Understanding Vital Proteins' "Grass-Fed + Pasture-Raised" Claim
For many health-conscious consumers, the terms "grass-fed" and "pasture-raised" are key indicators of quality and ethical sourcing. Vital Proteins prominently features this claim, indicating their bovine collagen is sourced from animals that have been raised in this manner. However, the brand provides additional transparency about its sourcing, which helps to clarify the nuances behind this label.
The official Vital Proteins website explains that their bovine collagen comes from cattle that have been raised predominately on outdoor pastures with access to fresh grass, air, and water. The phrase "predominantly" is crucial here. The company discloses that cattle may be moved indoors for their welfare during certain times, such as during inclement weather, drought, or other dangerous situations. During these periods indoors, their diet may not consist solely of grass. Consequently, the company explicitly states they cannot guarantee their collagen peptides are sourced from cattle who have been 100% grass-fed. This distinction is vital for consumers seeking absolute clarity on the sourcing of their supplements.
The Upcycled Sourcing Process
In addition to its grazing practices, Vital Proteins also emphasizes that its collagen peptides are an upcycled byproduct of the meat and leather industries. This means that cattle are not raised specifically for the purpose of producing collagen. Instead, Vital Proteins collaborates with suppliers who repurpose the hides and other byproducts from these industries. This approach is highlighted as a sustainable business practice, reducing waste and providing a valuable use for materials that might otherwise be discarded. The company is committed to working with suppliers who adhere to its social and environmental standards, ensuring that their sourcing practices are both high-quality and responsible.
Key Aspects of Vital Proteins' Sourcing
- Upcycled Material: Collagen is derived from hides and other byproducts of the meat and leather industries, promoting sustainability.
- Predominantly Pasture-Raised: Cattle are raised primarily on outdoor pastures, granting them access to fresh grass, air, and water.
- Diet Diversification: The brand acknowledges that cattle's diets may diversify when they are moved indoors for welfare reasons, meaning they are not guaranteed to be 100% grass-fed.
- Ethical Supplier Partnerships: Vital Proteins partners with suppliers committed to high quality and sustainable practices.
- Certifications: The products often carry certifications such as Whole30 Approved and Paleo Friendly, reinforcing their commitment to quality ingredients.
Comparison: Vital Proteins vs. 100% Grass-Fed
For those comparing Vital Proteins to brands that claim 100% grass-fed certification, it's helpful to understand the differences in their sourcing criteria. This comparison table outlines the potential differences based on Vital Proteins' stated practices and a theoretical brand with a stricter, 100% grass-fed claim.
| Feature | Vital Proteins (Predominantly Grass-Fed) | Hypothetical 100% Grass-Fed Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Diet | Primarily grass, hay, and forage. May be supplemented with other feeds when housed indoors due to weather or animal welfare concerns. | Exclusively grass and forage throughout their entire lives. |
| Pasture Access | Extensive access to outdoor pastures when conditions permit. | Consistent, year-round access to pastures (may require more robust rotational grazing management). |
| Indoor Housing | Cattle may be moved indoors during periods of inclement weather, drought, or other dangers. | Indoor housing is typically minimal, only for very specific and brief circumstances (if at all). |
| Sustainability | Upcycles byproducts from the meat and leather industries, reducing waste. | Sourcing can still be sustainable but may not specifically emphasize the upcycling of byproducts. |
| Certifications | Whole30 Approved, Paleo Friendly, and Kosher certified products available. | Often pursue third-party certifications specifically for grass-fed status, such as the American Grassfed Association (AGA). |
| Clarity | Openly clarifies that the cattle are not 100% grass-fed due to potential diet diversification. | Provides clear assurance of a 100% grass-fed diet, verified by third-party standards. |
Conclusion
In short, the answer to the question "Is Vital Proteins grass-fed?" is nuanced. While the brand does source its collagen from grass-fed and pasture-raised cattle, this does not equate to a 100% grass-fed standard. The company transparently explains that due to factors like weather, the animals' diet may occasionally be supplemented. This practice is part of their broader commitment to responsible and sustainable sourcing, which also includes upcycling byproducts from the meat industry. Ultimately, Vital Proteins provides high-quality collagen sourced from well-raised animals, but for consumers prioritizing a strict 100% grass-fed diet, it is important to be aware of this distinction. Their transparency allows individuals to make an informed choice that aligns with their personal nutritional and ethical standards. For more details on their commitments, you can refer to the official Vital Proteins sustainability page.
