Collagen vs. Protein Powder: Which is Better for Smoothies?

People often ask me if my smoothie recipes can replace meals and keep them full with enough protein. And my answer is a big, fat YES! I love creating smoothies packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats from natural ingredients like chia seeds, kale, nut butter, and yogurt.

But if you’re looking for a quick protein boost of 20+ grams, I highly recommend using collagen or protein powder in your smoothies. These powders are a convenient and easy way to add more protein to your diet and keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Adding Protein to Smoothies For Weight Loss

Adding protein to your smoothies can help you lose weight! Protein is like the superhero of nutrients – it keeps you full and satisfied for longer, so you won’t reach for snacks and junk food between meals. 

Plus, it helps preserve your muscle mass, essential for a healthy metabolism and burning calories. So if you’re trying to shed some pounds, consider adding a scoop of protein powder to your smoothies. 

Collagen vs. Protein Powder

Both collagen powder and protein powder are great options for boosting the protein content in your smoothies. Collagen is a type of protein that’s derived from animal sources, like cows or fish, and it’s known for supporting healthy skin, hair, nails, and joint health. Collagen protein is also tasteless and dissolves quickly, which makes it a popular choice for adding to smoothies.

On the other hand, protein powder can be made from various sources, including whey, casein, soy, pea, hemp, and more. Each type of protein powder has its unique benefits and drawbacks, so choosing one that aligns with your dietary needs and preferences is essential. For example, if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, you may want to opt for a plant-based protein powder instead of whey protein.

So I’ve tried both collagen and protein powder in my smoothies, and I have to say, they both have their pros and cons. Before I share my personal preference, I want to break down the difference between the two.

What is Collagen Powder

Alright, let’s talk about collagen powder! You’ll also see it referred to as collagen peptides. Collagen is a type of protein that’s found in our skin, bones, and connective tissues. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production slows down, leading to wrinkles, joint pain, and other signs of aging. 

That’s where collagen powder comes in – it’s a supplement you can add to your smoothies (or other foods and drinks) to help boost your body’s collagen levels.

Some people like to use it as a protein source, while others use it more for its health benefits. You can also experiment with different flavors and types of collagen powder to find one that works best for you.

Benefits of Using Collagen in Smoothies

So, what are the benefits of using collagen powder in your smoothies? As mentioned earlier, collagen is excellent for skin, hair, and nails, and it can also help improve joint health, support gut health, and even promote better sleep. 

Plus, it’s really easy to use – add a scoop to your smoothie and blend it! Collagen does create a thicket consistency.

Overall, collagen powder can be a great addition to your smoothies if you’re looking for an easy way to support your overall health and well-being.

The Best Collagen Brands

When it comes to collagen powders, there are so many options available that it can be hard to know where to start. Some of the best brands for adding collagen to smoothies include Thrive Market Collagen Peptides, Vital Proteins, and Primal Kitchen.

When choosing a collagen powder, looking for a high-quality product with minimal additives and fillers is important. Read the label carefully to ensure you’re getting a pure and potent collagen supplement.

As for my personal experience, I’ve been using Thrive Market Collagen Peptide Powder since 2019, and I love it. It’s a high-quality, more affordable product than some other brands, even though you need a Thrive Market membership to purchase it. It comes in chocolate flavor, vanilla flavor, and flavorless. I’ve used the flavorless in my smoothies and think it blends well with the other ingredients. 

Another brand I’ve tried and liked is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, although it’s a bit pricier. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your budget and individual needs, but these are great options.

What is Protein Powder

Protein powder is like a magic potion that adds extra protein to your meals or snacks. It’s not just for gym buffs or fitness freaks, but anyone who wants to up their protein intake. Adding protein powder to smoothies has some serious perks, like feeling fuller for longer, supporting muscle growth and repair, and is a quick and easy way to increase your protein intake without having to chow down on a bunch of whole foods.

Benefits of protein powder

You might be surprised to learn that there are different types of protein powder with unique benefits. Whey protein powder is a super popular option; it’s easily absorbed by the body and is known to be one of the most complete protein sources. If you’re looking for something with a slower release of amino acids, then casein protein powder is the way to go. It can help keep you feeling satisfied for longer periods. 

If you’re plant-based or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, pea, hemp, or soy protein powders can be your go-to. Not only are they rich in protein, but they also pack in extra nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. Pick a protein powder that fits your dietary needs and preferences.

Best Protein Powder Brands to Use in Smoothies

Finding the perfect protein powder for your smoothies can be a journey of trial and error. One of the most popular brands is Optimum Nutrition, which has a wide range of protein powders, including whey and casein. Dymatize is also a well-known brand that offers different flavors and formulations. Other options include Bio Steel, Vega Sport, Sunwarrior, Ancient Nutrition, Thrive Market, and Primal Fuel, to name a few.

I’ve searched many protein powders before finding one I love and can recommend – Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder. It’s vegan and has a mild flavor that doesn’t leave a bad aftertaste like other protein powders. However, they also offer chocolate and vanilla flavors I haven’t tried. On the other hand, I don’t recommend Vega protein powders due to their artificial sweeteners and gritty texture.

With so many brands, it’s important to read labels and find a high-quality protein powder that fits your dietary needs and preferences. Remember, it might take some experimenting before finding the perfect fit for your smoothies.

Collagen vs. Protein Powder

Protein powder and collagen powder are popular supplements that people add to their smoothies to boost nutrients and protein. But, they each have their unique benefits.

Protein powder is excellent for athletes or anyone looking to increase their protein intake because it contains a variety of proteins like whey, casein, or plant-based proteins that support muscle growth and repair. It’s usually flavored and has a grittier texture, which some people don’t like.

Collagen powder, on the other hand, is made from the connective tissues of animals and provides specific amino acids that support skin, hair, and joint health. It’s a good choice for those looking to improve their skin’s elasticity or joint mobility. Adding collagen powder to your smoothie can thicken its consistency. If you prefer a thinner smoothie, you may need to add more liquid to balance out the thickness.

So, choosing protein powder or collagen powder for your smoothies will depend on your goals and preferences. If you’re an athlete or looking to increase your protein intake, go for protein powder. To support your skin or joint health, go for collagen powder.

Do’s and Don’ts

Dos:

• Choose a high-quality powder from a reputable brand to ensure you get the best possible nutrients and ingredients.
• Read the instructions and serving size carefully to avoid over-consuming and potentially harmful side effects.
• Do blend the powder well with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth consistency and maximum absorption.
• Do experiment with different flavors and types of powders to find the one that works best for your taste buds and dietary needs.
• Do drink the smoothie within a reasonable amount of time after making it to avoid spoilage and potential foodborne illness.

Don’ts:

• Don’t rely solely on protein or collagen powder to meet your daily nutrient needs. These powders should be used as a supplement to a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
• Don’t go overboard with the serving size. Too much protein or collagen can cause digestive issues and damage your kidneys over time.
• Don’t use powders that contain artificial sweeteners or other harmful additives that can negate the smoothie’s health benefits.
• Don’t assume that all powders are created equal. Some may contain allergens or ingredients unsuitable for dietary restrictions, so always read the label carefully.

Using Collagen and Protein Powder for Weight Loss

In weight loss, adding collagen or protein powder to your smoothies can be a helpful tool. Protein is known to help with satiety, which means it can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your overall calorie intake.

On the weight loss front, collagen can be helpful in several ways. First, it’s high in protein which can help you feel full and satisfied, potentially reducing your calorie intake. 

Additionally, adding collagen powder to your smoothies can support the health of your skin and joints, making it easier to engage in physical activity and exercise, further aiding weight loss efforts. So, in a way, collagen can indirectly help with weight loss by supporting a healthy and active lifestyle.

It’s important to note that simply adding collagen or protein powder to your smoothie is not a magic solution for weight loss, and these powders should be used with a healthy diet and exercise routine. 

Choosing a high-quality powder that fits your specific dietary needs and preferences is also important. 

As always, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before significantly changing your diet or exercise routine.

Where to Buy Collagen and Protein Powder

If you’re interested in buying collagen or protein powder for your smoothies, various options are available online and in physical stores.

One of the most convenient options is to purchase these powders online. You can find many brands and varieties on websites like Amazon, iHerb, Thrive Market, and Vitacost. These online retailers often have competitive pricing and offer customer reviews, making finding the right product for your needs easier.

You can also find collagen and protein powder at health food stores, supplement shops, and some grocery stores. Shopping in person allows you to see the product and read the label before purchasing, which may be helpful if you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences.

Researching and reading product reviews before purchasing is essential to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product that fits your needs. It’s also good to compare prices and look for sales or promotions to get the best deal.

My Collagen and Protein Powder Recommendations

I’ve been using Thrive Market Collagen Peptides for over three years and highly recommend it. It’s made with high-quality ingredients and is gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly. One of the best things about it is that it dissolves perfectly into my smoothies and is tasteless so I can add it to my water or coffee without any issues. Plus, it’s super affordable at only $24.99 for a 20-ounce bag.

While I prefer using collagen powder over protein powder for the extra health benefits, I still purchase protein powder for an extra protein boost when I feel extra hungry in the morning.

My go-to brand is Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder, and it doesn’t have a bad aftertaste and blends nicely into my smoothies. I also purchase this from Thrive Market, and I find that they have the best price for this brand at $35 for a 20-ounce container.

If you’re considering adding collagen or protein powder to your smoothies, I highly recommend considering a Thrive Market membership. The savings you get with the collagen and protein powder quickly make up for the $59 annual membership cost. For more information, you can check out my Thrive Market Review.

Both collagen and protein powder can provide an extra boost of protein and nutrients to your smoothies. The main difference is the type of protein they provide and the specific health benefits they offer.

Choosing collagen or protein powder for your smoothies will depend on your personal goals and preferences. And if you’re looking for high-quality and affordable options, you may want to check out Thrive Market for collagen and protein powder.

My Favorite Smoothies to Add Collagen or Protein Powder to:

• Blueberry smoothie
• Blueberry kale smoothie
• Cherry chocolate smoothie
• Mango berry smoothie
• Mango smoothie