Cake Batter Collagen Protein Bar Recipe (2024)

DIY Collagen Protein Bars

I’ve given protein powder a bad rap, since it’s usually highly processedand denatured. Conventional protein powders contain various stabilizers, additives, and artificial flavors.

When it comes to getting a boost of protein and amino acids, I recommend high-quality, grassfed collagen. I use and recommend Vital Proteins grassfed collagen– it’sahighlyadaptable way to increase your intake of highly digestible, nutrient-dense protein.(This is not a sponsored post, although I have worked with Vital Proteins before.I love their company and their products).

Benefits of collagen protein powder

Why collagen over otherprotein supplements?

• It supports skin health – The appearance of skin aging is partly due to our reduced rate of collagen synthesis after the age of 20.According to research by Vital Proteins, collagen improves skin health by stimulating fibroplast cells – the cells that produce collagen in the human body. Studies show that daily consumption of collagen improves skin strength, elasticity, and moisture.
• It supports hormone balance – Traditionally,homemakers and chefs would practice nose-to-tail eating out of frugality, intuitive nutrition wisdom, and culinary expertise. Muscle meats would be served withcollagen-rich sauces, aspics orbroths. Interestingly, collagen-rich ingredients help to balance the amino acid profile in muscle meats. In this way, consuming collagen supports hormone healthby balancing out the high concentration of tryptophan in muscle meats.
• It supports joint and bone health –Collagen makes up to 90% of bone mass, and several studies indicate that taking collagen internally can improve bone metabolism.
• It supports digestion and satiety – Two scoops of Vital Proteins contains a whopping 18 grams of highly satiatingprotein. As a matter of fact, studies show that collagen peptides consumed at breakfast are 40% more satiating than other proteins (such as whey or soy).

Sources: My sources for the above points are from studies gathered by Vital Proteins, which you can read here, as well as Dr. Ray Peat’s article on gelatin.

Where to get collagen protein

When sourcing gelatin and collagen, remember your are sourcing an animal protein. If you would prioritize grassfed beef over CFAO beef, then it makes sense to seek out grassfed collagen protein.

I recommend Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (in the blue jar – their green jar is gelatin). It’s available here atVitalProteins.com,with free shipping on all orders.

A nutrient-dense protein boost

I’m going to get on my soapbox for just a moment and give a disclaimer to this recipe. These protein bars provide a concentrated source of assimilable nutrients, but I didn’t create them with the intention of meal replacements. Instead, I see them as a way to include two nutrient-dense ingredients – coconut and collagen – into your whole foods lifestyle.

I believe a healthy relationship with food means a relationship with the entire experiencewhole foods andmeal preparation. No matter how “paleo” or “safe” or “clean” a protein bar, I don’t think it should replace the ritual of proper meals.