Product Comparison
Compare the three formats — bovine powder (the trial-tested standard), the value alternative, and the marine option. In collagen's comparison, the honest principle is: match the trial dose (10–20g), choose a form you'll actually take consistently, and know your source (bovine vs marine).
At a glance
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Sports Research Collagen Peptides
Further Food Marine Collagen Peptides
Multi-dimensional comparison
Multi-dimensional Comparison
| Metric | 🏆Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Vital Proteins | Sports Research Collagen Peptides Sports Research | Further Food Marine Collagen Peptides Further Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Form | Powder | Powder | Powder |
| Strength | 20g collagen per scoop | 20g collagen per scoop | 10g collagen per scoop |
| Servings / Container | 28 | 45 | 30 |
| Retail Price | $43.00 | $29.95 | $38.95 |
| Cost / Serving | $1.54 | $0.67BEST 💰 | $1.30 |
| Overall Score | 72/100 | 78/100 | 67/100 |
| 3rd-Party Testing | None stated | IFOS certified facility | None stated |
| Vegan Friendly | — No | — No | — No |
Did you know?
The trial dose for joint comfort
The RCTs that showed modest improvements used 10g daily over 12–24 weeks. Products providing significantly less (gummies, capsules) haven't been tested at their doses. Match the trial to expect the trial's results.
The standard powder serving
Most quality powders provide 20g per scoop — double the trial dose, which may accelerate saturation or simply cost more. The minimum evidence-backed dose is 10g.
The collagen type distinction
Bovine collagen provides Types I and III (skin, tendons, bone). Marine collagen provides primarily Type I. For joint-specific research, Type II collagen (from chicken sternum) is a separate product category with its own — weaker — evidence base.
The marine allergy line
Marine collagen is derived from fish skin and scales. People with fish or shellfish allergies must avoid marine collagen and check bovine products for cross-contamination disclosures.
The patience requirement
The trial effects emerge over 12–24 weeks of daily use. Anyone promising visible results in days or weeks is selling marketing, not collagen. Consistency over months is the actual protocol.
The cofactor multiplier
Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis — without it, the amino acids can't be assembled into collagen. Some products include vitamin C in the formulation; if not, ensure you're getting it from diet.