For busy professionals, whether looking for an edge to keep pushing your workouts to the next level or an assist with daily wellness, collagen might be worth considering.

We tested 13 collagen supplements and then narrowed our list down to the six best collagen supplements of the year. Our tester, Gwen, is a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer; she’s tested tons of supplements and other health products. Read on for Gwen’s full review of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

This collagen is versatile and easy to incorporate daily

Fortune score

4.5/5

Check Price

at Vital Proteins

Key product features

• Our thoughts: Our tester loves mixing the unflavored collagen into her coffee
• Who it’s for: Busy adults who want an easy supplement routine to support their hair, skin, nails, joints, and more
• What makes it different: It’s sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save discount is 15% off and free shipping
• Available as stick packets for easy portability
• NSF Certified for Sport

Cons

• Pricier than other collagens we’ve tested
• Not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or folks who avoid meat for cultural or religious reasons
• Not a complete source of protein

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Specs

Our Experience with Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a powder supplement available in three flavors: unflavored, chocolate, and strawberry lemonade. We tested the unflavored version. It contains only one ingredient: 20 grams of collagen peptides made with type I and type III collagen. Type I collagen is found in your bones, skin, tendons, and makes up 90 percent of the human body. Type III collagen is in your arteries, muscles, and other organs. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are third-party tested and NSF-Certified for Sport. This supplement is also kosher, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and contains no sweeteners (artificial or otherwise).

Gwen tested the unflavored version of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, taking the product consistently for a few months. She loves mixing it with her favorite coffee drink as a part of her daily wellness ritual. It’s a great way to get in a little extra protein, too. 

What We Liked 

Here’s what Gwen rated highly after trying Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides:

• First impressions (5 out of 5): It comes in a cylindrical container, rather than a bag. Gwen thinks the packaging is aesthetically pleasing. “The brand recently switched its packaging to an 80% paperboard container to use less plastic. I think removing the scoop was part of that same initiative,” Gwen said. “To be perfectly honest, I’m totally cool with that. I have a tablespoon at home, and the serving size is four tablespoons. I’d rather just use something I already have—and most folks already have—than contribute to more plastic waste.”
• Instructions (5 out of 5): “The instructions are super simple; all you need to do is mix four tablespoons in eight ounces of water (or other liquid of choice, like coffee),” said Gwen.
• Mixability (5 out of 5): After mixing in a shaker bottle, the collagen fully dissolved with no visible chunks. Gwen didn’t need to re-shake; the product stayed dissolved while she was drinking it.
• Taste (5 out of 5): Gwen enjoyed the unflavored collagen. “I typically mix my collagen peptides with my iced coffee and liquid hair growth supplement, so it mainly just tastes like coffee. The unflavored product does a good job of assuming the flavor of the liquid you mix it with. It’s not gritty or foamy either, and I genuinely don’t think it adds any texture to my iced coffee. It does create a little froth, but it settles really quickly,” she said.
• Side effects (5 out of 5): Gwen has been taking this product consistently for a few months and has experienced no side effects. She hasn’t noticed any digestive unrest or aftertaste. “I can’t conclusively say I’ve noticed any long-term effects because I initially started to take it to improve skin elasticity, but at the same time, I’ve also started taking fish oil, and I stopped wearing makeup on weekdays. So, it’s hard to pinpoint one driver behind improved skin texture/glow, but I’m sure the collagen doesn’t hurt!” 

What We Would Change

Here’s what Gwen would improve about the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. 

• Value (1 out of 5): At $1.93 per serving (the 9.33-ounce canister), with only 14 servings per container, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are pricey compared to other collagens we’ve tested. While some collagen peptides cost under a dollar, many are around $1.60 per serving. The most expensive collagen peptides we tested cost $2.00 per serving.

Why collagen supplements matter to professionals

Collagen supplementation may support bone and joint health, which is important for executives who frequently travel. For folks with long-lasting careers, it’s also vital to stay mobile and as pain-free as possible. And, though research is still limited, collagen may improve the elasticity and look of your skin, which is great for folks in client-facing roles.

Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is for:

• Client-facing, high-visibility professionals who want to keep their skin looking youthful and supple
• Folks who spend long hours at a desk and want additional support for their joints and tendons 
• People who prefer an unflavored option to mix into coffee or other beverages

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides may not be ideal for:

• Folks who want fast results. Collagen’s benefits are a mixed bag at best; more studies are needed
• People who need a complete protein source for muscle building or recovery. Collagen is missing some essential amino acids
• Executives who prefer regulated or prescription-only treatments 

Comparing Vital Proteins to Other Products

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

While taking a collagen supplement like Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides doesn’t replace strength training, cardio, or recovery, it may help support your joints and bones over time. It’s not a quick fix. We like that these collagen peptides are available in stick packets and are easy to take with you, wherever work may be.

Frequently asked questions