Collagen supplements have become a staple in daily routines, with many people adding them to coffee, tea, and other hot beverages. But does heat affect collagen’s effectiveness?
The short answer: Collagen doesn’t go bad in hot drinks, but extreme temperatures can impact its structure
In this blog, we’ll break down what happens to collagen when exposed to heat, how to safely mix it into your beverages, and best practices to retain its benefits.
What Happens When Collagen is Heated?
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Denaturation: Collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) are already broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption. However, extreme heat (above 150°C or 300°F) can degrade some of these peptides, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
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Glycation Risk: If collagen is exposed to very high heat for prolonged periods (like direct dry heating or frying), advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can form, which may negatively impact skin health.
Best Practices for Adding Collagen to Hot Beverages
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Coffee & Tea: Most collagen peptides are stable in liquids up to 80–90°C (176–194°F), so adding them to hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is perfectly fine.
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Boiling Liquids: Avoid adding collagen to liquids that are at or above 100°C (212°F) for extended periods, as prolonged exposure might degrade some amino acids.
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Mixing Post-Boil: For best results, add collagen powder after your beverage cools slightly (e.g., let coffee or tea sit for a minute before stirring in collagen).
Bottom Line
Collagen in hot beverages remains effective as long as you avoid excessive heat exposure for prolonged periods. For everyday use, adding collagen to coffee, tea, or warm milk is completely fine!
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