Is it “cool” to use collagen in hot liquids?

Ah, the million dollar question: is collagen still effective when added to hot beverages like coffee or tea, and can collagen powder mix with hot water? The simple answer is YES, but let’s spill the (hot) tea on why it IS perfectly okay to use collagen in hot drinks and why this topic is constantly being discussed. 

People tend to apply the same logic of certain food groups that are not heat-stable, to collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen powders. So yes, certain foods can lose nutrients as temperatures rise, but this will not apply to collagen or collagen peptides. 

Collagen hydrolysate is a form of collagen that remains stable far beyond boiling temperatures, that is why hydrolyzed collagen is one of the few supplement powders that can be used in cooking and baking!

Here is a fun little fact for you: the higher the number of amino acids within a peptide, the more stable it becomes as heat is applied. So not only is adding a scoop of Collagen Hydrolysate okay, it actually might be helping the collagen to become more digestible. 

Once you finish your cup of joe, stomach acid and enzymes will break down the protein chain even further to fragments of primarily 2-3 peptides. This process will help the amino acids get to the bloodstream to be used where needed. Pretty cool that our body communicates within itself to repair damaged cells, right?

Our body’s natural repair system will work with the collagen peptides and amino acids to ensure that the collagen rebuilding process works efficiently. By adding hydrolyzed collagen into your morning beverage, you are providing your body with the tools it needs to improve muscle and joint health, as well as the appearance of your skin, hair and nails. 

So whether you are using our KETO Collagen or Collagen Hydrolysate, be sure to give your supplement a “warm” welcome each morning! 

Chai Latte With Collagen Recipe 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 3 tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
• 2 tbsp Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

DIRECTIONS

• In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the almond milk, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, collagen and maple syrup.
• Whisk to combine, stirring regularly until the mixture is piping hot.
• Adjust any seasoning to your taste and serve immediately.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• You can serve them chilled over ice or reheat on the stove again.

Gut Healing Latte Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Tablespoon coconut butter
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1-2 teaspoons sweetener of choice
• 1 teaspoon adaptogens (ashwagandha, reishi, he shou wu)
• 2 Tablespoons Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate
• ¼ cup hot water
• ¾ cup nut/seed milk

DIRECTIONS

• Place coconut butter, Great Lakes Collagen, cinnamon, sweetener, and adaptogens if using in a cup* and mix with ¼ cup hot water.
• Froth the nut/seed milk in a milk frother or warm milk in a pot over the stove.
• Pour warmed milk into the cup with cinnamon mixture and mix everything together. *If a high powered blender is accessible to you, you can add all ingredients directly into the blender and blend on high for 2 mins.