The 8 Best Collagen Powders, Tested and RD-Approved

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is registered dietitian Nicole Ibarra’s first choice for a collagen supplement. “It’s one of the best collagen supplements on the market. It’s tested by a third party to ensure it's meeting high standards,” she explains. “It’s also certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), so it’s safe for athletes to consume.”

Each serving of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides contains 18 grams (g) of grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine peptides, making it a great choice for individuals trying to increase their protein intake. It contains type 1 and type 3 collagen. Type 1 collagen is the most common type in the body; it supports skin, hair, nail, joint, and bone health. Type 3 collagen is found in bone marrow, typically alongside type 1 collagen.

How did it hold up to testing? It mixed well with hot and cold liquids, and didn’t leave any clumps behind. It did not change the flavor or texture of coffee, and there was minimal flavor when mixed with plain water. Of all the supplements tested, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides performed the best in cold water, with minimal changes to texture or flavor.

Jenn Schmidt, RDN, recommends Klean Collagen+C because it’s third-party tested and NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s free from harmful ingredients and safe for athletes to take. “Klean has 15 g of protein and 50 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, which when taken 60 minutes before exercise, is shown to be effective in elevating collagen synthesis,” she explains.

It also contains vitamin C, which can stimulate collagen production after exercise when combined with the amino acids proline and glycine, both found in collagen.

Studies show that exercise and vitamin C help collagen production in the body. According to research cited in one study, 15 g of collagen per day was more effective than 5 g. For maximum collagen production, collagen should be consumed about one hour before exercise.

This product took longer than expected to dissolve in hot liquid, but the texture was smooth once the powder dissolved. In cold water, the product dissolved quickly and evenly. There was minimal flavor in both hot and cold liquids.

Amandean Marine Collagen uses wild-caught whitefish (cod, pollock, haddock, and hake) to reduce antibiotic and hormone exposure in the product. The company donates a percentage of its profits to rePurpose Global to clean up plastic waste, removing 20,000 pounds so far.

For individuals seeking a collagen supplement that isn’t bovine-based, marine-based collagen is a good alternative, says Lisa Andrews, RD, LD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition. Marine-based collagen is absorbed faster than bovine-based collagen supplements, according to a study published in Polymers. 

Marine-based collagen contains glycine, a short-chain amino acid that supports nail, hair, and skin health, says Andrews, adding that studies have shown that glycine may stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that marine-based collagen reduced the appearance of wrinkles. After 12 weeks, people who used a hydrolyzed marine collagen supplement reported greater improvements in their overall skin score, wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, radiance, and firmness versus people taking a placebo.

The smell of this product is somewhat briny, which could be off-putting to some. There was also a slight briny flavor when mixed with cold water. Amandean Marine Collagen mixed better with cold liquid than hot liquid. While there was a slight film on top of the water when mixed with cold liquid, this didn’t alter the texture.

Large clumps remained on the spoon when mixing this product with hot liquid, however, what was mixed in fully did not alter the texture of the hot liquid.

Overall, this product is better suited for use in cold liquids. If the flavor is off-putting, try mixing the powder with juice or adding it to a smoothie to mask the taste. For hot liquids, we suggest using an electric whisk to ensure it dissolves fully.

n addition to containing type 1 and 3 collagen, Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides has Lactobacillus plantarum, a probiotic strain shown in research to have beneficial effects on gut and brain health, as well as metabolic disorders. Studies show that Lactobacillus plantarum has numerous health benefits, including regulating the immune system, balancing the gut microbiota, and reducing cholesterol levels. If you’re interested in supporting gut health and immunity, adding this probiotic to your daily plan could be beneficial.

Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides did not mix well in cold water. Several clumps formed at the bottom of the glass, and the liquid became quite thick. The flavor is similar to cold bone broth.

It took longer to dissolve in hot liquid than other collagen peptides, but once mixed, the texture of the liquid was not altered. There was minimal flavor when mixed with hot liquid.

Overall, this product performed much better in hot liquid than in cold liquid. It would likely be good in a smoothie, where its thickening properties could be a positive feature. If you try this product in cold liquid, use an electric whisk or blender to ensure it dissolves fully.

Sports Research Collagen Peptides is the best value for the money among the bovine-derived collagen supplements, at just over $1 per serving. It contains type 1 and 3 collagen peptides as well as 18 amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

It mixed very well with hot liquid and didn’t alter the flavor of coffee. When mixed with cold water, a thin white film remained on top of the liquid, but it mixed well otherwise, and there was a mild flavor like watered-down milk.

Overall, this product worked well in both hot and cold liquids. If the flavor in plain water is off-putting, it could be mixed with juice or in a smoothie, which would mask the mild flavor.

While more expensive than other collagen peptides tested, Goodonya Collagen stands out because it is derived from 100 percent grass-fed, grass-finished beef, sourced exclusively from Australia and New Zealand. It is also free from hormones and pesticides. What’s the difference between grass-fed and grass-finished? “Grass-fed” is a loose term that means the cow was fed grass at some point during its life. However, these cows can still receive grain in a supplemental diet and may not be raised in pastures.

In contrast, grass-finished means the cows spend their entire lives eating grass, plants, and shrubs in a pasture. If you’re looking for products derived from animals that have been fed only grass, look for the “grass-finished” term on the package.

Goodonya Collagen mixed well with cold water, for a smooth texture that was easy to drink. There was minimal flavor in cold water. The powder took slightly longer to dissolve in hot liquid, but when it did, it was smooth, and there was no change in the flavor of the coffee.

1st Phorm Collagen With Dermaval comes in several delicious flavors that would taste great mixed with your morning coffee. It also contains Dermaval, a phytonutrient-rich complex that promotes healthy levels of elastin in the body. Since elastin helps create firmness and elasticity in the skin, 1st Phorm’s collagen supplement could be particularly beneficial for people wanting to improve their skin health.

Dan Gallagher, registered dietitian at Aegle Nutrition, recommends 1st Phorm Collagen With Dermaval because it is produced from five sources, making it more bioavailable. Plus, the collagen peptides are hydrolyzed, so they are easier for the body to absorb.

1st Phorm collagen smelled and tasted like a caramel latte, and was equally good in hot and cold liquids. It is quite sweet, which could be a negative depending on your taste preferences.

The product mixed reasonably well with cold liquid, but a few chunks remained at the bottom of the glass and the liquid was slightly thick. In hot liquid, there were a few small chunks at the bottom of the mug, but the product that did dissolve didn’t alter the hot liquid's texture.

Overall, this product would be good for someone who doesn’t like unflavored products and wants to mimic a sweet coffee beverage. 1st Phorm Collagen With Dermaval comes in many flavors, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

NativePath Collagen PM contains magnesium, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), L-theanine (a natural ingredient found in tea), and melatonin to promote a calm mind and restful sleep. GABA is a nonprotein amino acid neurotransmitter that plays a role in reducing anxiety and pain, according to research.

Overall, while there is evidence to suggest that melatonin and GABA aid sleep in the short term, little is known about the long-term effects of taking these supplements every day. If you plan on taking NativePath Collagen PM long term, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor first.

When mixed with room temperature liquid, the powder did not fully dissolve. However, the drink's texture was not altered much, and the remaining undissolved powder was not clumpy or grainy. If you plan on mixing NativePath Collagen PM with cold or room-temperature liquid, use a blender or electric whisk for best results.

One scoop of the product tasted like slightly sweet chocolate milk in cold liquid. In hot liquid, it tasted like lightly sweetened hot cocoa. Since it’s sweetened with monk fruit extract, it lacks any hint of bitterness you would get from stevia. Half a scoop tasted like a watered-down version of chocolate milk or hot cocoa, but this could be remedied by using less liquid.

When taking the full dose (one scoop), the product promoted relaxation and allowed the tester to drift off to sleep within 30 minutes of finishing the drink. While the supplement aided in falling asleep, it did not prevent waking up during the night. However, the tester reported sleeping soundly for four to five hours before waking and was able to fall back asleep after waking.