Collagen vs Protein Powder: The Key Differences
📌 Overview and Key Takeaways
This is a Nutrition Coach’s perspective on collagen versus protein powder.
Discover the key differences so you can decide which one is right for you.
What Is the Difference Between Collagen and Protein Powder?
The difference between collagen and protein powder is like the difference between whey and protein powder.
Collagen is a type of dietary protein, whereas collagen protein powder is collagen in powder form.
Protein powder can be made from collagen, just like it can be made from whey, peas, or egg whites.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals.
It is also the most abundant protein in the human body, making up roughly 30% of the body’s total protein (Nutrients, 2019).
What Is Protein Powder?
Protein powder is simply a protein source in powder form.
It can be made from many different types of protein, including collagen.
What Is Collagen Protein Powder?
Collagen protein powder is a type of protein powder whose main source of protein is collagen.
Our Collagen Protein Powder, for example, is made primarily from bovine collagen peptides.
Collagen peptides are just very small pieces of collagen.
They are made through the hydrolysis of collagen, which is a process that uses water to break down large collagen molecules into smaller ones, making them easier to digest and absorb.
In addition to being a convenient source of dietary protein, collagen protein powder might also support the health of your bones, joints, nails, and skin (Nutrients, 2018; Nutrients, 2023; J Cosmet Dermatol, 2017; Dermatol Pract Concept, 2022).
It is important to note that while this early research is promising, more large, long-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
But just because collagen might be good for your nails and skin does not mean it is not also a way to increase your dietary protein intake.
Plus, although collagen is not a complete protein like dairy or eggs, it can still contribute to and supplement a balanced diet.
A complete protein is one that contains all nine essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein that your body cannot make on its own.
Research suggests that nearly all adults in the United States already meet their essential amino acid needs, so the fact that collagen lacks tryptophan, one of the nine essential amino acids, should not be a concern for most people (J Nutr, 2023).
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What Is the Best Collagen Protein Powder?
Not all collagen protein powders are created equal.
Many options, especially flavored ones, contain added emulsifiers, thickeners, artificial sweeteners, and other additives that might contribute to uncomfortable side effects and, in some cases, longer-term health concerns.
For example, regularly consuming emulsifiers, thickeners, artificial sweeteners, and other ultra-processed additives might alter the composition and function of your gut microbiome (North Clin Istanb, 2020).
These shifts, known as gut dysbiosis, have been shown to contribute to a range of chronic diseases (J Exp Med, 2019).
Gut dysbiosis can be so problematic because it can cause a cascade of problems, including intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation.
⚠️ Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein shakes and powders:
- acacia fiber
- acacia gum
- acesulfame potassium
- artificial flavors
- ascorbic acid
- aspartame
- calcium carbonate
- carrageenan
- cellulose gum
- dextrin
- dicalcium phosphate
- dipotassium phosphate
- erythritol
- gellan gum
- guar gum
- gum arabic
- inulin
- locust bean gum
- maltitol
- maltodextrin
- mono- and diglycerides
- ‘natural’ flavors
- rice bran extract
- rice dextrin
- rice hulls
- rosemary extract
- silica
- silicon dioxide
- sodium alginate
- soluble corn fiber
- sorbitol
- soy lecithin
- sucralose
- sunflower lecithin
- tocopherols
- tricalcium phosphate
- xanthan gum
- xylitol
- zinc oxide
As a rule of thumb, if you cannot find an ingredient in nature or make it at home, it is likely a food additive.
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How Should I Use Collagen Protein Powder?
You can add collagen protein powder to smoothies, oatmeal, and other recipes.
Unflavored collagen protein powder is particularly versatile, and can be added to almost any recipe, including savory dishes like soups and hot drinks like coffee.
Sources
- Nutrients (Nutrients). Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. 2019.
- Nutrients (Nutrients). Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge. 2023.
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (J Cosmet Dermatol). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. 2017.
- Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (Dermatol Pract Concept). Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. 2022.
- The Journal of Nutrition (J Nutr). Amino Acid Intake and Conformance With the Dietary Reference Intakes in the United States: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2018. 2023.
- Northern Clinics of Istanbul (North Clin Istanb). Food additives and microbiota. 2020.
- The Journal of Experimental Medicine (J Exp Med). The gut microbiome: Relationships with disease and opportunities for therapy. 2019.
Editorial Guidelines
This article was written by a Certified Nutrition Coach and reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Who Is Drink Wholesome for?
Drink Wholesome makes protein powder for sensitive stomachs, GERD, IBS, and other gut issues. It’s suitable for most food sensitivities, including lactose intolerance, and won’t cause side effects like bloating, constipation, and reflux.
Why Is Drink Wholesome Good for Sensitive Stomachs?
Drink Wholesome is the best protein powder for sensitive stomachs because it’s additive, dairy, and gluten-free. It’s also made from minimally-processed protein sources like egg whites and almonds. Other protein powders are made from ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which look nothing like real food.
What’s the Difference Between Protein Powder and Meal Replacement Powder?
Drink Wholesome makes gut-friendly Protein Powders and Meal Replacement Powders. Protein powder is high in protein and low in everything else, whereas meal replacement powder contains fats, carbs, fiber, and protein because it’s intended to replace the nutritional value of a balanced meal.
What’s the Difference Between Almond, Collagen, and Egg White Protein?
We make three types of stomach-friendly Protein Powder: Collagen Protein Powder, Egg White Protein Powder, and Vegan Almond Protein Powder. As long as you get protein from a variety of sources, any type of protein can help you meet your total daily protein needs. In other words, for someone with a balanced diet, there is no advantage to consuming one type of protein over another. Order Samples to see which type you like the most.
Ask Nutrition Coach
If you’re wondering which Drink Wholesome product is best for you, ask our Certified Nutrition Coach. For personalized medical advice, consult your healthcare provider.
High Protein Blueberry Pancakes
PREP TIME
5 min
COOK TIME
5 min
SERVES
2
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Drink Wholesome
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ cup plant milk
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
In a blender, combine the egg whites, milk, ¼ cup blueberries, and almond butter. Pour the mixture into a small mixing bowl and add the protein powder and flour. Whisk until smooth. Pour ⅓ cup batter onto a heated and greased (or non-stick) pan to form pancakes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. This recipe makes 4-5 pancakes. Then, in a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup blueberries and the maple syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Plate the pancakes and spoon blueberry jam on top.
Author(s)
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