You may know collagen as the buzzword commonly associated with anti-aging face creams and eye serums. The main protein found naturally in your skin, collagen is responsible for keeping it looking plump and youthful—the lack of which can cause wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. But collagen isn't just for your skin; it's actually the most abundant protein in your body and is essential for joint, bone, and blood vessel health. Asyour body ages, it starts losing its natural collagen, and that's when your skin forms wrinkles, your joints become sore, and your bones start to get more brittle. Fortunately, you can restore some collagen in your body simply by eating it. Collagen-rich foods pack a healthy dose of muscle-building protein—about 11 grams per serving. Eating more of this power food has even been associated with better gut health by restoring the mucosal layer and helping heal leaky gut. People have reported having smoother skin, shinier hair, stronger nails, and even relief from sore joints; a Creighton University Medical Center study even found that collagen can be an effective treatment for arthritis.
Okay, you're sold, right? But now what? Here's where we come in: Gelatin, found in animal bones and tendons, is the most natural source of collagen. Many people use animal bones to create their own bone broth, which has all of the health benefits of collagen. Collagen and gelatin also come in tasteless nutritional powders now, which you can easily add to your favorite foods. There are a couple different options like powdered gelatin gels (which dissolve in hot liquids or can be used in making cold foods) and collagen peptides or powdered hydrolyzed collagen (which dissolve in cold liquids)
Not sure where to begin? Check out our favorite anti-aging, protein-packed recipes from bloggers featuring a healthy dose of collagen and gelatin. You may have to kiss your favorite anti-aging creams goodbye!
Paleo Sour Gummies
For 3 gummies: 73 calories, 15 g carbs, 12 g sugar, 2 g protein
Since powdered gelatin coagulates in cold liquids, it's the perfect collagen-rich food to make homemade sour gummies. Pop a couple of these delicious citrus candies in your mouth for an extra boost of protein, collagen, and vitamin C.
Get the recipe from Bare Root Girl.
Strawberry Chia Pudding Parfait
Per 1/2 serving: 371 calories, 27 g fat, 21 g carbs, 15 g sugar, 15 g protein
Chia seeds are a health food staple, especially when mixed with fresh fruit. Adding in some tasteless and odorless collagen peptide powder adds a healthy dose of protein too, for a well-rounded breakfast.
Get the recipe from Vital Proteins.
Slow Cooker Bone Broth
1 cup: 68 calories, 4 g fat, 6 g protein
Bone broth is a natural source of gelatin, which has lots of collagen. Go the primal route and make your own with this easy slow cooker recipe.
Get the recipe from Platings and Pairings.
Lemon Gummies
Per serving: 41 calories, 7 g carbohydrates, 7 g sugar, 3.6 g protein
Only three simple ingredients are needed to make these tasty, collagen-rich gummies. The fresh lemon juice also packs a healthy dose of Vitamin C.
Get the recipe from Hollywood Homestead.
Sugar-Free Vanilla Marshmallows
Per serving: 59 calories, 0.3 g carbohydrates, 13.5 g protein
Marshmallows aren't typically a health food, but these easy gelatin marshmallows will add age-fighting benefits to your favorite hot chocolate.
Get the recipe from Purely Twins.
Chicken Zoodle Soup
Per serving: 15 g fat, 26 g carbohydrates, 12.8 g sugar, 29.6 g protein
Use a homemade bone broth (one of our go-to collagen-rich foods) for this healthy paleo soup, chock-full of natural gelatin and collagen.
Get the recipe from Raising Generation Nourished.
Homemade Orange Jello
Whole recipe: 250 calories, 1 g fat, 51 g carbohydrates, 41 g sugar, 12 g protein
Jello Jiggles have nothing on this homemade orange jello! Just two ingredients make for a tasty dessert that's good for you, too.
Get the recipe from Hollywood Homestead.
Strawberry Lemon Kombucha Gummies
2 gummies: 35 calories, 5.7 g carbohydrates, 5 g sugar, 3.5 g protein
Healthy guts, rejoice! Kombucha is full of gut-healing probiotics, and collagen also has gut-healing properties. Together, these gummies make for a tasty superfood.
Get the recipe from Vital Proteins.
Lemon Panna Cotta
Per serving: 350 calories, 29 g fat, 24 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 21 g sugar, 2 g protein
Who knew gelatin could be so pretty! This classic dessert is made healthy with simple, clean ingredients andcollagen-rich foods that pack a nutrient-dense punch.
Get the recipe from Savory Lotus.
Blueberry Protein & Collagen Pancakes
Per serving: 193 calories, 2.9 g fat, 12 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 25 g protein
Get a healthy dose of protein first thing in the morning without even realizing it. Pancakes become a muscle-building powerhouse with some grass-fed gelatin and egg whites.
Get the recipe from ZOMT.
Salted Caramel Fudge
Per serving: 211 calories, 20 g fat, 3.7 g carbohydrates, 3 g sugar, 6 g protein
We never thought we'd have "fudge" and "healthy" in the same sentence, but this healthy recipe is made with diet-friendly ingredients, such as coconut oil, collagen powder, and unsweetened shredded coconut.
Get the recipe from Beyond the Bite.
Maple Pumpkin Collagen Shake
1 small shake: 227 calories, 14.5 g fat, 20 g carbohydrates, 4.6 g fiber, 14.6 g sugar, 8.1 g protein
The only thing better than pumpkin spice is pumpkin spice with healthy collagen. This delicious shake tastes like fall in a glass and made with antioxidant-rich pumpkin puree.
Get the recipe from Healing Family Eats.
Matcha Latte Collagen Bites
One 2-by-2-inch square: 36 calories, 2 g fat, 3.7 g carbohydrate, 3.2 g sugar, 1.6 g protein
Matcha is one of our favorites, thanks to the concentrated amount of fat-burning EGCG. Mixed with collagen peptides, this recipe makes for a healthy and satisfying treat. (Matcha tea is also one of the superstars of The 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Cleanse! Test panelists lost up to 4 inches from their waist!)
Get the recipe from Paleo Parents.
Sunbutter Chocolate Collagen Protein Bars
1 bar: 143 calories, 12.6 g protein, 4.7 g carbohydrates, 1.8 g dietary fiber, 2 g sugar, 5 g protein
Chocolate and peanut butter are always a delicious combination, but not always good for the waistline. Fortunately, these dessert bars use a healthy homemade sunbutter, raw cacao, and protein-packed collagen powder.
Get the recipe from Cook it Up Paleo.
Orange Cranberry Collagen Gummies
2 gummies: 21 calories, 1 g carbohydrate, 3.6 g protein
Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, and vitamins C, E, and K, and this easy recipe is also filled with gelatin for stronger hair and nails. Pop one of these gummies for a beautifying and detoxifying treat.
Get the recipe from Friday Love Song.
Bone Broth Latte
1 mug: 291 calories, 25 g fat, 18 g protein
Bone broth… as a beverage? This genius recipe transforms the soup staple into a nutrient-dense frothy latte made with coconut oil, bone broth, and extra collagen.
Get the recipe from Healthy Starts in the Kitchen.
Paleo Protein Cookie Dough
1/4 cup: 316 calories, 14 g fat, 43 g carbohydrates, 10 g sugar, 6 g protein
Cookie dough that's actually healthy? It sounds too good to be true, but it's a delicious reality thanks to this simple recipe made with coconut, collagen, and Japanese sweet potatoes.
Get the recipe from Empowered Sustenance.
Paleo Strawberries & Cream Collagen Bar
1 bar: 200 calories, 18 g fat, 8 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 2.4 g sugar, 4.6 g protein
Skip the pre-packaged fruit and nut bars, and nosh on these homemade treats made with healthy coconut, collagen, and berries.
Get the recipe from A Girl Worth Saving.
Frothy Butter Protein Coffee
1 serving: 360 calories, 36 g fat, 10 g protein
Make your morning bulletproof coffee even healthier with a hearty scoop of collagen peptides. The latte-like drink is made super frothy thanks to a blender, and will keep you energized all morning long.
Get the recipe from Vital Proteins.
Chewy Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
1 cookie: 85 calories, 7 g fat, 5 g carbohydrates, 4.6 g sugar, 2 g protein
There's nothing better than chocolate and pumpkin together, especially in the fall. Now you can enjoy these chewy cookies year-round without the guilt, thanks to this healthy recipe.
Get the recipe from Vital Proteins.
Raw Cacao Mint Shake
1 shake: 280 calories, 14 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 22 g sugar, 14g protein
Indulge in a creamy milkshake made with antioxidant-rich raw cacao. This recipe is made with avocado, to make it even thicker and more satiating.
Get the recipe from Traditional Cooking School.
Whipped Coconut Pudding
1/2 cup: 315 calories, 28 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 3 g protein
This dairy-free pudding is full of warm spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. The gelatin makes it nice and thick, and the perfect after-dinner treat.
Get the recipe from Whole New Mom.
No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites
1 bite: 186 calories, 12 g fat, 17 g carbohydrates, 14 g sugar, 3 g protein
We love energy bites, especially when they are packed with protein. These cookie dough bites are no different and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or tasty dessert.
Get the recipe from Beyond the Bite.
Paleo Chocolate Coconut Smoothie
1 shake: 350 calories, 28.8 g fat, 20 g carbohydrates, 11 g sugar, 4 g fiber, 8 g protein
This smoothie tastes more like dessert than a healthy frozen drink. With ingredients like frozen banana, coconut milk, and raw cacao, this will keep you full and satisfied.
Get the recipe from Cook Eat Paleo.
Honey Banana Protein Pancakes
2 pancakes: 323 calories, 18 g fat, 24 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 18 g sugar, 19 g protein
Protein is essential to eat first thing in the morning. These delicious pancakes make it easier by adding collagen peptides right into the batter recipe.
Get the recipe from Vital Proteins.
Melon Gummies
4 small gummies: 33 calories, 8 g carbohydrates, 7.8 g sugar, 1.5 g protein
These simple gummies taste just like a fresh melon. With only a few clean ingredients, these little bites have all the nutritional value of gelatin in a recipe that's anything but boring.
Get the recipe from Delicious Obsessions.
Bulletproof Coffee Gummies
2 large gummies: 50 calories, 4 g fat, 1 g carbohydrate, 2 g protein
People are already obsessed with their bulletproof coffee in the morning. But in gummy form, you can enjoy it all day long. Get your pick-me-up with these delicious gummies.
Get the recipe from Cheerfully Imperfect.
Pumpkin Pudding with Gelatin
1 serving (about a cup): 264 calories, 25 g fat, 8 g carbohydrate, 4 g sugar, 4 g protein
Gelatin is a perfect ingredient for puddings, making them thick and creamy (not to mention filling and satisfying). Add it to this pumpkin pudding, and enjoy all year long.
Get the recipe from Hollywood Homestead.
Coconut Flour Pancakes with Gelatin
1 serving: 327 calories, 28 g fat, 4 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 15 g protein
These grain-free pancakes are made with coconut flour instead of actual flour, making them healthier for the morning instead of regular pancakes.
Get the recipe from Empowered Sustenance.
Cherry Ginger Gummies
2 small gummies: 31 calories, 7 g carbohydrates, 6 g sugar, 1 g protein
Ginger is filled with antioxidants that may also settle your tummy. It also adds the perfect amount of spice in this fruit gummy recipe.
Get the recipe from Autoimmune Paleo.
Cake Batter Collagen Protein Bars
1 bar (1/10 of the pan): 107 calories, 10 g fat, 2 g carbohydrates, 2 g sugar, 3 g protein
If you're like us, then the best part of making a cake is eating the batter. Now, you can enjoy cake batter all by itself, with healthier ingredients and without the guilt!
Get the recipe from Empowered Sustenance.
Healing Hot Chocolate
1 serving: 350 calories, 28 g fat, 20 g carbohydrates, 3 g dietary fiber, 16 g sugar, 6 g protein
Hot chocolate warms the soul, and it can also heal your gut! But when it comes to collagen-rich foods, hot cocoa doesn't usually come to mind. Spike it with some simple collagen to this deluxe hot chocolate recipe for a warm, delicious treat.
Get the recipe from Predominantly Paleo.
Chocolate Gelatin Squares
1 large square: 150 calories, 15 g fat, 9 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 2 g protein
These chocolate gelatin squares have the taste and consistency of fudge but are made with antioxidant-rich cocoa and age-defying gelatin.
Get the recipe from Krista Butler.
Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie
1 piece: 400 calories, 25 g fat, 40 g carbohydrates, 7 g fiber, 24 g sugar, 10 g protein
Sweet potato pie is a Southern staple, and this chocolate recipe puts a healthy spin on the favorite with whole ingredients and powdered gelatin that improves its consistency.
Get the recipe from Red and Honey.
Green Tea, Lemon & Ginger Gummies
1 medium-sized gummy: 15 calories, 2 g carbohydrates, 1.3 g protein
These little gummies are a powerhouse of fat-burning ingredients: Green tea helps melt fat, ginger aids in digestion, and the gelatin will keep you satisfied.
Get the recipe from Meatified.
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