Nourished Kitchen

Reviving Traditional Foods

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The Skinny on Gelatin

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collagen and peptides (1 of 1)

Gelatin, an old-fashioned, treat is enjoying a bit of a heyday right now, popularized by both the paleo diet and rising interest in the traditional foods movement.  Interest in bone broth, which is naturally rich in gelatin, has skyrocketed in the last year, and, likewise, so has gelatin.

Gelatin is rich in proteins that support skin, hair, nail and joint health.  Gelatin also plays a prominent role in gut-healing protocols like the GAPS diet.

In my home, I use gelatin mostly as a dietary supplement as well as for its many, many culinary uses.

What’s the difference between gelatin, collagen peptides and collagen protein?

If you’re wondering what the difference between gelatin, collagen, collagen protein and collagen peptides is, you’re not alone.  Collagen is the main structural protein of connective tissues in animals, and it’s most abundant in mammals.  Gelatin is the form of collagen that we use in our foods.  Collagen protein, which you can buy here and which we’re giving away below, is synonymous with gelatin.  Collagen peptides are used as a supplement, and, like collagen protein or gelatin, it is produced from the collagen-rich connective tissues from animals.

I’ve been using  the collagen products from Vital Proteins, who is sponsoring this giveaway, as they produce both collagen protein and collagen peptides from the hides of grass-fed cattle.

How to Use Collagen Protein

Collagen protein, available here with the green top, is a pasture-raised gelatin that can be used at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe calling for gelatin.  I use it to add to homemade broth bouillon cubes, panna cotta, homemade gummy candies, in pan sauces and in other recipes that want for thickening.  I also use collagen protein, coupled with coconut oil and essential oils, as a hair masque.

How to Use Collagen Peptides

Collagen peptides, available here with the blue top, function more like a supplement – providing the same proteins found in gelatin, but in a soluble form.  That is, where collagen protein thickens liquids to a firm set, collagen peptides dissolve in both cold and hot liquids.  I use a spoonful of collagen peptides stirred into my morning broth, butter tea, or smoothies for a boost of protein.  When my child’s breakfast has been particularly carb-heavy, I like to give him a boost of protein by stirring a spoonful into his juice or fresh milk.

Protein Front 660
Peptides Front 660

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Reader Interactions

What people are saying

  1. I’ve taken Upgraded Collegan (good but pricey) and Great Lakes (possibly not grassfed), so I’m
    already a convert to gelatin, but am searching
    for the ideal brand for me and my family. I would love to try Vital Proteins. It seems like it could be the best of the bunch!

  2. I have been recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer and would like to use this product to help me when my hair starts to grow back from chemotherapy. I also have some joint pains as I am in my 50’s.

    Thank you

    • Please check with a naturopath about using gelatin after chemo or while with breast cancer. Gelatin is chalk full of glutamine, a wonderful supplement for many, especially myself with Crohn’s disease….But a dangerous choice for my sister who has ovarian cancer. She learned that cancer cells feed on glutamine, and her naturopath does not recommend it. There may be other things to help grow hair back, like a good quality B complex vitamin. Best wishes to you!

    • Hi Jan
      Sorry I got to this thread late. You need to know that chemo kills more cancer patients than does the disease. There was a survey done among oncologists in Canada and one question asked was: “if you or a family member gets cancer, will you chose chemotherapy?” Over 80% said they would NOT chose chemo. It’s because they had learned thru their practice that the treatment was killing their patients. You should look at the many alternative cancer treatment centers all around the world that can kick that diseases’ ass! Some here in the US. do an internet search.

    • Hi Cheryl, you just need to follow the instructions in the widget under the headline “how to enter.”

    • Cheryl,
      It is confusing. You need to put in your name and email to log in. Then there will be an option to visit the facebook page or sign up for the newsletter. Each one that you choose gives you an entry.

  4. I am a brand new healthy eating convert. I have made a few of your recipes and my very very finicky family absolutely LOVED every single one! My family has no idea that I am in the midst of converting us to a new way of eating, and as long as the meals remain so tasty, I’ll have no resistance from them! I’m really excited about adding gelatin (Vital Protiens) to our foodstuffs! Unfortunately, because of not taking care of myself in younger years, I have suffered premature hair loss. I was told that besides genetics, female hairloss is a bodily response to unhealthy eating over a long period of time. So, I am being 100% honest when I say that I’m hoping that adding gelatin to my and my family’s diet will help to repair all the damage done to myself by yo-yo dieting for so many years. Besides, It never worked back then, and it never will. I guess we have all heard the old saying, “I wish I knew then, all I know now.” Take it from me… it is SO TRUE!!!. Namaste K.C.

    • Please let me know how your hair is doing with the gelatin added in to your diet. I’ve never tried gelatin/collagen and am considering buying some. Thank you!

  6. I’m losing muscle mass due to having SIBO and need something to add back in collagen and fatty acids because you have malabsorption with SIBO and your skin and muscle deteriorates.

  7. Many years ago I worked in a beef slaughterhouse. The spinal column was sold to Mexico for gelatin extraction?

  8. I have read that collegen is great for skin and bones. So since I have osteoporosis that would be good to try. I never heard of this brand before.

  9. Have had good results with broth. Interested in trying the gelatin. Thanks for all the good info.

  11. What a wonderful giveaway and a good website. I enjoyed reading about the differences in the proteins. I have been looking for a good explanation and for good source for gelatin. I certainly hope to win this one!!

  12. What if someone doesn’t have a Facebook account? Will they still be able to enter just by signing up for the mailing list?

  13. I really needed to hear about both of these. can’t wait to dig in to this good info!

  16. I have some grass-fed gelatin and I like the idea of using that as an additional protein source, but have had trouble figuring out how to use it.

    • Susan, I just put it any liquid that I cook with or food I prepare. Very easy. So far I’ve only used the Great Lakes brand (I only saw this brand today!) & I use the kind in the orange can in anything, drinks, smoothies, soups, etc. and make my own gelatin & gummies with the kind in the green can.

      • Opps, I got that backwards; the kind in the green can is fine in anything, the orange can kind need to go into hot liquids, to make it gel.

  17. Hi Jenny,
    I’ve been appreciating your work for a few years now. Time flies!
    I’m in New Zealand. Is this competition open to us Kiwis to enter?
    Wishing you and yours a super 2015.
    Susan.

    • Unfortunately, it’s for US residents only. Customs and shipping charges make it too difficult to ship these products out of the country.

  19. I entered because I use a TON of gelatin at home, this would be an awesome win. BTW, I don’t see a newsletter or subscribe button on Vital Proteins’ website, so I didn’t cheat and click that entry. Any ideas?

    • Tabatha, if you go to their home page all the way to the bottom of the page to sign up for the newsletter.

  21. A dream to win, I’d be able to try your recipes with this! Would be a lifetime customer probably.

  24. I’ve used Great Lakes… never heard of this brand – until today. Good information on their site.

  25. Wonderful giveaway!
    Having a multitude of digestive issues, one being, I am not able to digest meat.
    So, protein alternatives are always being looked for here! I do use gelatin, but not at this products particular nutrition- level.
    Thank you for this opportunity and the “new to me ” info. about this product. Sincerely-Danielle

  27. Wow! What a fantastic giveaway! Thanks for the chance! This is the first I have heard of this name rand and it looks amazing! For the lady looking for ideas on how to use the gelatin, I noticed tonight that the Vital Proteins Facebook page is a wealth of great ideas! There are some really creative ones there! Also, for the lady looking for how to sign up to the newsletter, just scroll right to the very bottom of the page!
    Thanks again!

  29. We do the bone broth and use gelatin on a daily basis, for both my husband’s and my health but especially for him with digestive concerns. It has made such a noticeable difference for him. Thank you for the providing us the opportunity to try this great product.
    Good Luck to all and Happy New Year

  30. What a terrific giveaway, Jenny! And thank you so much for all the info too. I really appreciate you explaining the difference between gelatin, collagen peptides and collagen protein. I’m definitely sharing this via social media! Happy New Year!

  31. I’m so glad to see this! I was looking into to trying this brand, which is new to me, so I’m happy to have some more I formation and see you endorsing this. Thanks!

  32. What a wonderful giveaway! I will love to win those products. I have never try those products before . That sound amazing. Thank you for explaining in detail what the products are are about.

  35. I can’t wait to try this, have been looking for a dedicated grass fed gelatin source! We use it so much..
    homemade marshmallows, broths etc.

  36. Winning this would be such a blessing. I am currently using Great Lakes due to a severe autoimmune condition and gut issues. Collagen has really turned my life around!!!

  38. I was thinking of trying collagen for healing an inflamed and possibly leaky gut (am trying the GAPS intro diet as well) but I read this question and answer about collagen from Dr. Campbell-McBride’s FAQ page and am now not so sure. Would appreciate any thoughts you have about this. Thanks.

    “Would supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen powder during the GAPS protocol be beneficial to further support gut healing?

    It is much better to have homemade meat stocks, bone broths and gelatinous meats to provide collagen for your gut. Supplements may have started from natural ingredients, but then they were subjected to industrial processes that make them unnatural. “

    • I would reach out to her and ask, specifically, what makes them “unnatural.” As far as I understand it, collagen is collagen is collagen. It’s wise to eat meat and bone broths, and not abandon them in favor of collagen supplements, but that doesn’t mean gelatin can’t also play a role in a whole foods diet (hello! honeyed panna cotta!). The reason I choose collagen products from grass-fed animals is primarily about animal welfare.

  39. Are these sugar free? Is there a sugar free option? This would be great way to meet protein goals after weight loss surgery.

  42. I can only assume Great Lakes is no longer flavour of the month? This is the second blog I have visited this evening that is suddenly ‘all hail’ for Vital Proteins. I realise this is how these blogs are funded but it is annoying when you have spend months trying to find a good source and price for Great Lakes in the UK (after reading many blogs like this and taking their recommendations ( Great Lakes) as reliable. I feel a bit foolish now and think maybe I should have just bought a cheap supermarket brand since they are probably all sourced form the same factory!

  43. I’m cooking for my elderly parents now, as they recover from a serious automobile accident last September. They are 85 and 86 and doing remarkably well, but, their eating habits weren’t the best even before, and I’m trying to sneakily improve them while giving them lots of enjoyment. I love the idea of being able to add protein to various dishes without it being obvious. I’ve already been using gelatin in soups and gravy, and they’ve loved it, so I look forward to trying this brand, which is new to me, and introducing the collagen peptides. Thanks for the giveaway!

  47. I would so love to win this. Have tried Great Lakes and understand this is superior. Hoping I win!!!

  48. I love making marshmallow root marshmallows and natural fruit juice gelatin for my kiddo. Have used Great Lakes but would like to try this brand specifically the different types. I think my husband would benefit greatly from this in his tea every morning.

  49. I am pleased to see another collagen product derived from pastured animals being offered. This is great! I’m eager to try a company different from what I have been sourcing from. I think that will help the competition in marketing a healthy product that people can count on for ages to come. Will Vital Proteins be that company?

  51. I have neurological health issues and I like to do things to aid my body to heal that are non-invasive.

  52. I have been eating a local real food diet, but am new to collagen and would love to see what it is like and what the benefits would be for me.

  55. Keep up the great work Jenny. I’m looking at a dietary shift to heal leaky gut and gelatin is on my list – love that stuff! Thanks for offering this through the giveaway. Looking forward to trying the butter tea. I make my own grassed ghee and use it with golden milk and other warming teas in winter, so your recipe is right up my alley! Happy New Year!

  57. I just ordered the collagen because I want to make the butter tea. I think that is what I need at night before bedtime. I have been having coffee and that just isn’t working. I also just copied the recipe for the Breakfast Quinoa and the Asian meatballs. I have a feeling I will be needing more rather quickly, so I hope I am one of the lucky 20.

  58. Great stuff! I “discovered” them at the recent W.A.Price Conference in Indy. Have been using it ever since. My fingernails have improved incredibly!!! Love, love, love!

  59. I didn’t realize there was another gelatin company providing high quality gelatin. The grass-fed guarantee of the products convinced me to switch brands!

  60. I’m so excited to start using these products! My husband has been begging me for weeks to order them. My gut is just gonna keep getting better when we start incorporating all of this goodness!

  63. I’m hypothyroid and my hair is falling out… I’m hoping I win this to see if it helps!

  66. I have health issues that I would like to address in the most non invasive “natural” way. I am a LMT and know our bodies can heal themselves & regain a balanced state.
    I would like to experience what these products can aid my body in accomplishing.

  67. Awesome! I found your site while doing research to determine which one to buy on amazon! What a coincidence that your having a giveaway for the products I was looking to buy!!

  70. I am confused about the source for collagen peptides. At first you state it is from connective tissues and later you state it is from the cow’s hide. These are different things. Even though I am confused I am glad to see a non-porcine source available.