Marine collagen powder is packed with promise. People take it for smoother skin, stronger joints, and better gut health. It mixes into drinks or meals without changing texture, and it’s known to absorb well once in your system. But there’s one thing that can turn a lot of people off quickly—the taste. More specifically, that fishy flavor that lingers long after your morning shake or tea.
If you’ve tried marine collagen and caught a hint of fish when you weren’t expecting it, you’re not alone. It can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to keep up a healthy habit. The good news is there are simple reasons behind the taste and even more ways to fix it. Before tossing the whole thing out, take a little time to figure out why it tastes that way—and how to make it easier to enjoy every day.
Why Does Marine Collagen Powder Taste Fishy?
That ocean-like flavor doesn’t come from nowhere. Marine collagen is typically made using fish skin and scales, which are full of the specific peptides the body uses to make collagen. While those parts are packed with nutrients, they also carry natural oils and compounds that taste and smell like fish. These can stick around if the product hasn’t gone through a cleaner extraction process.
Taste often ties back to production quality. If the fish protein isn’t filtered well or comes from lower-grade sources, you’re more likely to notice a stronger seafood flavor or smell. It doesn’t mean the collagen is unsafe. It just isn’t as refined as it could be. The way the powder is dried and stored matters too. Exposure to air, light, or moisture can bring out more noticeable smells or make the taste stronger over time.
Here are a few things that can influence how fishy your collagen tastes:
– Source of fish: Some fish species naturally have stronger flavors.
– Processing method: Cold-water extraction is easier on flavor and tends to leave behind less odor.
– Lack of added ingredients: If it’s pure and unflavored, there’s nothing to cover up the natural fish scent.
So if that new pouch you opened hits you with an ocean breeze, it doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It likely means the collagen is real, pure, and hasn’t been masked up with sweeteners or additives. That’s a great sign for quality, though not always ideal for taste.
Tips to Improve the Taste of Marine Collagen Powder
You don’t have to hold your breath or mix blindly. There are some reliable ways to cut through the flavor and get to the benefits. A little creativity goes a long way. You might just need to change when and how you take it.
Here are a few easy ways to make marine collagen taste better:
1. Blend it with bold-flavored drinks. Go for smoothies made with pineapple, berries, mango, or citrus. Strong fruit flavors do a good job of masking the fishy taste.
2. Stir it into coffee or tea. Warm drinks like black coffee, chai, or green tea help the powder dissolve and soften the flavor.
3. Mix it into soup. Broth-based soups are a great match. Just make sure the soup isn’t boiling or too hot, or it could break the collagen down.
4. Add to sauces or stews. Tomato-based sauces, curries, or rich gravies help hide the flavor and are easy to blend with.
5. Combine it with yogurt or sweet bowls. Mix it into a bowl with honey, maple syrup, or mashed fruit. The sweetness takes over, so the fishiness fades.
Avoid plain, cold water when taking marine collagen. That usually brings out the flavor even more, with nothing to cover it. Instead, work it into foods or drinks you already like. If you’re drinking a morning shake, slip it in there. Making a stir fry or soup for dinner? That could be your next collagen fix.
The more it feels like part of your regular meal, the less awkward it becomes. Sometimes one small change—like blending it with orange juice—makes it go down without a second thought. Start with your favorites and experiment from there.
Choosing High-Quality Marine Collagen Powder
If you’ve tried all the tricks and the flavor still gets to you, the issue might run deeper. Something as simple as switching to a better-quality collagen powder can often make a big difference. Higher-end marine collagen tends to have a cleaner finish and less odor.
Good marine collagen usually comes from cleaner, single-species sources like whitefish or cod. These fish tend to leave behind less of that strong aftertaste. Product sourcing should also be clear. Collagen from wild-caught fish that’s been processed using gentle methods like enzymatic hydrolysis almost always tastes better than a blend from multiple, unlisted species.
When choosing your next product, look for:
– A short ingredient list with no artificial chemicals or added flavors
– Hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides for better dissolving and milder flavor
– Wild-caught fish and transparent sourcing
– Storage in sealed containers to preserve taste and texture
– Third-party testing for purity, with details on how and where it’s made
Even if it’s unflavored, higher-quality marine collagen often blends more smoothly and has a lighter finish. While you might still notice a mild scent when it’s dry, those high-grade options usually disappear once they dissolve into a drink or meal.
Benefits of Sticking With Marine Collagen Despite Its Taste
Taste can be a roadblock, but it doesn’t have to shut things down completely. If you’re considering skipping marine collagen because of flavor alone, think about what you’re using it for in the first place. There’s a good chance you added it to support skin, joints, or digestion—things that improve with time and consistency.
Marine collagen is known for its amino acid profile. Because it’s made from fish, your body tends to absorb and use it a little faster than other types. That means daily use can help with hydration, flexibility, and a skin glow that doesn’t rely on lotions or face creams.
Anyone starting a new supplement wants quick results. But collagen works best when used regularly, not just once in a while. That long-term commitment pays off gently and gradually. Your skin might hold moisture better. Your knees might not crack every time you stand up. These can be small shifts, but they all point to the powder doing its thing under the surface.
So if the taste is holding you back, reframe it. Is two minutes of slight fishiness once a day worth the potential for stronger nails, better skin tone, and more ease in your joints? For many people, the answer becomes a clear yes—once they stick with it long enough to notice the difference.
Finding a Routine That Works for You
Marine collagen doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Once you’ve landed on the right method, it just becomes part of the day—something you barely have to think about. The difference between dreading it and getting it done often comes down to how it’s taken.
Maybe your thing is a fruit smoothie after a workout, or maybe a warm chai tea before breakfast does the trick. Keep a few go-to options on standby so you don’t feel boxed in. Some days will be more rushed than others. Being flexible helps you stay consistent.
Finding your favorite way to take marine collagen is kind of like settling into a new daily coffee order. It takes a little trial and error, but once it clicks, it just becomes part of who you are. With the right mix of quality product and smart pairing, marine collagen can stop being something you “have to get through” and become something you look forward to. That’s when the results really begin to show.
Ready to elevate your wellness routine? Explore our marine collagen powder at MojoMe™ and discover a product that’s expertly sourced and carefully crafted to minimize unwanted flavors. Incorporating high-quality supplements into your daily regimen can lead to noticeable benefits for your skin, joints, and overall well-being. Try it today and see how our premium blend can fit seamlessly into your life.