This post is sponsored by iHerb, but the content is 100% my own honest opinion and knowledge.
There has been a lot of buzz around collagen peptides over the past year and I decided it was time to dig a little deeper into the topic and also try some for myself. After a little research I chose to try Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides and Collagen Creamer. Before I get into that let’s take a step back and talk about what “collagen peptides” are. The word “peptide” refers to the bond between two amino acids (AA), which are the building blocks of proteins. When many amino acids are strung together this can be called a “polypeptide” and eventually a protein that has a role in the body or food depending on it’s shape and function. For example, hemoglobin is a globular protein that is soluble in water. Collagen in a fibrous protein that is insoluble in water.
So where do collagen peptides fit in? In one way, they simply offer a high quality, dairy free protein supplement option. On the other hand, they have a specific and unique amino acid composition that may provide additional benefits to the body over another type of dairy free protein supplement. Certain individuals will benefit more than others depending on their overall health, but collagen can be useful in supporting healthy joints, nails, hair, and skin. Collagen Peptides also react to heat much better than most protein supplements and therefore are superior to adding to hot beverages and baked goods.
Vital Proteins offers collagen peptides and collagen creamer that is sourced in a sustainable fashion from grass fed, pasture raised bovine hides. Both the protein powder and the creamer are fine powders that dissolve quickly and evenly. I chose the unflavoured powered and the coconut collagen creamer.
Here are a few recipes and ways that I have enjoyed them:
Homemade Muesli: 2 cup oats, 1 cup sunflower seeds, 1 cup pumpkin seeds, 1 cup raisins, 1/3 cup Vital Proteins unflavoured collagen peptides, and 1/3 cup hemp hearts. Stir together and store in an air tight container in the fridge. Serve over yogurt or with your favourite milk/milk alternative and fruit.
Blueberry Cauliflower Smoothie: 1 cup coconut milk or almond milk, 2 scoops Vital Protein unflavoured collagen peptides, 1 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, and 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cauliflower. Blend in a high speed blender and enjoy! For a diary free ice cream alternative, you can reduce the milk to 1/2 cup, freeze the smoothie for a few hours, and enjoy with a spoon!
Morning tea. I chose to use the Vital Proteins collagen creamer in my morning tea. I usually add dairy free coconut milk, so I loved the protein boost with the same coconut flavour that it offered to my morning routine!
Muffins: I added 1/4 cup of Vital Proteins unflavoured collagen peptides to my favourite muffins and removed 1/4 cup of flour. The muffins tasted amazing and had ah extra boost of protein!
Energy Bites: I replaced the chia seeds in these energy bites with Vital Protein collagen creamer and they were irresistible to my whole family!
I am also eager to try it in mashed sweet potato, mashed cauliflower, other baked goods, and more! Comment below what you have or would like to try collagen peptides in. We can all learn from one another! Also remember that when you click the links above you can get a discount off of your iHerb order!