Core Nutritionals Enters the Collagen Game with Collagen Indulgence

Brand: Core Nutritionals
Flavors: Death by Chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream
Category: Collagen + MCT creamer-style protein

Let’s cut through the fluff and talk about what this actually is — and what it isn’t.

What Core Did Right

1. Proper collagen types (I & III).
This matters. Type I supports skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. Type III supports organs, blood vessels, and structural integrity. This isn’t random collagen — it’s the combo most people actually want when they say they’re buying collagen.

2. Hydrolyzed bovine collagen.
Hydrolyzed = easier to digest and absorb. If whey wrecks your stomach or you’re sensitive to dairy-heavy proteins, collagen is often tolerated far better.

3. MCTs for function and texture.
You’re getting ~5.25 g of MCT powder per scoop. That does two things:

• Gives this a legit creamy, indulgent mouthfeel (this is basically a collagen creamer).

• Provides fast-digesting fats that head straight to the liver for energy — not storage.

4. Honest macros.
Per scoop:

• 90 calories

• 10 g protein

• 3 g fat (3 g saturated from MCTs)

• 1 g carb (1 g fiber)

No sugar games. No “protein fairy dust.”

The Reality Check (Read This)

This is not a complete protein.
Collagen is naturally low in essential amino acids and does not trigger muscle protein synthesis like whey, casein, or beef protein.

If you’re using this:

• For skin, joints, connective tissue → ✔️ solid choice

• As a coffee/latte-style add-in → ✔️ great

• As your main post-workout protein → ❌ wrong tool

Collagen supports recovery and structure — it doesn’t replace your real protein intake.

Amino Acid Profile - Why Collagen Is Different -

Collagen is rich in:

• Glycine

• Proline

• Hydroxyproline

These are huge for:

• Tendons & ligaments

• Joint integrity

• Gut lining support

• Skin elasticity

But it’s intentionally low in leucine, isoleucine, and valine — which is why it doesn’t build muscle on its own.

That’s not a flaw. That’s just biology.

Who This Is Actually For

• Athletes with beat-up joints

• Anyone focused on skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue

• People who don’t tolerate whey well

• Coffee drinkers who want a functional, creamy add-in

• Anyone looking for a day-or-night protein option (no stimulants)

Who Should Skip It

• If you think this replaces your daily protein target

• If you’re buying it strictly for muscle gain

• If you’re scared of dietary fat (this is MCT-heavy by design)

Powerhouse Take

Collagen Indulgence does exactly what it claims to do — no more, no less.

This is a support protein, not a growth protein.
Use it alongside real meals and complete proteins, not instead of them.

My only gripe: the label leans into “build muscle.”
Collagen isn’t a muscle-building protein — it doesn’t contain the essential amino acid profile needed to drive muscle protein synthesis. That doesn’t make this product bad, it just means it’s being used for the wrong job if that’s your expectation. Collagen shines for joints, connective tissue, skin, gut support, and recovery — not hypertrophy.

As a collagen creamer with legit dosing and good flavors?
This one makes sense.