Walk into any high-end grocery store and you'll see a sea of powders. It’s a bit overwhelming, honestly. Amidst the chaos of neon pre-workout labels and vegan pea proteins, Ancient Nutrition—the brand co-founded by Dr. Josh Axe—sits there with its minimalist, earthy aesthetic. Dr Axe bone broth isn't just another supplement; it’s basically the product that turned a niche "paleo" trend into a multi-million dollar industry.
Most people are skeptical. You should be. Why pay thirty or forty bucks for a jar of powder when you could just throw some beef marrow bones in a Crock-Pot and wait twenty-four hours?
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The answer isn't just about convenience. It’s about the specific molecular profile of what’s inside that tub. When Dr. Josh Axe and Jordan Rubin launched Ancient Nutrition, they weren't just selling soup. They were selling a solution to "leaky gut" and joint decay, backed by the idea that our modern diets are "collagen-deficient." But does the powdered version actually hold up to the real thing?
The Science of Why We’re All Obsessed with Bone Broth
Let's get real for a second. Our ancestors didn't throw away the carcass. They boiled it. This extracted collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine—amino acids that are shockingly rare in a diet consisting mostly of chicken breasts and protein shakes.
Dr Axe bone broth aims to replicate this ancient extraction process but in a shelf-stable format. The primary draw here is Type II collagen. While most collagen supplements on the market are sourced from bovine hides (Type I and III), the chicken-based broth from Ancient Nutrition is naturally rich in Type II. That’s the stuff that actually makes up your joint cartilage. If your knees click every time you stand up, Type II is what you’re likely hunting for.
Research published in Nutrients and other clinical journals has long suggested that collagen peptides can support skin elasticity and joint comfort. However, the nuance matters. Bone broth isn't just collagen. It contains glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like hyaluronic acid and glucosamine. These are basically the "grease" for your joints. When you drink the Dr Axe version, you're getting these compounds in a food-based matrix, which some practitioners argue is more bioavailable than isolated synthetic pills.
Is the Powder Actually "Real" Broth?
This is where people get tripped up. How do you turn a liquid soup into a dry, beige powder without destroying the nutrients?
Ancient Nutrition uses a process of simmering the bones and connective tissue, then dehydrating the resulting liquid into a concentrated protein powder. It’s not just "flavoring." If you look at the amino acid profile on the back of a tub of Dr Axe bone broth protein, you’ll see high concentrations of glycine. Glycine is the "underdog" amino acid. It helps with DNA synthesis and—interestingly—can help lower your core body temperature at night to improve sleep quality.
I’ve tried the DIY route. It's messy. Your house smells like a butcher shop for two days. Sometimes the fat doesn't separate right and you end up with a greasy mess that’s hard to swallow. The powder exists because most of us have jobs and don't have time to skim scum off a boiling pot at 3:00 AM.
Why the Source of the Bones Matters So Much
You can't make high-quality broth from sick animals. Period.
One thing Dr. Axe has been very vocal about—and this is backed by their "certified B Corp" status—is the sourcing. They use grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle and non-GMO, cage-free chickens. This isn't just a marketing "feel good" thing. It’s a heavy metal thing. Bones are storage depots for minerals, but they can also store lead and other toxins if the animal is raised in a contaminated environment. By sourcing from cleaner environments, the risk of "concentrating" toxins in the broth is significantly lowered.
Addressing the "Leaky Gut" Claims
You’ve probably heard the term "leaky gut" (intestinal permeability) tossed around by every wellness influencer on Instagram. While mainstream medicine was slow to adopt the term, the medical community now acknowledges that the gut barrier's integrity is vital for preventing systemic inflammation.
The gelatin in bone broth is a hydrophilic colloid. Basically, it attracts and holds liquids, including digestive juices. This helps the "mucosal layer" of your gut stay healthy. Dr Axe bone broth contains high levels of L-glutamine, an amino acid that serves as the primary fuel for the cells lining your small intestine.
It’s not a magic potion. You can't eat a diet of processed sugar and fried oils, take a scoop of bone broth, and expect your gut to be "healed." It’s an adjunct. It’s a tool.
The Flavor Factor: What It Actually Tastes Like
Let's be honest. Some of these powders taste like ground-up wet dog.
The "Pure" unflavored version of Dr Axe bone broth is... functional. It’s not delicious. It tastes like a very mild, slightly savory stock. If you put it in a fruit smoothie, you will taste it. It’s much better in coffee (if you’re into the bulletproof style) or stirred into a savory soup or oatmeal.
The Chocolate and Vanilla versions are where they’ve gained the most traction. They use stevia and monk fruit, so there’s no sugar crash. But be warned: the texture is different from whey protein. It’s "stickier" because of the gelatin content. If you don't use a blender or a frother, you're going to have clumps.
Comparing the Options: Bovine vs. Chicken vs. Turmeric
Not all of the Ancient Nutrition broths are created equal.
- Chicken Base: This is the OG. Best for joints and skin because of that Type II collagen content. It’s the closest thing to a traditional "grandma’s chicken soup" profile.
- Beef Base: Usually higher in Type I and III. Better for hair and nails. It has a slightly "earthier" taste.
- Turmeric Ginger: This is a fan favorite for a reason. Turmeric is notoriously hard for the body to absorb. However, when it’s paired with the fats and proteins in bone broth, its bioavailability increases. It’s a double-whammy for inflammation.
Common Misconceptions and Where People Get It Wrong
A big mistake people make is replacing their entire protein intake with bone broth.
Don't do that.
Bone broth protein is an "incomplete" protein. It lacks tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids. If you only eat bone broth protein and nothing else, you'll eventually run into a deficiency. It is meant to supplement a diet that already includes complete proteins like eggs, meat, or beans. Think of it as a "functional" protein rather than a "muscle-building" protein in the traditional bodybuilding sense.
Another myth? That "collagen is collagen." It’s not. There are over 20 types of collagen in the human body. If you’re buying a cheap "collagen" supplement that doesn't specify its source or type, you might be getting a high-dose of Type I when your body actually needs the Type II found in Dr Axe bone broth to support your spinal discs.
Practical Ways to Use It Every Day
If you’re just drinking it with water, you’re doing it wrong. It’s boring.
- The "Savory Boost": Add a scoop of the Pure flavor to your rice water while it’s boiling. The rice absorbs the protein and minerals.
- The Morning Elixir: Use the Chocolate flavor in hot almond milk with a splash of cinnamon. It’s basically a healthy hot cocoa that actually keeps you full.
- The Recovery Bowl: Stir it into Greek yogurt. The thick texture of the broth powder actually makes the yogurt feel more like a decadent mousse.
How to Tell if It’s Working
You won't feel a "buzz" like caffeine. That’s not how this works.
Usually, the first sign is your nails. They get harder. They stop peeling. Then, after about 3-4 weeks of consistent use, the "morning stiffness" in your joints starts to dissipate. Skin changes usually take the longest—about 60 to 90 days—because that’s how long it takes for your skin cells to actually turn over and reflect the new collagen matrix being built underneath.
Making the Final Call
Is Dr Axe bone broth worth the premium price?
If you are someone who struggles with digestion or has nagging joint pain, the answer is likely yes. The quality of the sourcing—being non-GMO and hormone-free—matters when you’re consuming a concentrated animal product every day.
However, if you're just looking for a cheap protein shake after the gym, this isn't it. You’re paying for the "functional" benefits, not just the macros.
Actionable Next Steps for Better Results
- Check the Label: Look for the specific "Bone Broth Protein" label, not just "Collagen Peptides." They are different products with different mineral profiles.
- Start Slow: If your gut is sensitive, start with a half scoop. The high concentration of minerals and amino acids can sometimes cause a "healing crisis" or mild bloating if you jump in too fast.
- Mix it Right: Buy a cheap handheld milk frother ($10). It is the only way to get a smooth consistency with bone broth powder.
- Time it Correcty: For joint support, try taking it about 30-60 minutes before light exercise. Some studies suggest that having collagen in your bloodstream during activity helps "drive" those amino acids into the connective tissues.
- Stack Your Nutrients: Always ensure you have enough Vitamin C in your diet. Your body cannot physically synthesize collagen—even if you have the raw materials from the broth—without Vitamin C as a cofactor. Squeeze some lemon into your water or eat some bell peppers alongside your broth habit.