ATP Science Protein Plus

ATP Science Protein Plus — 27g Collagen Protein. HASTA Certified. Dairy Free.

Protein Plus is ATP Science's premium protein powder built around hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides — not whey. Each 35g serve delivers 27.5g of complete protein including all nine essential amino acids, 5g of BCAAs, 5g of L-Glutamine, two specialist collagen complexes (Tendoforte® and Fortigel®), and added L-Tryptophan to round out the full EAA spectrum. Dairy-free, naturally flavoured, naturally sweetened, no artificial anything. HASTA certified — batch tested for 250+ WADA prohibited substances. 875g / 25 serves. In stock at TopDog Nutrition.

Why Collagen Protein Instead of Whey?

Whey delivers a complete amino acid profile and a high leucine content — it's well-researched for muscle protein synthesis. But whey is dairy-derived, and it does nothing for connective tissue. Collagen peptides address a gap whey can't: collagen is the primary structural protein in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone matrix, and gut lining — and unlike muscle protein, connective tissue synthesis is collagen-specific. Research published in peer-reviewed journals suggests collagen peptide supplementation can support lean muscle mass gains comparably to whey during resistance training, while also contributing to connective tissue repair, recovery, and long-term joint health that whey simply doesn't address.

Protein Plus is formulated for people who want complete protein coverage — not just muscle, but the full structural system that supports it.

Tendoforte® and Fortigel® — What They Are and Why They Matter

Not all collagen is equivalent. ATP Science uses two clinically developed, proprietary collagen peptide forms alongside the base hydrolysed collagen:

• Tendoforte® — a specific collagen peptide fraction developed and studied for tendon and ligament health. Research shows Tendoforte® supplementation supports tendon elasticity, recovery from tendon injury, and reduction in tendon-related pain — making it particularly relevant for athletes and anyone with a history of tendon issues.
• Fortigel® — a collagen peptide fraction developed specifically for cartilage. Research demonstrates Fortigel® stimulates chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to produce more collagen, supporting cartilage regeneration and long-term joint health. Studied in elite athletes and older populations with documented cartilage degradation.

These are not generic collagen inclusions — they're purpose-engineered peptide fractions with independent clinical research behind each one. Their inclusion in Protein Plus is what distinguishes it from lower-specification collagen proteins on the market.

Complete Amino Acid Profile — All Nine EAAs Covered

Collagen's natural amino acid profile is incomplete — it's high in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline but low in tryptophan and methionine. ATP Science addresses this directly by adding L-Tryptophan and supplementing L-Lysine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Threonine, L-Methionine and L-Histidine in measured doses — filling the gaps to deliver a full essential amino acid spectrum alongside the collagen base. The result is a protein that supports muscle protein synthesis (complete EAA profile), connective tissue (collagen peptides), recovery (glutamine and BCAAs), and mood and sleep (tryptophan as a serotonin precursor).

Recovery Stack Per Serve

• BCAA 2:1:1 (5000mg) — leucine-dominant branched-chain amino acid blend at the 2:1:1 ratio studied for muscle protein synthesis and recovery. 5g per serve is a meaningful, not token, dose.
• L-Glutamine (5000mg) — the most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue. Supports muscle recovery, immune function, and gut integrity — particularly relevant as a collagen protein, since glutamine is also a key substrate for intestinal cell regeneration.
• L-Tryptophan (67mg) — precursor to serotonin; supports mood regulation, stress response, and sleep quality. Its addition rounds out the EAA spectrum and adds a recovery-through-rest dimension to the formula.

HASTA Certified — Batch Tested

Every batch of Protein Plus is independently tested under the HASTA program against 250+ WADA prohibited substances. For competitive athletes, students in sporting programs, or anyone who needs documented third-party assurance of supplement purity, HASTA certification is the benchmark in Australia and New Zealand. A protein powder with HASTA certification — particularly a collagen-based one — is a relatively uncommon combination. ATP Science's willingness to run batch testing on Protein Plus reflects the same manufacturing confidence they apply across their HASTA-certified performance range.

Mixes Clean — No Clumping

Reviewers consistently call out the texture and mixability: it mixes smoothly in a shaker with cold water, works in milk, blends into smoothies and oats without grit. The naturally sweetened, naturally flavoured formula means it also works in recipes without an artificial aftertaste. Dairy-free and gluten-free — confirmed nil gluten detected in the NIP.

Nutrition Per Serve (35g)

• Energy: 390 kJ (95 Cal)
• Protein: 27.5g
• Gluten: Nil Detected
• Fat, Total: 1.4g (Saturated <1g)
• Carbohydrate: 1.6g (Sugars <1g)
• Sodium: 95mg

Full Ingredients

Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen Peptides (19%), Tendoforte® Bovine Collagen (15%), Fortigel® Bovine Collagen (15%), BCAA 2:1:1, L-Glutamine, Cocoa Powder (11%), Coconut MCT Oil Powder, Natural Flavours, L-Lysine HCL, L-Phenylalanine, L-Threonine, L-Methionine, L-Histidine, Salt, Anticaking Agent (Silicon Dioxide), L-Tryptophan, Natural Sweetener (Thaumatin).

Contains Phenylalanine. Dairy-free. Gluten-free. Naturally flavoured and sweetened. HASTA certified. Made in Brisbane, Australia.

Directions

Mix 1 heaped scoop (approx. 35g) into 300ml of cold water or your preferred milk in a shaker. Use post-training, as a meal supplement, or any time additional protein intake is beneficial. Can also be blended into smoothies, oats, or recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can collagen protein build muscle as effectively as whey?

The research suggests yes — when combined with resistance training, collagen peptide supplementation has been shown to support lean muscle mass and strength gains comparably to whey. The advantage Protein Plus has over whey is everything else: connective tissue support, joint health, gut integrity, and the absence of dairy — which matters for anyone with lactose sensitivity or who prefers a non-dairy protein source.

Is it suitable for people with gut issues?

Yes — several reviewers with dairy or gluten intolerances specifically note no bloating or digestive issues, which is a common complaint with whey. Collagen peptides are small-molecule proteins that tend to be well tolerated. The glutamine content also supports gut lining integrity directly.

Is this suitable for drug-tested sport?

Yes — HASTA certified, batch tested for 250+ WADA prohibited substances. Suitable for competitive athletes at all levels including professional and Olympic pathways.

Why does it contain Phenylalanine?

L-Phenylalanine is included as part of the essential amino acid completion stack — collagen is naturally low in it, so it's added to ensure the full EAA spectrum is covered. The "Contains Phenylalanine" label is a mandatory declaration for products containing added phenylalanine, relevant to individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Can I use it as a meal replacement?

It's formulated as a supplementary sports food, not a meal replacement — it's designed to complement a nutritious diet. At 95 Cal and 27.5g protein per serve with minimal carbs and fats, it sits well as a high-protein, low-calorie addition to meals rather than a standalone replacement.