What Is Collagen Peptides Made Out Of? Understanding Your Supplement

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Raw Materials: Where It All Starts
3. The Biological Building Blocks: Amino Acids
4. The Process: How Collagen Becomes Peptides
5. Understanding the Different Types of Collagen
6. The Difference Between Collagen and Gelatin
7. Why BUBS Naturals Sourcing is Different
8. How to Use Collagen Peptides Effectively
9. The Role of Lifestyle in Collagen Health
10. Bottom Line: Knowing Your Supplement
11. FAQ

Introduction

You’ve likely seen the blue tubs on kitchen counters or heard athletes talk about stirring a scoop into their morning coffee. Maybe you’ve started noticing your own joints feeling a bit "creaky" after a long hike, or you’ve seen the first signs of fine lines and wondered if a supplement could actually help. Collagen is everywhere right now, but for a smart, active person, a "vibe" isn't enough. You want to know exactly what you are putting into your body and how it is made.

At BUBS Naturals, we believe in total transparency. We don’t think "how the sausage is made" should be a mystery—especially when it comes to the supplements you use to fuel your recovery and performance. Understanding what Collagen Peptides are made out of requires looking at the raw materials, the biological building blocks, and the specific process that turns animal tissue into a clean, easy-mixing powder.

In this guide, we will break down the origins of collagen, the specific parts of the animal used, and the science of hydrolysis that makes these peptides effective. If you want the sourcing version of this story, read Where Does Collagen Powder Come From?. By the end, you’ll know exactly how your collagen moves from the pasture to your pantry.

The Raw Materials: Where It All Starts

To understand what collagen peptides are made out of, we have to start at the source. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom. It is found in all mammals, including humans, and it acts as the "glue" that holds everything together. Because it is an animal-based protein, there is no such thing as a truly "vegan" collagen. While some products claim to be vegan boosters, actual collagen must come from an animal source.

Most high-quality collagen supplements on the market, including our own Collagen Peptides, are sourced from bovine (cow) hides. However, collagen can also be sourced from other areas:

• Bovine (Cattle): Primarily sourced from the hides (skins) and sometimes bones. This is the gold standard for Type I and Type III collagen.
• Marine (Fish): Sourced from fish scales and skin. It is primarily Type I collagen and is often used by those who don’t eat beef.
• Porcine (Pig): Sourced from pig skin. This is common in many food-grade gelatins but less common in premium health supplements.
• Chicken: Sourced from the sternum and cartilage. This is often the primary source for Type II collagen, which is specifically targeted toward joint health.

We focus on bovine collagen because it provides a robust profile of Type I and Type III collagen, which are the most prevalent types in the human body.

The Importance of Sourcing Quality

It isn’t just about the animal; it’s about how that animal lived. When we talk about what collagen is made of, we have to talk about the quality of the hide. We source our collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle in South America (specifically Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay).

These regions have strict guidelines for cattle raising. The cows graze freely on natural grasslands and are not treated with artificial growth hormones like rBST or rBGH. When you start with a healthy, clean raw material, you end up with a cleaner final product. This "upcycling" process also ensures that we use parts of the animal that would otherwise be discarded, supporting a more sustainable approach to nutrition.

The Biological Building Blocks: Amino Acids

If you were to look at collagen under a microscope, you wouldn't just see "protein." You would see a complex structure of amino acids. Proteins are essentially long chains of amino acids, and collagen has a very specific "recipe."

Collagen is unique because it contains 19 different amino acids, including eight of the nine essential amino acids. However, its real power comes from three specific amino acids that appear in much higher concentrations than in other protein sources like whey or soy:

1. Glycine: This is the smallest amino acid, but it makes up about one-third of the collagen molecule. It is essential for metabolic health and supporting the body's internal antioxidant systems.
2. Proline: This amino acid accounts for about 15% of collagen. It plays a critical role in skin health and the repair of connective tissues.
3. Hydroxyproline: This is a modified version of proline. It is almost entirely unique to collagen and is responsible for the stability of the collagen "triple helix."

The Triple Helix Structure

Think of collagen like a heavy-duty climbing rope. A climbing rope isn't just one thick strand; it’s made of several smaller strands twisted together to create immense strength and flexibility.

In your body, collagen exists in a triple helix. This means three chains of amino acids are wound together in a tight spiral. This structure is what allows your tendons to withstand thousands of pounds of pressure during a heavy lift and what gives your skin its "snap" when stretched. For a more practical look at that support in training, see How Collagen Can Support Your Joints and Recovery This Spring. When we make collagen peptides, we are essentially taking that "rope" and breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Key Takeaway: Collagen peptides are not just "protein powder." They are a specific collection of amino acids (Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline) structured in a way that provides structural integrity to the human body.

The Process: How Collagen Becomes Peptides

You can't just eat a cowhide and expect your joints to feel better. The human body is very good at digesting many things, but "raw" collagen in its whole form is a very large, tough molecule. To make it useful, it has to go through a process called hydrolysis.

What is Hydrolysis?

The word hydrolysis comes from two Greek words: hydro (water) and lysis (to unbind). In simple terms, it is the process of using water and enzymes to break down large molecules into smaller ones. If you want a full look at heat stability, read Does Heat Destroy Collagen Powder?.

When collagen undergoes hydrolysis, it is transformed into "collagen peptides" or "hydrolyzed collagen." These are the same thing. The process breaks those long, tough "climbing ropes" we talked about into very short chains of amino acids.

The Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process

Here is how that transformation actually happens:

1. Cleaning: The raw bovine hides are thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris.
2. Soaking: The hides are soaked in an alkaline or acidic solution. This helps "loosen" the collagen fibers from the other parts of the tissue.
3. Extraction: The hides are placed in hot water. This heat releases the collagen into the water, creating a collagen-rich broth.
4. Hydrolysis: Enzymes are added to the liquid. These enzymes act like microscopic scissors, cutting the long collagen strands into the tiny pieces we call peptides.
5. Filtration and Purification: The liquid is filtered to remove any remaining fats, minerals, or impurities. This is why high-quality collagen is tasteless and odorless.
6. Drying: The purified liquid is spray-dried into a fine powder.
7. Milling: The powder is milled to a consistent grain size to ensure it dissolves easily in your coffee or water.

Why Bioavailability Matters

The reason we go through all this trouble to create peptides is bioavailability. "Bioavailable" simply means how easily your body can absorb and use a nutrient.

Whole collagen is too big to pass through the wall of your gut effectively. By breaking it down into peptides, we make it possible for your digestive system to absorb these amino acids quickly. Once absorbed, they travel through the bloodstream to the areas that need them most—like your skin, hair, and joints.

Myth: Taking collagen is the same as eating a steak. Fact: While steak contains protein, it does not have the concentrated levels of Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline found in collagen peptides. Furthermore, the hydrolysis process makes collagen peptides much easier for the body to utilize for connective tissue repair compared to the complex proteins in muscle meat.

Understanding the Different Types of Collagen

When people ask what collagen is made of, they are often surprised to find out there isn't just one "type." Scientists have identified at least 28 different types of collagen in the body, but about 80-90% of the collagen in your body consists of Types I, II, and III.

Type I Collagen

This is the most abundant type in the human body. It is found in your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It is incredibly strong and provides the structural foundation for your tissues. Most bovine-sourced collagen peptides are very high in Type I.

Type II Collagen

This type is found almost exclusively in cartilage. It is the "padding" between your joints. If you are specifically focused on knee or hip discomfort, Type II is often the focus. This is usually sourced from chicken sternum.

Type III Collagen

This type is found in your muscles, arteries, and organs. It often works alongside Type I to provide elasticity and structure. It is particularly important for gut health and the integrity of your blood vessels.

Our collagen peptides are a blend of Type I and Type III. We find this combination offers the most comprehensive support for the active person who wants to protect their joints while also supporting skin health and muscle recovery.

The Difference Between Collagen and Gelatin

If you’ve ever made a pot of bone broth and left it in the fridge overnight, you probably noticed it turned into a jello-like substance. That is gelatin.

Gelatin and collagen peptides are made from the same raw materials, but the process is slightly different. Gelatin is only partially hydrolyzed. It still has long enough protein chains that it will "gel" when it gets cold. This makes it great for making gummies or thickening soups, but it’s harder to mix into a cold drink.

Collagen peptides are fully hydrolyzed. Because the strands are cut so small, they will never gel. For a deeper overview, check out All About Collagen Peptides. This is why our collagen dissolves instantly in cold water or hot coffee without changing the texture.

Why BUBS Naturals Sourcing is Different

We didn't start this brand just to put another tub on a shelf. We started it to honor the life and legacy of Glen "BUB" Doherty, a Navy SEAL who lived a life of adventure and high performance. Read more in The BUBS Story. When we looked at the supplement market, we saw too many products filled with "BS"—artificial flavors, fillers, and questionable sourcing.

We decided to do things differently. Our Collagen Peptides are a single-ingredient product. We don't add sweeteners, dyes, or preservatives. We use a rigorous third-party testing process to ensure every batch is pure and free of heavy metals or contaminants.

NSF for Sport Certified

For athletes, "clean" isn't just a buzzword; it’s a requirement. We put our collagen through the NSF for Sport certification process. This is one of the most rigorous certifications in the world. It ensures that what is on the label is exactly what is in the tub and that the product contains no banned substances. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you deserve to know that your supplements are safe.

How to Use Collagen Peptides Effectively

Now that you know what it’s made of and how it’s produced, the question is how to use it. Because our collagen is fully hydrolyzed and unflavored, it is incredibly versatile.

• In Your Coffee: This is the most popular way. One scoop in your morning brew provides about 10g of protein and doesn't change the flavor of your favorite beans.
• Post-Workout Shakes: Collagen is a great addition to your recovery routine. While it doesn't replace the branched-chain amino acids in a whey or plant protein, it provides the structural support your joints need after a heavy session.
• In Oatmeal or Yogurt: Because it’s a fine powder, it stirs right in.
• Baking: You can even add collagen to pancake batter or muffin mix to boost the protein content without changing the recipe.

Realistic Expectations

It is important to remember that collagen is a long-term play. You won't wake up the morning after your first scoop with a new set of knees. Most people report seeing and feeling a difference after 30 to 60 days of consistent daily use. This is the time it takes for your body to utilize those amino acids to support new tissue growth and repair.

The Role of Lifestyle in Collagen Health

While supplements provide the raw materials, your lifestyle choices determine how well your body can maintain its own collagen levels. Several factors can speed up the breakdown of collagen in your body:

• Excessive UV Exposure: Sun damage breaks down the collagen fibers in your skin.
• High Sugar Intake: Sugar can attach to proteins in your blood (a process called glycation), creating molecules that make collagen brittle.
• Smoking: This restricts blood flow to the skin and directly damages collagen and elastin.
• Lack of Vitamin C: Your body cannot actually synthesize its own collagen without Vitamin C supplement. That’s why many people choose to pair their collagen peptides with a Vitamin C supplement or a diet rich in citrus and leafy greens.

Bottom Line: Knowing Your Supplement

Understanding what collagen peptides are made out of shouldn't be complicated. They are simple, animal-based proteins broken down into easy-to-absorb pieces through a natural process of water and enzymes. By focusing on high-quality sourcing—like grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides—and avoiding unnecessary fillers, we can provide a product that actually helps you live a more active, adventurous life.

We are proud of the products we build and the mission they support. We donate 10% of all our profits to veteran-focused charities in honor of Glen "BUB" Doherty. Every scoop you take is a small part of a larger purpose. We believe that when you fuel your body with the best ingredients, you’re better equipped to tackle whatever mountain is in front of you.

"The products we make are simple. The reason we make them is anything but." — The BUBS Team

FAQ

Is there such a thing as vegan collagen?

No, there is no natural plant-based source of collagen. Collagen is a protein found only in animals and humans. Products labeled as "vegan collagen" are typically "collagen boosters" that contain vitamins and minerals (like Vitamin C and Zinc) designed to help your body produce more of its own collagen, but they do not contain actual collagen peptides.

Are collagen peptides the same as bone broth?

They are related but different. Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water, which releases collagen along with other minerals and fats. Collagen peptides are a more concentrated and purified form where the collagen has been isolated and fully hydrolyzed for better absorption and easier mixing.

How much collagen should I take per day?

While individual needs vary based on your activity level and goals, most research suggests that a daily dose of 10 to 20 grams is effective for supporting skin and joint health. Our standard serving size is 10 grams (one scoop), which can be taken once or twice a day depending on your needs. For a broader timeline on natural decline, see When Does Collagen Production Stop?.

Can heat damage collagen peptides?

No, collagen peptides are very stable. They can withstand temperatures up to roughly 572 degrees Fahrenheit before the protein structure begins to degrade. This means you can safely stir them into boiling coffee, tea, or even use them in high-heat baking without losing any of the nutritional benefits.