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Vital Proteins vs NOW Foods Collagen Peptides (2026)
Disclosure: We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores. Editorial policy
The Verdict
NOW Foods scores higher on our rubric (86 vs 83 on our 0-100 execution score) and is the clear value at about $0.38 per effective dose versus Vital Proteins' $0.73 - roughly half the cost for functionally the same hydrolyzed bovine peptides. Vital Proteins' advantage is brand recognition and wide retail availability, not product superiority. In our view NOW Foods is the smarter buy for most people; Vital Proteins makes sense if you value its brand and Whole Foods availability. Both deliver the same collagen types I and III.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Original
Vital Proteins
NOW Foods Collagen Peptides Powder
NOW Foods
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Original Vital Proteins | NOW Foods Collagen Peptides Powder NOW Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Score | 83/100 | 86/100Winner |
| Dosing & Form | 25/25Winner | 25/25 |
| Purity | 19/25Winner | 19/25 |
| Value | 19/25 | 23/25Winner |
| Transparency | 20/25Winner | 19/25 |
| Cost/Day | $0.73 | $0.38Winner |
| Dose/Serving | 20g | 12g |
| Form | hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides (types I and III), unflavored powder | hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides (types I and III), unflavored powder |
| Third-Party Tested | No | No |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No |
Why This Comparison Matters
Vital Proteins is the best-known collagen brand; NOW Foods is the value option that quietly delivers the same hydrolyzed bovine peptides for much less. Both are types I and III collagen from grass-fed sources in an unflavored powder - the standard, well-studied collagen format. This is a brand-recognition-versus-value matchup.
The active ingredient - hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides - is functionally the same across reputable brands. What differs is price per effective dose, sourcing documentation, and certifications.
We scored both on evidence, quality, cost per effective dose, and transparency.
Detailed Score Breakdown
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Original
Vital Proteins
20g collagen peptides per serving (2 scoops) - exceeds the 10-15g joint/muscle evidence dose and far exceeds 2.5-5g skin dose. Bovine hide sourced, type I and III.
Certified Paleo, Whole30 Approved. No third-party testing certification (NSF, USP, Informed Sport) publicly documented. GMP-compliant facility per brand claims. No contaminant testing verified externally.
$0.73/day at a 10g effective dose (1 scoop) - mid-range for a market-leading bovine collagen. Full 20g serving runs $1.46/day.
Source (bovine hide) disclosed. Collagen types (I and III) disclosed. Amino acid profile published on label. No proprietary blends. No third-party cert displayed.
The market-share leader and likely the most-researched consumer collagen brand in the US. Good transparency on source and type, but lacks independent third-party quality testing (NSF, USP) that would elevate this to an A-tier product.
NOW Foods Collagen Peptides Powder
NOW Foods
12g collagen peptides per serving - within the evidence range for joint and muscle outcomes. Bovine hide, type I and III. Straightforward product with no frills.
NOW Foods manufactures in an NSF-registered GMP facility and conducts internal testing. No third-party product-level certification (Informed Sport, USP) for this specific SKU. Generally regarded as a reliable mid-tier manufacturer.
$0.38/day at a 12g serving - solid value for a GMP-manufactured product with a reputable manufacturer
Bovine source noted. Types I and III stated. Full amino acid profile on label. No proprietary blends. Third-party certification details not prominently displayed.
NOW Foods has a long track record of reasonable quality at accessible prices. At $0.38/day, this is the best value for a no-frills bovine collagen that hits the evidence-based dose range. Lacks product-level third-party testing that premium brands provide.
How We Compared These Products
Every product in our database is scored on four equally-weighted pillars: dosing accuracy and form quality, purity verification (third-party testing), cost per clinically effective dose (not cost per pill), and label transparency. Each pillar is worth 25 points for a total of 100.
Cost per effective dose is calculated using the clinically studied dose from published research, not the manufacturer's suggested serving. If a product requires multiple servings to reach the dose used in clinical trials, that cost is reflected in the value score.
For a full explanation of our scoring methodology, see our methodology page. Prices were last checked on the dates listed for each product and may have changed.
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We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores or recommendations. See our editorial policy.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.