Supplements

Is collagen vegan?

Not vegan — collagen is made by boiling the skin, bones and connective tissue of pigs and cattle — a slaughterhouse by-product.

Not vegan

Is collagen vegan?

Not vegan

Why

collagen is made by boiling the skin, bones and connective tissue of pigs and cattle — a slaughterhouse by-product.

Collagen is not vegan. It is almost always sourced from animal bones, skin, and connective tissues (typically bovine, porcine, or marine). There are no plant-based collagen proteins; vegan alternatives use collagen-building nutrients or lab-grown yeast-derived versions, but traditional collagen remains non-vegan.

Where it comes from

Collagen is extracted by boiling animal bones, skin, and connective tissues in water to hydrolyse the protein
Over 95% of commercial collagen is sourced from cattle (hide and bones), pigs (skin), or fish (skin and scales)
Plant-based 'collagen boosters' are not true collagen—they contain amino acids, vitamin C, and silica to support the body's own production
Precision-fermented collagen produced by genetically modified yeast is commercially available, though less common than animal-derived versions
Global collagen production relies heavily on by-products of the meat and fishing industries; there is no mass-market plant equivalent

Names to look for on the label

Hydrolysed collagen
Gelatin (partially hydrolysed collagen)
Bovine collagen
Porcine collagen
Marine collagen
Collagen peptides
E120 (cochineal, sometimes listed near collagen in ingredients—unrelated but watch for it)

When shopping, avoid any product listing 'collagen', 'hydrolysed collagen', 'collagen peptides', 'bovine collagen', 'porcine collagen', or 'marine collagen' as an ingredient. These are always animal-derived. Check supplement labels, protein powders, bone broths, and beauty drinks. Vegan alternatives may be called 'collagen builders' or 'vegan collagen' but these are not true collagen—they provide nutrients like vitamin C, copper, and amino acids. Vegan versions will be explicitly labelled as 'vegan collagen' or 'collagen booster' and are typically made from precision-fermented yeast or genetically engineered microbes. Always verify with the manufacturer if uncertain.

Commonly hides in

custard

What to use instead

pea protein — It does exactly the same job in coffee, cooking and baking, with no change in method.

How to check a label

Ingredient lists are legally required to name allergens such as milk and egg in bold, which catches most hidden animal ingredients. E-numbers and processing aids are the gap: E120, E441, E542, E904 and E920 are animal-derived, and processing aids often go unlisted. When in doubt, look for a certified vegan mark or ask the manufacturer directly — most reply within a few days.

Common questions about collagen

Can collagen be made from plants?

No, true collagen is a protein only found in animal connective tissues. Plant-based supplements labelled as 'collagen' are actually collagen boosters—they contain nutrients to help your body produce its own collagen.

Are there vegan collagen supplements?

Yes, some brands use genetically engineered yeast or bacteria to produce collagen proteins without animals. These are clearly labelled as 'vegan collagen' and are commercially available, though less common than animal-derived products.

Is marine collagen vegan?

No. Marine collagen is sourced from fish skin and scales, making it non-vegan. It is an animal product.

What label names should vegans avoid?

Avoid 'hydrolysed collagen', 'collagen peptides', 'bovine collagen', 'porcine collagen', 'marine collagen', and 'gelatin'. These are all animal-derived.

How can I tell if a product has hidden collagen?

Read the ingredients list carefully. Collagen is often added to protein powders, beauty drinks, and even some snack bars. If not listed explicitly, contact the manufacturer. Vegan products will state 'vegan' on the label.