Does Vital Protein Have Calories? The Complete Nutrition Breakdown

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

While often perceived as a simple supplement, Vital Proteins products, being protein-based, do contain calories. A standard two-scoop serving of the popular unflavored Collagen Peptides provides approximately 70 calories, contributing to your overall daily energy intake.

Quick Summary

Vital Proteins products contain calories, primarily derived from their protein content, and the exact amount varies by product and serving size. Check the nutrition label for specific calorie counts to factor them into your daily intake.

Key Points

Yes, Vital Proteins have calories: Since collagen is a protein, all Vital Proteins products contain calories, though the exact amount varies.
Calories come from protein: The unflavored collagen peptides derive virtually all their calories from protein, with 4 calories per gram.
Calorie count varies by product: An unflavored serving has around 70-80 calories, while flavored options and creamers contain more due to additional ingredients.
May aid satiety: The protein content can help increase feelings of fullness, which can be beneficial for managing weight and overall calorie intake.
Not a weight-loss product: Vital Proteins does not market its products specifically for weight loss, recommending it as a food supplement and part of a healthy lifestyle.
Monitor intake: For those tracking calories, it's important to read the nutrition label for the specific product you are consuming.
Excessive intake has side effects: Taking too much collagen can lead to mild side effects like digestive upset or weight gain if total calorie intake is not managed.

Understanding the Calorie Content of Vital Proteins

Protein is one of three macronutrients that contain calories, alongside carbohydrates and fats. Since Vital Proteins products are primarily made of collagen peptides, which are a form of protein, they naturally contain calories. The number of calories can differ depending on the specific product, as ingredients like flavorings, creamers, or other additives are sometimes included. This makes reading the nutrition label essential for anyone monitoring their calorie intake.

Breaking Down Calories in Common Vital Proteins Products

Different Vital Proteins products have varying calorie and protein profiles. The widely used unflavored Collagen Peptides powder, for instance, provides a consistent calorie count, while flavored versions or products with added ingredients will have different nutritional information. For example, the unflavored Collagen Peptides typically contain 70 to 80 calories per serving, almost exclusively from 18 to 20 grams of protein. However, a vanilla-flavored version may contain more, as is the case with the 90-calorie per serving Vanilla Collagen Peptides. Marine Collagen is a lighter option, with only about 45 calories per two-scoop serving. For other products like creamers or flavored versions, it is critical to consult the label to understand their calorie contribution to your diet.

How Collagen Calories Fit into a Diet

Because collagen is a high-protein ingredient, its calories can play a beneficial role in weight management and promoting satiety. Protein is known to increase feelings of fullness, which may lead to reduced overall calorie consumption throughout the day. For individuals using a calorie-controlled diet, incorporating Vital Proteins can help manage hunger without adding a large number of calories from other sources. However, Vital Proteins explicitly states its products are not intended for weight reduction and should be used as a food supplement. For best results, integrate it into a balanced diet and regular exercise routine.

Potential Side Effects of Overconsumption

While collagen is generally safe, consuming excessive amounts can lead to minor side effects. Like any protein, an over-intake of calories from collagen without a corresponding increase in activity can lead to weight gain. Some individuals may also experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or a feeling of fullness, especially when starting supplementation. Staying within the recommended dosage of 2.5–15 grams per day is typically sufficient for most people to see benefits and avoid these issues. As with any dietary supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before adding it to your regimen, especially for those with pre-existing kidney issues.

Comparative Analysis of Vital Proteins Products

Here is a comparison table outlining the calorie and protein content for a few popular Vital Proteins products based on a standard serving size:


Product	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Protein (approx.)	Primary Collagen Type	Notes
Collagen Peptides (Unflavored)	2 scoops (20g)	70-80	18-20g	Types I & III	No carbs or fats. Easily dissolves in hot or cold liquids.
Marine Collagen (Unflavored)	2 scoops (12g)	45	11g	Type I	Sourced from wild-caught fish, often used for skin benefits.
Collagen Peptides (Vanilla)	1 scoop (25g)	90	18g	Types I & III	Contains additional ingredients for flavor, increasing calories.
Matcha Collagen	1 scoop (14g)	50	10g	Types I & III	Contains matcha powder, which contributes to the calorie count.

Choosing the Right Vital Proteins Product

With a variety of products on the market, selecting the right one depends on your personal health goals. For those focused strictly on protein intake and keeping calories minimal, the unflavored Collagen Peptides or Marine Collagen are ideal. They offer high protein-to-calorie ratios and can be mixed into various beverages or foods without altering the flavor profile. If you are looking for a specific flavor or added benefits, such as those found in the flavored peptides or creamers, you must account for the slightly higher calorie count. Regardless of the choice, opting for hydrolyzed collagen peptides ensures optimal absorption by the body. For general advice on protein intake, a helpful resource can be found on Healthline.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "does vital protein have calories?" is definitively yes. As a protein supplement, Vital Proteins provides calories, with the unflavored Collagen Peptides containing approximately 70-80 calories per serving. This caloric contribution is primarily from its protein content, which is a key factor in promoting feelings of fullness and aiding in weight management when part of a balanced diet. While the calorie count is relatively low, it is important for individuals monitoring their total daily intake to read the nutrition label of their specific product. By understanding the nutritional profile and integrating it into a mindful eating plan, consumers can effectively utilize Vital Proteins to support their wellness journey.

Visit Healthline for more information on how protein can assist with weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard two-scoop serving of Vital Proteins unflavored Collagen Peptides contains approximately 70 to 80 calories.

The calories in Vital Proteins come from the protein content of the collagen peptides. Protein provides 4 calories per gram.

No, the calorie count varies depending on the specific product. Flavored versions, creamers, and other products with added ingredients will contain a different number of calories than the unflavored powder.

While collagen itself is not high in calories, any excess intake of calories, whether from supplements or food, can lead to weight gain. It is important to factor the supplement into your daily caloric needs.

Vital Proteins is not intended for weight reduction, though its high protein content can promote a feeling of fullness (satiety), which may indirectly support weight management as part of a balanced diet.

While generally safe, consuming very high doses of collagen can potentially cause mild digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or a feeling of being overly full.

Yes, depending on the serving size, marine collagen can be lower in calories. For instance, some marine collagen products have a smaller serving size that contains fewer calories than bovine options.

You should read the nutrition label on the product packaging for the most accurate calorie information per serving and include it in your total daily calorie calculations.