FAQs

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is a key constituent of all connective tissues. Collagen provides the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system, essential for mobility.

It is recommended to store in a cool, dark area away from moisture.

We always recommend talking with your doctor first, as nutritional needs can vary when breastfeeding or expecting.

We certainly recommend that you talk with your pediatrician before introducing your children to collagen, as each child’s nutritional needs will differ.

We recommend taking collagen continuously to see the best results.

We recommend taking 20g a day to start seeing results.

Our collagen powders are great for mixing into anything hot or cold. Check out our blog, Lively, for a variety of recipe ideas!

Our Collagen Peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides from Brazil. Our Marine Collagen is sourced from wild-caught, non-GMO white fish.

Our collagen is produced exclusively in Brazil. The collagen is primarily derived from Nelore breed bovine hides. The cattle industry in Brazil is still based on grass systems, where the cattle are pasture raised. This constitutes an important advantage for Brazilian cattle. Since the cattle were pasture-raised and grass fed, this eliminates the risk of rBGH in their feed. Brazil also has a law (Decree No 57 824 Article 4(4)) which prohibits the addition of hormones to feed. The hormone rBGH is typically injected into dairy cows to make them produce more milk. The Nelore breed is not a dairy producing cow and is strictly used as a beef breed. Based on these factors, the collagen is derived from bovine hide without the use of hormones like rBGH.

Vital Proteins produces its gelatin and collagen peptides in Brazil. The cattle industry in Brazil is based on perennial tropical grass pasture systems. We have taken great care to ensure that the pasture size for each animal is one animal per 2.67 acres. These standards are in alignment with the Global Animal Partnership 5-step animal welfare rating standards.

Our Beef Gelatin and Collagen Peptides are made from pasture-raised bovine hides. The hides are first cleaned and soaked in hot water to remove the fat. They are then soaked in an alkaline or acid solution to facilitate the release of collagen. After, the hides are cooked in water with a temperature that fluctuates up to 190 degrees, to extract the collagen from the hides. Unlike the Beef Gelatin, the Collagen Peptides are broken down further with an enzyme treatment. The final steps are evaporation and milling, which results in the powder form of collagen or gelatin. The process does not involve high heat and results in a very fresh tasting product.

Yes, we do have an order minimum of $250.

We process and ship orders within two (2) business days. Orders will be processed and shipped during regular business hours (Monday through Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM CST, excluding holidays).

Vital Proteins is proud to offer free ground shipping for all of our products shipped within the US. We ship orders using FedEx Ground and USPS Priority Mail. Shipping carrier will be determined by Vital Proteins at the time of shipping based on end destination to assure your shipment arrives as soon as possible. Expedited shipping is also available at an additional cost.

Vital Proteins ships internationally via US Postal Service International First Class Package Service. Additional shipping fees apply to international shipments.

Shipping times vary between carriers. Once again, Vital Proteins will choose the correct carrier to assure your shipment arrives as soon as possible based on where you are located. The shipping times after your package has been processed and shipped are as follows:

• FedEx Ground Contiguous US (5-7 Business Days after processing (Due to COVID-19, orders may be subject to an additional 1-3 day delay))
• USPS Priority Mail (3 Business Days after processing)

After your order has shipped, you will receive a confirmation email containing one or more tracking numbers and an indication of which shipping service was used. Use the links proved below to track your shipment:

• FedEx Tracking
• USPS Tracking

No, it is not, as it’s sourced from beef/fish/chicken. As of right now, we have yet to find a known source of vegan collagen. We do however have two products - our Spirulina and our Beauty Boost - which are vegan. They are not made of collagen, but offer other natural ingredients that help boost the body’s production of collagen.

Try our Collagen Peptides. They are our most popular and are odorless and tasteless, so they are very easy to incorporate into your diet.

The main difference is the source. Our Collagen Peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides from Brazil. Our Marine Collagen is sourced from wild-caught, non-GMO white fish.

Our Collagen Beauty Greens contain 2 servings of raw organic greens, hyaluronic acid and probiotics - in addition to Marine Collagen. It also has more of a fresh, raw "green" taste. Our Collagen Peptides are tasteless and odorless, so they are great to add to coffee, tea, smoothies, etc.

Our pasture-raised Collagen Peptides and Beef Gelatin have similar amino acid profiles and offer very similar nutritional benefits. Both are virtually odorless and tasteless, making them extremely versatile. However, they are quite different in application.
Collagen Peptides (blue lid): Our peptides are gelatin proteins broken down into their constituent peptide chains through an enzymatic process. This allows our collagen peptides to not “gel” in cold liquids. Heating them will not alter their nutritional value. The peptides have the advantage of mixing well into both cold and hot liquids without them "gelling." However, you cannot use them in recipes that call for gelatin. You may add our peptides to cold and hot beverages alike, such as a smoothie, juice, water, tea or coffee, as well as a variety of foods like pancakes or oatmeal to boost the protein content.
Beef Gelatin (green lid): Our gelatin will “gel” in cold liquids. As a result, gelatin is ideal for hot preparations, and is a staple in many recipes. Our gelatin may be added to soups, broths, sauces or gravy as a natural protein booster and thickener, or used when baking. They can also be used to create a delicious homemade mousse, ice cream, pudding and yogurt -- even omelettes and meatloaf, or use them to make nutritious fruit gelatin and healthy gummy snacks. You may also enjoy them in hot beverages like herbal tea or frothy butter coffee. Health wise, the gelatin has the advantage of taking slightly longer to digest and coating the small intestine, which is beneficial in gut healing diets like GAPS, AIP or SCD.

You can take both, it just depends on what you are looking for that day. If you are looking for something tasty, or for an extra skin boost, our Beauty Collagens contain collagen, as well as probiotics and hyaluronic acid. You do not need to take both at the same time, but you can.

Our Collagen Peptides have no flavor, so they are great to add into your coffee, tea, smoothies, virtually anything. Our Beauty Collagens are great when you want something tasty with water, or are looking to give your skin a little extra love, as these contain collagen, probiotics and hyaluronic acid.

Our collagen Peptides are a good option. Collagen helps to promote healthy hair, skin, nails, joints and bones. Our Marine Collagen also offers benefit for the hair.

Collagen Whey contains both Collagen Protein and Whey Protein to help assist with recovery after a workout. In addition to promoting healthy hair, nails, skin, joints and bones, the Collagen Peptides increase athletic performance and reduce injury. Hyaluronic acid helps to keep cartilage flexible and strong, and the probiotics help support protein absorption and recover. We offer our Vanilla & Coconut Water Collagen Whey, Cocoa & Coconut Water Whey, and our new Banana, Cinnamon & Vanilla Collagen Whey.

Collagen Peptides help support connective tissue health in athletes, as well as promote healthy bones and joints.** Our Collagen Wheys are another great option for workout recovery, as they also contain whey protein - an additional boost of protein for strong muscles.

Often, the scoop is buried in the collagen mixture during transit. Most customers find the scoop by using a fork to comb through the collagen powder. If you still cannot find it, please contact customer service for the equivalent scoop size.

Vital Proteins believes in providing clean, natural nutrition without the use of fillers, binders, or artificial sweeteners.

We test every lot of each product for heavy metals and microbiological components. We utilize independent, certified third party labs to conduct these tests.

Our Beef Gelatin, Marine Collagen, Collagen Peptides, Collagen Beauty Greens, and Organic Whey are Kosher certified.

Our Marine Collagen and product blends that contain Marine Collagen (Beauty Greens and Collagen Beauty Glows) are sustainably harvested in accordance with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program. Our bovine Collagen Peptides and related blended products are sourced in alignment with the 5-step animal welfare rating standard set by the Global Animal Partnership.

Most of our products have a 4-5-year shelf-life except for our Collagen Beauty Greens and Whey products, which last between 12-18 months. Best by dates are printed clearly on the bottom of each product canister.

Vital Proteins is USDA Organic Certified by CCOF; is Non-GMO Project Verified; and a NSF certified cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) facility.