“What can I mix collagen with”?
This is the question on anybody who’s new to collagen powder’s mind and those who are bored with their current mix.
If you’re paranoid like me, there may be a bunch of different scenarios running through your head.
The top two worries in your mind are whether the collagen will lose its efficacy if you mix it with this, and what if it interacts badly with that and becomes harmful or something?
I’ve done all that research for you to put all those kinds of questions to rest.
By the end of this article, you’ll have quite a few ideas to make collagen drinks a little more exciting.
What can I mix collagen with- The Short Answer
You can mix collagen with just about anything.
Collagen is pretty tough. As long as you aren’t mixing it with liquids or food that are way too hot to eat or drink, your collagen will be fine.
The better question, is what would you like to mix it with?
Of course, there are some basic things to take into account, like liquids and saucy or wet foods work best. Apologies for stating the obvious.
Yip, you can mix it into food too.
Collagen Powder and Liquids
Collagen powder dissolves into hot and warm liquids pretty easily.
You may have a harder time mixing it into cold beverages. The simple trick here is to add the collagen powder to some warm liquid and then add the cold liquid before mixing.
I would even argue that giving it a stir to dissolve it in the warm water first and then adding the cold liquid would work well.
Mixing Collagen Powder with Food
You can mix collagen powder into soup, porridge, stew, and curry.
You can even bake with it. Make some collagen muffins, brownies, cookies, and pancakes. But remember what I said about heat?
Keep the temperature below 302ºF (150ºC). This will require that you cook or bake your food a little longer.
My advice is when you want it in food that needs to be cooked, rather cook the food first, then add the collagen powder in just before serving.
No such luck when it comes to baking of course. It may be best to look up how best to go about baking at low temperatures first before committing.
While this may be inconvenient, it can make a nice change from drinking your collagen.
What About Flavored Collagen Powder?
Unflavored collagen is the best in terms of versatility.
Otherwise, you will need to match the flavor of your collagen to your ingredients if you don’t want to gag at the first sip or bite.
Vanilla and chocolate flavors will go well with dessert flavors, coffee, and fruity flavors.
Fruit flavors may need to be mixed and matched with some forethought. I, for example, wouldn’t mix strawberry collagen powder with a citrus-flavored beverage. But it will taste good with a banana-flavored one.
Go about it like that. Think about what flavors you enjoy together. Who knows? Maybe you love strawberry and lemon together. All I can think is, gross.
What Can I Mix Collagen Powder With- The Long Answer
The most popular choices are coffee and water. Both of these are great ways to take collagen. But there are some other great options too.
Let’s check out the benefits of some of these combos and whether there is any reason to avoid some of the others.
Can You Mix Collagen Powder With Green Tea?
Yes. This is a great way to boost your antioxidants and reap the benefits of your collagen powder.
Green tea has catechins and polyphenols which are antioxidants linked to cancer prevention, weight loss, heart health, and possibly even improved working memory.
Other teas are brewed at near-boiling temperature, but since that is below 302ºF, this isn’t a problem. Add collagen to whatever tea you enjoy for an extra boost.
Can I Mix Collagen Powder With Orange Juice?
Yip. Collagen can withstand the acidity in the orange juice just fine.
The only thing that might be problematic is mixing it together without clumps. As mentioned earlier, collagen dissolves well in warm liquid.
But that little trick about adding a little warm liquid first might be a bit gross when it comes to orange juice.
If making some of your juice lukewarm bugs you, then rather use a shaker or blender. Both methods will need to be used for at least 30 seconds.
If it’s still not entirely mixed, shake or blend it some more.
Some blenders can warm the juice up a little. If that happens, just add some ice and your collagen orange juice will be good to go.
What’s more, is that the vitamin C in the juice will help your body to produce its own collagen.
You can mix your collagen powder into any fruit juice you like depending on how the flavors mesh. This obviously isn’t an issue if you’re using unflavored powder.
You can also juice fruit in a blender and add your collagen powder to the mix for a nutritious collagen juice.
Can I Mix Collagen Powder With Milk?
The answer again is yes. If you have flavored collagen powder, it may even taste like a yummy milkshake or a warm creamy drink if you prefer to heat it up.
Not only does milk contain vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and potassium, but you’ll be getting an extra protein boost too.
Having it at night? Warm the milk and add a bit of nutmeg and honey to get you ready for a good night’s sleep.
What About Plant Milk?
Yip, go ahead.
Personally, I don’t enjoy plant-milk on its own. I add it to coffee, cereal, hot chocolate, and smoothies.
There are upsides to plant-milks that make your blend worth it.
The obvious is that if you are lactose intolerant, plant-milk is your friend.
But plant milk is also lower in sugar (if you get the unsweetened variety), they contain little to no saturated fat depending on the type of plant milk, and there is no IGF-1, unlike cow’s milk.
IGF-1 has been linked to some cancers and acne.
Go for fortified milk to get nutrients like vitamins B12 and vitamin D that aren’t naturally found in nuts and seeds. Especially if you are vegan or vegetarian.
Plant milk also usually has calcium added so you aren’t missing out on anything if you choose to forego cow’s milk.
Each type of plant-milk has its own benefits that are particular to the nut or seed that they are derived from.
So research your options if you want to make sure you have the right type for your body and your taste buds.
Can You Mix Collagen Powder With Soda?
There is no reason that you can’t. Just be aware that soda is usually full of sugar.
If the reason you’re using collagen is to look younger for longer, this isn’t a good idea. Sugar ages you.
Nope, not kidding. Check out this abstract from a study on the effect of sugar on collagen in the skin. I join you in cringing fellow sweet tooths.
I rarely drink soda, but I do indulge in the occasional sugar-laden treat and add sugar to my porridge. I am seriously reconsidering that, especially when there are alternatives like stevia and xylitol.
Not just that, but your soft drink habit isn’t great for your bones either just in case you were using collagen for your joints. So keep soft-drinks to a minimum.
Yes, even sugar-free soft drinks. Artificial sweeteners may not be good for gut health.
Rather mix your collagen powder with soda water (club soda). Then flavor it with fruit. It tastes nice and it looks pretty.
Can You Mix Collagen With Apple Cider Vinegar?
This is the one that I was worried about on the account of the acetic acid. This compound is what makes vinegar so acidic.
But yes, it’s perfectly safe to mix collagen powder with apple cider vinegar. It may even make it easier to get a smooth mix. All those against clumps say “I”.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help to balance blood sugar levels and aid weight loss.
Many people enjoy adding ACV to juice or tea to mask the flavor. These combos are beneficial thanks to the additional antioxidants and nutrients.
You can add some honey or stevia to sweeten it a bit if you don’t want to add it to juice or tea.
Some Precautions About Apple Cider Vinegar
- If you are a type 1 diabetic, avoid apple cider vinegar as it slows the rate of stomach emptying making it difficult to time insulin shots
- Always dilute ACV to prevent burns to your esophagus and tooth erosion
- Don’t consume more than two tablespoons of ACV per day to protect your bones and potassium levels
Is There Anything You Shouldn’t Mix Collagen Powder With?
The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is not really. Aside from substances that will cause you harm, of course.
People have even mixed collagen powder into alcoholic beverages.
Aside from watching out for very high temperatures, go ahead and mix your collagen into your choice of tasty beverages and food.
You may also like to read:
How to Mix Collagen Powder Without Clumping
How to Make Collagen Water at Home – Over 10 Tongue Tingling Recipes
Best Collagen Drinks That You Should Try In 2021
How to Make Collagen Taste Better – Tips and Recipes
