How to Take Collagen Peptides: The Complete Guide
The simplest way to take collagen peptides is to stir one serving into a drink you already have each day, such as coffee, tea or a smoothie. Hydrolyzed peptides mix into hot or cold drinks. Use the serving on the label, pick a time you will remember, and keep enough protein from food in your day.
What collagen peptides are
MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, describes collagens as a family of proteins that strengthen and support many tissues in the body. Type I collagen is the most abundant form, found in tissues such as skin, bone and tendons.
Collagen peptides are collagen that has been hydrolyzed, or broken into small pieces. That is what lets a scoop dissolve into a drink instead of clumping on top. Every VitalCollagen creamer uses hydrolyzed collagen peptides, types I and III, from grass-fed bovine hide.
Step 1: Check the serving size
Start with the label. For every VitalCollagen flavor, one serving is two scoops, mixed into 8 to 10 oz of your drink. One scoop is only half a serving, so if you want the amounts on the label, use both.
Step 2: Pick your drink
Choose something you already drink most days. The habit is easier to keep when it rides along with one you have.
- Hot coffee. Brewed coffee stays below boiling, and collagen holds up well at that heat. Our guide Can You Put Collagen in Coffee? explains why.
- A latte. Froth some milk and pour it on top. Try our 5-minute Choco Bliss latte.
- Tea. Black, green or herbal tea all work.
- A smoothie. Add the scoops with the other ingredients and blend.
- Milk or a milk alternative. Use a shaker cup for a cold glass.
Step 3: Mix it the right way
- Pour your drink first, then add the powder, so it does not stick to the bottom.
- Stir for 10 to 15 seconds, or use a handheld frother, until no streaks remain.
- For cold drinks, dissolve the scoops in a splash of warm liquid first, then add the cold drink and ice. A shaker cup or blender also works well.
Step 4: Choose a time and keep it
There is no official best time of day for collagen. What matters more is that you take it regularly. A few easy anchors:
- With your first coffee or tea of the morning.
- In a smoothie after a workout.
- In a warm drink in the afternoon, such as decaf coffee or tea.
Keep the tub next to your coffee maker or kettle so you see it when you need it.
Step 5: Keep protein from food in view
Collagen is a protein, but it should sit on top of a balanced diet, not replace one. MedlinePlus says protein should make up 10% to 35% of your daily calories, and that one ounce of most protein foods, such as meat, fish or one large egg, gives about 7 g of protein.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025 to 2030, as summarized by MedlinePlus, set a goal of 1.2 to 1.6 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, with an emphasis on minimally processed whole foods. Good sources include eggs, fish, poultry, lean meat, beans, lentils, tofu, dairy, nuts and seeds.
Step 6: Pair it with vitamin C from food
Your body makes its own collagen, and it needs vitamin C to do that. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says the body needs vitamin C to make collagen. Adult men need 90 mg a day and adult women need 75 mg. Citrus fruits, red and green peppers and kiwifruit are rich sources.
Which VitalCollagen for which drink
| Unflavored | Choco Bliss | Vanilla Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best in | Any drink, hot or cold | Coffee, milk, smoothies | Coffee, tea, lattes |
| Serving | 2 scoops (20 g) | 2 scoops (27 g) | 2 scoops (20 g) |
| Calories | 70 | 90 | 70 |
| Sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Also contains | Nothing else | Cocoa, stevia | MCT, pea protein, stevia |
VitalCollagen Unflavored
VitalCollagen Unflavored has one ingredient: hydrolyzed collagen peptides from grass-fed bovine hide. A two-scoop serving (20 g) has 20 g of collagen peptides, 18 g of protein, 70 calories and 0 g of sugars. It keeps your coffee tasting like coffee, and it goes into almost any drink.
VitalCollagen Choco Bliss
VitalCollagen Choco Bliss is a chocolate collagen creamer. A two-scoop serving (27 g) has 90 calories, 20 g of collagen peptides and 18 g of protein, with 3 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of fiber and 0 g of sugars. It is flavored with cocoa and sweetened with stevia leaf extract. Its directions suggest a shaker cup or blender for cold drinks.
VitalCollagen 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, 10 g of protein, 0 g of sugars and 560 mg of calcium.
All three are 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.
Storage tips
- Keep the tub in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.
- Close the lid tightly after each use.
- Use a dry scoop, so moisture does not get into the powder.
Who should check with a doctor first
VitalCollagen comes from bovine (beef) hide, so 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: Collagen Creamer vs Collagen Peptides: What's the Difference?
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take collagen peptides?
There is no official best time. Take it at the same point each day, such as with your morning coffee, so it becomes a habit.
Can I put collagen peptides in hot drinks?
Yes. Brewed coffee stays below 212°F (100°C). In a 2011 lab study, collagen only began to change at about 300°F (150°C).
How much should I take a day?
Follow the label. For VitalCollagen, one serving is two scoops mixed into 8 to 10 oz of a drink.
Can I take it with protein from other foods?
Yes. Collagen adds to the protein in your meals. Count it as part of your daily total, and keep most of your protein coming from whole foods.
Sources: MedlinePlus Genetics, COL1A1 gene; MedlinePlus, Protein in diet; MedlinePlus, Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025 to 2030; NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Consumers; Thermal denaturation studies of collagen by microthermal analysis and atomic force microscopy, Biophysical Journal, 2011.
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.
