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Informed Sport
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Collagen is one of those supplements where the shelf looks simple until you actually read the labels. Some are unflavoured powders built for training, some are marine, and some are fruity protein waters you drink like a soft drink. Here is an honest look at the best collagen we stock in New Zealand and who each one actually suits.
The short answer
- Best overall for people who train: Pillar Performance Collagen Repair. It is Informed Sport certified and built around types I and III collagen.
- Best marine collagen: EHPlabs OxyGlow, an unflavoured marine collagen you can stir into anything.
- Best if you would rather drink it: Nexus Super Protein, a clear collagen protein water that tastes like a light fruity drink.
- Buying in bulk: the 510g Pillar tub gives you 100 serves and a lower cost per day.
Collagen is a support supplement, not a magic fix. It works best next to enough total protein, good training and time.
What to look for in a collagen
Collagen is the main structural protein in your connective tissue, so it is popular with people who load their joints, tendons and ligaments through training. A few things separate a good option from a gimmick.
Type matters. Types I and III are the two you will see most often, because they are the most common types in the body. Most quality collagen supplements are built around them.
Peptides are about the form. "Collagen peptides" or "hydrolysed collagen" just means the collagen has been broken into smaller chains. That makes it mix cleanly and sit lighter in the stomach, which is why so many daily collagens use this form.
Testing matters if you compete. If you are a tested athlete, an Informed Sport certified product takes the guesswork out of what is in the tub.
Format is personal. Some people want an unflavoured powder they can hide in coffee. Others will only stay consistent if it tastes good, and a ready-to-drink collagen water wins there.
The best collagen we stock
Pillar Performance Collagen Repair
This is our top pick for anyone who trains hard. Pillar Collagen Repair is an unflavoured types I and III collagen designed to support the connective tissue that lifting, running and field sport load up. The big draw is that it is Informed Sport certified, so every batch is screened against a banned-substance list. That is a real point of difference if you play a tested sport or just want extra peace of mind.
It comes in a 250g tub with 50 serves and a 510g tub with 100 serves. If you already know collagen is part of your routine, the larger tub is the smarter buy per serve.
EHPlabs OxyGlow marine collagen
OxyGlow is a marine collagen sourced from fish rather than beef. It is unflavoured, so it disappears into water, a smoothie or your morning coffee. Marine collagen is a good pick if you would rather avoid bovine sources or you just prefer a lighter option. One scoop a day is easy to stay consistent with.
Nexus Super Protein
If you know you will never stick with a powder, drink your collagen instead. Nexus Super Protein is a clear collagen protein water from a New Zealand-owned brand, and it tastes like a light, fizzy fruit drink rather than a shake. To be clear, it is collagen based, not a whey protein, so treat it as an easy way to add some protein and collagen on the go rather than a full whey replacement.
It comes in a big flavour range, including Ice Cola, Peach Mango and Pink Lemonade. There are also handy 12-packs if you want a carton in the fridge.
Inspired Protein Water
Inspired Protein Water is another drinkable option in the clear-protein style. It is light and refreshing, which makes it an easy sip after training or through a warm day. Flavours like Peach Mango and Passionfruit lean fruity and clean. Like Nexus, this suits people who want something easy to drink rather than a thick shake.
How the picks compare
| Product | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pillar Collagen Repair 250g | Tested athletes and hard trainers | Informed Sport certified, types I and III |
| Pillar Collagen Repair 510g | Best value per serve | 100 serves in the tub |
| EHPlabs OxyGlow | A marine, non-beef option | Unflavoured, mixes into anything |
| Nexus Super Protein | Drinking it instead of mixing | Clear collagen water, not whey |
| Inspired Protein Water | A light, fruity daily sip | Refreshing clear-protein style |
Where NZ Supps fits
We carry the full collagen range and ship it fast anywhere in New Zealand, with free shipping over $99. If you are still weighing up whether collagen fits your goals, our Pillar Performance guide digs into the brand, and omega-3 for joints covers another support supplement people often pair with it.
Not sure where collagen sits in your wider routine? The Find Your Stack quiz helps you build a plan around your training. If you liked the sound of the drinkable options, our best protein water in NZ roundup is worth a read too.
FAQ
What is the difference between collagen types I and III and collagen peptides? Types I and III describe the kind of collagen, which are the two most common types found in the body's connective tissue. Peptides describe the form, meaning the collagen has been broken down into smaller chains so it mixes easily and is simple to take daily. Many collagen products are types I and III in a peptide form, so you often get both.
Is collagen worth taking if I train? A lot of lifters and runners take collagen to support the connective tissue that training loads up, alongside a solid diet and a sensible program. It is not a substitute for protein or for good training. Think of it as one supporting piece rather than the main event.
Which collagen is best if I get drug tested? Pillar Performance Collagen Repair is Informed Sport certified, which means each batch is tested against a banned-substance list. If you compete in a tested sport, that certification is the safest starting point in our range.
How do I take collagen? Unflavoured powders like Pillar mix into water, coffee or a smoothie once a day, and many people take it around training. Drinkable options like Nexus Super Protein and Inspired Protein Water are already flavoured, so you just chill and drink. Consistency matters more than exact timing.
Is Nexus Super Protein whey or collagen? Nexus Super Protein is a clear collagen protein water, not a whey protein. It is light, fruity and easy to sip, which makes it a good option if heavy whey shakes do not sit well with you.
