What is the best way to take collagen - tablets or a drink?

Do you take collagen? There are so many collagen supplements on the market now that it can be hard to know where to start!  Collagen powder, tablets, drink or sachet?  The options seem endless, but the first priority is actually remembering to take them and for that you need a daily routine that is effective, easy to stick to and fits into your lifestyle. I've been taking collagen on and off for a few years but consistency has always been a bit hit and miss!

There are so many health benefits to taking collagen including improved hair growth and hair strength, less joint pain, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and banishing brittle nails! Collagen supplementation offers an improved youthful glow and energy!
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But let's try and understand the most popular ways to take collagen and help find the best method for you!  You can mix, blend, drink, eat ... here are the pros and cons of collagen tablets vs a drink!

This blog post is sponsored by Higher Nature.
​Get 40% off your first 'Subscribe & Save' order below with code FIFTYFAB40.

Taking collagen to support my joint health and keep me stronger for longer!

Why take collagen in midlife?

Collagen is a protein that gives structure to our skin, joints and bones.  As we age especially post-40, our natural collagen production drops, which can lead to joint stiffness, fine lines, weaker nails and hair so supplementing with collagen can help support ...

Skin elasticity and hydration
Joint comfort and flexibility
Stronger hair and nails
​Bone health

One small study in 2024, highlighted the benefits of collagen supplementation, participants who consumed a hydrolysed collagen supplement daily for 12 weeks reported a 13.8% increase in skin hydration, a 22.7% improvement in skin elasticity and a 19.6% decrease in wrinkle depth.

What is the difference between collagen tablets and collagen drinks?

Collagen tablets are easy, convenient and travel-friendly, there is no taste and no mixing needed, they are simple to slot into an existing supplement routine and the Higher Nature Collagen Tablets provide additional benefits with vitamin C, copper and calcium added, each tablet contains 1 g of marine collagen.

A collagen drink delivers a higher dose of collagen in one go, it feels more like a daily ritual of self-care, the Higher Nature Collagen Drink comes in a recyclable tub so no single-use sachets creating more rubbish, one scoop provides 6700 mg of marine collagen.  The drink is tasteless and mixes easily into a glass of water.

Collagen tablets, drinks or both?

I found the drink to be super easy and I liked that it had no taste, and that I could get the full recommended dose in one go. The tablets were very quick and easy too - I can add them to my 'pill box' and include them in my daily supplement routine. Both contain highly bioavailable marine collagen, and while the powder offers a higher dose in one scoop, the tablets are a great option for flexibility and convenience.

Is there a best way? It really is the one you’ll stick to! I personally found the powder had the edge for me, as I could get a much higher dose in one go, and yet when I first ordered the collagen from Higher Nature, I was convinced I’d prefer the tablets. They’re quick and simple to take, and ideal for busier days, though I’d need to take six tablets a day to match the 6100 mg dose in the powder. The beauty of these options is that you can tailor your intake depending on your needs and health goals. For example, if you're focusing on skin, hair and nails, a lower dose of 2–4 tablets per day may be sufficient, whereas for joint and bone support, a higher dose (around 8 tablets per day) is more effective. Also check the collagen type — Type I is ideal for beauty goals, while Type III supports joint health.

For me, having both options to hand is ideal, I use the tablets when I’m on the go or travelling, and the powder when I want a higher dose with minimal effort.
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And did you know you can add your collagen powder to your morning coffee?  It is a popular and easy way to include collagen in your day, it dissolves easily in any hot liquids and as the Higher Nature Collagen Drink is tasteless and odourless you don't even know it is there, the heat does not destroy the effectiveness of the collagen!

Collagen drink or tablets from Higher Nature - which is best?

My own collagen goals!

Lately, I've noticed some little signs that my body isn’t quite as agile as it once was, a few aches and some stiffness, plus the sense that I’m just not moving as freely. I used to feel strong, capable, and unstoppable happily lifting heavier weights and taking on challenges without a second thought.  But recently (as I get closer to 60), it’s been harder, and it's really been getting to me.  Part of it is the hormonal roller coaster (my oestrogen levels are still settling and let’s not forget how vital oestrogen is for joint and bone health). But more than that, I miss feeling like me. I want to get up from the sofa without wincing, climb the stairs without creaking, and breeze through my workouts.  Because strength isn’t just about looking toned it’s about building muscle mass and resilience for the future, protecting our bones, supporting our joints, and staying independent and active for as long as possible. Strength is the foundation of longevity!

The importance of collagen as part of a healthy diet

Of course it is important to continue with a healthy balanced diet, even if you are supplementing, so include collagen-rich foods - protein like chicken, eggs (especially the yolk), turkey, beef and tofu, vitamin C rich foods, like oranges, kiwis, strawberries and broccoli and zinc and copper rich foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Bone Broth is one of the best foods naturally rich in collagen, as well as minerals, slow-cook it from animal bones and use as a base for soups and stews or sip as a warm drink!

To make collagen easy to incorporate into your diet try mixing the powder into your coffee, smoothies, porridge or yoghurt, hydrolysed marine collagen has better absorption and adding vitamin C helps your body use it effectively.  For me the best time to remember to take my collagen is in the morning, and I will also add it to my smoothie or porridge too.

If you follow a plant-based or vegetarian diet, you might be wondering about collagen options that align with your values. While true collagen only comes from animal sources, vegan collagen boosters are available and can support your body’s natural collagen production. These supplements typically contain a blend of vitamin C, silica, amino acids, and other plant-based nutrients that help stimulate collagen synthesis. They're a great alternative for anyone with dietary restrictions who still wants to support healthy skin, joints, and hair from the inside out.

Why choose collagen supplements from Higher Nature?

Higher Nature is a long-established, trusted brand I really respect. It was founded over 30 years ago by Celia Wright, a certified clinical psychologist who truly believed in the power of natural wellness. Her vision was rooted in the idea that mind and body are deeply connected, something I absolutely relate to, especially in midlife when balance feels more important than ever. Celia travelled the world to source the purest and most effective ingredients, and you can feel that care and intention in every product. It’s reassuring to know I’m choosing a brand with such integrity and purpose behind it.

The drink is very easy to mix into water or coffee, but the tablets are great for speed and travel!

​I'm working hard to get back to my workout routine, remember to take my collagen and incorporate other wellness goals into my life, at 58 (I will be 60 at the end of 2026) I am feeling my age a little and that needs to change!  Time to dig deep and find the motivation to banish the aches and pains!

Higher Nature offer customers a fantastic 'Subscribe & Save' option which is an excellent way to commit to sustainable change and create better habits, you don't need to remember to re-order your favourite supplements - use my code FIFTYFAB40 for 40% off your first order (minimum spend of £20) when you sign up!

Not ready to subscribe? Take 20% off one-time purchases of Collagen Tablets or Collagen Drink with code FAB20.

Love from
Michelle xx

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​Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Higher Nature, the Collagen Tablets and Collagen Drink were gifted to me for the purpose of this review, all opinions and words are my own.