"Shape's Top-Rated Collagen Powders for 2023: Tried and Tested"

18 May 2023 1670

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If supplements are part of your wellness routine, you’ve likely considered your fair share of collagen powders. This is especially true if you’re on a mission to improve the health of your skin, hair, nails, joints, or bones (or all of the above).

“Collagen is the dominant protein found in the skin and connective tissue, and [it] makes up about 30 percent of the protein found in your body,” explains registered dietitian Maddie Pasquariello, M.S., R.D.N. It’s responsible for providing elasticity and structure to the skin, but as we get older, collagen naturally breaks down. Eventually, this deterioration can lead to changes such as wrinkles, joint pain, stiffer tendons and ligaments, and reduced blood flow, according to Pasquariello. And while it's possible to slow down collagen degradation via habits like avoiding cigarette smoking and wearing sunscreen, you might also consider taking a collagen powder to bump up your levels.

But not all collagen powders are created equal. Collagen powders can come from different sources, most commonly beef (bovine) and fish (marine). The formulas can also vary greatly, as some may include other ingredients like biotin and vitamin C. Many powders are unflavored, but some do have flavor, which can affect the best uses for the product.

To help you determine the best collagen powder for your supplement routine, we performed an in-depth test of 20 collagen powders vetted by a registered dietitian. Our testers mixed the powders with both cold and hot drinks, rating each one for flavor, texture, aftertaste, smell, and value. We then analyzed their scores and notes to understand the pros and cons of each product. According to our testing, here’s the best collagen powder on the market, plus other options based on different features and needs.

Thanks to its lightly sweet lemon flavor and impressive dissolvability, the Vital Proteins Lemon Collagen Peptides is our best overall pick. We discovered that it tasted just like lightly sweetened lemonade, making it a great addition to cold water and hot tea alike. This is a perk if you’re bored with the usual unflavored collagen powder.

When we tested the powder in hot and cold drinks, it dissolved well in both temperatures. It left no noticeable texture, which is appealing if you plan to use collagen powder in different types of beverages. There was also no aftertaste. Only a slight, natural lemon flavor lingered, which we expect with lemon-flavored products.At only 14 servings per 11-ounce tub (two scoops per 8-ounce drink), the powder is less budget-friendly than other options on the market. But if taste and texture are your top priorities, it might be worth the splurge. The powder also boasts 18 grams of protein per serving, which may be an attractive feature if protein intake is at the top of your mind.

If you’re looking for a versatile collagen powder, our best unflavored pick is the way to go. Despite its robust multi-collagen ingredients list, it’s a truly flavorless product, making it ideal for different types of drinks and recipes. However, we noticed that the powder had a chalky smell — almost like oats — right out of the package. The odor intensified when mixed with cold water, but with the tea, the smell disappeared completely.In terms of texture and dissolvability, the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein was impressively smooth. It broke down almost instantly when we stirred it in both cold and hot liquid, sans clumps or settling at the bottom of the glass. And though there were very small grains visible in the drink, we didn’t notice them at all when sipping our drinks. Likewise, we didn’t experience an aftertaste or feel the need to get rid of lingering flavors, which is always a plus.

Suggested serving size: 10.1 grams | Flavors: Unflavored | Protein: 9 grams | Carbohydrates: 0 grams| Fat: 0 grams | Servings per container: 45 | Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides, fermented eggshell membrane collagen, chicken bone broth protein concentrate, probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides, vitamin C

For a collagen powder that will satisfy your sweet tooth, consider the Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen with coconut MCT. We detected a vanilla-like taste with a tinge of coconut, so we’d recommend it for protein shakes or smoothies. We also thought the vanilla flavor was a bit artificial (think Jello Pudding Pops), which may or may not be preferable depending on your taste buds. In cold water, the powder tasted like a protein shake, while hot English breakfast tea seemed to elevate the vanilla notes. Additionally, after we mixed the product with both cold and hot liquids, a potent vanilla scent with some coconut undertones lingered for a bit.

When we combined the powder with cold water, it dissolved fairly well and left a few small powder clumps. This might not be a concern if you plan to blend the powder into protein shakes. It dissolved even better when we stirred it into hot tea, leaving behind zero clumps.

The powder left an aftertaste that reminded us of sweet ice cream made with fake vanilla. Our testers also noted a slight oily feeling on their tongues from the coconut MCT, which stuck around for several minutes. You’d have to brush your teeth to make it fully go away, so we’d suggest keeping this in mind if you’re sensitive to different sensations.

This product isn’t the best choice for those with tree nut or coconut allergies. If you’re allergic to coconut, we recommend skipping this powder and finding a coconut-free option.Price at Time of Publish: $30

If sustainability is your top priority, the Zhou Collagen Peptides will fit the bill. It’s sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cattle. When we drank it with cold water, the collagen was completely flavorless, though a slight taste surfaced as we continued to drink it. About 70 percent of the powder dissolved after 90 seconds of stirring, and there was a stubborn clump that took longer to break down. We could also see the powder’s texture throughout the entire drink, and by the bottom of the cup, a few grains had settled.

When we drank the powder in hot tea, it was totally flavorless. It dissolved in about 10 seconds, and even after our testers finished the tea, there was no powder residue left in the cup.

The collagen powder left no aftertaste in both cold and hot drinks. The cold beverage had a lingering odor, which might be unpleasant for some people. So, we’d only recommend this powder if you plan to use collagen in hot drinks.

Suggested serving size: 11 grams | Flavors: Unflavored | Protein: 10 grams |

Carbohydrates: 0 grams | Fat: 0 grams | Servings per container: 46 | Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides

This powder gets our top pick for hot liquids, as it seamlessly dissolves in drinks like hot tea and coffee. According to our tests, the trick is to add the powder to the cup first, and then add hot coffee. We discovered that the opposite method (pouring a cup of coffee, then mixing in the powder) resulted in clumps. It was a different story in room-temperature water, though. Even after we constantly stirred the mixture, the powder did not dissolve very well.

While the label said it was unflavored, the powder had a slight taste in cold water. We thought was a bit chalky and unnatural, but nothing too unpleasant. Meanwhile, we were unable to detect the flavor in coffee. We also noticed no aftertaste after drinking cold and hot drinks containing the powder.

Collagen water fans will appreciate how well this product dissolves in cold water. Compared to other powders, it left fewer clumps. After pouring out the cold collagen drink, we saw a thin layer of powder on the bottom — but it’s much better than getting a clump in your mouth. Similarly, when we mixed the powder with hot coffee, it dissolved well and left a few tiny grains. In both cold and hot drinks, the collagen simply made the liquid a bit thicker.

We detected a subtle chalky dairy odor, but it was very faint. In fact, we thought it was a pleasant smell compared to the strong chemical odors of other powders — but some people might not enjoy it. In cold water, the powder added a subtle flavor and smell. We found no taste or smell when the powder was mixed in hot coffee.

If you’re a pescatarian or looking for an alternative to bone collagen, consider the Procaps Marine Collagen Peptides, our top marine collagen pick. When we mixed it with cold water, it was mostly tasteless, albeit for e a faint gelatin-like flavor. And though the powder created clumps (along with a slightly cloudy gray translucent color) after we stirred the drink for 10 seconds, the drink was surprisingly smooth — just like regular water. The powder was flavorless in both black hot coffee and coffee with creamer.

In terms of aftertaste and smell, we noticed the subtle gelatin notes in cold water. It wasn’t fishy, despite being made from fish. In hot coffee, there was no aftertaste or odor.

Whereas most collagen powders are made of cod, this version is made of tilapia. However, the product’s packaging doesn’t mention where the tilapia is from, which may be a dealbreaker if you’re concerned about sourcing.

The Shaklee Collagen-9 is an unflavored powder that consists of bovine collagen, pea protein, biotin, and vitamin C. We found that it had a slightly gritty texture in cold water but was less grainy in hot tea. It’s significantly more expensive than other collagen powders, so it might not be a good fit for most people’s budgets.

We determined the best collagen powders under the guidance of Eliza Savage, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., registered dietitian and associate director of Verywell Fit. When testing the powders, we examined the odor and texture upon opening each product. Following the instructions from each brand for how much powder and water to use, we mixed each powder in both cold water and hot coffee or tea. Then, we noted how well the powder dissolved, how the powder changed the texture of the drink, how the collagen-infused drink tasted, and whether or not it left an aftertaste. For powders labeled “unflavored,” we examined the mixed collagen drink to determine if it was truly tasteless. We also interviewed registered dietitian Maddie Pasquariello, M.S., R.D.N. for expert insight on collagen powders.

According to Pasquariello, most research involving supplemental collagen peptides suggests it may help improve skin elasticity, hair and nail strength, and bone and joint health, (especially in conjunction with strength training). “Those who are concerned about any of these things may see some benefit from long-term incorporation of collagen peptides when taken at proper dosages and under the guidance of a registered dietitian or medical doctor well-trained in [collagen supplements],” says Pasquariello. However, most of the purported benefits haven’t been studied enough to warrant blanket statements about their usage, she adds. With that in mind, supplementing with collagen isn’t necessary for everyone, and not every person who takes collagen powders will see every benefit listed above. Talk to your own medical health professional before deciding if you need a collagen supplement.

Collagen can come from different sources, such as beef (bovine), fish (marine), and chicken. Depending on the product, a powder can include collagen from one or several sources. Thus, collagen powder is not ideal for vegan diets, as it’s derived from animals.

Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen that has been broken down into smaller proteins or individual amino acids, according to Pasquariello. This makes them more digestible throughout the gastrointestinal tract, which is important for those interested in supplementation, as collagen cannot be absorbed whole, says Pasquariello. Of the products we tested, three contain hydrolyzed collagen: Sports Research Collagen Peptides, Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein, and Zhou Nutrition Collagen Peptides.

“You don’t necessarily need to seek out anything in your collagen peptide supplement other than the peptides themselves,” explains Pasquariello. However, some powders might have additional ingredients that have similar health benefits or can further boost collagen synthesis. One common example is vitamin C, which the body needs to synthesize collagen. According to Pasquariello, most of us get enough vitamin C through food, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to supplement additional vitamin C just because you’re adding a collagen supplement. But this comes down to personal preference, and many brands add vitamin C to collagen peptides; they are perfectly fine to consume together, says Pasquarellio.

Kirsten Nunez is a contributor at Shape who has covered health, nutrition, and food for more than seven years. She has an M.S. in Nutrition and B.S. in Dietetics. In writing this article, she researched collagen powders herself and interviewed Pasquariello to get all the facts about the benefits of collagen and what to look for in collagen powders. Kirsten also analyzed testing insights from 20 different collagen powders, drilling down into the most important pros and cons of each to share these recommendations.

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