There was a time when jazzing up your coffee was the ultimate flex. The year? 2018. Wellness influencers were at their peak—thriving, largely unregulated, and backed by communities eager to sip on the latest health-boosting brews. Think fluorescent yellow turmeric lattes, butter-laden espressos, and violet-hued butterfly pea milk lattes (yes, that was a real thing, not a random Mad Lib). Even beetroot powder had its moment, turning pink lattes into an Instagram staple. It was a wild, expensive era.
And then? The trend fizzled out just as quickly as it had exploded. Wellness circles pivoted from extravagant supplements to raw, unpasteurized milk and honey. Oat milk suddenly found itself on the fringes. Apple cider vinegar took center stage in influencer fridges. And the once-revered act of tossing a knob of butter into your Americano? Unthinkable.
Yet, amid all the rise and fall of trendy add-ins, one ingredient has survived the hype—and the purge. That ingredient? Collagen.
I’ve been adding collagen to my morning coffee for years. Whether it’s coffee, matcha, or a smoothie, a scoop of the tasteless white powder goes in without fail. At this point, it’s second nature—something naturopathic nutritionist and author of The Hormone Balance Handbook, Jessica Shand, says is actually a smart move. “Collagen is a resilient protein that remains intact even when exposed to heat, so stirring it into coffee or matcha is an easy way to incorporate it into your routine. Plus, it provides a boost of amino acids and may even help blunt the cortisol spike that comes with caffeine.”
What Does Collagen Coffee Actually Do?
Beyond reducing post-caffeine jitters, adding collagen to your coffee comes with a laundry list of benefits. “Collagen is the body’s primary structural protein—it’s like the scaffolding or ‘glue’ that holds us together,” Shand explains. “It supports everything from skin integrity to muscles, bones, fingernails, hair, and even the intestinal lining.”
Collagen is especially helpful during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels (responsible for skin elasticity and suppleness) start to decline. “I often recommend it to clients who want to maintain healthy skin as they age, and it can also help alleviate joint and muscle pain,” Shand adds.
Can You Taste the Collagen in Coffee?
Nope. If you’re using an unflavored version, collagen is completely tasteless. The only thing to keep in mind is texture—if you’re adding a hefty scoop to a hot drink, you’ll need to stir or froth it well to avoid any clumps.
Does Collagen Count as Protein?
Technically, yes—but not in the same way a piece of salmon or a chicken breast does. “A chicken breast is a complete source of lean protein, while collagen powder is a concentrated source of collagen—a specific type of protein found in connective tissues,” Shand explains.
So, if you’re tracking protein intake, think of collagen as a bonus rather than a primary source. Since it doesn’t contain all nine essential amino acids, it’s great for skin, joints, and muscle health but isn’t the best option for muscle-building.
How to Choose a High-Quality Collagen Powder
With supplement aisles packed with endless options, finding a high-quality collagen powder can feel overwhelming. Shand recommends looking for a few key terms to ensure you’re getting the best product.
“For marine collagen, look for ‘pure hydrolyzed collagen’ that’s sustainably sourced. For bovine collagen (the most common type), look for ‘grass-fed’ to ensure it’s free from hormones, antibiotics, and chemical exposure.”
And what about vegan collagen? While it’s a solid option for plant-based diets, Shand notes that it doesn’t quite measure up nutritionally to marine or bovine collagen. “Vegan collagen is typically made with plant-derived ingredients that help stimulate the body’s natural collagen production—like vitamin C—but it’s not the same as consuming actual collagen.”
So, is collagen coffee here to stay? Judging by its ability to outlast the wellness world’s ever-changing obsessions, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. And as for me? I’ll be stirring my collagen into my morning cup for the foreseeable future.
