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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
In recent years, collagen supplements have exploded in popularity—and with good reason, as there are some major proposed benefits tied to them. It has been hypothesized that if humans ingest collagen from outside sources, it will support and optimize our well-being and address physiological needs posed by aging and exercise.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides tops our list due to its adherence to animal welfare standards—plus, it packs a boost of vitamin C. For a more affordable pick, Great Lakes Gelatin Co. Collagen Hydrolysate is also made from grass-fed bovine and boasts a Consumer Labs stamp of approval.
However, especially because there are so many options out there, it's important to pick the right one for your needs. When choosing a supplement, you should always emphasize quality and brand integrity. It's also important to remember that the research on collagen supplements is fairly new and not enough studies have been done to support the many claims that can be found on bottles. Overall, stay away from products claiming to be a cure-all and always speak to your health care professional before trying something new.
Read on to learn more about the best collagen powders.
Best Overall: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
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Ranks high on animal welfare standards
The addition of Vitamin C
Does not dissolve well in iced drinks
Who else recommends it? Healthline and Forbes both picked the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.
What do buyers say? 88% of 167,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
Vital Proteins puts extra care into the sourcing of its bovine collagen peptides. The cows used for the production of the collagen peptides are raised in alignment with the Global Animal Partnership 5-step animal welfare rating standards—an important quality to look for when purchasing protein powders sourced from animal ingredients. In addition to grass-fed bovine collagen, Vital Proteins adds vitamin C to its powder to increase collagen absorption. You can also consume vitamin C with collagen powder naturally by mixing it into a fruit or vegetable smoothie, but for those who prefer adding collagen powder to water or coffee, Vital Proteins makes vitamin C consumption extra easy.
Key Ingredients: Collagen Peptides | Certified: Non-GMO, paleo-friendly, gluten-free | Dosage: 20g | Size: 284g
Best Budget: Great Lakes Gelatin Co Collagen Hydrolysate
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Affordable
Glyphosate free
Less collagen per serving than others
Great Lakes Gelatin Company uses grass-fed and pasture-raised cows from Argentina and Brazil to make its collagen powder. This product is pareve, gluten-free, non-GMO, keto, paleo-friendly, glyphosate-free, USP/NF compliant, and contains no MSG. Consumer Labs, a third-party testing company, has also given this product its stamp of approval and has verified that the claims on the bottle match the actual ingredients. One 16-ounce container provides 38 servings of high-quality collagen, and costs under $30, a true steal.
Key Ingredients: Collagen Hydrolysate | Certified: Kosher | Dosage: 12g | Size: 454g
Best Marine: Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides
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Manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility
Recyclable packaging
Expensive
Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides is a pure marine collagen peptide powder that is sustainably sourced from wild-caught Alaskan cod, featuring type 1 hydrolyzed marine collagen. Natural Force guarantees that every bag is always free of unnecessary fillers, synthetic colors, or anything artificial. They test each bag for allergens like gluten and soy as well as the heavy metals mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Shoppers can go to their website to find the certificate of analysis which displays third-party testing results.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides from wild-caught cod | Certified: keto certified, certified b corporation, certified paleo | Dosage: 1 scoop, or 11.1g | Size: 333g
Best for Smoothies: Further Food Collagen Peptides
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Paleo and keto-friendly
Zero taste
Dissolves well
Hard to find in store
Sourced from the highest quality grass-fed, pasture-raised hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen, Further Food’s collagen peptides are non-GMO, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, sugar-free, kosher, paleo, and keto-friendly. Further Food’s collagen peptides are made in facilities that are NSF cGMP certified and their product is paleo and keto-friendly. As a bonus, consumers can feel good about packaging as the collagen is packaged in 100% Post-Consumer Recycled jars.
Key Ingredients: Bovine hide, hydrolyzed collagen peptides | Certified: Non-GMO, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, sugar-free, Kosher certified | Dosage: 1 scoop, or 8g | Size: 680g
Best Gluten-Free: Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel
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Courtesy of Thrive Market
10 grams of protein and collagen per serving
No fillers, preservatives or artificial ingredients
None!
This product is sugar-free, Whole30 approved and made without dairy, whey, or soy ingredients, and these peptides are keto and paleo-friendly. Primal Kitchen has sought out highly dissolvable collagen that meets its strict standards for sourcing and processing. One scoop provides ten grams of protein, collagen, and only 40 calories making it a great addition to smoothies and shakes.
Key Ingredients: Bovine collagen peptides | Certified: Gluten-free, whole 30 approved, keto certified | Dosage: 1 scoop, or 10 grams of collagen | Size: 550g
Best Flavored: Thrive Market Chocolate Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides
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Courtesy of Thrive Market
No added sugar
Gluten, dairy, and soy free
Membership needed to shop Thrive Market
Thrive Market prides itself on using quality ingredients and their chocolate-flavored collagen peptides are no exception. This supplement offers collagen from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows and uses organic cacao powder, organic vanilla flavor, and monk fruit extract to provide a rich, satisfying flavor. In addition to providing a dose of collagen, this powder is a great way to boost shakes and meals with 10 grams of protein.
Key Ingredients: Bovine hide collagen, organic cocoa powder, organic vanilla flavor, Monk (Luo Han Guo) fruit extract | Certified: Non-GMO, hormone-free, sugar-free, B corporation, dairy-free, certified kosher | Dosage: 1 scoop | Size: 331g
Best Capsule: Reserveage Collagen Booster
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Contains hyaluronic acid
Easy to consume
Large capsules
Reserveage Ultra Collagen Booster uses BioCell Collagen as its main ingredient. BioCell Collagen is a patented hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract that contains a naturally-occurring matrix of hydrolyzed collagen type II, as well as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, both naturally occurring substances in the body that promote good tissue. In addition to BioCell Collagen, Reserveage adds a specific blend of fruit and vegetable extracts such as Acerola Cherry, Asparagus, and Pomegranate to each capsule as these extracts have been researched for their ability to help retain skin elasticity.
Key Ingredients: BioCell collagen, resveratrol | Certified: No corn, soy, wheat, yeast, lactose, citrus, milk, egg or fish products, sugar, salt, starch, artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives | Dosage: 2 capsules | Size: 60 capsules
Best for Joints: Healthy Origins UC-II with Undenatured Type II Collagen
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Third party tested
Verified by consumerlabs.com
Easy to consume
None!
Consumer Labs Research ranks Healthy Origins UC-II Collagen the best for joint pain. UC-II contains a patented form of undenatured type II collagen derived from chicken sternum. UC-II has been examined in multiple research studies for its efficacy in relieving joint pain. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study tested the use of UC-II in individuals reporting knee discomfort when exercising. Researchers examined the efficacy of the supplement based on participants’ ability to extend their knees. After 120 days of supplementation, subjects in the UC-II group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in average knee extension compared to placebo.
Key Ingredients: UC-II standardized chicken cartilage | Certified: Non-GMO, gluten-free, BPA Free, does not contain wheat, gluten, fish, shellfish, egg, soy, peanuts, or milk | Dosage: 1 capsule | Size: 120 caps
Best For Skin: Besha Natural Collagen Peptides
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Third party tested
Verified by consumerlabs.com
Research grade form of collagen
Sourced from pig
Collagen supports the elasticity and structure of the skin and over time, as collagen levels naturally decrease, the skin’s propensity to wrinkle increases. Besha, a German-made product, is a top pick for skin by Consumer Labs. The collagen used in Besha is VERISOL, a form of bioactive collagen peptides that have been used in research studies examining collagen’s effect on skin elasticity. Of note, VERISOL is derived from pigs so if you have dietary restrictions you may want to pick collagen derived from fish or cow.
Key Ingredients: Collagen powder verisol | Certified: n/a | Dosage: 2.9 grams | Size: 98.6g
Best with MCT: Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Coconut MCT Powder
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Blends collagen, MCTs and probiotics
Grass fed collagen peptides
Includes stevia
Looking for a protein and energy boost that is also nourishing for the gut? Garden of Life offers clean, traceable, third-party certified Collagen with targeted ingredients to meet your needs. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of dietary fat thought to offer a range of benefits such as increased satiety, energy expenditures, and the ability to burn fat. One serving of this powder contains three grams of MCTs from organic coconuts, nine grams of protein, ten grams of collagen, and five milligrams of the probiotic Bacillus Subtilis.
Key Ingredients: Collagen, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), bacillus subtilis (500 Million CFU), collagen peptides (Bovine) | Certified: Gluten-free, non-GMO, keto certified | Dosage: 1 scoop, or 10g | Size: 408g
Best Tasteless: Bulletproof Unflavored Collagen Protein Powder
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Only 35 calories per scoop
Can be added to recipes
Unclear certifications
Bulletproof’s Unflavored Collagen Protein is a pantry must-have. You can add this unflavored collagen powder to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, or sauces for a nutrient boost without worrying about taste. One scoop provides ten grams of hydrolyzed collagen, nine grams of protein, and only 35 calories. This product contains just one ingredient (hydrolyzed collagen powder) and comes from pasture-raised cows without added hormones.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen powder | Certified: n/a Dosage: 2 scoops, or 20g | Size:
Final Verdict
Vital Proteins is our top choice for collagen. They put extra care into the sourcing of their bovine collagen peptides. In addition to grass-fed bovine collagen, Vital Proteins adds Vitamin C to their powder to increase collagen absorption. Add this powder to your favorite liquid, a smoothie, oats, or soups, and dressings for a collagen and protein boost.
Why Trust Byrdie
As a Registered Dietitian, Sydney Greene takes supplement recommendations seriously. Every product has been researched and vetted by her against clinical research, product reviews, and third-party testing websites. These are products she would not only feel comfortable recommending to her clients but she would take them herself if needed.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any collagen powders from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.