As we age, less collagen1 is produced naturally in our bodies, leading to less elasticity in our skin and some signs of aging—mostly lines and wrinkles. So, it’s natural that with age comes the wisdom to research the best collagen supplements, not only to promote skin and hair health, but also joint support and bone health.
Many collagen supplements come unflavored or in simple flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla. While these are easy enough flavors to obtain the benefits of collagen protein, sometimes you just want a more unique taste to support your health.
That’s where NativePath Collagen Peptides Powder comes in. Available in classic flavors, it also comes in some unique and fruity flavors as well. Plus, the ingredients are minimal and clean, no matter which flavor you choose. In this NativePath Collagen review, we’ll look at the formulation, taste, and more to determine if these hydrolyzed collagen peptides are worth the cost and hype.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Over 30 Collagens Tested in Pursuit of Skin, Hair, and Joint Health
Beyond the hundreds of protein powders and other supplements we’ve tested, our expert team of product testers at Garage Gym Reviews has tried, tested, and rated over 30 collagen supplements, from high-quality bovine collagen to viral TikTok brands.
RELATED: SpoiledChild Collagen Review
Our team consists of certified nutrition coaches, personal trainers, and competitive athletes all with years of experience in the fitness industry. We bring that expertise to every product that we test and review, providing you with the best information to help with your next supplement purchase.
For NativePath Collagen, certified nutrition coach and GGR managing editor Amanda Dvorak tested out the hydrolyzed bovine collagen. While testing it out, she rated the collagen a 1 to 5 according to our supplement testing methodology, in factors such as:
- Price per serving
- Formulation and ingredients
- Taste and solubility
- Third-party testing
- Side effects (good or bad)
Along with this, I talked with registered dietitian Destini Moody to get her views on this collagen powder and its formulation to see how it stacks up to her expert opinion.
NativePath Collagen Peptides is a clean, straightforward collagen supplement that supports joint and skin health with 10 grams of collagen per serving. Available in unflavored and flavored varieties, this collagen is clean and minimal, although a bit on the pricier side.
A Quick Look at NativePath Collagen Peptides
NativePath was started in 2017 with a strong focus on collagen products. Since then, the product line has expanded to include protein, MCT oil, greens powder, and other supplements for health and well-being.
Co-founder and doctor of physical therapy Chad Walding explains that NativePath is more than a supplement company, but rather a method to combat a sedentary, isolated lifestyle. Beyond nutrition, NativePath emphasizes going outside, being active, and connecting with community as well.
Using this holistic approach to health, NativePath emphasizes the use of supplements to help fill nutritional gaps in our modern diet. Supplementing collagen in particular helps combat falling collagen levels as we age, promoting healthy skin and hair2 and even improving gut health and digestion3.
NativePath Collagen Peptides are sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine, making for a gluten-free, high-quality source of Type I and III collagen. The ingredients used are also minimal and clean, with the flavored powders being sweetened with either stevia or monk fruit, making for a sugar-free and keto-friendly supplement.
Before You Buy
- While most flavors provide 9 or 10 grams of protein in each serving, it’s important to note that the Matcha Latte flavor doesn’t follow suit, with only 2 grams of protein in each serving.
- Although Amazon doesn’t accept returns, purchasing directly from NativePath will qualify you for their 365-day “Feel Good” guarantee, where unopened products (and some opened items) can be returned for a full refund.
- Flavored options are more expensive than the unflavored collagen. Additionally, you can buy larger containers of the unflavored collagen peptides, meaning you’ll be able to save more per serving.
Are NativePath Collagen Peptides Worth It?
On Amazon, prices can vary, but the unflavored NativePath Collagen can be purchased in tubs of 25, 30, 45, or 56 servings, meaning that the price can vary even more. As of this writing, however, the 25-serving container costs $28.99, meaning servings can cost about $1.16 each.
Flavored versions of NativePath only come in 20-serving tubs, and the price can cost as much as $1.60 per serving. Amanda tried out the Peach flavor and it came out to $1.44 per serving.
Even with the unflavored option, NativePath Collagen is on the pricier side of collagen supplements, but the fun flavors might be worth the cost. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a matcha latte collagen before, but I’m here for it and would give it a try,” adds Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD. She also notes that the ingredients are minimal and clean across all flavors.
While this quality bovine collagen is a great source of types I and III collagen, it lacks type II collagen, which is more readily available in marine collagen4. Type II collagen is more useful for joint health, so if you’re prioritizing bone and joint support, you may want a more comprehensive collagen source.
Great for:
- Support hair, skin, and nail health
- Those looking for a keto-friendly collagen with no added sugars
- Anyone wanting some fruity flavors for smoothies
Not recommended for:
- People on a budget
- Anyone following a plant-based diet
- Those prioritizing type II collagen
NativePath Collagen Specs
| Price per serving | $1.16-$1.60 depending on flavor |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop (10-13.4 g) |
| Calories per serving | 35-70 |
| Protein per serving | 9-10 g (Matcha Latte flavor only has 2 g) |
| Collagen per serving | 10 g |
| Collagen source | Grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle |
| Third-party testing? | Yes |
| Sweeteners | Stevia and/or monk fruit |
| Flavors | Unflavored, Chocolate, Matcha Latte, Peach, Wild Berry |
Experience Using NativePath Collagen
GGR managing editor AManda Dvorak, ISSA-CNC, ISSA-CPT, tried out the Peach flavor of NativePath Collagen Peptides, and while that flavor isn’t ideal for your morning coffee—who’s heard of peach-flavored coffee?—she found it relatively easy to add to her daily routine.
One serving contains 10 grams of collagen with at least 9 grams of protein (unless you’re having the Matcha Latte, which only has 2 grams). “This amount is about half of what you’d find in BUBS Natural Collagen or Vital Proteins Collagen,” says Amanda. “I usually halve the serving size of those collagens to make it last longer anyway, so I didn’t find the smaller amount a problem.”
We usually recommend finding a collagen product with at least 10 grams of collagen, so we don’t find it a problem, either. But now, let’s get more into the specifics of NativePath Collagen.
Price Per Serving
The prices can vary on NativePath Collagen, depending on the flavor, container size, and where you purchase it from, with NativePath’s website being the pricier option. For Amanda, she purchased her collagen from Amazon, which came out to about $1.44 per serving.
For that price, it falls at a middle-of-the-road 3 out of 5. There are cheaper options with the unflavored version, and some of the flavored options are more costly, so that score still seems fair.
Formulation
According to the Cleveland Clinic5, there are five main types of collagen. Types I, II, and III are the most commonly supplemented collagen forms. Type I collagen is found in skin, hair, bones, and connective tissues, and it supports joint and skin health. Type II collagen is also found in cartilage around joints, and type III collagen is in muscles, arteries, and organs.
We give top marks for formulation to collagen supplements that contain all three types of collagen. However, bovine, grass-fed collagen like NativePath only provides types I and III collagen, so Amanda rates the formulation a 3 out of 5.
Still, Destini appreciates the ingredient listing across all flavors. “The formulation is pretty clean,” says Destini, rating it a 5 out of 5. “I love that there aren’t any artificial flavors or ingredients at all, despite the variety of flavors.” Indeed, NativePath boasts a clean formula that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and contains zero fillers.
One serving of NativePath Collagen contains 10 grams of collagen, which falls in line with what some research6 deems a safe and effective dose—between 2.5 and 15 grams daily. Some more recent evidence2 shows that 20 grams of collagen daily is a beneficial dose, as well, meaning you might be able to double up on a serving of NativePath safely. Destini even adds, “It’s a great product for protein, too, especially with two scoops at a time.”
Taste and Solubility
Amanda tried the Peach flavor of NativePath Collagen and found the flavor appealing, rating it a 5 out of 5. “I can see this being a refreshing drink in warmer months of the year,” she says.
Surprisingly, the Peach flavor has cinnamon. “I was a little nervous at first because the cinnamon scent was very strong,” recalls Amanda, “and while I like cinnamon, I don’t like when it’s overpowering.” She was pleasantly surprised, however, and found the cinnamon to not overpower the peach flavor.
According to Amanda, the collagen foams up quite a bit when put in a shaker bottle, but it settles down after a couple of minutes. She rates the solubility a 4 out of 5, since it mixes well for the most part, but not fully. “There are a few floaties or small clumps left behind, but I had no grittiness when I drank it,” says Amanda. “There’s also a little bit of sediment at the bottom of the cup, but it’s mostly flecks of cinnamon.”
Customer reviews seem to say issues with mixing happen more with the flavored collagen, while the unflavored collagen peptides don’t seem to have the same issues.
Side Effects
Amanda noted no issues from taking NativePath Collagen—no bloating or other digestive issues at all. Very few customer reviews complained of any issues either, so Amanda rates the side effects a 5 out of 5.
Third-Party Testing
Although NativePath seems very transparent and claims to third-party test their products, there’s no information on who does the tests, and we couldn’t find the lab results, either. NativePath also claims that every supplement that leaves their warehouse comes with a certificate of analysis (COA), Amanda couldn’t find any proof of this, so she rates the third-party testing a 2.5 out of 5.
That said, NativePath seems pretty transparent, so if they become more transparent with their testing, this score should increase pretty easily.
NativePath Collagen vs Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Protein’s Collagen Peptide Protein is formulated to improve the health of joints, bones, skin, ligaments, tendons, nails, and hair. It’s Whole30-approved and contains zero artificial flavors, fillers, or food dyes. According to our tester, it has great solubility when mixed in coffee.
What our tester says:
“I mixed it into several things—greens powder, other protein powders, juice, and even my coffee—and it did not change the taste of anything.”
One of the more popular brands of collagen is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. While the serving size is basically two scoops of NativePath, both collagen products are fairly similar. Both are sourced from bovine collagen and come in unflavored options, as well as some flavors. Although NativePath has more fruit flavors, Vital Proteins actually has a pretty unique flavor itself: Strawberry Lemon.
The cost of each is also comparable, although the main difference is in the added ingredients in Vital Proteins. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides also includes hyaluronic acid, which is often used to support joint and skin health by improving hydration, as seen in a 2012 review7. Also added are the electrolyte sodium (although not in an amount you’d see in the best electrolyte powder) and vitamin C, which is needed to process collagen in the body8.
These extra ingredients may help you get the maximum benefits from your collagen supplement. You can read more in our Vital Proteins review, where we cover both the unflavored and Chocolate formulations.
| NativePath Collagen Peptides | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | |
| Price per serving | $1.16-$1.60 depending on flavor | $1.42 (from Amazon) |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop (10-13.4 g) | 2 scoops or 1 stick pack (20 g) |
| Calories per serving | 35-70 | 70-100 |
| Protein per serving | 9-10 g (Matcha Latte flavor only has 2 g) | 18 g |
| Collagen per serving | 10 g | 20 g |
| Collagen source | Grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle | Grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle |
| Third-party testing? | Yes | Yes |
| Sweeteners | Stevia and/or monk fruit | Stevia |
| Flavors | Unflavored, Chocolate, Matcha Latte, Peach, Wild Berry | Unflavored, Chocolate, Strawberry Lemon, Vanilla |
Customer Experience
NativePath has a 365-day “Feel Good” guarantee, which is a pretty significant policy when you start to read the fine print. You can get a refund on any unopened, sealed products, as well as some opened products, within a year of delivery. The products returned must pass a warehouse inspection before you’re granted a refund.
I did a little digging to see which opened products would qualify, and it appears that any unique first-time products would qualify for a refund. So if you had multiple containers of unflavored collagen opened, you could only get refunded for one container. Still, if you had an open container of two different flavors of collagen, both could be returned for a refund. That’s a pretty nice policy if I do say so myself.
People who purchased through Amazon won’t be able to return items, however.
There are quite a few ways to contact NativePath: email, phone, contact form, or through a live chat. The live chat has limited availability, however.
Ordering NativePath Collagen Peptides
NativePath Collagen can be purchased directly from their website or through Amazon. NativePath offers a subscribe-and-save option that’ll get you 10% off your order and free shipping. On Amazon, shipping is free to Prime users as well.
Customer Reviews
Most customer reviews on NativePath Collagen are positive, with reviews on the unflavored version averaging out to 4.7 stars, and 4.2 stars for the flavored versions. Many positive customer reviews say the collagen has been effective in improving the quality of the hair, skin, and nails, making it an easy addition to their daily routine.
Complaints about NativePath Collagen are usually about one of two things: It mixes poorly or the container seems pretty empty. As far as the mixing issues customers had, this seems to be mostly an issue on the flavored collagens—people appreciate the smooth mixing of the unflavored version much more.
Other people note that the container comes in only half-full. More than likely, this is a common occurrence in supplements, where powders can settle and appear to be much less. Customers worry that their container doesn’t have the full amount of servings, but we had our full amount of servings in testing.
Final Verdict of Our NativePath Collagen Review
Made with simple and natural ingredients, NativePath Collagen is a great-tasting collagen supplement that comes in multiple flavors with a solid formulation. Those dealing with joint pain may appreciate a product with type II collagen as well as types I and III; still, for a bovine collagen, this is high-quality, even if it’s a little pricey.
- For the best price, the unflavored version can be purchased on Amazon for about $1 per serving, depending on the container size.
- While most flavors contain at least 9 grams of protein, the Matcha Latte flavor surprisingly lacks protein with only 2 grams.
- Many customers note poor mixing with the flavored versions of collagen, although our tester had minimal issues with mixing.
Full Rating
NativePath Collagen Peptides
In our NativePath Collagen review, our fitness experts take a look at this grass-fed collagen with various flavors to see if it’s worth its higher price tag.
Product Brand: NativePath
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 28.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.8
NativePath Collagen: FAQs
Is NativePath a good collagen?
NativePath is a solid bovine collagen, sourced from grass-fed cattle and containing quality types of collagen. Available in a variety of flavors, this collagen is made with minimal, natural ingredients, although some customers complain that the different flavors don’t mix as well as other collagens.
Which brand collagen is the best?
The best brand collagen for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your health and wellness needs, fitness goals, and your budget. Our favorite collagen to recommend to people is Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen, as it’s a great-tasting collagen that mixes easily with liquids. It’s also free of artificial ingredients, sweeteners, and food dyes.
What collagen is Jennifer Aniston using?
According to this recent Vogue article, Jennifer Aniston uses Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in her morning coffee each day, along with stevia and lactose-free milk.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- León-López, A., Morales-Peñaloza, A., Martínez-Juárez, V. M., Vargas-Torres, A., Zeugolis, D. I., & Aguirre-Álvarez, G. (2019). Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(22), 4031. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224031
- Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Int J Dermatol. Published online March 20, 2021. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.15518
- Abrahams M, O’Grady R, Prawitt J. Effect of a Daily Collagen Peptide Supplement on Digestive Symptoms in Healthy Women: 2-Phase Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res. 2022;6(5):e36339. Published 2022 May 31. doi:10.2196/36339
- Silva, T. H., Moreira-Silva, J., Marques, A. L., Domingues, A., Bayon, Y., & Reis, R. L. (2014). Marine origin collagens and its potential applications. Marine drugs, 12(12), 5881–5901. https://doi.org/10.3390/md12125881
- Collagen: what it is, types, function & benefits. Cleveland Clinic. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
- Paul, C., Leser, S., & Oesser, S. (2019). Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients, 11(5), 1079. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051079
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C. 2021 March.
