Collagen Peptides vs Hydrolysed Collagen vs Gelatin
Collagen peptides, hydrolysed collagen and gelatin describe the same starting protein at different stages of processing. Knowing which is which explains why one dissolves in cold water and another sets into a jelly.
The three terms
Gelatin is collagen that has been partially broken down. It dissolves in hot liquid and gels as it cools — the property it is used for in cooking.
Hydrolysed collagen is broken down further, into shorter chains. It dissolves in cold liquid and does not gel.
Collagen peptides is the term most commonly used on supplement labels for hydrolysed collagen. In practice, on a supplement panel, “peptides” and “hydrolysed” are used interchangeably.
Why the distinction is practical
If you intend to stir a powder into cold water or coffee, a peptide or hydrolysed product is the one that will dissolve. Gelatin will clump in cold liquid and set as it cools. This is the most common reason someone is unhappy with a collagen purchase, and it is entirely predictable from the label.
What it does not tell you
Processing describes physical form, not source or type. A hydrolysed product can be bovine, marine or chicken-derived, and can be type I, II or III — see types of collagen. Both need reading.
Branded peptides
Some products name a trademarked collagen peptide preparation. As with botanical extracts, a named preparation ties a product to research conducted on that specific preparation, which is more informative than a generic description. Where a brand names one, it will say so.
Capsules
Collagen doses are measured in grams, and reaching a typical powder dose in capsule form takes a great many capsules. Before buying a capsule product, check the grams per serving and how many capsules that requires — this is the single most useful check in the category.
See collagen dosage, and our collagen comparison.
References
- NCCIH — Dietary and Herbal Supplements
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets