Collagen vs Protein Powder: What’s The Difference?

Learn the difference between collagen and protein powder to find out which one is the best for you. More often than not, collagen and protein powder are used interchangeably. However, there’s quite a difference between the two.

As a Certified Nutrition Coach, my goal is to help you increase your daily protein intake with the one that fits your current lifestyle, goals, and preferences. Learn more about collagen vs protein powder and which one is the better choice for your goals.

Both collagen and protein powder have exploded in the fitness world over the last few years making it hard to know which one is best.

And though they are very similar in some ways, they have a lot of differences too.

As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I’ve been using both collagen and protein powder for over a decade. I find that using both makes it a smidge easier to take in 100 grams of protein per day. Each one can be used easily in:

• Smoothies
• Yogurts
• Puddings
• Oatmeal
• Baked goods

But that doesn’t mean that they’re interchangeable.

Benefits Of Collagen & What It’s Used For:

• Better digestion
• Improves immune system
• Glowing hair, skin, and nails
• Great for your own connective tissues
• Better muscle recovery
• Great for joints and bones

Here are natural foods high in collagen to help keep you young.

What Is Protein Powder?

Protein powder is a man-made powder that helps you get in the amino acids you need. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet.

Whey protein: whey is one of the main proteins found in dairy. This protein tends to be fast-absorbing but causes bloating in a lot of people.

Casein protein: this protein is also dairy-based but tends to be more “slow-releasing”.

Plant-based (vegan) protein: these protein powders are often a blend of coconut, brown rice, pea protein, and sometimes soy to make up the best amino acid profile possible.

For the purpose of this blog post, we’re going to mostly be chatting about vegan protein powder.

Benefits of protein powder:

• Contains essential amino acids
• Easy to use
• Flavored

Keep in mind that each protein powder is unique in flavor, texture, and how your body reacts to it. So that needs to be factored in.

Difference Between Collagen And Protein Powder

The main difference between the two is that protein powder actually contains all nine essential amino acids and collagen doesn’t!

Does this mean that you should only use protein powder? No.

Each day you need to replenish nine essential proteins for optimal health (your body cannot make them). Which means they must come from food.

A complete protein means it contains all nine.

And though collagen doesn’t contain all nine essential ones, it does contain ones we normally don’t take in as much.

Meaning, not every bite you eat needs to contain all nine. If you eat a varied diet, you’ll get enough of the essentials.

Absorption

Both collagen powder and protein powder absorb well in the body.

Though whey protein tends to absorb the best out of the powders, fermented vegan protein powder does really well.

However, since collagen powder is normally “hydrolyzed”, it is already semi-broken down. This means that collagen is pretty fast-acting.

If you need amino acids now, collagen is the way to go.

Building Muscle

Unless you’re an elite athlete, so long as you’re getting in adequate protein throughout the day, you don’t need to worry too much about timing.

That said, if you strength train, you do need to focus on getting in all nine essential amino acids. This is because as you train you break down more muscle in order to repair it.

In this case, protein powder can be really handy as it contains all the essentials.

Your Immune System

Because collagen is found in bones, skin, and meat, it is going to be better for your immune system hands down.

Protein powders, no matter how great, tend to have some additives in them. Especially vegan protein powders given they need a combination of ingredients to hit all amino acids.

Factor in things like flavor, and sweetener, and protein powder is no longer a “pure” source.

If you want to boost your immune system or gut health, go for collagen powder.

Texture, Taste, & Use

Much of this will come down to personal preference.

Collagen powder: normally unflavored, mixes better than protein powder, can be baked easily. Check out these collagen powder recipes.

Protein powder: sweeter, easy to use, vegan protein can have a chalky taste though, and doesn’t bake as well since it absorbs so much liquid.

How To Choose A Collagen Peptide Or Protein Powder

It's important that when you're ready to shop for either of these powders you know what to look for. Aim to purchase from brands who use third-party testing, do not shove a ton of "extra" ingredients into their powders, and basically provide high-quality ingredients.

For collagen peptides, the only ingredients should be collagen. Nothing else is needed.

When it comes to protein powder it's a bit tricky as there's so many varieties and flavors. I personally aim for powders low in ingredients and sugars.

Where To Buy Collagen Powder

Collagen has multiple options for consumption. The most popular nowadays are collagen supplements in pill form (normally called collagen peptides)

Though collagen peptides supplements can be great, I prefer to get my collagen peptides from powder.

Not only does it mix easily, but it pairs a protein with whichever food I’m eating and gives me an intake boost for the day.

I mix collagen powder into smoothies, energy balls, dairy-free yogurt, and oatmeal, you name it.

I use Perfect Supplements Collagen powder because it’s:

• 100% Hydrolyzed Collagen peptides (11 grams of Collagen per serving)
• Sourced EXCLUSIVELY From Brazilian Pasture Raised (Grass Fed) Cows
• 100% Natural and Pesticide and Hormone Free
• World's First Certified Glyphosate Residue Free Collagen
• It has no fillers

Where To Buy Protein Powder

This is a personal choice as each protein powder is unique. learn more about choosing protein powder for your goals and grab these 30 vegan protein powder recipes.

I have a few favorites including Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder and Botanica protein powder.

However, Naked Nutrition is one of the top choices. They pride themselves on being transparent, their protein powders contain normally only 3 ingredients or less, and they taste good.

There's also egg white protein powder which is a new personal favorite. Easy to use and only one ingredient.

Every protein powder is a bit unique, so shop around for one you love.

Frequently Asked Questions About Collagen Versus Protein Powder