Vital Proteins Review: Is This the Best Collagen Supplement?
Reading Time: 7 minutes Imagine a supplement that not only supports glowing skin and strong nails but also helps rebuild the foundation of your joints and bones.
That’s the promise of collagen—and it’s no empty claim. As one of the most abundant proteins in your body, collagen is the glue that holds your connective tissues together, yet production starts to decline in your mid-20s.
This means wrinkles, joint discomfort, and weaker hair may not just be signs of aging but indicators of diminishing collagen levels.
Known for its high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients and proven bioavailability, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides has earned its reputation as one of the best collagen supplements.
But is it truly the best? Or is there another collagen supplement you should buy?
Let’s take a closer look at whether Vital Proteins lives up to the hype or falls short of expectations.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
What Is Vital Proteins Collagen?
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a premium supplement crafted to enhance the health of skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones.
It is derived primarily from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine sources, ensuring a clean, sustainable product with minimal additives.
Their bovine collagen is hydrolyzed, meaning it is broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption and bioavailability.
This process allows your body to efficiently utilize the collagen to support its natural repair and regeneration processes.
Key Features of Vital Proteins:
- Hydrolyzed Peptides: Unlike regular gelatin, Vital Proteins uses hydrolyzed peptides, which are smaller and more bioavailable, making them easier for your body to digest and absorb.
- Types I and III Collagen: Type I collagen supports skin elasticity, while Type III helps maintain the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries.
- Simple Ingredients: The unflavored variety contains only bovine collagen peptides, making it a clean choice. Other options include flavorings like cocoa or stevia and beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Combining collagen and hyaluronic acid is a powerful combination that can have synergistic benefits.
- Diet-Friendly: This product is compatible with gluten-free, dairy-free, Whole30, and paleo diets, making it suitable for a wide range of lifestyles.
- Third-Party Tested: Vital Proteins is manufactured in an NSF-certified facility and tested for contaminants like heavy metals and microbiological impurities to ensure safety and quality.
The brand also offers a variety of products beyond its classic collagen peptides, such as marine collagen, collagen creamers, protein bars, and ready-to-drink options.
Benefits of Vital Proteins Collagen Supplements
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, forming the foundation of your skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Unfortunately, collagen production declines with age, beginning as early as your 20s.
This decline contributes to wrinkles, joint pain, and reduced elasticity in the skin and connective tissues.
Supplementing with Vital Proteins Collagen peptides can help replenish these proteins and slow the aging process.
1.) Skin Health
A systematic review published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2021 found that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation improves skin hydration, elasticity, and density.
These benefits help reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, making collagen a popular choice for beauty-conscious individuals who want to get healthier skin (de Miranda et al., 2021).
2.) Joint Support
Collagen supplementation can alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve joint mobility.
A 2019 study in International Orthopaedics showed that collagen peptides reduce joint stiffness and discomfort, especially when combined with an exercise rehabilitation program (García-Coronado et al., 2019).
3.) Bone Density
A groundbreaking study in Nutrients found that women who supplemented with 5 grams of collagen daily experienced an increase in bone mineral density over 12 months.
This makes collagen especially beneficial for postmenopausal women at risk for osteoporosis (König et al., 2018).
4.) Hair and Nail Strength
Bioactive collagen peptides have been linked to increased nail growth rates and reduced nail breakage, as well as potential improvements in hair growth for individuals experiencing hair thinning or alopecia (Hexsel et al., 2017; Hwang et al., 2022).
How Does Vital Proteins Compare to Other Collagen Supplements?
Vital Proteins competes with many other collagen supplements. There are several unique collagen supplements, but as an alternative to Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, I like Purely Inspired Collagen Peptides.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Advantages of Vital Proteins:
- High Solubility: Dissolves effortlessly in both hot and cold liquids, making it easy to integrate into daily routines like coffee, smoothies, or recipes.
- Wide Product Variety: Offers unflavored and flavored collagen powders, as well as ready-to-drink beverages, protein bars, and even collagen creamers.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, ensuring ethical, high-quality ingredients.
- Third-Party Tested: Manufactured in NSF-certified facilities, ensuring safety and purity.
Drawbacks:
- Price: At $1.42 per serving, Vital Proteins is more expensive than some competitors, including Purely Inspired.
- Packaging Concerns: Some customers have noted the lack of scoops and perforated safety seals, which can make portioning and storage less convenient.
Competitor Spotlight: Purely Inspired Collagen Peptides
Purely Inspired Collagen Peptides is a more affordable alternative to Vital Proteins, often retailing for around $0.60–$0.80 per serving.
It’s made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen, just like Vital Proteins, but it distinguishes itself in several key ways:
- Price Advantage: Purely Inspired is significantly cheaper, making it appealing for budget-conscious buyers.
- Added Nutrients: This product includes biotin and probiotics, which may offer additional benefits for skin, hair, nails, and gut health.
- Taste and Solubility: While it dissolves well, some users report a slight aftertaste when mixed into plain water, making it less versatile for certain drinks.
However, Purely Inspired does not offer the same product variety or add-ons like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which some consumers may prefer for enhanced absorption and beauty benefits.
Additionally, Vital Proteins has a stronger reputation for third-party testing and manufacturing in NSF-certified facilities, which could make it the more reliable choice for those prioritizing quality assurance.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Final Comparison:
- Choose Vital Proteins if you want a trusted brand with a wide product variety and premium ingredients, even if it costs more.
- Opt for Purely Inspired if you’re seeking a budget-friendly option with added biotin and probiotics to complement collagen’s benefits.
Both brands offer solid choices, but your decision may ultimately depend on your specific health goals, flavor preferences, and budget.
What Users Are Saying: Real-Life Experiences
Vital Proteins has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from its users, with many citing noticeable improvements in their hair, skin, nails, and joints. Here’s what some customers have to say:
- Ease of Use: Many users appreciate that the unflavored collagen blends seamlessly into coffee, smoothies, and even plain water without altering the flavor.
- Taste Preferences: While the unflavored version is nearly undetectable, flavored options like chocolate and vanilla can be overpowering in beverages like coffee but work well in smoothies or protein shakes.
- Results Timeline: Users typically report visible improvements in skin hydration and joint flexibility within 4-6 weeks, with maximum benefits achieved after 90 days.
Pricing and Accessibility
Vital Proteins is widely available both online and in retail stores, including Amazon, Costco, Whole Foods, and Target. The price per serving varies depending on the retailer and product size but generally falls around $1.42. Subscription discounts are available through Vital Proteins’ official website, offering a cost-effective option for regular users.
Taste, Solubility, and Side Effects
Taste and Solubility
- Unflavored Collagen: Virtually tasteless, making it perfect for mixing into coffee, tea, or soups without altering the flavor.
- Flavored Collagen: Options like chocolate and vanilla add richness to protein shakes or desserts but may be too strong for subtle beverages.
- Mixability: Achieves near-perfect solubility with no clumping, especially when stirred with a frother.
Side Effects
Collagen is generally well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. Some first-time users experience bloating or a sense of fullness due to the high protein content.
Those with allergies to common ingredients like eggs, fish, or shellfish should be careful because there is a risk of these allergens.
Final Verdict – Is Vital Proteins the Best Collagen Supplement?
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides excels in the collagen market, offering exceptional quality, versatility, and proven results.
Whether your goal is to rejuvenate skin, fortify joints, or enhance overall wellness, this product delivers on its claims.
While competitors like Purely Inspired provide budget-friendly alternatives, Vital Proteins shines for its premium sourcing, superior solubility, and diverse product options.
Though not the cheapest choice, its effectiveness and reliability make it worth the investment.
Options with added vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can amplify results, especially for athletes recovering from injuries or individuals addressing signs of aging.
For those serious about health and longevity, Vital Proteins is one of the best collagen supplements.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
FAQs
What makes Vital Proteins different from regular protein powder?
Collagen focuses on connective tissue health, while protein powders like whey are designed for muscle growth and recovery. Collagen lacks the amino acid tryptophan, making it an incomplete protein.
How long does it take to see results?
Most users report visible improvements within 4-6 weeks, with optimal benefits after consistent use for 90 days.
Are there any risks?
Collagen is safe for most individuals, but those with food allergies or sensitivities should review ingredient labels carefully.
