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The testers at GGR have personally tested dozens of collagen powders, ultimately naming the Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate the best overall in our best collagen supplements roundup. After putting Transparent Labs Collagen to the test, expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, gave it an impressive overall score of 4.7 out of 5.
In this Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate review, we’ll dig into more specifics from Amanda’s experience using this supplement, who we recommend it for, and who should consider skipping it. Plus, we’ll detail the results GGR’s own third-party lab testing conducted with independent, accredited lab Ellipse Analytics to see how Transparent Labs collagen stacked up.
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.
We Take Our Testing Duties Seriously
As mentioned above, we’ve tried our fair share of collagen supplements. What we didn’t call out is that our team, which has a very varied professional background, includes certified nutrition coaches, certified personal trainers, professional athletes, and CrossFit trainers, who objectively review nutritional products using our supplement testing methodology that rates criteria like:
- Cost per serving
- Ingredient list
- Dosage
- Solubility
- Company policies
- Customer reviews
In other words, we know a good (or bad) supplement when we see one. We also work closely with registered dietitians and other health professionals to evaluate our top picks. Our testers take pride in their recommendations and would never suggest a product they wouldn’t personally use themselves.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate
Product Highlights
- No artificial sweetener, colors, or preservatives
- Formulated with grass-fed bovine collagen peptides
- Claimed to help eliminate visible signs of skin aging like sagging and wrinkles
- Made with minimal ingredients
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Worldwide shipping
- A good amount of positive reviews
- Easily mixable in cold or hot beverages
Cons
- Only 10 g of protein per serving
- Low doses of collagen compared to other brands
- Doesn’t include vitamin C, which can help with absorption
- Only comes in 1 flavor
Bottom Line
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate is a collagen rich in type I and type III collagen peptides made without artificial sweetener, colors, or preservatives.
A Quick Look at Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate
The Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate is a high-quality supplement that really has everything going for it.
For starters, it’s made from grass-fed bovine collagen, which is rich in the different types of collagen—Type I and III, to be specific. Both these types of collagen are found in abundance in the body and provide structural support for muscle cells1. Bovine collagen is also rich in glycine and proline, two amino acids significant for the health of your joints2, cartilage, tendons3, and ligaments.
RELATED: Benefits of Collagen Protein Powder
Aside from that, it has a super clean ingredient list. It’s gluten-free, non-GMO, and made without anything artificial.
And because it’s hydrolyzed, it’s easier for your body to digest and absorb, meaning you really get the most out of the supplement.
Before You Buy
- There are two options: unflavored and chocolate
- You can save 10% by subscribing to regular deliveries
- All supplements are third-party tested
Is Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate Worth It?
The short answer? Yes, the Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate is worth it. It’s a high-quality hydrolyzed collagen that breaks down to just $1.17 per serving. Collagen, in general, also has a decent amount of research4 to back up its use.
Great for:
- Anyone looking for a top-notch collagen powder
- Those who prefer a grass-fed collagen
- Folks looking to avoid artificial sweeteners or unnecessary fillers
Not recommended for:
- People who are looking for a protein specifically for muscle growth (whey is better for that)
- Anyone who prefers a marine source of collagen
- Those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
RELATED: Collagen Protein vs Whey Protein
Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate Specs
| Price per serving | $1.17 |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (13.75 grams) |
| Calories per serving | 45 |
| Collagen source | Grass-fed bovine |
| Collagen per serving | 11 grams |
| Protein per serving | 10 grams |
| Other key ingredients | None |
| Third-party Tested? | Yes |
| Sweeteners | Stevia (if sweetened) |
| Flavors | Unflavored or chocolate |
Experience Using Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate
The Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate was tested by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC—an expert reviewer and fitness writer who had an overall positive experience using this product. Here’s a full breakdown of her ratings:
Price Per Serving
At $1.17 per serving, this collagen is very fairly priced, especially considering it’s grass-fed and free of artificial ingredients. Amanda gave it a 4.75 out of 5 for price.
Formulation
Transparent Labs products are known for their minimal ingredients. Transparent Labs Collagen doesn’t contain fillers, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or artificial colors. Instead, it has one active ingredient: 11 grams of grass-fed hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides. This provides 10 grams of usable protein per scoop. While this protein content doesn’t compare to a whey protein powder or something similar, it’s not meant to. Aside from protein, one scoop offers 40 calories and 35 milligrams of sodium; there are no carbs or fat.
There’s no official guideline on how much collagen you should be taking every day, but some research suggests that 2.5 to 15 grams5 of collagen peptides is effective and safe. So this supplement falls within that range.
Additional ingredients depend on which one you get. The unflavored version contains no other ingredients—it’s pure collagen—while the chocolate has natural flavors, cocoa powder, and stevia.
All considered, Amanda gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation.
Taste and Solubility
Unflavored collagen shouldn’t have a taste, so Amanda tried the chocolate version. Overall, it was pretty underwhelming, and Amanda gave it a 3.75 out of 5 for taste.
“It’s not bad, but it kind of tastes like watered-down chocolate milk (when mixed with water). I also mixed it with almond milk, which significantly improved the taste,” she says.
As for solubility? Amanda gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 score, saying it dissolves so well it’s a little scary. She mixed it with water, and while it ended up taking on a brown tint, it was clear and not cloudy.
“It doesn’t feel grainy, and I didn’t even notice any chunks when mixed with plain water. The stuff is virtually unnoticeable when mixed with another powder (e.g., protein powder),” adds Amanda.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder
Side Effects
Collagen is considered a safe supplement, and, in general, there’s no real evidence of adverse effects6. This particular collagen went down well with no side effects noted, so it earns a 5 out of 5 here, too.
Third-Party Testing
Transparent Labs is known for their transparency and is considered one of the best brands as far as that’s concerned. The company publishes certificates of analysis and identification for every batch of products on its website to make it easy for customers to see exactly what’s in their products.
This particular supplement is also Informed Choice certified, which means it’s tested for—and found to be free of—potentially unsafe ingredients, contaminants, and banned substances. You really can’t get much better than that, so Amanda gave it a 5 out of 5 for third-party testing.
GGR also conducted its own third-party testing with independent, accredited lab Ellipse Analytics where we screen more than 150 protein powders for purity (heavy metals) and label accuracy (protein content). Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate ranked as Meets Standard overall, which means that it fell in the top half of products we tested and passed our rigorous quality screen.
To learn more about the testing we did—and what we tested for—check out our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary. And as a reminder, just because a contaminant is detected in a product doesn’t make it immediately harmful; however, over time, exposure can add up. It’s up to each person to manage their own risk, which is why testing like this is beneficial for any supplement users.
Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate Vs Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Protein
Product Highlights
- Designed to improve the health of hair, skin, nails, and joints
- Each serving provides 20 grams of collagen
- Derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
- Certified paleo and whole30 friendly
- Available as flavorless, chocolate, lemon, and vanilla
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Over 200,000 positive reviews on Amazon
- No added sugar or sweetener
- Available with added vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
- Mixes well
Cons
- Some users report canisters arrived with no safety seal
- Flavorless powder reportedly tastes bad
Bottom Line
Vital Protein’s Collagen Peptide Protein is formulated to improve the health of joints, bones, skin, ligaments, tendons, nails, and hair.
Vital Proteins pretty much put collagen powders on the map. It’s one of the most popular brands in this space, and we can see why. After testing, we named the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides the “Best-Dissolving Collagen Supplement.”
Side by side, these two collagen peptides look practically identical. They’re both made from grass-fed bovine collagen and don’t have any added fillers.
Vital Proteins recommends a larger serving size—20 grams compared to 13.75 grams—so some specifics, like protein, calories, and cost per serving, look higher but are a pretty close match if you break it down to protein per gram, although Vital Proteins is slightly higher.
The biggest difference between these two is the flavor options. While Transparent Labs only comes in unflavored and chocolate, Vital Proteins offers those two plus matcha, vanilla, lemon, and limited edition flavors (salted caramel was an option at the time of writing).
We like that Transparent Labs makes lab testing available on their website, so that gives the company a slight edge, but ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
For more, check out our in-depth Vital Proteins review.
| Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | |
| Price per serving | $1.17 | $1.68 |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (13.75 grams) | 4 tablespoons (20 grams) |
| Calories per serving | 45 | 70 |
| Collagen source | Bovine | Bovine |
| Collagen per serving | 11 grams | 20 grams |
| Protein per serving | 10 grams | 18 grams |
| Other key ingredients | None | None |
| Third-party Tested? | Yes | Yes |
| Sweeteners | Stevia (if sweetened) | Stevia (if sweetened) |
| Flavor | Unflavored or chocolate | Unflavored, chocolate, lemon, matcha |
Customer Experience
Transparent Labs has pretty generous return policies (if you buy directly from their site), so we gave the company a 5 out of 5 for its overall customer experience. You can return any product you’re unsatisfied with within 30 days of getting it, even if it’s open and you tried it.
The company also makes their certificates of analysis available on their website, and you can easily search for a specific lot number. This extra transparency earns a ton of points in our book.
Ordering Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate
You have two options when ordering directly from Transparent Labs’ website: You can make a one-time purchase or sign up for a recurring subscription that ships every 30, 45, or 60 days. If you subscribe, you’ll get 10% off and free shipping.
If you make a single order, you’ll have to pay shipping unless you spend at least $99. Shipping depends on the delivery address, but is usually under $10.
While some Transparent Labs products are available on Amazon (like their creatine and several pre-workout supplements), the collagen isn’t at the time of publication.
Customer Reviews
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with people saying the flavor and texture are great and that they’ve noticed a difference in how they feel since taking it consistently. Some compare it to other collagen powders, saying there’s a noticeable difference.
“Your collagen does not clump up like other products I have used in the past. It feels very pure!” writes one five-star reviewer.
Another who calls this collagen “the best” says, “This is a great product. I could see the difference in my joints, hair, and nails. Really gives my body that extra boost. This is an excellent supplement. A quality product with now-proven results.”
The bad reviews mostly call out the chocolate flavor specifically, saying that the stevia is too sweet and/or the chocolate flavor was lacking.
We experienced this, too, and you’ll have to manage your expectations. It’s not going to taste like a creamy milkshake; if that’s your aim, a grass-fed whey protein isolate may suit your needs better.
Final Verdict of Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate Review
In short, if you want to take collagen, we believe you can end your search here. The Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate is our top pick in the category, thanks to its high-quality collagen source and no-BS approach to ingredients.
- At $1.16 per serving, it’s reasonably priced
- There are no added ingredients—just pure collagen in the unflavored version
- It won’t replace whey protein, but it can be a good addition to your supplement stack
Full Rating
Transparent Labs Collagen
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate is a collagen rich in type I and type III collagen peptides made without artificial sweetener, colors, or preservatives.
Product Brand: Transparent Labs
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 34.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.7
Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate: FAQs
What is the difference between collagen and collagen hydrolysate?
The difference between collagen and collagen hydrolysate is the size of the particles. Collagen is a large structural protein that undergoes hydrolysis—a type of chemical breakdown—to become collagen hydrolysate, also referred to as collagen peptides.
Collagen hydrolysate has smaller, more bioavailable particles that also have low viscosity, which means they dissolve and mix in with water well.
What are the benefits of taking collagen hydrolysate?
Collagen hydrolysate has several studied health benefits. It stimulates collagen production—improves skin health7 (elasticity and hydration), and combats signs of aging—and contributes to joint health8 by alleviating joint pain and stiffness and supporting connective tissues. There’s also limited research that collagen may help support overall wellness and gut health9.
And while whey protein is the go-to post-workout dietary supplement for increasing muscle mass, some studies show that collagen supplementation, combined with resistance training, can also contribute to muscle growth10 and a decrease in body fat. Keep in mind, however, that collagen protein powder doesn’t contain the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), so if you want to build muscle, you might still want to consider a high-quality whey protein.
RELATED: Best Whey Protein
How much collagen hydrolysate should I take daily?
There’s no official guideline; however, research suggests that 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen is an effective dose. The Transparent Labs collagen provides 10 grams of protein per scoop. Before taking a new supplement, we encourage you to talk to a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or qualified health professional who can help you determine the correct dosage for you, specifically.
Which is better: collagen hydrolysate or collagen peptides?
These are interchangeable terms—in other words, collagen hydrolysate, and collagen peptides are the same thing. They’re just different ways people refer to collagen that’s been broken down into smaller peptides or shorter chains of amino acids.
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
1. Singh, D, Rai, V, Agrawal, DK. Regulation of Collagen I and Collagen III in Tissue Injury and Regeneration. Cardiol Cardiovasc Med. 2023;7(1):5-16. doi:10.26502/fccm.92920302
2. Martínez-Puig, D, Costa-Larrión, E, Rubio-Rodríguez, N, Gálvez-Martín, P. Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge. Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1332. doi:10.3390/nu15061332
3. de Paz-Lugo, P, Lupiáñez, JA, Meléndez-Hevia, E. High Glycine Concentration Increases Collagen Synthesis by Articular Chondrocytes in Vitro: Acute Glycine Deficiency Could Be An Important Cause of Osteoarthritis. Amino Acids. 2018;50(10):1357-1365. doi:10.1007/s00726-018-2611-x
4. Wang H. A Review of the Effects of Collagen Treatment in Clinical Studies. Polymers (Basel). 2021 Nov 9;13(22):3868. doi: 10.3390/polym13223868. PMID: 34833168; PMCID: PMC8620403.
5. Paul, C, Leser, S, Oesser, S. Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1079. doi:10.3390/nu11051079
6. Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Jan 1;18(1):9-16. PMID: 30681787.
7. De Miranda, R B, Weimer, P, Rossi, R C. Effects of Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplementation on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis. Int J Dermatol. 2021;60(12):1449-1461. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15518.
8. Khatri, M, Naughton, RJ, Clifford, T, Harper, LD, Corr, L. The Effects of Collagen Peptide Supplementation on Body Composition, Collagen Synthesis, and Recovery from Joint Injury and Exercise: A Systematic Review. Amino Acids. 2021;53(10):1493-1506. doi:10.1007/s00726-021-03072-x
9. Abrahams M, O’Grady R, Prawitt J. Effect of a Daily Collagen Peptide Supplement on Digestive Symptoms in Healthy Women: 2-Phase Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res. 2022;6(5):e36339. doi:10.2196/36339
10. Zdzieblik D, Jendricke P, Oesser S, Gollhofer A, König D. The Influence of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Middle-Aged, Untrained Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(9):4837. doi:10.3390/ijerph18094837
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