The 9 Best Tested and Researched Collagen Supplements, According to a Dietitian
THE TOP COLLAGEN PEPTIDE SUPPLEMENT POWDERS
FOR JOINT, GUT, AND BONE HEALTH
FOR JOINT, GUT, AND BONE HEALTH
Updated January 15, 2026
Collagen isn’t just the body’s most abundant protein—it’s one of the trendiest wellness ingredients in the wellness world. Slathered on in anti-aging creams, popped in capsule form and taken orally, and/or sprinkled into nutrition bars, it’s everywhere. And the best collagen powders, in particular, are an increasingly popular way to get your fill of the protein.
Meet The Experts:
Think of collagen as a strong, flexible glue. It helps hold together tissues like skin, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and cornea, explains Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC. And with the help of protein-rich foods like fish, poultry, meat, soy, and legumes, the body produces it naturally. However, that production slows with age and can be compounded by habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and lack of sleep and exercise, according to Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.
In turn, research shows that collagen supplements (derived from animals including fish, chicken, and bovine) may keep levels optimal while also promoting skin elasticity, bone health, muscle strength, and joint flexibility. However, further research is needed to determine its bioavailability (a.k.a. how well it’s actually absorbed) in supplement form, adds Amy Lee M.D., chief medical officer of Lindora L.L.C. and head of nutrition at Nucific. Still, existing evidence shows enough promise to get most wellness enthusiasts on board—plus, scooping a flavorless, finely milled powder into a morning smoothie makes it pretty easy to try.
In turn, research shows that collagen supplements (derived from animals including fish, chicken, and bovine) may keep levels optimal while also promoting skin elasticity, bone health, muscle strength, and joint flexibility. However, further research is needed to determine its bioavailability (a.k.a. how well it’s actually absorbed) in supplement form, adds Amy Lee M.D., chief medical officer of Lindora L.L.C. and head of nutrition at Nucific. Still, existing evidence shows enough promise to get most wellness enthusiasts on board—plus, scooping a flavorless, finely milled powder into a morning smoothie makes it pretty easy to try.
Our Top Picks
Below, experts and happy customers share their favorite collagen powders.
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.
Pros
Unflavored
Made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
Contains added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Cons
Not vegan or vegetarian
It’s not just Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC, who loves this powder—it’s a best-seller holy grail. Jones specifically likes stirring it into her morning coffee.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
| Collagen Type | Bovine |
| Collagen per serving | 20 g |
| Cost per serving | $2.07 |
| Key ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen. hyaluronic acid, vitamin C |
Pros
Unflavored
Made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
Contains added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Cons
Not vegan or vegetarian
It’s not just Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC, who loves this powder—it’s a best-seller holy grail. Jones specifically likes stirring it into her morning coffee.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
| Collagen Type | Bovine |
| Collagen per serving | 20 g |
| Cost per serving | $2.07 |
| Key ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen. hyaluronic acid, vitamin C |
Pros
Unflavored
Made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
Contains added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Cons
Not vegan or vegetarian
It’s not just Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC, who loves this powder—it’s a best-seller holy grail. Jones specifically likes stirring it into her morning coffee.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
| Collagen Type | Bovine |
| Collagen per serving | 20 g |
| Cost per serving | $2.07 |
| Key ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen. hyaluronic acid, vitamin C |
Pros
Unflavored
Made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
Contains added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Cons
Not vegan or vegetarian
It’s not just Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC, who loves this powder—it’s a best-seller holy grail. Jones specifically likes stirring it into her morning coffee.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
| Collagen Type | Bovine |
| Collagen per serving | 20 g |
| Cost per serving | $2.07 |
| Key ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen. hyaluronic acid, vitamin C |
Pros
Unflavored
Made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
Contains added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Cons
Not vegan or vegetarian
It’s not just Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC, who loves this powder—it’s a best-seller holy grail. Jones specifically likes stirring it into her morning coffee.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
Expert review:“It blends easily (no clumps) and is unflavored so I’m able to get the benefits without impacting the taste,” she says.
| Collagen Type | Bovine |
| Collagen per serving | 20 g |
| Cost per serving | $2.07 |
| Key ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen. hyaluronic acid, vitamin C |
How to choose the best collagen powders
Consider collagen source: Some packaging disclaims the type of collagen within, for example, type I or type II. “There are a few different types of collagen, but the primary ones are known as types I, II, and III,” explains Jones. “Some research suggests the benefits of type I and type III collagen supplements are mainly related to muscle growth and support, weight management, beauty, and skin, while type II is best for supporting healthy joints.”
Look for the words “collagen peptides” or “hydrolyzed collagen”: “Not all collagen is created equal,” says Jones. “This means the collagen is put through a special production process that hydrolyzes the collagen protein into smaller components, called peptides. Peptides are microscopic bundles of amino acids that are easier for the body to absorb–which means you get the most benefits!”
Know that collagen powders are not plant-based: Collagen powders are derived from animals, and there are currently no vegan or vegetarian-friendly supplements on the market. However, there are plant-based supplements that may help boost the body’s natural collagen production.
How we chose the best collagen powders
We consulted Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC, Amy Lee M.D., chief medical officer of Lindora L.L.C. and head of nutrition at Nucific, and Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, the owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to narrow down the best collagen powders for various needs and preferences.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.