Are you a little collagen-curious?
Maybe you’re a fully-fledged collagen convert looking for a new way to enjoy it.
Whatever your mission, you can find all you need to know about collagen drinks and discover 9 of the best collagen drinks of 2022 right here.
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Collagen is the most abundant protein found in our bodies.
It is an essential component of our skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Our bodies already make collagen using amino acids, vitamins, and minerals we get from our diet.
However, as we age, our collagen production can decline, which is why some people turn to collagen supplements…
[Related articles carousel: 22 of the best collagen supplements / 7 of the best vegan collagen supplements / Meet our collagen gurus]
If this is all new, it might be natural to ask: is collagen good for you?
Collagen helps us retain skin elasticity and hydration. That’s why we get wrinkles and sagging skin when our bodies start producing less.
After age 20, we produce about 1% less collagen in our skin year on year, which thins the skin and contributes to wrinkles.1
As well as contributing to firm and smooth skin, collagen is good for keeping our joints and ligaments flexible and functional and supports normal muscle function.
Drinkable collagen products are a bioavailable (easy to absorb) and convenient way to supplement collagen.
You’ll find many different types of collagen liquid, from bovine, marine, and even vegan-friendly formulas. You’ll even find collagen drinks in different formats, from pre-made collagen shakes to liquid collagen shots that you pop into your drink.
Collagen drinks claim to combat collagen loss by delivering this potent protein, in the form of peptides, straight to the stomach. The idea is that it’ll give you a glow which begins on the inside.
The best bit? Modern science suspects it works! After drinking collagen, the absorbed collagen peptides make their way into the skin, where they remain for around 14 days.2
It’s believed there are many benefits to taking collagen orally, including:
Without further ado! Here are our top 8 collagen drinks here at Holland and Barrett based on customer reviews, including:
Your collagen drink just got an expert upgrade!
These H&B Expert Liquid Collagen daily sachets contain a high-strength formula that combine clinically studied marine collagen, vitamin C, and zinc, with a tasty orange flavour.
What really makes this formula special is the VERISOL F collagen – a clinically studied collagen that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Key benefits
Formulated to support skin suppleness and radiance, this Collagen Skin drink is a great addition to any daily beauty routine.
Each collagen drink contains 7000mg of marine collagen (type II) with biotin, selenium, zinc, hyaluronic acid, l-lysine, coQ10 and more skin-supporting ingredients. The full package!
Key benefits
What our customers think
Generi – Great product for your skin – 5/5 stars
“I started using Collagen a week ago and already see good results. Redness and dry skin around eyes have disappeared, skin looks better and feels more moist. Perfect product to feel fresher after cold winter. Thank you!”
Olese – Fast action effect – 5/5 stars
“Bought a few months supply and very happy with it, fine line wrinkles are diminishing and skin looks fresh and glowing!”
Miriam – Amazing Product! – 5/5 stars
“After using Perfectil Collagen Skin with an initial ten-day supply, I noticed a considerable improvement in skin vitality, also hair condition and healthy growth. I continue to take this product daily and also bought as present for friend. I highly recommend!”
Revive is one of the leading skincare brands, especially when it comes to collagen.
Their motto? Younger skin starts from within.
These collagen drink sachets contain type I hydrolysed marine collagen, which is the most plentiful collagen in our bodies.7
It’s collected from farmed fish skin, which is broken down into small chains of collagen.
You also get the added benefits of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice for even more skin benefits.
And, if you’re not ready to commit to the full 28, you can also find this drink in a 14-sachet pack.
You can even mix a sachet into your favourite hot drink, like a collagen hot chocolate or collagen coffee.
Key benefits:
Quick, convenient, and oh-so-tasty, these passion-fruit flavour shots are an effective way to help support your hair, skin, and nails.
As well as 5000mg of marine collagen, you also get a daily dose of vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, selenium, and hyaluronic acid to further support your goals.
Key benefits:
What our customers think
Dani B – Shiny skin – 5/5 stars
“Great product, everyone noticed how shiny my skin was after just a couple of weeks. Taste a bit sharp but you soon get used to the taste.”
Specially designed to help nourish and protect your hair, this Collagen Hair drink is a great addition to any daily beauty routine.
Each contains an impressive 7000mg of marine collagen (type II) with biotin, selenium, zinc, keratin, inositol, blackcurrant seed oil, and more hair-supporting ingredients.
The total package!
Key benefits:
What our customers think
HJM75 – Immediate effects for me! – 5/5 stars
“I took this after noticing my hair was getting a bit lifeless and thinner towards the end of following the Cambridge Diet. It immediately put some oomph back into my hair. I have subsequently bought 2 more boxes and aim to take a box a month. Definitely worth a try.”
Katievb – Excellent – 5/5 stars
“I love these, I’ve had two lots of these. I know they are a bit pricey, but I really do believe they work. Would definitely order again.”
Awaken your inner beauty!
NeoCell is one of the world’s favourite collagen brands – so you’re in very safe hands.
It contains type I & III bovine collagen, sourced from grass-fed cows for high bioavailability and safety.
You also get to enjoy the delicious taste of pomegranate, as well as the benefits of cranberry, elderberry, green tea, and vitamin C.
Key benefits:
What our customers think
Sam22 – Can really notice a difference – 5/5 stars
“My skin feels so healthy and rejuvenated after using this liquid. Easily absorbed my face feels smoother and complexion clearer.
My nails are stronger and I love it. It can be a bit expensive (can always look out for an offer!) but if you want good ingredients with no nasties, and quality that actually works then this pomegranate collagen is a worthy investment.”
Our joints keep us moving and doing the things we love most in life, so it’s important to look after them.
One way you can do this is by supporting them with high-quality collagen – and these shots by LQ collagen fit the brief perfectly.
Each 25ml bottle contains 1500mg of hydrolysed marine collagen plus glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, ginger, vitamin C, and copper – scientifically formulated to support your joints and bones.
Key benefits:
What our customers think
Jimmy9 – Works for me! – 5/5 stars
“First time trying this product, easy and convenient to take and starting to see some results!”
Finally! A vegan-friendly drink to support your body’s collagen production.
This expertly- formulated collagen drink from NeoCell contains nutrients your body needs to maintain healthy collagen production each day.
It contains 50 mg of bioavailable hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, green tea extract, and blueberry, pomegranate, and cranberry juice concentrates.
These ingredients work together to help support collagen formation for healthy joints and skin.
Key benefits:
What our customers think
Nicola31 – Perfect and easy – 5/5 stars
“Great taste, easy to take and benefits are already showing so I will continue using this.”
Blendedopinions – Great flavour – 5/5 stars
“Really nice flavour and easy to use, looking forward to the results.”
You can find vegan collagen in other formats too; check out 7 of the best vegan collagen supplements and skincare.
Big fan of strawberry milkshakes? Lucky you – you’ll love this collagen protein milk by UFIT!
Each tasty drink contains 5000mg of collagen, 12g protein, and vitamins C & B, with just 112 calories.
It’s the perfect tasty solution to help support your nails, skin, and hair with bioavailable collagen, plus added protein to support your muscles.
Key benefits:
rs think
Manifika – Really tasty!! – 5/5 stars
“I've purchased this many times, I will always do (as long as it's on sale :) it's really tasty and contains collagen protein which is great for skin, hair, nails and after a workout!! Yum!”
Sammyfitness – Love these, I always stock up – 5/5 stars
“I buy these weekly and religiously have one per day. I love them as a low-calorie, high-protein snack and they have the added benefit of helping my skin and complexion.”
So far, research hasn’t revealed very many side effects of collagen supplements. Since they’re a protein our body already makes, they’re considered to be a low risk for us.
Sometimes collagen drinks include animal products, like eggs and shellfish. Make sure to study the label before purchasing if you’re vegan or allergic to certain animal products as each collagen drink can be different.
Some takers have reported a sour taste in the mouth after taking collagen supplements, but the cause is unclear.8 A sour taste in the mouth is a known symptom of acid reflux, and collagen supplements have caused digestive discomfort among some takers (including heartburn), which may explain why.9,
Some other minor reported side effects have included headaches, rashes, and bloating, but these are not considered to be dangerous and should go away on their own.
If you have any concerns about your symptoms, or they continue, talk to your GP.
We hope this guide has helped you find the best collagen drink for you and your needs!
If you want some more information about other ways you can take collagen, make sure you check out the full collection here at H&B – 22 of the best collagen supplements.
Last updated: 15 September 2022
Joined Holland & Barrett: Apr 2019
Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry
Bhupesh started his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products.
After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019.