[RealFood=Reporter Seong-yeon Yook] Collagen has become an inner-beauty staple in the U.S., and food and beverage brands are rushing to launch products that tap into that trend.According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT)’s export information service (KATI), manufacturers are moving beyond powdered supplements into ready-to-drink formats like sparkling water. Collagen is emerging as a fresh direction in the functional-beverage market.
Nestlé affiliate Vital Proteins recently introduced a sparkling water that features Verisol collagen peptides and vitamin C. The beverage contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners and is available in three flavors: Strawberry Blossom, Lemon Lime, and Blood Orange.
The launch reflects growing consumer interest in skin health and beauty ingredients. Market researcher SPINS reports that 33% of consumers name skin, hair, and beauty as their primary goals when choosing supplements. Innova Market Insights found that among new food and beverage products marketed for beauty, collagen is the second-most-used ingredient — signaling that collagen is becoming as mainstream as protein or dietary fiber.
Brands such as Monster Energy and Unwell Beverages have also rolled out collagen-infused drinks, stepping into the competition.
An aT official said, “Collagen is no longer confined to supplements; it’s rapidly moving into food and beverage categories like sparkling waters and ready-to-drink products. As consumers continue to pursue skin health alongside overall wellness, we expect more collagen-led beverage launches.”