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If you’ve spent more than five minutes on TikTok, Pinterest, or anywhere near the wellness side of the internet, you’ve probably seen people casually sipping bone broth out of a mug like it’s coffee. It looks cozy, it looks healthy… and it also looks like it probably tastes like warm water.
Which, honestly, is not totally wrong.
Plain bone broth by itself can be very bland, especially if it’s unsalted or homemade with no seasoning. But once you know how to flavor it properly, drinking bone broth actually becomes one of the easiest and most comforting wellness habits you can add to your routine.
And the best part? It’s simple, low effort, and doesn’t require turning your life upside down.
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a savory liquid made by simmering animal bones (usually chicken or beef) for many hours. This slow cooking process pulls nutrients, collagen, amino acids, and minerals out of the bones and into the broth. Unlike regular broth or stock, bone broth is typically:
- Simmered much longer
- Higher in protein
- Thicker and more gelatin-rich when cold
It’s often used as part of a bone broth diet, but many people now drink it on its own as a warm, savory beverage.
Bone Broth Benefits (Why People Drink It)
One of the biggest reasons bone broth has become so popular is that it offers a lot of nutrition for very few calories.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the most talked-about benefits of bone broth:
Bone Broth: What’s In It & Why It Matters
| Nutrient / Compound | What It Does & Why People Care |
|---|---|
| Protein | Supports muscle maintenance, satiety, and blood sugar stability. Bone broth provides protein in an easy-to-digest liquid form. |
| Collagen | Breaks down into amino acids that support skin elasticity, hair and nails, and connective tissue (joints, tendons, ligaments). |
| Glycine | A calming amino acid that may support sleep quality, nervous system balance, and inflammation. |
| Proline | Supports collagen production, joint health, and tissue repair. |
| Glutamine | Important for gut lining integrity and digestive health. |
| Electrolytes | Supports hydration, nerve signaling, and muscle function. |
| Gelatin | Supports joints and gut health and gives bone broth its rich texture. |
| Minerals | Supports bone health and cellular function. |
| Low Calorie, High Protein | Typically 40–60 calories per cup with 8–12g protein. |
Protein-to-Calorie Ratio
This is where bone broth really shines:
| Food | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Bone broth (1 cup) | ~45 | 9g |
| Greek yogurt (½ cup) | ~70 | 10g |
| Egg | ~70 | 6g |
| Protein bar | ~180–220 | 10–20g |
Bone broth is one of the most efficient ways to get protein without a lot of calories.
That’s why drinking bone broth is popular for:
- Low appetite days
- GLP-1 users
- Intermittent fasting
- Gentle digestion
- “I want something warm but not food” moments
In simple terms, bone broth is:
A high-protein, low-calorie, easy-to-digest savory drink that feels like food without being a full meal.
How to Drink Bone Broth (And Actually Enjoy It)
Here’s the truth most influencers skip:
Plain bone broth tastes flat without:
- Salt
- Fat
- Acid or aromatics
Without those three, it can taste watery and boring.
These simple combinations turn bone broth into something you’ll actually look forward to drinking.
Easy Bone Broth Drink Recipes
Classic Cozy Mug
This is the most common way people drink bone broth:
- Hot bone broth
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- A little butter, ghee, or olive oil
This alone makes it taste like comfort instead of hospital water.
Ginger + Garlic Wellness Mug
This one feels very soothing and is popular for digestion.
- Hot bone broth
- Fresh grated ginger
- A little garlic (powder or fresh)
- Salt
- Optional squeeze of lemon
Lemon & Herb “Spa Broth”
Light, clean, and refreshing.
- Hot chicken bone broth
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Thyme or rosemary
- Tiny drizzle of olive oil
Miso Bone Broth (Elite Level)
This is one of the best bone broth drink recipes if you want real flavor.
- Hot bone broth
- 1 teaspoon white or yellow miso
- Optional splash of sesame oil
This creates a rich, savory, umami flavor that’s especially good with beef broth.
“Ramen Without the Noodles”
If you want cozy but still sip-able:
- Bone broth
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Garlic + ginger
- Dash of rice vinegar
- A few green onions
It tastes like ramen broth, which is basically the goal.
The Half-and-Half Trick (Beginner Favorite)
When I started drinking bone broth, I didn’t realize there were so many ways (or recipes) to add flavor to the broth. I just started by drinking half chicken broth and half bone broth and it’s was really easy and took less than 2 minutes to heat up.
So if you are just getting started and/or if bone broth feels too intense at first, this is the easiest solution:
Mix ½ regular chicken broth + ½ chicken bone broth.
Why it works:
- Better flavor from regular broth
- Still high in protein
- Less intense taste
- Feels like a light soup instead of a health drink
Flavor ideas: You can still add in salt, pepper, lemon, butter or anything else that sound good to you! It can only enhance the flavor and make your bone broth drink all the more enjoyable.
Meal Prep Tip
I’ve been making a broth concentrate jar, so I can just heat and drink during the week. Typically I just do 2 to 3 cups of regular chicken broth and an equivalent amount of bone broth and add any additional seasonings.
You can just store in the fridge and heat a mug whenever you want. Easy peasy!
Chicken vs Beef Bone Broth
While most people start with chicken bone broth, we wanted to give you a quick comparison of the two:
Chicken Bone Broth
- Milder flavor
- Easier to season
- More tea-like
- Best for beginners
Beef Bone Broth
- Richer, deeper flavor
- More intense
- Pairs well with miso, soy, and garlic
- Feels more like savory coffee
The amount of protein and/or calories in each are almost identical.
Can You Drink Bone Broth Cold?
Technically yes, but most people strongly prefer it hot or very warm.
Cold bone broth becomes gelatinous and has a strange texture. It’s meant to be a warm, comforting drink.
Is Bone Broth a Diet?
Some people follow a short-term bone broth diet, where bone broth replaces meals for a day or two. But for most people, bone broth works best as:
- A supplement to meals
- A protein boost
- A low-calorie snack
- A gentle option when appetite is low
It’s not meant to replace whole foods long-term.
The Honest Reality Check
Bone broth is:
- Supportive for skin, joints, gut, hydration, and satiety
- Easy to digest
- High in protein for very few calories
But it’s not:
- A miracle cure
- A detox solution
- A long-term meal replacement
Its real power is that it’s:
nutritionally dense, emotionally comforting, and extremely easy to consume.
Which is exactly why so many people quietly turn it into a daily ritual without even realizing it.
Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
