The 9 Best Collagen Supplements of 2024, According to a Dietitian

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We researched and taste-tested collagen supplements to find the best ones on the market

Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.

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Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and provides structure for skin, hair, nails, joints, cartilage, and bones. According to Kelsey Kunik, RDN, while collagen supplements are often marketed for specific concerns, such as anti-aging and improved hair and nail health, their benefits extend beyond beauty. For instance, research suggests that collagen supplements might improve skin hydration and elasticity and possibly reduce joint stiffness.

As with many supplements, the research on collagen supplements is not always consistent, and we still have a lot to learn. As long as you consume the building blocks of collagen in your everyday diet—adequate protein, vitamin C, zinc, and copper—you might not need a supplement. That said, collagen supplements may be helpful for people with joint pain or skin concerns or anyone simply looking to up their protein intake.

In order to choose the best collagen supplements, our team of registered dietitians researched dozens of supplements. We took these products into our own hands and specifically tested the collagen powders in our lab for taste, texture, smell, and how well they dissolve in cold and hot liquids. When choosing the best supplement for you, you’ll want to evaluate the type of collagen, form (pill, powder, liquid, or gummy), dose, other ingredients in the supplement, and third-party testing. Thankfully, we've done a lot of that evaluation, so you can find the one that works best for you.

Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. They also may interact with other supplements or medications you are taking. Our team of registered dietitians reviews supplements according to our rigorous dietary supplement methodology. We also had a registered dietitian review this page for its scientific accuracy. Please always speak with a healthcare provider to discuss any supplements you plan on taking.

It has just one ingredient, dissolves well in cold or hot liquids, is NSF Certified for Sport, and has 18 grams of protein per serving.

It only contains types I and III collagen, so it may not be suitable for someone looking for joint support.

If you’re looking for a simple, unflavored collagen powder to boost your protein intake, Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides is a great choice. With 18 grams of protein from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows per serving, it’s an easy way to add protein to your day—especially since it can be added to warm or cool beverages. We like that it dissolves well into both cold and hot drinks with no clumps or off-putting flavor. Plus, it is truly flavorless when mixed into any drink.

It contains types I and III collagen, which have been shown to support skin, hair, and nail health. It does not contain type II collagen, which may help support joint health. However, the most important thing for collagen production is to get adequate protein, vitamin C, zinc, and copper.

In addition to the traditional tub, you can also purchase single-serve packets, which are a convenient option for those on the go or traveling. Of note, the single-serve packets only provide 10 grams of collagen peptides.

We like that this pick is NSF Certified for Sport, a rigorous third-party organization that tests for harmful contaminants and banned substances in sports. It’s also gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and non-GMO.

Product Details

It's tasteless and mixes well into hot liquid or cold smoothies.

It doesn't dissolve well in cold water, so you'll want to put it into tea, coffee, or a cold blended beverage.

If you're looking for a tasteless, go-to collagen powder, we recommend Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. It provides 18 grams of protein and 20 grams of collagen per 4 tablespoon serving and mixes well into a variety of your favorite recipes, including coffee, smoothies, protein bites, baked goods, yogurt, oatmeal, soup, and more. Our testers noted that this powder doesn't dissolve well in cold water, so stick to smoothies if you're looking for a cold, collagen-packed option.

Our dietitians like the variety of ways to use this powder, especially if you want to boost your protein intake. It's important to note that the canister does not include a scoop, so you'll want to make sure to have a tablespoon measure on hand to get an accurate dose.

Product Details

It has all three of the most studied types of collagen, has minimal ingredients, and undergoes rigorous in-house testing for quality and purity.

While it provides all three types of collagen, it is lower in protein than some other powders available on the market. It is also unsafe for those with fish allergies and has a stronger taste in plain drinks.

Now Multi Collagen Protein Types I, II, and III checks nearly all of the boxes we look for in a quality collagen supplement. It contains all three types of collagen: types I and III collagen, which may support skin and nails, as well as type II for joint and bone support. The collagen comes from a mix of cow, chicken, and fish sources, so it is not suitable for vegans or those with a fish allergy. It also contains vitamin C to support collagen production.

One serving, which is 2.5 tablespoons, contains 10 grams of protein (11 grams of collagen) and just over 100 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Because it’s unflavored, you can add it to any food or beverage you like—coffee, tea, oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods, and more. However, it has a fishy aftertaste, especially in plain water. Therefore, it may be best used in smoothies or drinks with stronger flavors. Even though this powder didn't receive the highest ratings for smell and flavor, we love that it provides a variety of types of collagen and has a simple ingredient list.

Now Foods, which is known for its quality supplements, completes comprehensive purity and potency testing to ensure their products contain the amount listed on the label and don’t contain any harmful contaminants.

Product Details

It has the building blocks needed to support the body's production of collagen without any alternative sweeteners. It’s also NSF Contents Certified and NSF Certified for Sport.

You’ll want to consider any other supplements you’re taking to ensure you’re not exceeding the tolerable upper level intake (UL) for the added nutrients. It can also have a zinc-like flavor in plain drinks.

With 14 grams of protein per serving, Gnarly Collagen Pro is a solid choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake. We like that this collagen powder has all of the building blocks your body needs to support collagen production—amino acids from the collagen peptides, vitamin C, zinc, and copper.

It's unflavored, but some people may detect a zinc flavor when mixing the powder with cold and hot drinks. Plus, while testing this powder, we found it didn't dissolve well in plain, cold liquids. Therefore, it is best to use this powder in flavored hot drinks, blended in a smoothie, or added to baked goods.

Because it contains additional vitamins and minerals, you will want to consider any other supplements you take, such as a multivitamin, to ensure you’re not exceeding the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) for any of these nutrients. It’s also important to know that zinc may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics, diuretics, and Penicillamine, a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Gnarly Pro Collagen is both NSF Contents Certified and NSF Certified for Sport, two rigorous certifications that ensure that what’s in the package is what you see on the label and that it doesn’t contain any harmful contaminants or substances banned by sport. It’s available in a canister or individual travel packs that are easy to take on the go.

Product Details

We love the delicious lemonade-like flavor and that it's also NSF Certified for Sport.

While it doesn’t contain any added sugars, it is sweetened with stevia, a low-calorie sweetener.

Known as a top brand for collagen powders, Vital Proteins makes a delicious lemon powder that contains 20 grams of collagen from grass-fed cows. With 18 grams of protein per serving, it's also a great option for increasing your protein intake. Powders like this make it easy for you to adjust your serving size to meet your individual needs.

Pam Hartnett, MPH, RDN, owner of The Vitality Dietitians, recommends Vital Proteins Lemon Collagen Peptides because it's made from pasture-raised cows and easy to add to hot or cold beverages. She notes that a milk frother or small whisk can be helpful for blending this powder into cold drinks.

This lemon-flavored powder received the highest flavor ratings during our testing when mixed into plain, cold, and hot water. We love the lemonade-like taste and smell, and we also like that it dissolved completely into both cold and hot drinks. It’s sweetened with stevia, a low-calorie sweetener that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), though some people don’t love the taste of it or prefer to avoid it.

Product Details

It has a higher amount of collagen than most capsules and has three types of collagen. It’s also third-party tested.

You need to take six capsules to get the full dose. The capsules also are quite large to swallow.

If you prefer to take your collagen in pill form, Youtheory Collagen Advanced may be a good option. Each capsule contains one gram of collagen, and a full recommended serving size (six capsules) contains six grams of collagen plus 100 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Most research on collagen supplements suggests that between five and 15 grams is an adequate dose, which is actually difficult to find in capsule or pill form.

It’s third-party tested for heavy metals and other contaminants to confirm that the capsules actually contain the amount listed on the supplement facts panel. It is also significantly less expensive than most powders. It’s worth noting that, unlike powders, capsules are not a meaningful source of protein.

Product Details

It has FORTIGEL, a type of collagen peptide that has been shown to support joint health. It's also NSF Certified for Sport.

This powder can take longer to dissolve.

Momentous Collagen Peptides are designed specifically for those looking to improve joint health, which could be a good choice for active people. It contains a mix of types I, II, and III of bovine-sourced collagen as well as FORTIGEL—a type of collagen peptide that may stimulate collagen production in tendons and reduce knee and joint pain in otherwise healthy people. Because it’s NSF Certified for Sport, it’s also a good option for competitive athletes.

This powder can help you boost your protein intake, as it contains 15 grams of protein per serving. Since it’s unflavored, you can add it to any drink or food you’d like without changing the taste. One thing to note is that during testing, we noticed it didn't fully dissolve when mixed in beverages, especially cold water. It may require extra mixing or the use of a frother.

One serving contains around 50 percent of your daily vitamin C needs, which can also help stimulate collagen production. Momentous Collagen Peptides are pricier than many of the other powders on the market, so it’s worth considering whether you need the addition of the FORTIGEL in your powder.

Product Details

It’s a tasty, dairy-free creamer that adds 10 grams of collagen to your coffee without leaving any clumps.

It’s sweetened with stevia and contains some probiotics, which may not be suitable for everyone. Plus, some people may find it too sweet.

If you’re looking for a collagen designed specifically to add a touch of creamy sweetness to your coffee, we recommend Garden of Life Collagen Creamer. With 10 grams of collagen (9 grams of protein) per scoop, it’s an easy and delicious way to get your dose of collagen as you start your day. The dairy-free and gluten-free creamer is available in both chocolate and vanilla flavors. We especially like adding the product to hot beverages and detected a subtle note of coconut thanks to the coconut-derived medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. One thing we noticed in testing is that it doesn't dissolve well in cold drinks, so it's best in hot coffee or tea.

The product also contains fiber and probiotics. These are likely safe for most people, but anyone with digestive issues may want to discuss this with a healthcare provider before trying. While it doesn’t contain any added sugar, it is sweetened with stevia.

With 140 calories per scoop, it’s higher in calories than most other collagen powders. The calories come mostly from the protein and the MCT oil, as well as a small amount of carbohydrates.

Product Details

It has a simple ingredient list, is tasteless, good for pescatarians, and is third-party tested.

It’s lower in collagen and protein than most other powders, and it is unsafe for someone with a fish allergy.

If you’re a pescatarian or prefer to avoid products made from cows or chickens (the two most common sources of collagen), ProCaps Marine Collagen Peptides may be a good option for you. It contains five grams of collagen per serving derived from tilapia. This is on the lower end of collagen powders and doesn’t add a significant amount of protein to your day. This may be something to be aware of if you rely on collagen powders for added protein.

However, five grams is still within the range that the research has shown to be effective at improving skin elasticity and other possible benefits.

It’s third-party tested and contains just one ingredient—collagen peptides. It’s unflavored (don't worry—it doesn’t taste like fish), so it can be added to any food or beverage you’d like. We also like that it completely dissolves in cold and hot drinks, so there are no clumps in your drink.

Product Details

Collagen is safe for most adults, though it may not necessarily be helpful for everyone. If you’re looking to support skin elasticity, nail strength, joint health, and bone density or increase your protein intake, collagen supplements may be a helpful addition to your routine.

However, it can be helpful to understand that your body “doesn’t directly absorb collagen to be used by your skin, bones, and joints, " says Adams. Instead, your body will break down the collagen into amino acids, which are the building blocks of all proteins. These amino acids may be used along with vitamin C, zinc, and copper to produce collagen as well as other proteins that the body needs.

The most important thing to consider for collagen production is consuming enough protein, vitamins, and minerals. Supplements may be one way to ensure that you’re getting those nutrients.

One note is that studies on collagen supplements are small, short-term, and conducted among postmenopausal women or young, healthy athletes, so keep in mind that some study results may not apply to you. These groups of people may also benefit most from collagen supplements.

“If you don't have a reason for taking a supplement, it's best to leave it on the shelf,” says Sarah Pflugradt, MS, RDN, CSCS. While safe for most people, collagen could have some side effects. The following groups should use caution and consult with a healthcare professional before taking collagen.

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent third-party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com.

It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.

Our process for testing collagen powders includes taste testing the top-rated collagen powders in cold water and hot liquids (coffee or tea) in our testing lab. We rate each powder on a scale of one to five, with five being the best ranking. We rate powders based on taste, aftertaste, smell, texture, and how well they dissolve. Our nutrition editor also rates each powder for nutrition and third-party testing scores. Scores are combined for an overall rating.

Experts we spoke to for choosing the best collagen supplements include:

Collagen supplements are available in powders, liquids, gummies, and capsules. The best form will depend on your individual preferences and goals. Powders tend to offer larger doses than capsules and gummies, though they may be less convenient as they have to be added to food or beverage. Powders, liquids, and gummies may come along with added sugar or alternative sweeteners, so you’ll want to be mindful of those ingredients if you have strong preferences. Ultimately, the best form of collagen is the one that works for you and your lifestyle.

Collagen supplements are made from animal or marine sources, which means they would not be vegan-friendly or appropriate for someone who avoids those foods. “Currently, there are vegan-based supplements that help to boost collagen production, but they are not a direct source of collagen peptides,” says Jamie Adams, MS, RDN, women’s health nutrition expert and owner of Mamaste Nutrition.

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to determine which ingredients are included and how much of each ingredient is included relative to its recommended daily value. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.

Since you don’t need to get collagen through food (your body can make it as long as you consume adequate protein, vitamin C, zinc, and copper), there isn’t an established dose. Most studies that test the benefits of collagen use between five to 15 grams of collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen daily for eight to 12 weeks (though some are shorter or longer). One exception is Verisol, a specific type of collagen peptide that has been shown to have some skin benefits at doses as low as 2.5 grams.

The right dose depends on your goals and current diet. “Lower amounts are used for skin support, while closer to 10-15 grams per day is used to support bone and joint health,” says Kunik.

Collagen supplements are generally well tolerated by most people and there is no established tolerable upper intake level. “A normal serving size (one to two scoops per day) is safe and offers a variety of amino acids that complement other sources of protein in the diet,” says Shannon A. Garcia, MDS, RD, LD with KISS in the Kitchen.

But you’ll want to consider how collagen supplements fit into your overall protein intake. Collagen supplements aren’t a good source of the amino acid tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid you need to consume because your body can’t make it. One recent study suggests that consuming up to 36 percent of your protein from collagen peptides is safe while still allowing for enough other protein in your diet to ensure you’re getting all of the essential amino acids to stay healthy.

Collagen is generally safe to take daily. “It's not something that builds up in the body. It is a protein that will break down and add to your body's pool of amino acids,” says Pflugradt.

In fact, taking it sporadically may not lead to any of the potential benefits. “Most studies that found a benefit to collagen supplementation looked at consistent daily intake, and none of these studies found significant side effects,” says Hartnett.

“There are many factors that play a role in the effectiveness of taking collagen supplements,” says Adams. The form, type of collagen, dose, and your individual health and dietary status all can play a role in how long it may take to see potential benefits.

“Most studies see skin and joint benefits after taking collagen supplements for 3-4 months. Whereas studies looking at bone health don’t see the benefits until after 12 months of use,” says Adams. Most studies that see these benefits do require daily use for this time period.

Collagen supplements are often recommended for hair growth because collagen contains many of the amino acids found in keratin, the primary protein found in hair. One very small study showed that 12 weeks of collagen supplements led to women experiencing less breakage and thicker hair. More research is needed to support this theory.

The best form of collagen is the one that you will take consistently. However, Garcia recommends powders because it’s easier to get adequate amounts of collagen without unnecessary extras. “Liquid [collagen supplements] often contain other questionable ingredients or proprietary blends that don’t disclose the amounts of ingredients, and gummies can only fit a small amount of collagen,” she notes. Capsules also often have lower collagen amounts; you need to take multiple pills and they may contain additional ingredients that you may not need.

The research supporting the benefits of collagen supplements is limited and inconsistent. In general, studies have been small, short-term, and are often done in a very specific population (usually post-menopausal women). It’s also important to understand that many of the studies that show benefits are funded by a company that sells collagen supplements, which may skew results. Before starting a supplement, you may benefit from evaluating gaps in your diet that could support collagen production, such as adequate protein, vitamin C, zinc, and copper.

That said, anecdotal evidence suggests that collagen supplements may be a convenient, well-tolerated protein source due to their tasteless nature and high protein content.

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, and experienced writer whose work has been featured in Verywell, EatingWell, Healthline, and more. She helps busy moms learn to eat to feel their best and always looks for the most convenient options to support her clients’ lifestyles. She also works with many endurance athletes to support fueling and recovery, including distance runners and triathletes. She thoroughly combed the research around collagen supplements to make the best recommendations to fit various needs.

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