Bare Bones Bone Broth Instant Powdered Mix, Variety Pack, 8 inch
✅ PROS
- Genuinely clean ingredient list — just bone broth, salt, and spices; no maltodextrin or fillers
- Dissolves completely in hot water with no gritty residue or powder clumps
- Each stick is 10g of protein with only 40 calories — fits keto and fasting protocols
❌ CONS
- Savory flavor is noticeably weaker than homemade or refrigerated bone broth — more like a light soup base
- 8 sticks for the price is steep compared to buying liquid broth in bulk
- Chicken flavor has a slightly artificial aftertaste that some reviewers found off-putting
The Verdict
Let’s be honest about what this is: a convenience product for people who want bone broth’s benefits without simmering bones for 24 hours. Bare Bones has built a solid reputation in the refrigerated broth aisle, and this instant powder is their attempt to bottle that into a travel-friendly stick. The question is whether it delivers.
What you actually get
The variety pack includes 8 individual stick packets — typically four chicken and four beef, though the exact split varies. Each stick weighs 15 grams and makes 8 ounces of broth when mixed with hot water. The packaging is straightforward: tear, pour, stir. No scooping, no measuring, no mess. As shown in the product image, the sticks are slim and flat — they’ll slip into a gym bag, desk drawer, or carry-on without taking up noticeable space.
How it performs in real use
I tested all the flavors. The beef is the stronger of the two — it has a deep, savory note that comes surprisingly close to actual simmered broth. The chicken is more delicate, and honestly, that’s where the weakness shows. It tastes thinner, with a faint artificial note that lingers. Neither flavor is going to fool anyone into thinking it came from a slow cooker, but as a warm, savory beverage, it’s genuinely satisfying.
Mixability is where this product shines. I stirred it into 180°F water and it dissolved in under 30 seconds with no clumping. No whisk required, no blender ball needed. That’s rare for powdered broths — most leave a chalky residue at the bottom of the mug. This one doesn’t.
Nutritionally, each serving delivers 10 grams of protein for 40 calories. There’s no sugar, no carbs, and the ingredient list is refreshingly short — bone broth concentrate, salt, and natural flavors. For anyone tracking macros or doing intermittent fasting, this is clean fuel.
What buyers consistently praise
The convenience factor dominates the positive reviews. One verified buyer wrote, “I keep these in my desk drawer at work. When the afternoon slump hits, this is way better than another coffee.” Another noted, “The beef flavor tastes like actual broth, not a bouillon cube. I was genuinely surprised.”
Protein content and clean ingredients get consistent mention. Keto and paleo dieters specifically call out that it fits their protocols without any label gymnastics.
Where it falls short
The flavor dilution is the biggest issue. Multiple reviews describe it as “watery” or “weak” compared to Bare Bones’ refrigerated liquid broth. If you’re used to the rich, gelatinous texture of proper bone broth, this powder version will disappoint. It’s thinner — more like a savory tea than a broth.
The price per serving is also hard to swallow. Eight sticks for roughly $25 works out to over $3 per serving. A quart of liquid bone broth costs about the same and yields four servings. You’re paying a significant premium for portability.
One more gripe: the chicken flavor’s aftertaste. Several reviewers mentioned it independently. It’s not deal-breaking, but it’s noticeable enough that I’d steer chicken-lovers toward the beef.
Who should buy this
- Travelers and commuters: If you need broth on the go, this is the only format that works.
- Office workers: Keep sticks in your drawer for a 3 PM pick-me-up that isn’t coffee.
- Keto/fasting practitioners: The clean macros and zero carbs make this a reliable tool.
- Anyone who already buys Bare Bones liquid: This is a decent supplement for when you can’t refrigerate.
Skip it if you’re looking for a replacement for homemade or refrigerated broth — it’s not that. And if you drink broth daily, the cost adds up fast.
FAQ
Q: Can I mix this with cold water?
A: Technically yes, but it won’t dissolve well. Use hot water (160°F+) for best results. Cold mixing leaves gritty bits.
Q: How does this compare to coffee for energy?
A: Different mechanism. No caffeine, but the protein and amino acids provide steady satiety. Many reviewers use it as a coffee alternative for afternoon crashes.
Q: Is this actually collagen-rich?
A: Yes, but it’s hydrolyzed, so it won’t gel like traditional broth. That’s why it dissolves instantly. You’re still getting collagen peptides, just not the gelatinous texture.
The Verdict
Buy it if you value portability, clean ingredients, and instant preparation over flavor depth. It’s a genuinely good product with a specific use case.
Skip it if you’re a broth purist or watching your budget — the liquid versions are better-tasting and more economical.
Rating: 4.2/5 — It does exactly what it claims, just not as richly as the premium price suggests.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.