Quick verdict: Sports Research Collagen Peptides is a clean, well-tested collagen that costs less than most big-name brands. It is a single ingredient, it is tested for heavy metals, and it mixes without any taste. One thing to know: a standard scoop is 11 grams, which is a solid dose but smaller than some rivals, so if you want more you take two scoops. For most people who want good collagen without paying premium prices, this is an easy pick.
We scored it using our 5-point system. These are the same five things we check on every supplement: does it work, is there enough in it, is it clean and tested, is the label honest, and is it worth the money.
The scorecard
| What we checked | Score | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Does it work? | 7/10 | Right form and dose; results are real but small |
| Is there enough in it? | 8/10 | 11g per scoop, a solid dose |
| Is it clean and tested? | 9/10 | Heavy-metal tested and GMP certified |
| Is the label honest? | 10/10 | One ingredient, nothing hidden |
| Is it worth the money? | 8/10 | Cheaper per gram than most big names |
| Overall | 8.4 / 10 | A strong value pick that nearly matches pricier rivals |
Check current price (this is an affiliate link, see the note at the bottom).
What it is
Quick facts:
- Type: Type I and III collagen, the kinds that support skin, hair, and nails
- Form: hydrolyzed peptides, sold as “low molecular weight” (no exact size given)
- Source: grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, made from hides rather than bones
- Per scoop: 11 grams of collagen, 10 grams of protein, 40 calories
- Added extras: none, just collagen
It has no real taste and dissolves in hot or cold drinks. There are no added sweeteners, colors, or flavors.
The full breakdown
1. Does it work? (7/10)
Like all collagen, the evidence here is decent but modest. Studies on hydrolyzed collagen show it can slightly improve skin firmness and moisture over about two to three months, and Sports Research uses the same form and types (hydrolyzed Type I and III) that those studies use. One honest point: there are no clinical trials on this exact product. The research is on collagen peptides in general, which still applies because it is the same form and dose. So it has a fair chance of helping, as long as you keep your expectations realistic.
2. Is there enough in it? (8/10)
One scoop gives you 11 grams of collagen. That sits inside the range used in research, which is usually around 10 to 20 grams a day, so a single scoop is a real dose and not a token amount. If you want a bigger dose closer to 20 grams, the label says you can take two scoops, though that uses the tub up twice as fast. There is no added vitamin C, which your body uses to make collagen, so it helps to take it with a food or drink that has some.
3. Is it clean and tested? (9/10)
This is a strong point. Sports Research tests its collagen for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, plus pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics. It is made in GMP-certified facilities, and it is non-GMO and gluten-free. A nice detail: the collagen comes from cattle hides, not bones, which lowers the heavy-metal risk in the first place. The standard version does not carry the NSF Certified for Sport seal that some rivals have, but the organic version adds USDA Organic and Informed Sport certification, the banned-substance check that athletes look for. Either way, this is well above average for the category.
4. Is the label honest? (10/10)
One ingredient: hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides. Nothing is hidden behind a vague “blend,” and there is no filler list to figure out. What the label says is what you get. Exactly the kind of honesty we like to see.
5. Is it worth the money? (8/10)
This is where it stands out. Per gram of collagen, Sports Research usually costs a little less than the big premium names, while giving you the same single-ingredient quality and solid testing. Expect to pay somewhere around $0.70 to $0.80 per scoop, though prices change and buying in bulk or on subscription brings it down. It is not the rock-bottom cheapest collagen you can find, but for the quality and testing you get, it is strong value.
How does it compare to Vital Proteins?
These two get compared a lot, so here is the plain version. Both are clean, single-ingredient, grass-fed bovine collagen with Type I and III. The differences are small:
- Dose: Vital Proteins gives 20 grams in its standard serving (two scoops). Sports Research gives 11 grams in one scoop. To match Vital Proteins, you take two scoops of Sports Research.
- Testing: Vital Proteins’ standard Unflavored carries NSF Certified for Sport. Sports Research saves that level of certification (Informed Sport) for its organic version, though the standard is still heavy-metal tested and GMP certified.
- Price: Per gram of collagen, Sports Research usually costs a little less.
In our scoring they end up neck and neck. Go with Vital Proteins if you want the strongest third-party certification on the standard tub. Go with Sports Research if you want very similar quality for a bit less. You can read our full Vital Proteins review for the details.
What collagen can and can’t do
A quick reality check. Collagen is not a miracle. Taken daily for a couple of months, some people see small gains in skin moisture, nail strength, and hair, and many people notice little. It won’t erase deep wrinkles, and sunscreen, good sleep, and not smoking do far more for your skin than any powder. Buy it knowing what to expect.
Who it’s for
- Buy it if you want a clean, tested collagen at a fair price and you don’t need a fancy label.
- Skip it if you want the strongest third-party certification on a standard product, since Vital Proteins has the edge there. Also skip it if you want a vegan option, because this comes from cattle.
Questions people ask
How many scoops should I take?
One scoop (11 grams) is a real dose. If you want closer to 20 grams, take two. There is no real benefit to going much higher.
Is it third-party tested?
Yes. It is tested for heavy metals and contaminants and made in GMP-certified facilities. The organic version also carries Informed Sport certification.
Is it better than Vital Proteins?
They are very close. Sports Research usually costs a little less per gram, while Vital Proteins has the stronger certification on its standard tub. See our comparison above.
Does it taste like anything?
The unflavored version has no real taste and mixes into hot or cold drinks.
Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never changes our scores. We rate every product the same way, no matter what.
This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Supplements are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness. Talk to your doctor before starting anything new.
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