I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect collagen supplement, and it’s led me to compare two heavyweights: Further Food Collagen and Vital Proteins. My goal?
To figure out which one suits my lifestyle, budget, and health needs while sharing the journey with you.
In this article, I’ll break down their pros and cons, highlight key features, and give you a clear picture of what each brand offers.
Whether you’re aiming for glowing skin, stronger joints, or just curious about collagen, I’m here to help you decide which one might be your best fit.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Further Food Collagen | Vital Proteins Collagen |
| Source | Grass-fed bovine, marine options | Grass-fed bovine, marine options |
| Collagen Types | I, II, III (marine includes II) | I, III (some products include II) |
| Serving Size | 6.6g–8g per scoop | 20g per scoop |
| Price per Serving | ~$0.65–$1.00 | ~$1.30–$2.00 |
| Flavors | Unflavored, chocolate, vanilla | Unflavored, chocolate, vanilla, lemon |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes, cGMP-certified | Yes, NSF-certified |
| Additional Ingredients | Some blends with superfoods, probiotics | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C in some |
| Solubility | Good, especially in warm liquids | Excellent in hot and cold liquids |
| Packaging | Recyclable plastic tubs | Plastic tubs, some stick packs |
| Sustainability Focus | Strong emphasis | Certified B Corp, eco-conscious |
My Collagen Journey
A few years ago, I noticed my knees creaking during morning runs and my skin looking duller than usual. A friend suggested collagen, and I was skeptical—another wellness trend?
But after some research, I learned collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, supporting skin, joints, hair, and nails. As we age, production slows, so supplements can help.
I decided to try it, and that’s when I stumbled across Further Food and Vital Proteins, two brands dominating the collagen market. I’ve used both, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.
Further Food Collagen: The Basics
Further Food caught my eye with its clean, no-nonsense vibe.
Their collagen comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, and they also offer a marine option from wild-caught fish.
I liked that they emphasize sustainability—something I care about.
Their products include types I, II, and III collagen, which target skin, joints, and gut health.
A single scoop is about 6.6g to 8g, smaller than some competitors, but they claim it’s potent enough to work.
I started with their unflavored powder, mixing it into my morning coffee.
It dissolved decently, though I noticed a slight graininess in cold water.
They also have flavored options like chocolate and vanilla, plus blends with superfoods like turmeric or probiotics. These felt like a bonus for someone like me who’s always looking to streamline supplements.
Vital Proteins Collagen: The Basics
Vital Proteins, on the other hand, is the rockstar of collagen brands—you’ve probably seen their blue tub everywhere. Like Further Food, they use grass-fed bovine collagen, with marine options too.
Their standard peptides focus on types I and III, though some products include type II for joint support. A serving is a hefty 20g, which felt like a lot compared to Further Food’s smaller scoop.
I tried their unflavored powder first, and it blended seamlessly into smoothies, coffee, even soup—no weird texture. They offer flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and lemon, and some products include extras like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which are great for skin.
Vital Proteins also has a Certified B Corp status, which gave me confidence in their ethics.
Pros of Further Food Collagen
Let’s break down what I loved about Further Food:
- Sustainability Focus: Their commitment to ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices resonated with me. Knowing the collagen comes from grass-fed cows or wild-caught fish felt reassuring.
- Variety of Blends: I appreciated their specialized products, like collagen with probiotics for gut health or turmeric for inflammation. It’s like getting a two-for-one deal.
- Affordable Price Point: At roughly $0.65 to $1.00 per serving, it’s easier on the wallet than some competitors. I could stick with it long-term without stressing my budget.
- Smaller Serving Size: The 6.6g–8g scoop felt manageable, especially since I’m not a fan of chugging huge amounts of powder.
- Third-Party Testing: Their cGMP certification meant I could trust the purity and quality, which is a big deal when you’re ingesting something daily.
Cons of Further Food Collagen
But it wasn’t all perfect. Here’s what bugged me:
- Solubility Issues: In cold liquids, the unflavored powder sometimes left a gritty texture. I had to stir longer or use warm drinks to avoid clumps.
- Smaller Container Size: Their tubs (6.5oz–8oz) are smaller than Vital Proteins’ 10oz or 20oz options, so I reordered more often, which was a hassle.
- Taste in Flavored Options: The chocolate flavor was okay but tasted slightly artificial compared to what I expected. It didn’t ruin my smoothie, but it wasn’t a highlight.
- Less Collagen per Serving: While they claim quality over quantity, the 6.6g–8g dose felt modest compared to studies suggesting 10g–20g for optimal benefits.
- Limited Retail Availability: I mostly ordered online, as local stores rarely stocked Further Food. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, but convenience matters.
Pros of Vital Proteins Collagen
Now, let’s talk about Vital Proteins’ strengths:
- Excellent Solubility: Whether I mixed it in iced tea or hot oatmeal, it dissolved like a dream. No clumps, no fuss—perfect for busy mornings.
- Higher Collagen Dose: The 20g serving felt substantial, aligning with research on effective collagen doses for joint and skin health.
- Wide Product Range: From collagen water to stick packs to creamers, they’ve got options for every lifestyle. I loved the lemon flavor for a refreshing twist.
- Added Nutrients: Some products include hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which boost collagen absorption and skin hydration. My skin felt plumper after a month.
- Strong Certifications: NSF certification and B Corp status gave me peace of mind about quality and ethics. I knew I was getting a vetted product.
Cons of Vital Proteins Collagen
Vital Proteins wasn’t flawless, though. Here’s what I didn’t love:
- Higher Price: At $1.30–$2.00 per serving, it’s pricier than Further Food. My budget felt the pinch, especially with daily use.
- Large Serving Size: While 20g is great for results, it’s a lot to mix into a single drink. I sometimes split it across two servings to avoid overload.
- Packaging Waste: The plastic tubs, while recyclable, felt bulky, and I wished for more eco-friendly options like Further Food’s smaller containers.
- Flavor Inconsistency: The vanilla flavor was too sweet for me, almost masking my coffee’s taste. I stuck to unflavored to avoid disappointment.
- Bovine-Dominant: While they offer marine collagen, most products are bovine-based, which might not suit pescatarians or those avoiding beef.
How They Stack Up: A Head-to-Head Look
Comparing these two was like choosing between a cozy coffee shop and a sleek café—both great, but different vibes. Further Food feels like the underdog with a heart for sustainability and affordability.
Its smaller servings and superfood blends cater to those who want a targeted approach without breaking the bank. I noticed my nails growing stronger after two months, and my digestion felt smoother with their probiotic blend.
Vital Proteins, though, is the polished pro. Its higher dose and seamless solubility made it my go-to for convenience and visible results—my knee pain eased after six weeks, and my skin looked brighter.
The added nutrients like hyaluronic acid were a nice touch, but the cost added up fast.
Taste-wise, Vital Proteins won for unflavored mixes, but Further Food’s chocolate held its own in smoothies. Solubility was a clear win for Vital Proteins, especially in cold drinks.
Price, however, tipped toward Further Food, letting me experiment without financial stress. Both brands source ethically, but Further Food’s smaller footprint felt more aligned with my eco-conscious side.
My Real-World Experience
I alternated between the two for three months to get a true sense of their impact. With Further Food, I started my day blending their unflavored powder into oatmeal. It was subtle, but after a month, my hair felt thicker, and my joints ached less during yoga.
The probiotic blend was a game-changer for my occasional bloating, though I had to be patient with the smaller dose.
Switching to Vital Proteins, I went all-in with their 20g scoop in my morning smoothie. The results hit faster—my skin felt smoother within three weeks, and my post-run knee stiffness faded. But I winced at the price every time I reordered.
I also tried their chocolate flavor, hoping for a treat, but it felt heavy in my coffee, so I stuck to unflavored.
One thing I noticed: Vital Proteins felt like a commitment with its bigger scoop, while Further Food was easier to ease into. If I was rushing, Vital Proteins’ stick packs were a lifesaver for travel, but Further Food’s compact tub fit better in my pantry.
Who Should Choose Further Food?
Further Food is your pick if you’re budget-conscious or new to collagen. Its smaller servings and lower price make it less intimidating, perfect for dipping your toes into supplementation. I’d recommend it for:
- Eco-minded folks who prioritize sustainability.
- Anyone wanting specialized blends (probiotics, turmeric, etc.).
- People who prefer smaller doses or are sensitive to large servings.
- Those okay with ordering online, as local availability is spotty.
I’d caution that if you’re after dramatic results fast, the lower dose might feel underwhelming. Patience is key here.
Who Should Choose Vital Proteins?
Vital Proteins suits those ready to invest in a premium product with quicker, more noticeable effects. It’s ideal for:
- Active people needing joint support (that 20g dose works wonders).
- Anyone prioritizing skin health, thanks to hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
- Busy folks who value convenience and solubility.
- Those who don’t mind spending more for a trusted brand.
The downside? If your budget’s tight or you’re eco-sensitive, the cost and packaging might give you pause.
The Science Behind the Choice
Both brands lean on solid science—collagen peptides can improve skin elasticity, reduce joint pain, and strengthen nails.
Studies suggest 10g–20g daily is optimal, giving Vital Proteins an edge with its 20g serving.
Further Food’s 6.6g–8g aligns with lower-end doses, which still work but may take longer.
I checked the amino acid profiles, and both deliver glycine and proline, key for collagen synthesis.
Vital Proteins’ extras like vitamin C boost absorption, while Further Food’s superfood blends add unique benefits like anti-inflammatory turmeric.
My Verdict
After months of testing, I’m torn. Vital Proteins gave me faster results—smoother skin, less joint pain—but the price stung. Further Food was gentler on my wallet and felt aligned with my values, though I had to wait longer for effects.
If I had to choose, I’d lean toward Further Food for daily use because of cost and sustainability, but I’d keep Vital Proteins in my arsenal for intense workout phases when my joints need extra love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Effectiveness depends on your goals. Vital Proteins’ higher dose (20g) may work faster for skin and joints, but Further Food’s blends offer targeted benefits like gut health.
“Better” varies by need. Further Food is a strong contender for affordability and sustainability, but brands like Ancient Nutrition offer multi-collagen blends for broader benefits.
No major lawsuits were reported against Vital Proteins as of my last check in 2025, but always verify with current sources for updates.
Jennifer Aniston has been a spokesperson for Vital Proteins, but I can’t confirm her personal use. Her endorsement suggests she trusts the brand.
Wrapping Up
You’re probably wondering which collagen to pick, and I get it—it’s a crowded market. I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and my personal experience with Further Food and Vital Proteins to help you choose.
Further Food’s affordability and eco-focus make it a solid choice for budget-conscious beginners, while Vital Proteins’ potent dose and convenience appeal to those chasing fast results.
Your priorities—whether cost, sustainability, or specific health goals—will guide you. I’m rooting for you to find the collagen that fits your life perfectly.
