Written by the Plenthera team (orthomolecularly trained). Scientifically reviewed in May 2026. Last updated: 28 May 2026.

Ancestral food is a collective term for foods that have largely disappeared from modern Western cuisine, but were central to almost all traditional cultures: bone broth, organ meats (liver, heart, kidney), 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 pageWhat falls under ancestral food? · Our ancestral food brands and sub-categories · Frequently asked questions · Combine with · Sources

What falls under ancestral food?

Bone Broth

Bone broth is slowly simmered from animal bones and joints. Provides collagen, glycine, gelatin, minerals. Available in supplement form as freeze-dried powder.

Organ supplements

Freeze-dried grass-fed liver (vitamin A, B12, copper, iron), heart (CoQ10, taurine), kidney (selenium, B12), or multi-organ blends. A wholefood approach to vitamin A supplementation.

Colostrum

First milk from the cow after calving. Contains immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors. Researched for immune and gut support.

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 — potential vitamin A overdose.

Tallow

Rendered beef fat — used as cooking fat and as skin oil. Fatty acid profile similar to human sebum, therefore popular in natural skincare.

Our ancestral food brands and sub-categories

• Big Food — Dutch wholefood brand — bone broth, organs, creatine, colostrum, chaga
• Bone Broth — all bone broth products
• Colostrum — colostrum supplements for immune and gut health
• Green Pasture — fermented cod and skate liver oil, butter oil
• Plent Tallow — beef fat as skin oil
• Tallow — all tallow products
• Plent Bone Broth Collagen — bone broth collagen formula

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 standardized, isolated nutrients. Ancestral food proponents find the matrix effect of wholefood superior; opponents point to a lack of dose control.

Is ancestral food only for carnivore adherents?

No. Many paleo followers, ancestral health advocates, and people with deficiencies (e.g., low ferritin after pregnancy → liver supplement) use ancestral food as a targeted supplement.

Can I take liver supplements during pregnancy?

Preferably not without advice. Liver is extremely rich in vitamin A (retinol), and exceeding the recommended intake during pregnancy is associated with birth defects. Always consult your midwife.

What is colostrum?

The first milk a cow (or human) produces after birth. Rich in immunoglobulins and growth factors. Being researched for immune and gut support, 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 don't 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 compounds that are lost during hot extraction. However, it is more expensive and has varied batch composition.

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 doesn't cover (e.g., vit D)
• Beautiful Skin from Within — collagen, tallow, fatty acids
• Immune & Resistance — colostrum and fermented cod liver oil

Sources & references

• Voedingscentrum — organ meats and vitamin A considerations
• EFSA — Tolerable Upper Intake Level vitamin A (3,000 µg/day adult)
• Playne (2018) — Colostrum: composition and bioactive components
• Hsu et al. (2017) — Bone broth: collagen and nutritional composition

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