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Condiments, cooking oils, dressings, dips, sauces … and now collagen supplements? Yep, Primal Kitchen—renowned for its keto- and paleo-friendly products—has expanded well beyond the condiment aisle with its collagen peptides powder even rivaling its mayo, an Amazon bestseller.
But how does this collagen peptides powder stack up against the best collagen supplements on the market today? In this Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides review, we’ll get the full scoop on this trendy supplement’s formulation, taste, value, and more.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
30 Collagens Later: We Know What’s Worth Your Scoop
GGR’s expert team—including certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, nutrition coaches, and strength specialists—has (to date) tested 30 collagen supplements, covering everything from basic, unflavored powders to fortified blends with added functional ingredients.
Each product is assessed using our GGR Supplement Testing Methodology, which evaluates key criteria such as:
- Formulation: We prioritize hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) with at least 10 grams per serving. Top scores go to products containing a comprehensive blend of type I, II, and III collagen, with no unnecessary sugars or fillers.
- Solubility: Collagen should dissolve smoothly in water or the recommended liquid without clumping, grit, or excessive separation. We assess mixability, texture, and consistency over time.
- Taste: Our testers and consumer reviews help determine taste scores. Whether flavored or unflavored, we assess the palatability of the product and whether it has an unpleasant aftertaste or noticeable bitterness.
- Side effects: We consider personal feedback and broader user experiences to determine whether a supplement causes bloating, digestive discomfort, or other unwanted effects—or if it’s well tolerated and contributes positively to how users feel.
- Third-party testing: Because supplements are not FDA-regulated, we place high value on transparency and third-party testing. Products that are tested by trusted organizations like NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport, or BSCG score highest in this category.
- Value: We evaluate cost per serving against industry standards. Products under $0.90 per serving receive top marks, while higher-priced options must justify their cost through premium formulation, testing, or added benefits.
Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides
Hot or Cold Drinks
You can mix this collagen in hot or cold beverages, although some may find solubility is improved in warm liquids.
Flavored Options
Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides are available in flavors such as Chocolate, Chai Tea, Vanilla Coconut, and more.
Collagen Source
This collagen supplement uses bovine-derived collagen peptides, which are high in Type I and Type III collagen.
Third-Party Testing
While the makeup seems clean and accurate, there are no marks or signs of independent testing for purity and potency.
Solid formula
We appreciate the straightforward makeup that’s gluten-free, keto-certified, and suitable for multiple diet types.
Good taste
Our tester says the Vanilla Coconut flavor is enjoyable, albeit limited when it comes to mixing in other recipes.
Supports skin health
The Type I and Type III peptides abundant in this makeup can help bolster skin, hair, and nail health.
Pros
Cons
Price per serving
$0.70 (Unflavored), $1.60-$2.80 (flavored options)
Available Flavors
Chai Tea, Chocolate Coconut, Matcha, Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Vanilla Coconut
Collagen source
Bovine collagen peptides
Collagen per serving
11 g
Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides offer 11 grams of bovine-derived collagen peptides per serving available in a range of flavors from classic Chocolate and Vanilla Coconut to Matcha, Peanut Butter, and Chai Tea. This keto-friendly formula also features natural sweeteners (in flavored options) but the makeup is not independently tested for purity and label accuracy.
What our tester says:
“In water, there’s a little bit of grittiness but it’s not offensive. You do get some foam at the top of your shaker, but it didn’t detract from my experience. In all, I’d appreciate less residue and grit, but it’s still soluble nonetheless.”
A Quick Look at Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides
You might know Primal Kitchen for its avocado oil-based mayo and dressings, but the brand’s story goes deeper. It was founded by former elite endurance athlete Mark Sisson, who turned to performance nutrition after missing the Olympic marathon trials due to health issues. What started as a blog soon evolved into a health-driven brand rooted in the primal lifestyle.
Alongside co-founder Morgan Buehler Zanotti—a former PepsiCo strategist with an eye for innovation—Primal Kitchen launched industry firsts such as avocado oil mayo and dressings. The brand later joined Kraft Heinz’s Springboard platform, expanding its reach while staying true to its mission of real-food ingredients.
That same mission fuels Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides: clean ingredients, functional benefits, and versatile flavors—all packed into one daily scoop. But before you add it to your cart, here are a few key things to know.
Before You Buy
- Primal Kitchen includes types I and III collagen, which support skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. However, it lacks type II collagen, which is more beneficial for joint and cartilage health.
- The Matcha and Chai varieties include small amounts of caffeine from real tea or spices. This may be a consideration for those who are sensitive to stimulants or prefer to avoid caffeine later in the day.
Is Primal Kitchen Collagen Worth It?
If you’re considering adding collagen to your best supplement stack, Primal Kitchen offers a well-formulated option with multiple flavor choices and clean ingredients. But like any supplement, it’s not one-size-fits-all and likely won’t suit everyone.
Great for:
- Anyone looking to get 10+ grams of collagen peptides per serving
- People who value keto diet formulas with no added sugars
- Those wanting to enhance their skin care and wellness routine
Not recommended for:
- Vegetarians and vegans who follow a partial or complete plant-based diet
- Anyone seeking third-party certification from NSF, Informed Sport, or BSCG
- Those looking for a comprehensive collagen product, whether with all types of collagen or enrichments such as vitamin C and probiotics
Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides Specs
| Price per serving | $0.70 (Unflavored), $1.60-$2.80 (flavored options) |
| Calories per serving | 40 (Unflavored), 70-90 cals (flavored options) |
| Collagen per serving | 11 g |
| Collagen source(s) | Bovine collagen peptides |
| Protein per serving | 10 g |
| Available flavors | Chai Tea, Chocolate Coconut, Matcha, Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Vanilla Coconut |
| Sweeteners uses | Monk fruit extract |
| Third-party testing | Yes (certifying lab not listed) |
Experience Using Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, served as our expert tester for this Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides review, sampling the Vanilla Coconut flavor. While she felt the taste and solubility could be improved, she experienced no side effects. Other flavors or mixing methods may also enhance the overall experience.
With a 4.5-star average rating and thousands of Amazon reviews, this collagen powder clearly has something going for it. Here’s what Amanda and I found during testing.
Price Per Serving
On the Primal Kitchen website, a 50-serving tub of the Unflavored Collagen Peptides costs $34.95, which breaks down to about $0.70 per serving. Flavored options are more expensive, ranging from $1.60 to $2.08 per serving, depending on the flavor and container size (between 12 and 25 servings).
You can bring the cost down by opting for bundle packs (2, 3, or 4 units) or subscribing for a recurring delivery discount. Still, due to the wide price gap between the unflavored and flavored options, Primal Kitchen’s collagen powder earns a 3 out of 5 for price per serving.
Formulation
If you’re looking for a cleaner, well-dosed collagen supplement with multiple flavor options, this brand delivers a solid lineup, ultimately earning a 4 out of 5 for its formulation. For added clarity, here are the details of one serving of its Unflavored Collagen Peptides:
- 11 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, comfortably within the research-backed1 daily range of 2.5 to 15 grams. A 2021 review2 also highlights that bovine (and fish) peptides are among the most effectively absorbed forms.
- Rich in types I and III collagen, the two most abundant and functional types in the body. Type I supports skin, bones, ligaments, and organs, while Type III plays a key role in muscles, skin, and blood vessels2.
- No added sugars, dairy, soy, or whey, making it gluten-free, keto-certified, and suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Flavored options use natural sweeteners like monk fruit, along with ingredients such as coconut milk and spices to enhance palatability. Varieties like Matcha and Chai contain small amounts of caffeine, which is worth noting if you’re sensitive to stimulants.
TL;DR: Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides delivers a clean, research-backed formula with 11 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides featuring the abundant types I and III, offering many key benefits of collagen protein powder such as supporting skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. It falls just short of a perfect score due to the absence of type II collagen and limited transparency around third-party testing for purity and label accuracy.
Taste and Solubility
This collagen supplement comes in several flavors, and Amanda tested Vanilla Coconut. She gave it a 3.5 out of 5 for taste, noting, “There’s a hint of coconut flavor (ever so slightly,) so it probably won’t work well with protein powder, except maybe vanilla.”
While the flavor was acceptable to her personal preferences, taste is subjective, and users might prefer other options, such as Chai or Peanut Butter. The Unflavored version also offers full flexibility to mix and flavor it however you like.
For solubility, Amanda rated the collagen drink mix at 4 out of 5, noting a bit of grittiness when mixed in water, “but it didn’t detract from my experience.” Customer feedback is mixed for this category, as well. Some report it blends well in cold liquids, while others say it only fully dissolves in warm or hot drinks. If you prefer to use it cold, blending it into smoothies or shakes may help ensure smooth, consistent mixing.
Side Effects
Amanda reported “no issues whatsoever,” giving Primal Kitchen’s collagen powder a 5 out of 5 in this category. “I didn’t notice any stomach rumblings or bloat—but every athlete is different,” she adds. Amazon reviewers echo this sentiment, with many noting positive changes in hair, nails, and skin.
Third-Party Testing
Primal Kitchen claims to use high-quality collagen peptides manufactured under high-quality standards and regulatory guidelines, which include being tested for heavy metals and product purity. But as Amanda notes, “I don’t see anything about NSF, US Pharmacopeia, or GMP certification.”
While the brand appears committed to quality, the lack of clear, third-party verification earns it a 3 out of 5 in this category.
Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides vs Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Type of collagen
Types I and III collagen sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
Collagen per serving
20 g
Third-party testing
Vital Proteins’ manufacturing facility is NSF certified cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices)
Flavors
Unflavored, Strawberry Lemon
Good taste
Our tester says the Unflavored version doesn’t taste like anything and blends seamlessly with other supplements
Ingredient quality
This collagen powder has no artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers
Supports skin health
Some varieties contain hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to support natural collagen production and skin hydration
Pros
Cons
Price per serving
Around $1.68
Serving size
3 tbsp (20 g)
Flavors
Unflavored, Strawberry Lemon
Number of Servings
About 28
Vital Protein’s Collagen Peptide Protein is formulated to improve the health of joints, bones, skin, ligaments, tendons, nails, and hair. It’s Whole30-approved and contains zero artificial flavors, fillers, or food dyes. According to our tester, it has great solubility when mixed in coffee.
What our tester says:
“I mixed it into several things—greens powder, other protein powders, juice, and even my coffee—and it did not change the taste of anything.”
Like Primal Kitchen, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides provide a formula to support skin, joint, and overall health. But there are some key differences that may sway your choice:
- Collagen source and dose: Both brands use bovine collagen peptides, but Vital Proteins sources theirs from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle and delivers a heftier 20 grams of collagen per serving compared to Primal Kitchen’s 11 grams.
- Protein content: Due to the higher collagen content, Vital Proteins also packs more protein—18 grams per serving versus 10 grams in Primal Kitchen.
- Bonus ingredients: Vital Proteins includes vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in select formulas, which may enhance collagen absorption and support skin hydration. Primal Kitchen’s formula sticks to a simpler, collagen-only profile.
- Sweeteners: Primal Kitchen uses monk fruit extract, while Vital Proteins uses stevia. The choice comes down to taste preference and sensitivity, as both are natural, zero-calorie options.
- Convenience: Vital Proteins offers on-the-go stick packs in addition to tubs, while Primal Kitchen only sells its collagen in bulk containers.
- Price and value: Primal Kitchen costs less—as low as $0.78 per serving for unflavored collagen—while Vital Proteins sits closer to $1.82 per serving. That said, it delivers nearly double the collagen and protein per scoop, which can justify the higher cost.
Check out the comparison table below and our Vital Proteins Review for more details and a deeper breakdown.
| Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | |
| Price per serving | $0.78 (Unflavored), $1.60-$2.80 (flavored options) | $1.82 (Unflavored with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid), $1.96-$2.31 (flavored options with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid) |
| Calories per serving | 40 (Unflavored), 70-90 cals (flavored options) | 70 (Unflavored), 80-100 (flavored options) |
| Collagen per serving | 11 g | 20 g |
| Collagen source(s) | Bovine collagen peptides | Grass-fed/pasture-raised bovine |
| Protein per serving | 10 g | 18 g |
| Available flavors | Chai Tea, Chocolate, Matcha, Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Vanilla Coconut | Chocolate, Strawberry Lemonade, Vanilla |
| Sweeteners uses | Monk fruit extract | Stevia |
| Third-party testing | Yes (certifying lab not listed) | Yes (certifying lab not listed) |
Customer Experience
Primal Kitchen accepts returns within 30 days for products purchased on their website, excluding original shipping costs. Damaged or unsatisfactory items may be replaced with proof of the lot number and expiration date. Please note that purchases made through Amazon or other third-party retailers are subject to their own return policies, which Primal Kitchen does not manage.
U.S. shipping is free on orders over $50, or just $25 for Primal Perks members. This free loyalty program lets you earn points toward discounts, exclusive offers, and complimentary products. A fun surprise from my personal shopping experiences: I was automatically gifted a free Original Buffalo Sauce at checkout—no sign-up required!
Subscriptions are easy to manage through your account with no penalties for pausing or canceling. You’ll receive reminder emails ahead of each ship date, and customer service is available via phone or email during weekday business hours.
Ordering Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides
Ordering Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides is easy on the brand’s retail site. Simply choose your flavor and quantity (1-4 units), select a one-time purchase or subscription (if available), and complete your check-out with the appropriate shipping and billing details.
You can also find Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target—though not all flavors may be available at every third-party seller. Just remember that Primal Kitchen does not handle returns or exchanges for purchases made through third-party retailers.
Customer Reviews
With a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating on Amazon—based on nearly 1,700 reviews—Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides is a customer favorite for its taste and benefits. Many users enjoy mixing it into hot drinks, such as their morning coffee, and report improvements in hair growth, skin glow, and stronger nails.
However, some customers say the powder mixes well in warm liquids, but struggles to dissolve in cold beverages. Opinions on value are also split—some call it well worth the price, while others feel the cost doesn’t quite match the benefits.
Final Verdict of Our Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides Review
Primal Kitchen brings its clean-label mission to the collagen aisle with a supplement that’s functional, flavorful, and widely praised by customers. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind before scooping it into your routine:
- Delivers 11 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides per serving—slightly below top competitors like Vital Proteins (20 grams), but still above the 10-gram minimum we look for in an effective collagen supplement.
- Rich in types I and III collagen, the most abundant types in the body, which support healthy hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments, muscles, and blood vessels. However, it lacks type II collagen, which is primarily beneficial for cartilage.
- Free from added sugars, gluten, dairy, and soy, with keto-certified flavors available.
- Flavored varieties include ingredients such as coconut milk and chai spice, some of which contain naturally occurring caffeine, which may be a concern for caffeine-sensitive users.
- Mixes best in warm liquids, like coffee or tea. For cold drinks, blending may be necessary to avoid grit or clumping.
- Not third-party certified by groups like NSF or Informed Sport, which may be a drawback for competitive athletes or those seeking verified label accuracy.
Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides
Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides offer 11 grams of bovine-derived collagen peptides per serving available in a range of flavors from classic Chocolate and Vanilla Coconut to Matcha, Peanut Butter, and Chai Tea. This keto-friendly formula also features natural sweeteners (in flavored options) but the makeup is not independently tested for purity and label accuracy.
Product Brand: Primal Kitchen
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 34.95
Product In-Stock: InStock
Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides: FAQs
Are there any downsides to taking collagen peptides?
Collagen peptides are generally safe and well-tolerated, but there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. First, collagen isn’t a complete protein, meaning it lacks all the essential amino acids we must obtain from our diets. Some collagen proteins may also include added ingredients—like artificial sweeteners and super greens powders—that could lead to exhibited side effects or interact with medications. Additionally, not all collagen supplements undergo third-party testing, which may raise concerns about label accuracy and purity, especially for athletes subject to drug testing.
How much do Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides cost?
A 50-serving tub of the Unflavored Collagen Peptides costs $34.95 on the Primal Kitchen website, which breaks down to about $0.70 per serving. Flavored options are pricier, ranging from $1.60 to $2.08 per serving, depending on flavor and container size (12 to 25 servings). You can lower the cost by purchasing bundle packs or subscribing to recurring delivery discounts.
Who should avoid collagen peptides?
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, collagen peptides may not be the best fit since they come from animal sources. Some formulas also include vitamins or herbs that could interact with medications, so anyone taking medications should check the label before use.
Should you take collagen in the morning or at night?
Whether you work out in the morning or evening, research3 suggests taking collagen about 30 minutes after resistance training may enhance muscle repair and strength. Pairing collagen with vitamin C can further enhance absorption, no matter when you take it.
That said, consistency matters more than precise timing. Take collagen when it fits best into your routine—whether added to your morning coffee or smoothie, or mixed into an evening drink. Just keep in mind that some flavored varieties contain caffeine, which may not be ideal before bedtime.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Paul, C., Leser, S., & Oesser, S. (2019). Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients, 11(5), 1079. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051079
- Wang H. (2021). A Review of the Effects of Collagen Treatment in Clinical Studies. Polymers, 13(22), 3868. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13223868
- Bischof, K., Stafilidis, S., Bundschuh, L., Oesser, S., Baca, A., & König, D. (2023). Influence of specific collagen peptides and 12-week concurrent training on recovery-related biomechanical characteristics following exercise-induced muscle damage-A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1266056. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1266056
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