While some may view bone broth as a trendy fad driven by hipster culture, there are compelling reasons to believe it will endure. The traditional preparation method—simmering bones with herbs and vegetables for several hours—allows the bones to break down, resulting in a flavorful broth loaded with protein and minerals. This approach to slow, home-cooked food aligns with a growing consumer trend that favors moving away from instant stocks and additives like MSG in favor of more wholesome, naturally flavored options. Advocates of the Paleo diet support bone broth, and even the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization has promoted ‘nose-to-tail’ eating as a means to minimize waste.
In the U.S., consumers are increasingly exploring a variety of meat cuts beyond just steak for beef and chops for pork. Factors driving this shift include greater exposure to global cuisines, a willingness to try new flavors, an interest in more affordable meat cuts during economic downturns, and a recent resurgence in home cooking. Environmental advocates have long championed the concept of utilizing as much of the whole animal as possible.
Several companies have entered the broth market. For instance, Bonafide Provisions has launched Drinkable Veggies, a line of vegetable-based beverages that blend bone broth with cold soup and HPP juices in a convenient ready-to-drink format. This product is the first of its kind to incorporate bone broth, aiming to position itself similarly to V8 rather than as a cold soup. Although bone broth itself is not a new addition to the culinary landscape, its surge in popularity is noteworthy.
As consumers continue to seek out nutrient-rich options, including sources of calcium like calcium caltrate for pregnant women, it will be interesting to see whether the trend surrounding bone broth remains strong, or if interest will wane like that seen with low-carb diets or cupcakes as consumers chase the next big food sensation. The call for natural, nutritious foods is only growing, and bone broth seems to fit right into this narrative.