What Are Collagen Peptides? Everything You Need to Know

What Are Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides have become one of the most popular wellness supplements in recent years, however, you may be unsure what it means when it says collagen peptides on the packaging.

You may also have seen terms such as hydrolysed collagen or collagen hydrolysate. While these terms can sound technical, they are actually very simple to understand.

This blog will cover what collagen peptides are, how they are made, why they are commonly used in supplements and how they differ from other forms of collagen.

What Are Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides are small chains of amino acids derived from collagen protein. Amino acids are known as the building blocks to all protein.

They are created through a process called hydrolysis, where larger collagen proteins are broken down into smaller peptides.

This process produces what is commonly known as:

• Collagen peptides
• Hydrolysed collagen
• Collagen hydrolysate

These terms are generally used interchangeably within collagen supplements.

Collagen peptides are commonly sourced from:

• Bovine collagen (cow)
• Marine collagen (fish)
• Porcine collagen (pig)

Our collagen contains hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides sourced from bovine collagen.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein naturally found in the human body.

It acts as a major structural component within:

• Skin
• Bones
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Cartilage
• Connective tissues

Collagen is made up of amino acids, including:

• Glycine
• Proline
• Hydroxyproline

These amino acids are naturally associated with connective tissue structure throughout the body.

As natural collagen production declines with age, many people choose to include collagen supplements into their diet.

Why Are Collagen Peptides Hydrolysed?

Hydrolysis breaks collagen down into smaller peptides, making collagen easier to work with in supplement form.

Hydrolysed collagen peptides are popular because they:

• Dissolve easily in liquids
• Mix smoothly into drinks and recipes
• Have a neutral taste and smell
• Are convenient for everyday use

This is why collagen peptides are commonly found in:

• Collagen powders
• Drinkable collagen supplements
• Protein shakes
• Smoothies
• Wellness beverages

Our collagen contains hydrolysed collagen peptides designed for easy mixing and being able to use them day to day.

What Is the Difference Between Collagen and Collagen Peptides?

The main difference is the size of the protein structure.

Collagen

Collagen in its natural form is a large structural protein.

Non-hydrolysed collagen is:

• Less soluble
• More difficult to mix into liquids
• Commonly found in capsules or tablets

Collagen Peptides

Collagen peptides have been broken down into smaller amino acid chains.

This makes them:

• Easier to mix
• More versatile for recipes and drinks
• Convenient for everyday routines

Hydrolysed collagen peptides are the most common form used in collagen powders.

What Types of Collagen Are Found in Collagen Peptides?

There are several types of collagen naturally found in the body, but the most common in collagen supplements are:

Collagen Type	Commonly Found In	Commonly Associated With
Type I	Skin, bones, tendons	Skin and connective tissue support
Type II	Cartilage	Joint and cartilage support
Type III	Skin, blood vessels	Skin elasticity and tissue structure

Our collagen contains Type I and Type III collagen from hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides.

What Amino Acids Are Found in Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides contain a unique amino acid profile.

Key amino acids commonly found in collagen include:

• Glycine
• Proline
• Hydroxyproline
• Alanine
• Arginine
• Glutamic acid

These amino acids help form collagen’s structure and are naturally found within connective tissues throughout the body.

How Can You Use Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides are designed to be easy to include within everyday routines.

They can commonly be added to:

• Coffee
• Smoothies
• Protein shakes
• Oats
• Yoghurt
• Baking recipes

Because hydrolysed collagen peptides dissolve easily and have a neutral flavour, they are particularly suitable for drinks and recipes.

Why Are Collagen Peptides So Popular?

Collagen peptides have become increasingly popular because they are:

• Easy to use
• Versatile
• Convenient
• Simple to add into everyday routines

Final Thoughts

Collagen peptides are hydrolysed forms of collagen protein that have been broken down into smaller peptides for easy mixing and everyday use.

Because they dissolve easily, have a neutral taste and are convenient to use, collagen peptides are commonly found in powders and drinkable supplements.

For the full picture on collagen, see our Collagen: The Complete Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are collagen peptides the same as hydrolysed collagen?+

Yes, collagen peptides and hydrolysed collagen are generally the same thing. Both terms refer to collagen that has been broken down into smaller peptides through hydrolysis.

What are collagen peptides made from?+

Collagen peptides are typically sourced from bovine, marine or porcine collagen.

Can collagen peptides be added to coffee?+

Yes, hydrolysed collagen peptides dissolve easily into hot drinks such as coffee.

Do collagen peptides have a taste?+

Most hydrolysed collagen peptides are designed to have a neutral taste and smell.

What is the difference between collagen peptides and collagen powder?+

Collagen peptides are the form of collagen commonly found within collagen powders. The term “collagen peptides” refers to the hydrolysed collagen itself.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend consulting your healthcare professional before use.