💬 Collagen Chat: Marine vs Bovine — Which One’s Right for You?

Let’s talk collagen. Whether you’ve just started seeing it pop up in your smoothies and skincare, or you’re deep into your wellness era, collagen is one of those supplements that can leave people wondering: what actually is it, and which kind should I take — marine or bovine?

At Coconut Greens, we’re all about cutting through the confusion with real, feel-good advice. So here’s your breakdown on what collagen is, how it helps, and how to choose the right type for you.

Spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all — but there is a best fit depending on your lifestyle, goals, and values 💚

 

🧬 First up: What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body — kind of like scaffolding that keeps your skin smooth, joints cushioned, hair strong, and gut lining supported. We naturally make it, but from our mid-20s onwards, production slows down (and yes, that’s when the fine lines and creaky knees can sneak in 👀).

That’s where collagen supplements come in — helping to replenish what your body’s not making as much of anymore.

 

🐟 Marine Collagen vs 🐄 Bovine Collagen: What’s the Difference?

Let’s break it down simply.

	Marine Collagen	Bovine Collagen
Source	Fish skin & scales	Cow hides & connective tissue
Type	Primarily Type I	Mostly Type I & Type III
Absorption	More bioavailable (smaller peptides)	Still effective, but slower to absorb
Taste	Neutral & light (depending on brand)	Stronger flavour profile
Sustainability	Often made from fish by-products (low waste)	Depends on farming & processing
Best for	Skin, hair, nails, gut, muscle and joint health	Joints, skin elasticity, muscle recovery

 

🌿 So… Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s the thing: both marine and bovine collagen can support your health. They just do it in slightly different ways — and some benefits overlap.

If you’re mainly looking for glowing skin, hair growth, stronger nails, muscle and joint health and gut support, marine collagen (rich in Type I collagen) tends to be the winner. It’s absorbed more efficiently by the body and aligns with a more pescatarian or plant-forward lifestyle — which is why it’s our pick at Coconut Greens.

But if your goals are more about joint recovery, bone strength, or muscle support, and you’re okay with land-based animal products, bovine collagen may suit your needs too.

 

💚 Why We Lean Marine at Coconut Greens

We chose marine collagen as a hero ingredient in our routines for a few simple reasons:

✅ Superior absorption – up to 1.5x more bioavailable than bovine

✅ Beauty-focused benefits – supports glowing skin, strong nails & hair health

✅ Sustainably sourced – often made using parts of fish that would otherwise go to waste

✅ Gentle on the gut – ideal for those with sensitivities to dairy

✅ Light taste – blends beautifully into smoothies, matcha, or even your Coconut Greens mug cake 😉

And let’s be real — for those of us trying to eat more plants and less red meat, marine just feels like a better fit.

 

🌱 Plant-Forward? Here's the Balance.

While collagen itself isn’t vegan (it’s an animal protein), marine collagen is often the preferred choice for those living a more plant-forward, conscious lifestyle. It’s clean, low-waste, and more aligned with wellness-focused, sustainable choices. Think of it as a smart addition to your daily routine — especially when paired with wholefoods, antioxidants, and supergreens (wink wink 🌿).

 

👋 The Takeaway

At the end of the day, the “better” collagen is the one that suits you — your body, your values, your lifestyle.

Both marine and bovine offer benefits. It’s just about knowing what you’re looking for and making a choice that feels aligned.

Whichever you choose, collagen works best as part of a whole, nutrient-rich routine — Paired with your daily Coconut Greens? You’ve just levelled up your routine.