chicken Broth: Which Is More Nutritious?
Liudmila Chernetska/iStock; iStock
By
Updated on January 23, 2026
by
While chicken broth has been used in cooking for ages, bone broth has been gaining notoriety over the past several years, partly due to the increased popularity of the paleo diet.

Bone broth and chicken broth are made with similar ingredients — spices and veggies like onion, celery, and carrots. “They’re both popular cooking choices and offer many health benefits,” says Amy Myers, MD, a functional medicine physician based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. But they are slightly different in terms of nutrients.

What’s the Difference Between Bone Broth and Chicken Broth?

When comparing bone broth and chicken broth, “key differences in nutritional profiles make one a superior choice regarding health benefits,” says Dr. Myers.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is a nutrient-packed liquid that’s made by simmering animal bones in water with vegetables, spices, and herbs for up to 24 hours — sometimes even longer.

 During that long cooking time, nutrients from the bones, including collagen, calcium, phosphorus, and amino acids, make their way into the liquid.

“These nutrients are known for supporting joint health and promoting skin elasticity,” says Mary Sabat, RD, a nutritionist based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Collagen in particular promotes these health benefits and is one of the key nutrients in bone broth that sets it apart from chicken broth.

 However, there isn’t much research supporting the idea that consuming collagen-rich foods can directly benefit joints or skin.

That said, bone broth also contains amino acids like glutamine and arginine, which have been linked to reduced inflammation and improved gut health in certain studies.

Bone broth is best made at home so you know it’s been simmered for long enough to gain these potential health benefits. If you’re buying it at the grocery store, keep in mind that refrigerated bone broth should have a gel-like texture — that’s proof it contains collagen.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is made by simmering chicken meat (and possibly some bones) over a shorter period of time than bone broth. As a result, “it lacks the depth of nutrients and beneficial compounds found in bone broth,” Sabat says.

But it can still be nutritious. “Chicken broth is hydrating and contains essential vitamins, minerals, and protein,” Sabat says. It’s also lighter than bone broth, which may also make it more easily digestible, Myers says.

In general, the benefits of chicken broth just aren’t as plentiful as you’ll find in bone broth.

That said, chicken broth may be easier to come by because it takes a shorter amount of time to make.

 You can make it yourself, too, to ensure all of the vitamins and nutrients are preserved without the additives, artificial ingredients, or excess sodium, says Myers.

Nutrition Facts: Bone Broth vs. Chicken Broth

Here’s a closer look at the nutrients in bone broth and chicken broth, but keep in mind that this is for commercially available options rather than homemade.

Bone Broth (1 cup)
Chicken Broth (1 cup)
Calories
41
39
Fat
0 g
1.39 g
Protein
9 g
4.93 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
0.93 g
Fiber
0 g
0 g
Sodium
350 mg
747 mg

Tips on Adding Bone Broth to Your Diet

If you’re looking to cook more savory recipes, bone broth is a great addition. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your diet:

  • Heat it and sip it straight. Sabat suggests enjoying a warm cup of bone broth in the morning to jump-start your day or in the evening as a calming drink. You can also enjoy it between meals as a nutrient-rich, low-calorie snack to help curb hunger, adds Myers.
  • Use it as a base in soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles. Substitute bone broth wherever you’d use water or chicken broth to add more nutrients and flavor to any dish, Sabat suggests. You can also use it in place of water when preparing rice or quinoa.
  • Make a large batch and freeze small portions in an ice cube tray. This will make it easy to add some bone broth to dishes like stir-fries, sauces, or gravies — or even to a veggie smoothie, Sabat says.

The Takeaway

  • Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones, vegetables, and spices over a long period of time to release more nutrients and bring out flavor.
  • Bone broth contains collagen, calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which are good for bone and joint health.
  • Chicken broth is still a good option, but it’s not as nutrient-rich as bone broth. If you’re short on time or are looking for a milder flavor profile, chicken broth can be helpful.
  • Add bone broth to your diet by drinking it warm in the morning or evening, adding it to soups or casserole dishes, or freezing portions of it to add to stir-fries or gravies.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Why Bone Broth Is Good for You (and How to Make It). Cleveland Clinic. August 16, 2024.
  2. The Benefits of Bone Broth for Healthy Bones. National Spine Health Foundation. February 14, 2023.
  3. Collagen. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. May 2021.
  4. Matar A et al. Bone Broth Benefits: How Its Nutrients Fortify Gut Barrier in Health and Disease. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. June 2025.
  5. Chicken Broth and Cooked Chicken. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
  6. Organic Beef Bone Broth, Beef Bone Broth. U.S. Department of Agriculture. October 28, 2021.
  7. Soup, Chicken Broth, Canned, Prepared With Equal Volume Water. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
Meet Our Experts
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Melissa-Sleight-bio

Melissa Sleight, RDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Melissa Sleight, RDN, is a board-certified lifestyle medicine dietitian with over 15 years of experience. She has a passion for educating her clients about improving their health through nutrition and lifestyle changes, and seeing them motivated to improve their health each day.

Sleight earned her bachelor's in nutrition and food science from Utah State University. She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition group for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is involved at the local level as the president-elect of Magic Valley Dietitians and is a liaison for her community as a board member of the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

She likes to cook and try new recipes, and loves water activities of all kinds — from paddleboards to hot tubs. She enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, on all-terrain vehicles, and camping.
See full bio

Moira Lawler

Author
Moira Lawler is a journalist who has spent more than a decade covering a range of health and lifestyle topics, including women's health, nutrition, fitness, mental health, and travel. She received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young children, and a giant brown labradoodle.
See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network