Vegan collagen: What’s behind it and what plant-based alternatives are available

“Vegan collagen” is now on many products – as powder, capsules or a drink. The term sounds catchy, but it is technically a contradiction: collagen is an animal-derived structural protein and is not found in plants.

So what is actually in products sold as a vegan collagen alternative? In this article, we clarify the most important terms: what collagen is in the body, why the term “vegan collagen” is not legally accurate, which four product groups lie behind it – and what statements such as molecular size or amino acid profile really mean.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most common protein in the human body and an essential component of connective and supporting tissue. It makes up approx. 25–30% of the body’s total protein and gives numerous tissues their structure, firmness and mechanical resilience. The skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage are particularly rich in collagen, among others. [3, 4]

At least 28 different types of collagen have been identified in humans so far, which differ in their structure, distribution and function. The best-known include collagen types I, II, III, IV and V. [4, 5]

• Type I: The most common type, mainly found in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and cornea.
• Type II: An essential component of cartilage tissue, especially articular cartilage.
• Type III: Forms fine, so-called reticular fibers, among others in skin, blood vessels, lungs and liver.
• Type IV: Forms net-like structures and is an important component of basement membranes.
• Type V: Found among others in skin, tendons, bones and placenta, often together with collagen type I.

The typical amino acid pattern

Collagen has a very characteristic structure: Three polypeptide chains wind together into a triple helix. For this to work spatially, every third amino acid is glycine – the smallest amino acid of all. The sequence glycine–proline–hydroxyproline often repeats. [6, 7]

Hydroxyproline is the special feature. This amino acid is not incorporated directly, but is formed by the conversion of proline in the body. Vitamin C is a necessary cofactor for this. Hydroxyproline restricts the mobility of the chain and thus stabilizes the helix. In analysis, it serves as a marker for collagen. [8]

This is also the only proven link between a nutrient and collagen formation: Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin. This nutrient function is scientifically assessed and approved in the EU as a health claim. [9, 10]

Why “vegan collagen” does not exist

Collagen is defined in EU food law. According to Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004, collagen used in food may only be produced from animal raw materials: [2]

• Hides and skins of ruminants kept as livestock
• Pig skin and bones
• Poultry skin and bones
• Tendons and ligaments
• Hides and skins of free-ranging game
• Fish skin and bones

Plants do not form collagen. A product containing real collagen can therefore not be vegan – and a vegan product contains no collagen. “Vegan collagen” is thus a contradiction in terms.

Crucial for classification: Products offered under this name therefore contain something else. The next section shows which groups these are.

What is sold in stores as “vegan collagen”

In practice, very different products are behind the term. Four groups can be distinguished.

1. Collagen boosters with vitamins and minerals

These products contain no collagen or collagen alternative, but nutrients that are involved in the body’s own collagen formation – above all vitamin C. For vitamin C, the above-mentioned claim regarding normal collagen formation is approved. [9, 10]

The approach is therefore not to supply collagen, but to provide the body’s own metabolism with the necessary nutrients.

2. Amino acid mixtures

Here, individual amino acids that occur frequently in collagen are combined, such as glycine, proline and lysine. They are usually obtained through fermentation and are therefore plant-based or microbial.

These are free amino acids, not peptides: The chain structure typical of collagen is missing.

3. Hydrolyzed plant peptides

This is the newest and technically most complex group. Here, proteins from plants are specifically broken down into short peptide chains. The goal is an amino acid profile that closely resembles that of collagen – especially with glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.

An example of this is peptides from the hibiscus plant, which we will look at in more detail in the next section.

4. Biotechnologically produced collagen-like proteins

With the help of microorganisms such as yeasts, proteins can be produced that mimic human collagen. Such processes have so far been used mainly in cosmetics and medical technology. For use in food, approval as a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 would be required in the EU. [11]

Plant peptides from hibiscus

The hibiscus plant Hibiscus sabdariffa is known primarily as a tea plant. But it is also interesting for plant-based collagen alternatives: Researchers have identified the dipeptide glycine-proline in its plant cells, whose amino acids are important components of the collagen structure. [12]

Using a patented process, the peptide complex VC-H1® is obtained from the plant cell wall proteins of hibiscus. This produces short peptide chains, predominantly di- and tripeptides. Hydroxyproline, an amino acid characteristic of collagen, was also detected in the hibiscus extract. [13]

VC-H1® is the only ingredient from CollagenLike. [1]

Important for clarification: These peptides are not collagen and are not referred to as such. They are a plant-based alternative to animal collagen peptides with a comparable amino acid pattern.

What the laboratory analysis shows

For CollagenLike, amino acid analyses from the raw material manufacturer as well as independent, accredited laboratories in Germany are available (test reports from 04.03.2026 and 06.05.2026). The three amino acids typical of collagen are distributed as follows: [1, 14]

Amino acid	Content per 100 g of product
Glycine	15.94 g
Hydroxyproline	13.05 g
Proline	3.07 g
Total protein	51.5 g

The comparatively high hydroxyproline content is unusual for a plant-based product and is the actual distinguishing feature compared to simple amino acid mixtures.

What molecular size indicates – and what it does not

With collagen peptides and their plant-based alternatives, molecular size is often advertised, given in Daltons (Da). It describes the molecular mass of the peptides and depends on the degree of hydrolysis. The more strongly the proteins are broken down, the shorter the resulting peptides are. [15, 16]

For classification of the sizes:

• Native collagen is a large structural protein and is poorly digestible by the body.
• Gelatin is formed when collagen is thermally denatured.
• Collagen peptides are further broken down gelatin. The typical size is product-dependent and differs significantly depending on the manufacturing process and raw material.

For the plant peptide complex VC-H1® in CollagenLike, a molecular size analysis using MALDI-TOF/MS showed that over 92% of the examined peptides have a molecular mass of at most 500 Daltons. [1]

Crucial for classification: Molecular size describes a measurable property of the contained peptides, namely the degree of hydrolysis. Smaller peptides may be important for absorption in the body. However, the actual bioavailability depends on other factors and cannot be determined solely on the basis of molecular size. [16, 17]

What is known from research

The plant peptide complex VC-H1® from hibiscus is already being scientifically researched. In addition to preclinical studies, a twelve-week pilot study in humans provides initial insights and interesting approaches for further research. [12, 18, 19]

The special properties of the raw material are also in focus. Its origin and composition are documented, and the amino acid profile has been analytically examined. Other product properties such as the molecular size distribution can be determined with special analytical methods. [18, 19]

Specific health claims for collagen peptides and plant-based collagen alternatives are currently not approved in the EU. [20]

What you can look out for with plant-based collagen alternatives

Because the market is confusing, a few straightforward questions help:

• What does the ingredients list say? The composition shows whether the product contains plant peptides, amino acids or a mixture of different nutrients.
• Are analyses mentioned? Statements about amino acids or molecular size should be supported by test reports.
• Is the intake amount comprehensible? While up to 20 g per day is recommended for animal collagen products, the amounts for plant-based alternatives are often lower, e.g. 1.5 to 5 g for CollagenLike. The daily portion varies depending on the product and composition.
• How do the advertising claims sound? Look for factual information instead of unsubstantiated promises about skin, wrinkles or joints.
• Are “vegan” and “collagen” combined? This is an indication that the term is not being used properly.

Frequently asked questions

Is hibiscus collagen real collagen?

No. “Hibiscus collagen” is a colloquial term for plant peptides from the hibiscus plant. Hibiscus contains no collagen. It refers to hydrolyzed plant peptides with a collagen-like amino acid profile.

Can the body convert plant peptides into collagen?

The body forms collagen itself and uses amino acids from food for this. What contribution a specific protein source makes to this cannot be deduced from the composition alone. Only the role of vitamin C as a cofactor in the hydroxylation of proline is proven. [3, 4, 5, 10]

What is the difference to collagen boosters?

Collagen boosters provide nutrients such as vitamin C, but no peptides. Plant peptide complexes provide peptides, but no vitamins. They are two different approaches.

Why are plant-based collagen alternatives more expensive?

The price reflects the effort: Plant proteins must first be isolated and then specifically broken down. Animal collagen, on the other hand, is an established byproduct of meat and fish processing.

Discover CollagenLike at PureRaw

Would you like to try a plant-based alternative to animal collagen peptides? Our CollagenLike consists of 100% of the hibiscus peptide complex VC-H1® – without animal ingredients and without additives. It has a mild taste, is highly soluble and can be stirred into water, coffee, smoothies or porridge.

Learn more about CollagenLike

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. This article serves to inform about terms and product groups and does not replace individual advice. No health claims are approved in the EU for collagen and plant-based collagen alternatives; no health effects can be derived from the mentioned analyses and studies.

Scientific sources

1. PureRaw (2026). CollagenLike from hibiscus. Product information and manufacturer information on composition, amino acid profile and molecular size distribution. Product page
2. European Parliament and Council (2004). Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 on hygiene rules for food of animal origin. Annex III, Section XV: Collagen. EUR-Lex
3. Gelse, K., Pöschl, E. & Aigner, T. (2003). Collagens—structure, function, and biosynthesis. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 55(12), 1531–1546. PubMed
4. Ricard-Blum, S. (2011). The collagen family. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 3(1), a004978. PMC
5. Gillies, A. R. & Lieber, R. L. (2011). Structure and function of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix. Muscle & Nerve, 44(3), 318–331. PubMed
6. Gordon, M. K. & Hahn, R. A. (2010). Collagens. Cell and Tissue Research, 339, 247–257. PubMed
7. Shoulders, M. D. & Raines, R. T. (2009). Collagen structure and stability. Annual Review of Biochemistry, 78, 929–958. PMC
8. Rappu, P., Salo, A. M., Myllyharju, J. & Heino, J. (2019). Role of prolyl hydroxylation in the molecular interactions of collagens. Essays in Biochemistry, 63(3), 325–335. PubMed
9. European Commission (2012). Regulation (EU) No. 432/2012 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. Official Journal of the European Union, L 136, 1–40. EUR-Lex
10. EFSA NDA Panel (2009). Scientific Opinion on Health Claims Related to Vitamin C, including normal collagen formation. EFSA Journal, 7(10), Article 1226. EFSA Journal
11. European Parliament and Council (2015). Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods. Official Journal of the European Union, L 327, 1–22. EUR-Lex
12. Kim, H. et al. (2023). The Dipeptide Gly-Pro (GP), Derived from Hibiscus sabdariffa, Exhibits Potent Antifibrotic Effects by Regulating the TGF-β1-ATF4-Serine/Glycine Biosynthesis Pathway. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(17), 13616. PubMed
13. RAWGA. VC-H1® Botanic Collagen Peptides. Manufacturer information
14. GBA Group. Certificate of analysis for test report 26303610-001 from 04.03.2026. Independent, accredited laboratory; heavy metals, microbiology, pesticides and amino acid spectrum. PDF
15. Rutherfurd, S. M. (2010). Methodology for Determining Degree of Hydrolysis of Proteins in Hydrolysates: A Review. Journal of AOAC International, 93(5), 1515–1522. PubMed
16. Zhao, L., Gao, P., Zhang, Y. et al. (2024). Measurement of degree of hydrolysis and molecular weight distribution of protein hydrolysates by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Talanta, 268(Pt 1), 125347. PubMed
17. Virgilio, N. et al. (2024). Absorption of Bioactive Peptides Following Collagen Hydrolysate Intake: A Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Study in Healthy Individuals. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11, 1416643. PubMed
18. Baek, Y. et al. (2025). Hibiscus Collagen Alternative (VC-H1) as an Oral Skin Rejuvenating Agent: A 12-Week Pilot Study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(15), 7291. PubMed
19. Baek, Y. et al. (2025). Correction: Hibiscus Collagen Alternative (VC-H1) as an Oral Skin Rejuvenating Agent: A 12-Week Pilot Study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(20), 10115. PubMed
20. European Commission. EU Register of nutrition and health claims made on foods. Overview of approved and non-approved health claims. European Commission