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How Does Collagen Compare to Other Protein Powders?

By Rachel Link, RD, MS

October 26, 2026

There’s no shortage of protein powder options available on the market these days — including types that are targeted at everyday active people, vegans, bodybuilders and older adults.

One type of protein powder that has gained a huge following is collagen. It's the most abundant type of protein found naturally in the human body. In fact, up to 70 percent of skin, hair, nails and nearly 100 percent of connective tissues are made from collagen. It essentially helps to hold the body together, as it forms joints, ligaments, the lining of the gut, the skin and other tissues.

Below we’ll look at the differences between various types of protein powders, focusing on how their benefits compare to collagen, while also helping you to choose which is best for you.

Are all protein powders the same?

The short answer is no, not all protein powders (or protein foods for that matter) are the same. Protein sources differ from one another based on the types and amounts of amino acids they contain.

In simple terms, amino acids are the “building blocks” of proteins; they are compounds that are used as precursors for other molecules in the body. Those that are considered "essential" must be obtained via your diet, since your body can’t make these amino acids on its own.

Amino acids have many important roles, including to form muscles, bones, connective tissues and cartilage, support energy and your metabolism, and more.

Different protein powders — such as whey, pea, hemp, bone broth and collagen protein — have their own unique nutrition profiles, plus some are made with additional ingredients that can provide their own benefits, such as added herbs, probiotics or enzymes to help support absorption.

The best protein powder depends on your individual goals. Whey protein is particularly well suited for muscle growth and recovery, while collagen-rich proteins offer a different amino acid profile. Plant-based options provide alternatives for those avoiding animal products. The key is choosing a quality protein that complements your nutritional needs and daily routine.

Is collagen a protein?

Collagen is considered a protein because it contains amino acids. However, the “amino acid profile” of collagen is different from that of whey protein powder or plant-based protein powders because it’s higher in certain types of amino acids.

Collagen protein supplies higher levels of the following amino acids, supporting certain areas of and functions in the body:

• Glycine — Helps to form creatine, which supports healthy muscle growth and energy levels.

• Proline — Supports health of blood vessels, cardiovascular system and joints.

• Glutamine — Can help support a positive outlook, restful sleep, digestive processes and cognitive functions.

• Arginine — Breaks down into nitric oxide within the body, which is an important compound for supporting the health of arteries and the heart.

Collagen also contains other amino acids such as alanine, leucine and cysteine, which are other amino acids the body needs.

Collagen's amino acids help maintain the structural integrity of hair, nails, bones and connective tissues, while potentially supporting a healthy gut lining and digestive function. As a result, supplementing with a collagen protein powder can be a good choice if you're active and want to support your joints and connective tissues. Meanwhile, it also supports healthy skin, hair and nails — including helping to improve skin elasticity, firmness and smoothness along with healthy hair growth and nail strength.

Additionally, collagen contributes to the body's protein needs and may play a role in supporting muscle maintenance and cardiovascular health.

Collagen powders that feature hydrolyzed collagen (meaning the protein has already been partially broken down) can make it easier to absorb the amino acids, so this type may have the most impact. Collagen protein is easy to enjoy any time of day, such as mixed into smoothies, baked goods or your morning coffee.

Collagen vs. protein made from bone broth

Bone broth is one food source of collagen. However, collagen itself is different from bone broth, since bone broth contains other ingredients and may be made from different sources.

The main difference between Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein and Bone Broth Protein powders feature collagen from two sources, either chicken or beef bone broth, while Multi Collagen Protein features collagen types from four food sources — bovine, chicken, fish and clinically studied fermented eggshell membrane collagen. Multi Collagen Protein also includes vitamin C and SBO probiotics for additional skin, joint and digestive health support.

A protein powder made from bone broth is ideal for those looking to support gut health and overall health, while increasing their intake of protein, minerals and joint-supportive compounds such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

Both bone broth and collagen protein are suitable for people on low-carb, ketogenic, paleo and gluten-free diets. And both are convenient sources of protein that can be used in a variety of ways, plus they can save you hours since making homemade bone broth is no longer required.

While unflavored collagen is a nearly tasteless and odorless powder, bone broth protein does tend to have a taste. Both powders also come in a variety of flavors if you prefer this, such as chocolate and vanilla.

Summary: The best choice depends on whether you're seeking a multi-source collagen formula with added functional ingredients or a higher-protein bone broth supplement.

Collagen vs. whey protein

Whey is one of the most popular and widely-sold protein powders on the market. It’s a complete protein source that supplies all amino acids, which means it can help with building or maintaining muscle mass. This is why it's often used in conjunction with strength/weight training, which also boosts muscle growth.

Whey is rich in amino acids including leucine, valine, and isoleucine, which are known as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs play a role in muscle protein synthesis and growth and repair of muscle tissue, all of which are important for athletes and people who are generally active.

Both Ancient Nutrition protein powders provide beneficial amino acids, but they're designed for different wellness goals. Multi Collagen Protein and its additional ingredients support healthy skin, hair, nails, joints and gut health, while Ancient Nutrition's Whey Protein supports muscle growth, strength, maintenance and post-workout recovery. (Note that Ancient Nutrition's whey protein also contains some collagen in the form of fermented eggshell membrane, which is very atypical in this category.) It's also higher in protein, delivering 23 grams of complete protein per serving, including all nine essential amino acids and naturally occurring leucine.

Whey protein is derived from milk, while collagen protein is typically derived from bovine hide, so whey isn’t recommended for those with a dairy allergy. Collagen is also uniquely packed with high concentrations of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline — for example, it can contain up to 10 times more glycine than whey.

Whey Protein is generally a good choice for someone focused on fat loss while preserving muscle. Its higher protein content and complete essential amino acid profile make it especially useful during a calorie deficit, particularly alongside resistance training.

If you’re going to use whey protein, ideally purchase a type that is grass-fed and free of added sugar, hormones, pesticides, artificial ingredients, gluten and genetically modified organisms. To get the most benefits, consider using it before, during or after exercise to support your muscles.

Summary: While Multi Collagen Protein focuses on collagen-related benefits for the skin, hair and joints, Whey Protein is ideal for increasing daily protein intake, supporting lean muscle and complementing weight-management goals. The two supplements can also be used together as part of a balanced nutrition routine.

Collagen vs. plant protein

While collagen protein is primarily used to support skin, joints and connective tissues, plant protein is generally better suited for increasing daily protein intake, supporting muscle maintenance and meeting the needs of people following plant-based diets. Multi Collagen Protein is derived from animal sources, so it is not vegan or vegetarian.

If you're a vegan or vegetarian, adding another type of plant-based protein — such as Ancient Nutrition's Multi Protein Plant-Based — to your diet can be a helpful and convenient way to ensure you’re getting enough protein, considering you’ll be avoiding many high-protein foods like meat, fish and eggs.

Plant-based protein comes from sources such as peas, soy, rice and seeds and can provide a more complete essential amino acid profile, particularly when different plant proteins are combined. This makes plant protein generally better suited for supporting muscle growth, maintenance and post-workout recovery.

Summary: While Multi Collagen Protein offers targeted support for skin, joints and connective tissues, plant protein provides plant-based nutrition for muscle maintenance, recovery and daily protein needs. These proteins can complement each other rather than being viewed as competing supplements.

What's best for you?

Each type of protein powder has its advantages, so one type isn’t necessarily best for everyone. The type that you should choose ultimately boils down to your goals, nutritional needs, overall diet and taste preferences.

• If you’re supplementing to support overall health (joints, gut, skin, etc.): A Multi Collagen Protein powder is probably the best option if you’re looking for widespread support for connective tissues throughout your body. Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein formula is made with 10 types of collagen from four food-based sources, plus it’s sourced from non-GMO, pasture-raised, cage-free and cruelty-free-raised animals.

• If you’re vegan: Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a vegan collagen powder (though Ancient Nutrition does offer a vegetarian collagen), since collagen is made from extracts derived from animal bones. You’ll want to stick with plant protein options — such as Ancient Nutrition's Multi Protein Plant-Based — if you strictly avoid eating animal-derived foods.

• If your goal is to boost gut health: Bone Broth Protein may be the best choice, since it not only provides collagen but also easily absorbable minerals and other beneficial compounds.

• If you want to build muscle: Any protein powder can help support muscle growth, since all types provide amino acids. However, the best type for building and repairing muscle is whey protein since it offers compounds that specifically support muscle synthesis.

To maximize the benefits of any protein powder, focus on eating a nutrient-dense diet that includes plenty of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods, which can help you to maintain the collagen that your body already makes, and support your skin, joints, muscles and more.