Jennifer Aniston Starts Her Day With Collagen Coffee — But Is It Healthy?

Jennifer Aniston has a talent for turning even the smallest wellness habits into full-fledged trends. From her workout routines to her everyday diet, fans have long been inspired by her approach to health. She previously went viral for her intermittent fasting practice and smoothie recipes, but nothing compares to her now-iconic salad, which she ate on the set of Friends every day for 10 years. And while we love her lunches, a small part of her breakfast routine has also caught attention.

The actress and entrepreneur shared a video on Instagram as part of her collaboration with Vital Proteins, highlighting the daily rituals that help her maintain her idea of true wellness. These habits include playing with her dogs outdoors, working out at the gym, spending time with friends, and listening to her favorite records in the evening to unwind. However, what interested people most is how she starts her morning: with a steaming cup of coffee mixed with collagen powder.

Collagen supplements, especially in powder form, have become extremely popular in recent years thanks to claims that they support youthful skin, stronger bones, and healthier hair and nails. Collagen itself is an essential protein found in bones, tissues, and cartilage. People following plant-based diets should note that these powders and supplements are derived from animal sources. But are collagen supplements actually beneficial? And should you mix them with coffee? EatingWell looked at the science.

Are collagen powders healthy?

Fortunately, collagen powders are not just another celebrity wellness fad—some research does support their benefits. In fact, some registered dietitians recommend collagen powders as an alternative to traditional protein powders like whey or pea protein, especially for people aiming to support skin, joint, or bone health.

However, collagen supplements can be quite expensive and are not necessarily more beneficial than consuming collagen-rich foods such as bone broth or sardines. In addition, vitamin C–rich foods like citrus fruits, berries, and broccoli help the body produce collagen naturally.

“You definitely don’t need an expensive collagen powder for strong bones and healthy skin, hair, and nails,” says dietitian Victoria Seaver. “Eating collagen-containing foods like bone broth and chicken skin can help increase intake, but the most effective way to support collagen levels is to focus on foods that promote the body’s natural collagen production. This includes foods rich in amino acids such as proline and glycine, as well as vitamin C–rich foods. Think meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, legumes, eggs, wheat germ, and fruit—especially citrus fruits.”

Should you add collagen to coffee?

While adding collagen powder to your morning coffee may seem like a convenient way to increase intake, it may not be the most effective option. Some studies suggest that collagen proteins may begin to break down when exposed to high heat for extended periods, potentially reducing some of their benefits. For this reason, mixing collagen into smoothies, oatmeal, or even a glass of water may better preserve its structure.

That said, research on how much heat affects collagen supplements is still limited. Adding collagen to coffee is unlikely to make it completely ineffective. If you enjoy the taste and convenience, there is probably no harm in continuing—it just may not be significantly more beneficial than getting protein and collagen-supporting nutrients from whole foods.

Expert opinion

Jennifer Aniston’s use of collagen powder may help support skin health, bone strength, and overall appearance, especially when combined with a nutrient-rich diet. And while adding collagen to coffee is a convenient daily habit, it may be more beneficial to mix it into cooler foods and drinks like smoothies or iced coffee.

Ultimately, the greatest benefits for healthy aging and sustainable wellness habits come from combining collagen intake with other healthy lifestyle factors: a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sufficient sleep.

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