Understanding the Difference: Gelatin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, and Collagen Peptides

Dairy gelatin Are hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides the same? And how do they relate to gelatin? Let me explain the key differences among them in just a minute.

Gelatin

Gelatin typically appears as light yellow or colorless and transparent, with some color variations depending on its source and processing method. It is commonly available in powder, granule, or sheet form. Due to its gelling properties, gelatin forms a solid gel-like substance when dissolved.

Gelatin is derived from the partial hydrolysis of animal skin, bones, or connective tissues. This includes the skins, bones, tendons, ligaments, and scales of animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and fish. These materials must pass quarantine inspections at slaughterhouses, meatpacking plants, canneries, and markets. Additionally, gelatin can be made from trimmings of hides, split hides, and clean bone particles from bone processing factories, as well as naturally air-dried bone materials.

As a macromolecular protein, gelatin possesses notable gelling properties. It is widely used as a thickener and gelling agent in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Hydrolyzed Collagen typically appears as a fine powder, ranging from light yellow to pale white. It is lighter in color compared to gelatin and, when dissolved, it becomes completely transparent and lacks gelling properties.

Hydrolyzed collagen is created by further hydrolyzing gelatin, which breaks its molecular chains into smaller peptide chains. The raw materials used for hydrolyzed collagen are sourced from edible or pharmaceutical gelatin production units registered with relevant government authorities. Consequently, hydrolyzed collagen is also known as “hydrolyzed gelatin.”

Due to its process, hydrolyzed collagen has higher water solubility than gelatin, though it still maintains a relatively large molecular weight. This makes it particularly suitable for use in skincare and health products.

Collagen Peptides

Collagen Peptides usually appear as pale yellow or nearly white, which is lighter than hydrolyzed collagen. They are often found in ultra-fine powder or granule form. These peptides dissolve exceptionally well, resulting in a clear, colorless solution and lack gelling properties.

Collagen peptides are created by further hydrolyzing hydrolyzed collagen, which breaks it down into even smaller peptide molecules. The raw materials for producing collagen peptides not only include those used for gelatin but also extend to edible aquatic animals like fish swim bladders, echinoderms, and jellyfish.

Given their small molecular weight and high absorption rate, collagen peptides are ideal for high-end health supplements and sports nutrition products. They are particularly valued for their effectiveness in supporting body repair and enhancing skin health.