Among all the vitamins, minerals, and supplements out there, collagen peptides are relatively new to the wellness scene. While we’ve long known that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, supplementing with collagen peptides for its wide range of health benefits is a more recent trend—most of the science around it has emerged only within the last 20 years or so.
So can you add collagen to coffee—or any hot beverage, really? Some people claim that high heat destroys its benefits, while others say it’s totally stable and makes for a delicious, collagen-packed drink. What’s the real deal?
Can You Add Collagen to Coffee?
You may have heard that adding collagen to coffee destroys its molecular structure due to the heat—but that’s not really true, assuming you’re using a high-quality collagen peptide powder.
A good collagen peptide product is heat-stable. For example, the collagen in our Beauty + Gut Collagen Powder is designed to remain stable in both hot and cold liquids. That means you can stir it into your favorite beverages—coffee, tea, smoothies, you name it.
That said, collagen isn’t completely indestructible. Long exposure to very high temperatures can break it down. Specifically, collagen can withstand temperatures up to around 200°C (392°F). Going beyond that for extended periods may start to degrade the protein.
But here’s the thing: most hot drinks like your morning coffee are well below that—around 100°C (212°F) at most—so there’s no need to worry about your piping hot coffee breaking down your collagen peptides.
And here’s another key point: collagen peptides get broken down in your digestive system anyway. Your body breaks the peptide bonds into amino acids before it absorbs them. So even if the heat changes the structure a bit (like during baking or when added to slightly acidic coffee), it doesn’t matter much—your body will still use those amino acids to rebuild collagen where it’s needed, whether that’s your skin, gut, joints, or bones.
So, no—you don’t need to worry about your hot drink destroying your collagen. It’s sturdy enough to handle heat just fine.
Benefits of Adding Collagen to Coffee
Collagen and coffee are actually a great pair. Adding a scoop of high-quality collagen powder to your daily brew isn’t just convenient—it delivers powerful nutrients. You’re getting collagen peptides, and possibly other supportive nutrients like vitamin C and E (depending on the formula), alongside the hundreds of plant compounds naturally found in coffee itself.
And even if your coffee isn’t decaf, caffeine has its own set of cognitive and mood-boosting benefits. It’s a win-win.
Many people also find that adding collagen to their morning coffee helps them stay consistent with supplementation—which is key. Plus, collagen gives coffee a rich, smooth texture, enhancing your overall drinking experience.
Some top health benefits of collagen include:
-
Skin: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides can improve hydration, smoothness, and skin texture.
-
Hair & Nails: Collagen provides amino acids essential for keratin production, which supports hair and nail growth.
-
Gut: Collagen may support the stomach lining and feed rapidly dividing gut cells—great for digestive health.
-
Joints: Collagen helps strengthen connective tissues, making them more elastic and resilient.
-
Muscles: While not a complete protein, collagen provides 8 out of 9 essential amino acids and supports muscle mass—especially when paired with exercise and a balanced diet.
How to Make Collagen Coffee (+ Fun Recipes)
You can keep it simple or get creative. Here are four collagen coffee recipes to try:
1. Simple Morning Collagen Coffee
This one’s easy. Just stir a scoop of collagen powder into your brewed coffee and enjoy. High-quality, unflavored collagen dissolves seamlessly and you might not even notice it’s there.
Want a smoother texture? Use a handheld milk frother or a blender for that velvety finish.
2. Collagen Mocha
Same as above, but with chocolate collagen instead of unflavored. It creates a rich, indulgent mocha flavor.
Pro tip: Avoid collagen powders with artificial sweeteners, which can leave an aftertaste and sometimes upset digestion. Look for natural options like organic monk fruit or coconut sugar.
3. Chocolate Collagen Coffee Smoothie
For a cold, creamy treat, try this upgraded smoothie. Brew your coffee ahead of time and chill it completely.
In a blender, combine:
-
1 cup iced coffee
-
¼ cup milk of choice
-
â…“ cup coconut cream
-
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1½ cups ice
-
1 scoop chocolate (or unflavored) collagen powder
Blend until smooth and frothy. It’s like a café-style frozen mocha—only better for you.
4. Cinnamon Roll Latte
This cozy recipe is like dessert in a mug—with health benefits.
In a saucepan, heat:
-
2 cups milk (any kind)
-
2 tsp ground cinnamon
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
Add 1 scoop of collagen powder and stir well until dissolved. Once warm and fully mixed, pour into a mug. Use a frother or blender to get a foamy top.
Pour hot coffee into a mug, then top with the frothy milk blend. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Comforting, delicious, and good for your joints and skin.
Whether you’re looking to glow from the inside out, support your joints, or just elevate your morning routine, adding collagen to coffee is a smart (and tasty) move.