Collagen trends for 2026 - summary
- Collagen demand surges as consumers seek wellness benefits and functional indulgence
- Market growth accelerates toward a projected value exceeding twenty‑six billion dollars
- Beauty‑from‑within and healthy ageing trends significantly boost collagen product adoption
- Versatile collagen formats expand across gummies bars beverages and everyday foods
- Ingredient suppliers drive innovation enabling cleaner labels and broader formulation options
Collagen has emerged as one of the most popular ingredients in food and beverage in 2025, as consumers clamour to buy into the many potential benefits it offers.
“Demand for collagen is growing quickly,” says Pierre-Albert Thomas, global director for functional ingredients at supplier Rousselot. “It’s definitely not showing any signs of slowing down.”
And it’s this huge and growing demand that’s powered the market to over $10bn (€8.5bn), with its 11% CAGR taking it to well over $26bn by 2033 (Grand View Research).
“Collagen has gained attention as a protein that supports skin elasticity, joint health, and overall wellness,” says a spokesperson for Grand View Research.
But its success goes beyond simple health and wellness.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in the human body. It’s found in skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. It’s also found in organs, blood vessels and the intestinal lining.
Making up approximately 30% of the total protein in the body, it’s described as one of the building blocks of life.
Trends powering the collagen boom
Health and wellness trends
Okay, so we said it’s not all about health and wellness, but that is a major part of it, and the most obvious place to start.
Consumers today aren’t just looking for products that fill them up and taste good, they also want them to do good. That’s why collagen has become such a hero ingredient. It slips neatly into the growing desire for healthy ageing, active‑lifestyle support, and beauty‑from‑within, making everything from gummies to high‑protein bars feel just that bit more purposeful.
Collagen’s reputation for supporting mobility and boosting energy makes it a natural fit, especially with ingredient specialists like Wellnex, whose collagen peptides are designed specifically for functional foods and even confectionery formats through their dedicated innovation lab and confection room.
On the beauty side, collagen’s links to smoother skin, improved elasticity, and stronger hair and nails make it a perfect match. Suppliers like Healan Ingredients play a big role here, offering collagen peptides and gelatine systems widely used in gummies and soft confectionery.
And for the sports‑nutrition crowd, and older adults wanting functional snacks rather than supplements, collagen’s benefits for joints, bones, and muscle health are a major draw. This has encouraged the rise of collagen‑infused bars, chews, and everyday treats. Suppliers such as Nutra Food Ingredients, who offer collagen, gelatin, and bone broth proteins, help brands combine nutrition with indulgence, ideal for confectionery makers looking to upgrade traditional formats.
Meanwhile, large‑scale producers like Richtek or Wellnature Biotech supply customisable low‑molecular collagen suitable for everything from protein bars to functional gummies, giving manufacturers plenty of flexibility in formulation.
Clean, functional, high‑value protein
In the food, beverage and confectionery worlds, collagen has carved out a reputation as a clean, high‑value protein that boosts a product’s appeal without the baggage sometimes associated with more processed or unfamiliar protein sources.
Manufacturers love it because it strengthens that all‑important better‑for‑you positioning, and consumers love it because it’s a recognisable and natural ingredient.
Ingredient suppliers across the industry are helping brands bring this clean‑protein story to life. Rousselot, long recognised as a global leader in collagen and gelatin solutions, continues to innovate in health‑focused and performance‑focused ingredients. Prinova, a major player in functional proteins, offers premium collagen peptides designed for easy use in powders, bars, and confectionery formats. And DSM‑Firmenich contributes through its extensive collagen portfolio, providing high‑quality, traceable collagen ingredients, ideal for brands needing strong technical credentials and clean‑label support.
Versatility in product development
One of collagen’s biggest strengths, especially for food, beverage and confectionery developers, is just how versatile it is as an ingredient.
Its neutral taste, easy solubility, and compatibility with high‑protein claims make it ideal for NPD teams aiming to build functional products without compromising on flavour or format.
Collagen is rapidly popping up in dairy, cereals, sports nutrition, beverages, and snacks, reflecting how widely brands can integrate it into everyday eating occasions. And because consumers love convenient, on‑the‑go formats, collagen is ideal for ready-to-drink formats such as Primal Kitchen’s Collagen Fuel, snack bars such as Bulletproof’s Collagen Protein Bars, and gummies such as Ancient Nutrition’s Multi‑Collagen Protein Gummies.
Collagen: What’s next
As collagen continues its rise, the opportunity for food, beverage and confectionery brands is only going to get bigger. What began as a niche wellness ingredient has matured into a mainstream value‑driver, one that intersects clean label, beauty from within, active lifestyle nutrition, and functional indulgence. And all signs point to even stronger momentum heading into 2026.
For manufacturers, the next wave of innovation is likely to centre on format diversification and premiumisation. Gummies and bars may dominate today, but collagen‑infused baked goods, functional chocolates, hydration beverages, dairy alternatives, and even everyday cupboard staples are all emerging as credible growth territories.
There’s also growing scope for hybrid formulations - pairing collagen with vitamins, adaptogens, probiotics, prebiotic fibres, botanicals, and other trending functional ingredients. These combinations open the door to highly targeted benefits, from skin‑health blends to mobility‑focused snacks and energy‑supporting confectionery.
For ingredient suppliers, this growing sophistication represents a valuable opportunity to expand portfolios, create customised blends, and deepen partnerships with brands hungry for differentiation.
Crucially, collagen aligns perfectly with the broader shift toward healthy ageing, longevity nutrition, and holistic self‑care, themes that are expected to define consumer behaviour in 2026.
As more shoppers look to support mobility, skin health, and daily vitality, without turning to medications, food and drink formats become the obvious solution.
The brands that succeed will be those that seamlessly integrate collagen into products people genuinely enjoy, without compromising on taste or texture.
Collagen’s story is only just beginning.
