I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect collagen supplement, and it’s led me to compare two heavyweights: Primal Harvest Collagen and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.
My goal?
To figure out which one truly delivers on promises of better skin, stronger hair, and healthier joints. In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience, weighing the pros and cons of each to help you decide which fits your lifestyle.
With a comparison table, detailed analysis, and answers to common questions, you’ll have everything you need to make an informed choice.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Primal Harvest Collagen | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides |
| Collagen Types | I, III | I, III |
| Source | Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine | Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine |
| Serving Size | 10g (1 scoop) | 20g (2 scoops) |
| Protein per Serving | 9g | 18g |
| Additional Ingredients | None | Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C (in Advanced) |
| Flavor Options | Unflavored | Unflavored, flavored (e.g., chocolate) |
| Mixability | Excellent, no residue | Good, slight residue in cold liquids |
| Price (approx.) | $39.95 for 10 oz (30 servings) | $47 for 20 oz (28 servings) |
| Availability | Online only (website, Amazon) | Widely available (Costco, Amazon, etc.) |
| Certifications | GMP-certified, soy/gluten-free | Paleo, Whole30-approved |
Why I Started Using Collagen?
Collagen supplements have been a game-changer for me. A few years ago, I noticed my hair thinning and my skin losing that youthful bounce. Joints? They creaked like an old wooden floor.
After some research, I learned collagen could help. It’s the body’s scaffolding—supporting skin, hair, nails, and joints. But with so many brands out there, I zeroed in on Primal Harvest and Vital Proteins because of their reputations.
I wanted to know: which one would actually work for me?
I started with Primal Harvest because I’d heard it was clean and versatile. Later, I tried Vital Proteins, drawn by its popularity and Jennifer Aniston’s endorsement. Both promised similar benefits, but my experience revealed some key differences.
Let’s break it down.
Primal Harvest Collagen: My Experience
When I first opened Primal Harvest’s tub, I was skeptical.
A plain, unflavored powder? Would it even dissolve?
To my surprise, it mixed like a dream into my morning coffee. No clumps, no weird aftertaste—just smooth sailing.
The 10g serving felt manageable, and I liked that it packed 9g of protein.
Over a month, I noticed my hair looked shinier, and my nails stopped breaking.
My skin felt softer, too, though wrinkles didn’t vanish overnight.
What stood out was the simplicity.
Primal Harvest uses grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen with types I and III, which target skin, hair, and joints. No extra fluff—just collagen.
They also use GelcoPEP® technology, which supposedly boosts absorption.
I can’t verify the science, but it never upset my stomach, which is a win.
Pros of Primal Harvest
- Clean Formula: No additives, soy, or gluten. It’s as pure as it gets, which I appreciate since I’m sensitive to fillers.
- Mixability: Dissolves effortlessly in hot or cold drinks. I’ve tossed it into smoothies, soups, even baked goods—zero complaints.
- Hair Growth: My hair grew faster and thicker. Even my eyelashes looked fuller, which was a fun bonus.
- Joint Support: My knees felt less stiff after morning runs. It wasn’t a miracle, but I noticed a difference.
- Price per Serving: At about $1.33 per scoop, it’s slightly cheaper than competitors for a high-quality product.
Cons of Primal Harvest
- Smaller Serving Size: Only 10g per scoop means less protein than some brands. I sometimes doubled up, which got pricey.
- Limited Availability: You can only buy it online. No popping into a store if you run out.
- No Extra Nutrients: Unlike some competitors, it lacks hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, which might boost skin benefits.
- Subtle Results: Skin improvements were gradual. If you’re expecting instant radiance, you might be disappointed.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: My Take
Vital Proteins is everywhere—Costco, Target, you name it.
I grabbed the Advanced version with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, hoping for a skin glow-up.
The 20g serving (two scoops) felt hefty, delivering 18g of protein.
Mixing it wasn’t as seamless as Primal Harvest.
In cold water, I’d get some sediment, but hot coffee worked fine.
Taste-wise, it’s mostly neutral, though I caught a faint bone broth vibe once or twice.
After a few weeks, my nails were rock-solid, and my hair felt thicker.
Skin-wise, I saw a slight plumpness, maybe from the hyaluronic acid. Joint pain eased a bit, but I didn’t notice a huge leap over Primal Harvest.
The brand’s popularity made sense—it’s solid—but it wasn’t perfect.
Pros of Vital Proteins
- Higher Protein: 18g per serving is great if you’re using collagen as a protein boost.
- Added Nutrients: The Advanced formula has hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which may enhance skin hydration and collagen production.
- Wide Availability: Found in stores and online, so it’s easy to restock.
- Variety: Unflavored or flavored options like chocolate give you flexibility.
- Trusted Brand: Backed by years of popularity and endorsements, it feels reliable.
Cons of Vital Proteins
- Mixability Issues: Slight clumping in cold liquids. I had to stir longer than I liked.
- Pricey: Around $1.68 per serving for the 20 oz tub. It adds up, especially if you’re not buying in bulk.
- Recall Concerns: A 2023 recall for possible plastic contamination spooked me. No injuries, but it dented my trust.
- Taste Complaints: Some batches had an off smell or taste, based on reviews I read. I didn’t notice it much, but it’s worth mentioning.
- Larger Serving: Two scoops can feel like overkill if you just want a quick mix.
Head-to-Head: What Sets Them Apart?
Both brands use grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen with types I and III, so the core benefits overlap: better skin elasticity, stronger hair and nails, and joint support. But the devil’s in the details.
- Ingredients and Formula
Primal Harvest keeps it minimalist—one ingredient, no fuss.
I loved the purity, especially since I avoid artificial additives.
Vital Proteins’ Advanced formula adds hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which sound great on paper.
Hyaluronic acid retains moisture for plumper skin, and vitamin C supports collagen synthesis.
In practice, I didn’t see a dramatic difference in my skin with Vital Proteins, but the science suggests it could help long-term.
- Mixability and Taste
Primal Harvest wins here. Its GelcoPEP® tech makes it dissolve like magic, and I never tasted it in my drinks. Vital Proteins was good but not flawless—cold drinks required extra stirring, and I occasionally caught a faint flavor.
If you’re picky about texture, Primal Harvest feels more polished.
- Serving Size and Protein
Vital Proteins doubles down with 20g per serving, offering 18g of protein. It’s a solid choice if you’re replacing a protein shake or bulking up.
Primal Harvest’s 10g (9g protein) is lighter, which I preferred for daily use but felt limiting if I wanted more protein. Doubling Primal’s dose evens the playing field, but then you’re burning through the tub faster.
- Price and Value
At $39.95 for 30 servings, Primal Harvest is a tad cheaper per scoop than Vital Proteins’ $47 for 28 servings. But Vital gives you more collagen per dose, so it’s a trade-off.
If you value simplicity and don’t need the extras, Primal Harvest stretches your dollar further. If you want the added nutrients, Vital Proteins might justify the cost.
- Accessibility
Vital Proteins is the clear winner for convenience. I could grab it at Costco or order from Amazon. Primal Harvest’s online-only model frustrated me when I ran out mid-month.
If you’re a planner, it’s fine, but I missed the instant gratification of store shelves.
- Brand Trust
Vital Proteins has a massive following, but the 2023 recall for possible plastic shards raised eyebrows. It was a one-off, and they handled it responsibly, but it lingered in my mind.
Primal Harvest feels like a smaller, scrappier brand with less baggage. Neither has major red flags, but Vital’s scale comes with more scrutiny.
My Results: What Actually Worked?
After months of testing, both products delivered.
With Primal Harvest, my hair grew like weeds—thicker, shinier, and faster than usual.
My nails stopped splitting, and my skin felt hydrated, though fine lines didn’t budge much.
Joints?
Less creaky, especially after yoga.
Vital Proteins matched Primal Harvest on nails and hair but edged out slightly on skin. I credit the hyaluronic acid for a subtle glow.
Joint relief was comparable, maybe a hair better because of the higher dose.
But the mixing hassle and higher price made me question if it was worth it.
Here’s the kicker: results depend on consistency. I took both daily, mixed into coffee or smoothies, and gave them at least a month. If you’re sporadic, don’t expect miracles. Collagen isn’t a quick fix—it’s a slow burn.
Who Should Choose Primal Harvest?
Primal Harvest is my pick if you want a no-nonsense, clean supplement. It’s perfect for:
- People with sensitivities to additives or artificial flavors.
- Those who value mixability and versatility—bake it, blend it, sip it.
- Budget-conscious buyers who don’t need bells and whistles.
- Anyone prioritizing hair and nail growth over dramatic skin changes.
It’s not ideal if you want a protein-heavy dose or prefer shopping in stores. The smaller serving size might annoy you if you’re chasing big results fast.
Who Should Choose Vital Proteins?
Vital Proteins suits you if you’re after a well-rounded supplement with extras. It’s great for:
- People who want hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for potential skin boosts.
- Those needing a higher protein hit for workouts or meal prep.
- Shoppers who like grabbing supplements at Costco or Target.
- Fans of variety, with flavored options for picky palates.
It’s less ideal if you hate stirring clumps or worry about recalls. The price might sting if you’re not buying in bulk, and the larger serving could feel excessive for casual use.
The Science Behind Collagen
Collagen supplements aren’t just hype—there’s research to back them. Studies show types I and III improve skin elasticity and hydration after 8-12 weeks. Joint pain can ease, too, especially for active folks.
Hydrolyzed collagen, like both brands use, breaks down into peptides for better absorption. That said, results vary. Your diet, lifestyle, and genetics play a role. If you eat protein-rich foods and get enough vitamin C, you might not need a supplement.
For me, collagen filled a gap, but it’s not a cure-all.
Vital Proteins’ added ingredients have science behind them, too. Hyaluronic acid improves skin moisture, and vitamin C is crucial for collagen production. But Primal Harvest’s purity doesn’t mean it’s less effective—it just leans on collagen alone.
Neither brand’s claims are overblown, but patience is key.
A Word on Safety and Quality
Both brands source from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, which means no hormones or junk. Primal Harvest is made in GMP-certified facilities, and Vital Proteins is paleo and Whole30-approved.
I felt safe using both, though Vital’s recall gave me pause. No injuries were reported, and it was a specific batch, but it’s a reminder to check batch numbers. Primal Harvest’s smaller scale might mean tighter quality control, but I have no proof—just a hunch.
Also Read: Is Zephta H-Regrow Worth It?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your goals. Primal Harvest worked better for my hair and nails, while Vital Proteins slightly edged out on skin. Both are high-quality—pick based on your priorities.
No active lawsuits as of now, but they faced scrutiny over a 2023 recall for possible plastic contamination. No injuries were reported.
Yes, Jennifer Aniston is Vital Proteins’ Chief Creative Officer and says she mixes their collagen into her coffee or smoothies.
Costco didn’t stop selling Vital Proteins. They recalled a batch in 2023 due to potential plastic shards but continue stocking it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Primal Harvest and Vital Proteins isn’t black-and-white. I loved Primal Harvest’s simplicity and flawless mixing—it’s my go-to for hair growth and daily ease.
Vital Proteins brought a bit more to the table with its skin-friendly extras, but the price and occasional clumps held me back.
You can’t go wrong with either, but think about what matters most: purity or perks, budget or convenience. Try one, stick with it, and see what works for you. Your perfect collagen match is out there.
