Can You Put Collagen in Coffee? Yes, Here's How
Yes, you can put collagen in hot coffee. Even a fresh cup stays below 212°F (100°C), the boiling point of water. In a lab study, collagen only began to change at about 300°F (150°C) and broke down at far higher temperatures. Collagen peptides also dissolve well in hot drinks, so your morning cup is an easy place to take them.
Why heat is not a problem
Coffee is hot, but not that hot. Water boils at 212°F (100°C) at sea level, so brewed coffee is always below that.
A 2011 study in the Biophysical Journal heated collagen and gelatin to see where they change. The first changes appeared at around 300°F (150°C). Breakdown began much higher, at about 570°F (300°C). That leaves a wide gap above any cup of coffee.
There is a second reason. The collagen in VitalCollagen is hydrolyzed. That means it has already been broken into small pieces, called peptides, during production. Peptides mix into a drink instead of sitting on top as clumps.
What collagen is
Collagen is a family of proteins. MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, explains that collagens strengthen and support many tissues in the body, including cartilage, bone, tendon and skin. It also notes that type I collagen is the most abundant form in the human body.
VitalCollagen contains collagen types I and III from grass-fed bovine (beef) hide. Food is still the foundation for protein. Collagen peptides can add to a balanced diet, but they do not stand in for it.
How to mix collagen into hot coffee
- Brew your coffee as usual, about 8 to 10 oz.
- Add two scoops of VitalCollagen while the coffee is hot.
- Stir for 10 to 15 seconds, or use a small handheld frother.
- Add milk or a plant milk if you like.
A frother gives the smoothest cup and a light foam on top. If you see a few specks, stir for a few more seconds. Adding the powder before the milk also helps, because it dissolves faster in hot coffee.
Tips for a smooth cup
Most mixing problems have a simple fix. Here are the ones we hear about most.
- Clumps on top. Pour the coffee first, then add the powder. Powder poured into an empty mug can stick to the bottom.
- Specks that will not mix. Use a spoon to press them against the side of the mug, or give the frother a few more seconds.
- Foam that sinks. Froth the coffee and collagen together first, then add milk. The foam holds better that way.
- A cup that cools too fast. Warm the mug with hot water before you brew.
Iced coffee and cold drinks
Collagen works in cold drinks too, but it needs a little more help. Mix the powder into a splash of warm coffee or water first. Stir until smooth, then pour it over ice and add the rest of your drink.
A shaker cup or a blender also works well. The Choco Bliss directions suggest either one.
How much to use
One serving of every VitalCollagen flavor is two scoops, as listed on the Supplement Facts panel. Mix them into 8 to 10 oz of your favorite hot or cold drink. That is all you need in one cup.
Which VitalCollagen flavor to choose
Unflavored
VitalCollagen Unflavored has one ingredient: hydrolyzed collagen peptides from grass-fed bovine hide. A two-scoop serving (20 g) provides 20 g of collagen peptides, 18 g of protein and 70 calories, with 0 g of sugars. With no added flavor, it keeps your coffee tasting like coffee.
Choco Bliss
VitalCollagen Choco Bliss blends the same kind of collagen peptides with cocoa powder, natural flavor and stevia. A two-scoop serving (27 g) provides 20 g of collagen peptides, 18 g of protein and 90 calories, with 0 g of sugars. It turns a regular coffee into a light chocolate latte.
Vanilla Cream
VitalCollagen Vanilla Cream pairs collagen peptides with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), pea protein, natural flavor and stevia for a creamy vanilla cup. A two-scoop serving (20 g) has 70 calories and 0 g of sugars, plus 560 mg of calcium.
Want a recipe? Our 5-minute Choco Bliss collagen latte walks you through it step by step.
Other drinks to try
Coffee is the easy start, but it is not the only option. The directions on each tub say to mix it with your favorite drink, hot or cold.
Unflavored works in tea, hot cocoa or a smoothie without changing the taste much. Choco Bliss turns warm milk into a simple hot chocolate. Vanilla Cream goes well in cold brew or a chai latte. Use the same two scoops in 8 to 10 oz, and stir or shake until smooth.
How to store your tub
Keep the lid closed tight after each use. Store the tub in a cool, dry place away from direct light, as the label says. Use a dry scoop, because moisture can make the powder clump. Keep it out of reach of children.
Make it part of your morning
The easiest habit is one you already have. If you drink coffee most mornings, add your scoops at the same moment each day. Missed a day? Start again tomorrow.
VitalCollagen is part of our Glow collection and The Radiance Ritual. Nuvazen products are made in FDA-registered, GMP-compliant facilities, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every product.
Who should check with a doctor first
VitalCollagen comes from bovine (beef) hide. It is not suitable for vegetarians, vegans or anyone who avoids beef.
If you are pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition or take prescription medicines, talk to your doctor before you add it to your routine.
Related reading: How to Take Collagen Peptides: The Complete Guide and Collagen Creamer vs Collagen Peptides: What's the Difference?
Frequently asked questions
Does hot coffee destroy collagen?
No. Brewed coffee stays below 212°F (100°C). In a lab study, collagen only began to change at about 300°F (150°C), and it broke down at much higher temperatures.
Does collagen change the taste of coffee?
Unflavored collagen has very little taste of its own. Choco Bliss and Vanilla Cream add flavor and a creamier feel.
Can I put collagen in tea or smoothies?
Yes. The directions say to mix it with your favorite drink, hot or cold. For cold drinks, a shaker cup or blender helps it dissolve.
How many scoops should I use?
Two scoops make one serving of each VitalCollagen flavor. Mix them into 8 to 10 oz of your drink.
Sources: Thermal denaturation studies of collagen by microthermal analysis and atomic force microscopy, Biophysical Journal, 2011; MedlinePlus Genetics, COL1A1 gene.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
