The Founding and Evolution of Vital Proteins
Vital Proteins began its journey in 2013, founded by entrepreneur and former NASA aerospace engineer, Kurt Seidensticker. His personal health setback involving knee discomfort from running prompted a search for a supplement to support protein synthesis, leading him to discover the benefits of ingestible collagen. Seidensticker's vision was to make high-quality collagen accessible to consumers, creating a brand that emphasized transparency and quality ingredients.
In its early years, Vital Proteins operated as an independent company, raising venture capital to fuel its rapid growth. This focus on quality and brand-building paid off, as Vital Proteins quickly became a leading name in the wellness industry, particularly within the burgeoning collagen market. For many years, the company was primarily known through its founder's story and its direct-to-consumer capabilities.
The Acquisition by Nestlé Health Science
The most significant turning point in the company's history came in 2020, when Nestlé Health Science, a globally managed business unit of Nestlé, agreed to acquire a majority stake in Vital Proteins. This acquisition marked a major shift from an independent, founder-led company to one backed by a massive international corporation. Greg Behar, the CEO of Nestlé Health Science at the time, recognized the opportunity to expand into the growing functional nutrition space with a successful brand. Post-acquisition, Nestlé has leveraged its resources, scale, and capabilities to further expand the Vital Proteins brand and its product line. While Kurt Seidensticker stepped down from his CEO role, he continued on as an adviser to Nestlé Health Science.
Vital Proteins' Sourcing and Manufacturing
Vital Proteins sources its collagen from animal-derived raw materials, using an upcycling process that repurposes by-products from the meat and leather industries. This approach helps reduce waste and utilize ingredients that would otherwise be discarded. The company is transparent about its sourcing, providing details about the origins of its collagen.
Collagen Sourcing Methods
- Bovine Collagen: The company's primary collagen peptides are sourced from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. The cattle are raised predominantly on outdoor pastures, though they may be moved indoors for their welfare at times. This commitment to sourcing is part of the brand's quality promise.
- Marine Collagen: For pescatarian-friendly products, Vital Proteins uses Marine Collagen, which is sourced from the scales of wild-caught white fish from the coast of Alaska. This provides an alternative for those who don't consume bovine products but still want the benefits of collagen.
The Hydrolysis Process
The key to producing easily digestible and absorbable collagen peptides is the hydrolysis process. This process breaks down collagen protein into smaller units, or peptides.
- The manufacturing process for bovine collagen begins with cleaning and soaking the hides.
- The hides are then cooked at a specific temperature range to extract the collagen.
- An enzyme treatment further breaks down the collagen into smaller peptides, increasing its bioavailability.
- Final steps include evaporation and milling to produce the finished powder.
Manufacturing and Quality Standards
While the company is now owned by Nestlé Health Science, Vital Proteins maintains its operational headquarters in Chicago's Fulton Market district. In 2020, the brand's manufacturing facility was located in Franklin Park, IL, a hub for its production. This indicates that a significant portion of its production has been based in the United States.
Quality Control and Certifications
Vital Proteins emphasizes quality and transparency, ensuring that its products meet specific standards. The company states it tests every lot of each product for heavy metals and microbiological components using independent, third-party labs. Additionally, its facilities are certified by reputable third-party organizations, and its products carry certifications like NSF and Whole30 Approved.
- Third-Party Testing: The brand utilizes third-party testing to ensure product purity and quality, offering an extra layer of assurance to consumers.
- Compliance: Vital Proteins adheres to food safety standards and pursues certifications that align with its commitment to clean products.
- Label Integrity: The company formulates products with recognizable, quality ingredients, and the labels clearly list supplement facts and ingredients.
Corporate Structure Comparison: Before and After Acquisition
This table highlights the key differences in Vital Proteins' corporate structure following the acquisition by Nestlé Health Science.
| Feature | Before Nestlé Acquisition | After Nestlé Acquisition |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Vital Proteins, LLC (Founder: Kurt Seidensticker) | Nestlé Health Science (majority stake holder) |
| Control | Independent, founder-led direction and strategy | Majority control by a global conglomerate |
| Resources | Initially self-funded, later backed by venture capital | Access to Nestlé's extensive global resources and scale |
| Market Reach | Primarily focused on the US market with planned international expansion | Expanded global distribution through Nestlé's network |
| CEO | Kurt Seidensticker | Kurt Seidensticker stepped down, assuming an advisory role |
Conclusion
In summary, while Vital Proteins was founded by Kurt Seidensticker, the company that now makes Vital Proteins collagen peptides is Nestlé Health Science, which completed its acquisition of the brand in 2020. The brand's products are sourced from bovine hides and fish scales through an upcycling process and manufactured in facilities in the United States. This shift in corporate ownership from an entrepreneurial startup to a global subsidiary demonstrates the brand's immense growth and expansion over the last decade. Consumers can find information on the brand's continued commitment to quality and sourcing on its official website.
