Is Primal Collagen Third-Party Tested? A Guide to Brand Transparency

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to an August 2025 review from Garage Gym Reviews, while Primal Harvest's website claims its Primal Collagen is "always third-party tested," the specific testing lab is not disclosed. This critical lack of transparency leaves consumers asking, "is primal collagen third-party tested?" and necessitates a deeper look at the brand's quality assurances.

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies the third-party testing status of collagen from both Primal Harvest and Primal Kitchen. It examines their transparency regarding independent lab verification, details the importance of certified testing, and helps consumers make an informed decision.

Key Points

Brand Confusion: "Primal collagen" often refers to either Primal Harvest or Primal Kitchen, and their third-party testing transparency differs.
Primal Harvest Testing: Claims third-party testing but does not disclose the specific lab, though it does have a Clean Label Project certification and is made in a GMP-certified facility.
Primal Kitchen Testing: Lacks clear, transparent third-party verification and does not carry seals from recognized organizations like NSF or Informed-Sport.
Importance of Independent Seals: Third-party seals from bodies like NSF or USP provide unbiased verification of a supplement's content, purity, and safety.
Consumer Due Diligence: Consumers should look for reputable third-party certification marks on supplement labels or websites to ensure independent verification and build trust.
Athlete Consideration: Athletes or those with high sensitivity should opt for brands with certifications like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Sport, which specifically test for banned substances.

Understanding the 'Primal Collagen' Question

When consumers search for "primal collagen," they are often referring to products from two distinct brands: Primal Harvest and Primal Kitchen. Both companies offer collagen supplements, but their approach to third-party testing and transparency differs significantly. In a loosely regulated supplement market, understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring product safety, potency, and purity. Independent testing provides an unbiased verification that a supplement contains the ingredients listed on its label and is free from harmful contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides.

Primal Harvest Collagen: Testing Claims vs. Transparency

Primal Harvest's marketing materials state that its products, including collagen, are "always third-party tested" and manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facility. This indicates some level of quality control in the production process. Additionally, the brand's collagen has earned a certification from the Clean Label Project, which tests for contaminants and label accuracy.

However, a significant issue with Primal Harvest's testing is the lack of transparency surrounding who conducts these tests. Reviewers have noted the company does not name the certifying lab, nor is the product certified by highly recognized, sport-focused organizations such as Informed Choice or NSF for Sport. While a GMP certification is a positive sign for manufacturing standards, without a clearly identified, accredited lab performing independent tests, consumers cannot easily verify the company's claims regarding purity and potency.

Primal Harvest Quality Measures

GMP-Certified Facility: Ensures manufacturing adheres to standards for identity, purity, quality, and composition.
Clean Label Project Certified: Verifies products are free from a list of environmental and industrial contaminants.
Proprietary Third-Party Testing: Testing is claimed but performed by an undisclosed laboratory.

Primal Kitchen Collagen: Absence of Independent Certification

Primal Kitchen, another popular brand, also offers collagen peptides and makes claims about quality control. The company states it uses high-quality ingredients and tests for heavy metals and purity. However, supplement reviews point out that Primal Kitchen provides no marks or public signs of independent third-party verification for its collagen products.

This lack of verifiable third-party testing from a recognized organization means that, similar to Primal Harvest's undisclosed lab, consumers must rely on the company's internal quality control. While Primal Kitchen asserts its commitment to quality, the absence of independent verification from a trusted, unbiased third party leaves room for consumer doubt regarding label accuracy and product purity. Athletes, or those with heightened concerns about contaminants and banned substances, may find this lack of certification particularly problematic.

The Importance of Third-Party Certification Seals

When a supplement carries a seal from a reputable third-party organization, it signifies that the product has been rigorously tested by an unbiased, independent body. Consumers can look for specific certifications to feel more confident in their purchase. Some of the most respected organizations include:

NSF International: Tests products for contaminants and verifies label claims. Offers a stricter "Certified for Sport" program.
U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP): A scientific nonprofit that verifies product purity, potency, and manufacturing practices.
Informed-Sport / Informed-Choice: Certifies supplements free of hundreds of substances banned in sport.
ConsumerLab.com: A subscription-based service that independently tests and reviews health products.

Comparison of Primal Harvest vs. Primal Kitchen Collagen Testing


Feature	Primal Harvest Collagen	Primal Kitchen Collagen
Third-Party Testing Claims	Yes, claims to be always tested, but lab is not named.	Yes, claims to test for purity and heavy metals, but no certification shown.
Transparency	Low. Does not disclose the independent lab used for testing.	Low. Lacks public documentation of independent testing and verification.
Recognized Certification	Possesses Clean Label Project certification. Does not hold NSF or Informed-Sport certification.	No recognizable third-party seals like NSF, USP, or Informed-Sport.
Manufacturing Standards	Produced in a GMP-certified facility.	Claims to follow high-quality standards; manufacturing facility status may vary.
Consumer Takeaway	Offers partial reassurance via GMP and Clean Label Project, but specific lab results are not public.	Provides minimal public evidence of independent testing, relying on internal checks.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

So, is primal collagen third-party tested? The answer is nuanced and depends on the specific brand. While both Primal Harvest and Primal Kitchen state their commitment to quality and mention testing, neither provides the comprehensive, transparent, and independently verifiable third-party certification that many consumers seek. Primal Harvest offers a degree of third-party verification through its Clean Label Project certification, but lacks transparency on its other testing procedures. Primal Kitchen provides even less public evidence of independent verification. Ultimately, for consumers prioritizing maximum safety and transparency, particularly for those subject to drug testing, selecting a collagen brand with a widely recognized third-party certification from a body like NSF or Informed-Sport is the most reliable choice.

For more information on supplement verification, you can visit the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's guide on third-party testing standards: https://www.usada.org/athletes/substances/supplement-connect/reduce-risk-testing-positive-experiencing-adverse-health-effects/third-party-testing-guidance/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Primal Harvest claims its Primal Collagen is third-party tested and is also certified by the Clean Label Project. However, it does not publicly name the independent lab it uses for testing.

While Primal Kitchen states it tests its products for quality and purity, there is no public information indicating independent, third-party certification. Reviewers have noted a lack of transparency and verifiable certification marks.

Primal Harvest provides some evidence of third-party testing through its Clean Label Project certification, though the specific lab for its general testing is unknown. Primal Kitchen offers very little public evidence of independent testing.

Third-party testing provides unbiased verification that a supplement contains the ingredients and amounts listed on its label and is free from harmful contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and other banned substances.

Look for seals from reputable organizations like NSF International, U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), Informed-Sport, or Informed-Choice. These certifications indicate rigorous, independent testing.

No. A GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification indicates that a product was made in a facility that follows quality and safety standards. Third-party testing, however, refers to an independent lab testing the actual finished product for purity, potency, and contaminants.

It is a less transparent practice. While it doesn't automatically mean the product is unsafe, the lack of a named, accredited third party makes it difficult for consumers to independently verify the company's claims. For maximum confidence, brands with recognizable certification seals are a safer choice.