Collagen peptides have emerged on the supplement scene as a solution to joint health, skin health, and even hair growth by helping to boost the body’s own natural collagen production. For this Primal Harvest Collagen review, we had Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 test out this best collagen supplement, taking note of key factors like taste, formulation, side effects, and more.
Primal Harvest is a fairly new name in nutritional supplements and has established a mission to provide locally made products produced in the USA using high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. Though it offers capsules of multi collagen and keto collagen supplements, we decided to try the brand’s standard Primal Collagen powder. Keep reading to get the scoop on this popular daily supplement.
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.
With Over 30 Collagen Supplements Tested, Our Experts Know Peptides
Our team personally tests all the products we review to give our readers a raw and honest look at qualities like the taste, solubility, and value for the price. However, our team is also full of nutrition experts and fitness professionals who use their expertise to analyze the formulation and potential safety of the dietary supplements. We then provide ratings based on our GGR supplement testing methodology in categories such as:
- Formulation: We look for the inclusion of high-quality, science-based ingredients as well as the potency of said compounds to reach our rating.
- Taste: Our testers and online reviews provide us with a consensus of taste to base our ratings around.
- Solubility: We personally look at how well each powder dissolves, if there is residue, and even compare how it mixes in both hot and cold liquids for more well-rounded insight.
- Third-Party Testing: Products are graded based on whether they were tested by an accredited and recognized third-party lab (such as NSF, Informed Choice, Informed Sport or Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG)). We also look for any available Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for further details on the performed testing protocols.
- Value: In addition to the cost per serving, we consider how valuable the product is in relation to what you get. We also take note of any available subscribe-and-save services that may be more wallet-friendly for certain budgets.
Primal Harvest Primal Collagen features a simple formulation consisting of collagen types I and III sourced from grass-fed bovine hide. Additionally, the unflavored makeup can be excellent for adding this powder to a range of different drinks such as your morning coffee or midday protein shake.
What our tester says:
“I really like this one because it doesn’t have a strong taste, so it’s easy to mix into your morning coffee.”
A Quick Look at Primal Harvest Primal Collagen
Fairly new on the scene, Primal Harvest launched its first product in 2018. It has since blossomed into a company that offers supplements that promise various wellness benefits from hair growth and anti-aging to gut health.
This includes superfood dietary supplements like Primal Greens as well as the brand’s Primal Multivitamin. Despite the “primal” moniker, Primal Harvest isn’t necessarily geared toward those living a carnivore or keto lifestyle, but, instead, prides itself on being rooted in nature and clean ingredients.
Before You Buy
- Vegans should remember that most collagen supplements, like Primal Collagen, are sourced from animal products.
- This is not a multi-collagen product that could cover more bases of wellness benefits—Primal Collagen contains solely types I and III bovine collagen.
- Primal Collagen is unflavored, so it can be added to smoothies, your protein shake, and various other foods and beverages.
Is Primal Harvest Primal Collagen Worth It?
Primal Harvest bovine collagen is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine in the USA and is free of any present gluten, artificial sweeteners, additives, or fillers. In fact, it only contains one ingredient, but that could be the downfall for some who may be looking for a multi-collagen or multi-ingredient supplement that covers a range of benefits.
The price is also a differentiator here, as we’ve found similar single-collagen peptide supplements at lower costs per serving. However, some may appreciate only having to worry about one ingredient.
Great for:
- Those who want a supplement to add to their skincare routine
- Individuals who stay away from excess ingredients
- People who want a collagen that mixes easily in most liquids
Not recommended for:
- People who prefer flavored collagen
- Individuals who are vegan
- Athletes who are looking specifically for joint health
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Primal Harvest Primal Collagen Specs
| Price per serving | $1.23 |
| Collagen per serving | 10 g |
| Collagen source | Bovine hide |
| Calories per serving | 35 |
| Protein per serving | 9 g |
| Sweeteners used | None |
| Available flavors | None |
| Third-party testing | Yes (certifying lab not listed) |
Experience Using Primal Harvest Primal Collagen
Our tester, Kate Meier, GGR head of content, NASM personal trainer, and gym owner, was tasked with trying Primal Harvest Primal Collagen over the course of multiple weeks. She generally had great things to say about the taste, effects, and solubility, but took some issues with the value and the formulation. Read below to get the full scoop on our findings and related ratings.
Price Per Serving
We rated Primal Collagen at 3.5 out of 5 for cost, as one month’s supply of the powder has a base price of $36.95, which comes out to about $1.23 a serving. However, Kate does note that there are plenty of ways to save.
“I’ve regularly found this collagen on sale, and you can also subscribe to save on repeat orders,” says Kate. “You can also take advantage of a ‘welcome’ discount by signing up for the brand’s emails.” Even so, over $1.00 per serving could be hard for some to justify, especially without auxiliary ingredients that are often included in collagen supplements like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C.
Formulation
Kate rated the formulation at 3 out of 5, noting, “A single serving of this collagen supplement contains 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen made from bovine hide, types I and III, without any added sugar or additives.”
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“This collagen is also ‘laboratory tested,’ although I do not know how extensive this testing is,” she adds. We’ll get into third-party testing later, but we know enough about this dietary supplement to know it’s not a shady product, at the very least.
But what exactly are grass-fed, pasture-raised “Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides”? Essentially, it means the amino acids in Primal’s collagen powder have been broken down into smaller peptides for easier absorption. Indeed, studies have suggested1 that hydrolyzed collagen has the ability to improve skin elasticity, boost hydration status, and support anti-aging.
Pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine collagen is the sole ingredient in this powder, which means it is also a source of 9 grams of protein. The product page also lists the breakdown of the essential amino acids these 9 grams are composed of.
Now, don’t get too excited—type I and III collagen don’t contain enough leucine2 to make them effective for building muscle. However, it does contain a high amount of glycine, which research shows3 can play a role in boosting our natural collagen production and can support skin health.
One of the reasons the rating was lowered was because there are no synergistic ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which are found in other popular collagen products like Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.
Taste and Solubility
Kate reported she enjoyed the taste of the powdered collagen peptides, even though it comes unflavored. “There is no flavor to this at all,” Kate proclaims, rating the taste at 5 out of 5. “As someone who uses collagen almost as a daily routine, I’ve tried dozens of collagen products over the past few years.”
“In terms of taste, I really like this one because it doesn’t have a strong flavor, so it’s easy to mix into your morning coffee,” she adds. Customer reviews also echo this sentiment.
For solubility, we came up with a rating of 4.5 of 5. “My morning coffee almost always contains collagen and you only need to stir a few times in order for this one to dissolve well,” Kate explains.
“In addition, I checked it by putting it in cool water,” she adds. “In a few minutes, it dissolved almost completely by itself. By stirring it, you can accelerate the process. A slight separation can occur if the water is not stirred, but it is barely noticeable.”
Side Effects
Kate reported that she didn’t personally experience any negative side effects. “That doesn’t surprise me, though, as I’ve been taking collagen supplements for years and this formula is purely collagen without any additional ingredients,” she clarifies.
“A total of over 4,000 reviews have been posted on the Primal Harvest website—the vast majority of them have been positive. Among the few negative responses that I found, there were only a few that mentioned possibly mild digestive problems like bloating.” Given these observations, Kate awarded this powder a 5 out of 5 for side effects.
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Third-Party Testing
According to our criteria, we had to give Primal Harvest Primal Collagen a 3.5-out-of-5 rating for third-party testing. “Despite the fact that the website claims this collagen supplement is ‘always third-party tested,’ you can’t find out who actually does the testing,” Kate notes.
We also found that Primal Harvest Collagen is not certified by a body recognized by sports organizations, such as Informed Choice or NSF for Sport. “The fact that it is made in a GMP-certified facility, however, is the reason for my mid-range rating in this category,” Kate notes.
Primal Harvest Primal Collagen vs Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate is a collagen rich in type I and type III collagen peptides made without artificial sweetener, colors, or preservatives. Not only is it third-party tested, but you can also see the amounts of each individual ingredient on the supplement facts label.
What our tester says:
“It doesn’t feel grainy and I didn’t even notice any chunks when mixed with plain water. The stuff is virtually unnoticeable when mixed with another powder, like protein powder.”
Transparent Labs is a frequently tried brand here at GGR, and is known for offering supplements that are high-quality, free from additives, gluten, and artificial ingredients, and are third-party tested for sport. Being certified by Informed Choice, that’s one difference between TL’s Grass-Fed Collagen and Primal Harvest Collagen, which is not as clear on its certifying lab.
Transparent Labs’ collagen also comes in a chocolate flavor, which means it is sweetened with stevia, while Primal Collagen is unflavored. They both contain grass-fed bovine collagen, though Transparent Labs has a higher collagen and protein content per serving. That said, it is also more expensive.
You can read our full Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate review for more information.
| Primal Harvest Primal Collagen | Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen | |
| Price per serving | $1.23 | $1.66 |
| Collagen per serving | 10 g | 22 g |
| Collagen source | Grass-fed bovine | Grass-fed bovine |
| Calories per serving | 35 | 90 |
| Protein per serving | 9 g | 20 g |
| Sweeteners used | None | Stevia |
| Available flavors | Unflavored | Unflavored, Chocolate |
| Third-party testing | Yes (certifying lab not listed) | Yes, Informed Choice |
Customer Experience
We gave a 5 out of 5 for customer service due to Primal Harvest’s super-consumer-friendly policies. According to Kate, the brand offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on unused, still sealed products.
She also directs us to a policy lifted directly from Primal Harvest’s site, which reads, “If you made a single bottle/container purchase, Primal Harvest will offer a full refund regardless of the amount of product used, as long as the return request has been made within 90 days of the delivery date this applies only to single bottle purchases.”
Ordering Primal Harvest Primal Collagen
When ordering Primal Harvest collagen powder, there are plenty of opportunities to get discounts. When you enroll in the brand’s subscribe-and-save program, you can save 20% and get free shipping, which is pretty generous by market standards. With this ordering method, you can automatically receive a one-month supply of collagen every 30, 60, or 90 days.
You can also save by ordering a two-, three-, or four-month supply in one order with a savings of 5%, 11%, and 16%, respectively. Even without these options, you can get free shipping by spending at least $75. Otherwise, standard shipping is a flat $5.95 and expedited shipping is $10.95.
Customer Reviews
We gave a rating of 4.7 out of 5 for customer reviews based on the average rating given by consumers. On the Primal Harvest official website, the brand’s Primal Collagen holds a 4.8-out-of-5-star rating based on over 4,400 reviews. Customers love how it tastes in their morning coffee and smoothies, as well as the difference it makes in their skin health and joint pain.
Primal Harvest Collagen currently holds a 4.5-out-of-5-star customer review rating on Amazon, as well, based on over 4,600 reviews. Reviewers love how the supplement improved their joint health and gave them more healthy skin. Again, people also comment on how well it mixes in their morning coffee, though some are not satisfied with the price.
Final Verdict of Our Primal Harvest Primal Collagen Review
An increasing number of studies4 are showing that hydrolyzed collagen peptides can play a significant role in anti-aging, improved skin elasticity and hydration, as well as potentially improved hair growth and hair health.
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The problem is, Primal Harvest Primal Collagen does not contain type II collagen, which is the type that’s been most supported by science5 to relieve joint pain. The product also has a minimalist formulation, which could be great for people who are wary of extra ingredients, but could not measure up for people who are used to powders with other beneficial ingredients.
Full Rating
Primal Harvest Primal Collagen
Primal Harvest Primal Collagen features a simple formulation consisting of collagen types I and III sourced from grass-fed bovine hide. Additionally, the unflavored makeup can be excellent for adding this powder to a range of different drinks such as your morning coffee or midday protein shake.
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 36.95
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.21
Primal Harvest Primal Collagen: FAQs
Is Primal Harvest Primal Collagen good for you?
Primal Harvest Primal Collagen does not contain a significant amount of micronutrients, but it is not a supplement that appears to be bad for overall health and wellness.
How much does Primal Harvest Primal Collagen cost?
The current base price on Primal Harvest’s website is $36.95 for one bag, but discounts are available if you buy in bulk or enroll in the brand’s subscription service.
What are the side effects of Primal Harvest collagen?
According to our testers and customer reviews, Primal Harvest collagen does not seem to cause significant negative side effects aside from the occasional mention of some bloating and mild digestive issues.
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
- 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
- Plotkin DL, Delcastillo K, Van Every DW, Tipton KD, Aragon AA, Schoenfeld BJ. Isolated Leucine and Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation for Enhancing Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2021;31(3):292-301. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0356
- Aguayo-Cerón KA, Sánchez-Muñoz F, Gutierrez-Rojas RA, et al. Glycine: The Smallest Anti-Inflammatory Micronutrient. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(14):11236. Published 2023 Jul 8. doi:10.3390/ijms241411236
- Reilly DM, Kynaston L, Naseem S, Proudman E, Laceby D. A Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in Skin Collagen, Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles, Scalp, and Hair Condition following 12-Week Oral Intake of a Supplement Containing Hydrolysed Collagen. Dermatol Res Pract. 2024;2024:8752787. Published 2024 Jul 10. doi:10.1155/2024/8752787
- Xu R, Wu J, Zheng L, Zhao M. Undenatured type II collagen and its role in improving osteoarthritis. Ageing Res Rev. 2023;91:102080. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2023.102080
