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I love a good, frothy D.I.Y. coffee shop latte and giving my gut extra love when I can. Bonus if I can do both without tasting a chalky, clumpy supplement powder.

That’s where collagen peptides has blended seamlessly *badum tsshhh* into my routine the past few years to give my gut, joints, and skin a ‘lil boost!

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in the body. Not only does it provide protein, it also:

Supports healing the intestinal tract.
Helps promote healthy connective tissue like bones, joints, and cartilage.
Improves vitality of hair and skin (yes please).

What are the best sources of collagen?

Quality bone broth is a great food source of collagen! There’s so much more to write about bone broth, but for now, know that it’s more than just a base for soups and stews! Bone broth is a nutrient packed beverage made from simmering collagen-rich bones for up to 24 hours. It’s been a staple in traditional cultures for hundreds of years, and making it a (mostly) hands-off process.

Cooking up some beef or chicken? Save bones in your freezer and make broth when you’ve collected a few pounds. If possible, use bones from responsibly raised animals (grass-fed beef and pastured chickens). Here’s an easy slow-cooker recipe for bone broth.

Don’t have the resources or time to make your own bone broth? Check out the options from these brands:

If you’re not in the sipping mood or trying to beat the heat, try using the broth to cook rice or saute vegetables!

For a travel-friendly, on-the-go option I also love keeping a collagen peptides supplement on hand.

Collagen Peptides

I love that collagen peptides are having a moment right now! The unflavored Prime Collagen Peptides from Gauge Life Supplements has been my go-to. They’re made from the hide of pasture-raised cows and collagen peptides are the only ingredient. Use code DITEA for 10% off your order!

I also LOVE that Gauge Life is a woman-founded + woman-owned company! 🙌🏼

Why pasture-raised?

These animals had access to ample, open pasture and were able to consume their naturally intended diet and lead happy lives [except for 1 bad day nawwhatimean]. A better diet and life for the animals means a more nutrient-dense product for you. After all, we are what we eat eats ;)

Taste & Texture

So many other brands add fillers, mystery spelling-bee-slugger ingredients, multiple sweeteners, or artificial flavors. Many of them can be difficult to digest and, in my opinion, make a junk product.

Collagen peptides are the only ingredient in the Prime Collagen Peptides - no surprises.

They are unflavored and mix in seamlessly into most hot or cold liquids. I’ve added them to everything from sprouted oats and smoothies, yogurt, coffee and soup. There aren’t any gritty weird chunks or textures to gulp down.

I’ve noticed that it mixes in best with warm to hot liquids and I slowly add it into food for best texture. For blended drinks, I add it directly to the blender with other ingredients.

Blending the collagen is the only time I notice a change in texture, and it’s definitely for the better. This is how I get a nice, frothy blended coffee without using a milk frother.

Does collagen count as protein?

One mistake I notice in nutrition clients’ Food & Mood Journals is using collagen as their protein source in a meal. While collagen is a protein, it is not a complete protein. When a protein source is “complete”, it contains 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own.

Collagen peptides only contain 8 out of 9. The collagen can still fit into smoothies post workout to support recovery! Just make sure you also have a complete protein powder in your smoothie as well and aim for most of your protein intake from complete food sources like quality animal proteins.

If you’re looking for a quality, complete protein powder and also tolerate whey, Gauge Life also has three whey protein isolate options (unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate). These are made in the U.S., and don’t contain any gluten, artificial flavors or sweeteners! Notice their ingredient list – short and no nonsense.

How I use collagen in my routine

I personally use 1 scoop a few times per week. I’ve noticed a difference in the brightness and tone of my skin as well as the strength of my nails over the past few years when I’ve used it more frequently.

Collagen Coffee

Ready to add collagen peptides to your routine? Here’s a 2min recipe to get you started tomorrow morning with a blended coffee!