When it comes to being a coffee snob, many of us would agree that less is more. However, even the greatest of baristas are open to innovation. After all, there are exceptions to every rule. With so many different variations of coffee 3.0 available, it is hard to stick to the basics all the time. And why would you want to?! Even if a simple cup of black coffee is all you need to start your engine in the morning, there is a secret ingredient that could upgrade even the most carefully brewed gourmet beans.

Coffee customizations have skyrocketed over the past few years, becoming a cult-like obsession among coffee-lovers & baristas alike. And while Starbucks orders are becoming longer and more complex by the minute, (half-skim cap frap with no whip, soy, and extra sprinkles please) we’re betting that no one can customize a cup of coffee the way you can do it for yourself. Today we’re talking about craft brews in the comfort of your own home, customized with a scoop of unflavored Collagen Peptides. There’s a universe of health & beauty benefits inside. Keep reading.

Collagen Belongs in Your Coffee - And Here’s Why

Unlike numerous other coffee trends, collagen coffee doesn’t come with strict instructions, limited ingredients, and a fixed recipe. Other than tips on how to optimize solubility of each 10g scoop (which we’ll touch upon in a bit), the possibilities of using collagen in coffee are endless. We also encourage you to unleash your inner barista and get creative. Regardless of your coffee habits, you’ll be able to mix a scoop of all-natural Collagen Peptides without altering the taste, smell, or texture of your favorite beverage. In other words, for those of you feeling skeptical, we’re telling you now, you won’t even know it's there. But before we dive into the different variations of collagen coffee, let’s discuss the reasons for you to switch up your coffee routine by adding collagen.

Collagen is often referred to as the glue that holds the structure of our bodies together - this is no exaggeration. This complex fibrous protein accounts for an entire third of the body’s protein content, and it is an abundant source of important amino acids. Furthermore, as a structural protein, collagen molecules represent the building blocks of the body, largely present throughout the body - in skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Therefore, it is safe to say that collagen represents a key factor in body composition and optimal health.

Keeping in mind that collagen protein represents the core of joint, ligament, muscle, and bone health, it’s only natural that it is widely recognized among physically active individuals. Collagen’s potential as pre- and post-workout supplementation is based not only on its structural role, but also on its benefits concerning workout recovery. For instance, collagen hydrolysate has been found to ease the symptoms of joint discomfort, while also aiding in inflammation management. While on the topic of recovery, it is also important to mention that collagen’s prevalent amino acid glycine has been shown to promote sleep quality.

Largely present in skin structure, collagen has been shown to exert numerous beneficial effects such as improving the structure, texture, and overall appearance of the skin. Conversely, compromising your collagen levels could lead to skin dryness which becomes a factor in premature skin wrinkling as we age. What’s more, according to a study conducted by Proksch E. et al, supplementing with quality Collagen Peptides appears to improve the overall elasticity of the skin, while yet another study confirmed collagen’s role in reducing visible signs of aging.

The Collagen Coffee Menu

All good coffee, including collagen coffee, starts with a base of freshly roasted coffee beans and a grind that fits the brewing style you prefer. Some of our favorites include pour-over coffee using a Chemex, or V-60, and we also love an AeroPress or Ceramic drip for craft-brewed single-servings. If you're making coffee for more than you and your partner, a larger Moka Pot (3-6 cups) or French Press (3-4 cups) is a great choice.

Although there is no fixed collagen coffee recipe, there are a few ground rules to remember regarding adding this superfood to your brew. Solubility matters. First and foremost, you’ll want to avoid cold brews with ice when making collagen coffee but if you insist, the ice should be added only when you serve it, and not before. The collagen powder needs to be dissolved first. Moreover, if you’re preparing your collagen coffee with milk, you should dissolve the collagen powder in the freshly brewed black coffee before adding your choice of milk. Finally, if your choice of collagen is Marine Collagen, you’ll want to add a scoop into a dry mug and pour your coffee over it, whereas in the case of Bovine Collagen the order is reversed. Using the “scoop then pour” technique for Marine Collagen allows the smaller particles to dissolve more easily in your brew.

Whether you’re just getting into craft coffee territory or you’d simply like to learn more about blending your non-GMO Collagen Peptides to perfection and reaching maximum solubility, here’s your guide to six different variations of collagen coffee packed with health benefits.

Black Coffee (Hot/Cold Brew)

You’ll Need:

-1 cup water
-1.5 tbsp coffee of your choice (of course, you should adjust the amount to your liking)
-1 tsp natural sweetener of your choice (optional). We prefer Stevia or raw sugar.
-1 scoop Fat-Free Collagen Peptides

Instructions:

Bring water to a boil. Add your coffee and sugar into a cup, and pour the water over the mixture. Add a scoop of collagen powder and make sure to mix well. If you prefer cold brew, make sure to dissolve the collagen while the coffee is still hot, and then let it chill. Pro tip: in order to achieve optimal solubility, we’d skip the ice.

Flat White

You’ll Need:
-18g ground espresso
-100 ml milk of your choice
-1 scoop Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Powder

Instructions: Using your espresso coffee maker, make 35 ml of espresso which will be your base layer in the cup. Mix in one scoop of collagen powder while it’s hot. Use the steamer attachment to steam the milk and create approximately 1-2 cm of foam on top. The trickiest part of executing a perfect flat white is pouring the milk from the right distance and at the right speed which may take a few tries - but don’t get discouraged!

Holding the jug about 3-4 cm above your cup pour the milk in, bringing in the jug closer to the cup as it gets filled, directing the pour towards the center of the cup. Once the milk jug is about to touch the surface of the coffee, tilt it for faster pour which will make the milk reach the back of the cup, creating a fun swirled pattern on top. Don’t worry, if it doesn’t look like the picture right away, just practice:)

Cappuccino & Cafe Latte

You’ll Need:

-⅓ cup hot brewed espresso of your choice
-½ cup milk of your choice
-1 scoop Non-GMO Collagen Peptides

Instructions for Cappuccino:

For a perfect cappuccino, you’ll want to use the milk steamer to heat up the milk until you notice small bubbles forming around the edge of the cup. Next, you’ll want to whisk the milk vigorously using a metal whisk placed in between your palms. As you create the foam, remove it to another cup, and continue whisking until there’s ⅓ cup of foam.

Using your espresso as the base layer, pour it into your cup and add a scoop of collagen powder, stir for 5 seconds to dissolve completely. Pour in the remaining hot milk over the espres