Vital Proteins Review: Do These Collagen Products Actually Deliver Results?

Vital Proteins focuses on making collagen-based supplementation simple and more accessible. The brand claims to tackle various modern lifestyle concerns, such as aging-related collagen loss, skin hydration, joint discomfort, and fitness recovery.

The Vital Proteins brand catalog includes multiple categories, including collagen powders, capsules, protein blends, gummies, and performance supplements.

In this review, we provide a structured analysis of the Vital Proteins brand, including its best sellers, formulation details, advantages, and brand limitations. The review also explores two potential substitutes for Vital Proteins.

About Vital Proteins

Vital Proteins is a U.S.-based wellness brand that aims to support vitality through collagen-based nutrition. Collagen is a structural protein in the body whose deficiency might lead to brittle hair and nails, joint discomfort, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Vital Proteins aims to minimize the risk of such concerns by providing access to quality collagen formulations.

Some popular formulations from Vital Proteins include the Collagen Peptides Advanced, Marine Collagen, Vanilla Collagen Creamer, and Collagen Gummies. According to the brand, its collagen peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides.

Vital Proteins is also a Certified B Corporation, which may indicate the brand’s commitment to social and environmental accountability. The brand has also announced initiatives like eliminating plastic scoops from its packaging as part of its broader sustainability efforts.

Vital Proteins Best Selling Products

1. Collagen Peptides Advanced

   Collagen Peptides Advanced by Vital Proteins could help support the structural integrity of your skin, joints, and connective tissue. As per the official site, each 3 tbsp serving (around 20g) provides 70 calories, 18g of protein, 20g of bovine collagen peptides, 120mg of hyaluronic acid, and 90mg of vitamin C. The Collagen Peptides Advanced formulation comes in two serving sizes, with a 9.33-oz bottle and a 20-oz bottle.

   The hydrolyzed collagen peptides are broken into smaller chains of amino acids through the hydrolysis process. It could make the collagen peptides more easily absorbed in the digestive system and support the integrity of skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage.

   Hyaluronic acid attaches to the water molecules in the extracellular matrix, helping retain moisture within skin tissues and contributing to improved skin elasticity and hydration. Vitamin C could support the hydroxylation of proline and lysine, amino acids essential for the stabilization and structural integrity of collagen fibers.

   The makers suggest mixing 3 level tablespoons of Collagen Peptides Advanced into hot/cold liquids, and drinking the mixture once a day.

2. Vital Proteins Marine Collagen

   Vital Proteins’ Marine Collagen is made using collagen derived from the scales of wild-caught, non-GMO certified cod fish.

   According to the official site, each 3 tbsp (12g serving) contains 45 calories, 11g of protein, and 12g of collagen peptides. Cod-based marine collagen primarily features type I collagen, which is the most abundant collagen type in your skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Marine collagen’s low molecular weight may also increase its absorption in the small intestine, potentially making it more bioavailable than bovine collagen.

   The Vital Proteins’ Marine Collagen formula is available in serving sizes of 7.8 oz, 14.5 oz, and a Stick Pack Box (comprising 20 sticks per box). As per the official site, the Marine Collagen formulation is also gluten and dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and contains no artificial sweeteners.

3. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

   Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides may support the body’s structural integrity through high-quality, bioavailable collagen. It is available in unflavored and flavored variants, including chocolate, vanilla, and lemon, with each serving delivering 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides.

   These peptides can be broken down into smaller chains to enhance digestibility and absorption, allowing your body to utilize them efficiently. As collagen naturally declines with age, regular supplementation may support healthy skin elasticity, joint mobility, bone strength, and the maintenance of hair and nails.

   Collagen peptides by Vital Proteins may supply targeted amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are essential for rebuilding and maintaining the body’s connective tissue matrix. These peptides may stimulate fibroblast activity, encouraging the production of types I and III collagen in the skin and type II collagen in cartilage.

4. Vital Proteins Bone & Joint Support

   Bone & Joint Support by Vital Proteins may support joint function, mobility, and musculoskeletal health. The formulation is specifically developed to help support the structural integrity of your joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

   According to the official site, a two-tbsp serving (12g) features 10g of bioactive collagen peptides (including FORTIBONE® and FORTIGEL®), 250mg of calcium, 120mcg of vitamin K2, and 21mcg of vitamin D3.

   FORTIBONE® may stimulate osteoblast activity and promote collagen synthesis within the bone matrix, which may contribute to increased bone mineral density and better joint health. The FORTIGEL® peptide may support chondrocyte metabolism, which are cells that help maintain cartilage tissue and support joint mobility.

   Calcium, particularly in the citrate form, may function as a fundamental structural component of the bone tissue. Vitamin D3 might enhance the intestinal absorption of calcium, which may positively impact bone density and maintenance.

   Mobilee® (derived from chicken comb extract and standardized to contain hyaluronic acid) may help support joint function. It may do so by enhancing synovial fluid viscosity and promoting tissue hydration and elasticity, which may help decrease joint stiffness and support smoother movement.

5. Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer

   Vital Proteins’ Collagen Creamer may support metabolic health and provide structural support (for joints, skin, nails, and hair). According to the official site, a ¼ cup serving (24g) provides 9g of protein, 110 calories, and 10g of collagen peptides (from bovine sources).

   The Collagen Creamer by Vital Proteins also pairs hydrolyzed collagen peptides with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut milk powder. MCTs are healthy fats that are quickly metabolized by the liver into ketones, which could provide an efficient source of cellular energy. Such benefits could make the Collagen Creamer formulation particularly beneficial if you follow a keto or paleo diet.

   Bovine collagen contains amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids may encourage fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, which may support skin hydration, fade the appearance of wrinkles, and promote cartilage health.

   According to the official site, Vital Proteins’ Collagen Creamer is available in Original, Mocha, and Vanilla flavors. The formulation is marketed as gluten-free, kosher, and iGen Non-GMO Tested.

6. Vital Performance™ Protein Powder

   Vital Performance™ Protein Powder aims to support muscle growth by stimulating muscle protein synthesis and enhancing post-exercise recovery. According to the official site, a 2-scoop serving (36g) provides 25g of protein, 130 calories, 18g of milk protein isolate, and 10g of collagen peptides. It also provides other nutrients like calcium, sodium, and potassium.

   The Vital Performance™ Protein Powder combines lactose-free milk protein isolate with collagen peptides. It may provide you with a complete amino acid profile that contains nine essential amino acids to support muscle strength and recovery. The inclusion of collagen peptides may help support the strength and flexibility of the joints, bones, and tendons.

   As per the official site, the Vital Performance™ Protein Powder is NSF Certified for Sport®. It may indicate that the formulation has undergone thorough third-party testing to ensure purity, safety, and accurate labeling standards. The Vital Performance™ Protein Powder is available in Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, and Cold Brew Coffee flavors.

7. Vital Proteins Daily Greens

   Daily Greens by Vital Proteins may contribute to your nutritional needs by providing vegetables, fruits, antioxidants, and probiotics. The Daily Greens formulation is available in Green Apple and Original flavor options.

   According to the official site, 1.5tbsp (13g serving) contains 7.3 g of the Vital Proteins® Greens Blend. It comprises a mix of leafy greens and fruits, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, spirulina, apple, blueberry, and acerola cherry. The formulation also features 4.4 g of the Digestive Support Blend, which contains ingredients like green banana fruit powder and Bacillus subtilis DE111® (1 billion CFUs).

   In the Vital Proteins® Greens blend, ingredients like spinach, kale, and broccoli provide compounds like chlorophyll, folate, and glucosinolates. These compounds may help support the body’s natural detoxification processes and suppress inflammation. Blueberries could provide polyphenols like quercetin and anthocyanins that have antioxidant properties, which may help lower oxidative stress and support vascular health.

   The Digestive Support Blend offers green banana, which may function as a  prebiotic and help support the nourishment of beneficial gut bacteria. Bacillus subtilis DE111® probiotic strain could help improve gut barrier integrity and help support a healthy immune response.

8. Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin

   As per the official site, Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin is made from the hides of pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine cattle. Each 20g serving (2 tablespoons) contains 70 calories and 20g of gelatin. The Beef Gelatin formulation intends to gel in cold liquids, which could make it particularly beneficial as a thickening or stabilizing agent for culinary use.

   Bovine gelatin may provide a rich source of amino acids like proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids may support collagen synthesis in the body, which may contribute to improved skin elasticity, joint resilience, and gut lining integrity.

   The makers state that the Beef Gelatin formula is gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, and Whole30®-approved. For best use, the makers suggest dissolving the Beef Gelatin powder into hot liquids such as water, tea, juice, or broth.

Vital Proteins Advantages

1. Multi-Channel Accessibility

   Vital Proteins makes its formulations widely available through both online and physical retail networks. The brand sells online through its official website and e-commerce platforms like Amazon. Vital Proteins also sells through offline retail outlets in the USA, such as Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market. Such an approach means you have access to flexibility in deciding where and how you shop, whether online or through physical retail stores.

   Vital Proteins also supports its retail presence with a coordinated marketing approach across multiple platforms, including streaming services, YouTube, podcasts, social media, and in-store promotions. It may give you consistent exposure to the brand, making it easier to discover their products, understand their purpose, and make informed purchase decisions.

2. Recognizable Brand Identity And Shelf Clarity

   Vital Proteins maintains a recognizable brand identity through consistent use of visual design elements. Most notably of these elements is the brand’s use of the signature turquoise packaging, referred to as “Vital Blue.” The color is prominently featured across the brand’s core line, establishing a unified shelf presence.

   The Vital Proteins brand also utilizes a structured color system, such as pink for Beauty Collagen formulations and green for Matcha Collagen. Such a level of visual consistency may make it easier for you to locate Vital Proteins’ formulas in stores or online, even when looking at crowded shelves or product listings. This branding approach may help you quickly recognize what you need without second-guessing.

Vital Proteins Limitations

1. Minimal Transparency

   Vital Proteins demonstrates a clear lack of transparency at the brand level. Although the brand markets itself around clean-label values and ethical sourcing, it provides very limited visibility into its actual supply chain, sourcing standards, and safety practices.

   For instance, the brand labels its collagen formulations (such as Collagen Peptides Advanced) as derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. However, the brand does not disclose any information about the specific sourcing regions, farm names, or third-party verifications to back these claims.

   Moreover, Vital Proteins does not provide batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for its formulations. The brand also does not publish independent third-party lab results to verify the absence of contaminants like heavy metals, microbial content, or potential safety risks. As a consumer, the lack of test data limits your ability to independently verify the safety, purity, and quality of the formulations you’re buying.

2. Limited Innovation in Delivery Systems and Bioavailability

   Vital Proteins has not kept pace with evolving supplement delivery technologies. The brand does not invest in or apply advanced delivery systems like liposomal encapsulation, nano-emulsions, enteric coatings, or time-release beadlets. Such modern formats aim to optimize bioavailability, enhance peptide stability, or support targeted collagen release to tissues like skin, cartilage, or the gut lining.

   Even though hydrolyzed collagen in Vital Proteins formulas is gentle on the digestive system, they have to compete with other amino acids during digestion. Plus, the lack of modern delivery formats may reduce functional uptake of active ingredients (like collagen peptides), especially if you have digestive issues or age-related malabsorption. Despite Vital Proteins’ strong marketing and clean ingredient positioning, the lack of clinically advanced delivery platforms means you’re relying on outdated methods that may underdeliver in real-world use.

Vital Proteins Alternative Brands

1. Garden Of Life

   When comparing Garden of Life and Vital Proteins, both brands reflect a strong commitment to quality sourcing and nutritional diversity in their formulas. However, the brands diverge on aspects like their formulation range, certifications, and pricing.

   Garden of Life delivers a broader catalog that includes formulations like collagen powders, probiotics, herbal blends, mineral formulations, omega-3s, etc. The brand offers formulations covering multiple health interests, such as immunity, sleep, brain health, energy, prenatal, mood, and stress etc.

   Meanwhile, Vital Proteins emphasizes more on collagen-based nutrition by primarily offering multiple bovine and marine collagen peptide formulas. The brand’s core focus also reflects a difference as Vital Proteins covers a narrower range of health interests, such as support for hair/skin/nails, sleep, bones & joints, and support for a healthy lifestyle.

   Certifications and labeling claims vary between the Garden of Life and Vital Proteins brands as well. Garden of Life emphasizes organic and clean-label credentials, with Non-GMO Project verification, USDA Organic certification on some formulas, and gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly options. On the other hand, Vital Proteins lacks USDA Organic certification but emphasizes more on certifications like Whole30-approved, certified B Corporation, and paleo-friendly standards.

   From a pricing perspective, there are some differences between the two brands. For example, one jar of Garden of Life’s Grass Fed Collagen Peptides Powder offers 14 servings per container and costs $22.39 as part of a one-time purchase. In contrast, one 10-oz jar of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides provides around 13 servings per container and costs $21.60.

2. Thorne

   When comparing the Thorne and Vital Proteins brands, both differ in some key aspects. Thorne operates as a wellness brand, offering an extensive lineup that includes multivitamins, probiotics, amino acids, adaptogens, omega-3s, and even at-home test kits.

   On the other hand, Vital Proteins focuses more on collagen-based supplementation (both marine and bovine) in the form of powders, capsules, and gummies. The Vital Proteins brand streamlines its formulas more towards niches like beauty support, joint health, and active lifestyle support.

   Personalization and diagnostic support form another area of difference. Thorne provides access to at-home biomarker testing and personalized supplement recommendations. For instance, the brand offers at-home test options, such as the Essential Health Panel, Vitamin D Test, and Sleep Test. Such a range of testing options could make the Vital Proteins brand more interactive if you are seeking a personalized approach to supplementation and health analysis. On the other hand, Vital Proteins does not currently offer any at-home test kits or personalized health guidance. It solely remains focused on offering standardized collagen formulas.

   From the perspective of refund policies, Thorne and Vital Proteins reflect distinct approaches to customer service. Thorne allows a 60-day refund window on purchases, allowing refunds, a store credit, or replacements on the order. Meanwhile, the Vital Proteins brand offers a more restrictive 30-day refund window on purchases, which may also be subject to a restocking fee (in some cases).

How Did We Evaluate Vital Proteins?

1. Brand Reputation

   In evaluating Vital Proteins’ brand reputation, we considered its history, longevity, and presence across major third-party review platforms. Founded in 2013, Vital Proteins operates in the wellness and collagen supplement industry.

   However, when assessing public perception through independent review sites, the brand shows limited engagement. On Trustpilot, Vital Proteins has an unclaimed profile, which suggests the brand does not actively manage or respond to customer feedback on the platform. Moreover, Vital Proteins is not listed on the Reviews.io website, indicating a lack of verified review collection through the channel.

   On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Vital Proteins holds an “A+” rating, reflecting a typically low volume of complaints and adherence to good business practices. However, the Vital Proteins brand is not BBB-accredited, which means it has not formally committed to BBB’s standards of trust.

2. Real Consumer Reviews

   As part of our evaluation of Vital Proteins, we closely examined user feedback to understand how users perceive the brand’s supplements in everyday use. Customer feedback for two of Vital Protein’s popular formulations, Collagen Peptides Advanced and Marine Collagen, played a central role in the assessment.

   Many customers observed noticeable improvements in skin texture, joint comfort, hair thickness, and nail strength after consistently using Collagen Peptides Advanced. Pre- and post-menopausal women particularly appreciated the Collagen Peptides Advanced formula, as they noted benefits, such as improved hormonal balance, better sleep quality, and reduced night sweats.

   On the downside, a few consumers pointed out that the Collagen Peptides Advanced powder was difficult to dissolve in liquids. A few users also expressed that the Collagen Peptides Advanced formed more lumps than the standard Collagen Peptides formula.

   The Marine Collagen formulation was also well-received on Amazon. Many users observed noticeable improvements in nail strength, hair growth, and even a reduction in joint discomfort. However, some customers expressed they were unable to consume the Marine Collagen formula due to its fishy flavor after mixing with water or tea. A few reviewers also expressed concerns about the high price relative to the quantity provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Vital Proteins Formulations Certified Organic?
   Not necessarily. The formulations from Vital Proteins may contain naturally sourced ingredients, although the brand does not specifically offer products that are explicitly labeled as certified organic.
2. Does Vital Proteins Offer A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) For Each Batch?
   No, the Vital Proteins brand does not provide any public access to CoAs. Without the availability of COAs, it becomes difficult to verify the batch purity and consistency.
3. Is the Collagen Used in Vital Proteins Formulations Clinically Validated For Efficacy?
   Not necessarily. While some collagen types, like Types I and III, have supportive studies, the Vital Proteins brand doesn’t cite its trials. They rely on general collagen research, not on product-specific clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Vital Proteins is mainly focused on collagen powders, but the brand also extends into different areas like beauty support, sleep, and performance blends. The brand also maintains a broad presence across both online and retail outlet stores, such as Target and Walmart.

However, the brand doesn’t share much about where its ingredients come from or how they’re tested for quality. The packaging and website don’t list details like the source of ingredients, third-party testing, or Certificates of Analysis, which makes it hard to check how pure or safe the products really are.

It is important to factor in your specific fitness goals, nutritional needs, and preferences regarding the brand’s sourcing standards and evidence-based efficacy before making a purchase decision.