Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Review
The Advanced formula adds two ingredients to the base collagen. We checked whether either one does anything.
Our Take
Vital Proteins sources this from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, hydrolyzed down so it dissolves completely in hot or cold liquid without gelling. The Advanced formula adds hyaluronic acid and vitamin C on top of the base peptides. Vitamin C is worth noting specifically, your body needs it as a cofactor to synthesize collagen from the amino acids you're taking in, so it's not just filler on the label.
Against Great Lakes' plain legacy formula or Ancient Nutrition's multi-type blend, Vital Proteins' edge is this built-in vitamin C and hyaluronic acid combination, plus the widest retail availability of any collagen brand on this list.
The Basics
Unflavored, hydrolyzed, dissolves in hot or cold liquid, includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. See our full collagen peptides guide for collagen types and dosage.
Vital Proteins, Available on Amazon
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced, Unflavored 20oz
The most widely used collagen brand. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. Hydrolyzed for fast absorption, dissolves in hot or cold liquid. This Advanced formula adds hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to the base collagen peptides.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, Original 24oz
The plain base formula without the hyaluronic acid and vitamin C add-ins, in a larger size.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, Unflavored 10oz
A smaller canister of the original formula, a lower commitment if you haven't tried collagen peptides before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Advanced formula add over the original?
Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, on top of the same base grass-fed collagen peptides. Vitamin C is a cofactor your body needs to synthesize collagen from the amino acids you're ingesting, so there's a real mechanistic reason to include it, not just a marketing add-on. Hyaluronic acid is a separate joint and skin-hydration compound unrelated to collagen synthesis itself.
Does Vital Proteins dissolve in cold liquid?
Yes, that's the main advantage of collagen peptides over gelatin, it's hydrolyzed down to a molecular weight that dissolves in hot or cold liquid without gelling. Stir it into coffee, a smoothie, or water directly.
Is Vital Proteins worth it over Great Lakes or Ancient Nutrition?
All three source from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. Vital Proteins' Advanced formula is the one with added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C built in, Great Lakes is the plain legacy option, and Ancient Nutrition blends in multiple collagen types from multiple sources. Pick based on which extras you want, not brand name alone.