What is hydrolyzed collagen?

Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen protein that has been broken down into smaller pieces called peptides. On ingredient labels, “collagen peptides” and “collagen hydrolysate” are commonly used names for this processed form of collagen. The term describes the ingredient—not a flavour, a quality grade, or a promise about what a finished product will do.

What does “hydrolyzed” mean?

Hydrolysis breaks larger protein chains into smaller pieces. Collagen hydrolysates are made by processing collagen or gelatin under controlled conditions. Different raw materials and processing methods can produce different peptide mixtures. The ingredient's name alone does not tell you the exact process or peptide sizes used in a particular product.

For technical background on the ingredient and its processing, see the research paper Non-targeted and targeted analysis of collagen hydrolysates during the course of digestion and absorption. This is background reading, not evidence of a tested health outcome for BUF.

Collagen, beef protein, and whey are not the same label

Collagen is an animal-derived protein. Its source can vary, so “collagen” alone does not establish whether an ingredient comes from cattle, fish, or another animal. Whey is a milk-derived protein; it is a different ingredient. A chocolate flavour also tells you nothing by itself about the underlying protein source.

Read the full ingredient list rather than relying on a broad phrase such as “protein powder.” In BUF, the protein ingredient is hydrolyzed beef collagen sourced from beef bones. BUF is not whey protein and is not a vegan or vegetarian product.

What's in a chocolate collagen powder?

The answer depends on the product. BUF contains three ingredients: hydrolyzed beef collagen protein, organic alkalized cocoa powder, and sucralose. Cocoa gives the formula its chocolate flavour; a small amount of sucralose provides light sweetness.

“Organic” here describes the cocoa ingredient. The three-ingredient description is not a claim that every ingredient, or the entire finished product, is certified organic. Likewise, sugar-free does not mean unsweetened: BUF is sweetened with sucralose.

Read the serving size alongside the protein amount

The existing BUF label lists a 28g scoop and 21g of protein per scoop. These are different measurements: one is the amount of powder, the other is the protein within that serving. The same serving lists 116 calories, 4g carbohydrates, 2g fibre, and 0g sugars. Each pouch contains 840g (1.8 lb).

See the original label and readable nutrition details together. Use the actual product label when reviewing ingredients, serving information, or dietary needs.

What does halal sourcing mean for BUF?

BUF's beef-bone collagen comes from a halal-certified source. Our FAQ explains the sourcing and ingredients in more detail.

Ready to explore the chocolate side? Read our serving inspiration for hot drinks, smoothies, and baking, or meet the founders behind the two-year recipe-development story on Our Story.