“Vegan” collagen: opportunities in the vegan and vegetarian markets
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, as it makes up the tissues. Its function is to aid in the binding and firming of connective tissues such as muscles, tendons, bones and cartilage.
Because of this, collagen is known for its contribution to the proper functioning of these tissues, but also for the benefits it has for improving the elasticity and hydration of the skin, nails and hair, and for delaying the signs of aging..
Its consumption is recommended after the age of 30, when the body slows down its production, leading to wrinkles and dry skin, along with other degenerative problems of tissues and tendons. Collagen is 100% animal derived from the tissues and joints of some mammals or from fish scales. This makes it a product out of the reach of people who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. However, a vegan “collagen”, ideal for this type of people, has been marketed for some years now.
How does vegan collagen work?
The human body produces collagen to a greater extent during the first years of life and in general, when it is adequately nourished. This is the objective of the so-called vegan collagen; to enhance the natural production of collagen in the body. Therefore, it is not a collagen as such, but a combination of enzymes, vitamins and substances that help the production of the protein.
Some of the substances that make up vegan collagen are:
- Vitamins C, A and E
- Yeast
- Zinc
- Antioxidants
- Biotin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Fruit and vegetable extracts
Benefits of vegan collagen
Like traditional collagen, the benefits of vegan collagen are numerous; however, its effectiveness is linked to the body’s ability to absorb the ingredients responsible for stimulating collagen production, which depends on the age and metabolism of each individual.
However, the best-known benefits of vegan collagen include:
- Increased energy.
- Improved immune system.
- Balancing of seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Improved sleep.
- Reduces anxiety.
- Protects the liver.
- Improves scarring.
Why produce vegan collagen
Although relatively new, this product has had great acceptance among the vegetarian and vegan public, because it is a natural alternative and because it has some benefits that traditional collagen does not have, such as:
- Avoids possible allergic reactions to animal components.
- It is ideal for animal lovers, as it does not include animal ingredients.
- It is more economic to produce than traditional collagen.
On the other hand, the vegan market is one of the fastest growing and potential markets in the world. In 2018 it reached a value of $14.8 billion and is expected to reach $31.4 billion by 2026.1Now, the specific segment of nutritional supplements made from plants reached a value of 4.2 billion in 2018 and is expected to have a growth of up to 7 billion, by 2026.2
The best format for your herbal collagen supplement
Both animal collagen and its vegan counterpart are available in a variety of presentations ranging from traditional powder for mixing, tablets, capsules, gummies and even in liquid, ready-to-drink form.
The most suitable presentation for your product depends on several factors, including its composition, target segment and production costs.
The best products are those containing Vitamin C, as this ingredient helps the body to synthesize protein naturally. Moreover, if the purpose of the collagen enhancer consumption is purely aesthetic, it is recommended to consume products that also include vitamin E, A and antioxidants.
Whatever the composition of the product, the recommendation is to make it in a format that favors absorption, which is achieved more quickly through liquids.
The liquid presentation of vegan collagen is not the most popular, with a few brands offering the product with a dropper dispenser or in single-dose sachets. These tend to be more expensive and less common in the market.
Fortunately, there is a more affordable option for packaging your vegan collagen in liquid form and that is the liquid-filled hard capsule.
Advantages of vegan collagen liquid filled capsules
Liquid-filled hard capsules are a format that includes the best of both worlds: the convenience and economy of a hard capsule, with the benefits and efficacy of liquid formulations.
Liquids are more bioavailable than any of their tablet or powder counterparts, which means they are more readily absorbed by the body and, consequently, pass into the blood stream faster.
In addition, with the vegetable version of these capsules, made from HPMC or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the risk of altering the vegan or vegetarian diet is eliminated.
On the other hand, the liquid-filled hard capsules come in a wide variety of sizes, so that the desired dose of collagen can be adjusted according to the different nutritional needs of the individual or the target segment.
With powder, for example, there is a single dose, which must be administered to all types of patients. Therefore, if an individual requires a lower dose, he or she will have to use the single presentation partially, with the danger that the remainder may be contaminated or wasted.
Another benefit of liquid-filled hard capsules is that their production can be faster and more cost-efficient than others. With powders or tablets, for example, mixing the dry ingredients may take several steps to achieve the desired homogeneity of the product.
With a liquid formulation, on the other hand, all the dry ingredients are mixed together with a liquid excipient in a single step. In addition, this process avoids the dispersion of the dry components, which can occur in the manufacture of tablets and generates waste.
Compared to other presentations such as soft capsules, the liquid formulation in hard capsule is also more convenient in terms of cost, since its manufacture can be done at the producer’s facilities and with the same dry encapsulation machines. While soft capsules must be made with special equipment, it is usually better to outsource the process, which implies delivering the formulation to an external supplier.
Vegan collagen is an excellent alternative to traditional collagen and is a very attractive product for the ever-growing vegan and vegetarian market. Therefore, it is interesting to analyze each of its production possibilities and possible formats, without forgetting that there are more and more competitors joining this market and that it is essential to offer a product that is not only cost-efficient and profitable, but also attractive and differential to the public.
References
1Allied market Research, Vegan Food Market by Product Type (Dairy Alternative, Meat Substitute and others) and Distribution Channel (Offline and Online): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026.
2Allied market Research, Plant Based Protein Supplement Market by Nature (Organic and Conventional), by product type (Soy, Spirulina, Pumpkin Seed, Pea and others), by form (Protein Powder, Protein Bar and Ready-to-drink), by application (Sports Nutrition and Supplement Nutrition) and Distribution Channel (Hypermarket/Supermarket, Specialty Store and online Store): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026.
