Collagen is one of the top supplements in demand right now, and it’s touted as a multi-use supplement that you can put in smoothies, food, and even your coffee.
Collagen is a type of protein that provides the structural framework for the cells and tissues in your body.
We actually produce collagen naturally, and in our youth, it gives our skin its plump, wrinkle-free look and helps make our hair thicker, our nails stronger, and our bodies more agile.
As we age, we start to lose this natural collagen. You may notice brittle hair and nails, joint stiffness, and skin that sags or appears dull.
While it’s easy to just think of collagen as the key to looking younger, it’s also super important in helping us repair damaged bone, muscle, and cartilage. But still, there’s a lot that taking collagen daily can and can’t do for you.
Here’s how to find the best collagen supplement to help you reap the real benefits.
$ = under $1 per serving
$$ = $1–$1.75 per serving
$$$ = over $1.75 per serving
| Nutrition | Amount per 20 grams (1 serving) |
| calories | 70 |
| protein | 18 g |
| hydrolyzed collagen | 20 g |
Probably one of the most recognizable names in the collagen game, this Vital Proteins powder is great to add to your morning coffee or your overnight oats. It dissolves fast with no added flavor, so your taste buds won’t even notice the nutrition upgrade.
It’s highly bioavailable and produced from grass-fed cows, which means no hormones or pesticides. It also boasts 18 g of protein per serving, plus hyaluronic acid for added skin and joint benefits (hiii, improved skin elasticity/hydration and reduced joint pain) and vitamin C to help give collagen production an added boost.
| Nutrition | Amount per 10.5 g (1 serving) |
| calories | 40 |
| protein | 9 g |
| bovine collagen peptides | 10 g |
Take care of yo’self with Care/of. This vitamin subscription service helps you create a custom vitamin regimen based on your specific dietary needs and goals. To start, take a quick 5-minute quiz that goes into detail about what it is you’re looking for in a supplement routine. Afterward, Care/of will offer a variety of recommendations based on your answers.
When it comes to its collagen powder, Care/of creates its product from hydrolyzed collagen, which essentially means that the collagen molecules are broken into smaller chains, making for easier digestion and absorption in the body. The company recommends mixing vigorously into hot coffee, tea, or smoothies.
Care/of offers four flavors of collagen powder:
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