The Bare Bones The quick answer
Bone broth is as simple as warming a cup and seasoning it, and as flexible as a base for soups, grains, and sauces. Most daily sippers land on one to two cups, and stored properly it keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge or a few months in the freezer, per USDA guidance.
- Drink it warm and seasoned, like a savory tea, or blend it into a latte.
- Cook with it as a rich base for soups, grains, sauces, and braises.
- How much: no set amount, but 1 to 2 cups a day is common. Results vary.
- Store it: 3 to 4 days in the fridge, up to a few months frozen (USDA).
- Cool it fast and refrigerate within 2 hours to stay food-safe.
One of the best things about bone broth is how easy it is to work into a normal day. You can sip it, cook with it, and keep a batch on hand for weeks. Here is how to drink it, cook with it, how much to have, and how to store it so it stays safe and delicious.
How to Drink Bone Broth
The simplest way is to warm a cup and season it to taste, like a savory tea. A little salt, pepper, and maybe a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce turns plain broth into something you look forward to. You can also blend it into a frothy, cozy bone broth latte. It is an especially good choice when you are unwell or worn out, which clinical dietitians recognize.
“I will recommend broths for people who are experiencing electrolyte imbalances.”
L.J. Amaral, clinical dietitian, Cedars-Sinai
How to Cook With Bone Broth
Anywhere a recipe calls for stock or water, bone broth adds body and savory depth. Use it as the base for soups and stews, cook grains like rice, quinoa, or risotto in it instead of water, build pan sauces and gravies on it, or add a splash to braises and sauteed greens. Because it already carries protein and gelatin, it makes even a simple bowl feel more nourishing.
How Much Bone Broth Should You Drink?
There is no official recommended amount. Many people who sip it daily settle on one to two cups, but the right amount is personal, so let comfort and your routine guide you rather than a number. One thing worth watching is sodium, especially with store-bought broths, so choose lower-sodium options if you drink it often or watch your salt.
When to Drink It
Timing is flexible. A morning cup is a warm, protein-forward way to start the day. A cup before or between meals can gently take the edge off hunger, which is part of why it suits the bone broth diet. And an evening cup is a soothing wind-down, leaning on the glycine that has been studied for restful sleep. For more on those effects, see bone broth benefits.
How to Store Bone Broth Safely
Storage is easy if you follow basic food-safety rules. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, cooked leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or about 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Because bone broth is a lean, broth-based liquid, it sits at the longer end of that fridge window, but 4 to 5 days is a sensible ceiling. Cool a big batch quickly by dividing it into shallow containers, and get it into the fridge within two hours of cooking, since food left out longer enters the bacterial “danger zone.” Freezing in portions or ice cube trays keeps a single batch handy for weeks.
Reheating and Food Safety
Reheat bone broth thoroughly, bringing it to a rolling boil or at least 165°F, and only reheat the portion you plan to use. Label and date your containers so you are not guessing later, and when in doubt, throw it out: discard broth with an off smell, cloudiness, or a film, even inside the recommended window. People who are pregnant, older, or immunocompromised should be especially careful with storage times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bone broth should I drink a day?
There is no required amount. Many daily drinkers settle on one to two cups. Let comfort and your routine guide you, and watch the sodium if you drink it often.
How long does bone broth last in the fridge?
About 3 to 4 days by USDA guidance, and up to 4 to 5 for a plain, well-cooled broth. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Can you freeze bone broth?
Yes, and it freezes beautifully. Cool it fully, then freeze in portions or ice cube trays for up to a few months. Thaw in the fridge.
When is the best time to drink bone broth?
Whenever it fits your day. Morning for a protein-forward start, before meals to curb hunger, or the evening as a soothing wind-down.
Can I drink bone broth every day?
For most people, yes, as a low-calorie source of protein and hydration. Choose lower-sodium options for daily use, and keep the rest of your diet varied.
Sources & References
Independent, third-party sources. No brand-funded or competitor-commissioned studies are cited as evidence; where cited research was industry-funded, that is noted in the text.
[1] “Bone Broth: Is It Good for You?” (L.J. Amaral, RD). Cedars-Sinai. www.cedars-sinai.org/stories-and-insights/expert-advice/bone-broth
[2] “Leftovers and Food Safety.” USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
[3] Rahimi N, Launico MV. “Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis.” StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, U.S. National Institutes of Health. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/