Does Costco sell vital proteins, collagen peptides?: A buyer's guide and nutrition overview

October 3, 2025 •

4 min read

As the body's most abundant protein, collagen is a popular supplement for supporting skin, joint, and bone health. A common question for shoppers looking for a good deal is, does Costco sell vital proteins, collagen peptides? The answer is yes, but there are important product and nutritional considerations to be aware of when purchasing from the warehouse retailer.

Quick Summary

Find out which Vital Proteins collagen products are sold at Costco, including unflavored and chocolate powders. This guide highlights potential differences in formulations compared to versions at other retailers and provides context on the role of collagen peptides in a balanced nutrition diet.

Key Points

Yes, Costco Sells Vital Proteins: Costco carries various Vital Proteins products, including unflavored 1.5 lb and chocolate 2 lb collagen peptides, often in bulk sizes.
Formulation Differences: The Vital Proteins sold at Costco may lack supplementary ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C found in the "Advanced" versions at other retailers.
Hydrolyzed for Absorption: The products contain hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are broken down for easier digestion and maximum absorption by the body.
Food Sources Also Matter: A diet rich in protein, vitamin C, zinc, and copper supports the body's natural collagen production, and should be considered alongside supplementation.
Check the Label: Always read the nutrition and supplement facts panel carefully, especially when buying from a warehouse club, to confirm the specific ingredients included.
Look for Certifications: For any supplement, look for third-party certifications to ensure the product's safety and purity.

Vital Proteins Collagen availability at Costco

Costco regularly carries Vital Proteins products, offering them in bulk sizes that can be more cost-effective for members. However, product availability can vary by warehouse location and online inventory. According to Costco's website, the retailer has stocked both unflavored and chocolate versions of the collagen peptides.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, Unflavored, 1.5 lbs: This large, unflavored canister is often available at a lower cost per serving than smaller retail containers. It is derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide and contains 20g of collagen peptides per serving.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, Chocolate, 2 lbs: A larger, chocolate-flavored version of the powder is also listed on Costco's site.
Vital Proteins Marine Collagen, 14.5 oz: For those who prefer a fish-derived product, Costco's website also lists this marine collagen powder.

Costco versus standard retail versions: A crucial comparison

It is important to note that the version of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides sold at Costco may have a different formulation than the one available at other major retailers. Some customers have reported that the Costco version lacks additional ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which are found in the "Advanced" formula sold elsewhere. These additional nutrients can enhance the body's natural collagen synthesis and support skin hydration.


Feature	Costco Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (Unflavored)	Standard Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (Advanced)
Availability	Costco warehouses and website	Vital Proteins website, Amazon, and other retailers
Container Size	1.5 lb (24 oz) or larger	Often available in smaller 10 oz or 20 oz sizes
Key Ingredients	20g of grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hydrolyzed collagen peptides per serving	Includes added hyaluronic acid (120mg) and vitamin C (100% daily value)
Primary Benefit	Supports skin, hair, nail, and joint health	Supports enhanced skin hydration and elasticity due to added ingredients
Considerations	Read the label carefully, as it may not contain the same benefits as the "Advanced" formula	May offer more targeted benefits for skin due to added nutrients

The role of collagen peptides in a nutrition diet

Collagen is the main component of connective tissues like skin, bone, and cartilage. As a dietary supplement, collagen peptides offer a convenient way to boost your body's building blocks for this essential protein. When you ingest collagen peptides, they are broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream as smaller amino acids and peptides, which the body can then use.

Scientific research has shown promise for the use of hydrolyzed collagen supplements in treating some age-related conditions. Studies have found that daily supplementation can lead to improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and a reduction in wrinkles. Other research indicates benefits for joint pain and bone mineral density, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Supplementing vs. food sources: A nutritional approach

While supplements offer a concentrated dose, your body can produce its own collagen by utilizing key nutrients from a balanced diet.

Foods that boost natural collagen production:

Foods rich in protein: Provide the amino acids (glycine, proline) necessary for collagen synthesis. Good sources include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes.
Vitamin C-rich foods: This vitamin is crucial for binding collagen fibers together. Stock up on citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and leafy greens.
Zinc and Copper-containing foods: These minerals act as cofactors in collagen production. Zinc is found in oysters, red meat, nuts, and beans, while copper is in liver, nuts, and leafy greens.
Bone Broth: This traditional food is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue, which extracts collagen directly.

For many, a supplement can provide a consistent and easy way to increase intake, especially as natural production declines with age. However, a food-first approach centered on a nutrient-dense diet is a foundational strategy for overall health.

How to choose the right collagen for you

With the wide variety of collagen products on the market, consider these factors when making your choice:

Source: Collagen is primarily sourced from animals. Bovine (cows) and marine (fish) are common. Look for products that specify grass-fed, pasture-raised (for bovine) or wild-caught (for marine) for higher quality.
Type of Collagen: Different types of collagen target different functions. Type I and III are most beneficial for skin, hair, and nails, while Type II is key for cartilage and joints. Many products contain multiple types for a broader range of benefits.
Ingredients: Check the label for hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides, as this ensures the product is broken down for better absorption. Also, decide if you want a basic collagen or one with added nutrients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
Third-Party Certification: Reputable products will often display certifications from organizations like NSF International, which verify that the product has been tested for purity and contaminants.

Conclusion: Making an informed choice on your nutrition diet

In summary, yes, Costco is a viable option for purchasing Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, typically offering larger sizes at a competitive price. However, buyers should be mindful of potential formulation differences, as the Costco version might lack some of the added ingredients found in other versions. A holistic nutrition diet can support your body's natural collagen production through whole foods rich in protein, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. Combining mindful supplementation with a balanced diet is often considered the most effective strategy for promoting overall wellness and the benefits of collagen. Before starting any new supplement, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs.

For more information on the research and benefits of collagen, you can consult authoritative sources like ScienceDirect.com and other medical journals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Costco sells Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in both its warehouses and on its website. It is typically available in larger, bulk-sized containers, such as the 1.5 lb unflavored powder.

Not always. According to some customer reviews on Costco's website, the version sold there may have a different formulation than the "Advanced" version at other retailers, potentially missing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

Studies suggest that taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements can improve skin hydration and elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and help with joint pain. The specific benefits may depend on the types of collagen and other ingredients present.

As a powder, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides can be mixed into hot or cold beverages like coffee, smoothies, or water, as well as food items such as soups and oatmeal. The unflavored version has a neutral taste that blends easily.

Hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides, has been broken down into smaller, more easily digestible pieces through a process called hydrolysis. This increases its bioavailability, meaning the body can absorb it more effectively.

A balanced diet with foods containing collagen-building nutrients (like protein and Vitamin C) is fundamental. However, supplements can provide a concentrated and consistent dosage of collagen, which can be beneficial, especially as natural production declines with age.

Beyond comparing formulations like the Costco and standard versions, you should look for products with third-party certifications for quality, check the source (e.g., grass-fed bovine), and consider the type(s) of collagen included.