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VITAL PROTEINS FAQ
Q: What’s all this hullabaloo about collagen, gelatin, and the like?!
When I discovered the paleo approach and began healing my focus shifted from ‘what to remove’ in my diet to ‘what to add’, and I became a dedicated nutrient seeker. I focused on eating #morevegetablesthanavegetarian, ate ALL the yolks, incorporated offal and seafood with consistency, and carried my title as the Bone Broth Lady with pride! (for more on how these habits impacted my health, read here)
Yes, you read that correctly, my InstaFamily gave me the title as the Bone Broth Lady because my use of #bonebrothheals and #soupwithstacy took on a life of its own and people loved following my soup adventures. The results of my gelatinous collagen consumption were significant both inside and out, and I began finding ways to incorporate this powerhouse in addition to my soup habit, and this is when I met my best new gelatin friend – Vital Proteins!
For those of you that haven’t read our numerous previous posts on why collagen/gelatin is a super food (especially for me, due to specific immune conditions), here’s a list of why our family is obsessed with the stuff:
- helps joint recovery
- supports skin, hair and nail growth
- improves digestion
- pure protein
- promotes relaxation and a good night’s sleep
- can help heal your gut
- helps improve cellulite
- helps tighten loose skin
While I still eat whole food sources of collagen (like broth) every chance I get, I have begun to incorporate Vital Proteins Pasture-Raised Collagen Peptides and Vital Proteins Pasture-Raised Collagen Protein (Beef Gelatin) ALL. THE. TIME. In fact, I’ve had it every single day for the last 60 days and have noticed a sustained reduction in my joint pain and post work out recovery, even though I’ve been drinking less homemade broth!
I know, every single day sounds overwhelming. But, quickly and easily stirring Vital Proteins into my morning coffee, breakfast smoothie, afternoon tea, or nightcap of broth (extra credit for gelatin on gelatin!) is a super convenient way to add in a bit of collagen without needing to make any special recipes or do something time consuming and fancy. That said, we do have a must try recipe below I think you’ll LOVE!
Q: Why Vital Proteins?
The number one question we have gotten in social media about our use of Vital Proteins, other than the difference in green and blue, is “What is the difference between it and Great Lakes?” which is what we used to use. And honestly, until I actually tried Vital Proteins myself I wouldn’t have said it was worth the price difference. But, when I received the containers to try, I was surprised at how much better I liked them. Here’s why:
- The cold soluble versions of the different brands are not equal in taste and texture. Vital Proteins is less grainy, blending it into cold beverages makes them creamy, frothy, and even a hint sweeter than nothing at all.
- I can feel the collagen on my lips as a drink liquids with Vital Proteins. I’ve witnessed my coffee sit for too long and become solid. I’ve never had that experience with any other product, except Matt’s homemade concentrated broth.
- There is more protein per serving, and more amino acid density (i.e. the proteins you want) in a serving of Vital Proteins than from Great Lakes.
Overall, we find Vital Proteins to be far superior to anything else we have tried, or else we wouldn’t be posting about it, and here is why:
- The gelatin is single-sourced from pasture-raised and grass-finished cows; they even produce their gelatin and collagen in Brazil, where the cattle industry is based on perennial tropical grass pasture systems. Additionally, Vital Proteins quality checks the pasture size for each animal to verify that is is at least 2.67 acres, which is in alignment with the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-step Animal Welfare Rating Standards.
- The gelatin comes in non-BPA, air-tight canisters, preventing moisture. By hermetically induction sealing each canister, we prevent moisture and oxygen from entering the canister, ensuring product integrity, quality and safety. Collagen is very hygroscopic and absorbs water. Without this protection, the collagen will start to degrade due to bacteria.
- The gelatin comes with a scoop inside each canister, allowing for easy, accurate measurement without a mess.
- The gelatin is odorless and tasteless, allowing you to incorporate it into pretty much any recipe imaginable (or your morning Starbuck’s latte).
We are not only careful and selective when choosing what products we as a family consume, but are equally as selective when it comes to endorsing products here on the site. Vital Proteins is a rare gem in the supplements industry and we are so happy we discovered their wonderful collagen products! You will continue to see us use it on our Instagram feed if you want more ideas, but below are some recipes I’ve tried and LOVE that can easily use Vital Proteins.
Q: How do you feel about other products, that aren’t VP?
The newest collagen product on the market – and likely in your Facebook feed ads (if you’re like me) is Dr. Axe or Ancient Nutrition products. After research, this “Bone Broth Collagen” appears to have less nutritional benefits than any of the Vital Proteins collagen options. Additionally, even the basic collagen includes such additives as xantham gum, guar gum, stevia, and monk fruit extract. While we aren’t Paleo perfectionists, if I’m consuming something for health benefits I don’t want it to have non-paleo benefits. Here’s why xantham gum & guar gum and stevia aren’t paleo.
Great Lakes
The number one question we have gotten in social media about our use of Vital Proteins, other than the difference in green and blue, is “What is the difference between it and Great Lakes?” which is what we used to use. And honestly, until I actually tried Vital Proteins myself I wouldn’t have said it was worth the price difference. But, when I received the containers to try, I was surprised at how much better I liked them. Here’s why:
- The cold soluble versions of the different brands are not equal in taste and texture. Vital Proteins is less grainy, blending it into cold beverages makes them creamy, frothy, and even a hint sweeter than nothing at all.
- I can feel the collagen on my lips as a drink liquids with Vital Proteins. I’ve witnessed my coffee sit for too long and become solid. I’ve never had that experience with any other product, except Matt’s homemade concentrated broth.
- There is more protein per serving, and more amino acid density (i.e. the proteins you want) in a serving of Vital Proteins than from Great Lakes.
(mg/100) | Great Lakes Gelatin | Vital Proteins |
---|---|---|
Alanine | 11 | 14.62 |
Arginine | 9.3 | 15.17 |
Aspartic Acid | 6.7 | 11.92 |
Glutamic Acid | 11.4 | 22.39 |
Glycine | 29.0 | 37.19 |
Histidine | 1.0 | 1.44 |
Hydroxylysine | 1.2 | 2.17 |
Hydroxyproline | 14.5 | 20.58 |
Isoleucine | 1.8 | 2.71 |
Leucine | 3.4 | 5.24 |
Lysine | 4.6 | 6.14 |
Methionine | 1.0 | 1.08 |
Phenylalanine | 2.6 | 3.79 |
Proline | 17.6 | 20.76 |
Serine | 3.8 | 6.14 |
Threonine | 2.2 | 3.43 |
Tyrosine | 1.0 | .90 |
Valine | 3.3 | 4.33 |
Data source (here for GL and here for VP)
Overall, we find Vital Proteins to be far superior to anything else we have tried, or else we wouldn’t be posting about it, and here is why:
- The gelatin is single-sourced from pasture-raised and grass-finished cows; they even produce their gelatin and collagen in Brazil, where the cattle industry is based on perennial tropical grass pasture systems. Additionally, Vital Proteins quality checks the pasture size for each animal to verify that is is at least 2.67 acres, which is in alignment with the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-step Animal Welfare Rating Standards.
- The gelatin comes in non-BPA, air-tight canisters, preventing moisture. By hermetically induction sealing each canister, we prevent moisture and oxygen from entering the canister, ensuring product integrity, quality and safety. Collagen is very hygroscopic and absorbs water. Without this protection, the collagen will start to degrade due to bacteria.
- The gelatin comes with a scoop inside each canister, allowing for easy, accurate measurement without a mess.
- The gelatin is odorless and tasteless, allowing you to incorporate it into pretty much any recipe imaginable.
We are not only careful and selective when choosing what products we as a family consume, but are equally as selective when it comes to endorsing products here on the site. Vital Proteins is a rare gem in the supplements industry and we are so happy we discovered their wonderful collagen products!
One Stop Paleo Shop
You might sometimes see us reference OSPS as a source to buy VP. While the best deal will be the discount packages we offer below, we’ve also compiled a discounted box of our favorite healing nutrient dense products from brands we love and trust over at One Stop Paleo Shop. Read more about it by clicking on the photo below.
Q: Can you walk me through their products?
When we were first introduced to Vital Proteins we asked them for more information on when to use the blue versus the green container if the blue container (the peptides) can essentially be used for everything, and here is what they said:
Given the Collagen Peptides are a hydrolyzed version of the Collagen Protein Beef Gelatin, they are more easily digestible. That said, people who have gut issues (ulcerative colitis, leaky gut) typically take the Gelatin since it stays in the GI tract longer. As for the protein content and amino acid chains, they are very similar and virtually the same. Also, some take one scoop of the Peptides in the morning in coffee or a smoothie, and then one scoop of the Protein Gelatin in the evening with a calming or chamomile tea (since it is more satiating).
Gelatin – green proteins
Remember from our original information post that the GREEN is the PROTEINS (or “gelatin”) version of Vital Proteins, which ultimately turns things solid (or to a solid-like jiggly state). All of the recipes in this epic round-up of 60 recipes are great for the green can; but these are some of our favorites:
- We put the Collagen Proteins in Pumpkin Pudding from Real Life Paleo to use it as a thickener
- We put it in our Match Latte Collagen Bites, see also these Healthy Hot Chocolate Squares from Real Food RN *Stacy’s two personal favorite uses
- We put it in Gelatin Jiggler Fruit Snacks
- Marshmallows!
- Thanks to what Kelly Broyzna’s Dairy-Free Ice Cream cookbook taught us, we love to add a tablespoon dissolved in boiling water to all our ice cream, including our Healthiest Ice Cream Ever.
- We often add an extra couple tablespoons to our broth after it cooks. See the All About Stock Tutorial.
- You can add it to sauces you are reducing at the beginning of cooking to assist the thickening process. But don’t serve it cold or it will gel! Check out our Whole Roast Duck with Asian Orange Sauce.
- We will often put it in stews and braises, like Lamb Neck Stew, putting in a tablespoon or two as it simmers.
- And we’re always adding it to our hot drinks – Stacy loves a cup of herbal tea with Vital Proteins before bed!
Egg Replacement
Did you know that you can use the green collagen proteins as egg replacers in recipes? That’s right! I mean, don’t go making a quiche with gelatin eggs – but when a recipe calls for one or two try this:
To prepare 1 gelatin “egg” by adding one tablespoon of room temperature water to a small bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gelatin over water and let sit for a minute. Then stir in two tablespoons of hot water, whisking until frothy. Add to recipe, blending immediately until smooth.
This Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe from Merit & Fork actually uses gelatin as the egg replacer for the recipe and we can tell you it is our favorite cookie recipe – which happens to also be nut-free and autoimmune paleo-friendly!
Collagen – blue peptides
But what about the cold-dissolve BLUE lid Collagen Peptides? You can put those in almost anything wet (hot or cold) and it hardly change the texture! We’ve put it in:
- Drinks (flavored spa waters, chai Thai tea, egg nog, hot chocolate, pumpkin cider latte, and iced coffee)
- Sauces, dressings, and spreads (hollandaise, mayonnaise, BBQ sauces, ketchup, apple & pumpkin butter)
- Pudding (avocado and chia-based work best with peptides since they already have a natural thickener)
- Cold smoothies (see below!)
I often soap box about the importance of nutrient-dense foods, but the one thing I find the absolute most beneficial to my skin health is drinking broth. Rich in micronutrients and collagen, the easily digestible amino acids made from the bones of healthy animals help my body feel it’s best – from the inside out. As we noted on our post about gelatin and it’s benefits:
Gelatin (and collagen) has numerous benefits (grass-fed being our specific recommendation):
- helps tighten loose skin
- helps improve cellulite
- helps joint recovery
- supports skin, hair and nail growth
- improves digestion
- pure protein
- promotes relaxation and a good night’s sleep
- can help heal your gut
As you can see, gelatin (essentially the dehydrated collagen of broth) has a lot of specific benefits to your appearance, as well as health. I’ve noticed drastic improvement in my skin, hair, and nails since consuming it regularly and cannot encourage you enough to do it, too.
Vital Proteins are collagen peptides, they are a higher quality than standard store bought. They contain more of the healing protein and amino acid content per serving. Read my detailed post here!
Veggie Blend – Red Canister: find it here!
This is a brand new product, developed by none other than our good friend and nutrient density geek, Dr. Sarah Ballantyne (The Paleo Mom)! This is the same collagen you’re used to, but with the added benefit of nutrient-rich, whole organic veggies & fruits – 4 total per serving! A serving of this is truly like a meal replacement protein powder, as it’s nutrient profile is more than just protein.
While it does taste like green juice, I LOVE that it isn’t sweetened with anything (other than the natural sweetness from the fruit that is in it). You can mix it with water, or blend it up in your favorite smoothie recipe! We recommend you try it with frozen fruit, a handful of ice and 1-2 cups of your favorite liquid (almond milk, coconut milk, and water). This smoothie (pictured below) is WAY better than it has any right to be, given the servings of vegetables (3 servings veg, 1 fruit, 20g grass-fed collagen). Now THIS is super fuel!
Liver Pills
Even if you don’t mind the taste of liver, it’s a fantastic supplement form for those who may need to heal or want an extra nutritional boost. Frankly I’ve been doubling up with both beef liver pills and my requisite weekly organ meat in an effort to help heal my adrenal fatigue and manage thyroid disease better. How is it possible for liver to do all that?
Source: Beyond Bacon, which you need if you don’t already own!
Sure, you might say, but what will that do for you? Well…
- Vitamin A is great for skin, bones and eyesight.
- Vitamin B12 is nature’s best anti-fatigue nutrient.
- Vitamin C is awesome for the immune system. And liver has more of it that even an apple!
- Riboflavin plays a key role in energy conversion for the body.
- Niacin improves liver function and hormone regulation.
- Folate helps improve cardiovascular function and is absolutely necessary for fetal health.
- Selenium is important for heart, joints, eye, immune and reproductive health.
- Iron is an essential component of the blood.
Read more on why we love the liver pills here.
Dr. Kaayla Daniels’ Pasture-Raised, Grass-Fed Type II Cartilage Collagen
While these pills aren’t for everyone, with a severe back injury in 2015 I supplemented with these and saw incredible results. My back doctors couldn’t believe the results I obtained without surgery. I credit my healthy lifestyle, health and muscle mass prior to the injury, as well as these incredible supplements. You can learn more about the science of why they are different on Episode 204 of The Paleo View.
Additional products we rarely use:
Marine Collagen
Same as regular collagen but seafood instead of bovine, for those who don’t consume cows.
Flavored Collagen
Vanilla and Coconut Water – if you want to add collagen to water (instead of plain flavor into other beverages) this may be the right product for you. It also includes probiotics.
Beauty Water – these are flavored collagens that have a variety of ingredients in each flavor (Lavender Lemon, Cucumber Aloe, and Melon Mint) that are made to create a spa-water experience that adds collagen in each serving. They are lighter in taste and flavor than the other collagens with more protein per serving.
Collagen Beauty Greens
As someone with Celiac I can’t consume these, because of the wheat grass and barley grass, I recommend the Vital Veggies instead. However, if you’d prefer the marine collagen with your greens and the grasses don’t bother you, then you’ll like this product.
Collagen Whey
All include bovine collagen and whey as well as probiotics. Flavors include: Banana, Cinnamon & Vanilla, Cocoa & Coconut Water, and Vanilla & Coconut Water. Or get the plain pasture-raised Organic GrassFed Whey.
Q: I’m on a limited budget, what do you recommend?
Because we love these products so much, we know you will too, so we’ve been working with Vital Proteins to put together a few collections of the things we use every day and love. And Vital Proteins is offering them to you at a discount! This is a great way to save money while improving your health and and helping you heal from the inside out. Find all our discounted collections —> here!
Use either of these links to get a discount on our favorite products:
Or simply click on the pictures below to find out more information!
COLLAGEN IN ALL THE THINGS!
This package contains two large canisters of Collagen Peptides, plus one box of 20 individual sticks (perfect for travel and keeping in your desk at work or purse!) and ensures that you will never be without collagen! This package ships free.
STACY’S FAVORITES
These are the four products that I use most often, just about every day, that have been instrumental in helping me feel me best despite being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases. It’s everything you need to ensure your body is getting valuable collagen protein while maintaining good energy all day long! This package ships free.
Q: What are your favorite VP products?
I have Collagen in my coffee or tea at least once a day, usually twice (as I often drink tea before bed). I drink a Vital Veggies smoothie probably 5 times a week, usually as a meal replacement in the morning. I also take 3-4 Beef Liver Pills in the morning. It has made such a difference in my joints and energy levels, not to mention hair, skin & nails!
Q: How do you use them?
I mainly just stir the collagen into drinks. See endless photos of examples here. But also, gelatin makes a great substitute for those that cannot have eggs! Here are some fantastic recipes that are some of our favorites using collagen and gelatin!
- MERIT + FORK, Perfect Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies
- The Spunky Coconut, Chocolate Dairy-Free Ice Cream
- Real Food RN, Healthy Hot Chocolate Squares (the inspiration for our recipe!)
- The Urban Poser, Rustic Homemade Marshmallows
- Wellness Mama, Healthy Probiotic Marshmallows
- Pete’s Paleo, Carrot Winter Booster Smoothie
- Empowered Sustenance, Grain Free Butternut Flatbread
- Grass Fed Girl, Cafe Latte Gelatin Gummy Bears
- Our Gelatin Jigglers Fruit Snacks
- Our Mocha Protein Smoothie – which I now have every day (often without the coffee) and with collagen added in!
Q: Can you list all your VP recipes?
Just click on a photo to be taken to the recipe!
Dirt Pudding Cups with Homemade Gummy Worms
Ambrosia Salad with homemade marshmallows
Peanut Butter Honey Protein Balls
Unsweetened Strawberry Fridge Pie
My motto is Healthy Inside & Out for a reason!
Everyone’s always looking for a quick fix. I get it. I’m human too. But you didn’t get “unhealthy” overnight, and healing won’t happen by simply purchasing a supplement. Being healthy inside & out is an ENTIRE LIFESTYLE. Here are some of the other critical components that help me feel my best.
Sleep & Reduced Stress
If you google “paleo sleep” you’ll find countless articles, with medical research citations, touting the importance of sleep. You may not fully factor in the value of hormonal reset and cellular regeneration, but that literally means your body fixing itself. If you aren’t sleeping, that luggage you’re carrying under your eyes won’t go anywhere. And you will age more quickly. That’s a real thing!
Have you ever noticed how much more aged and less lively presidents look as they leave office versus coming in? That’s what 4 to 8 years of chronic stress (i.e. making decisions that affect a nation) and lack of sleep will do to you. I’m a terrible culprit myself at this, but I always look and feel my best when I take things in stride, slow down my life, and get good rest.
Beautycounter & “Outside” Health
Years ago I switched over most of my hygeine routine in a series I called Skintervention. At the time, the only products I was aware of were the department store brands that I’d come to love – full of toxins – or very natural brands that meant I was rubbing (stinky) fermented cod liver oil on my face. But, considering the lengths I went to live a healthy lifestyle for the sake of my health (including autoimmune diseases which are linked to environmental triggers) I was willing to make the sacrifice of lovely scents and textures to save my health. I saw improvement in my skin when I switched, but still had bouts of adult acne when I’d eat inflammatory foods or menstruate (from hormones). I also was still using a few brands of toxic beauty products because I just couldn’t find anything to replicate them that was more natural.
When I heard about Beautycounter I couldn’t believe that something could genuinely feel like something I could buy at Sephora but be made with non-toxic, real ingredients that wouldn’t cause my body harm.
Not only can I now give my own testimonial about reduction in wrinkles as well as improvement in inflammation of my face – including significant reduction in adult acne. After learning more about the brand and how much toxins affect health – I’m dedicating part of our (new) blog’s mission to ensuring people are Healthy on the Inside & OUT!
AIP
As I noted in my review of The Paleo Approach, following an AIP diet and then reintroducing foods has been a savior to my health. In fact, in my latest health post I attribute it to the reason my Hashi’s is without symptoms. More than that, it has also helped clear up my skin for the first time in my life. As a teen I went on prescription medication to help with cystic acne that affected me well into my 30’s. It wasn’t until I started truly learning about my own food intolerances with AIP that I have been able to heal my skin. Of course, eating a micro-nutrient-rich diet full of antioxidants is also fantastic for the skin… and that’s the definition of AIP – win win!
Alright, I’m ready… what do I do?
- Join my Facebook group so I can keep in touch with you about sales, specials, and news.
- Place an order using any of the links or pictures in this post – or use either of these links to get a discount on our favorite products: