Dehydrated Bone Broth vs Hydrolysed Bone Broth: What's the Difference?
If you've been shopping for bone broth, you've probably come across terms such as dehydrated, hydrolysed, spray dried and collagen peptides. Although they can appear similar on the shelf, they are produced in very different ways.
Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a bone broth for drinking or cooking.
In this guide we'll explain:
- What dehydrated bone broth is
- What hydrolysed bone broth is
- How the manufacturing methods differ
- Whether one is better suited to your needs
- What to look for when buying bone broth
What Is Dehydrated Bone Broth?
Dehydrated bone broth starts life as real liquid bone broth.
Bones, vegetables and herbs are slowly cooked (or pressure cooked in some traditional recipes) before the liquid broth is strained and the water is gently removed.
Only the water is removed.
When mixed back with hot water, it simply becomes bone broth again.
Quality dehydrated broths typically contain:
- Bones
- Vegetables
- Herbs
- Water
without needing unnecessary fillers or preservatives.
What Is Hydrolysed Bone Broth?
Hydrolysed bone broth is produced differently.
Rather than making a traditional broth first, manufacturers break proteins down into smaller fragments using enzymes or industrial processing methods.
The aim is usually to create a highly soluble protein powder that mixes easily into drinks.
Depending on the manufacturer, hydrolysed products may contain:
- hydrolysed collagen
- hydrolysed proteins
- flavourings
- stabilisers
- additional ingredients
Every manufacturer is different, so it's always worth checking the ingredients list.
Dehydrated vs Hydrolysed Bone Broth
Is Hydrolysed Bone Broth Bad?
Not necessarily.
Hydrolysed products aren't "bad"—they're simply different.
Some people choose hydrolysed collagen because it dissolves easily into coffee or smoothies.
Others prefer dehydrated bone broth because it begins as a complete broth made using traditional cooking methods.
The right choice depends on how you plan to use it and what you're looking for.
Is Dehydrated Bone Broth Still Real Bone Broth?
Yes.
Dehydration simply removes water.
Once hot water is added back, it becomes bone broth again.
This is similar to other dehydrated foods such as herbs, vegetables or mushrooms, where removing water allows them to be stored for much longer.
Why Many People Choose Dehydrated Bone Broth
Many customers choose dehydrated broth because it offers:
✔ Long shelf life
✔ Lightweight packaging
✔ Less food waste
✔ No refrigeration
✔ Quick preparation
✔ Easy storage
✔ Simple ingredients
What Should You Look For?
When comparing products, consider:
- How the broth was made
- The ingredient list
- Protein content
- Whether unnecessary fillers have been added
- Whether it starts as real bone broth
These factors often tell you more than the marketing on the front of the packet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dehydrated bone broth the same as hydrolysed bone broth?
No. Dehydrated bone broth is made by removing water from prepared broth, while hydrolysed products use a different manufacturing process that breaks proteins into smaller peptides.
Is dehydrated bone broth still nutritious?
Removing water doesn't automatically remove the naturally occurring protein from a properly prepared broth. The nutritional values will vary between manufacturers and recipes.
Why do companies hydrolyse bone broth?
Hydrolysis can improve solubility and speed up production for some products. Different manufacturers choose different production methods.
Does dehydrated bone broth contain preservatives?
Not necessarily. Many dehydrated broths rely on low moisture content for shelf stability rather than preservatives.
Which is better?
Neither is universally "better". They are different products made using different processes. Your choice depends on your intended use, preferred ingredients and taste.