Looking to improve your skin health, joints, and much more? Look no further, as here’s our selection of the best collagen powders recommended by dietitians.
Collagen has become the go-to ingredient nowadays. Whether in your homemade smoothies, at your gym café, or even at your favorite smoothie vendor, collagen has established itself as a must-have. And for good reason: regular (even daily) consumption of collagen could make your skin look younger and less wrinkled, speed up healing, aid recovery after an intense weightlifting session, strengthen your hair and bones, and ease joint pain.
So, which collagen powder should you choose to add this supplement to your routine? We’ve selected the best collagen powders for you. We started by listing the bestsellers, then narrowed it down to collagen powders that have also been verified by third-party organizations for quality. Finally, to complete our list, we sought the opinion of a dietitian.
Note: Since collagen powders are dietary supplements, they are not closely regulated by government authorities. Fortunately, there are third-party verification companies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), which test the quality of dietary supplements. Products that meet their standards can display this certification on their packaging. However, regarding collagen, we’ve found that the NSF seems to be the most active in testing, while the USP does not list any tested collagen products on its website.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Option: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
- Available Size: 9.33 ounces
- Form: Powder
- Servings: 13 or 28
- Third-Party Tested: Yes
What I appreciate: a single dose is sufficient and mixes well with hot or cold liquids. What you should know: the containers are filled by weight, which may make them appear less full.
Another Excellent Option: Garden of Life Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein
- Available Size: 19.75 ounces
- Form: Powder
- Servings: 28
- Third-Party Tested: Yes
What I appreciate: this collagen powder contains two types of collagen, making it ideal for supporting skin, hair, and joint health. A single serving also provides a good dose of probiotics.
Best Option for Athletes: Momentous Collagen Peptides
- Available Size: 17.92 ounces
- Form: Powder
- Servings: 30
- Third-Party Tested: Yes
What I appreciate: it contains Fortigel, a type of collagen that supports joint and cartilage health, making it an excellent option for athletes.
What is Collagen?
Collagen provides strength, structure, and elasticity to our connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, bones, and skin. But with age, our bodies become less efficient at producing collagen. According to recent research, by the age of 40, we lose about 1% of our collagen each year, and by the age of 80, we have 75% less than a young adult.
How to Choose a Collagen Powder?
Collagen powders are generally labeled as such, and these terms are largely synonymous. Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed collagen, which means the collagen has been broken down into smaller units for easier digestion. A simple way to know what you’re getting is to check if the instructions indicate that the powder can dissolve in hot or cold water. If the powder mixes easily at either temperature, it is fully hydrolyzed.
Check the Type of Collagen: Types I, II, and III are the most common in supplements. If you’re taking collagen for its anti-aging benefits, look for Type I or a combination of Types I and III. For joint health, Type II is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What does collagen powder do for you? Is it good to take it every day? It can improve skin health, elasticity, as well as bone and joint health.
- What is the best type of collagen? Type I is the most abundant in our bodies and the most recommended for most people.
In summary, collagen can be an excellent supplement to support overall health. Choose wisely and consult a healthcare professional to best tailor this supplement to your specific needs.
