While some may regard bone broth as a trendy fad driven by hipster culture, there are compelling reasons for its potential longevity. Traditionally prepared by simmering bones with herbs and vegetables for several hours, this method allows the bones to break down, resulting in a rich broth that is abundant in protein and minerals, including calcium citrate. This home-cooked, slow food trend aligns with a growing consumer desire to move away from instant stocks and additives like MSG, favoring more wholesome and naturally flavored options. Advocates of the Paleo diet champion bone broth, and even the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization supports the concept of ‘nose-to-tail’ eating to minimize waste. American consumers are increasingly exploring diverse cuts of meat beyond simply steak for beef and chops for pork. Factors contributing to this shift include greater exposure to global cuisines, adventurous palates, economic considerations leading to a preference for cheaper cuts, and a recent resurgence in home cooking. Environmental advocates have long promoted the idea of utilizing as much of the whole animal as possible, which also ties into the nutritional benefits of bone broth, including its calcium citrate content.
Several companies have jumped on the broth bandwagon. Bonafide Provisions has introduced Drinkable Veggies, a line of vegetable-based beverages that blends bone broth, cold soups, and HPP juices into a convenient ready-to-drink format. This innovative product is the first of its kind to incorporate bone broth, marketed akin to V8 rather than traditional cold soups. While bone broth itself is not a new addition to the culinary landscape, its surge in popularity certainly is. It remains uncertain whether this trend will endure or if consumer interest will shift, much like the fleeting fads of low-carb diets or cupcakes, as they seek out the next big thing in food. Nonetheless, the focus on natural ingredients and nutritional benefits, including the presence of calcium citrate, suggests that bone broth could have a lasting place in our diets.