In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat Is Collagen?The Bottom LineChoosing a Collagen PowderOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
What Is Collagen?
The Bottom Line
Choosing a Collagen Powder
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:EatingWell / Nick Simpson
EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Collagen is the “it” ingredient these days. After all, it’s now a regular add-in to items like smoothies andsmoothie bowlsat home, your gym café or your neighborhood smoothie shop—and for good reason because taking collagen regularly (evenevery day) may help your skin appear younger and less wrinkly, speed up wound healing, help with recovery from a hard weight-lifting session, strengthen your hair and bones and ease joint pain.
While a total of 28 types of collagen have been discovered, five are the most common. Type I is the most abundant in our body, making up over 90% of the collagen in the human body. This form of collagen is in the skin, bone, teeth, tendons, ligaments and organs. Type II is in cartilage, and type III is mainly in the skin, muscle and blood vessels. Type IV is in the epithelial tissue layers, which cover body surfaces and line body cavities. And then type V is one of the main elements of cell surfaces and the placenta.But from a supplement standpoint, you’ll mostly find Types I, II and III.
There arefoods that are naturally rich in collagen. And there areother forms of collagen supplements, like capsules and liquid. There are also so-called vegan collagen supplements on the market, and they don’t actually contain collagen (collagen is inherently not vegan). Instead, these products comprise other ingredients that stimulate collagen production.
But arguably, the most popular way to up your collagen intake is with a collagen powder. Collagen powders can be extracted from a few different sources, with the most common being bovine (cattle), porcine (pigs), ovine (sheep), chicken and fish (usually labeled “marine” collagen).
Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEVital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder at Amazon$50$35Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Garden of Life Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein at Amazon$33Jump to ReviewBest for Convenience:Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides at Amazon$46Jump to ReviewBest for Athletes:Momentous Collagen Peptides at Amazon$52Jump to ReviewBest for Skin, Hair and Nails:Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow at Amazon$27Jump to Review
Best Overall:SALEVital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder at Amazon$50$35Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Garden of Life Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein at Amazon$33Jump to ReviewBest for Convenience:Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides at Amazon$46Jump to ReviewBest for Athletes:Momentous Collagen Peptides at Amazon$52Jump to ReviewBest for Skin, Hair and Nails:Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow at Amazon$27Jump to Review
Best Overall:SALEVital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder at Amazon$50$35Jump to Review
Best Overall:SALEVital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder at Amazon$50$35
Best Overall:
SALE
Also Great:Garden of Life Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein at Amazon$33Jump to Review
Also Great:Garden of Life Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein at Amazon$33
Also Great:
Best for Convenience:Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides at Amazon$46Jump to Review
Best for Convenience:Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides at Amazon$46
Best for Convenience:
Best for Athletes:Momentous Collagen Peptides at Amazon$52Jump to Review
Best for Athletes:Momentous Collagen Peptides at Amazon$52
Best for Athletes:
Best for Skin, Hair and Nails:Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow at Amazon$27Jump to Review
Best for Skin, Hair and Nails:Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow at Amazon$27
Best for Skin, Hair and Nails:
Best OverallVital Proteins Collagen Peptides PowderPHOTO: Amazon$50$35 at Amazon$20 at Target$20 at Walmart
Best OverallVital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Best Overall
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
PHOTO: Amazon
$50$35 at Amazon$20 at Target$20 at Walmart
Available sizes:9.33 ounces |Item form:Powder |Servings:13 or 28 |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:It only takes one scoop and mixes well with hot or cold liquids.
Vital Proteins is the leader in the collagen powder market, and rightfully so, with such a diverse product line. But their OG—Original Collagen Peptides—is their bestseller for a reason: One scoop gives you 20 grams of collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and vitamin C. According to a 2021 study, consuming 120 milligrams of HA for 12 weeks improved wrinkle control in men and women ages 35 to 64.
Vital Proteins is made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, paleo-friendly, and Whole30-approved. It is also soluble in hot or cold liquids—though when we put it to the test, we found it took a little longer to dissolve in cold water, and there was some leftover sediment (and more than the other collagen powders we tested). When we drank it plain in water, we noticed a slight taste. Throw it in your coffee or smoothie in the morning, though, and it’s odorless and tasteless, you won’t even know it’s there.
PHOTO: EatingWell / Joy KimPHOTO: EatingWell / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Joy KimPHOTO: EatingWell / Jhett Thompson
Also GreatGarden of Life Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen ProteinPHOTO: Amazon$33$31 at Amazon$23 at Target$37 at Walmart
Also GreatGarden of Life Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein
Also Great
Garden of Life Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein
$33$31 at Amazon$23 at Target$37 at Walmart
Available size:19.75 ounces |Item form:Powder |Servings:28 |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:UnknownWhat we like:This collagen powder contains two types of collagen, so it’s formulated to support skin, hair and joint health. A serving also provides a healthy dose of probiotics.
This collagen powder has a lot going for it, which may explain why it’s so highly rated on Amazon. First, it delivers two types of collagen (Type I and III), which means it supports healthy skin, hair and joints. A single serving also delivers 1.5 billion CFU probiotics. And this particular product from Garden of Life is NSF-certified.
According to NSF’s website, only one other collagen product in Garden of Life’s line is certified—the Wild Caught & Grass Fed Collagen Hyaluronic Acid powder (view on Amazon). Both are unflavored and can be stirred into hot or cold beverages or mixed or sprinkled onto other foods.
Best for ConvenienceBubs Naturals Collagen PeptidesPHOTO: Bubs Naturals$46 at AmazonView on Bubsnaturals.comView on Thefeed.com
Best for ConvenienceBubs Naturals Collagen Peptides
Best for Convenience
Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides
PHOTO: Bubs Naturals
$46 at AmazonView on Bubsnaturals.comView on Thefeed.com
Available size:7 ounces |Item form:Powder |Servings:20 |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:UnknownWhat we like:The stick packs are very convenient when you’re on the go.
What to know:It’s quite pricey if you follow their recommendation to take two stick packs a day.
In our tests, we found Bub’s collagen dissolved the best of the group in cold liquids and had almost no sediment left over. The flavor was barely noticeable in plain water, and in flavored drinks, it was undetectable.
This company believes in giving back, and 10% of all profits go to the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation, which provides educational and recreational support to soldiers and their families. They also offer military and first responders a discount when purchasing their products.
PHOTO: EatingWell / Joy KimPHOTO: EatingWell / Joy Kim
Best for AthletesMomentous Collagen PeptidesPHOTO: Amazon$52 at AmazonView on Livemomentous.com
Best for AthletesMomentous Collagen Peptides
Best for Athletes
Momentous Collagen Peptides
$52 at AmazonView on Livemomentous.com
Available size:17.92 ounces |Item form:Powder |Servings:30 |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:It contains Fortigel, a type of collagen that supports cartilage and joint health, making it an excellent option for athletes.
What to know:There is a slight taste.
Calling athletes and weekend warriors alike … Momentous is a brand designed for athletes and other highly active individuals. Their collagen peptides powder specifically delivers two types of proprietary collagen—one targets your joints and cartilage (Fortigel, a patented form of collagen hydrolysate), and the other is a grass-fed bovine collagen peptide that’s good for hair, skin and nails. This collagen peptides powder includes 50 mg of vitamin C, which is a plus because C is involved in collagen production in the body.
When we taste-tested Momentous Collagen Peptides, we detected a slight scent but an incredibly mild flavor (in plain water). Thanks to the ultra-fine powder, the collagen dissolved easily in cold and hot liquids.
Best for Skin, Hair and NailsVital Proteins Collagen Beauty GlowPHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon$27$25 at AmazonAvailable size:9.6 ounces |Item form:Powder |Servings:14 |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:This Vital Proteins offering is intended to support skin, hair and nail health. It’s available in a canister or single-serve sticks.What to know:It’s pricey for a two-week supply.If healthier skin, nails, hair and/or joints is your goal, the Beauty Collagen from Vital Proteins is a great choice. Not only do you get collagen peptides, but hyaluronic acid and probiotics are also added to the powder (note that there is no evidence that probiotics support the potential effect of collagen protein).It comes in three flavors—Lavender Lemon, Tropical Hibiscus and Strawberry Lemon—in a canister or single-serve sticks. We tasted the Strawberry Lemon flavor and found it had a pleasant strawberry flavor first and a mild lemon flavor. We couldn’t detect any collagen flavor. The powder also dissolved nicely in cold water; only a few stubborn clumps didn’t fully dissolve.Just stir it into hot or cold beverages, such as juice, smoothies or tea, or sprinkle it into foods such as yogurt, oatmeal and more. And remember, Vital Proteins' products are NSF-certified.PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best for Skin, Hair and NailsVital Proteins Collagen Beauty GlowPHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon$27$25 at Amazon
Best for Skin, Hair and NailsVital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow
Best for Skin, Hair and Nails
Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow
PHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon
$27$25 at Amazon
Available size:9.6 ounces |Item form:Powder |Servings:14 |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:This Vital Proteins offering is intended to support skin, hair and nail health. It’s available in a canister or single-serve sticks.
What to know:It’s pricey for a two-week supply.
If healthier skin, nails, hair and/or joints is your goal, the Beauty Collagen from Vital Proteins is a great choice. Not only do you get collagen peptides, but hyaluronic acid and probiotics are also added to the powder (note that there is no evidence that probiotics support the potential effect of collagen protein).
It comes in three flavors—Lavender Lemon, Tropical Hibiscus and Strawberry Lemon—in a canister or single-serve sticks. We tasted the Strawberry Lemon flavor and found it had a pleasant strawberry flavor first and a mild lemon flavor. We couldn’t detect any collagen flavor. The powder also dissolved nicely in cold water; only a few stubborn clumps didn’t fully dissolve.
Just stir it into hot or cold beverages, such as juice, smoothies or tea, or sprinkle it into foods such as yogurt, oatmeal and more. And remember, Vital Proteins' products are NSF-certified.
PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
The Bottom Line: The Best Collagen Powder
Overall, we like theVital Proteins Collagen Peptides(view at Amazon) the best, not only for its taste and the addition of vitamin C but also because it is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. If you’re looking for convenience, theBubs Naturals Collagen Peptides(view at Amazon) are the way to go.
EatingWell / Jhett Thompson
Look for ‘Collagen Peptides’ or ‘Hydrolyzed Collagen’
Often, you’ll see collagen powders labeled as such, and these terms are pretty much synonyms. Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed collagen, which means the collagen has been broken down into smaller units to be more easily digestible. Another easy way to tell what you’re getting is to see if the instructions say you can dissolve the powder in hot or cold water. If the powder is easy to mix in either temperature, it’s been fully hydrolyzed.
Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to have anti-aging benefits when it comes to skin. A 2019 study found that drinking a beverage with 2.5 g of hydrolyzed collagen improved skin hydration, elasticity and smoothness compared to a drink without collagen.
Check the Collagen Type
What’s most common are types I, II and III—sometimes they’re found together in a powder supplement, while other times they’re solo or the product has a combo of two of them.
If you’re taking collagen for its anti-aging benefits, look for type I or a combo of types I and III. Both are found in the skin and support skin health (think improved skin hydration, firmness and texture, and fewer wrinkles).
If you’re interested in collagen for its joint health benefits and some pain relief, look for type II. Remember, this is the collagen found in cartilage. A 2023 review concluded that studies show type II collagen and hydrolyzed collagen are safe and effective in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but further research is needed.
Common Questions
What does collagen powder do for you, and is it good to take it every day?
What’s the best type of collagen?
The most common supplements available are types I, II and III or a blend of these. Since type I makes up nearly 90% of the collagen in our bodies, this is the most commonly recommended supplement. Also, the practical use of any supplement is to replace what is lost naturally through aging, and the vast majority of the collagen we lose is type I. While there is no disadvantage to a blended or combination product, any version you take should have a much higher percentage of type I for maximum benefit in replenishing that type of collagen in your body.
Who shouldn’t take collagen?
“People who have allergies (e.g., fish, eggs and shellfish) should be careful and aware of collagen sources and ingredients before using these supplements,” says Sarazen.
Also, as with any supplement, you should consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and to ensure that adding a collagen regimen is appropriate for your needs and isn’t contraindicated with your current medications or any health conditions you may have.
Are there any side effects to taking collagen supplements?
Collagen supplements are generally considered safe for most people, but like any supplement, they can have potential side effects. Some people may experience digestive issues like bloating or heartburn. Also, as Sarazen noted above, folks with allergies to fish, shellfish or eggs should exercise extra caution before taking a collagen supplement. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage on the product label and consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.As with any supplement, you’ll want to ensure you buy a product from a reputable brand that conducts independent verificationd.
Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, is a senior editor with over 15 years of experience writing about nutrition, health and food. She regularly stirs collagen into her coffee, smoothies and matcha lattes. To write this article, she first compiled a list of top-selling collagen powders and then cut the list down to powders that are also independently verified for quality. To finalize her list, she relied on her personal experience testing collagen powders.
Stacey Ballisresearched and wrote the common questions after interviewing Raeanne Sarazen, M.A., RDN, author of “The Complete Recipe Writing Guide.”
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G.Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications.Molecules. 2019;7. doi: 10.3390/molecules24224031Hsu TF, Su ZR, Hsieh YH, Wang MF, Oe M, Matsuoka R, Masuda Y.Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.Nutrients. 2021 Jun 28;13(7):2220. doi: 10.3390/nu13072220.Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W.A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study.Nutrients. 2019;11. doi: 10.3390/nu11102494Martínez-Puig D, Costa-Larrión E, Rubio-Rodríguez N, Gálvez-Martín P.Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge.Nutrients. 2023;15. doi: 10.3390/nu15061332
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G.Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications.Molecules. 2019;7. doi: 10.3390/molecules24224031Hsu TF, Su ZR, Hsieh YH, Wang MF, Oe M, Matsuoka R, Masuda Y.Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.Nutrients. 2021 Jun 28;13(7):2220. doi: 10.3390/nu13072220.Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W.A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study.Nutrients. 2019;11. doi: 10.3390/nu11102494Martínez-Puig D, Costa-Larrión E, Rubio-Rodríguez N, Gálvez-Martín P.Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge.Nutrients. 2023;15. doi: 10.3390/nu15061332
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G.Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications.Molecules. 2019;7. doi: 10.3390/molecules24224031Hsu TF, Su ZR, Hsieh YH, Wang MF, Oe M, Matsuoka R, Masuda Y.Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.Nutrients. 2021 Jun 28;13(7):2220. doi: 10.3390/nu13072220.Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W.A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study.Nutrients. 2019;11. doi: 10.3390/nu11102494Martínez-Puig D, Costa-Larrión E, Rubio-Rodríguez N, Gálvez-Martín P.Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge.Nutrients. 2023;15. doi: 10.3390/nu15061332
León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G.Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications.Molecules. 2019;7. doi: 10.3390/molecules24224031
Hsu TF, Su ZR, Hsieh YH, Wang MF, Oe M, Matsuoka R, Masuda Y.Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.Nutrients. 2021 Jun 28;13(7):2220. doi: 10.3390/nu13072220.
Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W.A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study.Nutrients. 2019;11. doi: 10.3390/nu11102494
Martínez-Puig D, Costa-Larrión E, Rubio-Rodríguez N, Gálvez-Martín P.Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge.Nutrients. 2023;15. doi: 10.3390/nu15061332
