Sourcing the Best Ingredients for Your Bone Broth

Niharika Prinsloo
May 23
3 min read

Making Bone Broth, but Missing the Magic?

You’ve simmered, seasoned, and strained—but your broth still tastes flat or lacks the golden gel of collagen-rich goodness. The problem likely isn’t your technique, it’s your ingredients.

At BROTHHH, we’ve found that sourcing the best ingredients for bone broth is what transforms a simple simmer into a nutritional powerhouse. Whether you’re making it for gut health, joint support, or post-workout recovery, it all starts with what you put in the pot.

I’ll Cover:

Why sourcing matters for nutritional and flavor quality
How to choose the best bones and vegetables
Key herbs, spices, and extras that boost health benefits
Where to find high-quality, local, or sustainable ingredients
Internal links to recipes and further reading

Why Ingredient Quality Matters

Bone broth is only as good as the parts that build it. Clean, nutrient-dense ingredients don’t just improve flavor—they directly affect the mineral content, collagen yield, and bioavailability of key nutrients.

Why it works:

Grass-fed and pasture-raised bones yield more collagen and healthy fats
Organic vegetables are richer in antioxidants and free from pesticide residues
Local sourcing means fresher ingredients with higher nutrient retention

Pro tip: Skip supermarket stock bones. Visit local butchers or farmers' markets for fresher, more nutrient-dense options.

The Best Bones for Bone Broth

Bones are the backbone—literally—of any great broth. But not all bones are created equal.

What to look for:

Marrow Bones: Packed with collagen, fat, and minerals
Joint Bones (knees, feet, necks): High in cartilage for gelatin production
Meaty Bones (oxtail, shanks): Add depth of flavor and extra amino acids

Broth-worthy tip: Combine types for a nutrient-dense, flavorful blend.

Recommended recipe: Bone Broth Braised Short Ribs – rich in both meat and marrow.

Vegetables That Boost Nutrition

While bones provide the base, veggies contribute key minerals, vitamins, and flavor.

Top picks:

Onion & Garlic: Sulfur compounds aid detox and immunity
Celery & Carrot: Provide potassium, magnesium, and subtle sweetness
Leeks, Parsley Stems, and Fennel: Boost digestion and mineral content

How to prep: Use scraps for sustainability, but always wash and trim well.

Next step: Try the Savory Bone Broth Risotto with Parmesan & Herbs to give your broth a second life.

Herbs, Spices & Boosters That Matter

Don’t underestimate these small additions—they have big impact.

Go-to flavor and health enhancers:

Bay Leaves & Thyme: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Turmeric Root: Powerful anti-inflammatory agent
Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps extract minerals from bones
Seaweed (Kombu): Adds iodine, enhances umami

Recipe to try: Slow Cooker Bone Broth Chicken Curry uses spices that naturally support immunity and digestion.

Where to Source High-Quality Ingredients

Choosing the best ingredients for bone broth starts with sourcing.

Smart sourcing tips:

Bones: Visit local butchers, regenerative farms, or online specialty meat suppliers. Ask for grass-fed, hormone-free sources.
Veggies: Buy in-season organic produce from local co-ops or markets
Herbs & Boosters: Bulk herbs can be found at apothecaries or zero-waste shops; look for freshly dried or organic

Don’t forget: Broth is an opportunity to reduce waste. Save clean veggie trimmings and bones in your freezer between batches.

FAQs About Choosing Best Ingredients for Bone Broth

Do I need to use organic everything? Not always—but prioritize organic for thin-skinned veggies (like celery) and herbs to avoid pesticide buildup.

What bones give the most collagen? Joints, chicken feet, and necks have the highest collagen content. Marrow bones add depth and richness but less gelatin.

Can I make great broth with just one bone type? Yes, but combining bones (marrow + joint + meaty) gives the best results in texture and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

The secret to rich, nutrient-packed broth doesn’t lie in fancy tools or trendy techniques—it’s in sourcing. When you choose the best ingredients for bone broth, you’re investing in your wellness from the inside out.

Whether you’re cooking to recover, restore, or simply relax, start with the source. At BROTHHH, we’re here to guide you one simmer at a time.

Ready to turn your next pot into a healing ritual? Explore Our Bone Broth Recipes Now