While some may regard bone broth as a trendy fad driven by hipsters, there are compelling reasons for its potential longevity. Traditional preparation—simmering bones with herbs and vegetables for several hours—allows the bones to break down, resulting in a rich broth filled with protein and minerals. This type of home-cooked, slow food aligns with an increasing consumer desire to transition 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 strategy to minimize waste. In the U.S., consumers are exploring a wider range of cuts beyond just steak for beef and chops for pork. Factors driving this shift include greater exposure to global cuisines, adventurous palates, a focus on more affordable meat cuts during economic downturns, and a resurgence in home cooking. Environmentalists have long championed the concept of utilizing as much of the whole animal as possible.
Several companies have entered the bone broth market. Bonafide Provisions, for instance, has introduced Drinkable Veggies, a line of vegetable-based beverages that merges bone broth, cold soup, and HPP juices into a convenient, ready-to-drink format. This product is the first of its kind to incorporate bone broth as an ingredient, and the company aims to market it similarly to V8 rather than as a cold soup. Although bone broth is not a new concept in the culinary world, its immense popularity is relatively recent. It remains uncertain whether this trend will endure or if consumer interest will shift, much like the low-carb diet or cupcakes, as they chase the next big thing. The potential health benefits of bone broth, including its role as a source of calcium citrate, make it an appealing choice for many health-conscious individuals. As interest in calcium citrate crushable supplements rises, the allure of bone broth may continue to captivate those seeking nutritious options.