Bovine Collagen Peptides
Quick answer
A medium portion of Bovine Collagen Peptides (10 g) contains 36 kcal, with 0 g of net carbohydrates and 9 g of protein.
- Carbs0 g0%
- Protein9 g100%
- Fat0 g0%
- Fibre0 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
How many calories are in collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body: in the skin, bones, tendons and joints. The powder you buy is collagen broken down into small pieces called peptides, so it dissolves easily in coffee or water. There are 360 calories and 90 g of protein per 100 g, and a scoop (10 g) has about 36 calories and 9 g of protein.
Does collagen raise blood sugar?
No. It has no carbohydrate, so the glycemic index does not apply. It is almost pure protein.
Does it really help skin and joints?
The question everyone asks, so let me be honest with you:
- There are studies on collagen supplements, and some found a slight improvement in skin elasticity or joint pain.
- But many of them are small, and some are funded by supplement companies.
- And the body digests collagen like any other protein, meaning it breaks it down into amino acids, and there is no guarantee that it "goes" to the skin or the joint specifically.
So it may help a little, but it is not magic, and more reliable results come from enough sleep, enough protein from food, sunscreen, and not smoking.
An important point: an "incomplete" protein
Collagen lacks an essential amino acid called tryptophan, so it cannot be your main source of protein. It is an addition, not a substitute for eggs, fish, meat and legumes.
How to use it
- One scoop in coffee, oatmeal or yoghurt; it has almost no taste.
- Check its source on the package (bovine, marine), and choose a trusted company.
- If you have kidney disease or follow a specific protein diet, ask your doctor.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (10 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal | 36 kcal |
| Protein | 90 g | 9 g |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g | — |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
| Glycemic index | Not applicable | |
| Glycemic load | Not applicable | |
| Insulin index | not tested | |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 360 kcal per 100 g, ranking 29 of 34 in Special ingredients & supplements (lowest first).
Frequently asked questions
How many calories are in a scoop of collagen?
A scoop (10 g) has about 36 calories and 9 g of protein.
Does collagen help the skin?
Some studies found a slight improvement, but many of them are small. It is not magic, and sleep and sunscreen matter more.
Does collagen raise blood sugar?
No, it has no carbohydrate.
Is collagen enough as a protein source?
No, because it lacks tryptophan. It is an addition, not a substitute for protein from food.
Read also
References & Scientific Sources
- The glycemic index does not apply because this food has less than 5 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, and a GI test requires 25 to 50 g of available carbohydrate, per: ISO 26642:2010. Food products — Determination of the glycaemic index (GI) and recommendation for food classification. International Organization for Standardization; 2010. www.iso.org/standard/43633.html
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
Medically reviewed by Dr. Wassim Habib | Founder, WiBo Health · 31 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.