Cancel
Free shipping on all orders over $50*

What Is The Difference Between Protein Powder & Collagen Peptides?

If you're paying attention (and we know you are), you might’ve noticed that while our blue tub — hello, Original Collagen Peptides! — may reign supreme on Instagram, our collagen offerings have expanded quite a bit. One star player? Our Vital Performance™ Protein, which contains the key ingredient.

So what makes this protein powder such a standout and which offering is right for you and your wellness goals? We're here to break down the difference between our Vital Performance™ Protein ($29.99; shop now) and Original Collagen Peptides ($25; shop now).

Wondering how much collagen you should be taking every day? Check out our Collagen Calculator™!

But First, What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein and helps give structure to our hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons. Thanks to collagen, we're better able to move, bend and stretch. Collagen is also behind helping hair shine, skin glow and nails stay strong.** 

So, what is collagen made of? Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine — all of which help our body's connective tissue, skin, hair and nails stay as healthy as possible.** As we age, collagen production naturally declines, which is why we recommend supplementing with collagen.

What Is Original Collagen Peptides?

Our Original Collagen Peptides is made up of bovine-sourced collagen, as well as skin-lovinghyaluronic acid and vitamin C. We like to think of it asthrice as nice as our single-ingredient offering. Our Original Collagen Peptides not only provides 20g of collagen per serving, but it also is unflavored and odorless, making it a super versatile addition to any recipe. Looking to experiment with our Collagen Peptides in the kitchen? We're big fans of this collagen smoothie recipe.

A Vital Peek At The Benefits:

  • Helps support healthy hair, skin, nails & joints**
  • Helps support skin hydration and elasticity**
  • Helps promote collagen production & a youthful appearance** 

Who is this product for? Since our Original Collagen Peptides can be added to any beverage or recipe, this product helps boost any wellness routine, no matter what your schedule or lifestyle looks like.

What Is Vital Performance™ Protein?

While Vital Performance™ Protein does include collagen, it also boasts other ingredients to complement your daily routine and stimulate muscle protein synthesis.**

"This product is super unique in that it not only offers the amazing benefits of collagen but it also offers the unique benefits from milk protein isolate (without the lactose!), a high-quality and bioavailable protein," says Vital Proteins' Functional Nutrition Expert, Olivia Peláez, MS, FMCHC.

Featuring a 25g blend of milk protein isolate (more on that below), including 10g of collagen peptides and 5g of functional sugar, Vital Performance™ Protein can be used anytime to support improved recovery, stimulate muscle protein synthesis and promote healthy bones, joints and tendons.**

Unlike our Original Collagen Peptides, Vital Performance™ Protein comes in four delicious flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry & Cold Brew Coffee. Looking to experiment with our protein powder in the kitchen? We love this ice cream cookie bowl recipe.

A Vital Peek At The Benefits:

  • Contains a special amino acid profile that can be ideal for both post-workout recovery and anytime nutrition**
  • Helps support improved recovery**
  • Helps stimulate muscle protein synthesis**
  • Helps promote healthy bones, joints & tendons**

Note: Since this product does deliver a complete amino acid profile, you will want to make sure that you are using it within your targeted daily protein intake. 

Who is this product for? Vital Performance™ Protein can be used anytime by anyone looking to support improved recovery, stimulate muscle protein synthesis and promote healthy bones, joints and tendons.**

So, What Is Milk Protein Isolate?

Milk protein isolate, the ingredient used in our protein powder, is a type of protein that has undergone a unique series of filtration and enzymatic steps to remove the lactose while retaining the protein ratio of 80% casein to 20% whey protein. 

By combining lactose-free milk protein isolate with collagen peptides, Vital Performance™ Protein delivers 25g of complete protein designed to complement your fitness routine.

Shop Collagen & Protein