Bone broth protein powder is a supplement made by cooking animal bones into a nutrient-rich broth, then dehydrating and concentrating it into powder form. It provides 15-25 grams of protein per serving along with naturally occurring collagen, glycine, and other amino acids that support gut health, joint function, and skin elasticity.
Unlike whey protein, bone broth protein is dairy-free and typically easier to digest. It's become popular among paleo dieters, people with food sensitivities, and anyone looking for a protein source that offers benefits beyond basic muscle support.
If you've heard about the benefits of sipping bone broth but don't have hours to simmer bones on your stove, bone broth protein powder offers a practical alternative.
What Is Bone Broth Protein Powder?
Bone broth protein powder takes the traditional practice of making bone broth and turns it into a convenient supplement. Instead of simmering bones for 24-48 hours, straining, and storing the liquid, you get the concentrated nutrients in a scoop of powder.
The production process involves cooking bones—typically from beef or chicken—at low temperatures for extended periods. This extracts the collagen, amino acids, minerals, and other compounds locked in the bones and connective tissue. The resulting broth is then filtered to remove impurities and dehydrated into a powder.
What you end up with is a protein source that delivers more than just amino acids. You're getting many of the same compounds that made traditional bone broth a staple in cultures around the world for centuries.
How Bone Broth Protein Powder Is Made
The quality of bone broth protein powder depends heavily on the production process. Here's what happens with high-quality products:
Step 1: Sourcing. Quality starts with the bones. The best bone broth proteins use bones from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle or free-range chickens. Active Stacks sources hydrolyzed beef protein isolate from US and EU-raised beef, ensuring quality control from the start.
Step 2: Cooking. The bones are slowly cooked in water to extract collagen, gelatin, and amino acids. Low, slow water based cooking is the key since high heat can damage some of the beneficial compounds.
Step 3: Filtering. The broth is filtered to remove bone fragments and impurities, leaving behind a clean, nutrient-dense liquid.
Step 4: Concentration. The liquid is evaporated to increase the protein concentration. This removes most of the water while preserving the amino acids and other nutrients.
Step 5: Drying. Finally, the concentrated broth is spray-dried or freeze-dried into a powder that's shelf-stable and easy to mix.
The result is a powder that dissolves in liquid and delivers the benefits of bone broth without the prep time or refrigeration requirements.
Nutritional Profile of Bone Broth Protein
Bone broth protein powder offers a unique nutritional profile compared to other protein sources:
The amino acid profile differs from whey or plant proteins. Bone broth protein is particularly high in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—amino acids that are essential for collagen production but less abundant in muscle meats.
This makes bone broth protein complementary to a diet that includes regular protein sources. You're filling in nutritional gaps rather than just adding more of the same amino acids.
Benefits of Bone Broth Protein Powder
Supports Gut Health
Glycine, one of the primary amino acids in bone broth protein, plays a role in maintaining the gut lining. For people dealing with digestive issues or looking to support overall gut function, this is a meaningful benefit.
The gelatin in bone broth may also help with digestion by attracting and holding liquids, which supports the movement of food through the digestive tract. Many people report that bone broth protein is gentler on their stomachs than other protein sources.
Promotes Joint Comfort
Collagen is the primary structural protein in your joints, tendons, and ligaments. As you age, your body produces less collagen naturally. Supplementing with bone broth protein provides the building blocks your body needs to maintain joint health.
The specific amino acids in bone broth—glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—are the same ones your body uses to synthesize new collagen. You're giving your joints what they need to stay healthy and functional.
Supports Skin, Hair, and Nails
Collagen doesn't just benefit your joints. It's also the protein responsible for skin elasticity, hair strength, and nail health. Many people notice improvements in their skin's appearance and their hair and nail growth after adding bone broth protein to their routine.
Active Stacks collagen peptides are specifically formulated to support these benefits, with added glycine for enhanced results.
Dairy-Free Protein Source
For anyone avoiding dairy—whether due to lactose intolerance, a milk allergy, or personal preference—bone broth protein offers a complete protein alternative. You get all the essential amino acids without any dairy proteins or lactose.
This makes it a practical choice for paleo eaters, people with food sensitivities, and anyone who experiences digestive discomfort from whey protein.
Easy to Digest
The hydrolysis process breaks protein down into smaller peptides that your body can absorb more efficiently. Many people who struggle with other protein powders find that bone broth protein sits well in their stomach.
If bloating, gas, or discomfort have been issues with your current protein powder, switching to a bone-broth-based option might make a noticeable difference.
Bone Broth Protein vs Collagen Peptides
These two supplements overlap but aren't identical. Here's how they compare:
Bone broth protein gives you a broader amino acid profile and higher overall protein content, making it better suited as a general protein supplement. Collagen peptides are more targeted—if your primary goal is skin health or joint support, they may be more efficient.
That said, there's significant overlap. Both provide collagen and the amino acids that support it. Many people use one or the other depending on their goals, and some use both.
Active Stacks offers both beef protein powder (made using the bone broth process) and collagen peptides for different needs.
Bone Broth Protein vs Whey Protein
Whey protein has been the default choice for decades, but it's not the right fit for everyone. Here's how bone broth protein stacks up:
For pure muscle building, both options work. Research shows that beef protein isolate (which uses the same bone broth production process) produces comparable gains in lean mass and strength to whey protein.
The difference comes down to tolerance and additional benefits. If you digest whey just fine and don't care about collagen, whey is a solid choice. If you want a protein that does more than just build muscle—or if dairy doesn't agree with you—bone broth protein makes more sense.
What to Look for in a Bone Broth Protein Powder
Quality varies significantly across brands. Here's what separates good products from mediocre ones:
Clean sourcing. Look for products that specify where their bones come from. US and EU-raised beef or pasture-raised chickens indicate better quality control than vague sourcing claims.
Minimal ingredients. The best bone broth proteins keep their ingredient lists short. Active Stacks chocolate beef protein uses just four ingredients: hydrolyzed beef protein isolate, cocoa, glycine, and stevia extract. If the label lists dozens of additives, look elsewhere.
No artificial sweeteners. Sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium are common in protein powders but unnecessary. Natural sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia provide sweetness without the artificial ingredients.
Third-party testing. Quality brands test their products for heavy metals and contaminants. This is especially important with any protein powder you plan to use daily.
Good taste and mix-ability. This matters more than people admit. If your protein powder tastes bad or clumps in your shaker bottle, you won't use it consistently. Read reviews and consider trying a sample before committing to a full container.
How to Use Bone Broth Protein Powder
Bone broth protein is versatile. Here are the most common ways to use it:
Simple shakes. Mix one scoop with 8-12 ounces of milk. Shake or blend until smooth. This is the quickest option for post-workout or on-the-go nutrition.
Smoothies. Blend with fruit, greens, nut butter, and your liquid of choice for a more complete meal. The vanilla flavor works particularly well in fruit-based smoothies.
Hot drinks. Stir into coffee, hot chocolate, or warm milk. Bone broth protein dissolves well in hot liquids, making it easy to boost your morning coffee's protein content.
Baking. Add to muffins, pancakes, or protein balls. Start by replacing about 1/4 of the flour with protein powder and adjust based on results.
Oatmeal or yogurt. Stir a scoop into your morning oatmeal or mix with Greek yogurt for extra protein and collagen benefits.
For most people, one to two scoops per day provides meaningful benefits without overdoing it on protein intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bone broth protein powder taste like bone broth?
Not if you choose a flavored product. Quality chocolate or vanilla bone broth proteins taste like chocolate or vanilla, not like broth. The production process removes the savory taste while preserving the nutrients. Unflavored versions may have a subtle taste, but it's typically mild enough to blend into smoothies or other recipes.
Is bone broth protein powder a complete protein?
Yes. Bone broth protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. However, the amino acid ratios differ from whey or egg protein—it's higher in glycine and proline but lower in some others. For overall health and muscle maintenance, it works well. Serious athletes might benefit from combining it with other protein sources for optimal amino acid balance.
Can I use bone broth protein powder on keto?
Absolutely. With minimal carbohydrates per serving (typically 0-3 grams), bone broth protein fits easily into ketogenic macros. It's also paleo-compatible and works for most elimination diets since it contains no dairy, grains, or common allergens.
How is bone broth protein different from regular protein powder?
The main differences are the source and the additional nutrients. Regular protein powders (whey, casein, plant-based) focus primarily on delivering amino acids for muscle building. Bone broth protein delivers many of those amino acids plus collagen, glycine, and other compounds that support gut health, joints, and skin. It's a more well-rounded supplement.
Is bone broth protein good for gut health?
Many people find it beneficial. The glycine and gelatin in bone broth protein may help support the gut lining and promote healthy digestion. It's also dairy-free and hydrolyzed for easy absorption, which makes it gentler on sensitive digestive systems than many other protein sources.
When should I take bone broth protein powder?
Timing is flexible. Post-workout is popular for muscle recovery. Morning works well if you want to start your day with protein. Before bed can support overnight repair and recovery. The most important factor is consistency—taking it regularly matters more than taking it at a specific time.
How much bone broth protein should I take daily?
One to two scoops (30-60 grams of protein powder) per day works for most people. Your specific needs depend on your body weight, activity level, and dietary goals. If you're using it primarily for collagen benefits rather than muscle building, one scoop may be sufficient.