Vital Proteins collagen: reviews and alternatives
Vital Proteins is one of the best-selling collagen brands on Amazon. We haven't tried it: this is what its labels say, what to look for in reviews and which alternatives exist in other formats.
What it is and what it sells
Vital Proteins sells hydrolyzed collagen peptides, mostly powder, in several versions. The ones in our comparison are two bovine ones: one with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C (20 oz tub) and an unflavored one (9.33 oz tub). Their labels say 20 g of collagen peptides per serving and the unflavored one is advertised as from grass-fed cattle. It also has a marine version at 12 g per serving, per its tub.
Our pick
Vital Proteins: collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
According to the listing, bovine collagen powder (from grass-fed cattle) with 120 mg of hyaluronic acid and 100% of the daily value of vitamin C, dairy- and gluten-free.
Check before you buy
- The label on the pictured tub says 20 g of collagen peptides per serving: check the figure on the version you choose, which is what counts, not the extras.
- That the hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are add-ons: we don't know they improve what collagen does, and they raise the price.
- The tub size and number of servings: the link opens one specific version.
- The one- and two-star reviews, especially those about taste, texture and digestion.
- The return policy for THIS item before you pay.
Prices and availability change: always check the current price on Amazon.
Our pick
Vital Proteins: unflavored collagen peptides, sugar-free
According to the listing, unflavored bovine collagen powder (from grass-fed cattle hides), dairy- and gluten-free with 0 g of sugar per serving. The listing pitches it for hair, skin, nails, joints and bones; as we saw, the evidence is stronger for skin than for the rest.
Check before you buy
- The label on the pictured tub says 20 g of peptides per serving: check the figure and servings on the version you choose.
- That the claims about hair, nails, joints and bones come from the listing, not from solid studies.
- That it is bovine: not suitable if you avoid beef.
- The one- and two-star reviews, especially those about how it mixes.
- The return policy for THIS item before you pay.
Prices and availability change: always check the current price on Amazon.
Our pick
Sports Research: type I and III collagen peptides
According to the listing, unflavored powder with about 11 g (0.39 oz) of type I and III collagen peptides per scoop, 40 calories, no added sugars, dairy, soy or gluten, and «third-party tested» for quality and potency.
Check before you buy
- That «third-party tested» is a brand claim: look for the lab's name or the seal on the listing.
- That the link opens one specific version: check the size and scoops per tub.
- The source of the collagen (the listing says type I and III): confirm whether it's bovine or marine.
- The one- and two-star reviews, especially those about clumping and taste.
- The return policy for THIS item before you pay.
Prices and availability change: always check the current price on Amazon.
Our pick
Vital Vitamins: multi collagen complex capsules
According to the listing, capsules mixing bovine, marine, chicken bone broth and eggshell membrane collagen (types I, II, III, V and X), in a 150-count pack. It's the capsule option, more convenient than powder.
Check before you buy
- How many grams of collagen the daily dose gives and how many capsules that is: one capsule holds little, and studies used grams, not milligrams.
- The allergens: the listing says it contains marine collagen (fish), chicken bone broth and eggshell membrane collagen; if you are allergic to any, it isn't for you.
- That «five types of collagen» is a sales pitch: we don't know that mixing types improves the result.
- The number of capsules in the pack and how long it lasts at the dose: the link opens one specific version.
- The return policy for THIS item before you pay.
Prices and availability change: always check the current price on Amazon.
Our pick
Vital Proteins: unflavored marine collagen powder
According to the listing and the 7.8 oz tub's label, unflavored hydrolyzed marine collagen powder, wild caught, with 12 g of peptides per serving. It's the marine option with the most grams per serving of those we compare.
Check before you buy
- The label on the pictured tub says 12 g of peptides per serving: check the figure and servings on the version you choose.
- That it is marine (fish): not suitable if you are allergic to fish or shellfish.
- That the tub mentions wild caught and skin, hair, nails and joints: those are brand claims, not solid studies.
- The one- and two-star reviews, especially those about smell, taste and how it mixes.
- The return policy for THIS item before you pay.
Prices and availability change: always check the current price on Amazon.
Reviews: what we can't tell you and how to read them
We haven't tried it and we don't copy reviews or stars from Amazon, so we won't give you a score. What you can do is read the one- and two-star reviews of the specific product you'll buy. If several repeat the same thing (clumping, taste, packaging faults, digestion problems), that weighs more than a high rating. Note too that the link opens one specific version: tub size and servings change.
With hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, or unflavored
The hyaluronic acid and vitamin C version adds 120 mg of hyaluronic acid and 100% of the daily value of vitamin C according to the listing. We don't know those extras improve what collagen does, and they tend to raise the price. If your diet already includes vitamin C, the unflavored one gives you the same grams of collagen.
Alternatives
If you prefer another source or format: Sports Research gives 11 g of collagen per serving as a powder with types I and III and says it is third-party tested (a brand claim); Vital Vitamins is capsules, 3 per serving, and mixes sources. Compare them all in our comparison and read the main guide to know what to check before choosing.
Who should check first
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have an existing condition, talk to a doctor or dietitian first. Collagen's effect on skin is modest and no substitute for a varied diet.