Best Bone Broth in Australia: What to Look For Before You Buy

Bone broth has become increasingly popular in Australia as more people rediscover traditional foods that support gut health, recovery and everyday nourishment.

But not all bone broths are created equal.

From supermarket cartons to slow-simmered traditional broths, the quality can vary dramatically depending on how the broth is made, the bones used and how long it is cooked.

If you're trying to find the best bone broth in Australia, here are a few key things worth paying attention to before you buy.

What Defines the Best Bone Broth?

When people talk about the “best” bone broth, they are usually referring to broths that are made using traditional preparation methods and high-quality ingredients.

Some key indicators of a well-made bone broth include:

• high-quality grass-fed or pasture-raised bones
• long simmering times to properly extract collagen
• a high bone-to-water ratio
• naturally occurring protein levels
• simple, minimally processed ingredients

When these elements are done well, bone broth develops a rich flavour and naturally forms gelatin when cooled.

What Makes a High-Quality Bone Broth in Australia?

Traditional bone broth is made by slowly simmering bones for long periods of time to extract collagen, gelatin, amino acids and minerals.

The quality of the final broth depends largely on three factors:

• the quality of the bones
• how long the broth is simmered 
• whether the broth is properly concentrated

When these elements are done well, bone broth develops a rich flavour and naturally forms gelatin when cooled - a sign that collagen has been properly extracted.

Protein Content Can Indicate Broth Quality

Another useful indicator of bone broth quality is the protein content listed on the nutrition panel.

Because collagen and gelatin are forms of protein, broths made with a higher bone-to-water ratio typically contain more naturally occurring protein. This happens when more bones are used during cooking and the broth is simmered long enough to properly extract collagen from the bones.

For this reason, looking at the protein per serving can sometimes help when comparing bone broths. Broths with higher protein levels per serve are often a sign of a more concentrated broth made with a higher bone-to-water ratio.

Some traditionally prepared liquid bone broths contain over 10 grams of protein per serving, reflecting a broth made with a generous amount of bones and a long simmering process.

Why Grass-Fed Bones Matter in Bone Broth

One of the most important differences between bone broths is the quality of the bones themselves.

High-quality bone broth is typically made from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals, as these animals tend to have a more natural diet and lifestyle.

Many premium bone broth producers in Australia prioritise sourcing bones from trusted farmers who raise animals using traditional farming practices.

Using better quality bones results in a broth that is richer, more flavourful and more nutrient dense.

Bone Broth Concentrate vs Traditional Bone Broth

Another factor that affects bone broth quality is concentration.

Many supermarket broths are heavily diluted, meaning you need to consume large volumes to get the benefits.

Bone broth concentrates are different.

They are made by slowly simmering broth and then reducing it into a concentrated form.

This allows you to easily add a spoonful to:

• soups
• sauces
• cooking
• a warm daily broth drink (cup of soup)

Concentrated broths are often preferred by people who want the benefits of bone broth without needing to store large containers in the fridge, while also offering greater convenience and a longer shelf life.

Traditional bone broth is also often considered a whole food, as it is typically made from simple ingredients such as bones, water and salt, using slow cooking methods rather than heavy processing.

What About Bone Broth Powders?

Bone broth powders are another format that has become popular in recent years.

These products are typically made by dehydrating bone broth into a powdered form that can be mixed with hot water or added to recipes. Powders can be convenient because they are lightweight and easy to store.

However, because the production process varies between brands, the flavour, protein levels and ingredient quality can differ widely. Some powders are made from dehydrated bone broth, while others may include additional ingredients such as flavourings, starches or other additives.

Powdered broths also tend to contain little to no fat, which means they may not have the same rich flavour and mouthfeel that many people associate with traditionally prepared liquid bone broths.

For this reason, when choosing a bone broth powder it can be helpful to check both the ingredient list and the protein content per serving to better understand how concentrated the product is.

How to Compare Bone Broths When Shopping

When comparing bone broths, it can be helpful to look beyond the front label and consider how the broth was actually made.

Several factors can influence the final quality of the broth, including:

• the quality of the bones used
• the length of the cooking process
• the bone-to-water ratio
• the level of natural protein in the finished broth
• whether the broth is diluted or concentrated

Broths made using more bones and longer simmering times typically develop deeper flavour and higher levels of naturally occurring collagen and gelatin.

It is also helpful to understand how protein comparisons work between concentrates and traditional liquid broths.

Bone broth concentrates often show very high protein levels per 100 grams because the broth has been reduced into a concentrated form. However, concentrates are usually diluted before drinking or cooking.

Once diluted according to serving instructions, the amount of protein per prepared serving may sometimes be lower than a well-made traditional liquid broth.

For example, a traditionally prepared liquid bone broth made with a high bone-to-water ratio may contain around 10 grams or more of naturally occurring protein per serving, while a prepared serving made from concentrate may contain less depending on the dilution ratio.

For this reason, it can be helpful to compare bone broths based on protein per prepared serving, rather than protein per 100 grams.

How Long Should Bone Broth Be Simmered?

Traditional bone broth is typically simmered for many hours, sometimes up to 24 hours or more.

This slow cooking process helps break down connective tissue and release collagen, gelatin and amino acids into the broth.

Short-cooked broths often lack the depth of flavour and nutritional richness that traditional broths are known for.

Signs of a Well-Made Bone Broth

When evaluating different bone broths, a few simple indicators can help identify a well-made broth.

Traditional bone broths that are prepared using time-honoured cooking methods often share several characteristics.

These may include:

• slow simmering for many hours
• high quality grass-fed or pasture-raised bones
• a higher bone-to-water ratio
• simple ingredients such as bones, water and salt
• naturally occurring protein levels
• broth that becomes lightly gelatinous when cooled

These characteristics are often signs that the collagen and gelatin have been properly extracted during the cooking process.

Why More Australians Are Adding Bone Broth to Their Diet

Many people choose to include bone broth as part of their daily routine because it is:

• rich in collagen and gelatin
• naturally nourishing and easy to digest
  
• traditionally used to support gut health
• a warming, savoury alternative to processed snacks

For busy families, bone broth can be an easy way to add nourishment to everyday meals.

Where to Buy Bone Broth in Australia

High-quality bone broth in Australia can be found through specialty food producers, online stores, health food shops and some local butchers.

Many small producers now also offer the option to buy bone broth online, making it easier to access traditionally prepared broths delivered directly to your door.

Some brands also offer subscription options, allowing customers to receive bone broth regularly without needing to reorder each time.

When choosing a bone broth, it’s worth looking for brands that prioritise traditional preparation methods and high-quality ingredients.

Some key things to look for include:

• slow simmering methods v's pressure cooking
• high quality grass-fed bones
• a high bone-to-water ratio
• minimal processing

Traditional broths that are naturally high in protein and become gelatinous when cooled often reflect a higher bone-to-water ratio, which is a good indicator of a well-extracted broth. A well-made high protein bone broth typically contains more collagen and gelatin because more bones have been used during the cooking process.

Some broths are also made without onion or garlic, which can make them suitable for people looking for a low FODMAP bone broth or those with more sensitive digestion.

While bone broth concentrates can offer convenience and longer shelf life, many people still prefer traditional broths because they remain closer to the original slow-simmered broth and often contain higher levels of naturally occurring protein.

Simple Ways to Use Bone Broth Daily

Many people enjoy bone broth as a warm drink, but it can also be added to:

• soups and stews
• sauces and gravies
• cooking grains like rice
• slow cooked meals
• quick nourishing drinks during busy days

Because concentrated broth stores easily, they can be kept on hand for quick use throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Bone broth has been used for generations as a traditional, nourishing food. As interest in whole foods continues to grow in Australia, more people are looking for broths made with high-quality bones, simple ingredients, and slow-simmered methods.

Whether you prefer traditional ready-to-use broths or the convenience of a bone broth concentrate, choosing a well-made broth can make all the difference - especially if you’re looking for options like high protein bone broth or a low FODMAP bone broth (no onion or garlic) for sensitive digestion.

If you're looking to buy ready-made bone broth online, you can explore The Broth Sisters range of traditional bone broths and bone broth concentrates,  including liquid broths that contain over 10 grams of naturally occurring protein per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between bone broth and stock?

Bone broth is typically simmered for longer than stock, which helps extract more collagen and gelatin from the bones.

How much bone broth should you have per day?

Many people enjoy a cup daily, but it can also be used in cooking throughout the day.

Can bone broth be low FODMAP?

Some bone broths are made without onion or garlic, which may suit people looking for a low FODMAP option.