Best Collagen Peptide Powder: Expert-Recommended and Top-Reviewed Brands
A dash of collagen is a real game-changer! While we focus a lot on our overall health with supplements, collagen peptide powder helps with the internal system and the outside of the body. If you want to see your skin, nails, and hair shine for years, try taking a collagen peptide supplement.
Collagen peptides are a recommended product by many dieticians to increase collagen levels and protein in the body. But with tons of brands in the market, which is the best collagen peptide powder you can pick?
Every collagen brand in the market is different, each with different sources and ingredients. Some of them might be from marine sources, while others are grass-fed collagens. Collagen peptide powders might also include other essential nutrients or have simply collagen. So, the best product will depend on the user’s preference and requirements.
Scroll below to learn more about collagen peptide powders, a list of the top-rated products in the market, and buying and intake guidelines.
Top 10 Collagen Peptide Powder
Take a look at the details of the recommended and hand-picked collagen peptide powders that you can choose per your preference and condition.
Our Suggestions
- Popular Choice: Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptide
- Best for Travel: Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides Travel
- Best for Active People: Momentous Collagen Peptides Powder
- Best for Athletes and Trainers: Sports Research Powder Supplement
- Best for Grass-fed Source: Garden of Life Collagen Coconut MCT Powder
- Best for Pregnant and New Moms: Needed Prenatal Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein
- Best Sustainable Collagen: Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen
- Best Multi-nutrients Collagen: Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein
- Best Marine Source: Anthony’s Collagen Peptide Powder
- Best Vegan Source: Sunwarrior Vegan Collagen Building Powder
Comparison Table
| Product | Amount | Artificial Additives | Key Ingredient | Other Nutrients |
| Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptide | 20g | None | Bovine Collagen | Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C |
| Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides Travel | 20g | None | Bovine Collagen | None |
| Momentous Collagen Peptides Powder | 16.9g | None | Two types of collagen, Fortigel and Bovine | Vitamin C and sodium |
| Sports Research Powder Supplement | 11g | None | Bovine Collagen | None |
| Garden of Life Collagen Coconut MCT Powder | 10.5g | Stevia | Grass-fed Collagen | Probiotics, Biotin, Vitamin C, emulsifiers, and silica |
| Needed Prenatal Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein | 15g | None | Grass-fed Collagen | None |
| Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen | 5g | Beetroot and strawberry flavorings | Marine Collagen | Vitamin C |
| Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein | 10g | None | Fermented eggshell collagen | SBO probiotics and vitamin C |
| Anthony’s Collagen Peptide PowderSunwarrior Vegan Collagen Building Powder | 13g 14g | None Flavorings | Marine Collagen Brown-rice peptide, bamboo-derived silica, and fermented pea protein | None Vitamin C, biotin, buckthorn, spirulina, and hyaluronic acid |
1. Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptide
Vital Proteins currently dominates the collagen powder market, and its flagship product, Original Collagen Peptides, stands out as a bestseller. Packed with 20 grams of types I and III collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and vitamin C in a single scoop, it has demonstrated benefits in wrinkle control giving you 18g of pure protein and no gluten or dairy.
Notably, Vital Proteins are versatile, dissolving easily in hot and cold liquids. Crafted from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, it adheres to Paleo and Whole30 standards, making it a healthy addition to your morning coffee or smoothie. Other striking features are its fine powder form, lack of odor, and taste, coupled with the absence of artificial additives or sweeteners. However, plain and cold water might have some difficulty dissolving it properly.
Furthermore, the product boasts third-party certification by NSF, adding an extra layer of credibility. Undoubtedly, it is the best thing in the market that you can trust blindfoldedly!
What to Like:
- Thin texture
- Easy to dissolve in any liquid
- Only one scoop is needed per drink
Not Desired:
- Might taste a little unpleasant with water
2. Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides Travel
This one is perfect for those with a fast-paced lifestyle or frequent travelers. The individual stick packs deliver a substantial 20 grams of collagen protein in each serving. If you are looking for an all-natural powder, this is the one for you; it has only one ingredient—bovine collagen—without any additives.
It also aligns with keto, Paleo, and Whole30 dietary preferences, ensuring broad compatibility, including a third-party verification by NSF. You will also get a distinct taste and smell that are desirable. It is also hydrolyzed for faster dissolving into your morning coffee or smoothie. However, unlike other collagen powders, it doesn’t contain other beneficial elements like vitamins or hyaluronic acid.
What to Like:
- Travel-friendly for the stick packs
- Easy to dissolve
- Free from artificial ingredients
Not Desired:
- Quite expensive
3. Momentous Collagen Peptides Powder
This one is for all athletes and trainers! It has all the ingredients suitable for active people with a dual-action formula featuring two proprietary collagen types. The first, Fortigel, is a patented form of collagen hydrolysate that helps with joints and cartilage, while the second is a grass-fed bovine collagen peptide known to enhance hair, skin, and nails.
Notably, the formula is also enriched with 50 mg of vitamin C, a key element in collagen production within the body, and has no gluten. A little sodium is added to help recover the lost sodium from sweat. This collagen peptide powder is not only NSF-certified, aligning with industry standards, but it also undergoes third-party verification by Informed Sport, emphasizing its commitment to quality and safety with no restricted sports substances.
What to Like:
- Best for joints and recovery from injuries
- High-quality formula with protein and vitamin C
- Contains other valuable nutrients
Not Desired:
- Slightly flavored
4. Sports Research Powder Supplement
Sports Research Collagen Powder stands out as an excellent option for athletes, backed by third-party testing and Informed Choice Certification, ensuring the accuracy of its label. It is also absent of harmful contaminants or banned substances for sports.
Each serving provides 11 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen, encompassing types I and III, delivering 10 grams of protein. The product is conveniently packaged in single-serve packets for intake during travel. You can easily use any warm liquid to make the powder solution. It has no artificial flavors, only pure bovine collagen.
However, there might be a slight chalky taste in plain water. But it seamlessly integrates into the coffee. Moreover, its efficient dissolution in hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, without leaving clumps behind enhances its user-friendly qualities.
What to Like:
- Includes pure collagen
- No harmful substances are restricted in sports
- Travel-friendly
Not Desired:
- Might not dissolve properly in all liquid forms, especially cold ones.
5. Garden of Life Collagen Coconut MCT Powder
Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Coconut Powder is an excellent collagen for coffee lovers, mimicking a creamer and imparting a delightful vanilla, coconut, and slightly sweet flavor. Each serving offers 10 grams of Type I and II hydrolyzed collagen, providing 9 grams of protein.
The powder dissolves seamlessly in coffee, leaving no clumps, and is also suitable for blending into smoothies. In addition, MCT powder from organic coconuts within the product offers easily digestible fats and an alternative energy source with potential health benefits. However, MCT may leave a slight oily sensation in the mouth due to its fat content.
It also combines fats and protein, offering a blood sugar-stabilizing alternative to many conventional creamers. Additionally, it incorporates probiotics that may support a healthy gut microbiome. You will also get a sweet taste from stevia and no added sugar.
What to Like:
- Natural source from bovine
- Excellent flavor
- Contains various useful elements
Not Desired:
- No third-party certifications
6. Needed Prenatal Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein
If pregnant women or new mothers are bothered about taking collagen, then the Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein powder is the right one. It offers a standard unflavored collagen peptide for women, so expecting mothers can specifically benefit from their prenatal line.
Experts have claimed it is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Others can also take it at any time. and it can be utilized at any other time as well. The prenatal line serves as an easy and convenient way for anyone, especially pregnant mothers, to incorporate a protein boost into their routine.
What to Like:
- Helps the baby for development
- Regulates blood sugar during pregnancy
- Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women
Not Desired:
- Difficult to dissolve it properly in some beverages
7. Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen
For an eco-friendly collagen option, consider Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen Powder. The company prioritizes sustainability, sourcing fish from certified sustainable fisheries, utilizing biofuel in manufacturing, and maintaining a Gold LEED certification for their headquarters.
The powder is free from artificial additives, offering 4,200 mg of hydrolyzed collagen peptides with a mild strawberry flavor. It also includes 45 mg of Vitamin C per serving and 4g of protein. You can easily make a solution in hot and cold water, though the taste is better in cold beverages to avoid activating the marine collagen’s scent.
Interestingly, it has a little beetroot juice, giving it a natural color and a subtle berry taste. A little stevia is also added, which might offer a little artificial taste.
What to Like:
- Sustainable marine source
- Contains vitamin C
- Easy to dissolve in any liquid
Not Desired:
- Low in protein
8. Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein
Another highly beneficial collagen powder recommended by experts and is third-party tested. It encompasses 10 types of collagen derived from four sources, featuring a proprietary fermented eggshell membrane collagen that promotes skin, joint, and gut health. The formulation also includes SBO probiotics for digestive support and vitamin C for antioxidant properties.
So, if you want a collagen powder with other useful elements for good health, opt for this one. It is also perfect to help with joint pains, osteoporosis, and faster recovery. But remember that it doesn’t dissolve well in cold water and might leave a chalky taste.
What to Like:
- Contains various useful ingredients
- Great for improving digestive health
- Improves the immune system
Not Desired:
- Might cause allergic reactions due to eggshells.
9. Anthony’s Collagen Peptide Powder
This marine collagen supplement stands out for being sourced from wild-caught fish and offering additional benefits. It is a non-GMO product, flavorless, and free of dyes and synthetic ingredients.
This one is considered highly effective, utilizing hydrolyzed marine-derived collagen, providing 13g of collagen per serving. In addition, it can easily boost protein intake when mixed into smoothies, sauces, or drinks. The supplement is keto- and paleo-friendly and undergoes gluten-free testing for added dietary suitability.
However, you might not get the desired third-party authentication. However, it is produced under rigorous safety standards, with in-house testing and adherence to CGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practices).
What to Like:
- Only one active ingredient and gluten-free
- Easy to absorb due to hydrolyzation
- Cost-effective brand
Not Desired:
- Might have a fishy taste
10. Sunwarrior Vegan Collagen Building Powder
For a plant-based approach to boost collagen production, Sunwarrior’s vegan collagen-building powder is a compelling choice. Carefully crafted from a blend of vegan ingredients, this powder is tailored to nourish the body and promote the development of healthy skin, hair, and nails. In this formulation, you will get maximum cell hydration and amino acid optimization for collagen from organic brown rice peptides, bamboo-derived silica, and fermented pea protein.
Collagen is the key component in this plant-based supplement. It offers a delicious and effective alternative to traditional collagen supplements, delivering all the benefits without animal products. Apart from collagen, it also has vitamin C and spirulina. Although perfect for a vegan option, keep in mind that this won’t offer extra collagen but simply increase your collagen levels.
What to Like:
- Available in various flavors
- Contains other important elements
- Easy to dissolve
Not Desired:
- Expensive
How to Choose a Collagen Powder?
Before you consider getting your perfect brand for collagen powder, you need to think of some other factors that would help you get the right powder as per your health and other conditions. Besides, selecting a good brand isn’t enough; your collagen powder must also have these other criteria fulfilled to suit you well and offer you the benefits.
Choose Collagen Peptides or Hydrolyzed Collagen
This is the most recommended one; look for either term on the package. Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed collagen, meaning the collagen is broken down for easier digestion. To confirm full hydrolyzation, check if the instructions recommend dissolving the powder in hot and cold water.
Check the Collagen Type for You
Types I, II, and III are common collagen supplements. For anti-aging benefits, choose type I or a combination of type I and III, to improve skin health. If you’re interested in joint health, bone density, and pain relief, opt for type II collagen found in cartilage. Studies suggest type II collagen and hydrolyzed collagen are safe and effective for reducing osteoarthritis symptoms, but more research is needed.
Form and Source
Apart from powder, collagen is also available in capsules and liquid form. They also have similar results to the powder form. Other than that, based on your health condition, you must consider the source of the collagen, which usually comes from either a cow or fish. But be careful not to get any plant-based or others labeled as vegan or vegetarian-friendly since there is no such authenticated collagen yet.
Third-Party Testing
Always ensures that the product has gone through third-party testing. This would prove that the supplements are free from contaminants and contain the stated ingredients. However, not all third-party testing is reliable and can’t guarantee user safety. Trusted certifications include ConsumerLab.com, NSF, and USP, but obtaining them is costly. So, you can also research the manufacturer’s reputation and contact them and their testing lab to understand protocols before consuming a supplement.
Ingredients and Potential Interactions
Carefully review supplement labels for ingredient amounts relative to recommended daily values. Some collagen supplements include zinc and vitamins, which in excess may have adverse effects. Digestive enzymes in collagen powders may not benefit healthy individuals and could cause unwanted effects for some. In addition, be aware of added sugar and alternative sweeteners if you want to avoid sugar.
Select Grass-fed Collagen
Grass-fed collagen is simply a healthier option. Collagen is derived from bovine or poultry sources, and opting for grass-fed ensures that the animal is likely healthier, resulting in higher-quality collagen.
How Does Collagen Work?
Collagen is crucial for forming and maintaining connective tissues in the body, supporting bones, muscles, skin, tendons, and cartilage.
Collagen powder, typically containing hydrolyzed collagen, works by providing the body with amino acids and peptides that serve as building blocks for collagen. Upon ingestion, these components are broken down in the digestive system and absorbed into the bloodstream, where they are utilized by cells to synthesize new collagen. This newly synthesized collagen plays a crucial role in repairing and renewing connective tissues throughout the body, including skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage.
Research suggests collagen supplements may enhance joint mobility, reduce joint pain, and improve skin elasticity. However, more in-depth studies are necessary to confirm these findings. Nevertheless, it is proven that collagen benefits the skin and joint problems.
Benefits of Collagen
Collagen doesn’t directly offer benefits, but the body breaks it down for absorbing amino acids and peptides. So, we need to take more protein and other nutrients to facilitate the benefits of collagen powder. However, according to studies, some benefits of collagen are:
- Studies indicate that oral collagen, particularly types I and III from bovine and marine sources, can enhance skin appearance and elasticity and reduce wrinkles, especially in older women with sun-damaged skin.
- Collagen supplements may also contribute to hair growth and reduced breakage, supported by a small study demonstrating thicker hair after 12 weeks of oral collagen supplementation.
- In post-menopausal women, collagen may positively impact bone density, as suggested by limited research.
- Collagen has demonstrated the potential to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve joint movement.
- It can also help with digestion and better gut health.
- More collagen in the body can increase the rate of recovery from injuries and overall muscle mass.
Drawbacks
The side effects are quite mild, or even negligible, and won’t cause long-term problems. Some possible troubles upon regular intake might be diarrhea, bloating, or skin rashes, all of which are temporary.
Collagen powder is also not beneficial for vegans or vegetarians since it mostly comes from animal sources. Besides, if you have any allergies, especially to eggs or fish, then it’s better to avoid them.
Types of Collagen
Collagen supplements are derived from two main sources: animals and plants. Animal-based collagen is commonly sourced from fish scales, pork or chicken skin, bone broth, or egg whites. Plant-based collagen supplements are typically produced using modified yeast and bacteria.
Collagen is generally found in two different forms:
- Peptides: Peptides consist of shorter chains of collagen that are broken down for easier absorption.
- Gelatin: This is essentially a cooked and degraded version, often made from animal bones, skin, and cartilage and used as a gel in supplements.
How to Take Collagen Powder?
Collagen is safe to take at any time of the day. But, you must follow the recommended dosage instructions after consulting your doctor or a nutritionist. You should also avoid consuming collagen powder on an empty stomach to minimize potential mild digestive side effects.
Typically, collagen powder can be mixed into cold liquids such as smoothies or shakes and hot beverages like coffee. Collagen is also mixed into soups, sauces, salad dressings, marinades, and baked goods. Use hot liquid to mix the powder so that it won’t clump.
Check the container of your chosen collagen powder for the brand’s suggested ingestion methods.
FAQ
Are collagen and protein powder safe together?
You can easily mix collagen and other protein powders for extra health benefits. Both of them will offer you a range of different amino acids. However, you should also manage the quantity to ensure you aren’t overloading on protein. The best thing to do is to obtain protein from natural food sources along with the collagen powder.
How long does it take for collagen to show results?
After a regular intake for two months, you might notice some changes. But the change might be very mild. It depends on how the body absorbs collagen. Usually, our body takes in nutrients from the bloodstream whenever needed, so it won’t be long before it uses up all the collagen.
What happens after stopping collagen intake?
There won’t be any significant changes to the body even after discontinuing with collagen. You can easily stop taking it at any time. Instead, too much protein from collagen might, at one point, be a problem for the gut.
Which is better, liquid or powder?
The best one depends on personal preference, convenience, and side effects. All forms of collagen offer the same benefits, so choose either the liquid or powder form based on your diet, comfort, and budget.
Is collagen suitable for weight loss?
There’s no relation between the body’s weight and collagen. After taking collagen, the body gets extra protein, which might reduce hunger and cause fullness. This would mean that you would eat less than usual. thing specific about collagen that would create changes in your body’s weight. But this doesn’t mean you can have a weight loss supplementation with collagen.
Conclusion
The market has a wide range of collagen peptide supplements for you, differing in ingredients, quantity, and form. Simply check the collagen type, source, external ingredients, and third-party testing before purchasing any brand. Most of these brands offer other valuable elements or simply pure collagen.
Collagen peptide is highly beneficial for the skin and hair and usually has little or no major side effects. You can take it for as long as needed and stop it without any issue. However, with any supplementation regime, it is better to consult a healthcare professional for the right dosage and type of collagen according to your health condition to avoid any interaction.
Leave a Reply