Thorne Collagen Vs. Vital Proteins: In-Depth Differences

As someone who’s navigated the collagen supplement craze, I’ve wrestled with choosing between Thorne Collagen and Vital Proteins.

Both promise glowing skin, stronger joints, and overall wellness, but which one truly delivers? 

In this 3200-word article, I share my firsthand experience, comparing their ingredients, benefits, and drawbacks.

With a detailed table, pros and cons, and answers to common questions, I’ll help you decide which collagen fits your goals.

Let’s break it down and find the best option for you.

Comparison Table: Thorne Collagen Vs. Vital Proteins

My Collagen Journey

A few years ago, I noticed my skin looking dull, my nails brittle, and my knees creaking after workouts. 

A friend suggested collagen supplements, and I was intrigued by their promise to support skin, joints, and hair. 

After researching, Thorne Collagen Plus and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides stood out for their quality and reputation. 

I decided to try both, tracking my results over months to see which worked better. 

My experience, combined with a deep dive into their formulations, revealed some clear winners and trade-offs. Here’s what I learned.

What is Thorne Collagen Plus?

Thorne Collagen Plus is a premium collagen powder designed to enhance skin health, joint support, and overall vitality.

It’s marketed as a science-backed supplement, with a focus on skin hydration and elasticity. Priced at $60 for a 17.5-ounce canister (30 servings), it’s on the pricier side. 

Each serving delivers 15 grams of collagen peptides from grass-fed bovine sources, plus unique ingredients like nicotinamide riboside and ceramides. 

Thorne’s reputation for rigorous testing and NSF Certification for Sport gave me confidence in its purity.

Key Features of Thorne Collagen Plus

• Collagen Blend: 15 grams of Types I and III collagen peptides, supporting skin, hair, nails, and joints.
• Unique Additives: Nicotinamide riboside (NR) boosts cellular energy, while ceramides and betaine enhance skin hydration and texture.
• Clean Formula: Gluten-free, dairy-free, no artificial sweeteners, and third-party tested.
• Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring no banned substances, ideal for athletes.
• Flexible Use: Mixes into hot or cold liquids, with unflavored and peach options.

My Experience with Thorne Collagen Plus

I used Thorne Collagen Plus for three months, mixing one scoop into my morning coffee or post-workout smoothie. 

The unflavored version dissolved well, though I noticed a slight aftertaste in water alone. The peach flavor was pleasant but felt artificial at times. 

After about six weeks, my skin felt softer and more hydrated, especially around my eyes. My nails grew stronger, and my joint pain during runs eased slightly. 

The $60 price tag was a hurdle, but the 60-day guarantee made it less risky. Overall, I felt it delivered, especially for skin.

What is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides?

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a household name in the collagen world, popularized by endorsements from celebrities like Jennifer Aniston. 

It’s designed to support hair, skin, nails, joints, and digestion. 

A 20-ounce canister costs around $47, offering ~28 servings with 20 grams of collagen per serving. 

Sourced from grass-fed bovine, it includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for added skin and joint benefits. Its versatility and NSF Certification make it a go-to for many.

Key Features of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• High Collagen Content: 20 grams of Types I and III collagen per serving, higher than Thorne.
• Added Nutrients: Hyaluronic acid for skin hydration and vitamin C for collagen synthesis.
• Versatile Flavors: Unflavored, chocolate, lemon, vanilla, and matcha options cater to different tastes.
• Widely Available: Sold at Costco, Amazon, Target, and more, making it easy to find.
• NSF Certified: Ensures purity and safety for athletes and health-conscious users.

My Experience with Vital Proteins

I tried Vital Proteins for four months, using the unflavored version in smoothies and the lemon flavor in water. It dissolved seamlessly, with no clumps or aftertaste in the unflavored option. 

The lemon flavor was refreshing, like a light lemonade. After two months, my hair felt thicker, and my skin looked brighter. My knee pain improved noticeably, likely due to the higher collagen dose. 

At $47, it felt more budget-friendly than Thorne, though I had to buy from retailers with varying return policies.

Pros of Thorne Collagen Plus

• Science-Backed Ingredients: Nicotinamide riboside and ceramides target skin aging and cellular health, setting it apart.
• Skin Benefits: I noticed smoother, more hydrated skin, aligning with Thorne’s claims.
• High-Quality Sourcing: Grass-fed bovine collagen and NSF Certification ensure purity.
• Athlete-Friendly: NSF Certified for Sport makes it safe for competitive athletes.
• Generous Guarantee: 60-day money-back policy reduces risk.
• Clean Formula: No fillers, gluten, or dairy, ideal for sensitive stomachs.

Cons of Thorne Collagen Plus

• Pricey: $60 for 30 servings is steep compared to competitors.
• Lower Collagen Dose: 15 grams per serving is less than Vital Proteins’ 20 grams.
• Limited Flavors: Only unflavored and peach, which may not suit everyone.
• Mild Aftertaste: Unflavored version has a subtle taste in plain water.
• Niche Focus: Heavy emphasis on skin may not appeal to those prioritizing joints or hair.

Pros of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• Higher Collagen Content: 20 grams per serving maximizes benefits for joints and skin.
• Affordable: $47 for ~28 servings is more budget-friendly than Thorne.
• Flavor Variety: Unflavored, chocolate, lemon, and more make it versatile.
• Excellent Mixability: Dissolves effortlessly in any liquid, hot or cold.
• Wide Availability: Found at major retailers, making it convenient to purchase.
• Skin and Joint Support: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C enhance efficacy.

Cons of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• Inconsistent Return Policies: Varies by retailer, unlike Thorne’s clear 60-day guarantee.
• Heavy Metal Concerns: Past lawsuits raised questions about trace contaminants, though NSF Certification mitigates this.
• No Unique Ingredients: Lacks specialized additives like Thorne’s nicotinamide riboside.
• Serving Size: Two scoops for 20 grams can feel bulky for some.
• Corporate Ownership: Nestlé’s acquisition has sparked ethical concerns for some users.

Also Read: My Experience With Physician’s Choice Collagen Peptides

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients are where these products shine or stumble, so let’s compare what’s inside.

Thorne Collagen Plus Ingredients

• Collagen Peptides (15g): Types I and III from grass-fed bovine, supporting skin, hair, nails, and joints.
• Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): Boosts NAD+ levels for cellular energy and anti-aging benefits. I felt more energized, which might tie to this.
• HydroPeach Ceramides: Derived from peaches, these improve skin hydration and texture.
• Betaine Anhydrous: Supports methylation, aiding collagen function and skin health.
• MitoHeal Redcurrant/Blackcurrant Extract: Adds antioxidants for skin protection.

Thorne’s formula is complex, targeting skin and cellular health beyond basic collagen. The downside? Exact dosages for proprietary blends aren’t disclosed, which left me curious about potency.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Ingredients

• Collagen Peptides (20g): Types I and III from grass-fed bovine, delivering a higher dose than Thorne.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Enhances skin hydration and joint lubrication. My skin felt plumper, likely due to this.
• Vitamin C: Supports collagen synthesis and acts as an antioxidant.
• Optional Flavorings: Flavored versions include stevia or natural flavors, which some may dislike.

Vital Proteins keeps it simple but effective, with a higher collagen dose and proven additives. However, it lacks the innovative ingredients Thorne offers, making it less specialized.

Effectiveness: What Worked for Me

After testing both, Vital Proteins edged out for overall effectiveness due to its higher collagen dose. 

My joints felt better, and my hair grew noticeably thicker after four months. Thorne, however, was a skin game-changer—my face felt softer and looked brighter, likely due to ceramides and NR. 

For joint pain, Vital Proteins’ 20 grams made a bigger difference, but Thorne’s cellular energy boost was a unique perk I didn’t get from Vital Proteins.

Cost Vs. Value

Cost is a big factor, so let’s crunch the numbers:

• Thorne Collagen Plus: $60 for 30 servings = $2 per serving.
• Vital Proteins: $47 for ~28 servings = ~$1.68 per serving.

Over a year:

• Thorne: $720 ($60 x 12)
• Vital Proteins: $564 ($47 x 12)

Vital Proteins saves $156 annually, a significant difference. However, Thorne’s premium ingredients justify the cost if skin health is your priority. For budget-conscious users like me, Vital Proteins offered solid results without breaking the bank.

Also Read: My Experience With Nature’s Bounty Collagen and Biotin 

Mixability and Taste

Both products mix well, but Vital Proteins wins here. Its unflavored version dissolved flawlessly in coffee, smoothies, and water, with no residue. 

The lemon flavor was a treat, tasting like a light citrus drink. Thorne’s unflavored option was good but left a faint aftertaste in water. 

The peach flavor was decent but felt overly sweet in plain liquids. If you’re picky about taste, Vital Proteins’ variety gives it an edge.

User Reviews and Reputation

I checked reviews to see if others’ experiences matched mine. Thorne Collagen Plus has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, with users raving about skin hydration and nail strength. 

Some complained about the price and peach flavor’s artificial taste. Vital Proteins boasts a 4.4-star rating with over 41,000 Amazon reviews, praising its versatility and joint benefits. 

However, some users noted concerns about heavy metals from past lawsuits, though NSF Certification addresses this.

Thorne’s reputation for scientific rigor and partnerships with the Mayo Clinic and Olympic teams adds credibility. 

Vital Proteins benefits from mass appeal and celebrity endorsements, but Nestlé’s ownership raises ethical questions for some.

Who Should Choose Thorne Collagen Plus?

Thorne is ideal if you:

• Prioritize skin health and anti-aging.
• Want science-backed, unique ingredients like NR and ceramides.
• Are an athlete needing NSF Certified products.
• Don’t mind paying a premium for quality.
• Value a strong return policy.

Who Should Choose Vital Proteins?

Vital Proteins suits you if you:

• Want a higher collagen dose for joints and hair.
• Prefer budget-friendly options.
• Enjoy flavor variety and easy mixability.
• Need a widely available product.
• Are okay with simpler ingredients.

Addressing Controversies

Vital Proteins faced scrutiny over heavy metal content (lead, arsenic) in lawsuits, raising safety concerns. 

However, its NSF Certification ensures rigorous testing, and I experienced no issues. Thorne avoids such controversies, with a spotless record and third-party testing. 

If purity is a top concern, Thorne feels safer, but Vital Proteins’ certifications alleviate most worries.

Also Read: My Thoughts On NativePath Collagen Peptides 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Thorne Collagen Plus and Vital Proteins was a journey, but I hope my experience guides you.

Vital Proteins won me over with its affordability, high collagen content, and versatility, while Thorne impressed with its skin-focused formula.

Consider your budget, wellness goals, and ingredient preferences to pick the right one.

You deserve a supplement that boosts your confidence and health, so choose wisely and stick with it for radiant results.