Collagen is the main structural protein that forms our body’s connective tissue—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. You can always visit SYNT to buy the best collagen powders at reasonable rates.
Best Overall: Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides
Pros
- High amounts of protein per serving
- Good source of vitamin C
- Hyaluronic acid promotes more collagen production
Cons
- Potential fish allergens
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.
Best Bovine: Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate
Pros
- Keto and paleo friendly
- Low-sodium and low-fat
- High in amino acids
- No preservatives or pesticides
Cons
- May not be completely tasteless
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.
Best Post-Workout: Physician’s Choice Collagen Peptides
Pros
- Digestive enzymes for absorption
- Great for post-workout
- No potential allergens
Cons
- Low amounts of protein per serving
Smoothies are a go-to when it comes to post-workout snacks, and adding a little extra protein to your drink will help build muscle as you recover. Physician’s Choice Collagen Peptides gives you the protein fill you need while improving your hair, skin, nails, and joints.
Best Boosted Collagen: Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow
Pros
- High amounts of protein per serving
- No artificial sweeteners
- Includes biotin and hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Potential allergens from cod fish
- Limited drink flavors
Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow is a unique powder option containing collagen, biotin, and hyaluronic acid. The Tropical Hibiscus-flavored powder has 15 grams of marine-based collagen per serving to help support healthy hair, skin, nails, bones, and joints.
Best Tasting Runner-Up: Obvi Super Collagen Protein
Pros
- Sugar-free
- 11 available flavors
Cons
- Artificially flavored
Obvi has perfected the art of tasty protein powders. This grass-fed bovine multi-collagen peptide powder comes in 11 different flavors ranging from sugary cereals to cake batter. Despite its sweet taste, the powder is sugar free and only 31 calories per serving. Each serving provides vitamins and nutrients beyond the collagen it offers, including biotin, vitamin E, vitamin C, and iron.
What Experts Say
“Make sure your collagen supplement contains vitamin C. The presence of this important vitamin is necessary for collagen synthesis. And be sure to add antioxidants to your collagen regimen. Collagen fibers are a food source for free radicals, so antioxidant protection is super important, as free radical damage is the number one cause of aging.” —Olivia Pelaez, MS, functional nutritionist, and education coordinator at Vital Proteins
Why Trust Verywell Health?
As a Registered Dietitian, Sydney Greene takes supplement recommendations seriously. Every product has been researched and vetted by her against clinical research, product reviews, and third-party testing websites. These are products she would not only feel comfortable recommending to her clients and she would take them herself if needed.
Brittany Leitner is a freelance writer for Verywell Health who provided helpful insight into the key considerations when purchasing collagen powders.