The Australian bone broth market now includes concentrates, powders, liquid pouches, frozen blocks, and shelf-stable cartons. The price range spans from budget supermarket options to premium organic products. The quality range is just as wide. Not all bone broths are equal, and the label does not always make the differences obvious.
This guide explains what to look for on a bone broth label, what the key quality indicators are, and how to distinguish a genuinely slow-simmered, nutrient-dense broth from a product that is essentially flavoured water with added protein.
The Five Things to Check
1. The Ingredient List
A high-quality bone broth should have a short ingredient list: bones, water, vegetables, herbs, and perhaps apple cider vinegar. If the list includes yeast extract, 'natural flavours', maltodextrin, or vegetable powders high up the list, the product is relying on flavour additives rather than the bones themselves for taste. The bones should be the first ingredient after water.
2. Protein Content Per Serve
Protein content is a reasonable proxy for gelatin concentration, though not perfect. A quality bone broth powder should deliver 7 to 12g of protein per serve. A liquid broth should deliver 6 to 10g per cup. Very low protein content (2 to 3g) suggests a dilute product or a short simmer time.
3. The Gel Test
If you buy a liquid broth, refrigerate it. A broth with meaningful gelatin content will set to a jelly-like consistency. If it stays liquid, the gelatin content is low, meaning the broth was not simmered long enough or did not contain sufficient collagen-rich bones. For powders, mix with hot water and refrigerate. BBBB bone broth gels. Every batch.
4. Certification
Look for the ACO Bud logo or equivalent organic certification. Without it, claims about 'organic', 'pasture-raised', or 'grass-fed' ingredients are unverified. Certification is the only guarantee of independently audited sourcing standards.
5. Sourcing Transparency
Can the brand tell you where their bones come from? Can they name the farms? A brand that is transparent about its supply chain is a brand that stands behind the quality of its starting materials. BBBB sources chicken bones from Inglewood Organic Farm and beef bones from certified organic Australian cattle operations.
What to Avoid
Added sugars or sweeteners of any kind. Artificial colours or flavours. 'Natural flavours' (which can include a wide range of processed flavouring agents). High sodium content without a clear reason. Shelf-stable packaging with no refrigeration requirement (which typically indicates UHT processing or significant preservation). Bone broth made from concentrate rather than from whole bones.
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BBBB Bone Broth: certified organic, from named farms, gels every batch. Shop the range. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a good bone broth?
Check the ingredient list (short, bones first), protein content per serve (7 to 12g for powder), the gel test (should set when refrigerated), organic certification (ACO Bud logo), and sourcing transparency (can the brand name its farms?).
What should I avoid in bone broth?
Yeast extract, 'natural flavours', maltodextrin, added sugars, artificial colours, and products with very low protein content (2 to 3g per serve). These indicate a product relying on additives rather than genuine bone extraction.
Does bone broth need to be refrigerated?
Quality liquid bone broth with no preservatives should be refrigerated. Shelf-stable broths have typically been UHT-processed or preserved, which can affect nutrient integrity. Bone broth powder is shelf-stable by nature and does not require refrigeration.
What is the best bone broth in Australia?
The best bone broth is certified organic, made from pasture-raised bones, simmered for 18+ hours, contains no artificial additives, gels when refrigerated, and comes from a brand that can name its farms. BBBB meets all of these criteria.
Where can I buy BBBB bone broth?
Available online at the Byron Bay Bone Broth website with delivery across Australia. Founders Club subscribers save 20%.
References
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Australian Organic Limited. Australian Certified Organic Standard 2023. austorganic.com.
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Ecotraders. Best Bone Broth Australia (2026): Reviews and Price Comparison. ecotraders.com.au. February 2026.
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Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Australian Food Composition Database. foodstandards.gov.au. Accessed: July 2026.
