I started taking Vital Proteins Collagen because I was getting the "old lady" bruises on my arms. Bright, dark red splotches that just appeared. I've been using it consistently for about 6 weeks and have had NO bruises, my hair is growing faster (confirmed by my stylist) AND the MANY fine wrinkles on my upper arms are fading away!! That was an unexpected benefit. My only "complaint" is the collagen is not easily soluble in cold liquid. That's not much of a complaint. I use 2 scoops a day, one in each of 2 cups of coffee. I can't taste the collagen at all and it dissolves very easily. I highly recommend this product!

Caffeine content

I did not know that this had caffeine in it. I am very caffeine sensitive, even to decaf coffee or tea. I wish it has stated the caffeine content somewhere - anywhere, on the container. I normally sleep at 9pm. I started drinking this for the last three days, and I went to sleep at/after 12am. Yesterday, I drank it. I am writing this at 4:50am, and I am still not tired, nor have I slept since being alert at 7am yesterday. Something told me this drink is the reason. It did not taste bad, and dissolved relatively well. I did not use it long enough to see results. It is disappointing that products are not required to list caffeine content anywhere. I am only leaving this review for similarly caffeine-free and caffeine-sensitive folks like me, so that this does not ruin ... MoreI did not know that this had caffeine in it. I am very caffeine sensitive, even to decaf coffee or tea. I wish it has stated the caffeine content somewhere - anywhere, on the container. I normally sleep at 9pm. I started drinking this for the last three days, and I went to sleep at/after 12am. Yesterday, I drank it. I am writing this at 4:50am, and I am still not tired, nor have I slept since being alert at 7am yesterday. Something told me this drink is the reason. It did not taste bad, and dissolved relatively well. I did not use it long enough to see results. It is disappointing that products are not required to list caffeine content anywhere. I am only leaving this review for similarly caffeine-free and caffeine-sensitive folks like me, so that this does not ruin your sleep cycle.

Chemical taste…

I started consuming this collagen quite recently.Before I took the unflavored version of the same brand and I just wanted to test the chocolate version. This will certainly be the last time…In the end, I prefer to stay on the unflavored version. The taste of chocolate is very sweet but a very chemical taste which does not suit me at all. The powder doesn't dissolve well in my hot coffee... And then on this particular box, there is a rather alarming warning message.Anyway, I'm going to finish the box and go back to the unflavored version.

Chocolate Flavored with Lead 😳

I had some Garden of Life collagen and hated it. The only thing i coukd do to tolerate it was put it in hot chocolate, but thay cost more money and the hot chocolate wasnt settling well. A friend got me this to try instead affer i read reciews that it doesn't clump. This by Vital is awesome. I did not expect to like it. i followed the directions and it did not clump except tiny particles.... nothing like the Garden kind I am used to. I used cold milk, though it says to use water (you can use whatever you want)Vital Protein appears to be a good source of collagen. 20 grams is the most I've found per serving. That's an awesome attribute.The company is awesome about putting warning etc on their containers....other brands do not.With this said, lets get to the second ... MoreI had some Garden of Life collagen and hated it. The only thing i coukd do to tolerate it was put it in hot chocolate, but thay cost more money and the hot chocolate wasnt settling well. A friend got me this to try instead affer i read reciews that it doesn't clump. This by Vital is awesome. I did not expect to like it. i followed the directions and it did not clump except tiny particles.... nothing like the Garden kind I am used to. I used cold milk, though it says to use water (you can use whatever you want)Vital Protein appears to be a good source of collagen. 20 grams is the most I've found per serving. That's an awesome attribute.The company is awesome about putting warning etc on their containers....other brands do not.With this said, lets get to the second part of my title. I have never found a warning label on my Garden brand about lead....so i looked it up to see why. I am thankful to the Vital company, because I've been taking collagen a few months to help my knee pain thay I've had over a year but collagen makes the pain almoat completely gone unless I go a few days without it. Turns out ALL collagen supplements and even things with gelatin have lead in them. Thus includes jello. Basically collagen come from bones etc and EVEN an organically grown animal has kead that accumulates into their bones. So even homemade will have lead.I plan instead to look into what I can take to get my body to make my own collagen. Also, collagen supplements are missing a nutrient we need and its not in collagen supplements.This stuff tastes awesome....but lead isn't really something I want to mess with. I am sure it is safe occasionally,but lead is definitely a cause of concern for this and ANY other supplement. I took a star because of it, but kind should add one...but in reality lead isn't something to play with.

Do your research!

I was excited to try this as I have been hearing all of the hype about collagen peptides and the benefits. For me, skin and wrinkle smoothing sounded attractive. For others, it apparently has good results for joint pain/RA/osteo issues. I'm 36, so not quite there yet, but I do like to take good care of my skin.After researching evidence to support the benefit claims, I moved onto the Vital Proteins brand. And what I found was disappointing. They were previously in hot water for knowing heavy metal content and not providing education or product label warnings. Then I look at current 3rd party testing and while Vital Proteins definitely aren't the worst, they aren't great with their heavy metal levels.Finally, and still not quite sure what to think, I receive the ... MoreI was excited to try this as I have been hearing all of the hype about collagen peptides and the benefits. For me, skin and wrinkle smoothing sounded attractive. For others, it apparently has good results for joint pain/RA/osteo issues. I'm 36, so not quite there yet, but I do like to take good care of my skin.After researching evidence to support the benefit claims, I moved onto the Vital Proteins brand. And what I found was disappointing. They were previously in hot water for knowing heavy metal content and not providing education or product label warnings. Then I look at current 3rd party testing and while Vital Proteins definitely aren't the worst, they aren't great with their heavy metal levels.Finally, and still not quite sure what to think, I receive the package and see a California Prop 65 label on it. That was enough for me to throw it in the trash. Not all of their products test above CA's steuct heavy metal thresholds, to be fair, but this one does. With everything going into our food, medications, and who knows what else these days I really try to be more aware. If levels are high enough for a warning (but still considered "safe") I say no thanks and will go for a different brand that has cleaner ingredients.Not everything is bad, but for me the benefits didn't outweigh the risk. Perhaps someone with arthritis or joint pain would agreeably think differently. Just do your research on supplements, folks!

Good

Great, amazing, excellent quality, paired with Great, amazing, excellent ingredients, creates a Great, amazing, excellent taste when incorporated into baking and cooking recipes. Great, amazing, excellent composition. Suitable for many different diets, and their restrictions and requirements. Great, amazing, excellent serving size and packaging. I use it incredibly often, in my baking recipes. Very efficient, helps with energy, great for health. Just a bit of amount goes a long way. Bottle last long. Great in coffee.

Great product but price is becoming an issue

Love this product but am giving it 3 stars due to the price. My husband and I are avid users of the chocolate collagen peptides in our morning coffee. however with both of us using it daily we can run through the large container fairly quickly. As was mentioned in a previous review, Costco carries it but on a seasonal basis- during cool season months. Even then we would only purchase it when it was on sale, making it much more affordable for us. I cam to Vital Proteins website hoping the price would be less than at other retailers but yikes it is above and beyond for the 2 lb container. I am surprised that VP, being the manufacturer, charges even more more than Costco’s regular price - an a lot more than their sale price. We would love to continue using but we will ... MoreLove this product but am giving it 3 stars due to the price. My husband and I are avid users of the chocolate collagen peptides in our morning coffee. however with both of us using it daily we can run through the large container fairly quickly. As was mentioned in a previous review, Costco carries it but on a seasonal basis- during cool season months. Even then we would only purchase it when it was on sale, making it much more affordable for us. I cam to Vital Proteins website hoping the price would be less than at other retailers but yikes it is above and beyond for the 2 lb container. I am surprised that VP, being the manufacturer, charges even more more than Costco’s regular price - an a lot more than their sale price. We would love to continue using but we will wait until it returns to Costco and is on sale.

Highly Recommend

My knees are better!!! What a difference this has made! I love the chocolate in my coffee with just a touch of honey and a bit of homemade organic coconut cream floating on top!! Mmmm Makes great hot chocolate with organic almond milk or coconut milk unsweetened with a touch of honey. Control the sugar intake and still tastes amazing! I’ve tried other chocolate collagen, and nothing tastes, as good as this! I am disappointed that I cannot get the 2 pound container at Costco anymore! Very disappointing and hard on the budget. But it is something I need for my health, so I guess I bite the bullet for now! I take four scoops a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. I can hike again without pain! Thank you! But please come back to Costco in Colorado Springs ... MoreMy knees are better!!! What a difference this has made! I love the chocolate in my coffee with just a touch of honey and a bit of homemade organic coconut cream floating on top!! Mmmm Makes great hot chocolate with organic almond milk or coconut milk unsweetened with a touch of honey. Control the sugar intake and still tastes amazing! I’ve tried other chocolate collagen, and nothing tastes, as good as this! I am disappointed that I cannot get the 2 pound container at Costco anymore! Very disappointing and hard on the budget. But it is something I need for my health, so I guess I bite the bullet for now! I take four scoops a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. I can hike again without pain! Thank you! But please come back to Costco in Colorado Springs with your 2 pound containers!

Tasty and effective

I have used the unflavored type of collagen peptides from this brand in the past and was very excited to try the new chocolate flavor, and I was not disappointed! The collagen peptides dissolves really well in hot liquids, like coffee, and flavors it really well, almost like a hot chocolate. It requires a bit more stirring if used in a cold substance like milk, but is identical to chocolate milk in taste. I have also used this in a protein smoothie and flavors it really well! The 13.5 Oz container will last about 1 month if using 1 scoop per day or about 2 weeks if using the recommended 2 scoops per day. As far as it's effectiveness, when using it regularly I definitely see improvements in my skin and nail growth. The biggest benefit for me has been with my joints. ... MoreI have used the unflavored type of collagen peptides from this brand in the past and was very excited to try the new chocolate flavor, and I was not disappointed! The collagen peptides dissolves really well in hot liquids, like coffee, and flavors it really well, almost like a hot chocolate. It requires a bit more stirring if used in a cold substance like milk, but is identical to chocolate milk in taste. I have also used this in a protein smoothie and flavors it really well! The 13.5 Oz container will last about 1 month if using 1 scoop per day or about 2 weeks if using the recommended 2 scoops per day. As far as it's effectiveness, when using it regularly I definitely see improvements in my skin and nail growth. The biggest benefit for me has been with my joints. As someone with arthritis, any non medication that is effective is a huge win for me. I would absolutely recommend this product!

Too much Stevia—tastes terrible

The Stevia taste is overwhelming. This would be much better if it were just cocoa and I could sweeten it myself. The photos here don’t show the actual ingredients—stevia is such an artificial taste that I have to force down the drink. I bought such a large thing that I’m trying to stick it out, but recommend trying to find one without Stevia if they make it. Hard to tell because I can’t find the ingredients list posted for most flavors! Maybe the unflavored would have it? Save yourself the disgust and get something unflavored and add your own cocoa and sweetener.