The same peptides, from 55 cents to $1.93 a serving.

Buy the peptides, not the name. Nearly all collagen powder is hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, Types I and III, the same molecule broken into the same small pieces whatever the tub says. That means a plain, unflavored bulk or store-brand peptide powder gives you the same collagen as Vital Proteins for roughly a third of the price. Value brands like Orgain and Sports Research sit in between. Marine collagen, from fish, costs more for a comparable benefit, so choose it only if you specifically want a fish source or avoid bovine. On effectiveness, be realistic: the evidence that collagen helps skin and joints is modest and builds slowly over months, and your body digests the peptides like any protein, so if you take it, the cheapest option works as well as the priciest. Take it with a little vitamin C, a cheap cofactor, if you like. It is also low in tryptophan, so it does not replace a complete protein powder. Health note: if you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or take medication, check with your doctor before adding a supplement. This is information, not medical advice.