Protein powders are one of the most popular nutritional supplements today, with many people using them to aid recovery, build muscle and ensure they’re meeting their daily protein goals. 

Whilst they dominate the supplement market, protein powders aren’t the only way to top up your protein intake - or even the most effective. 

In this blog, we’ll look at what protein powder offers and how that compares to the benefits of bone broth. 

What is Bone Broth?

Made by simmering meaty animal bones for up to 24 hours, bone broth is a nutritionally-dense broth which is high in natural, easy-to-digest protein. Containing just four, 100% natural ingredients, bone broth is a timeless wholefood with a rich nutritional profile. 

Made from meaty bovine, poultry or fish bones, our bone broths also contain a broad range of other nutrients, including collagen, essential amino acids and hydrating electrolytes, as well as vitamins and minerals. 

Bone broth’s high nutritional value can offer a wide range of benefits which go beyond protein, from better gut health and healthier hair, to better sleep and reduced inflammation.

Bone broth is also available in several different forms, including classic liquid broth, a versatile nutritional powder, and a subtly sweet instant shake. 

What is Protein Powder?

Protein powder is a concentrated form of protein, derived from a variety of animal or plant sources including whey, pea, soy and eggs. 

These powders undergo high levels of processing to create the final product, which can remove many of the naturally occurring micronutrients. This results in a protein concentrate or isolate powder which can range from 25-90% pure protein, with the rest of the contents often consisting of carbohydrates, fats, sweeteners and added sugars. 

Protein powders are typically used as a shake-style drink, but can also be added to food or other drinks to help boost the nutritional value. 

Comparison: Bone Broth vs Protein Powder

Whilst bone broth and protein powders both provide an option for increasing your protein intake, there are several significant differences between the two.

Let’s take a look at bone broth vs protein powder side by side, to help you decide which is the right choice for you. 

Nutrition 

With most protein powders, the sole nutritional focus is on protein itself and the amino acids provided by each protein source. For example, whey and soy protein contain all 9 essential amino acids, whilst pea protein is a source of arginine. 

Designed to offer a convenient option for those looking to supplement their protein intake, these powders lack many other important nutrients.

Bone broth, however, is a wholefood which contains a breadth of other natural macro- and micronutrients. Alongside protein, bone broth also provides collagen, essential amino acids and hydrating electrolytes, as well as vitamins and minerals. 

This combination of nutrients can help your body to absorb and utilise protein more efficiently, as well as offering a number of other health benefits. Bone broth’s benefits include strengthening your hair, healing your gut and even improving your sleep. 

Winner: Bone Broth

Bioavailability 

When it comes to bioavailability, or how well your body can absorb the nutrients, whey protein is the most bioavailable option when it comes to typical protein powders. Plant-based proteins, such as soy or pea, are less easily absorbed, making them a potentially more inefficient option. 

However, the protein in bone broth is the most bioavailable form because our bodies recognise protein in its natural form.  Also, bone broth contains other nutrients which protein powders don’t have, which helps to further enhance absorption of the protein. 

Winner: Bone Broth

Convenience

One of the biggest benefits of protein powder is that it is easy to use and store. Most protein powders can last for up to 18 months on your shelf, and are quick to prepare. 

Available in several different forms, bone broth is also a convenient option, as well as being highly versatile. You can drink our classic bone broth straight from the carton, use our dehydrated nutritional powder in recipes, smoothies and hot drinks, or enjoy it as a subtly sweet homemade-style milkshake. 

When it comes to convenience, both bone broth and protein powders are easy and quick to use. 

Winner: It’s a tie! 

Ingredients

Our bone broth is made from four simple, wholefood ingredients - water, meaty bones, vegetables and herbs. There are no additives, binders, fillers or artificial ingredients whatsoever.

Protein powders, however, are heavily chemically processed to dissolve and extract the protein within. After the protein is processed, flavourings and sweeteners are added to mask the bitter taste which comes from processing. These additives can trigger gut issues for many people.  

Another significant topic in the bone broth vs protein powder debate is their dietary suitability. Whey protein is a dairy product, which can be a barrier for many people with dairy allergies or intolerances. Bone broth is dairy, gluten and yeast free, making it a great choice for those with specific dietary requirements.

Winner: Bone Broth

How to Use Bone Broth

If bone broth sounds like a good option for achieving your protein goals but you’re not quite sure how best to use it, read on for some tips and serving suggestions. 

Classic Bone Broth

Our classic Bone Broth is bone broth in its original form - a delicious, nutritious liquid broth. 

You can enjoy bone broth as a drink, hot or cold, or use it as the base for soups, stews and many other recipes. 

Bone Broth Nutrition Powder

If you’re looking for the nutrition of bone broth but not the flavour, our Bone Broth Nutrition is a versatile, mildly flavoured powder which can be easily added to any recipe to add some extra hidden goodness.

Use Bone Broth Nutrition in your morning smoothie or evening meal for a quick and easy protein boost. 

The Bone Broth Shake

The most similar option to a traditional protein shake, the Freja Bone Broth Shake is a subtly sweet, indulgent way to get all the nourishing benefits of bone broth in a delicious and convenient milkshake. 

Available as Vanilla Bean, Wild Strawberry, Raw Cacao or Unflavoured, the Bone Broth Shake is easy to make and takes just a few seconds. Use a shake as a nutritious breakfast on the go, a way to recharge after the gym, or a healthy guilt-free treat for the family any time of the day.  

Conclusion

When it comes to bone broth vs protein powder, bone broth can give you everything protein powders can, but protein powders cannot give you everything bone broth can.

From being more gut-friendly to offering a wider range of nutrients, bone broth is the natural solution for those looking to up their protein intake.