Collagen Peptides Explained: From Production to Supplement Choice

We explain what collagen peptides are, how they’re made, and what you need to support your body’s natural collagen production — get the most out of your supplement.

Your body is full of collagen. It’s found in your skin, connective tissue, and joints. However, from age 25 onwards, collagen production decreases by about 1% per year. This explains the growing interest in collagen peptides. But what exactly are they — and do they really work?

In this blog, you’ll learn everything about collagen peptides: how they are made, what they do, which collagen types exist, and what to look for when choosing a supplement.

What are collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides are small pieces of collagen: the structural protein in skin, bones, joints, and connective tissue. Your body produces it on its own, but you also get it from animal foods — especially when eating nose-to-tail (like chicken with skin or bone broth). Collagen is a large protein, and therefore hard to digest in its original form. Breaking collagen down into peptides — short chains of amino acids — creates a well-absorbed form that is easy to add to your daily diet. Your body processes these short chains efficiently and can use them where needed.

Gelatin vs. collagen peptides. What’s the difference?

Gelatin and collagen peptides are often confused but are technically not the same. Both are derived from animal collagen but differ in structure, solubility, and use.

Gelatin is partially broken down collagen. It dissolves in warm liquid and forms a gel when cooled. It does not dissolve in cold drinks. Therefore, gelatin is mainly used in desserts such as pudding and marshmallows.

Collagen peptides are broken down further. They dissolve completely in both warm and cold liquids and remain liquid. This makes them suitable to mix into coffee, smoothies, or water without changing the texture.

How are collagen peptides made?

To break collagen down into smaller, soluble fragments, the protein is hydrolyzed. Hydrolysis is a process in which water is used to break chemical bonds in protein molecules. The method used influences the quality of the final collagen product.

This can be done in two ways:

Chemically, using acids, bases, or high temperatures
Enzymatically, using natural enzymes that target proteins

Both methods yield collagen hydrolysate — another name for collagen peptides.

NoordCode collagen peptides are deliberately produced via enzymatic hydrolysis, as this process is mild and controlled. We do not use harsh chemicals or high temperatures, which could damage the protein structure.

What types of collagen exist and what do they do in the body?

Collagen exists in many forms, but six types play the biggest role in our bodies. Each type has its own function and location:

Type I – The most common collagen. Found in skin, hair, nails, bones, and tendons.
Type II – Found in joint cartilage.
Type III – Forms the structure of skin and blood vessels together with type I.
Type IV – Builds the basal membranes: thin layers that structure cells.
Type V – Supports the skin, placenta, and cornea. Often works with type I.
Type X – Plays a role in bone formation and cartilage growth.

Collagen types differ in composition. By combining multiple types, you provide your body with all the building blocks for its own collagen production. You can get them from foods like oxtail, bone broth, or chicken and fish with skin. Don’t eat those often? Then a supplement with multiple sources, such as NoordCode Complete Collagen, can help.

Are all collagen sources the same?

Collagen peptides always come from animals. The source determines the collagen type, composition, and its use.

Bovine collagen is the most popular variant. It mainly contains types I and III and comes from the skin, bones, and connective tissue of cattle. This collagen closely resembles what your body produces. It is widely available, neutral in taste, and consistent in composition.

Fish collagen comes from fish by-products such as skin, bones, and scales. It consists almost entirely of type I collagen and has a fine structure. Thanks to the small molecules, it’s easily absorbed.

Chicken collagen mainly provides type II collagen, derived from cartilage, bones, and skin of chicken. It is used less often than bovine or fish collagen.

Egg membrane is a unique collagen-rich ingredient. Sourced from the thin membrane lining the eggshell, it naturally contains collagen types I, V, and X, along with elastin, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Unlike hydrolysed collagen peptides, eggshell membrane ingredients such as Ovomet® remain undenatured. As a result, they retain much of their naturally occurring matrix structure, including collagen and other bioactive compounds.

For all collagen ingredients, quality and origin matter. Look for responsibly sourced raw materials, such as 100% grass-fed bovine collagen and sustainably sourced marine collagen.

NoordCode Complete Collagen combines collagen peptides from 100% grass-fed bovine and sustainably sourced fish (Naticol®) with Ovomet® eggshell membrane and undenatured fish collagen type II. Together, these ingredients provide collagen types I, II, III, V, and X, along with naturally occurring matrix compounds.

NoordCode Pure Collagen is derived from 100% grass-fed bovine. It mainly contains type I, with a small amount of type III, and traces of type V.

Pure Marine Collagen provides highly concentrated type I collagen, sourced from MSC-certified wild-caught cod from the North Atlantic.

What else do you need for optimal collagen production?

Taking collagen is a smart first step. But to really see results, your body needs more than just peptides. Various nutrients are essential for building and repairing collagen. Below are the key cofactors for collagen synthesis, and where to find them.

Vitamin C

Food sources: Red bell pepper, citrus fruits, kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, parsley.
NoordCode: Complete Collagen contains natural vitamin C from acerola.

Amino acids (glycine, proline, lysine)

Food sources: Glycine: gelatin, bone broth, animal product skin. Proline: cabbage, asparagus, dairy. Lysine: red meat, chicken, legumes
NoordCode: Pure Collagen and Complete Collagen are rich in glycine.

Zinc

Food sources: Oysters, liver, beef, shellfish, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy.
Notes: Animal sources like oysters and liver contain high levels of zinc. Wheat germ, cocoa powder, and maple syrup are plant-based alternatives.
NoordCode: Everyday Essentials contains 10 mg of zinc in citrate form.

Copper

Food sources: Liver, shiitake, oysters, spirulina, dark chocolate, potatoes, legumes, whole grains.
In NoordCode: Two squares of 90% chocolate nearly meet the recommended daily copper intake of 0.9 mg.

Vitamin A (retinol)

Food sources: Liver, egg yolks, milk fats, cod liver oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Food sources: Salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies.

Silicon (silica)

Food sources: Cucumber with peel, leafy greens, oats, bamboo extract, mineral water.

Biotin (vitamin B7)

Food sources: Liver, egg yolks, natto.
Note: Raw egg white contains avidin, which binds biotin. Cooking eggs neutralizes this.
Extra: Products from grass-fed animals usually contain more biotin than those from grain-fed sources.

Manganese

Food sources: Mussels, hazelnuts, coffee, liver.

Sulfur compounds

Food sources: Onions, garlic, leeks, broccoli, cabbage varieties.
NoordCode: Complete Collagen combines collagen peptides with extra glycine and natural vitamin C from acerola.

How to choose an effective supplement

Collagen supplements may look similar, but the quality lies in the details. The real differences are not in taste but in the effects. Here’s what to look for in a supplement that truly works.

1. Transparent sourcing

A good collagen supplement starts with the source. Check the animal’s origin, living conditions, and processing method:

100% grass-fed cattle from Europe (for type I & III)

Wild-caught or sustainably farmed fish (for type I)

Egg or chicken membrane (for type II)

Choose a brand that actively shares its sourcing, preferably with certifications like Friend of the Sea or halal.

2. Gentle production process

Collagen ingredients can be processed in different ways, each with unique characteristics.

Enzymatically hydrolysed collagen is broken down into smaller peptides, making it easier to digest and absorb.High-quality collagen hydrolysates are produced using enzymes rather than harsh chemicals or excessive heat. Avoid products that only mention “hydrolysis” without explaining the method.

Undenatured collagen-rich ingredients are processed at low temperatures to preserve their native structure and naturally occurring matrix of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans and other bioactive compounds.

Both approaches serve different purposes.

3. Low molecular weight (< 3000 Da)

For hydrolysed collagen specifically, check whether the manufacturer discloses the average molecular weight of the collagen peptides. This gives an indication of how extensively the collagen has been hydrolysed.

High-quality collagen hydrolysates are often in the range of 2–3 kDa. Peptides in this range are generally considered small enough to be efficiently digested and absorbed while maintaining their structural integrity.

4. Tested for purity

Reliable brands have their collagen independently tested for contaminants such as:

Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium)

Antibiotic residues

Pathogens (like salmonella)

Dioxins and PCBs

Make sure you choose a product that is transparent about test results you can request.

How to use collagen peptides?

The amount of collagen peptides you use daily depends on personal preference and diet. Scientific studies have examined a wide range of dosages, typically between 2.5 and 15 grams per day.

A daily intake of 5 to 10 grams is most common. Higher dosages have also been studied for specific uses. The exact amount depends on the product and your goals.

Collagen peptides are neutral in taste and dissolve well in warm or cold drinks. You can easily add them to water, coffee, tea, soup, smoothies, or yogurt.

When you take collagen doesn’t matter much. What’s important is taking it daily and consistently. It may take several months before you notice changes in your skin’s appearance.

Want to know exactly how much collagen fits your goals? Read more in our detailed article: How much collagen do I need?

The right collagen choice starts with knowledge

Collagen is not a trend, but a structural protein with a crucial role in your body. Origin, production process, purity, and composition determine whether you choose a thoughtful product — or a generic one.

At NoordCode, we take these details seriously. That’s why we offer three carefully formulated options, suited to different preferences and routines:

NoordCode Pure Collagen is a collagen hydrolysate from 100% grass-fed cattle from Western Europe. It contains collagen types I, III, and traces of V and is enzymatically processed for optimal solubility. Its neutral flavour makes it ideal for hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate, and also perfect for use in broth, stews, or smoothies.

Is bovine not your thing? Pure Marine Collagen offers a rich source of type I collagen, sourced from MSC-certified wild-caught North Atlantic cod. It is carefully produced to meet the highest standards of quality, purity, and sustainability. It has a clean, neutral taste with no fishy aftertaste. You can easily add it to your morning coffee without even noticing it's there.

NoordCode Complete Collagen is a broad-spectrum formula with collagen types I, II, III, V, and X. It contains collagen from 100% grass-fed bovine, sustainably caught fish (Naticol®), egg membrane (Ovomet®), and undenatured fish collagen type II, enriched with natural vitamin C from acerola and 7 grams of glycine per serving. The light sweet-sour taste makes it suitable for fresh applications: from lemon water, to smoothies, and yogurt. To preserve the native structure of the undenatured eggshell membrane, Complete Collagen is not intended for use in hot drinks or heated dishes. Complete Collagen is available in a neutral and orange flavour.

All NoordCode products are free from unnecessary additives, and tested for purity.