How Much Protein is in 1 Scoop of Collagen?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

A single scoop of collagen powder is not standardized, with protein content varying significantly across brands. While the average falls between 9 and 18 grams, the actual amount depends on the product's serving size, so checking the label is essential to know how much protein is in 1 scoop of collagen.

Quick Summary

The protein content per scoop of collagen powder varies by product, typically providing 9 to 18 grams depending on the serving size. It is an incomplete protein but a useful dietary supplement for skin, joints, and bones.

Key Points

Variable Protein Content: The amount of protein in 1 scoop of collagen is not standardized and varies significantly between brands, often ranging from 9 to 18 grams depending on the serving size.
Incomplete Protein Source: Collagen is not a complete protein because it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan, meaning it should not be your sole protein source.
Specific Health Benefits: Collagen is rich in unique amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are highly beneficial for supporting the health of your skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues.
Complements Other Proteins: For complete protein intake and better muscle synthesis, combine collagen with other protein sources like whey or foods rich in tryptophan.
Heat Stable and Versatile: Collagen peptides are heat-stable and can be easily mixed into a variety of hot or cold beverages and foods without losing their nutritional integrity.
Recommended Dosage: Typical effective daily dosages of hydrolyzed collagen range from 2.5 to 15 grams, depending on individual health goals.

Understanding the Variability of Scoop Sizes

One of the most common misconceptions about collagen powder is that a "scoop" is a universal measurement. The reality is that the size of the scoop and the suggested serving amount differ from brand to brand. For example, some brands define a single scoop as providing 10 grams of protein, while others may require two scoops to get 18 grams. Therefore, relying on a generic estimate can lead to inaccurate assumptions about your protein intake. Always consult the nutritional information on the product label for the most precise data regarding how much protein is in 1 scoop of collagen from your specific brand.

Brand-Specific Protein Content Examples

To illustrate the wide range of protein content, here are examples from several popular collagen supplement brands based on their standard serving sizes. This highlights why checking the label is always the best approach.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: A 1-scoop serving provides 10 grams of protein. However, their Advanced formula's 3-tablespoon serving delivers 18 grams of protein.
Sports Research Collagen Peptides: Each 1-scoop serving contains 10 grams of protein.
Youtheory Collagen Powder: A 1-scoop serving contains 9 grams of protein.
Momentous Collagen Peptides: This brand offers 15 grams of protein per 1-scoop serving.

These examples demonstrate that a "scoop" is simply a manufacturer-provided measuring tool and not a standard unit of measure for nutritional value. The total protein amount depends entirely on the powder's density and the brand's recommended portion size.

Collagen as a Protein Source

Collagen is a type of protein, but it is classified as an incomplete protein because it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan. For this reason, it is not considered a sole source of high-quality protein for muscle building, unlike complete proteins such as whey. However, this does not diminish its value. Collagen is rich in other specific amino acids, such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are crucial for the health of connective tissues. The body can still use the protein from collagen for various functions, but it should be supplemented with other protein sources to ensure a complete amino acid profile.

The Role of Amino Acids in Collagen

Collagen's unique amino acid composition is what gives it its specific benefits for joint, skin, and bone health. While whey protein is lauded for its muscle-building properties due to high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, collagen's profile is geared toward structural support.

Glycine: This is the most abundant amino acid in collagen and plays a vital role in synthesizing structural proteins and other compounds.
Proline and Hydroxyproline: These are fundamental for the stability and structure of collagen's triple-helical formation, which is key to its function in connective tissues.
Tryptophan: The absence of this essential amino acid makes collagen an incomplete protein. For optimal health, particularly muscle protein synthesis, other dietary sources of tryptophan are necessary.

Comparison of Collagen vs. Whey Protein

For those comparing protein powders, understanding the distinct differences between collagen and whey is important for aligning supplementation with specific health goals.


Feature	Collagen Protein	Whey Protein
Protein Completeness	Incomplete (Lacks tryptophan)	Complete (Contains all nine essential amino acids)
Key Amino Acids	High in Glycine, Proline, Hydroxyproline	High in Leucine and other BCAAs
Primary Benefits	Supports skin elasticity, joint repair, bone density, and connective tissue	Promotes muscle protein synthesis and post-workout recovery
Digestion	Easily absorbed, particularly in hydrolyzed form	Rapidly digested, can cause issues for the lactose-sensitive
Source	Animal connective tissues (bovine, marine, poultry)	By-product of milk production
Best For	Improving joint and skin health; supplementing overall protein intake alongside other sources	Muscle building and repair, particularly immediately after exercise

How to Get the Most from Your Collagen Supplement

To maximize the benefits of collagen, especially for overall protein needs, consider these strategies:

Combine with a Complete Protein: To get all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle synthesis and other bodily functions, combine collagen powder with a complete protein source like whey protein or a tryptophan-rich food like eggs, dairy, or nuts.
Add Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for the body's natural collagen synthesis. Combining collagen powder with a source of vitamin C, such as a fruit smoothie, can enhance its effectiveness.
Versatile Consumption: Collagen powder is tasteless and heat-stable, making it easy to incorporate into various foods and drinks. It can be stirred into hot coffee, blended into smoothies, or mixed into oatmeal without losing its efficacy.
Stay Consistent: The benefits of collagen are often seen with consistent, long-term use. Experts recommend taking a daily dosage of 2.5 to 15 grams to achieve health-related goals.
Consult a Professional: For specific health concerns or goals, consulting a registered dietitian or healthcare provider can provide tailored advice on dosage and supplementation plans.

Conclusion

Understanding how much protein is in 1 scoop of collagen begins with realizing that the measurement is not standardized and depends entirely on the product and brand. While protein content can vary from 5 to 18 grams or more per scoop, collagen is consistently an incomplete protein source, lacking the essential amino acid tryptophan. Despite this, it provides a valuable supply of other amino acids that support joint, skin, and bone health, making it an excellent addition to a well-rounded diet. For individuals focused on muscle building, combining collagen with a complete protein source like whey is recommended to ensure all essential amino acids are consumed. Consistency in daily intake is more important than timing, and integrating it with vitamin C can optimize the body's natural synthesis. Always check the nutrition facts label on your specific product to understand its protein contribution accurately.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For more detailed nutritional information and comparisons, see the Naked Nutrition blog on collagen and protein intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, collagen is not a complete protein because it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan. While it still counts towards your total daily protein intake, it should be consumed alongside other protein sources that provide a complete amino acid profile.

The amount varies widely by brand and product. While some brands offer 9 to 10 grams of protein per scoop, others might provide 15 to 18 grams, often with a larger scoop size. Always check the nutritional facts on your product's label.

Yes, you can. Collagen peptides are heat-stable and can be added to hot coffee, tea, or soups without losing their benefits. Many people find it dissolves more easily in warmer liquids.

Collagen can support muscle tissue, but whey protein is generally considered superior for muscle building. This is because whey is a complete protein, containing higher concentrations of the branched-chain amino acids, like leucine, that trigger muscle protein synthesis.

The terms are essentially interchangeable. 'Hydrolyzed collagen' refers to collagen that has been broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed particles called peptides. Supplements are often marketed using either or both terms.

Effective daily dosages cited in research generally range from 2.5 grams to 15 grams, depending on your health goals. For some, a lower dose is sufficient for joint pain or skin health, while higher doses may be used for other purposes.

Collagen powder is sourced from the connective tissues of animals. Common sources include bovine (cow hides and bones) and marine (fish skin and scales). Vegan alternatives contain plant-based precursors but not actual collagen.