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By Meghan Novoshielski, MS, RDN
Expert Verified by Dr. Rob Wildman, PhD, RD, LD, CISSN, FISSN
Reviewed by Joana Neziri, M.S., N.A.S.M.-C.P.T
Fact Checked by Kelly Uhler
We evaluated some of the most popular collagen supplement products using the expertise of our dietitians and wellness experts. The following top picks met rigorous criteria for effectiveness, ingredient quality, certifications, cost, usability, and customer satisfaction.
We consulted with registered dietitians, wellness experts, and a healthcare fact checker to help us determine which collagen products were worth the money.
Collagen is the most abundant protein found throughout the body that provides structure and strength to skin, cartilage, muscle, and connective tissue. As we age, our collagen levels gradually decline, leading to wrinkles, loose skin, and achy joints. ( 1 )
Collagen supplements have gained popularity for their potential to counteract these effects. ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) However, due to increasing demand, there are now countless collagen products available, varying in quality.
So, how do you choose the best collagen powder? Our dietitians and wellness experts have done the work for you. We’ve reviewed the top options available, scrutinizing key factors, including effectiveness, safety, quality, cost, and ease of use. The list below details our findings to help you determine which one deserves a spot on your shelf.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collage Hydrolysate earned our top spot as the best collagen powder because it’s versatile, affordable, and high quality. Learn more about why this product is rated so highly on our list.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate balances quality with affordability, delivering a clinically supported dose of 11 grams of bovine collagen in each serving. The company commits to never including artificial or unnecessary ingredients and backs up these statements with third-party testing.
Transparent Labs tops our list for the best collagen powder because it’s versatile enough to work for most people’s goals.
The unflavored option contains just one ingredient: grass-fed bovine hydrolyzed collagen.
Bovine collagen comes from the bones of cows and provides collagen types I and III, which match the collagen types commonly found in our skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. ( 1 )
Hydrolyzed collagen means the larger collagen protein is broken down into smaller components, called collagen peptides. And it’s collagen’s specific peptides that account for much of the benefits. Hydrolyzed collagen also mixes better with water than other forms and may be easier to digest. ( 6 )
Grass-fed collagen matters to many consumers. While no studies prove grass-fed beef is better for health than standard beef, grass-fed meat typically contains higher levels of beneficial fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. ( 7 ) Additionally, sourcing from grass-fed cattle helps this product align with Paleo and Whole30 diets.
While there’s no standard recommended amount of collagen, research suggests that 2.5–15 grams per day are safe and may improve skin and joint health. ( 8 ) Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate falls in this range, providing 11 grams in each serving.
In terms of quality assurance, Transparent Labs conducts third-party testing to verify ingredient quality and safety, with results readily accessible to customers on the website.
Despite its high quality, this product remains one of the more affordable options on our list, priced at $1.17 per serving.
Our testers found this supplement easy to incorporate into their routines. It dissolves easily in water and goes virtually unnoticed.
If you prefer flavored supplements, a chocolate option is available, featuring natural flavors and stevia. Testers described it as reminiscent of watered-down chocolate milk, especially enjoyable when mixed with almond milk.
Transparent Labs products are generally well-reviewed on their own website, but third-party feedback is scarce.
The company received a mid-range score on Trustpilot.com due to some complaints related to shipping and packaging. However, customers are generally satisfied with the product quality.
“I’ve tried their protein and pre-workout and loved both of them! Their customer service is beyond incredible. What sold me initially was the minimal and high-quality ingredients in everything. I seriously love this brand.”
Gainful Grass Fed Collagen offers clinically supported 10 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen in an unflavored formulation that blends well with various foods and beverages. Personalized support from registered dietitians can help you get the most out of your supplement plan.
With its 10-gram dose of hydrolyzed bovine collagen from grass-fed cows, Gainful Grass Fed Collagen is a solid unflavored option.
Each serving also contains 50 milligrams of vitamin C, which may support collagen health in multiple ways. Vitamin C is essential for making collagen and acts as an antioxidant, protecting collagen from damage. ( 10 ) Some studies suggest that combining vitamin C with hydrolyzed collagen boosts collagen production in the body. ( 9 )
Gainful’s formula is unflavored, so you can add it to various foods and beverages. We’ve found it mixes well without altering flavor or texture. Plus, this company promises never to include artificial additives or ingredients.
Even more impressive is the personalized support available. With each subscription, Gainful provides customers with 1:1 access to registered dietitians to discuss their health goals.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. To order Gainful’s products, customers must start a subscription; one-time purchase options aren’t available. Also, there are only 14 servings in each container, compared to an average of 25 servings per collagen container.
There’s also no indication that this product undergoes third-party testing to verify quality and safety claims.
According to Trustpilot.com, customers are very satisfied with Gainful’s products and overall customer experience.
“I would highly recommend. It does not have a chalky taste, and mixes well with my almond milk. I have a shake mixed with Gainful’s fiber and collagen every morning to start my day and it keeps me full until lunch.”
If you’re wondering about the value of registered dietitian support, verified reviewer CA shares, “I love that there is a registered dietitian you can easily reach out to with any questions.”
However, some customers complained about receiving too much communication around product personalization, so this might not be a great choice if you already know what you’re looking for and want a more low-touch experience.
Nutricost provides the best value for a basic yet high-quality grass-fed hydrolyzed collagen product. Each serving delivers 11 grams of collagen, and the products are third-party tested. While four flavors are available, the unflavored is your best bet for versatility and value.
Nutricost Grass-Fed Collagen stands out as the best value we’ve encountered for a quality collagen supplement. It delivers a beneficial dose of 11 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen in each serving, priced at only $0.43 per serving for the unflavored option—significantly lower than comparable formulas on the market.
Even at its affordable price point, Nutricost places a high priority on ingredient quality and transparency. Each formula undergoes third-party testing to guarantee potency and to detect any potential harmful contaminants. Additionally, the product container prominently displays the nutrition facts for easy reference.
For added convenience and versatility, this product is available in two sizes (4 ounces and 1 pound) and offers four flavors (unflavored, chocolate, salted caramel, vanilla).
If opting for a flavored variety, it’s worth noting that these contain stevia, which may be problematic for some people. Another tip: the one-pound container will last you well over a month, potentially leading to flavor fatigue. Consider ordering smaller sizes of the flavored options to mix it up.
While you can’t beat the value of this great basic formula, people who want a more comprehensive supplement with complementary vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, biotin, and hyaluronic acid may prefer another option on our list.
Over 100 Amazon customers rate Nutricost’s collagen highly. Reviewers are generally happy with the results and the price.
“I’ve been using this stuff since July 19th, and the difference in my nails is amazing. I think my hair has improved also but my nails have definitely gotten longer and stronger.”
Jessica Glennon, verified Amazon customer
Similarly, Rosie R. describes the unflavored option as an “affordable product and great results.”
However, verified reviewer L-ren noticed off-flavors when adding this product to beverages and offers this advice: “I’ve found the best way to mix it with drinks is to first mix it with room temperature water and then add it to my drink.”
Sports Research is a leader in organic collagen supplements, using a special eco-friendly process to meet USDA-organic standards. They also have extra certifications confirming product quality and suitability for various diets.
Sports Research is credited as the first-ever certified organic option on the market (although there are a few options now available). This certification verifies full compliance with all organic production standards.
Certified organic standards require avoiding specific chemicals, antibiotics, hormones, genetically-modified ingredients, and synthetic additives throughout the entire production process. Producers must also follow humane and sustainable production practices. ( 11 ) To meet these standards, Sports Research utilizes a new processing method that, according to their website, uses 70% less water and 70% less energy than traditional methods.
The trade-off is that this results in a product with a somewhat noticeable aftertaste and coarser texture. We’ve found that it doesn’t perform as well in thin, cold-temperature liquids. For best results, stir it well into hot beverages or blend it into your favorite smoothie to make it less noticeable.
Another reason to appreciate this product is the additional third-party certifications obtained by Sports Research to ensure product quality. These include NSF-certified gluten-free, IGEN non-GMO, and Informed Choice.
This level of testing usually drives up costs, but Sports Research Organic Collagen Peptides is surprisingly affordable. In fact, it’s the second most affordable option on our list after Nutricost while still providing a full 10 grams of collagen per serving.
Sports Research Organic Collagen receives overall positive reviews from close to 500 customers on Amazon. Reviewers are happy with the quality of the product’s ingredients and the benefits it provides.
Verified customer Bianca praises the product as a “game-changer for anyone looking to improve their skin, hair, and joint health” and a “natural and sustainable choice.”
“I love this product so far! From the packaging and texture, to the effects on my skin and joints has been incredible. The information gave me a sense of product integrity…My knees don’t pop like they use to now that I think about it. This is a solid product that I’ve now added to my box of tools.”
Marlon Briscoe, verified Amazon customer
Still, other customers aren’t fully satisfied with the taste and texture. D Nelson writes, “First of all it’s NOT tasteless, it’s not horrible either, I can tolerate it if it works. Second, when you pull the spoon out of a hot drink after you stirred it good and you still see lumps and powder in those lumps, I would really have to say, it doesn’t dissolve well. You have to push the back of the spoon against the lumps as you stir and then they dissolve.”
Momentous Collagen Peptides contain 16.8 grams of collagen per serving. This product also includes Fortigel®, a proprietary blend specifically designed to support joint cartilage.
Many adults deal with joint pain, particularly with age, due to daily stress on ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and bones.
Supplementation with collagen peptides, alongside a therapeutic exercise plan, may help protect joint function and ease joint pain. According to a 2021 research review, 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily may help stimulate the growth of new joint tissue while providing essential building blocks for tissue repair. ( 4 )
Each serving of Momentous Collagen Peptides contains 16.8 grams of collagen, of which 11.6 grams are bovine types I and III collagen. The remaining 5.2 grams are from a proprietary collagen called Fortigel®.
Fortigel contains type II collagen, which is part of healthy cartilage tissue. Generally, we’re wary of proprietary ingredients due to the lack of transparency in their formulations. However, a few small studies indicate that Fortigel® supplements helped study participants strengthen knee cartilage and reduce joint pain. ( 12 )
For additional reassurance, Momentous Collagen Peptides have undergone independent testing and hold NSF Sport and Informed Sport certifications. This verifies the product’s label accuracy and ensures the absence of banned or contaminated substances.
Finally, 50 milligrams of vitamin C have been added to support healthy collagen development. ( 9 , 10 )
For all its benefits, it’s still reasonably priced, falling in the mid-range of the products we evaluated.
Our testers also described it as virtually tasteless, even though some “floaties” remained when combined with various beverages.
Momentous Collagen Peptides has garnered nearly 160 Amazon ratings, mostly positive. Reviewers report seeing improvements in joint health and pain.
“The first collagen I’ve used that actually does help the pain I have in my thumb joints and wrists.”
Similarly, Chelly StClair shared, “This product has really helped my joint pain and body aches… I place it on top of hot coffee/tea, this seems to be best way to dissolve nicely. My husband and I love the taste. It’s kinda like a cappuccino like flavor after the creamer is added. The container is bigger than I thought and price is not bad for quantity.”
Conversely, customers point out that this product tends to clump, particularly in cold beverages.
Jen J. shared that it “seems to work and wanted to give it 5 stars, but it does not dissolve well, it clumps compared to other options.”
Still, it should be noted that reviewers stirring the product into hot beverages and smoothies indicated it dissolved just fine.
Promix Chocolate Collagen Powder tastes great, making you more likely to use it. The recommended serving size of two scoops daily delivers 21 grams of collagen, but you could still benefit from scaling back to one scoop while saving money and calories.
According to experts, it can take around eight weeks to start seeing results from collagen supplements, and keeping up with intake is key to maintaining those benefits. ( 13 ) Considering this, it’s important you find a product that you actually enjoy. Promix is one of the better-tasting options overall and a solid choice for chocolate lovers.
At $1.89 per serving, it might seem expensive, but each two-scoop serving offers a hefty 21 grams of collagen. Research suggests 2.5–15 grams daily is enough to see benefits, so switching to one scoop daily is an option to save money while still giving you a solid 10-gram dose. ( 8 )
Promix is made from grass-fed, hydrolyzed collagen mixed with organic fair-trade cocoa and organic coconut sugar to create a delicious Dutch chocolate taste. It can be seamlessly incorporated into coffee to create a cafe mocha flavor or used as a hot chocolate powder when mixed with steamed milk.
It’s worth noting that the recommended two-scoop serving adds 110 calories and six grams of sugar. So, if you’re trying to cut down on sugar or keep your calorie intake low, sticking to one scoop might be a good idea.
Finally, Promix gets bonus points for conducting third-party testing and sharing reports with their customers on their website.
More than 200 Amazon reviewers have weighed in on this product, with most praising its taste.
“Favorite thing to mix in with my cup of coffee every morning to keep me feeling full and energized. I’ve tried mixing in lots of collagen powders, protein powders, protein drinks, etc. with my coffee… and well, this is THE best if you’re looking for something with minimal additives/sugar, amazing flavor, and dissolves well.”
Cathy Clearly agrees, sharing, “I look forward to my shakes and it has made it easy to keep in my routine.”
Nevertheless, taste is subjective, and reviewer Evelyn I. reports being disappointed with the taste, describing it as “almost tasteless with a hint of cocoa flavor.”
Naked Nutrition Collagen Peptides Protein Powder provides nine grams of grass-fed hydrolyzed collagen with nothing extra added to the formula. This means it works well with most dietary needs, and customers also rate it highly.
Naked Nutrition Collagen Peptides Protein Powder is as simple as it gets, with just one ingredient: grass-fed hydrolyzed bovine collagen.
It’s not the only option boasting a pared-down ingredient list, but Naked Nutrition’s collagen is unique because it comes from European cows. Most other brands source collagen from South American cattle.
According to the website, European sourcing means a higher-quality, easier-to-mix formula. While the reason isn’t clear, our testing confirms it blends very well in beverages without any aftertaste.
Whether from Europe or South America, grass-fed cows are raised closer to their natural diet, potentially improving nutrient diversity in the final product and reducing exposure to harmful substances. ( 7 )
Additionally, this straightforward formula caters to diverse dietary needs. It’s sugar-free, with only 35 calories per serving, and is soy-free, non-GMO, and certified gluten-free.
Naked Nutrition conducts third-party testing, but they don’t provide official lab reports to customers.
Overall, this product is very well-liked by customers and offers good value at just $0.70 per serving for nine grams of beneficial collagen. As a bonus, the packaging has an appealing aesthetic that would look good on any kitchen counter and contains a generous 60 servings.
Naked Nutrition Collagen Peptides Protein Powder is highly rated on Amazon, with over 1000 reviewers. Customers appreciate its versatility, ease of mixing, and health benefits.
“The purest collagen supplement I’ve tried… using the product daily for many months and I am super pleased! The powder is very fine and granulated. Doesn’t clump and mixes with virtually anything.”
Andrew B., verified Amazon customer
John T. credits Naked Nutrition’s collagen for relieving joint pain. “It is amazing how much better my knees and shoulders feel after several years of varying degrees of pain and discomfort. You have to be patient, though. It’s not a quick fix or miracle cure. It took about three months of using it daily before I began noticing improvement. Now I’m back to moving some pretty good weight in the gym, and I can hike distances without any problems. I include it in my supplement regimen every day. Naked Collagen deserves the full five stars! Oh, and the taste? I can’t even tell it’s in my smoothies.”
Among the few negative reviews are minor complaints about packaging defects and digestive discomfort due to sensitivity to beef products.
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Advanced Lean includes many ingredients aimed at helping people manage their weight, including a generous dose of 16 grams of collagen from ten diverse sources. Not all of these ingredients have strong clinical support, but many customers are happy with their results.
Ancient Nutrition packs a lot of ingredients into its Multi Collagen Advanced Lean powder that may appeal to people looking to manage their weight.
First and foremost, each serving provides a substantial 14 grams of protein. Getting enough protein during weight loss can help manage hunger and improve long-term weight loss outcomes. ( 14 , 15 )
The protein in this product comes from a proprietary Multi Collagen Complex made from 10 diverse whole-food sources of collagen, including egg, marine, and bovine. This unique combination delivers a range of nourishing amino acids and essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
Additionally, this product contains a proprietary fat-loss blend with cinnamon and ashwagandha, purported to enhance weight loss . However, supporting studies are not easily accessible. While both ingredients have long histories in herbal medicine, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states it’s unclear whether they aid in stress management, appetite control, or fat loss. ( 16 , 17 )
Finally, probiotics and vitamin C are also included in this formulation.
Overall, this product offers a lot, but whether these extra ingredients are beneficial is clinically unknown. They’re also expensive—this is the most expensive product on our list. Furthermore, multi-ingredient products pose a higher risk of interactions, so it’s important to talk with your doctor before taking them.
That said, many customers are happy with this product, and our reviewers were happy to see that it is third-party tested for quality and safety.
Our testers said the cinnamon flavor was mild, but didn’t taste great with just plain water—it’s definitely better mixed in smoothies or baked goods. One of our testers also noted it remained grainy when mixed in thin liquids, even after stirring multiple times.
Over 130 customers have rated this product on Amazon. Many are happy with the benefits they’ve seen from using this product.
Verified Amazon customer Adriana writes, “I love the products from this brand, I wanted to give this one a try since I always use the regular protein, but this was great, love the taste and that it helps with my cravings.”
“I liked everything about this product. I add it to my coffee every morning, the cinnamon flavor is great! I lost 2 pounds in the first week. I have bought my 2nd container.”
Among the negative comments were complaints about the flavor and difficulty mixing this product into beverages. It’s definitely one that will do best in a blender.
Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides provides a generous dose of 20 grams of grass-fed collagen peptides, which may help support healthy hair growth, among other benefits. It’s free of any artificial ingredients, but doesn’t mix as easily as other products we tested.
Many people turn to collagen supplements to promote hair growth, and Bubs Naturals can be a solid choice for this purpose.
Your nutrition status, among other things, affects the health of your hair. Proteins in your diet provide the essential amino acids needed to support hair growth. Collagen proteins, and in particular peptides, show promise for helping thicken tresses, according to some early research.
A recent lab study showed that bovine collagen may help reduce hair loss by supporting the health of hair-promoting cells. ( 18 ) Another study found that 44 middle-aged women had significantly thicker hair after taking 2.5 grams of collagen for 16 weeks. ( 19 )
With a generous dose of 20 grams of grass-fed bovine collagen protein in each one-scoop serving, Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides helps boost your intake of the essential amino acids important to hair health.
It’s also a well-regarded product for its clean-label formulation. Like many products on our list, it consists of a single ingredient that is free from common allergens and artificial additives, meeting a variety of dietary and lifestyle needs. Furthermore, it holds NSF Sport certification and is approved for keto, paleo, and Whole30 diets.
Unfortunately, we found that it didn’t dissolve well in hot and cold beverages. Despite this, our testers didn’t dismiss it, noting that even with some floaters and settling, they could still consume it daily without any impact on taste.
Although it may be pricier than other options, 10% of the company’s profits are donated to veteran charities in honor of the company’s namesake, Glen “Bub” Doherty, a former Navy Seal killed during an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012. The company prides itself on applying the Navy Seal’s high standards to their products, committing to best practices in sustainability and product quality.
Over 2000 reviewers on Amazon rate this product highly.
“I love this collagen! I tried another collagen and it did not work nearly as well as Bubs. Within 30 days there was so much less hair in my brush. I’m a hairdresser and I recommend it to all of my clients because once women hit their 40s hormones change, and we start to lose hair as we lose collagen. So many of my clients have come back and thanked me because they stopped losing hair and they’re starting to see how much thicker their hair is now and we all use Bubs.”
“Scarlett’s mom,” verified Amazon customer
Verified Amazon customer Amy also appreciates the product quality and company ethos. “This is a great product and I have tried many collagen products. I like what the company stands for and that they give back as well! It blends well into coffee and no taste! My body loves it!”
However, some customers are frustrated with recent packaging changes and struggle to get this product to dissolve in their beverages. Amazon customer Jim describes it as “chunky.”
Gnarly Collagen Pro offers holistic joint support through a formula containing 15 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen plus vitamin C, zinc, and copper. When taken 30 to 60 minutes before exercise, it may help boost collagen growth, further protecting joint health.
Staying active is great for your health, but it does mean your joints, bones, and muscles take a bit of a beating. Collagen proteins lend strength and structure to joints, bones, and muscles to help you cope with the wear and tear of an active lifestyle. However, starting from around age 20, your body’s natural collagen production begins to decline, which can increase your risk for athletic injuries. ( 1 )
Gnarly Collagen Pro is tailored to meet the needs of athletes, delivering 15 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen per serving. Research suggests this amount helps support collagen growth and repair. Also included are vitamin C, zinc, and copper, which may further help promote collagen and connective tissue growth. ( 10 , 20 )
Why consider collagen as a pre-workout supplement? A study found that consuming 15 grams of collagen with vitamin C 60 minutes before exercise for several weeks enhanced markers for collagen growth ( 4 ). But remember, you’ll still want to take collagen on rest days, as consistency will increase your chance of seeing benefits.
Our testers found that this product mixes easily into various beverages, from coffee to Powerade, without altering the taste, making it a hassle-free addition to your pre-exercise routine. Moreover, it’s available in convenient stick-pack packaging for added portability.
Gnarly has taken steps to reduce plastic waste by eliminating plastic scoops from its bulk packaging, so be prepared to measure out 2.5 tablespoons of the product on your own as a “one scoop” equivalent.
While this product may be pricier than others, it offers more than just basic collagen supplementation. Furthermore, it holds NSF Sport and Content certifications, ensuring rigorous monitoring for ingredient quality, contaminants, and harmful substances.
Only 22 customers on Amazon have rated this product, but most reviews are positive.
“I have purchased and tried collagen from different brands, but this one, by far, is the best! I saw a drastic change in less than one month of use—my nails, hair, and skin appearance and growth improved significantly. I am a happy buyer and would definitely recommend it to others.”
Kamella Bellina, verified Amazon customer
Another verified user, Steve, reports satisfaction with how well this product mixed with other flavored beverages and views it as a “ good price for a quality product.”
Melanotan On the other hand, some reviewers question its value. Amazon customer Marsha P writes: “I have done extensive research on so many collagen additive products. I finally bought this because if everything I read is correct, this is one of the cleanest brands out there. At this point, I still question if it is worth taking and wonder about the true ingredients as far as how healthy they are for me or if I really need them. But I continue to take it, but I only take half the amount that they recommend.”