Vital Proteins Collagen Review UK 2026: Worth the Premium Price?

You’ve probably seen the blue tub. Maybe on Instagram, in Holland & Barrett, or in that one friend’s kitchen who’s really into wellness.

Vital Proteins has become synonymous with collagen supplements, largely thanks to celebrity endorsements (Jennifer Aniston became Vital Protein’s Chief Creative Officer in 2020) and some seriously good marketing.

But here’s the question UK buyers keep asking: is it actually worth the money? Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are £44 for 587g, roughly 29 servings, working out to around £1.52 per serving, which is more than some other alternatives.

So, are you paying for quality, or just for the famous blue packaging? With a lack of Vital Proteins collagen reviews online, we wanted to give you the most comprehensive guide to date on whether you should add this collagen supplement to your routine.

We’ve dug into the ingredients, compared it against UK competitors, and gathered feedback from hundreds of real users. Here’s what we found.

The short version: Vital Proteins delivers genuinely good collagen from grass-fed sources. The 20g serving size is generous, and it dissolves well. But you’re paying a premium for the brand name, and several UK alternatives offer similar quality.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ We rate it 4.4/5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: Quick Overview

Type	Bovine Collagen Peptides
Source	Grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle
Collagen per serving	20g
Collagen types	Type I and III
Pack size	587g
Servings	~28
Price	£44
Cost per serving	£1.52
Taste	Unflavoured
Amazon rating	4.6/5 stars

What Actually is Vital Proteins?

Vital Proteins launched in Chicago back in 2013, founded by Kurt Seidensticker after he discovered collagen while recovering from a knee injury. The brand grew rapidly in the US wellness scene before expanding globally.

These days, they’re owned by Nestlé Health Science (acquired in 2020), which gives them serious distribution power. That’s why you’ll find them in Boots, Holland & Barrett, Sainsbury’s, and pretty much everywhere else in the UK.

Their flagship product is the Collagen Peptides powder in that distinctive blue tub. It’s unflavoured bovine collagen designed to dissolve in coffee, smoothies, or water. Simple concept, executed well.

What’s Inside the Tub?

Let’s look at what you’re actually getting.

Ingredients: Bovine Hide Collagen Peptides

That’s it. One ingredient. No fillers, no sweeteners, no additives. The collagen comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides and goes through enzymatic hydrolysis to break it down into absorbable peptides.

Nutritional Breakdown (per 20g serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	70
Protein	18g
Collagen	20g
Carbohydrates	0g
Fat	0g
Sodium	110mg (Around 5% RDA)

The 20g serving is notably higher than many competitors. Hunter & Gather offers 13g per serving, while Ancient + Brave suggests just 5g. Whether you need 20g is debatable, but it’s there if you want it, and it actually makes this a great option if you’re looking at a collagen to double up as a protein powder for post-workout recovery.

Does Vital Proteins Collagen have Amino Acids?

Collagen has a unique amino acid makeup, heavy on glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. According to their own website, Vital Proteins Collagen amino acid profile is as follows.

The most recognised for workout and recovery being:

• Glycine: 4,322mg
• Proline: 2,599mg
• Hydroxyproline: 2,373mg
• Glutamic acid: 2,112mg
• Alanine: 1,822mg

These numbers are per 20g serving. This amino acid profile is consistent with quality bovine collagen and similar to what you’d find in other reputable brands. The bottom line is, there are plenty of amino acids in Vital Proteins collagen.

Does it Actually Dissolve Well?

One of the most common complaints about collagen powders is clumping. Nobody wants chewy bits floating in their morning coffee.

Good news: Vital Proteins dissolves properly. Stir it into hot liquid and it disappears within 20-30 seconds. Cold liquid takes a bit more effort but still works. No gritty texture, no weird film on top of your drink.

The powder is fine and light, not dense or clumpy in the tub. Scooping and measuring is straightforward.

Taste-wise, it’s genuinely neutral. Some people detect a very faint “something” in plain water, but in coffee, tea, or smoothies it’s completely undetectable. This matches what most customer reviews report.

If you need some inspiration on how to dissolve Vital Proteins collagen peptides, check out our top 10 collagen smoothies recipes that you can make at home!

What Are People Saying?

After combing through several hundred reviews on Amazon UK, Boots, and Holland & Barrett to find common themes, here’s what keeps coming up.

The Positives

Skin improvements get mentioned constantly. Phrases like “skin feels plumper,” “more hydrated,” and “fine lines less noticeable” appear frequently. Most people notice changes around the 6-8 week mark, which aligns with what clinical research suggests.

Hair and nails come up a lot too. Faster nail growth, less breakage, and thicker-feeling hair are commonly reported. These benefits seem to appear after 2-3 months of consistent use.

People appreciate the brand reputation. Knowing it’s a major, established brand provides confidence. The Nestlé backing (love it or hate it) means quality control is tight.

Dissolves well. This gets praised repeatedly. People switching from cheaper brands often mention the improvement in mixability.

The Criticisms

Price is the big one. Nearly every critical review mentions cost. “Great product but expensive” is very common in reviews. UK buyers especially notice it, since we have UK alternatives, like Hunter & Gather, for less.

No scoop in the UK version. The American tubs include a measuring scoop. UK versions often don’t, which irritates people. You’ll need a kitchen scale or your own scoop.

Packaging isn’t resealable once opened. The inner seal tears off, leaving the tub without an airtight closure. Minor annoyance, but people mention it.

Results take time. Some reviewers expected instant transformation and were disappointed. Collagen supplementation typically needs 8-12 weeks minimum to show visible results. This isn’t unique to Vital Proteins though.

The Good and the Bad

Pros

• High 20g serving size (more than most competitors)
• Single ingredient, no additives or fillers
• Grass-fed, pasture-raised source
• Dissolves cleanly in hot or cold liquids
• Genuinely tasteless
• Type I and III collagen for skin and joints
• Established brand with strong reputation
• Widely available in UK stores
• Paleo and keto friendly
• 4.6/5 stars from thousands of reviews

Cons

• Premium price (£1.57 per serving)
• No scoop included in UK tubs
• Only 28 servings per tub at full dose
• Owned by Nestlé (dealbreaker for some)
• Similar quality available cheaper from UK brands

Who Should Buy Vital Proteins?

It makes sense if you:

• Want a high-dose collagen (20g) in one serving
• Prefer buying from established international brands
• Shop at Boots or Holland & Barrett and want something off the shelf
• Don’t mind paying more for brand recognition
• Value the assurance of Nestlé’s quality control

You might prefer alternatives if you:

• Want better value per gram
• Prefer supporting UK brands
• Have issues with Nestlé as a company
• Don’t need 20g per serving (10-13g is enough for most)
• Want added ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid

Where to Buy in the UK

Vital Proteins is available everywhere now, and you might have seen it in major high street shops like Boots or Holland & Barrett already. You’ll usually get the best deals online though.

• Amazon UK: £44 for 587g, Prime delivery available
• Holland & Barrett: Often has deals and loyalty points
• Boots: Available in larger stores and online
• Sainsbury’s: Stocked in health food aisles
• Ocado: Full range available

Prices vary slightly between retailers. Amazon and Holland & Barrett tend to have the best offers. Watch for subscribe-and-save options to reduce costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vital Proteins collagen worth it?

It’s a quality product that works. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your budget. The collagen itself is comparable to UK alternatives like Hunter & Gather, which cost less. You’re partly paying for brand recognition and convenience.

That said, it’s a similar price to Ancient + Brave, with a very similar celebrity endorsement status.

How long before I see results?

Most people notice skin hydration improvements after 4-6 weeks. Visible changes to skin elasticity, hair, and nails typically take 8-12 weeks of daily use. Clinical studies support this timeline.

Can I use less than the recommended 20g?

Absolutely. Research shows benefits from doses as low as 2.5g daily. Starting with 10g and seeing how you respond is perfectly reasonable. This also makes the tub last twice as long!

Is Vital Proteins grass-fed?

Yes, Vital Proteins grass fed collagen. The bovine collagen comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. The brand is transparent about this sourcing.

Does it contain any allergens?

It’s free from dairy, gluten, and soy. However, it’s derived from bovine (beef), so not suitable for vegetarians or those avoiding beef products. For fish-free collagen from cattle, bovine is the standard choice.

Vital Proteins vs Marine Collagen?

Vital Proteins offers both bovine and marine options. Their main blue tub is bovine. Bovine contains Type I and III collagen, while marine is primarily Type I. For skin benefits, both work well. See our bovine vs marine comparison for more detail.

Is Vital Proteins Collagen Halal Certified?

There’s not a huge amount of information out there on Halal certification specifically for Vital Proteins collagen, however the product’s own site does say that multiple products in it’s lineup are Kosher certified. Given that it’s permissible for some Muslims to eat Kosher food, this may be an acceptable product, but you should always do your own research or reach out to Vital Proteins directly for more information.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Vital Proteins delivers exactly what it promises: high-quality bovine collagen peptides that dissolve well and produce results. The 20g serving is generous, the sourcing is solid, and the single-ingredient formula keeps things clean.

The catch is the price. At £1.52 per serving (using the full 20g), it costs more than comparable UK options. If you halve the serving to 10g (still effective based on research), it becomes more competitive, one of the cheapest in fact. That would net you 58 servings, almost two months, for just £44.

For UK buyers specifically, I’d suggest comparing with Hunter & Gather or other UK brands before committing. You might find equal quality for better value.

That said, if you want a trusted name, easy availability, and don’t mind the premium, Vital Proteins won’t disappoint. There’s a reason it’s the world’s best-selling collagen brand!

Related Reading

• Best Bovine Collagen Supplements UK 2026
• Hunter & Gather Collagen Review
• Ancient + Brave True Collagen Review
• Protein Works Clear Collagen 360 Review
• How Long Does Collagen Take to Work?
• Revive Naturals Collagen Review

How This Review Was Researched

We analysed customer reviews from Amazon UK, Boots, and Holland & Barrett, compared ingredients and pricing against UK competitors, and referenced published clinical research on collagen supplementation.

The BovineCollagen.co.uk team haven’t received free products or payment from Vital Proteins or any brands mentioned in this review.

Last updated: January 2026

Rating: 4.4/5 based on product testing, customer reviews, and market comparison

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Individual results may vary.

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