Can Collagen Be Vegetarian?

Can Collagen Be Vegetarian? A Closer Look at Patanjali’s CollagenPrash

Collagen has become one of the most talked-about nutrients in the beauty and wellness world. From supplements to skincare, the word “collagen” appears everywhere, often promising firmer skin, smoother texture, and healthier hair and nails. But as awareness grows, so does a key question: is collagen ever truly vegetarian?

Recently, many people have taken interest in Patanjali’s Nutrela CollagenPrash, especially because the product is labeled vegetarian while also listing “collagen peptide” among its ingredients. This raises understandable confusion — and curiosity. Can collagen peptides come from plants? How is the product categorized as vegetarian if collagen is known to be an animal-based protein?

Let’s explore these questions step by step.

Q- 

What Is Collagen, and Why Do People Want It?

Ans-

Collagen is a structural protein found naturally in:

Skin

Bones

Tendons

Ligaments

Cartilage

It provides strength, elasticity, and firmness. As we age, collagen production decreases, which leads to visible signs such as wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity. This is why many supplements include collagen peptides — small chains of collagen broken down so the body can absorb them more easily.

But scientifically, collagen is known to be produced only by animals, not plants. So how can a product with collagen be marked vegetarian?

What the Patanjali CollagenPrash Label Shows

The product packaging includes a detailed ingredient list. Some of the notable components are:

Botanical extracts (aloe vera, blueberry, cranberry, carrot, green tea, moringa, flaxseed, etc.)

Amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline)

Sesame seed (til) powder and oil

Almond powder

Hyaluronic acid

L-glutathione

Natural flavoring substances

And importantly — “Collagen Peptide”

The product also displays the green vegetarian symbol.

This combination of claims — vegetarian status + presence of collagen peptides — naturally creates confusion.

Can Plants Produce Collagen or Collagen Peptides?

Based on established biological science:

Plants cannot produce collagen

No plant contains collagen peptides

Collagen does not occur naturally in botanical sources like sesame, soy, flaxseed, or herbs

So if a product is vegetarian and still lists “collagen peptide,” then this ingredient must fall into one of several possible interpretations.

Possible Explanations for the “Vegetarian Collagen Peptide” Label

1. The “Collagen Peptide” May Not Be True Collagen

It might be a blend of amino acids and plant extracts designed to support collagen production in the body rather than supply collagen itself. Many supplements use this approach but still use the word “collagen” in marketing.

2. The Peptide Might Be Biotechnologically Produced

There are modern techniques where yeast or bacteria are genetically engineered to produce collagen-like peptides. These can technically be labeled vegetarian, since no animals are used. However, this is expensive, and such products typically highlight the method clearly — something not mentioned on this label.

3. The Labeling Might Use Loose Marketing Terminology

Sometimes, brands use the word “collagen peptide” to describe collagen-supporting nutrients rather than real collagen. In regions without strict supplement regulations, such terminology can appear on packaging even if the ingredient isn’t biochemically identical to animal collagen.

Why the Amino Acids Matter

Glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline — all listed in the ingredients — are key building blocks of collagen. These amino acids can be derived from non-animal sources, which allows a product to remain vegetarian while still being marketed as “collagen-supportive.”

However, having these amino acids present is not the same as containing real collagen peptides.

What Should Consumers Think About This?

For someone seeking clarity, it’s understandable to question:

Is the collagen peptide genuine collagen, or simply a plant-based mix of amino acids?

If it is real collagen, how can it be labeled vegetarian?

If it is not real collagen, why does the label use the phrase “collagen peptide”?

Are consumers being informed clearly about what they are purchasing?

Should vegetarian buyers verify whether the collagen mentioned meets their dietary expectations?

Conclusion:

If collagen only exists naturally in animals, and Patanjali CollagenPrash is marked vegetarian, then what exactly is the “collagen peptide” listed on the label?

Is it true collagen derived from a non-animal method, or is it simply a collagen-supporting formulation using amino acids and plant extracts?

And most importantly — should consumers ask for clearer transparency about what “collagen peptide” actually means in a vegetarian product?

My thoughts 

Consumers should not buy this product, as there is a genuine possibility that it may contain ingredients derived from animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, or fish. For individuals who follow vegetarian, vegan, or religion-based dietary practices, this can pose a serious conflict with their beliefs. Additionally, choosing products that may include hidden animal-derived components can unintentionally support industries that contribute to animal suffering and cruelty. With these concerns in mind, customers may find it more responsible and reassuring to avoid this product altogether.