vegan alternative to Collagen

Vegan collagen supplement

The older we get, the more we start to notice the natural signs of aging. Our skin loses its elasticity, wrinkles begin to form, our joints start to ache, our bones become more brittle, and keeping up with a daily exercise routine becomes more of an effort. Most experts point to decreased levels of collagen as the source for these aches and pains. As we get older, our bodies start producing less collagen, which is a protein found in our skin, muscles, and bones. As we lose collagen, our skin starts to dry out, our joints have trouble moving, and our bones lose the strength we had when we were in our twenties. Unfortunately, there’s no way to reverse this process. But some people think they’ve figured out the trick to maintaining that healthy glow: taking daily collagen supplements.

Collagen comes in pills, powders, and even protein bars. It’s commonly stirred into smoothies and shakes as part of a daily workout routine. Some prefer to take a pill or two as part of their morning regimen. Collagen is popular with bodybuilders who want to add a boost of muscle strength to their workouts, as well as people who want to keep their skin smooth and hydrated even as they get older. Some users even claim that collagen helps them lose weight and build muscle mass and bone density. It’s one of the most popular supplements on the market, and if you go to a health and wellness store, you’ll probably see massive tubs of collagen powder sitting on the shelves.

Is Collagen Vegan?

By definition, collagen is not vegan. Collagen is sourced from a protein that only comes from mammals, including cows, fish, pigs, and chickens. Most of the collagen on the market is harvested from cows, as cowhides are a rich source of collagen proteins. Some producers also source their collagen from fish scales. The result is typically a white, tasteless powder that’s ready to be added to a capsule or stirred into a drink and consumed.

Why Should I Switch to Vegan Collagen?

At first glance, collagen might not seem like one of the worst animal products on the market. Cowhides and fish scales are just by-products of the meat industry, so why not use them? Some collagen suppliers even claim to raise their cows on ethical, sustainable farms where the cows are free to roam and live out their lives until they’re taken in for slaughter. If there’s no unnecessary animal suffering, do you really have to search the market for a vegan collagen supplement?

Unfortunately, despite the claims made by collagen suppliers, collagen is yet another product of the meat industry’s long history of animal cruelty. While it’s true that some suppliers raise their cows ethically, the majority of collagen products are sourced from factory farms. The cows are crammed into tiny cubicles where they’re forced to undergo painful procedures like branding and tail docking, and crammed full of chemicals and artificial hormones. Once the cows are brought to the slaughterhouse, they’re skinned–sometimes alive, if the stunning process goes wrong–and the hides are cleaned and processed to make collagen powder and tablets. From birth to death, every minute of a factory cow’s life is filled with fear and suffering.

While the fish farming industry has received less media attention, fish and marine animals fare no better. Billions of fish are killed every year to produce the fish filets you see in the grocery store. The fish are starved before slaughter to reduce the chance of contamination, then stabbed, sliced, and cut open while they’re still alive. The fish scales and bones that would usually be thrown away are used to make marine-based collagen. Contrary to popular belief, fish are relatively intelligent animals that are capable of feeling pain–a fact that’s ignored in favor of the meat industry’s greed.

What Are Cruelty-Free Collagen Supplements Made From?

As collagen comes from animal proteins, there’s currently no direct vegan equivalent to animal-based collagen. Some vegans try to increase collagen production in their bodies by eating certain fruits and vegetables that stimulate production of the protein. However, if you don’t have the time or energy to make any major dietary changes, there are supplements on the market that replicate this effect.

Most cruelty-free collagen products are marketed as “vegan collagen builders.” Instead of depositing more collagen directly into your body, these products stimulate your body to make more collagen on its own. These products are infused with a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients sourced directly from plants that stimulate the collagen-making process. With no harmful chemicals or additives, these products are much healthier than the meat-based options–and they’re much better for the environment, too.

Where Can I Find a Vegan Collagen Alternative?

Finding a vegan collagen booster can be tricky, as they’re typically not sold in major retailers. If there’s a health and wellness store in your area, they might sell the cruelty-free version alongside the traditional collagen powders. Some organic health food stores also carry vegan collagen peptides with their vitamin and mineral supplements. You can see if your local gym has it, but they typically stick with the non-vegan versions.

If you don’t have any luck finding it in nearby stores, you can always order vegan collagen powder online and have it shipped directly to your house. Our site offers a list of some of the best vegan collagen peptides on the market, expertly reviewed by vegans just like yourself. Order a bottle today and have it shipped directly to your house–no mess, no fuss.

Is Plant-Based Collagen as Effective as Meat-Based Collagen?

Plant-based collagen is just as effective as meat-based collagen, if not even more so. While meat-based products invite the user to ingest a handful of proteins and see what happens, vegan products actually stimulate your body to make the natural protein on its own. In other words, your body’s just doing what it already does naturally. Plus, the plant-based options are so packed with nutrients that you might get some extra health benefits along the way.

How do I Ingest Plant-Based Collagen?

You can ingest your vegan collagen alternative the same way you’d ingest a traditional collagen product. If you’d prefer to take your dosage with a pill, there are plenty of pill options on the market that allow you to get a simple collagen boost at the start of the day. Some beauty brands also sell a plant-based collagen cream that you can rub directly onto your skin to ease wrinkles and improve your skin’s elasticity.

You can also choose from a wide range of plant-based protein powders that can be stirred directly into shakes, smoothies, and hot drinks. You can also use the powder in soups, stews, and other hot entrées, and even make desserts with the powder. The powder has no particular taste or texture, or harmful chemicals that might leave a bad aftertaste. All you’re getting is a set of vitamins and minerals sourced directly from organic plants, fruits, and vegetables.

You’ve seen the collagen gummies on the market? Yes, there are plant-based collagen gummies, too. Give them to your kids or enjoy them as a little treat just for yourself.