Is Bone Broth a Better Replacement for Morning Coffee?

Should your morning coffee be replaced with a mug of warm bone broth?

Many social media influencers advocate replacing the morning caffeine hit with a high-protein bone broth, asserting that it not only caters to hot beverage cravings, but also facilitates energy without caffeine-induced jitteriness.

Some users share anecdotal claims of skin clearing, improved digestion, etc., after consuming bone broth regularly.

Testing this for yourself entails minimal risk.

“The general populace can consume bone broth safely, and it might be a wholesome addition to your diet if taken in moderation,” Health was told by Kristin Draayer, MS, RD, an accredited dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, and certified personal fitness trainer.

Discover why you might wish to incorporate bone broth into your morning routine and if it should completely replace coffee.

Bone broth, especially in alternative health environments, has long been rumored to have numerous potential benefits, such as relief for joint pain, improving gut health, and even preventing wrinkles.

Nevertheless, Draayer points out that such claims lack robust scientific backing.

The majority of research conducted on the effects of bone broth was performed on animals rather than humans, necessitating further research for clinical validation.

For instance, a 2021 study on mice suggested that bone broth could reverse the damage caused by ulcerative colitis. Previous studies concerning bone broth’s anti-inflammatory benefits have also primarily used mice, not humans, for experiments.

Very few studies have substantiated any correlations with human health.

Even those that have, only provide a partial outlook.

“Most studies concentrate on specific collagen types as opposed to bone broth as a whole. Plus, many commercially available bone broths do not disclose the specific type of collagen they contain,” Draayer informed Health.

Nevertheless, this does not suggest that bone broth has no positive aspects.

“Bone broth is rich in protein, a crucial macronutrient,” Draayer highlighted. “Even though it is not a complete protein as it lacks some amino acids, it still contributes to your daily protein requirements.”

For example, one cup of organic beef bone broth contains 9 grams of protein—18% of the daily value for someone consuming 2000 calories per day. Consuming adequate protein promotes muscle growth, effective weight management, and wound recovery, among other benefits.

Despite the fact that both can be served hot, bone broth and coffee aren't very similar.

The flavors are completely different. Replacing coffee with bone broth will require adjusting to its savory, umami flavor from coffee's acidic, bitter taste.

Nutritionally, they differ significantly. Coffee contains approximately 2 calories per cup, while bone broth might have about 40 calories per cup.

Therefore, incorporating bone broth could potentially increase your caloric intake in the mornings.

However, if you regularly add cream, sugar, or other sweeteners to your morning coffee, bone broth could reduce your intake of calories, sugar, and fat.

“Choosing bone broth over coffee could be beneficial, especially for those who tend to sweeten their coffee excessively. Sugar-laden beverages can lead to energy crashes post-consumption,” Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT, a registered dietitian and owner of One Pot Wellness, informed Health.

A significant nutritional difference between the two beverages is their sodium content.

Although there is no defined limit for safe consumption of bone broth, Draayer recommends moderation. A cup of bone broth can contain nearly 350 milligrams or 15% of the recommended daily limit of sodium, while coffee contains a mere 4.7 milligrams per cup.

This could pose a deterrent for individuals at increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disease.

The primary nutritional distinction between bone broth and coffee—the one that has stirred up a social media storm—is protein content.

Again, a regular cup of bone broth offers 9 grams of this macronutrient whereas coffee provides none.

According to Chun, bone broth enthusiasts are right in saying that this savory drink provides steady energy, eliminating the jitteriness or crashes associated with coffee. Although bone broth lacks caffeine (you might not experience an immediate energy surge), it could provide a more stable energy release throughout your morning.

Moreover, the protein content of bone broth could provide additional benefits not associated with coffee.

“The high protein content of bone broth can help keep you full and satisfied for longer, which has the benefits of reducing cravings for sweet foods that are associated with a low-protein breakfast,” Chun said.

Deciding whether to make the switch from a traditional brew to a cup of bone broth is up to you. But if coffee brings you joy, it may not be worth nixing it from your routine.

“Bone broth serves as an excellent option for those aiming to reduce caffeine,” Draayer said. “Yet, for avid coffee drinkers, there’s no pressure to quit—enjoy your brew as part of a balanced diet.”

According to Chun, there’s no harm in drinking both beverages, either altering them from day to day or consuming them together.

“Drinking a combination of the two beverages in the morning can help reduce the jitters associated with consuming coffee alone,” she said. “In my opinion, the benefits experienced with bone broth and coffee are complementary.”