Best Collagen Supplements (2025): 14 Dietitian-Recommended Options to Support Healthy Aging

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen supplies 11 grams of hydrolyzed collagen and 10 grams of protein sourced from grass-fed bovine cattle. As a great source of types I and III collagen, it may combat the signs of aging like wrinkly skin, muscle aches, and joint pain (pretty much all the reasons you want to take collagen in the first place).

Amanda Capritto, GGR senior staff writer and certified sports nutrition coach, has used Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate a number of times and in a number of ways. She recommends mixing it with milk, coffee, or in a smoothie; basically, anything other than water. “It’s not bad, but it kind of tastes like watered-down chocolate milk (when mixed with water). I also mixed it with almond milk, which significantly improved the taste!”

While it only comes in a Chocolate and Unflavored options, you can still rest easy knowing there’s never any “artificial junk” with any Transparent Labs products. Instead, the hydrolyzed collagen is formulated with more natural ingredients like cocoa powder and stevia. It’s also a great stand-alone that mixes well in liquids or can be added to smoothies and other recipes to boost protein and collagen. Because it lacks Type II collagen, however, it earns a 3 out of 5 for formulation.

The Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen scored a perfect 5 out of 5 on our solubility rating. Amanda says that it “dissolves so well, it’s a little scary.”

“The water became clear, but brown (see-through brown?) when mixed with water. It doesn’t feel grainy and I didn’t even notice any chunks when mixed with plain water. The stuff is virtually unnoticeable when mixed with another powder, like protein powder.”

Like all Transparent Labs products, the grass-fed collagen hydrolysate powder is third-party tested adn Informed Choice certified, earning it a 5 out of 5 for its testing and transparency. You can even view its Certificates of Analysis and Composition on the main site, aligning perfectly with the brand’s commitment to transparency. 

GGR also conducted its own third-party testing of more than 150 protein powders with independent, accredited lab Ellipse Analytics. We tested for purity (heavy metals) and label accuracy (protein content), and Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate scored as Meets Standard overall, which means it met our rigorous quality screen. Read more about what we tested for in our Independent Supplements Testing Glossary.

You can also read our full Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate review for more details on this product.

If one of your motivations for taking a collagen supplement is to improve your skin, nails, and hair, you’re on to something. A 2023 meta analysis³ found that oral collagen supplementation resulted in significant improvements in both skin elasticity and hydration compared to the placebo group. 

Type I collagen is generally thought to be most beneficial for skin, although type III is also of note. “These two types work together to maintain skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and sagging skin, and strengthen bones, tendons, and ligaments,” explains Perry Nix, R.D.

That’s why we named Sports Research Collagen Peptides as best for skin, as it contains 11 grams of collagen—both type I and III—per serving. We give it a 3-out-of-5 rating for formulation overall, as we’d love to see type II collagen present as well. But, if we’re just talking about the best collagen for skin, this is a good formula. 

Our tester, GGR senior staff writer and Olympian Caine Wilkes, CNC, USAW-L1, tried this collagen and rated it as a 5 out of 5 for taste and a 4 out of 5 in solubility. “I tried this in both water and coffee, and although the water was discolored, you couldn’t really detect the collagen flavor,” Caine explains. “It was great in hot coffee, too. However, I’ll caveat that and say that I also tried it in cold brew and it clumped quite a bit.” 

Sports Research does warn that this powder can clump in cold beverages, though. 

Lastly, Sports Research Collagen Peptides are third-party tested and Informed Choice certified, which is especially great for athletes who need to know exactly what’s in their supplements. 

Snap Supplements Collagen & Greens combines collagen peptides with a greens powder complex to bring you two supplements in one. It also contains digestive enzymes and probiotics to aid digestion and support gut health.

GGR editorial team member and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis tested this collagen supplement and had mixed reviews. She gives the taste a 3.75 out of 5, saying, “It’s a bit grassy like most greens powders are, but I could also taste the raspberry flavor in it.”

Nicole rates the solubility slightly lower at 3 out of 5. “It doesn’t dissolve easily and settles at the bottom of the cup. I don’t feel a weird texture in my mouth when I drink it, but you can see small particles flying around,” she says.

Nicole also notes that the 7.56 grams of collagen per serving is much lower than what we’d typically look for in a collagen supplement. “I give them an A for effort in trying to combine greens with collagen, but the dosage of collagen is on the low side. Ideally, we’d see more than 10 grams per serving,” she says.

Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, shares a similar sentiment regarding the greens content. “This supplement has almost 30 fruits and vegetables, but considering one serving is just over a tablespoon, the amount of actual greens is too minute to make much of a difference in your health.” She rates the formulation a 3 out of 5.

For the price, though, Destini and Nicole say it’s worth a try if you like adding a greens powder to your smoothies and want to boost your protein intake a bit. It costs around $1.43 per serving, which is reasonable for a combination collagen/greens supplement. We’ve seen it for as low as $1.10 per serving on Amazon.

This is a “top-tier collagen peptide supplement,” according to one of our expert reviewers, Bob Iafelice, R.D. It includes 20 grams of collagen in total, all five types from a blend of different sources—not just marine sources—plus there are no artificial sweeteners or sugar present. There are also some additional unique ingredients like glycine, proline, and vitamin C, which Bob says are needed for the body to make its own collagen. All of this earns Pro Health Longevity Collagen a 5 out of 5 for formulation. 

Taste-wise, this is truly unflavored, says our tester Emelie Wilkes, USAW-L1, and she’s tried enough collagen supplements in her day to know a good one when she tries it. “I drink this in my coffee in the morning and there’s no weird aftertaste, plus it also dissolves really well, which isn’t the case with all powdered collagen.” Pro Health Longevity Collagen earns a 5 out of 5 in both taste and solubility. Plus, it also earns a perfect score in the third-party testing category as well (in fact, you can view the COA here.)

Where the score of Pro Health’s collagen dips slightly is in price. We’ll be blunt—this is expensive at $2 per serving, whereas you can get a good collagen supplement for $1 on average. It only earns a 1 out of 5 for its price. However, it may be worth it if you’re looking for the best of the best. 

“This is a unique and impressive formulation, and probably the best I’ve seen in a collagen supplement,” Bob says. “I highly recommend it.”

Best vegan collagen? We recognize that collagen is typically an animal-based protein, but hear us out—what if there were a vegan option? Ora Organic Aloe Gorgeous aims to make that happen with its plant-based collagen booster. 

Featuring a 4.56-gram serving of a proprietary blend of vanilla organic pea protein, organic acerola cherry extract, organic aloe vera gel powder, organic bamboo whole plant extract, and sunflower vitamin E, Aloe Gorgeous combines animal-byproduct-free amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to help boost your body’s natural collagen production. Aloe sterol, for instance, has been shown in recent studies⁴ to help treat skin dryness and boost collagen production scores in participants over 12 weeks.

Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, tried out Aloe Gorgeous and found the flavor to be milder than he’d prefer—he gave it a 3 out of 5 for taste—but easy to mix and drink (especially for a plant-based protein), and it warranted a 4 out of 5 from him for its solubility. “It settles after a bit, similar to other plant-based protein powders, but a quick stir helps,” adds Caine.

Given how niche a plant-based collagen supplement is, we also asked GGR expert contributor  Bob Iafelice, RD, for his opinion on this product, and he doesn’t mince words:

“You are likely to get the same benefit on collagen synthesis by taking a 90 mg vitamin C supplement. This product in no way compares to taking actual collagen peptides…it’s hard to get around this.”

So, it really comes down to preference. If you have dietary preferences that preclude animal-based products but still want to subtly boost your collagen levels, Ora Organic Aloe Gorgeous can be a solid addition to your supplement routine.

If you’re looking for stronger hair and nails as a result of collagen supplementation, BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein would be a good choice. BUBS uses Type I and Type III collagens, which work together to improve overall health and vitality but are specifically the most effective for hair and nail health. In each two-scoop serving, you get 20 grams of collagen. This earns BUBS Naturals collagen a 3.5-out-of-5 rating for formulation, although for hair and nails specifically, this is a solid formula.

We also like this protein because it has one ingredient: bovine hide collagen peptides. This type of collagen is easier to digest. On top of that, there are 17 amino acids present in this formula, seven of which are the essential amino acids necessary to repair and grow tissue.

GGR’s head of content and competitive weightlifting athlete Kate Meier has used BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein daily for a few months. She rated the product a 5 out of 5 for its unflavored taste, and a 4 out of 5 for how it mixes.

“It says it’s unflavored, and it truly is. I can’t taste it at all in my morning coffee,” she says. “This works pretty well dissolving in coffee—you can see some small pieces of it floating around, so I’d say it isn’t the best, but I can still drink it every day. In cold water, there is some sediment that settles to the bottom.”

Athletes like Kate tend to travel for meets, and she found the BUBS packets convenient.

“Also, BUBS has small travel packs that I took with me on a trip to D.C.,” she says. “I had no issues flying with them, and they are single-serving so you can take it on-the-go. Expensive? Yes. But super convenient.”

At north of $1.50 per serving depending on where you purchase it, this is one of the more expensive collagens on our list. However, the convenience of individual packets is nice. Also, we know the quality of this supplement is there. How?

GGR conducted its own third-party testing with independent, accredited lab Ellipse Analytics where we screened more than 150 protein powders for heavy metals and protein content. BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides scored as Meets Standard overall, which means that it met our rigorous quality standards. You can read more about what we tested for in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary, and read more about this product specficially in our in-depth BUBS Naturals Collage Protein review.

While Momentous offers a powdered collagen option, its unique collagen shot is the first on the market and deserves its own showcase. The Momentous Collagen Shot is a convenient, ready-to-drink pouch created to fit seamlessly into any lifestyle. 

The Momentous Collagen Shot provides 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen and protein sourced from bovine hide and bones, making it a great source of types I and III collagen. It also contains 35 milligrams of vitamin C to promote natural collagen synthesis and enhance its benefits. We give it a 3-out-of-5 rating for formulation as we’d love to see type II collagen in here as well.

The collagen shots are gluten-free, non-GMO, and third-party certified through Informed Choice and Sport. The only minor downside is it only comes in one Orange Mango flavor, although product reviewers exclaim it “tastes great” and is “so yummy!”

Our own tester, GGR Staff Writer Lauren Strong, said the taste is interesting. “It’s not great, but it also leaves you feeling curious about it all at the same time,” she explains, rating the taste a 3.5 out of 5. “It’s fruity and you can pick up on the orange pretty easily, however there is this chalky aftertaste that is really weird and it kind of takes over your mouth unless you just suck down the entire gel packet at once.”

Despite this, Lauren says she’d rather take this liquid/gel format over powder any time. She likened the texture to a running gel, like Gu.

“The gel is a little weird if you’re not used to energy gels or the like, which I’m not,” she explains, giving the texture a 5 out of 5. “However, it’s easy to get down and it’s blended really well and it super consistent throughout the whole gel packet.”

Typically, collagen supplements are unflavored so they’re easy to mix into other beverages you might enjoy throughout the day. Collagen coffee, anyone? 1st Phorm’s Collagen with Dermaval, however, has some really interesting flavor options including Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate, French Vanilla, and Salted Caramel. 

RELATED: 1st Phorm Protein Review

Our expert tester tried the Red Velvet Cake flavor and was pleasantly surprised, rating it a 5 out of 5 in taste. “It was sweet, but not overly sweet,” she says. “I like it by itself, but it also works well in a few of my protein powders, including s’mores and cereal flavors.”

The formulation of 1st Phorm’s collagen earns a 4-out-of-5 rating. It features five types of collagen—I, II, III, V, X—sourced from bovine, fish, chicken, and egg shells, plus 50 milligrams of Dermaval, a superfood complex said to boost collagen production. 

“Dermaval features ingredients rich in vitamin C, which plays a critical role in the formation of collagen,” explains Perry Nix, R.D. “It also contains pomegranate extract, known to prevent the breakdown of collagen.”

We docked one point in formulation because the collagen content is not disclosed, only the protein content (15 grams). 

The last positive note is that 1st Phorm’s collagen is also third-party tested by Informed Choice, earning it a 5 out of 5 in that category. 

When a product is NSF Certified for Sport, it means it has been third-party tested to ensure that the label of the product is accurate and that the product is free from prohibited substances, masking agents, and unsafe levels of contaminants. Gnarly Collagen Pro is NSF Certified for Sport, so it has been cleared of the 270+ substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Therefore, athletes can consume it knowing it won’t contain elements that could damage their ability to compete.

Peeking into Gnarly’s formulation, two-level scoops provide 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen from bovine and 14 grams of protein sourced from 100% grass-fed, U.S.-based cows. It also supplies vitamin C (90 milligrams or 100% DV), zinc (15 milligrams or 136% DV), and copper (1 milligram or 111% DV) to assist with collagen strength, protection, and synthesis. This earns it a solid 3.5 out of 5 in formulation.

Gnarly Collagen Pro is intentionally unflavored to blend in pre-workout beverages without altering the flavor. It also comes in travel packs, with five and 10-stick options, so you can throw them in your gym bag and enjoy them on the go.

GGR editorial team member Nicole Davis tried this collagen and had good things to say about its taste. “It claims to be unflavored and truly is,” she says, rating the taste a 5 out of 5. ” I mixed it with coffee and even into Powerade and didn’t taste anything different.”

Solubility also earned a 4.5-out-of-5 score, as she says, “It dissolves well, with very little particles afterward.” She’ll definitely continue to incorporate this into her routine. 

Ancient Nutrition’s collagen might be our best budget-friendly pick, but trust us, it’s far from low-quality. It’s also the first on our list to provide collagen peptides from multiple sources and the only one offering diverse flavor options.

To kick off the uniqueness of the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein, it provides all five collagen types (types I through V) sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised beef, chicken, eggshell membrane, and wild-caught fish. The multi-collagen blend is intended to support healthy hair, skin, nails, and the gut, earning a 4 out of 5 for formulation. 

Each scoop also provides 2 billion CFUs of Bacillus coagulans⁵, a probiotic that may benefit the digestive and immune systems and ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. You’ll also get your daily vitamin C needs to support collagen production.

It’s also worth noting that GGR conducted its own third-party testing with independent, accredited lab Ellipse Analytics and Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein in unflavored ranked as Above Average overall, meaning it was in the top 25% of all products we tested. We screened for both purity and label accuracy, which you can read more about in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary, in more than 150 protein powders, so Ancient Nutrition’s unflavored collagen earns the stamp of approval from us.

But back to those flavor options: Chocolate, Cold Brew, Cucumber Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, and Vanilla are all up for grabs. You can also opt for Unflavored and know that all are free of GMOs, dairy, gluten, and soy. Former GGR editorial team member Frieda Johnson tried the Unflavored version of this and said there is a slight taste to it if just mixed with water, but it blends fine into other drinks, like the best protein powder for smoothies. “I wouldn’t just drink it with water, though,” she adds, rating the taste a 4.5 out of 5.

Solubility earns a 4 out of 5, as it does well enough mixing, but it could be better. “There is a slightly grainy texture and some of it settles in the bottom, even after stirring it multiple times,” says Frieda.

Read more in our Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein review.

Vital Proteins is a leader in the world of collagen supplements. Its collagen peptides powder provides 18 grams of protein sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows, making it a great source of types I and III collagen. 

We like it for its solubility, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 in this area. “The solubility isn’t as perfect, though,” says Amanda Capritto, GGR staff writer and certified sports nutrition coach. “When mixed with just water, there are some small chunks. I didn’t notice anything when mixed with other powders or coffee.”

Amanda tried the Unflavored collagen and notes that it is actually unflavored, rating it a 5 out of 5 for a lack of weird taste. “When mixed with water alone, it really doesn’t taste like anything at all. I mixed it into several things, and it did not change the taste of anything,” she recalls.

The Vital Proteins collagen peptide formula also contains hyaluronic acid, an active ingredient in skincare topical creams, to help improve joint and skin health by improving hydration, according to a review published in Dermato-Endocrinology⁶. The addition of vitamin C⁷, which is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, may synergize benefits for healthy skin, bones, cartilage, and the entire body.  

We rated Vital Proteins a 3.5 out of 5 for its formulation. It offers 20 grams of collagen per serving, a plus, but we with there was also type II collagen added as well. The Unflavored and Flavored options—Chocolate, Lemon, and Vanilla—are free of added sugars, artificial flavors, dairy, and gluten. All varieties contain natural flavors and sweeteners like cocoa, sea salt, and stevia.

Every Vital Proteins product is third-party tested by independent labs and manufactured in NSF-certified facilities. Vital Proteins’ “Vital Performance” line also features NSF Certified for Sport products. GGR also conducted its own third-party testing with independent, accredited lab Ellipse Analytics where we screen more than 150 protein powders for heavy metals and protein content. Vital Proteins collagen in unflavored was rated as Excellent overall, which means that it was in the top 10% of products we tested. (Read more about our testing in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary).

Read our full Vital Proteins review for the rest of our thoughts on this popular supplement.

Providing 18 grams of protein and 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen per serving, Bulletproof’s collagen formula is right up there with Vital Proteins, packing a big punch of collagen in each serving. The unflavored collagen is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cattle, making it an abundant source of types I and III collagen. We rate the formulation a 3 out of 5 as we wish there was type II collagen present.

Another consideration is that while Bulletproof is a popular brand, especially known for its keto coffee, there’s currently no confirmation regarding whether or not it’s third-party tested. But, not to worry—GGR conducted its own third-party testing with independent, accredited lab Ellipse Analytics and Bulletproof unflavored collagen was one of more than 150 protein powders screened for purity (heavy metals) and label accuracy (protein content). Bulletproof Collagen Peptides in unflavored were rated as Meets Standard overall, which means it met our rigorous quality screen. (You can read more about what we tested for in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.)  

Let’s talk taste: If you prefer flavor, Chocolate and Vanilla options are available. Still, there’s a call-out worth noting: Unlike Bulletproof’s single-ingredient unflavored formula, each flavor contains MCT oil powder, coconut creamer, coconut oil, and several other ingredients. While the loftier ingredient list isn’t inherently “bad” per se, they bump up the overall calories, carb, and fat content and is something to consider.

As we found in our own testing, you can easily incorporate Bulletproof’s collagen into coffee, smoothies, and other recipes such as baked goods and soups. “I even put it in a cup before my coffee one time, turned on the Keurig and then walked away and didn’t stir it,” says Kate Meier, GGR head of content. “When I came back, it had completely dissolved. I thought it would be clumped in the bottom, but it wasn’t. It mixes so well with no clumps.” She rates the solubility a 5 out of 5.

The collagen peptides are truly unflavored as well, earning a 5 out of 5 for taste (or lack thereof). “You can’t detect it at all in any drinks I’ve mixed it with,” adds Kate. “It’s amazing.”

Oh, and Bulletproof products come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re not completely satisfied, you can get your money back or select a comparable product within 30 days. 

Read our full Bulletproof Collagen Peptides review for more information.

HUM Nutrition Collagen Love is formulated with verified “clean” ingredients, including types I and III collagen sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised beef. It also provides vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which may enhance the absorption and benefits of collagen related to skin, joint, and bone health, all in an easy capsule form, which GGR Staff Writer Lauren Strong said was easy to get down, rating it a 5 out of 5 for swallowability. 

HUM’s collagen capsules also bring a few new ingredients to the collagen table: chondroitin sulfate and a combo of red wine and grape seed extract. As a critical compound in skin structure, chondroitin sulfate⁸ is involved in many biological functions—like inflammation, infection, and wound repair—and may even improve osteoarthritis symptoms. 

Rich in polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, the red wine and grape seed extracts⁹ help protect the body from oxidative stress and subsequent health issues like high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome. Even with these interesting added ingredients, we rate these capsules a 2 out of 5 in formulation—you’d need two servings to get enough collagen to make supplementing worth it.

Lauren notes she has no ill side effects from taking the collagen in pill form, either, so she rates its effects a solid 5 out of 5. “I’ve taken this with food and have been totally fine,” she adds.

All HUM products are formulated by RD Nutritionists, which I can truly appreciate as a fellow dietitian, and triple-tested and third-party validated for purity and quality. They’re also free of the “Tricky 12”—a set of 12 ingredients HUM avoids in supplements—that includes artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives. 

Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen specifically targets joint health, but we think it’s one of the best powder collagen supplements out there. Our tester, GGR senior director of content and CPT Kate Meier gave it high marks for both taste and solubility.

“There’s a slight taste in water but it’s totally fine,” says Kate, rating the taste a 5 out of 5. “It’s completely undetectable in coffee, though.”

Solubility gets a 4 out of 5, as she explains, “It completely dissolves in hot drinks like coffee with just a few stirs, but it doesn’t dissolve as well in just water. Even with a frother, I noticed some floaties.”

Formulation-wise, we wish Coll-U-Gen just had more collagen per serving—at only 4 grams, you’d need at least two scoops to make it worthwhile—but what’s in the formula is quality. 

“It features type II collagen, which is the main collagen in cartilage and supports its integrity, helping to reduce joint damage, and type III collagen, which strengthens the surrounding connective tissues, enhancing joint stability,” explains Perry Nix, R.D. We rate it a 2 out of 5 in formulation since we’d like to see more collagen overall.

Utzy Naturals does make a COA available for Coll-U-Gen, which earns it a 3-out-of-5 rating in the third-party testing category. We like that you can see confirmation that the product has been tested in a lab, but we docked two points since it wasn’t done by a major agency like Informed Choice or NSF.