Vital Proteins is the most-recognized collagen brand in the US. It's also not halal-certified, which leaves Muslim collagen buyers looking for a halal alternative.
This is a head-to-head comparison of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides against ZMZM Labs Glow Collagen Peptides — the closest halal-certified equivalent in the US market.
Why Vital Proteins isn't halal
Vital Proteins sources collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle in Brazil. The brand emphasizes traceability and quality — but does not pursue halal certification, which would require verification that:
- The cattle were slaughtered according to Islamic zabiha standards
- The processing facility doesn't share equipment with porcine products
- No alcohol-based processing aids were used in extraction or hydrolysis
- The facility holds current IFANCA, ISA, JAKIM, or HFA certification
None of these are verified for Vital Proteins. For Muslim consumers, this means the standard Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides product is not halal-permissible despite no porcine ingredients appearing on the label.
Vital Proteins vs ZMZM Glow Collagen Peptides
| Attribute | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | ZMZM Glow Collagen Peptides |
|---|---|---|
| Halal certification | None | IFANCA-certified |
| Collagen type | Hydrolyzed bovine, Type I & III | Hydrolyzed bovine, Type I & III |
| Per serving | 20g (varies by SKU) | 10g |
| Source | Brazilian grass-fed pasture-raised | Halal-verified grass-fed (zabiha) |
| Format | Unflavored powder + flavored options | Unflavored powder |
| Capsule available | Yes (separate SKU) | No (powder only) |
| Third-party tested | Yes | Yes, every batch |
| Published COAs | Limited | Available on Lab Reports page |
| Cost per gram of collagen | ~$0.10-0.12 | ~$0.20 |
The key differences
Certification. The single biggest difference. Vital Proteins is not halal-certified. ZMZM Glow Collagen Peptides is IFANCA-certified. This is the binary that matters for Muslim buyers.
Dose per serving. Vital Proteins offers 20g per serving in their standard Collagen Peptides product. ZMZM offers 10g per serving. Both doses are clinically studied — the 10g dose is the more commonly cited threshold in research literature; 20g is at the upper end. Per gram, Vital Proteins is roughly half the cost.
Source verification. Vital Proteins sources from Brazil with traceability documentation but no halal slaughter verification. ZMZM sources from zabiha-slaughtered cattle in IFANCA-audited facilities with batch-level COAs published.
SKU breadth. Vital Proteins has dozens of SKUs (powder, capsules, flavored, beauty-specific, joint-specific). ZMZM currently has one collagen peptides SKU plus a creamer format.
Who should choose each
Vital Proteins is appropriate if: halal certification is not required, you want maximum brand recognition or specific specialty SKUs (joint formulas, beauty blends), and you're optimizing for cost per gram of collagen.
ZMZM Glow Collagen Peptides is appropriate if: halal certification matters, you want documented batch-level COAs, or you value source verification through Islamic zabiha standards.
Switching from Vital Proteins to a halal alternative
For Muslim consumers currently on Vital Proteins who want to switch:
- Note your current serving size. If you've been using 20g of Vital Proteins, plan to use 2 scoops of ZMZM (20g) rather than 1 scoop (10g) to match your existing protocol.
- The taste is comparable — both are unflavored hydrolyzed bovine collagen. Mix the same way (water, coffee, tea, smoothie).
- Consistency matters more than dose in the long-term collagen routine. Pick the dose you can sustain.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vital Proteins halal?
No. Vital Proteins does not carry halal certification. The product is sourced from grass-fed cattle but the cattle are not slaughtered per Islamic zabiha standards and the facility doesn't hold IFANCA or equivalent certification.
What's the closest halal alternative to Vital Proteins?
ZMZM Labs Glow Collagen Peptides is the closest direct equivalent in the US market — same active (hydrolyzed bovine collagen Type I & III), same format (unflavored powder), IFANCA-certified.
Is collagen safe during pregnancy?
Collagen peptides are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Consult your physician before adding any supplement during these periods.
How long does it take to see results from collagen?
Research suggests 4-8 weeks for measurable skin changes at clinical doses. Hair and nail outcomes typically appear 8-12 weeks. Consistency matters most.
Can I take collagen with vitamin C?
Yes — vitamin C is a cofactor in collagen synthesis. Many people pair collagen with a vitamin C source (food or supplement) intentionally.
Our recommendation
For Muslim consumers wanting halal-certified hydrolyzed bovine collagen with documented sourcing and batch-level COAs, ZMZM Glow Collagen Peptides is the direct alternative to Vital Proteins.
Last updated May 2026. Pricing and availability subject to change. We do not receive commission on competitor brand mentions.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.