Vital Proteins Collagen Review & Paleo “Candy” Sour Gummies

by Angela Gallardo in Recipes, Sides & Snacks

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I’m pretty excited to be sharing this recipe with you today (do I start every post that way?).  It’s not every day you’ve got a top-notch company offering you a sample of their paleo-friendly product.  I don’t agree to all product review offers that I get because they really do have to match my (somewhat strict) eating philosophy and also have a workable place in my regular diet.  So my excitement over this recipe and review stems from the fact that this product fits in ever so seamlessly, and it was something I was in particular search of before receiving it!

Vital Proteins Collagen Proteins are unflavored gelatin granules made from 100% pastured-raised beef.  According to Vital Proteins, “Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is a key constituent of all connective tissues.  Collagen provides the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system, essential for mobility.  The intake of collagen ensures the cohesion, elasticity, and regeneration of skin, hair, tendon, cartilage, bones, and joints…Our ancestors utilized whole-animal nutrition, which provided an abundant amount of collagen, the native form of gelatin.”

So their Collagen Proteins not only provide the above benefits for your bones and joint structure but also 18 out of the 21 important amino acids we need in our diets regularly, making the 17g of protein per serving a near complete protein source.  This will result in:

youthful skin, healthier hair, and stronger nails

reduced joint pain

maintaining a healthy weight

improved sleep quality

anti-inflammatory effect throughout your whole body

What’s even better than knowing how great their product is is how easy it is to fit into your everyday diet.  For the most part, I have been using it in my green smoothies.  The instructions do say to combine with part hot, part cold liquid, but I’ve found that blending it into my smoothie seems to do away with the granulized texture and I don’t even notice it’s there.  I just add a bit more water than normal since gelatin will thicken your smoothie a bit.

Another way I’ve used it is to aid in falling asleep.  I’ll dissolve 1 serving into homemade bone broth or almond milk with a little cinnamon before bed on stressful days.

I’ve noticed since using it that my nails are visibly growing faster than normal.  My manicures that normally last 2-3 weeks before the back-growth is obnoxious has shortened to just 1-2 weeks.  A small price to pay for health.  🙂  I’m excited to continue to use it to look for improvements in my sometimes achy post-workout joints.

So probably my favorite use of the Collagen Protein Gelatin is in homemade gummies.  They work really well as a healthy dessert or a mid-afternoon snack.  I pretty much always have some form of bite-size snack available in the fridge so the gelatin had a natural place in my pantry.

This recipe uses seasonal citrus, making for a sour gummy that’s rich in nutrients while still being fairly satisfying due to the protein content.  Leaving the pulp of the citrus brings the glycemic load on your system down (and will make the gummies more sour) but you are welcome to strain the juice out if you don’t mind the higher sugar content.  And if you don’t have the same citrus listed, feel free to use anything you have on hand.  Pretty much any fruit will work in this recipe, although the ratios listed will yield the most consistent results with juicier fruits.

What other uses have you found for incorporating more gelatin?

Paleo “Candy” Sour Gummies

Yields:  approx 30 gummies

6 blood oranges + 3 meyer lemons (or approximately 3 cups liquid)

2 limes, juiced

pinch of salt

6 tbsp. Vital Proteins Collagen Protein Gelatin

(2 tbsp. gelatin is needed for every 1 c. of liquid used)

Directions:

Peel the oranges and lemons, discard the peels, and place the entire fruit into a blender.  Add the lime juice and a pinch of salt.  Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is very smooth.  (Optional:  juice the fruit instead to have a sweeter, less sour gummy.  Be sure to check the total amount of liquid used to keep your liquid to gelatin ratio consistent).

Pour half the mixture into a small saucepan, add the gelatin, and stir very well with a whisk.  Heat over low heat until the mixture is warmed (not hot) and the gelatin has mostly melted, about 3-5 minutes max.  CAUTION:  leaving the mixture over too hot of heat will quickly activate the gelatin and cause your mixture to turn into a thick sludge.

Pour the warm mixture back into the blender and blend again until smooth, about 30 seconds.  Then portion the liquid into silicone ice cube molds (like these shown above) or any baking dish (you can cut them yourself).  Refrigerate for 2+ hours before removing and consuming, this will give enough time for the gelatin to solidify the gummies.  Keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

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