Collagen

What is collagen?

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.

Where should I store collagen?

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

Is collagen safe for breastfeeding/expecting moms?

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

Can my child take collagen?

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

Is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides hydrolyzed?

Yes, our Collagen Peptides are hydrolyzed.

How long should I take collagen? Should I stop taking it after a certain length of time?

We recommend taking collagen continuously to see the best results.

How many grams of collagen should I take to improve skin elasticity?

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

How do I use collagen?

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

Sources

What is Vital Proteins' collagen source?

Our Collagen Peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides from Brazil. Our Marine Collagen are sourced from wild-caught, non-GMO white fish off the coast of Alaska.

Why does Vital Proteins choose grass-fed cattle?

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.

How are the cattle raised?

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.

How is collagen made?

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.

Products

Where can I buy Vital Proteins?

You can check to see if we have a retailer near you with the store locator on our website! You also can purchase products directly through vitalproteins.com, although shipping fees (and customs, if applicable) will apply.

Is your collagen vegan?

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.

Do you have any sales or coupons?

As of right now, we do not have any active sales or coupons. Do check back on our Facebook and Instagram, because that is where we would announce any special offers.

I’m new to collagen. What product should I start with?

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

What is the difference between the Marine Collagen and the Collagen Peptides?

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 off the coast of Alaska.

What is the difference between the Marine Collagen and the Collagen Beauty Greens?

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 Marine Peptides are tasteless and odorless, so they are great to add to coffee, tea, smoothies, etc.

What is the difference between Collagen Peptides and Beef Gelatin?

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.

Can I take Beauty Collagen, or another product, at the same time as the Collagen Peptides? Or do I need to alternate?

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.

How are the Beauty Collagens different than the Collagen Peptides?

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.

What product is the best for hair growth?

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.

What are the benefits of Collagen Whey?

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 recovery. We offer our Vanilla & Coconut Water Collagen Whey, Cocoa & Coconut Water Whey, and our new Banana, Cinnamon & Vanilla Collagen Whey.

Should I take collagen after a workout? Does it have the same beneficial muscle effects as something like 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.

What do I do if my canister is missing a scoop?

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.

Does Vital Proteins use fillers, binders, or artificial sweeteners?

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

Additional Info

Is Amazon an authorized distributor?

Yes, you are welcome to purchase our products on Amazon.

Can I get a sample before I buy a large canister?

We currently do not offer samples, but we have a sample stick box with 5 of our most popular products in stick pack form on our products page.

What is the typical order processing time?

In addition to the transit time for each shipping method, please allow 1-2 business days to process your order. Once the order has been placed, you will receive a confirmation number.

What type of shipping options are available?

All $50+ orders get free shipping within the contiguous United States. Please note that free shipping is through FedEx SmartPost service and can take 3-7 days longer to deliver than priority services (on average). Please see shipping transit estimates next to your shipping service at checkout. Two-day and next-day shipping options are available as well. We typically process and ship orders within one business day. Orders will be processed and shipped during regular business hours (Monday through Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM CST, excluding holidays).

Does Vital Proteins accept customer returns?

Yes, but please check out our return policy here.

Do you perform testing on your products?

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

What products are Kosher certified?

Our Beef Gelatin, Marine Collagen, Collagen Peptides (5 oz. Canister, 10 oz. Canister & Stick Pack Box) , Collagen Beauty Greens, Organic Whey, Collagen Creamers, and Matcha Collagens are Kosher certified.

Does Vital Proteins work in accordance with any animal welfare alliance?

Our Marine Collagen and product blends that contain Marine Collagen (Beauty Greens and Beauty Collagens) 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.

When do my products expire?

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.

Is Vital Proteins certified or audited by third parties?

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

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shopify Pay, Amazon Pay, Afterpay, and e-gift cards issued in USD.

Subscriptions

How do I subscribe to a product?

To subscribe to a product, you will need to first make sure that you both have a Vital Proteins account and that you are signed in. Once signed in, navigate to the desired product page. Once you have selected what size of the product you wish to purchase, you will select “Subscribe” and adjust your subscription frequency to your liking. You can repeat this process for multiple items on one order prior to checking out.

What should I make my frequency for my subscription?

Great question! Be sure to take a look at how many servings are listed for the product you’d like to subscribe to. For example, one 20 oz canister of Collagen Peptides has 28 servings. If you are using this product daily, we suggest setting your frequency to every 3 weeks.

Can I have multiple products on one subscription?

Yes! You may have as many products as you’d like on one subscription.

Can I cancel my subscription at any time?

Yes. You may cancel your subscription at any time. We do require any changes or cancellations made at least three days prior to your next order date. Please note, and this is important, if you wish to cancel an order less than three days prior to you ship date, Vital Proteins is unable to cancel or issue a refund. We do send a courtesy email reminding customers of their ship dates five days prior to the scheduled ship date, which we feel is an ample amount of time to update their subscription. That being said, this is sent as a courtesy and it is ultimately the customer's responsibility to track their own subscription. https://www.vitalproteins.com/pages/subscriptions

Why isn’t my card accepted on my subscription order?

Unfortunately, if your card is a debit card, we cannot accept. Only credit cards can be used on subscription orders. Be sure that all credit card information (including billing information) has been entered correctly as well!

Can I add a discount code to my subscription order?

Unfortunately we do not accept additional discounts on subscription orders!

Why is there a price change on my second order?

For a limited time, the Vital Proteins subscription program offers 25% off your first order and 15% off all following orders. You order total will continue to reflect a 15% discount from now on. For example, if you are subscribed for one 20 oz canister of Collagen Peptides, your first order will come to a total of $32.25 and all following orders will come to a total of $36.55.

I got an email about my payment information but my account says that I do not have any subscriptions. What do I do now?

Subscriptions are automatically cancelled once payment fails to be processed. Please email us at info@vitalproteins.com or call us at 224-544-9110 (Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM CST) to reactivate your account. You will then be able to update your payment information accordingly!

The product I am subscribed to is out of stock. What do I do now?

We are so sorry to hear that you are having this experience. Please email us at info@vitalproteins.com or call us at 224-544-9110 (Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM CST) for an estimate on when this product is back in stock and to see what product may be a good substitute in the meantime. You can also sign up to receive an email notification once stock has been replenished. Sign up for this feature on the “out of stock product” page.

One of the products on my subscription is out of stock. Will my entire order be held?

Yes, unfortunately when one item on a subscription order is out of stock, the entire order will be held until all products on the order are back in stock. If you’d like to receive the remainder of your order, you can delete that item from your subscription and reset the order date to the next business day. If you need help with this, please feel free to contact us!

Are there any hidden / extra fees?

No! There are no hidden fees. All orders within the contiguous U.S. still qualify for free shipping. State tax is added if applicable.

How do I update my subscription billing/shipping address?

Once signed into your account, select “Manage Subscription”. Now that you are viewing your subscription, select “Manage” and “Update Address”. Update your address accordingly and be sure to “Update” your updates prior to exiting the screen. Please note that all alterations to shipping addresses for recurring orders need to be made at least threedays prior to the scheduled ship date. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that their address is properly updated prior to their order being processed. Orders that have not been updated and have been issued to a previously entered address will be refunded once the product has been returned to sender.

Can I make multiple subscriptions to more than one address?

Yes, you can have a different address on each subscription!

How do I change the frequency of my subscription?

Once signed into your account, select “Manage Subscription”. Now that you are viewing your subscription, select the hyperlink under “Frequency” and update your frequency accordingly. Be sure to select “update” to save your changes. Note that this will update your frequency - notyour next order date. To update your next order date, you will then need to select “Manage” and “Change Upcoming Order Date”. Click “Okay” to save your changes.

How do I delay my future order?

Once signed into your account, select “Manage Subscription”. Now that you are viewing your subscription, select “Manage” and “Change Upcoming Order Date”. Click “Okay” to save your changes.

How do I add/remove a product on my currently existing subscription?

Please email us at info@vitalproteins.com or call us at 224-544-9110 (Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM CST) to remove or add a product on your subscription.

How do I “swap” one product for another?

Once signed into your account, select “Manage Subscription”. Now that you are viewing your subscription, select “Manage” and “Swap Product”. Click the button depicting swap arrows, located under “Manage”. Choose the product that you wish to swap and click, “Yes, swap product”.

How does the mini cart enhance my checkout experience?

Think: Easier and faster than ever before! We created this mini cart with you in mind. You’ll be able to see what’s in your cart as you shop around vitalproteins.com.

What shipping service to do you use? Can you ship FedEx? USPS does not ship to my location.

We can use FedEx for your subscription orders! Please email us at info@vitalproteins.com or call us at 224-544-9110 (Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM CST) and we can assist you further.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Once signed into your account, select “Manage Subscription”. Now that you are viewing your subscription, select “Manage” and “Cancel Subscription”.

I cancelled my subscription but I still received my order - why is that?

If a subscription is cancelled after an order is processed, that order will still be shipped out. Per our subscription policy, we require a minimum of three days for any modifications or cancellations. Feel free to contact us at info@vitalproteins.com for more information.

How do I update my credit card information?

Once signed into your account, select “Manage Subscription”. Now that you are viewing your subscription, select “Manage” and “View/Update Card”. Update your card information accordingly and be sure to “Update” your updates prior to exiting the screen.

Sampler Program

How do I qualify for free samples at checkout?

Simply add at least $50 in product and / or merchandise to your cart to qualify OR subscribe to any product greater than $50. Once you qualify, 2 samples will be automatically added to your cart.

What happens if I make a donation at checkout to the Primo Center? Does that donation help me earn a free sample?

The Primo Center is near and dear to our heart. So, we thank you for your support and appreciate you! But, in order to earn a sample, you must have at least $50 of product and / or merchandise in your cart to qualify.

What if I use a promo code that puts my cart total under $50?

That’s fine. You still get the free samples. This offer applies to the amount in your cart before applying any discount codes or other promotions, so if there was at least $50 in your cart before you entered the promo code, you still get the free samples.

How can I find the sampling page directly?

There is no direct URL to view the available samples. Instead, 2 samples will be automatically added to your cart once your cart size meets the dollar-amount threshold, prior to check out.

Is this offer made available before or after tax and shipping is applied to the cart?