Vital Proteins offers a wide variety of products marketed to support joint health, skin appearance, hair strength, and overall vitality. The brand is also specifically known for its collagen-based supplements that aim to boost bone health and mobility.
Vital Proteins features specialized wellness formulas, such as Hair Complex and Skin Hydration, and antioxidant support.
The brand also offers other functional supplements, including collagen creamers, plant-based proteins, daily greens, and beef liver capsules, allowing you to build a well-rounded wellness routine.
This review covers the brand's diverse product catalog by breaking down its formulations, intended benefits, ingredient transparency, and usability across different lifestyle needs. It also addresses potential limitations, such as whether the brand provides adequate clinical backing for its claims, how customizable its offerings are for fitness concerns, and how its pricing compares to similar products in the market.
Vital Proteins is a U.S.-based supplement company founded in 2013. It began with a focus on collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide and is best known for its Collagen Peptides (Unflavored) product, one of the brand's original formulations.
Since its launch, the brand has expanded its portfolio to include a wider variety of collagen formats and supplement types. These now include products like Marine Collagen (sourced from wild-caught fish), Chocolate Collagen Peptides, and Vanilla Collagen Creamer, as well as functional blends such as Collagen Peptides Advanced and Bone & Joint Support.
The brand also offers capsule-based products like Collagen Gut Health and Collagen Beauty, gummies such as Beauty Gummies, and a clinical line under Vital Proteins Professional, formulated for use under practitioner guidance.
Collagen remains central to the brand's product identity, but many products are positioned to support broader areas of wellness, including joint mobility, skin hydration, digestive support, and protein intake.
The company has implemented sustainability-related changes, such as removing plastic scoops from selected products, and states a broader commitment to environmental and social impact through its Certified B Corporation™ status.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced might support skin elasticity, joint mobility, bone structure, and connective tissue integrity. It consists of approximately 20 grams (or 3 tablespoons) and delivers 70 calories, 18 grams of protein, and 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides sourced from bovine hide. These peptides are broken down into smaller amino acid chains to facilitate absorption in the small intestine, where they may stimulate fibroblast activity and support endogenous collagen synthesis. The collagen contains a broad spectrum of 18 amino acids, including glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and leucine, components that play central roles in collagen cross-linking and tissue repair.
The formulation includes 120 mg of hyaluronic acid, derived from sodium hyaluronate, which functions as a water-binding molecule in both the skin and synovial joints. Hyaluronic acid in this formula may contribute to skin hydration and elasticity by helping retain moisture in the dermal matrix and may support joint lubrication through its viscoelastic properties within the synovial fluid.
To support collagen metabolism, Collagen Peptides Advanced contains 90 mg of vitamin C per serving (100% of the Daily Value), sourced from calcium ascorbate. Vitamin C is a required cofactor in collagen biosynthesis, facilitating the hydroxylation of proline and lysine, critical steps in forming stable collagen triple helices. Without sufficient vitamin C, new collagen strands may form improperly, leading to weaker connective tissue.
The Collagen Peptides Advanced formula also features 110 mg of sodium and is free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. It is also labeled as gluten-free, dairy-free, Whole30-approved, and Certified Kosher.
Vital Proteins Marine Collagen is made from wild-caught cod, formulated t o support the health of your skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues. It provides 12 grams of marine collagen peptides per 3 tablespoons serving and 11 grams of protein, with 45 calories. This type of collagen is primarily Type I collagen, which is the dominant form found in skin, ligaments, and bone. Marine collagen has a smaller peptide size, which may enhance bioavailability, meaning your body could absorb and utilize it more efficiently than some other sources.
This marine collagen supplement is unflavored, allowing it to blend easily into a variety of liquids like coffee, tea, smoothies, or plain water without altering the taste. However, it contains fish (cod).
The makers state to use Marine Collagen Peptides, mix 3 level tablespoons with 8 ounces of liquid, and stir until fully dissolved. The product is available in multiple formats, including a 7.8 oz container, a 14.5 oz size, and stick packs for convenience.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides supplement is made from hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are said to be sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides. It provides 20 grams of collagen and may support skin, hair, nails, joints, and connective tissue health. The unflavored version contains only collagen peptides and no sweeteners, additives, or fillers.
The makers state that it can dissolve easily in both hot and cold liquids, making it versatile for mixing into coffee, smoothies, soups, or recipes without altering flavor or texture.
If you prefer the added taste, the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is also available in flavored options like chocolate with cocoa powder and natural chocolate flavor, vanilla (with natural vanilla, sea salt, maltodextrin, and stevia, and lemon with natural lemon flavor, citric acid, and sea salt. These contain no added sugars and offer between 2-4 grams of carbs per serving.
As per the makers, the Vital Proteins Bone & Joint Support formula can address the long-term integrity of your musculoskeletal system. It combines bioactive collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid and essential micronutrients, which may support better joint mobility, bone strength, and connective tissue health.
The Bone & Joint Support formula is said to combine 10 grams of Bioactive Collagen Peptides. These peptides are divided between two specialized complexes, such as FORTIGEL® and FORTIBONE®.
FORTIGEL might help stimulate chondrocyte cells that regenerate cartilage, while FORTIBONE focuses on osteoblast activity for improved bone matrix density. These peptides may help your body rebuild the collagen framework that supports joint cushioning and bone flexibility.
To further enhance joint lubrication and elasticity, the formula also includes Mobilee®, a patented chicken comb extract providing 40 mg of hyaluronic acid per serving.
Hyaluronic acid is critical for maintaining the viscosity of synovial fluid, which lubricates joints and minimizes friction between moving surfaces. This function is particularly important in supporting joint comfort and flexibility, especially if you lead an active lifestyle or have early joint degeneration.
Bone & Joint Support formula also features liposomal PureWay-C, a highly bioavailable vitamin C form. Vitamin C can function as a cofactor in the enzymatic conversion of proline and lysine into hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, two modified amino acids essential for stable collagen structure.
This formula also provides vitamin D3, which might help your body absorb calcium from the gut, while vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) directs that calcium into the bone matrix by activating osteocalcin, a calcium-binding protein. This combination helps ensure that calcium contributes to skeletal health rather than depositing in soft tissues.
Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer may support structural fitness through a blend of collagen peptides and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) sourced from coconut milk powder. It provides 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides per 24–26 gram serving, which may help replenish collagen lost naturally with age, a process that contributes to reduced skin elasticity, joint discomfort, and brittle hair and nails.
Hydrolyzed collagen could be broken down into smaller amino acid chains that can be more bioavailable, making them easier for your body to absorb and utilize in connective tissues like cartilage, skin, and tendons.
The Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer formulation also includes MCTs, fats that may be rapidly converted by the liver into ketones, offering a quick source of cellular energy. This combination of protein and functional fats positions the creamer as a dual-purpose addition to your morning coffee, providing both structural support and a potential metabolic lift.
Collagen Creamer by Vital Proteins is available in flavors such as original, mocha, and vanilla, which uses coconut milk powder as the base, ensuring a creamy texture without the need for dairy. The mocha version includes natural cocoa and coffee flavors, while the vanilla offers a softer, aromatic alternative if you are seeking variety in taste.
Protein Powder by Vital Performance may support muscular and connective tissue function. It provides 25g of total protein per 36g of serving, combining 18g of milk protein isolate with 10g of collagen peptides sourced from bovine hide.
The milk protein isolated in this formula provides a complete amino acid profile, which is the building blocks of muscle that the human body cannot synthesize on its own. Protein Powder also contains both whey and casein fractions, enabling fast and sustained protein absorption.
The presence of leucine plays a critical role in activating the mTOR signaling pathway, which directly stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS). This makes the powder especially beneficial post-workout or during recovery periods.
Collagen peptides may help stimulate fibroblast activity, the cells responsible for producing collagen fibers, potentially leading to improved joint comfort, tendon elasticity, and skin hydration over time.
As per the official website, Vital Performance Protein Powder is available in different flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, cold brew coffee, and strawberry. These protein powders provide 130 calories per serving, along with 6g of carbohydrates, of which 5g are added sugars. These carbohydrates can assist in post-exercise glycogen replenishment, a critical component of muscle recovery.
The formula also includes 350mg of calcium, which supports bone mineralization and muscle contraction, 230mg of sodium, and 40mg of potassium to aid electrolyte balance, especially after intense physical activity.
Vital Proteins Daily Greens contains a blend of whole plant powders, fruit pomace, botanical extracts, and probiotics that can simulate the equivalent of two servings of fruits and vegetables (1.85 servings of vegetables, 0.15 servings of fruit, based on pre-dried volume as defined by MyPlate.gov.
Vital Proteins Daily Greens formulation is available in green apple and original flavor options. It combines Greens Blend (7.3g per serving), which includes leafy greens like spinach and kale, known for their high concentrations of chlorophyll, folate, vitamin K, and magnesium, all of which may support cellular detoxification, bone health, and vascular function. Broccoli may offer fiber and phytonutrients, while acerola cherry extract serves as a natural source of vitamin C.
The makers also added spirulina in Daily Greens, a cyanobacterium rich in phycocyanin, and green tea and green coffee bean extracts, which contribute to antioxidant defense mechanisms by neutralizing reactive oxygen species that may result from environmental stress or metabolic activity. The addition of turmeric extract in this formula adds anti-inflammatory support, as curcuminoids found in turmeric may modulate the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes such as COX-2 and NF-κB.
The Digestive Support Blend (4.4g) in Daily Greens features green banana powder, a natural source of resistant starch, which may work as a prebiotic and may help nourish beneficial gut microbiota. It also contains Bacillus subtilis DE111®, a well-researched, shelf-stable probiotic strain that delivers 1 billion CFU (colony-forming units) per serving. This strain may support gut flora balance and digestive regularity and may even assist in modulating immune responses at the gut mucosal level.
According to the official website, Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin is an unflavored formula derived from the hides of pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine. Unlike hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which dissolve fully in both hot and cold liquids, this gelatin powder gels when cooled and requires a mix of cold followed by hot liquid for proper use.
Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin contains 20 grams of bovine-derived gelatin per two-tablespoon serving, a source of collagen types I and III. These types of collagen are biologically relevant to the structure of connective tissues, particularly in the skin, joints, bones, ligaments, and hair. When consumed, gelatin undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract, breaking down into peptides and free amino acids.
The body's collagen production could naturally decline with age, which may lead to increased skin wrinkling, joint discomfort, and slower wound healing.
The makers state that Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin may help replenish amino acid levels and stimulate fibroblast activity, which could enhance dermal thickness, support joint flexibility, and help improve nail strength.
Vital Proteins positions itself as a collagen-first wellness brand, structuring its entire identity around collagen and connective tissue support. Rather than functioning as a general supplement provider, the brand maintains a focused yet expanded product line dedicated primarily to collagen delivery across multiple intake formats. This specialization reflects long-term investment in formulation expertise, ingredient sourcing, and educational support centered around collagen's role in joint, skin, gut, and structural health. The focused specialization ensures consistent quality, targeted product development, and research-driven innovation tailored to support your body's fitness goals.
Vital Proteins operates through a wide distribution network spanning retail chains such as Target, CVS, Whole Foods, and Walmart, as well as online platforms, including Amazon and its official website. The brand does not rely exclusively on niche fitness stores or limited e-commerce exposure. It ensures national-level availability across both general consumer and wellness-oriented retail spaces. You can access Vital Proteins products without logistical hurdles, whether shopping online or in person. This ease of availability reduces waiting periods, simplifies reordering, and enhances the convenience of maintaining a regular supplement routinely while giving you the flexibility to compare formats, prices, or subscription options in real time.
As a Certified B Corporation, Vital Proteins undergoes third-party assessments to measure its environmental and social impact. This certification places the brand within a select group of companies that meet transparent standards across supply chain ethics and packaging sustainability. The brand claims to take specific steps, such as removing single-use plastic scoops, to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. If you value environmental sustainability and corporate accountability, this certification assures that the brand's operations align with the broader social good.
Vital Proteins maintains a visually cohesive and easily identifiable brand design across its entire lineup. From its signature turquoise containers to pastel-themed sublines, the brand communicates consistency through packaging, product names, and retail displays. This clarity extends into digital spaces, where product images and navigation structures mirror what you see in-store. The consistent branding makes it easier for you to locate your preferred products both online and on store shelves. The familiar design reduces confusion and helps streamline your buying process, which is especially valuable when managing multiple formats or subscriptions.
Vital Proteins gives you a broad catalog of wellness products, but most of them are built around general collagen supplementation without tailoring to your unique fitness profile. You won't find protocols adjusted for hormone-related changes, autoimmune triggers, or nutrient depletions specific to your lab markers.
For example, the Collagen Peptides powder provides a fixed dose of bovine-sourced collagen without co-formulated adaptogens or targeted micronutrients like methylated B vitamins or magnesium glycinate that may support hormone balance or nervous system health. Unless you're using their Vital Proteins Professional line, which isn't broadly accessible, there's no way to personalize dosage, delivery format, or cofactor inclusion to fit your biological needs. That lack of individualization can be limiting if you're addressing thyroid dysfunction, perimenopause, chronic inflammation, or stress-related cortisol dysregulation.
Many of the health benefits promoted by Vital Proteins, such as “supports hair, skin, nails, and joints,” are based on general research about collagen peptides, not double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials using their actual formulas.
For example, the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder from the brand contains 20g of collagen per serving, but there is no study done by the brand confirming how that dose performs in their blend when it comes to increasing skin hydration or improving cartilage density. Without product-specific research, it's difficult to predict whether you'll experience benefits like reduced joint stiffness or smoother skin within a given timeframe.
While Vital Proteins promotes that its collagen is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides or wild-caught marine sources, it doesn't consistently disclose the region of origin or show independent third-party lab reports. You won't easily find Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for heavy metals, microbial load, or residual solvents unless you directly contact the company, and even then, batch-specific data may not be available. If you're concerned about contaminants like lead in marine collagen or antibiotic residues in bovine sources, this lack of transparent verification can create doubt.
BioTrust is a wellness brand that positions itself as a comprehensive option if you are seeking total-body fitness. The offers a wide range of scientifically formulated products across categories such as weight management, metabolic support, digestive health, immunity, brain function, and healthy aging. Collagen is just one component of its broader portfolio, making the brand especially appealing if you want an all-in-one wellness provider.
As per its official website, the brand's offerings include the Ageless Multi-Collagen (which contains five types of collagen: I, II, III, V, and X), Low Carb Protein Powders, Keto Elevate MCT powders, OmegaKrill, IC-5 for blood sugar control, and Digestive Enzymes.
BioTrust claims that all its products are non-GMO, hormone-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and free from artificial sweeteners, with clean-label transparency on every formulation. For instance, the brand highlights that stevia used in its products is sourced from California-grown plants, and proteins are derived from grass-fed sources.
The brand also emphasizes third-party testing for every batch, ensuring product purity, potency, and stability. Although not NSF-certified, BioTrust states that its quality standards meet or exceed USP guidelines, which are widely respected in the supplement industry.
In terms of pricing, BioTrust leans toward the premium side, reflecting its multifunctional formulations. A typical 20-serving tub of Ageless Multi-Collagen is priced around $34–$39, translating to $1.70–$1.95 per serving.
Other product lines, like Keto Elevate and Low Carb Lite Meal Replacements, range from $39 to $49. The brand supports affordability through discount bundles, subscription savings, and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Additional value comes from exclusive services like access to certified health coaches, personalized nutrition guides, and digital transformation programs.
Vital Proteins, on the other hand, is a collagen-centric brand best known for its clean, affordable, and widely available collagen products.
It has built its identity around collagen peptides as the cornerstone of skin, hair, nail, bone, and joint support. Unlike BioTRUST, which serves broad functional goals, Vital Proteins hones in on delivering a high-quality collagen experience, offering a refined product line that includes unflavored and flavored Collagen Peptides, Marine Collagen, Collagen Creamers, Beauty Collagen, Collagen Capsules, and its Vital Performance series (targeted toward pre- and post-workout support with added BCAAs and amino acids).
Vital Proteins emphasizes ingredient sourcing transparency, using grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen and wild-caught marine collagen. Many of its collagen supplements are enhanced with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, known to support skin hydration and collagen synthesis synergistically. This minimalist but effective formulation strategy may appeal to you if you are looking for targeted beauty and mobility benefits without additional active ingredients.
One of the strongest points in favor of Vital Proteins is pricing and accessibility. The brand's 20-oz Collagen Peptides tub retails for around $27–$30, or about $1.00–$1.10 per serving, making it more affordable than BioTRUST's collagen blends. Their gummies, capsules, and performance powders also fall in a competitive price range between $18 and $45, depending on the product category. Vital Proteins supports savings through 15% subscription discounts and free U.S. shipping on orders over $50.
BioTrust stands out as a full-spectrum fitness brand focusing on multifunctional, research-based supplements and ongoing coaching and community support. Meanwhile, Vital Proteins provides go-to options if you want affordable and convenient collagen-focused supplements with strong third-party certifications and wide retail availability.
Vital Proteins and Momentous both occupy strong positions in the wellness supplement space but are tailored for distinctly different consumers.
Momentous is rooted in performance nutrition, making it a suitable choice if you're an athlete, lead an active lifestyle, or want clinically backed supplements. Vital Proteins, on the other hand, focuses mainly on collagen and addresses concerns related to beauty, general wellness, or joint health.
Momentous offers a more focused but high-performance product catalog. The brand's collagen peptide supplement includes a dual-source blend, 11.6g of grass-fed collagen, and 5.2g of FORTIGEL, specifically helping provide joint and tendon support, totaling 16.8g of collagen and 15g of protein per serving. It retails for $51.95 and is NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Sport certified, two top-tier certifications trusted by elite athletes and teams.
Momentous also has a curated range of performance supplements such as Creatine (Creapure®), Magnesium L-Threonate, Tongkat Ali, Omega-3, and sleep and hormone support stacks, with individual prices ranging from $16.95 to nearly $189.95 depending on the formulation.
The brand also offers 25% off for subscriptions and free shipping on U.S. orders over $75. Their return policy includes a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, processed individually via customer support, which supports more performance-focused and premium purchases.
Vital Proteins, on the other hand, specializes in collagen supplementation and offers an expansive lineup, including unflavored Collagen Peptides, Marine Collagen, flavored varieties like Chocolate, Vanilla, and Lemon, as well as Collagen Creamers and functional blends for joint or beauty support. Their price range is accessible, generally between $21.60 to $39.99 for standard collagen tubs, with more complex blends priced up to $59.00. In terms of product variety, Vital Proteins dominates in the flavor and format category, offering marine-sourced collagen, mocha-flavored creamers, and travel stick packs.
Vital Proteins offers flavorful, affordable, everyday collagen options focused on skin, hair, nails, and joints with easy online access and a broad catalog.
Momentous, on the other hand, is more focused on providing performance support through its product line, transparent testing standards, and sports-grade certification.
To assess Vital Proteins, we looked at a combination of its brand history, credibility indicators, and third-party review platforms.
Founded in 2013, Vital Proteins has grown into a widely recognized name in the wellness industry, particularly known for its collagen-based supplements that support skin, joints, and overall health. Its long-standing presence and consistent branding contribute to its reliability.
As per Better Business Bureau, Vital Proteins has an A+ rating, which reflects a strong track record in customer service and complaint resolution. This rating signals that the brand is generally trustworthy and responsive to consumer concerns.
We looked at customer feedback on Tenereteam, where the brand has a 5.0 overall rating. Reviews mention strong satisfaction with the return policy, customer service, and value. However, since this is based on only a limited number of publicly available reviews, it offers limited details of the broader customer experience.
When evaluating Vital Proteins, we looked at Vital Proteins' refund policy to understand how the brand handles post-purchase support. The 30-day return window only applies to orders placed on their official website, and while they mention that you contact their customer service team for help, the process may involve a restocking fee in some cases. This shows a balanced approach, offering help while maintaining certain conditions.
The policy also mentions that the company may investigate refund requests it believes are questionable, which shows a cautious approach to returns. The policy reflects a controlled but responsive system, giving you a reasonable chance to resolve issues, though it's not the most flexible or risk-free return experience.
Vital Proteins presents itself as a collagen-centered wellness brand with a focus on ingredient transparency, clean labeling, and broad availability through retail and online channels. Its approach centers on general wellness, and the brand remains rooted in its collagen-first identity, with gradual extensions into adjacent wellness categories.
However, the brand's approach tends to favor generalized wellness over individualized options. It does not offer significant personalization or transparency around clinical validation specific to its formulations. For people with complex fitness needs, this may limit the Vital Proteins' relevance or depth of support.
While Vital Proteins delivers reliability and broad appeal, its utility ultimately depends on how well its foundational wellness model aligns with your fitness priorities.
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