The Best Collagen Powders
As the most abundant protein in the body and one of the human body's most crucial building blocks, collagen plays an integral role in maintaining the health of your joints, skin, and muscles. Suffice it to say, collagen is a pretty big deal. In recent times, collagen powder supplements have become extremely popular due to their potential to relieve joint pain, improve the quality of skin, hair, and nails and possibly even increase muscle mass. Most collagen power is created from the skin, tissue, and bones of animals including cows, pigs and fish, but there are also a few plant-based options. Regardless of what reason you may want or need to add collagen powder to your daily routine, here are some options you might want to add to your cart.
What to Look For
To find a high-quality collagen powder, we suggest considering the quality of the ingredients and where they were sourced from. Most collagen powder is sourced from some combination of chicken, fish, beef, and eggshells, but not all of these are created equal. Animal ingredients vary in quality, and this is largely influenced by the way the animals were raised and fed. That’s why we recommend looking for collagen powder sourced from pasture-fed, cruelty-free options, ideally from trusted facilities whose products are tested and certified by third-party labs. For example, the hydrolyzed collagen from Wholesome Wellness meets those criteria, and we think it’s one of the best options out there. But we also wanted to include an option for folks who don’t consume animal products, which is why we included the vegan option offered by PlantFusion. Surprisingly, this plant-based formulation manages to provide a comparable amount of protein and collagen as animal-based powders. Read on to learn more about these and the rest of our favorites.
BioOptimal Collagen Powder
Clean and lean
BioOptimal’s collagen powder won our favor for a variety of reasons, but largely it was due to the zero additives and its keto- and paleo-friendly formulation. The double-hydrolyzed powder easily dissolves in hot or cold liquids, so you can mix it into your water, smoothie, or tea. While some people might like a little flavor in their collagen, this variety is unflavored, so it will complement any beverage it’s paired with. Also, this tub offers 30 servings for a great price, so you’re getting major bang for your buck.
Pros:
- Grass-fed and pasture-raised
- Flavorless, so it’s very versatile
- Packaged at an organic-certified facility in the USA
Cons:
- You might have to stir a bit for the powder to fully dissolve
Wholesome Wellness Multi Collagen Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
Age like a fine wine
Collagen powder can be beneficial for most adults, as natural collagen production slows over time. And this particular one from Wholesome Wellness is specifically recommended for men and women over 30 years old. It touts the same benefits as most powders, but it includes a variety of collagen products from four different sources: grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, chicken, and eggshell membrane. That sounds like a lot going on in a single product, but that quadruple threat claims to not only help with basic hair, skin, and joint issues, but also better sleep, hormonal balance, and brain health.
Pros:
- Seven grams of protein in each serving
- Sourced from a variety of collagen-rich foods to maximize bio-availability
- Made in the USA and tested by a third-party lab to verify purity
Cons:
- Not for those with egg or fish allergies
Premium Marine Collagen Peptides
Sea food
If you’ve done research into collagen powder, then you may have come across fish-based powders that are made using the scales of fish. That’s usually the cheaper way, but this variety is made from collagen-packed fish skin, particularly from wild-caught deep-sea fish from the Canadian Atlantic. Of course, that comes with a slightly higher cost, but if optimal skin, hair, nail, and joint health is a priority, then you might find it worthwhile.
Pros:
- Fine powder dissolves in seconds
- Premium-quality ingredients
- Doesn’t include ingredients sourced from beef or poultry, so it is suitable for pescatarians
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some brands, but we think it’s worth it considering the high quality
- You might notice an odor when initially opening the package, but this is to be expected
Ancient Nutrition Unflavored Hydrolyzed Multi Collagen Powder Packets
Grab and go
Collagen powders usually come in large plastic containers that can take up a lot of space on your counter or in your pantry. But these on-the-go packets are the definition of convenience. Take one with you to work, toss one in your gym bag, or pack a few for your next vacation to always have collagen when you need it. Sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals raised without hormones, this is one of the best-quality collagen powders we found. Plus, the hydrolyzed formula makes it easy to mix into hot and cold beverages alike.
Pros:
- Each packet contains 9 grams of protein and only 35 calories
- Animal ingredients are derived from North American sources
- Unflavored, so it can be mixed into any drink
Cons:
- Like most animal-based collagen powders, this one has a slightly off-putting taste and smell
PlantFusion Vegan Collagen Powder
The seeds of change
When collagen powders are discussed, it’s usually the varieties that are sourced from animal products. But not to fret, vegans — there are options on the market without a single animal byproduct. PlantFusion’s powder uses protein from plants and ceramide oils to benefit the skin and restore the body’s natural collagen. You can choose from unflavored or kick it up a notch with the vanilla or chocolate-flavored powder.
Pros:
- Includes an impressive 18 grams per 100 calories
- Great option for those with certain allergies and food restrictions
- Doesn’t use stevia
Cons:
- The flavors may be too strong for some
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I consume collagen powder?
Collagen can come in many forms from powder to pills to gummies, but the powder form of collagen is easy to digest when you mix it with a liquid. Some people mix collagen powder into plain water, while others add it to smoothies, their morning coffee, or soup.
What does it mean for a collagen powder to be hydrolyzed?
Hydrolyzed is a word you’ll see often when referring to collagen powder. You may even see the term “double-hydrolyzed.” That just means the amino acids have been broken down into small pieces. As a result, the powder easily mixes and dissolves into liquids, even if they’re cold.
Is consuming collagen powder safe?
It is thought to be, yes. Some research points to the benefits of collagen powder, like improving skin elasticity, promoting hair and nail growth, and repairing joints. But as always, consult with a doctor.
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