Written by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in May 2026. Last updated: 18 September 2026.

Ancestral food is a collective term for foods that have virtually disappeared from modern Western cuisine but were central in almost all traditional cultures: bone broth, organ meat (liver, heart, glands), colostrum, fermented cod liver oil and rendered animal fats (tallow, ghee). The paleo and carnivore movements are bringing this wholefood category back into the spotlight. Not vegan-friendly, but for those who eat ancestrally: nutrient-dense and functional.

On this page What counts as ancestral food? · Our ancestral food brands and subcategories · Frequently asked questions · Combine with · Sources

What counts as ancestral food?

Bone Broth

Bone broth is slowly simmered from animal bones and joints. It provides collagen, glycine, gelatine and minerals. Available in supplement form as freeze-dried powder and as a concentrated paste.

Organ supplements

Freeze-dried grass-fed liver (vitamin A, B12, copper, iron), heart (CoQ10, taurine), organ blends and gland combinations (adrenal, thyroid). A wholefood approach to vitamin A supplementation. See the organ subcategory.

Colostrum

The cow's first milk after calving. Contains immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and growth factors. Being researched in connection with the immune and gut themes.

Fermented cod liver oil

Traditionally prepared by fermentation instead of modern heating. Naturally provides vitamin A and D in a natural ratio. Not for pregnant women — exceeding the upper limit for vitamin A is possible.

Tallow

Rendered beef fat — traditionally used as a cooking fat and as a skin balm. Its fatty acid profile resembles human sebum, which is why it is popular in natural skincare.

Our ancestral food brands and subcategories

• Big Food — Dutch wholefood brand — bone broth, beef liver, creatine, colostrum, chaga
• Real Roots — freeze-dried organ capsules, bone broth paste, colostrum, biltong and beef heart bites
• Bone Broth — all bone broth products
• Organ — liver, heart, organ blend, adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, lung, testicle, brain
• Colostrum — colostrum supplements as powder and capsules
• Green Pasture — fermented cod and skate liver oil, butter oil
• Tallow — Plent Tallow Balsem: beef fat as skincare
• Bone Broth Ancestral Food — bone broth collagen formulas and combinations

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ancestral food and regular supplements?

Ancestral food supplements are wholefood — concentrated versions of traditional foods. Regular supplements are often standardised, isolated nutrients. Supporters of ancestral food consider the matrix effect of wholefood superior; opponents point to the lack of dose control.

Is ancestral food only for carnivore followers?

No. Many paleo followers, ancestral health enthusiasts and people who want to supplement in a targeted way (for example iron after a pregnancy via liver) use ancestral food as a supplement.

Can I take liver supplements during pregnancy?

Preferably not without advice. Liver is extremely rich in vitamin A (retinol); the tolerable upper limit is 3,000 µg per day, and exceeding it during pregnancy is associated with birth defects. Always ask your midwife.

What is colostrum?

The first milk a cow (or human) produces after giving birth. Rich in immunoglobulins and growth factors. Being researched in connection with the immune and gut themes, sports recovery and skin repair.

Is bone broth really that healthy?

Bone broth provides collagen, glycine and minerals, but in modest amounts. A good alternative for those who do not eat meat on the bone, but not a miracle cure.

Why fermented cod liver oil instead of regular fish oil?

Fermentation preserves the natural vitamin A/D balance and bioactive substances that are lost in hot extraction. It is more expensive, though, and batch composition varies.

Combine with other categories

Ancestral food fits into a broader wholefood framework:

• Superfoods & Mushrooms — the main category
• Collagen — wholefood bone broth and isolated peptides combine well
• Vitamins & Supplements — for what ancestral food alone does not cover (vitamin D, for example)
• Beautiful Skin from Within — collagen, tallow, fatty acids
• Immunity & Resistance — colostrum and fermented cod liver oil

Sources & references

• Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre) — organ meat and vitamin A considerations (advice: no liver during pregnancy)
• EFSA (2024) — Tolerable Upper Intake Level for vitamin A (3,000 µg retinol/day, adults)
• Playne (2018) — Colostrum: composition and bioactive components
• Hsu et al. (2017) — Bone broth: collagen and nutritional composition

Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If in doubt, always consult your doctor or an orthomolecular therapist.