FAQ
Some of the commonly asked questions we get about Soochi
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What is Soochi and how does it work?
Soochi is a New Zealand-made range of collagen and gut health products — available as ready-to-drink sparkling sodas and an unflavoured daily powder. Both are built around clinically researched VERISOL® collagen peptides, prebiotic fibre, and vitamin C to support skin, gut, and overall wellbeing from the inside out. The powder also includes probiotics and postbiotics for even deeper gut support.
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What's the difference between the sodas and the powder?
Both contain VERISOL® collagen peptides, Fibersol® prebiotic fibre, and vitamin C. The powder goes a step further with the addition of probiotics (DE111®) and a heat-treated postbiotic (ES1), making it a more comprehensive gut health formula. The sodas come in three flavours — Glow Berry, Lemon Ginger, and Passion Peach — and are perfect for on-the-go. The powder is completely unflavoured and can be added to anything.
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What is collagen and why do we need it?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body — it's the structural foundation of your skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, and connective tissue.
From our late twenties, the body's natural collagen production begins to slow down, which is why skin gradually loses elasticity and firmness over time. Supplementing with clinically studied collagen peptides like VERISOL® helps replenish what's naturally lost and supports the body's own collagen production.
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Why VERISOL® collagen? Is it better than other collagen?
Not all collagen is equal — what matters most is molecular weight and bioavailability. VERISOL® is a bioactive collagen peptide with a molecular weight of just 2kDa, one of the smallest available.
This means it absorbs efficiently and is clinically shown to stimulate fibroblasts — the cells in your skin responsible for producing new collagen.
The result is targeted support for skin elasticity, smoothness, hydration, and reduced appearance of fine lines, as well as benefits for hair and nails. Most of the gold-standard clinical research on collagen efficacy has been carried out using bovine peptides, which is why Soochi uses bovine-derived VERISOL®.
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Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen?
It's a common question. The key factor in collagen effectiveness isn't the source — it's the molecular weight of the peptides. VERISOL® bovine collagen has a clinically proven molecular weight that stimulates fibroblasts in the skin.
The clinical studies supporting its efficacy are double-blind, placebo-controlled trials — the gold standard in research. Soochi also prioritises ethical and sustainable sourcing, which influenced the decision to use bovine over marine collagen.
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What are prebiotics and why are they in Soochi?
Prebiotics are a form of dietary fibre that feed and nourish the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut. Soochi uses Fibersol®, a clinically researched soluble fibre that supports a healthy microbiome, healthy digestion, and regular bowel function. A thriving gut microbiome plays a direct role in how well your body absorbs nutrients — including collagen — which is why gut health and skin health are so closely connected.
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What are probiotics and postbiotics? (Powder only)
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that support a balanced gut microbiome, healthy digestion, and immune function. Soochi's powder contains Bacillus subtilis DE111®, a well-researched probiotic strain.
Postbiotics are the next generation of gut health ingredients — beneficial compounds that support the gut environment in a highly stable form. Soochi uses a heat-treated ES1 postbiotic (Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347), which supports digestive comfort and gut health without the stability challenges of live cultures. Together, pre, pro and postbiotics create a comprehensive gut support system in every scoop.
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How long before I notice results?
Gut health improvements can often be felt within days of starting. For skin benefits, clinical research on VERISOL® suggests most people notice visible improvements after 4–8 weeks of consistent daily use — including increased skin elasticity, improved hydration, smoother texture, and reduced appearance of fine lines. Hair and nail improvements are also very commonly reported.
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How much do I need to take?
Each serve of Soochi — whether a can or a scoop of powder — provides 5g of VERISOL® collagen peptides, which is the clinically studied daily dose for skin, hair, and nail benefits.
One serve per day is recommended for best results. Consistency is key — the long-term benefits build with daily use.
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Can you take the powder and sodas together?
Yes — and plenty of Soochi fans do exactly that. Taking both together simply means a higher daily intake of collagen, prebiotic fibre, and vitamin C, which is perfectly fine.
Think of the soda as your on-the-go daily ritual and the powder as an easy way to top up or double down on your results. If you're someone who's serious about skin and gut health, combining both is a great approach.
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Why is Vitamin C included?
Because collagen and vitamin C are inseparable. Vitamin C is an essential co-factor in collagen synthesis — without it, the body simply can't form collagen properly, no matter how much you consume. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping protect existing collagen from oxidative damage.
Every serve of Soochi provides over 100% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, ensuring the collagen you take is actually being put to work.
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Why do some cans have sediment?
Sediment is completely safe, and will vary in amount and appearance between cans. It shows that the fruit that we use is the real deal. This is full of nutrients, so make sure that you drink up every last bit!!
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When is the best time to take Soochi?
Any time that fits your routine. There's no single best time — morning, afternoon, or evening all work. The most important thing is consistency. Whether it's a can with lunch or a scoop in your morning coffee, find a habit that sticks.
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How does Soochi fit with my lifestyle?
Soochi is the ultimate wellbeing boost that is an on the go guilt free pick me up.
When you’re craving the mid morning or afternoon pick-me-up, or even a post-workout recovery drink, reach for a thirst quenching Soochi instead of an unhealthy beverage. You can also enjoy Soochi in a beauty cocktail, as it refreshingly pairs perfectly with sparkling rose, vodka, and champagne. Or simply make an occasion for Soochi and elevate your self care routine - up to you. Soochi easily fits the needs and indulgences of your lifestyle.
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Can I mix this with alcohol?
Many customers have asked if this can be mixed in with alcohol and the answer is absolutely - yes! Our favourite drink that we are loving at the moment is combining equal parts sparkling rosé with chilled Glow Berry. Or try a variation on the mimosa and mix it with Champagne.
You can also use our soda as a mixer with your favourite distilled spirit or botanical substitute. Stay hydrated, and drink responsibly.
Equally this is a great alcohol alternative. Take a box of Soochi to your next party if you're having a night off drinking.
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Can I give Soochi to my kids?
Absolutely! Because the powder is completely unflavoured, it can easily be added to a child's food or drink without them noticing — mix it into a smoothie, yoghurt, or warm meal.
We love that our sodas is a great low sugar option to the other drinks on the market. And you don’t have to tell your kids this, but it has 125% of their fibre RDI, and 200% of their vitamin C RDI also!
As always, if you have any specific health concerns about your child, check with your family doctor first.
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Can I take Soochi if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The ingredients in Soochi are natural generally well tolerated, but as with any supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding, we recommend speaking with your doctor or midwife before starting — just to make sure it's right for your individual situation.
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Is Soochi suitable for men?
Absolutely. Collagen makes up around 70% of the skin's dry weight regardless of gender, and everyone benefits from gut health support. Soochi is for anyone who wants to look and feel better from the inside out.
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What does the powder taste like? Can I really add it to anything?
The powder is completely flavourless and odourless. It dissolves fully in both hot and cold liquids without clumping or changing the taste or texture of whatever you add it to. Coffee, tea, smoothies, water, yoghurt, oats, baking — it works in all of them.
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Is Soochi free from common allergens?
Yes. Soochi is gluten free, dairy free, soy free. No nasties or unnecessary additives.
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Where is Soochi made?
Right here in New Zealand. Soochi is a NZ company — ingredients are sourced, blended, and manufactured locally. Supporting New Zealand is something the brand takes seriously.
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What is the source of Soochi’s collagen?
Thanks for asking - we made sure that we sourced only the most sustainable and ethical collagen that we could find. We take pride in the quality of all our ingredients, collagen being no exception. So, we source our collagen from Gelita. Their research and development team have perfected collagen hydrolysate (the peptide form of collagen) which have been shown to be 95% bioavailable.
We share the same concerns that you have regarding animal welfare and the quality of grazing conditions for cattle and this is why we have sourced beef from Germany. Being forage-based eliminates the potential use of growth hormones, antibiotics, and steroids. Due to their high farming standards, and rigorous testing that supports the German Animal Welfare Initiative which is focused on farming driving the “5 freedoms” for animal welfare needs which are:
- freedom from hunger, malnutrition and thirst
- freedom from fear and distress
- freedom from physical and thermal discomfort
- freedom from pain, injury and disease; and
- freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour
We also want you to know that not all collagen is sourced, or created equally. There are differences in the molecular size, weight and source of collagen peptides. Our collagen is 2kDa in case you were wondering, and is 95% type I.
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Can it improve skin surface structure & decrease cellulite?
About 85% of the global female adult population is affected by cellulite which is literally just disturbances in the dermal matrix. Studies have shown that our VERISOL® collagen peptides directly stimulate the extracellular matrix formation in skin, reducing skin waviness, and decreasing cellulite score,
For more information, check out this study here.
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Because the skin density thickens, does this mean that my wrinkles aren’t as deep?
Another study with women aged between 45 and 65 years showed that VERISOL® significantly reduced wrinkles after 4 weeks and led to significantly higher skin procollagen concentration.
For more information, check out the study here.
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Does Soochi Collagen + Prebiotic Range help my hair grow too?
VERISOL® bioactive collagen peptides have been proven to increase hair thickness with a randomised placebo controlled study.
Check out the study here.
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What about my nails?
We haven’t forgotten them. A study showed a decrease of cracked and/or chipped nails and increased growth speed. At the same time, there’s a notable improvement in nail peeling and a clearly decreased nail edge irregularity. Long story short, they’re smoother, stronger and grow quicker! Check out the study here.
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Where else can I get collagen?
You can get collagen by eating meat, poultry, and fish. Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissue, skin, and bones of animals. There is no vegan natural source.
The amino acid structure of collagen protein is incredibly unique and beneficial. It is very different from eating meat as a source of protein. The most abundant amino acid in collagen is glycine (about 33%). Glycine is up to 20 times higher in collagen than in meat. Glycine is an important amino acid that not only plays a role in building new collagen/connective tissue on the inside of our bodies but also has been used to support mood, sleep, digestive and joint health.
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Is this suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Soochi contains bovine-derived collagen peptides and is therefore not suitable for vegans.
Some customers who follow a flexible or non-strict vegetarian lifestyle may still choose to drink Soochi.
We have ensured that the collagen we source is from ethical sources too. It was super important that we only did right in this regard.
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How do you pronounce Soochi?
We’ve heard a few wild pronunciations thrown out there - but think Sue Cheee.
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Why did you decide to use cans?
Cans are very lightweight, infinitely recyclable and will not break like glass. They are one of the most sustainable forms of packaging. Cans can travel with you anywhere too - like the beach or parks where there are glass or liquor bans.
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Talk me through what you’ve done to drive sustainability
I’m glad you’re interested, as we worked really hard on this in all areas of the business, not just with the product itself. Because there are so many areas, we’ll bullet point a few things that went into doing what we do.
Cans
- They are lightweight and therefore use less fuel during transport
- They don’t break when dropped so saves food waste
- They are made from recycled materials - and are infinitely recyclable
- Made here in NZ
- Protect the product so we can have a longer shelf life, meaning less food waste
No need for chilling throughout the supply chain
- To reduce the carbon emissions from energy use, We ensured that our soda range could be stored out of the fridge. Think: no need for refrigerated or chilled transport, no need to run massive refrigeration units for storage at the factory or at warehouses, no need for extra packaging when we post it to you, and no need for a 12 pack to take up lots of your precious fridge space either. This saves a whole lot of energy, and carbon emissions. This also means that it will stay fresh and delicious out of the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it - at which point, we recommend you do put it in the fridge because it's best enjoyed chilled!
Manufacture our product at a shared manufacturing site
- This means we are using equipment that already exists, not making new equipment to manufacture our drinks, and saves us money too!
Support local growers
- Sourced from New Zealand where possible to support the growers and keep NZ growing, but this also reduces carbon miles as we are getting the ingredients from our backyard rather than half way across the world.
- Use waste fruit that would otherwise not be sold in the fresh fruit market due to blemishes. This helps us reduce food waste as a country
No food waste
- We order as much as we need for every batch so that there is no food waste. Let us repeat that. We have NO FOOD WASTE. Even our R&D trials are minimal and we love to drink every last sip!
Work from home
- We know that working from home means less driving/energy use at other locations, so for half the week we are working from home
- We work in a shared office space so that we share energy use with other people, rather than using more electricity, therefore reducing our carbon footprint.