NOW Foods Multi Collagen Protein Types I II & III Powder 16 oz.

What it is

NOW Foods Multi Collagen Protein Types I, II & III is an unflavored hydrolyzed collagen powder sold in a 16 oz. (454 g) tub. The Supplement Facts panel gives a serving size of 2½ level tablespoons (13.1 g) and lists about 35 servings in the tub. Each serving declares 11 g of hydrolyzed collagen, 100 mg of vitamin C as ascorbic acid, 50 mg of grape seed extract, 10 g of protein and 40 calories. The front of the jar reads Unflavored and carries a Non-GMO mark; the panel's "Other ingredients" line reads: None.

What's inside

The formula is built on 11 g of hydrolyzed collagen per serving, which the panel declares as coming from bovine, chicken bone broth and fish skin, and marks BSE-Free. Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals. The word "hydrolyzed" describes processing rather than a source: the long protein chains have been broken into shorter peptides. The powder is still not instant — the label asks you to mix vigorously or use a shaker cup.

The three numerals in the product name are the collagen types the label attributes to each source. Types I and III are attributed to beef, type II to chicken bone broth, and type I to fish. The pack describes the bovine collagen as coming from BSE-free and hormone-free cattle. All three sources are declared together as one combined 11 g figure rather than broken out individually, so the label does not state how much of the 11 g comes from each source — and neither do we.

Two further ingredients carry their own declared amounts. Vitamin C appears as ascorbic acid at 100 mg, which the panel puts at 111% of the Daily Value; the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet on vitamin C gives general background on the nutrient and does not refer to this product. Grape seed extract, named on the panel by its botanical name Vitis vinifera, is listed at 50 mg and carries a dagger footnoted "Daily Value not established" — the same marking as the collagen row. NIH's general overview of botanical dietary supplements explains what that category covers. Manufacturer label transcriptions for US dietary supplements are collected in the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

How to use it

The label's Suggested Usage is to mix 2½ level tablespoons daily into 8 oz. of water, juice, or your favorite beverage, mixing vigorously or using a shaker cup. That is the whole of the printed instruction — the label gives no separate timing, no with-food or without-food note and no second daily serving.

For storage, the pack says to store in a cool, dry place after opening. Three further notes are printed alongside it: natural color variation may occur in this product; the product is sold by weight not volume; and the freshness packet enclosed in the tub is not to be eaten.

Who it's for

This is a dietary supplement for adults 18 and over. The unflavored powder format suits anyone who would rather stir a measured scoop into coffee, water or juice than swallow capsules, and the tub holds about 35 servings at the label's measure. Because one of the three collagen sources is fish skin, the pack declares fish as an allergen — so it is not a fit for anyone avoiding fish, and it is not a vegetarian or vegan product, since every collagen source declared on the panel is animal-derived. See also our Supplements range and the wider Health & Wellness section.

Good to know

The pack's printed Caution reads: for adults only; consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition; keep out of reach of children. The allergen statement declares fish (cod, pollock, saithe, haddock, plaice), and adds that the product is not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients, and that it is produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

The back panel names NOW Foods, 395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd., Bloomingdale, IL 60108, USA, at nowfoods.com, and states that the product is packaged and quality tested in the USA. The company describes itself on the pack as family owned since 1968. The jar carries a GMP Quality Assured roundel and a Non-GMO mark.

The disclaimer at the foot of this page follows a standard required of dietary supplements; the FDA's note on structure/function claims explains the labeling rules behind it. For general guidance on using supplements alongside medication or an existing condition, NCCIH publishes an overview of dietary and herbal supplements. Neither source refers to this product.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many servings are in the 16 oz. tub?

About 35, at the label's serving size of 2½ level tablespoons (13.1 g). The tub holds 16 oz. (454 g) by net weight, and the panel notes that the product is sold by weight not volume.

Does this product contain fish?

Yes. The allergen line declares fish — cod, pollock, saithe, haddock and plaice — because fish skin is one of the three collagen sources. The same line states the powder is not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients, and that it is produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing those allergens.

Is the powder flavored?

No — the front of the jar reads Unflavored. The printed directions are to mix 2½ level tablespoons into 8 oz. of water, juice, or your favorite beverage, mixing vigorously or using a shaker cup.

What are the three collagen types, and where does each come from?

The label attributes types I and III to beef, type II to chicken bone broth, and type I to fish. All three are declared on the panel as one combined figure — 11 g of hydrolyzed collagen per serving from bovine, chicken bone broth and fish skin, marked BSE-Free — so the label does not break the 11 g down by source.

How is the order packaged for delivery?

Orders ship in plain outer packaging, with no product imagery and no brand marks on the outside. It will not show the Gear Isle name.

Product information compiled and reviewed by the Gear Isle product team. We transcribe supplement facts directly from manufacturer packaging. Found an error? Tell us.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplement for adults 18 and over. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before use, especially if you have a medical condition, heart concerns, or take prescription medication (including nitrates). Keep out of reach of children.