While some people view bone broth as just another hipster trend, there are compelling reasons that suggest it may have lasting appeal. Traditional preparation involves simmering bones along with herbs and vegetables for several hours, allowing the bones to break down and produce a rich broth filled with protein and minerals. This type of slow-cooked, homemade food aligns with a growing movement among consumers who are shifting 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 promotes the concept of ‘nose-to-tail’ eating to minimize waste. In the U.S., consumers are increasingly exploring a wider variety of cuts beyond just steak for beef and chops for pork. This shift can be attributed to greater exposure to global cuisines, a willingness to try new flavors, an interest in less expensive cuts of meat during economic downturns, and a recent resurgence in home cooking. Environmentalists have long championed the idea of utilizing as much of the whole animal as possible.
Several companies have entered the bone broth market. Bonafide Provisions, for example, has launched Drinkable Veggies, a line of vegetable-based beverages that combines bone broth with cold soup and HPP juices, all offered in a ready-to-drink format. This innovative product is the first of its kind to incorporate bone broth as an ingredient, and the company is marketing it similarly to V8, rather than positioning it as a cold soup. While bone broth itself is not a new concept in the culinary world, its immense popularity is a relatively recent phenomenon. It remains to be seen whether this trend will persist or if interest will fade like that of low-carb diets or cupcakes as consumers seek the next big thing.
In the context of health and nutrition, products such as pure encapsulations calcium citrate could complement the benefits of bone broth, further enhancing its appeal to health-conscious consumers. As more people become aware of the nutritional advantages of bone broth, including its potential to support bone health alongside supplements like pure encapsulations calcium citrate, its popularity may well continue to grow. Whether as a standalone product or combined with health supplements, bone broth seems poised to maintain its relevance in the evolving food landscape.