What are the benefits of collagen supplements?

“Emerging research using nutritional supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen is beginning to show additional anti-aging, collagen-boosting promise in the skin,” says Joan Salge Blake , EdD, RDN, a nutrition professor at Boston University and host of the podcast Spot On! Additionally, research using Verisol shows a decrease in the wrinkles that appear around your eyes .

Do collagen supplements expire?

Yes. However, according to Woods, most collagen supplements have a pretty long shelf life. “Even after the expiration date, the dry nature of powders means they don't technically spoil or become unsafe to eat," she says. "However, the quality of the collagen will likely decrease, which may impact its effectiveness.”

How often should you take collagen supplements?

“ Consistency is key for results,” says Woods, who recommends taking one serving per day. “A lot of people like mixing it in their coffee, smoothie, but you can add it to any beverage. You can also add it to oatmeal or baked goods. However, it's not necessary to take collagen with food.”

The 11 Best Collagen Supplements of 2023

Collagen supplements have a lot of hype behind them—but also clinical research that indicates a slew of benefits for your skin. “Collagen is a structural protein known to support your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments,” says Breanna Woods, MS, RD, a dietitian based in Indianapolis. “As we age, our body naturally produces less collagen. Research supports that taking a collagen supplement may improve joint mobility, skin integrity, and muscle strength (when combined with resistance training).”Collagen supplements in powder form can also improve skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density—making them a skincare powerhouse as well.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our best overall pick is the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder, which has hydrolyzed collagen that comes from grass-fed food sources to promote healthy skin and joints. For something more affordable, consider the Orgain Keto Collagen Protein Powder because it comes with 10 grams of collagen per serving and is a perfect addition to smoothies or lattes.

To get the scoop on the best collagen supplements out there, we asked nutrition experts for their top picks. We conducted hours of research to find the best on the market—evaluating all of our options based on their key ingredients and their health benefits. After considering dozens of formulas, we landed on these top-rated picks.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Orgain Keto Collagen Protein Powder at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Naturenetics Optimized Collagen at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Skin:

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Pescatarians:

Indigo Marine Collagen Pure at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Taste:

Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Sugar-Free:

Pink Stork Collagen Protein Powder at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Travel-Friendly:

LonoLife Bone Broth Single Serve Cups at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Unflavored:

NutraCollagen Collagen Maximizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Plant-Based:

Golde Coconut Collagen Boost at Target

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For in a Collagen Supplement
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Pure

Amazon

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What We Like

Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Nut-free
Contains probiotics

What We Don't Like

Not for vegetarians or pescatarians

Who else recommends it? Men's Journal also picked the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Pure.

What do buyers say? 87% of 22,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Available in many flavors—unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, cold brew, strawberry lemonade, and cucumber lime—this supplement is made from beef, chicken, fish, and eggshell membrane. “It’s made with ingredients from non-GMO, grass-fed, and pasture-raised, cage-free, and cruelty-free sources,” says, Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CFT, and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CFT, the Nutrition Twins and creators of The 21-Day Body Reboot in New York City. “Plus, it uses hydrolyzed bovine collagen, which is easier for your body to absorb.”

The product is formulated to help improve the appearance of crow’s feet, as well as help reduce knee stiffness. It also supports gut health and healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Price at time of publish: $39

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides, fermented eggshell membrane collagen, chicken bone broth protein concentrate, bacillius coagulans, hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (10 grams) | Certified: Approved by ConsumerLab | Size: 16 oz

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What We Like

Gluten-free
No added sugars
Made without soy, dairy, or lactose

What We Don't Like

Nothing on website to explain 3rd party testing

“If I want something sweet, I am a fan of Orgain’s Keto Collagen Protein Powder,” says Kate Cline, RD, a functional medical nutrition practitioner in Dublin, OH. “It comes in vanilla and chocolate, and makes a nice enhancement to a post-workout protein shake.” The collagen contains MCT oil, as well as acacia, sea salt, and stevia. Per 20-gram scoop, you get 10 grams of fueling protein.

Price at time of publish: $28

Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides and coconut medium-chain triglycerides | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (20 grams) | Certified: None | Size: 14.1 oz

View On Amazon

What We Like

Contains Verisol
Made in facility with allergy-control plan

What We Don't Like

Doesn't mix as well in cold water

“I am obsessed with Naturenetics collagen,” says Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, a dietitian in Franklin, TN. “It uses special collagen called Verisol that is made specifically to target fibroblasts in the skin. The brand is also extremely diligent about third-party testing and the purity of the products.”

Price at time of publish: $30

Key Ingredients: Verisol | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (2.5 grams) | Certified: Manufactured in a GMP-certified, NSF-approved facility | Size: 5.3 oz

4.9

Amazon

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What We Like

Minimal ingredient list
No added sugars
Gluten-free
Dairy-free

What We Don't Like

Reviewers noted that flavor was strong when mixed with water

This product, another fan favorite of many registered dietitians, contains Type I and Type II collagen powder and is certified kosher and Whole30-approved. “This one is my favorite because it gives you not only 18 grams of protein but also vitamin C and hyaluronic acid—which both support collagen synthesis in the body,” says Woods. “Vital Proteins mixes well in pretty much anything and has little to no taste.”

Price at time of publish: $25

Key Ingredients: Bovine hide collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 scoops (20 grams) | Certified: Kosher, whole30 approved, USDA certified, non-GMO, NSF certified cGMP facility, approved by ConsumerLab | Size: 9.33 oz

View On Amazon

What We Like

Suitable for pescatarians
Gluten-free
Kosher

What We Don't Like

Not for vegetarians

Here’s the perfect product for a pescatarian who doesn’t want to consume bovine collagen. “There are many different types of collagen on the market, however, there is a huge difference between bovine and marine collagen,” says Cynthia Barrett, PT, DPT, founder of Wellness Couture in New York City. “Indigo Marine Collagen is fished in the wild and processed in the United States to ensure strict quality controls. It also consists of smaller peptides or smaller protein molecules than bovine collagen sources, which means it’s more efficient in the body.” The product contains Types I, II, III, and IV of collagen.

Price at time of publish: $35

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed fish collagen | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (10 grams) | Certified: Kosher | Size: 10.6 oz

Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides, Unflavored

Courtesy of Thrive Market

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What We Like

Sugar-free
Comes in various flavors for various tastes
Versatile in use

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note that it doesn't dissolve in liquids easily

“I like the Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel because it provides 10 grams of collagen peptides per serving while still containing minimal amounts of refined sugars,” says Lacy Ngo, MS, RDN, a dietitian in Rock Hill, SC. “This powder also comes in several tasty flavors like vanilla, chocolate coconut, and peanut butter. The matcha flavor provides the added benefits of antioxidants.” Per 16-gram scoop, you get 11 grams of protein from this powder that contains Types I and III collagen.

Price at time of publish: $30

Key Ingredients: Bovine collagen peptides | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (16 grams) | Certified: Keto | Size: 19.2 oz

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Gluten-free
Organic
Travel-friendly

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note that the taste can be too sweet

“This product is made with hydrolyzed Type I and III bovine collagen,” says Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, author of 25 Anti-Aging Smoothies for Revitalizing, Glowing Skin. “Hydrolyzed Type I collagen peptides are the most abundant type found in the body, Hydrolyzed collagen means that it is broken down into smaller peptides, making it more easily absorbed." One serving contains 11 grams of collagen.

Price at time of publish: $23

Key Ingredients: Bovine hydrolyzed collagen | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (11 grams) | Certified: USDA-organic | Size: 11 oz

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What We Like

Portable
Gluten-free
Made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle

What We Don't Like

Not for vegetarians or pescatarians

Mix these single-serve cups with hot water for a savory snack—the product is made with beef bone broth, vegetables, herbs, spices, and seasonings. “If going for savory, my favorite is LonoLife single-serve packets, which most people find taste good enough to drink on their own,” says Cline.

Price at time of publish: $22

Key Ingredients: Beef collagen | Age Range: All | Dosage: Single-serve cup (15 grams) | Certified: None | Size: 2.12 oz

View On Amazon

What We Like

Sugar-free
Only one ingredient
Easy to mix resulting in no clumping

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note that it has a strong smell

“NutraCollagen has more collagen peptides per serving than most of its competitors,” says Lakatos. “And unlike many collagen supplements, the brand manufactures all of its products in the United States, in its own Michigan facility—which means it can ensure quality. We like the smooth texture and consistency of NutraCollagen products, as they dissolve immediately with no clumping. So they’re super easy to add into drinks, smoothies, and other foods.”

Price at time of publish: $30

Key Ingredients: Instantized bovine collagen peptides | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 scoops (22 grams) | Certified: None | Size: 15.5 oz

Golde

View On Target View On Thrive Market

What We Like

Great taste
Gluten-free
Vegan

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it doesn't dissolve easily in cold drinks

Technically this doesn't contain any collagen, but it is a great alternative for vegans or vegetarians who want the benefits of using a collagen supplement without having to consume animal products. Made with superfood ingredients like bamboo extract and monk fruit extract—as well as beauty powerhouses biotin and hyaluronic acid—this creamer is able to support the body's natural collagen production and improve the condition of your hair, skin, and nails. Reviewers love that the taste is amazing and goes perfectly in their morning latte or smoothie.

Price at time of publish: $18

Key Ingredients: Bamboo extract, hyaluronic acid, biotin | Age Range: N/A | Dosage: 2 teaspoons | Certified: None | Size: 3.9 oz or 7.9 oz

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Walmart

What We Like

Supports skin elasticity
Contains two types of collagen peptides
Clinically tested

What We Don't Like

Have to take three a day

If you want to take a collagen supplement but powders aren't your thing, try out these capsules instead. They not only contain a collagen blend, but also hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to improve the skin's appearance and fight free radicals that can lead to signs of aging. Their collagen is grass-fed bovine sourced, and it's gluten-free and non-GMO.

Price at time of publish: $40

Key Ingredients: Collagen peptide hydro-matrix blend | Age Range: All | Dosage: 3 capsules | Certified: Non-GMO | Size: 90 capsules

Final Verdict

There are many collagen supplements on the market right now, but our favorite is Ancient Nutrition's Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Pure for its non-GMO and grass-fed natural ingredients. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Orgain Keto Collagen Protein Powder because it has a great taste and 10 grams of collagen per serving.

Meet the Expert

Breanna Woods, MS, RD, is a dietitian in Indianapolis.
Tamar Samuels, RD, NBC-HWC, is a registered dietitian and national board-certified health and wellness coach. She’s also the co-founder of Culina Health.
Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CFT and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CFT, are the Nutrition Twins and creators of The 21-Day Body Reboot in New York City.
Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, is a dietitian in Franklin, TN.
Kate Cline, RD, is a functional medical nutrition practitioner in Dublin, OH.
Cynthia Barrett, PT, DPT, is the founder of Wellness Couture in New York City.
Lacy Ngo, MS, RDN, is a dietitian in Rock Hill, SC.
Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is the author of 25 Anti-Aging Smoothies for Revitalizing, Glowing Skin.
Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, is a nutrition professor at Boston University and host of the podcast Spot On!

What to Look For in a Collagen Supplement

Hydrolyzed collagen

Samuels recommends looking for supplements that are formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, which indicates that it’s easier to digest and is more quickly absorbed after ingestion.

“It’s also high in the amino acids glycine and proline which are essential for building new collagen in your muscles, bones, and gut,” she adds.

Grass-fed, pasture-raised, and antibiotic free

When shopping for a collagen supplement, Samuels also stresses the importance of choosing a product that’s made from grass-fed, pasture-raised, and antibiotic-free animals to ensure you’re ingesting the healthiest collagen possible. “The collagen shouldn’t contain any additives or fillers,” she says. “Dietary products are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to be mindful of the source of your ingredients to avoid excessive exposure to antibiotics, pesticides, and other potentially harmful substances."

Third-party verification

Samuels also recommends looking for products with third-party verification to ensure that the product lives up to its claims and contains the ingredients it says it does. “These companies also ensure there aren’t any additional ingredients in the product that aren’t listed on the label,” she says. She suggests looking for verifications by the following credible groups: NSF International, UL, and US Pharmacopeia.

FAQ

What are the benefits of collagen supplements?

“Emerging research using nutritional supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen is beginning to show additional anti-aging, collagen-boosting promise in the skin,” says Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, a nutrition professor at Boston University and host of the podcast Spot On! Additionally, research using Verisol shows a decrease in the wrinkles that appear around your eyes.
Do collagen supplements expire?

Yes. However, according to Woods, most collagen supplements have a pretty long shelf life. “Even after the expiration date, the dry nature of powders means they don't technically spoil or become unsafe to eat," she says. "However, the quality of the collagen will likely decrease, which may impact its effectiveness.”
How often should you take collagen supplements?

“Consistency is key for results,” says Woods, who recommends taking one serving per day. “A lot of people like mixing it in their coffee, smoothie, but you can add it to any beverage. You can also add it to oatmeal or baked goods. However, it's not necessary to take collagen with food.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Amy Gorin, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist and has over a decade of experience in the nutrition industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She specializes in plant-based nutrition and is one of the most recognized nutrition experts in America. For this story, she interviewed nine additional nutrition experts to weigh in on their favorite collagen supplements.

The 13 Best Collagen Powders of 2023

Updated by Shannon Stubbs

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lane NE. Efficacy and Tolerability of an Undenatured Type II Collagen Supplement in Modulating Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms: A Multicenter Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study. Nutr J. 2016;15:14. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0130-8
Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. doi:10.3390/nu11102494
Best Collagen Supplements: Top Collagen Peptides Online in2022. Men's Journal. https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/best-collagen-supplements-2022/
León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G. Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications. Molecules. 2019;24(22):4031. doi:10.3390/molecules24224031
Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral Intake of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Increases Dermal Matrix Synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-119. doi:10.1159/000355523

Best Overall

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Pure

Best Budget

Orgain Keto Collagen Protein Powder

Best Value

Naturenetics Optimized Collagen

Best for Skin

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Best for Pescatarians

Indigo Marine Collagen Pure

Best Taste

Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel

Best Sugar-Free

Pink Stork Total Collagen Protein Powder

Best Travel-Friendly

LonoLife Grass Fed Beef Bone Broth Single Serve Cups

Best Unflavored

NutraCollagen Collagen Maximizer

Best Plant-Based

Golde Coconut Collagen Boost

Best Capsule

Hum Collagen Love

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