A caffeine-free cup with deep roots in Portuguese culture — and enriched with 75% hydrolysed collagen. Here’s everything you need to know.
For generations, barley was the natural alternative to coffee in many Portuguese homes. Caffeine-free, with a smooth, toasted flavour that offered comfort at breakfast or snack time, this drink has withstood the test of time and continues to be part of the country's gastronomic identity.
Corial took this tradition and gave it a functional purpose: the Functional Barley with Collagen combines the best of both worlds — the pleasure of a familiar hot drink, with 75% hydrolysed collagen. Zero pills. Zero complications.
Why barley?
Barley is one of the world's oldest cereals and one of the most deeply rooted drinks in Portuguese culture. For decades it was the breakfast of millions of households — before coffee became ubiquitous — and it continues to be the choice for those who value flavour and ritual without the effects of stimulants.
But barley is not just nostalgia. It is also a naturally fibre-rich cereal, with a balanced nutritional profile and a smooth, toasted flavour that appeals to almost everyone — including those who are not coffee fans. It's a perfect base for a functional product: familiar, versatile, and with history.
Caffeine-free — and that makes all the difference
Caffeine has its place. But it's not always what we want — nor is it the right time to take it. Corial Functional Barley is 100% caffeine-free, making it suitable for any time of day:
- In the morning — for those who want to reduce caffeine without giving up the ritual of a hot drink
- In the afternoon — without the risk of interfering with sleep at night
- At bedtime — a moment of calm, without stimulants
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding — always with the attending physician's recommendation
It's also an excellent option for those who suffer from caffeine sensitivity, anxiety, insomnia, or simply prefer a calmer routine. The comforting flavour of barley remains — what changes is how you feel afterwards.
Collagen: what is it?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is in the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments — it is what gives us structure, elasticity, and cohesion. From the age of 25, natural production begins to decrease gradually. By 40, this loss is already statistically significant.
Hydrolysed collagen — the form present in Corial Barley — is obtained through a hydrolysis process that "breaks" the protein into smaller peptides. This makes it significantly easier for the body to absorb than intact collagen. It's not just more convenient: it's more bioavailable.
What the European Union allows to say
In Europe, all communication of health benefits in food follows Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 and the claims approved by Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, validated by EFSA. You don't say what you want — you say what science has proven and the law has authorised. That's how we work.
- ✓ Protein contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. — Hydrolysed collagen is protein: 7.5 g per serving in Barley with Collagen.
- ✓ Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. — A claim directly relevant to collagen as a structural component of bone.
As for claims about skin elasticity, joints, or wrinkles — EFSA has not yet approved generic claims for hydrolysed collagen as an isolated ingredient. Research exists and is promising, but the European regulatory process is demanding. When we can't say, we don't say.
Barley with Collagen vs. Collagen Capsules
Nutritional Aspect
| Aspect | Traditional Collagen Capsules | CORIAL Barley with Collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen per serving | 500-1000mg/capsule (requires 10-20 capsules) | 7.5g/scoop (one serving) |
| Protein per serving | 5-10g (sum of 10 capsules) | 7.5g |
| Number of items to take | 10-20 capsules | 1 scoop |
| Absorption (fasted) | ~80-85% | ~85-90% |
| Absorption (with food) | ~85% | ~95%+ |
| Relative bioavailability | Baseline | Slightly higher (barley matrix) |
Economic Aspect
Collagen capsules (average brand):
- ~€15-20 for 30-60 capsules
- 1 month of 10 capsules/day = ~€30-40/month
CORIAL Barley with Collagen:
- ~€18-22 for 500g (50 servings)
- 1 month of 10g/day (30 servings) = ~€11-13/month
Comparison: CORIAL is ~60-70% cheaper than good quality traditional capsules.
A daily drink — how to prepare?
Corial Functional Barley was designed to fit effortlessly into your routine. The flavour is that of traditional barley — toasted, smooth, without bitterness. What changes is what's inside: 7.5g of hydrolysed collagen per serving, in a base you already know and love.
Basic preparation
- Place 1 serving (10 g) in a cup
- Add 150–200 ml of hot water or hot milk (between 60-70ºC)
- Stir well until completely dissolved
- Drink immediately — hot or warm
Variations to try
- With plant-based milk — oat or almond milk adds a creamier, sweeter touch
- With cinnamon — a pinch transforms the cup into an even cozier moment
- Cold (cold brew style) — dissolve in hot milk or water (collagen dissolves better), mix well and serve with ice for warmer days
- With cocoa — just a teaspoon of cocoa powder gives the barley a slightly chocolatey flavour, without losing its healthy function
It can be taken at any time of day — with no caffeine-related restrictions. Consistency is what makes the difference: a daily dose, integrated into a ritual that already exists in your life.
About CORIAL
CORIAL is a Portuguese functional food company, founded in 2023 in Esposende by Guilherme and Sara. The main philosophy is Zero Pills — functional foods that completely replace supplements.
Try Corial Functional Barley with Collagen — 75% hydrolysed collagen · caffeine-free · Portuguese tradition
References
- Viguet-Carrin, S., et al. (2006). "Collagen-based biomaterials for bone engineering." Trends in Biotechnology, 24(2), 72-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2005.12.008
- Choi, F. D., et al. (2019). "Skin Aging and Aging-Associated Diseases." Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(8), 1215. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8081215
- Meinert, M., et al. (2007). "Bioavailability of collagen peptides from food supplements." Current Medicinal Chemistry, 14(23), 2409-2417. https://doi.org/10.2174/092986707782023955
- Schunck, M., et al. (2015). "Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology." Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(12), 1340-1348. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2015.0022
- European Food Safety Authority. (2011). "Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to collagen peptides and maintenance of bone mass." EFSA Journal, 9(7), 2291. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2291
- European Food Safety Authority. (2011). "Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to collagen peptides." EFSA Journal, 9(7), 2287. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2287
- König, D., et al. (2018). "Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in postmenopausal women." Nutrients, 7(8), 6338. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7085304