Collagen supplements have exploded in popularity over the last few years. You may have even heard collagen supplements [1] referred to as miracle workers for glowy skin, long nails, and perfect hair. But is there any truth to these claims? To find out, I tried a popular collagen peptides brand you might've already seen, thanks to several viral reviews [2] on social media, and a glowing endorsement from Jennifer Aniston [3]. Enter: the Vital Proteins Unflavored Collagen Peptides [4] ($22, originally 31).
To see how this supplement worked, I used the collagen powder almost daily. For reference, each two-scoop serving of the Vital Proteins collagen peptides is just 70 calories, with 20 grams of collagen peptides and 18 grams of protein (this version also contains 90mg of vitamin C and 120mg of hyaluronic acid). The powder I chose was flavorless, so I could add it to pretty much anything without being able to taste it. Plus, the supplement is officially on sale for October's Amazon Prime Day [5].
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My Vital Proteins Experience
Depending on how much protein I needed [9] that day, I added one or two scoops to my coffee, soups, pasta sauces, oatmeal, and/or my post-workout smoothies [10]. Although Vital Proteins claims that this powder can be mixed into hot and cold liquids, I found it easier to blend in warmer temperatures, which is why I often combined it with hot veggie soup or warmed pasta sauce. Sometimes I'd even add a scoop to a cup of hot herbal tea. If you're on the go, Vital Proteins also has Unflavored Collagen Peptides Stick Packs [11] ($27, originally $39) which are a great travel-friendly option.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Pros
- Flavorless: Because this collagen peptides powder had no flavor, it was easy to mix into my foods or drinks. I never noticed a significant aftertaste (but for the record, this peptide powder is also available in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and lemon).
- High Protein: One of my favorite things about the collagen peptides powder was that it added a hearty dose of protein to anything I ate or drank throughout the day (nearly 20 grams of protein per serving). Beyond all the other health benefits, it transformed something as simple as a black coffee or low-protein soup into something much more satiating, keeping me full for longer. This would be a great option for anyone looking to replace their current protein powder [12], or switch to something with additional health benefits.
- Hair, Skin, and Nails: It's too early to tell if this collagen powder had a definitive effect on my hair, skin, and/or nails, but I liked knowing that there could potentially be some long-term benefits for hair growth, skin elasticity, and nail strength.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Cons
- Temperature-Dependent: I noticed this powder didn't dissolve well in cold or room-temperature liquids. For best results, I'd recommend combining with warmer liquids.
- Not Vegan: Collagen peptides are, of course, derived from animal proteins. While it's gluten-free, it's sadly not vegan-friendly, as the proteins are sourced from the hides of pasture-raised cows.
What to Note About Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
With over 13,000 five-star reviews, I'm not the only one who enjoyed Vital Proteins collagen peptides. Reviewers say the collagen powder has made their hair noticeably shinier, left their skin feeling hydrated, and stopped their nails from breaking as easily. Others say their joints feel more flexible and less prone to stiffness. That said, it's important to remember this powder isn't a miracle product. As experts previously explained to Popsugar [13], although collagen may be helpful (depending on the quality of ingredients and your body's ability to absorb them), collagen supplements are not currently approved or regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Talk with your doctor before starting any new supplements to see what's right for you.
— Additional reporting by Chandler Plante
Christina Stiehl [14] is a former senior editor for PS Fitness. She is a writer, editor, and content strategist with more than 10 years of professional journalism experience, the last six of which have been focused in the health, fitness, and wellness space. Her work has appeared in SELF, VICE, SHAPE, Men's Health, Thrillist, and more.
Chandler Plante [15] (she/her) is a social producer and staff writer for the Health & Fitness team at Popsugar. She has over five years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.