The 6 Best Collagen Powders of 2020, According to a Dietitian

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First Look

Best Overall: Vital Proteins at Amazon

"In addition to grass-fed bovine collagen, Vital Proteins adds Vitamin C to their powder to increase collagen absorption."

Best Bovine: Great Lakes at Amazon

"The collagen in this antibiotic-free powder is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows from Argentina and Brazil."

Best Marine: Further Food at Amazon

"This collagen powder is exclusively sourced from the skin of wild-caught cod from the North Atlantic."

Best Boosted Collagen: Vital Proteins Sport Greens at Amazon

"It provides 10 grams of collagen, 23 grams of protein, and 25% of the recommended daily intake of iron."

Best Tasting: Thrive Market Chocolate at thrivemarket.com

"The rich, chocolatey flavor dissolves quickly in hot or cold beverages and can be a great addition to smoothies, coffee, and overnight oats."

Best Keto: Ancient Nutrition at Amazon

"With 9 grams of protein, 10.2 grams of collagen, and zero grams of carbs and sugars, it's ideal for those on the ketogenic diet."

Collagen is the main structural protein that forms the connective tissue of our body—such as bone, skin, cartilage, and tendons. It is widely believed that if humans ingest collagen from outside sources it will support and optimize our health and address physiological needs posed by aging and exercise. Some studies have found that taking oral collagen supplements may "increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density," all things that decrease as we age.

It's paramount that you do your research and prioritize quality when choosing a specific collagen supplement. Products that use bovine collagen should be using grass-fed cows only. For marine collagen, opt for supplements derived from wild fish.

Remember that 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. Always speak to your health care team before trying something new.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Vital Proteins

With 20-grams of collagen per two-scoop serving, you'll get a good bang for your buck with this powder. It's sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows kept in alignment with the Global Animal Partnership 5-step animal welfare rating standard, so you can feel good about using it.

In addition to grass-fed bovine collagen, Vital Proteins adds Vitamin C to their powder to increase collagen absorption as well as hyaluronic acid, a substance the body makes naturally that contributes to the promotion of collagen. It’s soluble in hot or cold liquids, so you can add it to your coffee, smoothies, or other beverages.

Best Bovine: Great Lakes

Great Lakes Gelatin Company uses grass-fed and pasture-raised cows from Argentina and Brazil to make their collagen powder. The product is keto- and Paleo-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-, preservative-, and pesticide-free, and contains no sulfates or antibiotics.

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. The powder is unflavored, so it mixes well with just about anything—from tea to a protein shake.

Best Marine: Further Food

This collagen powder is exclusively sourced from the skin of wild-caught cod from the North Atlantic, making it easier for your body to absorb. The manufacturer does not use harsh enzymes or heat to extract collagen from the fish skin, which helps keep all of its beneficial properties intact.

The product is non-GMO, antibiotic-, hormone-, and sugar-free, and is suitable for those following a keto or Paleo diet. You'll get 6.6 grams of collagen per a one-scoop serving and only 23 calories. The flavorless powder can be easily mixed with your morning coffee or added to your favorite baked goods. Consumers can feel good about packaging, as the collagen is stored in 100% Post-Consumer Recycled jars.

Best Boosted Collagen: Vital Proteins Sport Greens

Vital Proteins Sport Greens is a unique powder option containing collagen, protein, and greens. Using both watermelon seeds and grass-fed bovine collagen, this powder provides 10 grams of collagen, 23 grams of protein, 42% of the recommended daily intake for magnesium, and 25% of the recommended daily intake of iron.

With only four grams of net carbohydrates and six grams of a superfood blend consisting of greens, berries, and root vegetables, this powder can stand alone in water or milk as a post-workout snack. Make it a meal by adding it to smoothies or your favorite oats recipe.

Best Tasting: Thrive Market Chocolate

thrive-market-grass-fed-collagen-peptides-chocolate — Courtesy of Thrive Market

Thrive Market's chocolate collagen powder is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. The rich, chocolatey flavor dissolves quickly in hot or cold beverages and can be a great addition to smoothies, coffee, and overnight oats.

It's made with organic cocoa powder, organic vanilla flavor, and monk fruit extract to provide a rich, satisfying flavor. With 10 grams of protein and 118 milligrams of potassium per a one-scoop serving, it'll boost any drink for post-workout muscle recovery.

Best Keto: Ancient Nutrition

With 9 grams of protein, 10.2 grams of collagen, 35 calories, and zero grams of carbs and sugars, this collagen powder is ideal for those on the ketogenic diet. Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein offers a blend of collagen from four different food sources, including beef, chicken, fish, and eggshell membrane. It's designed to benefit skin, gut, and joint health, and it's free of antibiotics, growth hormones, and chemicals.

Stick to the original Multi Collagen Protein if you are looking for a product with four ingredients and no flavorings or sweeteners. This unflavored formula mixes easily into liquids without any clumping or chalkiness, so it’s perfect for adding to hot or cold drinks or to use in cooking or baking.