Collagen protein powders are growing in popularity. Although they do differ from other protein powders, they do offer surprising benefits, especially in terms of skin health.
Simply put, collagen is an important structural protein that acts as a major building block for bones, muscles, and various connective tissues within the body.
They are composed of polypeptide chains — amino acids joined to peptide bonds. The supplemental form of collagen (hydrolyzed collagen) has eight out to the nine essential amino acids.
Like other forms of protein powder, collagen protein can be mixed and added to numerous recipes. Collagen powder recipes are also popular among ketogenic dieters who are constantly looking to balance their macronutrient ratios.
Here are seven of our favorite keto collagen protein powder recipes.
1. Collagen Carrot Soup
Collagen and carrots, who knew?
If you have a hankering for carrot soup, then we got it covered. This Collagen Carrot Soup recipe is packed with all the right stuff. Carrots hold a wealth of antioxidant goodness in one bite.
Not only are they a great source for beta-carotene (for eye health) but they are loaded with micronutrients: Vitamin A, K, C, calcium, and potassium. To boot, they are a great source for low, complex carbohydrates.
One scoop of Orgain’s Keto Collagen Protein Powder provides some of the essential amino acids your body craves. Throw in some avocado oil for a healthy fat to promote that macronutrient balance.
2. Collagen Green Goddess Dressing for Summer Salads
Green, glowing goodness — yum!
Who doesn’t love a good, clean salad? They make the perfect companion on hot summer days when the thought of a big, heavy meal makes your energy level plummet. Crisp, healthy, and light is the way to go.
The Collagen Green Goddess Dressing recipe contains Greek yogurt and olive oil to satisfy the healthy fat cravings of our ketogenic friends — but avocado oil is another option if you prefer. Two scoops of Keto Collagen Protein powder gives you 20g of clean, collagen goodness.
Salad ingredients are left up to you, but we prefer this dressing on a bed of arugula, sprinkled with cucumber, radish, and garden peas. If you’re a keto-goer who wants to pump up your macros, throw in your favorite protein source.
3. Collagen Pomegranate Spritzer
How about a clean spritz for skin health?
Calling all keto-goers! Long workout? Need a nice mocktail to help cool you off? Then take a sip of this Collagen Pomegranate Spritzer. Oh, and it's free of refined sugars, too — don’t wanna get kicked off the ketogenesis train.
Of course, you have the option to add your own natural sweetener. Mixing it with one scoop of collagen peptides is all you need to enjoy an amino acid-packed syrup.
The rest is simple: 1-2 tbsp of pomegranate juice (can you taste the antioxidants?), 6 ounces of sparkling water or club soda, and a sprig of fresh mint. Bam! Done — but don’t forget to chill.
4. Collagen Key Lime Bars
Because even the keto-goer should treat themselves!
The Collagen Key Lime Bars make for a low-carb, tart treat. Sounds a little too delicious for keto, don’t you think? Nonsense. Low-carb can taste good too.
This recipe boasts plenty of healthy fats — macadamia, cashews, dates, avocado, and full-fat coconut cream. For natural sweetness, honey and raw sugar cane are good options.
Our radiance-boosting Keto Collagen Protein powder, with the ideal 2:1 protein to fat ratio, gives you added peptides to help make that skin glow while you get your tart on.
5. Golden Milk Turmeric Latte
The golden spice meets the golden glow of collagen
Smooth, clean, and no dairy. Made with our unsweetened Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder this golden latte is bursting with gluten-free goodness. One scoop of our Keto Collagen Protein powder makes sure you shine inside and out.
Turmeric is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to fight joint inflammation, oxidative stress, and is even a popular nutrient for skin health.
A pinch of black pepper and a touch of cinnamon and ginger will add to the spice. Add some vanilla extract and sweetener of your choice to balance it out. If you’re looking to stay plant-based, use oat or almond milk.
6. Collagen and Coconut Hydration Smoothie
Coconut cream and clean collagen — perfection.
The avid keto-goer is no stranger to exercise and hydration is key for optimal performance; whether in the gym or on the trail. Coconut water makes for the perfect beverage for replenishing lost electrolytes and restoring hydration.
The Collagen and Coconut Hydration Smoothie is simple: One cup of mango chunks and frozen pineapple, one frozen banana, two tbsp. of coconut cream, two cups of coconut water, and four scoops of Keto Collagen Protein Powder.
Combine, blend until smooth, and enjoy.
Of course, this isn’t the only smoothie option. There is a recipe for a Vanilla Protein Berry Smoothie that calls for the antioxidant blast of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Berry, berry good indeed.
7. Keto Collagen Protein Shakes
Take your peptides, and shake ‘em all about!
It is hard to talk about protein without talking about protein shakes — the keto-goer knows this. Nutrition is key and if the macros aren’t balanced then it’s all for naught. The good news is, shakes are an easy way to boost your protein to make sure you’re hitting the right ratios.
However, the amino acid chain in collagen protein is incomplete — lacking tryptophan. Due to this fact it is not normally used as a meal replacement.
Our vegan protein powders are gluten free, non-GMO and made without dairy or soy. Feel free to mix them with the beverage of your choice: Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut water.
Bonus: Collagen and Coconut Face Mask
Ok, so this isn’t an edible treat, but it is still a recipe worth mentioning; a little DIY is required. This Collagen and Coconut Face Mask is made with our Grass Fed Collagen Peptide — odorless, made without soy, and gluten-free.
This easy-to-make face mask is great for self-care. So, give this recipe a try when it comes time to #treatyourskin.
Ingredients:
One scoop collagen peptides, two tbsp. of coconut oil, and five drops of your essential oil of choice; peppermint or lavender are two favorites.
Mix the coconut and essential oil together, add the peptides until dissolved, apply to face and leave for about 15 mins, rinse, relax, and enjoy the glow.
Carry On With Collagen
Collagen protein is an important structural protein that is vital to our bodies. As a supplement, it has been shown to be useful for skin health — improving skin hydration, elasticy, roughness, and density.
Collagen peptides supplements have also shown useful for increasing muscle mass and strength in combination with resistance training.
The collagen protein powder recipe options are numerous, but hopefully there was one on the list that was right for you. Many of these work well with the ketogenic diet, keeping the carbs low and the collagen high.
If you’re looking for an amino acid-boasting option for protein then collagen protein makes for a great ally. So get your collagen, carry on, and just glow with it.
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