You Can Hydrate and Fill Up on Protein at the Same Time With This New Collagen Water

Incorporating collagen into your diet has become an increasingly popular part of wellness routines, and now the trend has collided with bottled water. Vital Proteins just launched its first ready-to-drink beverage, and each 12-ounce bottle packs a collagen punch — 10 grams, to be exact. The Collagen Water ($4.50 each) comes in five refreshing flavors: Original (a "citrus twist on a neutral taste"), Strawberry Lemon, Blackberry Hibiscus, Lemon Ginger, and Blueberry Mint, each with 60 or fewer calories. The water is dairy- and gluten-free, has three or fewer grams of sugar, and is made without artificial colors or sweeteners (shout-out to monk fruit extract for a touch of natural sweetness).

You might already be familiar with the popular Vital Proteins collagen peptides, which some of our editors add to smoothies, water, and coffee. Collagen has many of the same benefits as protein powder but without the same taste that some people find overbearing. In addition, the protein-packed substance can help support healthy hair, nails, bones, and joints. Drinking it in bottled-water form eliminates an extra step of scooping and stirring, so consider me on board.

As a reminder, Vital Proteins collagen is not vegetarian or vegan because it's made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle (collagen is found in our bodies, too). If you're already hooked on its benefits, get up close with the new waters ahead, and shop for them online and on store shelves later this spring.