Collagen and gelatin come from the same sources, such as skin, joints, bones, and tendons, and share many of the same nutrients. But they aren’t exactly the same.
In this article, we’ll break down their differences in processing, absorption, use, and cost, to help you decide which powder fits best into your routine.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein found throughout the body, including in skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues such as cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments. This protein is especially rich in the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, though it also contains other important amino acids to maintain its structure.
In supplements, collagen is sold in the form of collagen peptides, which are hydrolyzed, smaller molecules of collagen that are easy for the body to absorb. They’re often sourced from bovine or marine tissue. For a closer look at the differences between the bovine and marine collagen, we’ve covered it in this article.
What is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a protein rich in glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and other amino acids. Unlike collagen, gelatin isn’t naturally present in the body. It’s produced when collagen is partially broken down with heat and water, such as when boiling bones, skin, or connective tissue. Once produced, gelatin will gel as it cools. Gelatin molecules are larger than collagen peptides, which makes them less easily absorbed by the body.
In supplements, gelatin is most commonly sourced from bovine sources. In contrast, traditional culinary gelatin, like the kind found in supermarkets or gummy candies, often comes from pigs.
Key Differences Between Collagen Peptides and Gelatin
Gelatin is produced when collagen-rich parts such as bones, skin, or connective tissue are heated with water. This process partially breaks down collagen, changing its structure and forming gelatin, which can gel when cooled.
Collagen peptides are collagen that has been further broken down through hydrolyzation into smaller molecules. Because these peptides are smaller than gelatin, they’re generally easier for the body to absorb.
Both collagen peptides and gelatin are commonly sold as powders, but their uses differ. Collagen peptides dissolve in both hot and cold liquids without forming a gel. Gelatin, on the other hand, only dissolves in hot liquids and will gel once cooled. This makes collagen peptides more ideal to mix into smoothies, drinks, yogurt, or other foods where you want to add collagen without changing the texture. Gelatin supplements are often used to make healthier candy-like gummies, or keto or low-carb desserts, by mixing the powder with blended berries or fruit, or with dairy products.
Both are quite neutral in taste, although it may vary between brands. That said, gelatin may have a slightly more noticeable taste than collagen peptides. Collagen peptides can tend to cost a bit more than gelatin, as the collagen has been hydrolyzed to become more absorbable.
In the table below, you’ll find a summary of the key differences between collagen peptides and gelatin.
|
Feature |
Collagen Peptides |
Gelatin |
|
Processing |
Hydrolyzed enzymatically |
Boiled from collagen |
|
Molecular size & absorption |
Small, easily absorbed |
Larger, less easily absorbed |
|
Solubility & texture |
Dissolve in hot & cold liquid, doesn’t gel |
Dissolves in hot liquids, gels when cooled |
|
Uses |
Drinks, smoothies, baking, etc. |
Baking, gummies, sauces, thickening |
|
Taste |
Mostly neutral |
Mild, slightly noticeable |
|
Price |
Often more expensive |
Usually cheaper |
The Benefits of Collagen Peptides vs Gelatin
Many people take collagen peptides for skin, hair, nails, or joints, likely because research suggests they may play a role in these areas [1,2]. Since gelatin is derived from collagen, some people wonder whether similar results can be achieved from gelatin supplements. Research on gelatin is limited, but one study showed that consuming 15 g of gelatin with vitamin C (a vitamin that’s needed for collagen synthesis) before exercise increased collagen production [3].
It’s important to note that study results may vary depending on factors such as dose, timing, and individual differences, and findings don’t guarantee the same effects for everyone.
While research is still emerging, collagen peptides are often preferred for drinks, smoothies, or uses where easy absorption and solubility are preferred. Gelatin is often favored for recipes, gummies, or desserts due to its gelling properties. Both contain amino acids that are abundant in collagen, but differences in processing and absorption may influence how they’re used. In practice, the choice often comes down to convenience, texture, and how you want to consume them.
Conclusion
Collagen peptides are smaller and easier to absorb than whole collagen and gelatin. Both provide similar amino acids, so the main difference is how you want to consume them. Collagen peptides mix easily into drinks or smoothies, while gelatin is ideal for making healthier gummies or desserts, as it gels when cooled. To decide which works best for you, consider how you’d prefer to use them and incorporate them into your routine.
References
- Pu, S.-Y., et al. (2023). Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/
- Khatri M. et al. (2021). The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Springer. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8521576/
- Gregory S. et al. (2017). Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522047372?via%3Dihub