Garden of Life Collagen Peptides Review : Is It Worth the Price?

Introduction

It’s one of those weird mornings when it’s not just the coffee that feels like it’s holding you together; it’s the aches, the stiffness, and the mirror reminding you that time doesn’t pause. It’s not the first time this has happened, and you’re desperate for a solution.

It’s not just you. Everyone seems to be looking for convenient, health-boosting solutions. Supplements like collagen have become a go-to for those looking to support their skin, joints, and overall vitality.

Collagen, often called the ‘glue’ of the body, plays a crucial role in keeping us moving and glowing. But as we age, our natural collagen production slows down, and so we’re left searching for a way to fill this gap.

Garden of Life Collagen Peptides, with 20 grams of grass-fed collagen per scoop, plus added probiotics, says it could help.

Does it work, though? Here’s a closer look at its ingredients, taste, and value.

Ingredient Analysis

Garden of Life Collagen Peptides’ formula is centered around three key components: Type I Collagen, Type III Collagen, and Bacillus coagulans. Here’s the role each plays, and the science behind them;

Garden of Life Collagen Peptides Supplement Fact

Type I Collagen

Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen in the human body. It makes up about 90% of the collagen in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It’s often called the ‘structural glue’ that holds our bodies together.

This type of collagen is particularly celebrated for its role in improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and promoting a youthful appearance. A 2021 study suggests that Type I collagen supplementation can also enhance bone density and support overall skeletal health^[1].

Garden of Life sources its Type I collagen supplement from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, ensuring a clean and sustainable ingredient.

We approve of this ingredient.

According to Dr. Mark Hyman , Chief Medical Officer-

Type I collagen is the most abundant form of collagen in the body, providing structural support to the skin, bones, and tendons. Supplementing with Type I collagen can help support skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and promote overall skeletal health. It’s vital to maintain collagen levels as we age to keep our body’s foundational structures strong.

Type III Collagen

This type of collagen is primarily found in muscles, arteries, and organs. It works alongside Type I collagen to maintain the structural integrity of tissues. A 2019 study showed it is especially important for supporting cardiovascular health and promoting the elasticity of blood vessels.

It also helps with muscle repair and recovery, so you probably need it if you’re an active individual. The Type III collagen in Garden of Life’s formula ensures a comprehensive approach to tissue health, complementing the benefits of Type I collagen^[2].

We approve of this ingredient.

Watch Dr. Jin W. Sung's YouTube video for an in-depth explanation of collagen types. It's a great resource to deepen your understanding and learn more about this topic.

Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans is a spore-forming probiotic. You know it for its resilience and ability to survive harsh stomach conditions. This probiotic strain supports gut health by promoting a balanced microbiome and aiding digestion.

A 2023 study found that Bacillus coagulans can help reduce bloating, improve nutrient absorption, and even support immune function^[3].

Now, the addition of probiotics like Bacillus coagulans is a unique feature. However, we must emphasize that the effectiveness of probiotics can vary based on individual gut health and dietary habits.

We don’t approve of this ingredient.

We Tried Garden of Life Collagen Peptides

We Tried Garden of Life Collagen Peptides

We decided to give Garden of Life Collagen Peptides a try to see how it stacks up in real life. The first thing we noticed was the texture. The powder is fine and dissolves reasonably well in hot liquids, but in cold drinks, it leaves a slight grainy residue. That’s not a dealbreaker, though. At least not for me.

I also loved that it’s unflavored, which is great for versatility. However, I noticed a faint, almost chalky aftertaste when I mixed it with plain water. Adding it to smoothies or coffee masked this, but it’s something to keep in mind if you prefer simplicity.

Also, it didn’t leave us feeling full or particularly satisfied. It’s not marketed as a meal replacement, so this didn’t really come as a surprise. But it’s worth noting if you’re looking for a more filling option.

Convenience is where this product shines. The scoop makes portioning easy, and it blends well into recipes like soups or baked goods. Still, we found the fact that you need hot liquids to get perfect mixability a little limiting.

So, while Garden of Life Collagen Peptides is decent, it didn’t wow us. For texture, taste, and satiety, there are better options out there. We’d rate it a 3.5/5.

Some users report improved skin hydration and nail strength, while others see minimal changes. As with any collagen supplement, individual results may vary. For more insights and customer experiences, refer to this NeoCell Collagen Beauty Builder Review.

Side Effects & Safety

Commonly mentioned issues include bloating, a slight aftertaste, and occasional digestive discomfort, like gas or constipation. These effects, the manufacturer claims, are often linked to individual sensitivities or improper hydration when consuming the product.

Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially for those with sensitivities to bovine or marine-derived ingredients. Be sure to check the source of collagen if you have food allergies.

Some users also noted that the product didn’t mix well in cold liquids, which could affect its convenience for daily use.

On the positive side, the product is free from major allergens like gluten, soy, and dairy. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use.

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Real Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for Garden of Life Collagen Peptides are mixed, with ratings varying across platforms. On Amazon, the product holds an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 16,000 reviews. Many users praise its quality and effectiveness, particularly for improving hair, nails, and joint health. However, some report disappointing results or issues with mixability.

One satisfied Amazon customer who left a 5-star rating shared,

I love Garden of Life products!!! I've tried another collagen product and didn’t like it—it didn’t mix well with my drinks. Garden of Life mixes well in coffee/smoothies and is easy to digest. My hair and nails love it, which means I do too. Highly recommend!

In contrast, another user who left a 1-star rating wrote,

The collagen peptides are the worst I have ever used. One week after starting this brand, most of my nails have chipped or cracked, and my hair texture has gotten worse. I have used another brand previously with great success but it was pricier, so I thought I would try this brand. Do Not Buy!!!

On Trustpilot, Garden of Life as a brand has a more modest rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars. While the company is appreciated for its clean ingredients, some customers express dissatisfaction with specific products.

Where to Find the Best Value

Garden of Life Collagen Peptides is available on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and the brand’s official website. On Amazon, it’s listed for $26.66, with different offers and discounts from time to time. The official website lists it for $22.39.

We couldn’t help but notice how the product is relatively expensive compared to other dietary collagen supplements. While the quality and added probiotics may justify the price for some, it may throw off budget-conscious buyers.

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Garden of Life Collagen Peptides vs. Super Derm Complex

Garden of Life offers a simple formula with Type I and III collagen, plus Bacillus coagulans probiotics. It’s unflavored and versatile but lacks additional collagen types. Priced at around $22.39 for 9.87 oz, we (and many other users) consider it expensive for its limited ingredient profile.

Super Derm Complex, on the other hand, features a robust blend of five collagen types (I, II, III, IV, and V). These are sourced from bovine, marine, chicken, and eggshell peptides. This comprehensive formulation supports skin, joints, and overall wellness. At $66.50 per bottle (3-month supply), it’s pricier but offers broader benefits.

Pros & Cons