The Best Collagen Peptides Powders
Updated By the HealthWorld editorial teamHow we pick
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Top picks at a glance
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Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed collagen: broken down so the powder dissolves in hot or cold drinks without changing the taste much. Vital Proteins is our top pick, with 20 g of grass-fed bovine collagen per 2 scoops. Orgain adds pre- and probiotics, Great Lakes Wellness dissolves quickly in hot or cold drinks, and Ancient Nutrition blends 5 types of collagen.
Our picks
#1Best overall
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
20 g of grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen per 2 scoops. Unflavored, and dissolves hot or cold.
#2Best with pre- and probiotics
Orgain Collagen Peptides + Pre & Probiotics
20 g of grass-fed collagen peptides per scoop, with a prebiotic and probiotic, 0 g of sugar and 80 calories.
#3Best quick-dissolve
Great Lakes Wellness Collagen Peptides
12 g of grass-fed bovine collagen per scoop that dissolves quickly, from a family-owned brand in business since 1922.
#4Best multi-collagen
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein
5 types of collagen from 4 food sources, in unflavored and flavored versions.
What to look for
- Grams of collagen per serving
- Servings range from about 10 g to 20 g. Check whether the label's serving is one scoop or two before comparing prices.
- Source
- Bovine (cow) collagen is the most common; marine collagen comes from fish. Collagen always comes from animals, so it isn't vegan.
- Unflavored and easy to mix
- "Hydrolyzed" or "peptides" on the label means it dissolves in coffee, tea, smoothies or water without clumping.
- Extras you actually want
- Some powders add vitamin C, probiotics or flavors. They're optional; plain collagen peptides do the job.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between collagen and collagen peptides?
Collagen peptides are collagen that's been hydrolyzed into smaller pieces. That's what makes the powder dissolve easily; most collagen powders sold today are peptides.
How much collagen should I take a day?
Studies on skin and joints commonly use about 2.5–15 g a day. Most powders give 10–20 g per serving, so one serving a day is typical.
Can collagen replace protein powder?
No. Collagen is a protein, but an incomplete one: it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan and is low in leucine. Count it toward your daily protein, but use whey or a plant blend if you want a protein powder for muscle.
Can I put collagen in hot coffee?
Yes. Collagen peptides dissolve in hot drinks, and normal coffee temperatures don't make them useless.
Sources
- Dietary Supplements — What You Need to Know — U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Dietary Supplements — U.S. Food & Drug Administration