Powder vs. Liquid: Which Collagen is Right For You?

Wellness fanatics, hi. 👋 Experts and our community of beauty buffs agree: collagen peptides are a game-changer. If you're looking to help enhance gut health, support joints, accelerate weight loss, or achieve gorgeous hair, skin, and nails, collagen is your go-to. Curious? Of course you are.

You’ve got options: a liquid collagen that you take by the spoonful or mix with liquid, and a powder collagen that you stir into a smoothie or drink. Our favorite purveyor of the liquid kind is SpoiledChild.

We’re obsessed – and we're in good company, with Vogue, Allure, InStyle, and WWD all giving it rave reviews. However, there are a bunch of great options for powder collagen, too, depending on your preferences.

Not sure which to buy? Here are some things to consider:

Round #1: Absorption

Powder: Here’s the thing with powder - simply put, it’s clumpy AF. Clumps stick to your cup and inevitably, you lose out on the full dosage. Not to mention that unlike liquid products, powders require the body to break down solid particles, making it harder for nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This means that the nutrients in liquid health products are often more readily available for the body to use compared to powdered.

Liquid: Studies have shown that bovine collagen is extremely bioavailable, with a 90% absorption rate within hours after consumption. SpoiledChild goes above and beyond by including types I and III of collagen, vitamin C to increase absorption and aid in immune support, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and improve the appearance of skin elasticity. SpoiledChild’s liquid collagen is also loved by more than 55,000+ fans who enjoy the fact that it it’s easy to add to your favorite drink.

Winner: Liquid

Round #2: Convenience

Powder: Are you already shaking up a protein drink? Or generally open to trying new routines? If so, adding a scoop or stick pack of powder collagen might appeal to you. Keep in mind as you budget prep time that it might take some time for the powder to dissolve into your drink, and I’ve noticed that even the most popular brands still have a slightly chalky aftertaste.

Liquid: Liquid collagen doesn’t require any mixing or dissolving. You could pour a tablespoon out and slurp it down on the spot. Or you could dump it into a glass of water and down it instantly, or take your time and build a cocktail around it. 

Winner: Liquid

Round #3: Taste

Powder: Real talk: most of the powders I’ve tried in the past have been sticky, clumpy, and taste…it's kind of gross, honestly. They’re more of a collagen delivery system than a special treat, if you understand my meaning.

Liquid: SpoiledChild offers their powerful liquid collagen in two delicious flavors: pineapple and mango. Some of us take a spoonful of it when we take our other vitamins in the morning; others stir it into a glass of water or cup of tea. Both taste amazing and it’s like having a fruity treat every morning. I’m not alone–almost all of the reviews I read on their website mention taste:

Sholanda B. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I love the taste and I am starting to notice a difference in my skin. I can not wait to reorder my second bottle!”

Winner: Liquid

Round #4: Cost

Powder: I added up the average cost of the three most popular collagen powders I could find, which worked out to be between $1.75 and $3.50 per serving. It’s a big range, and I noticed the powders on the cheaper end were much harder to find.

Liquid: SpoiledChild has a “Try Before You Buy” offer on your first purchase, which works out to be just $5 while you’re testing it out. If you love it (trust me, you will), you’ll pay $49.00 21 days after delivery, plus the option to subscribe for an additional 20% off future deliveries ($39.20). If that still wasn’t enough for you, for fear of sounding like the dude from the infomercials (but wait, there’s MORE!), when you subscribe you also get free shipping and a free luxury gift in each delivery. 

Per serving, the cost per dose for the liquid is approximately $1.47–cheaper than the most affordable of the three biggest powder competitors!

Winner: Liquid

Verdict: Liquid collagen for the win

Bottom line, while powder and liquid collagen are both easily absorbed by the body, liquid ticks my boxes in all categories. It’s hard to argue with over 55,000 5-star reviews, and that taste can’t be beat. 

When you’re ready to try it for yourself, head to SpoiledChild and Try Before You Buy!