By Julia Anne Favaro

This winter, bone broth hot chocolate has entered the scene of peculiar wellness drinks. Is this another unappetizing health fad or your next sweet treat? Keep reading to discover the health benefits of bone broth and how you can enjoy it in a steaming cup of hot chocolate. And yes, it tastes good!

What Is Bone Broth and Is It Good For You?

Simply put, bone broth is made by boiling animal bones in water until the water absorbs the bone marrow and nutrients. Sometimes, other ingredients such as meat or vegetables are also boiled for additional flavor and nutrients. Bone broth is rich in collagen, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus which support bone, joint, and muscle health. Collagen, in particular, is a protein in animal bones that the body uses to build tissues, muscles, and bones. Collagen is typically said to promote skin, nail, and hair health, however, there is not enough research to currently support this. The nutritional makeup of bone broth depends on the animal it comes from and its quality. Homemade bone broth is the most reliable, but store-bought broths can still provide a plethora of health benefits. The amount of time the bones boil determines the amount of nutrients in the broth. When shopping for a bone broth, look for broths that have six or more hours of simmering time or have a gel-like texture from the collagen and other nutrients. It is important to note that many bone broths tend to be high in sodium, but are still a healthy source of nutrients. 

To make your own bone broth, check out this recipe. Homemade bone broth is a great way to use up any leftover bones, meat, or vegetables. 

Opting for store-bought?

• Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth and Chicken Bone Broth

• Roli Roti Chicken Bone Broth

Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Trend

Bone broth has been gaining popularity and is now being used to add extra nutritional benefits to hot chocolate. Many TikTok creators, such as @ebbymoyer and @_gloyoyo, share how they enjoy bone broth hot chocolate and tips to make sure your cozy mug of hot chocolate doesn’t taste like chicken. One of the most common recommendations is to avoid using bone broth with additional vegetables and seasoning as it gives it a stronger broth flavor that competes with the chocolate. Chicken or beef bone broths tend to be the most successful. 

How to Make Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

Recipe by Mary’s Whole Life

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bone broth
• ½ cup milk of choice
• 2 Tbsp cacao powder
• 1 ½ Tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat
2. Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined
3. Enjoy!