Equip Foods is a functional nutrition brand focused on protein, performance, and foundational formulation made with minimal, whole-food ingredients. The core lineup centers on grass-fed beef–based protein powders and bars, collagen, colostrum, pre-workout formulas, and coffee.
The product range is designed to support physiological functions such as muscle protein synthesis, gut health, connective tissue support, energy production, and workout performance. These formulations may target amino acid availability, digestive tolerance, and nutrient density. Pre-workout and coffee products are framed around clean energy and performance support without artificial flavors, fillers, or stimulatory excess.
This review examines the brand in detail, outlining its key products and potential limitations. It also considers how user-reported experiences align with the brand’s positioning and how it compares with other brands operating in the functional nutrition space.
About Equip Foods
Equip Foods claims to provide clean, nutrient-dense products made from carefully sourced, third-party tested ingredients, while excluding artificial additives, fillers, gums, processing aids, and hidden contaminants. The brand philosophy centers on the view that real food, not isolated synthetic compounds, should form the foundation of nutritional support.
Equip Foods’ products are framed as concentrated real foods designed to complement, not replace, a whole-food diet. Grass-fed beef plays a central role due to its complete amino acid profile, naturally occurring micronutrients, and digestibility compared with dairy-based proteins.
The product portfolio includes Prime Protein, Prime Bars made with beef protein and collagen, Grass-Fed Collagen, Core Colostrum and Core Colostrum Gummies for gut and immune support, Pure Pre, and Clean Coffee. Products are offered in multiple flavors, including newer and limited releases such as Cookies & Cream Prime Protein, with select options available with or without stevia. Equip states that all products undergo third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and other environmental contaminants.
Equip Foods Offerings
Prime Protein
According to the brand, Prime Protein is intended to support muscle recovery and nutrition without dairy, gluten, soy, or common digestive irritants. Each serving provides about 21 grams of complete protein sourced from grass-fed beef and beef bones. It has essential amino acids that are needed for muscle protein synthesis. It naturally contains amino acids such as tryptophan and cysteine, which support joints, connective tissue, skin structure, and the gut lining.
Prime Protein is available in Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Vanilla, Strawberry, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, Iced Coffee, and Unflavored, with most flavors offered in both stevia-sweetened and stevia-free options. It is positioned as a complete, gut-friendly protein built from grass-fed beef using real-food methods, intended to support muscle, connective tissue, and digestion.
Prime Bar
Prime Bar is designed as a real-food snack that may support fullness and digestive tolerance. It contains protein from grass-fed beef combined with collagen. This blend supplies muscle-supporting amino acids alongside structural amino acids that may support connective tissue. The bar is intentionally dense and chewy, which slows eating and promotes satiety instead of mimicking candy-style protein bars.
The inclusion of grass-fed bovine colostrum provides naturally occurring bioactive compounds that support gut barrier integrity and immune function. Fats come from grass-fed beef tallow and cocoa butter and may give sustained energy. Carbohydrates are sourced exclusively from dates and honey, which act as natural binders while adding mild sweetness and trace nutrients. Prime Bar is made without whey, dairy isolates, gluten, soy, lecithins, or artificial preservatives. Available flavors include Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Mixed Berry, and Churro.
Grass-Fed Collagen
Equip Grass-Fed Collagen may support connective tissue health. As outlined on the official site, it is designed for joint, skin, hair, nail, bone, and gut lining support. The collagen is claimed to be sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides and provides glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are structural in nature and serve as building blocks for tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin matrix, and the intestinal lining. Collagen supplies raw materials used for tissue repair and structural maintenance.
Collagen is hydrolyzed and broken down into smaller peptides that dissolve easily and are absorbed efficiently. This improves usability while preserving the functional amino acids needed for structural maintenance. It could also contribute to skin, hair, and nail structure by supporting the underlying matrix that gives these tissues strength and resilience.
Core Colostrum
Core Colostrum may support immune function, gut integrity, and recovery. It contains concentrated immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, growth factors, and bioactive peptides that play direct roles in immune signaling and tissue repair. Its 3-gram serving provides 3 grams of grass-fed bovine colostrum sourced from pasture-raised cows in the United States.
Colostrum supports gut barrier integrity by supplying growth factors and peptides that help maintain and repair the intestinal lining. It also contributes immune support through immunoglobulins that assist the body’s defense response. While not a primary protein source, it naturally contains branched-chain amino acids that support tissue repair. Core Colostrum is unflavored and easy to mix into water or other beverages.
Clean Coffee
Clean Coffee is a whole-bean coffee developed for consistent energy, tolerance, and flavor without the contaminants commonly associated with conventional coffee. The product may aid in alertness, antioxidants, and routine enjoyment. Beans are selected from small farm cooperatives that follow regenerative and responsible agricultural practices, with an emphasis on soil health and long-term crop quality. Every batch undergoes third-party testing to confirm the absence of mycotoxins, mold, pesticides, and herbicides, including glyphosate.
Processing is intentionally restrained to preserve both chemical integrity and flavor. Clean Coffee is roasted and available as whole beans to limit oxidation and maintain freshness. For the decaffeinated option, the brand claims to use the Mountain Water Process, a solvent-free method that removes caffeine using water and filtration rather than chemical agents. This approach preserves native flavor compounds and antioxidant content while avoiding residual solvents common in many decaf coffees.
Core Colostrum Gummies
Equip Core Colostrum Gummies deliver the functional benefits of bovine colostrum in a chewable, portable format. According to the official site, they are designed to support immune health, gut integrity, and recovery while making consistent use easier for daily routines or travel.
The primary active ingredient is grass-fed bovine colostrum, ethically sourced after calves have received adequate nourishment. Colostrum naturally contains immunoglobulins that support immune signaling, lactoferrin with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and growth factors that support tissue repair and gut lining integrity.
Pure Pre
Pure Pre may support performance through energy production, circulation, focus, and hydration rather than excessive stimulation. It contains L-citrulline malate, which promotes nitric oxide production and blood flow, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles.
The makers also added creatine monohydrate, which supports rapid ATP regeneration for strength and power output. Its beta-alanine buffers acid buildup in muscles, helping delay fatigue during high-intensity efforts. L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate and L-carnitine L-tartrate support blood flow and may also help support recovery.
L-tyrosine supports neurotransmitter production involved in focus and stress response, while taurine may aid in hydration, electrolyte balance, and neuromuscular function. A complete essential amino acid profile might support muscle protein synthesis and limit muscle breakdown during training.
As per the official site, the formulation also contains green tea extract, which provides caffeine for alertness, with polyphenols that help moderate stimulation. Vitamins B6 and B12 support energy metabolism and nervous system function, while vitamin C provides antioxidant support.
Equip Foods Advantages
Clinician-Founded Brand Origins
Equip Foods launched in 2015, founded by Anthony Gustin, who earned a Master’s degree in Sports Rehabilitation from the University of Southern California. Before starting the brand, Gustin worked in San Francisco–area clinics, emphasizing nutrition, recovery, and tissue health for athletes and patients. His experience exposed common flaws in mainstream formulations, such as excessive processing, synthetic additives, and inconsistent ingredient quality. In response, Equip prioritizes minimally processed, real-food ingredients like grass-fed beef protein, collagen, and colostrum over highly engineered blends.
Clinician-founded origins boost credibility by grounding product decisions in real-world clinical observations, not just marketing trends. This appeals if you prioritize functional nutrition, simple ingredients, and formulations for athletic performance or recovery. While no substitute for personal product trials, this approach signals thoughtful ingredient selection and brand intent, fostering greater user confidence.
Additive-Averse Positioning
Equip Foods positions its products around a strict additive-averse formulation standard, as claimed by the brand, stating that its formulas exclude chemicals, fillers, gums, artificial flavors, sweeteners, emulsifiers, thickeners, and stabilizers.
The brand frames these exclusions as a non-negotiable rule rather than an optional feature, contrasting its approach with mainstream supplements that rely on heavy processing to improve taste, texture, or shelf life.
Equip emphasizes minimally processed, whole-food ingredients such as grass-fed beef protein, collagen, and colostrum, supported by short ingredient lists and limited processing. The brand also states that it applies third-party testing to screen for contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins.
As claimed by the brand, this additive-averse positioning reduces exposure to non-functional ingredients that can contribute to digestive discomfort or long-term health concerns. Clear exclusion statements make it easier to evaluate products without decoding technical ingredient names, lowering the risk of label confusion in a crowded supplement category. If you prioritize food-first nutrition, ingredient simplicity, and minimal processing, this transparency can increase trust and confidence that the product aligns with your preferences and performance goals.
Equip Foods Limitation
Retail Gaps
Equip Foods sells mainly through its own website. A small number of online specialty retailers also carry the brand. It does not have a broad presence in national chain stores, pharmacies, grocery aisles, or major supplement retailers like GNC or Whole Foods. This limited retail footprint reduces everyday visibility. Many discover nutrition products while browsing store shelves or end-cap displays. Equip depends more on deliberate online searches than on in-store discovery.
The narrow distribution also limits comparison. Physical retail lets you review protein levels, amino acid profiles, sourcing claims, and certifications side by side. It also offers guidance from store staff or pharmacists. By staying outside these channels, Equip Foods keeps control over its sales experience but gives up wider exposure and easier access for mainstream buyers.
Pros
- Rigorous third-party testing for toxins like heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics.
- Diverse lineup of offerings.
- Claims to provide 30-day returns and free shipping on orders over $90.
- Doctor-formulated products using minimal, thoughtfully sourced ingredients without junk, fillers, gums, artificial flavors, or chemicals.
Cons
- Premium pricing across products (e.g., $39.99-$63.99 base, up to $4.16 per serving for bars), potentially less accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- Heavy reliance on animal-based ingredients (grass-fed beef, bovine collagen, colostrum), excluding vegetarians and vegans.
- Limited explicit details on flavor variety, sweeteners (e.g., stevia options noted but not comprehensive), or full nutritional transparency beyond servings and protein claims.
Equip Foods Alternatives
Ancestral Supplements
Ancestral Supplements and Equip Foods both focus on product strategies in grass-fed, whole-food animal nutrition and ancestral eating principles, but they diverge in execution and focus. The brand Ancestral emphasizes organ-specific supplementation rooted in nose-to-tail nutrition, while Equip concentrates on simplified, performance-oriented formats such as protein powders and bars. Both brands prioritize purity and bioavailability, yet there are some differences in product mix, processing choices, and pricing.
Ancestral Supplements maintains a broad catalog of more than 40+ targeted products, largely composed of freeze-dried grass-fed beef organs, including liver, heart, thyroid, adrenals, spleen, kidney, and testes, along with blended formulations such as FEM for women and MOFO for men. The lineup also includes colostrum and a protein powder, though capsules remain the core offering. Equip Foods, by contrast, offers a narrower but more versatile range centered on mixable and portable products, such as Prime Protein powder delivering 21 grams of grass-fed beef protein isolate per serving, collagen, colostrum, protein bars, and pre-workout formulas, prioritizing convenience and repeat daily use.
From a scientific and formulation standpoint, both brands focus on established research around whole-food bioavailability rather than proprietary clinical trials. Ancestral Supplements grounds its approach in ancestral diet theory, using non-defatted, freeze-dried organs to preserve naturally occurring fats, fat-soluble vitamins, peptides, and enzymes, with no fillers or flow agents. Third-party testing is used to verify purity and nutrient integrity. Equip Foods takes a physician-formulated, minimal-ingredient approach, often limiting products to three to five ingredients, and highlights retention of collagen- and gelatin-derived amino acids such as glycine and proline for gut and joint support. Equip Foods conducts third-party testing for heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead), microplastics, pesticides, glyphosate, and label accuracy on every batch, with results reported in precise ppb/mcg units and COAs available upon request. Like Ancestral Supplements, Equip does not publish brand-specific randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Both rely on bioavailability plausibility from whole-food sourcing rather than proprietary clinical data.
Pricing further supports their positioning. Ancestral Supplements capsules typically range from $40 to $68 per bottle. Specific examples include Grass Fed Beef Liver at $38, Grass Fed Beef Organs at $48, MOFO at $62, FEM at $68, and Grass Fed Beef Adrenal at $80. Equip Foods products generally fall between $40 and $70 per product, with Prime Protein priced around $63.99, Prime Bars at $49.99, Collagen at around $43.99, Colostrum at $47.99, and pre-workout between $45-$55, with free shipping over $90. Ancestral offers a stronger value for targeted supplementation, while Equip highlights a premium for convenience, flavor, and athletic usability.
PaleoPro
PaleoPro and Equip Foods are focused on recovery, performance, and nutrient density, but they are different in terms of origin story, product philosophy, and execution. The brand PaleoPro emphasizes ancestral, nose-to-tail nutrition, while Equip Foods centers its positioning on modern purity standards supported by third-party testing. These two brands highlight distinct approaches to clean protein.
PaleoPro was founded in 2013 by Doug Smith. Its formulation approach strictly excludes grains, dairy, soy, refined sugars, pesticides, and added hormones, positioning the line for paleo, carnivore, and injury-recovery use cases. Equip Foods emphasizes whole-food concentrates and transparent quality controls. It prioritizes grass-fed beef protein over whey, citing amino acid completeness and digestibility, and highlights third-party testing for contaminants like heavy metals and PFAS.
Across product lines, both brands highlight premium pricing reflective of sourcing and processing standards. PaleoPro pricing is relatively consistent, generally ranging from $30–$43 per product, while Equip Foods spans a broader range of approximately $20–$50, depending on format and discounts. PaleoPro’s protein offerings include Paleo Protein, delivering about 26 grams of grass-fed beef protein per serving in flavors such as Aztec Vanilla, and Carnivore Complete, which blends beef protein with organs and tallow at around $42.99. Equip Foods’ Prime Protein provides roughly 20–21 grams of beef isolate per serving, with flavors such as Cookies & Cream and optional stevia, typically priced between $40–$50.
In the recovery and collagen category, PaleoPro offers bone broth protein with turmeric, delivering roughly 16–20 grams of protein per serving, priced between $29.99–$39.99, alongside a multi-collagen formula. Equip Foods has a grass-fed collagen product providing about 15 grams per serving, marketed for joint, gut, and skin support, generally priced from $35–$45. For organ-based or immune-focused products, PaleoPro maintains a strong nose-to-tail emphasis with liver, organ complex, and testicle capsules around the $30 range, while Equip Foods focuses on colostrum offerings, including powders and gummies sourced from grass-fed bovine colostrum, typically priced between $40–$50.
Beyond core nutrition, PaleoPro keeps its performance lineup relatively narrow, with products such as HydroLyte+ electrolytes priced at about $29.99. Equip Foods expands more aggressively into daily-use and lifestyle products, including Pure Pre pre-workout, Prime Bars, and Clean Coffee, generally falling in the $20–$40 range. This broader catalog reflects an intent to integrate clean protein into everyday routines rather than niche frameworks.
Both brands share dairy-free, grass-fed formulations designed to support muscle maintenance, joint health, and clean energy without artificial additives. PaleoPro’s advantages lie in its strict adherence to nose-to-tail nutrition, predictable pricing, and appeal to paleo or carnivore consumers focused on resilience and recovery. Limitations include fewer flavor options and less visible emphasis on contaminant testing. Equip Foods benefits from rigorous testing standards, broader flavor innovation, and greater accessibility through subscriptions and media visibility, though pricing reaches higher levels at the top end, and protein dosing varies slightly across products.
PaleoPro is focused more on paleo or carnivore principles, prioritizing recovery and organ-based nutrition. Equip Foods highlights a whey-free protein ecosystem with more convenience formats.
How Did We Evaluate?
Real User Reviews
To assess real customer experience with Equip, we analyzed publicly available customer feedback on Amazon across several of the brand’s best-selling products. Its Prime Protein holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating from 4,870+ global reviews. Customers frequently praise the clean ingredient list with no fillers or artificial additives. The most common complaint is mixability, as many report clumping or thick, pudding-like textures.
The Core Colostrum Powder has a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 669+ global reviews. Customers repeatedly report benefits related to gut health, digestion, reduced bloating, immune support, and recovery after workouts. The unflavored powder is widely described as easy to add to coffee, smoothies, or shakes without changing taste. Reviewers also praise the grass-fed sourcing, lack of fillers, and third-party testing. Negative feedback is limited but includes occasional discussions around incomplete mixing and rare complaints about taste or freshness upon opening.
Core Colostrum Gummies also have a similar rating of 4.6 out of 5, which is based on 670+ global ratings. People mostly discuss the convenience and ease of daily use, with many customers noting improvements in digestion, regularity, and immune support. Taste and convenience are the primary reasons users choose this format.
Grass-Fed Collagen Powder holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 670+ reviews. Customers consistently highlight its lack of taste, excellent solubility, especially in coffee, and clean sourcing from grass-fed cattle. Reported benefits include improved skin, hair, nails, joint comfort, gut health, and workout recovery. Users appreciate the absence of fillers, sugars, or artificial flavors. Negative feedback is minimal and largely limited to price concerns or personal preference around flavors.
Across Equip Foods’ formulations, customer satisfaction is generally high. Recurring strengths include clean ingredient transparency, grass-fed sourcing, and digestive tolerance. Recurring drawbacks center on mixability issues for protein powders, premium pricing, and occasional packaging or fill-level concerns. These reviews suggest Equip appeals most to consumers prioritizing minimal ingredients and sourcing quality, while value-focused people may find the cost harder to justify.
Brand Reputation
To assess the overall reputation of Equip Foods, we checked for independent third-party sources to capture post-purchase experience. On TenereTeam, Equip Foods holds an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5, based on 1,760+ aggregated ratings.
However, the feedback there appears limited, with only 10+ publicly available reviews. They consistently reference product quality, ingredient transparency, digestibility, and perceived effectiveness. Critical remarks are minimal and primarily relate to pricing rather than formulation, safety, or fulfillment concerns.
We also checked formal complaint-tracking platforms. Neither the Better Business Bureau (BBB) nor ConsumerAffairs currently lists an active profile for Equip Foods, indicating an absence of documented disputes, unresolved complaints, or regulatory actions on those platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The brand aligns with athletic supplementation through its Prime Protein (21g grass-fed beef isolate with full EAAs), Pure Pre (green tea caffeine, citrulline malate, creatine, electrolytes), and collagen for muscle/joint support. Core Colostrum is better framed as recovery/immune support, though human performance data remains preliminary.
The brand highlights that its products are designed to lower digestive discomfort risk by excluding gums, emulsifiers, dairy, and seed oil. However, some people may still experience mild GI symptoms (bloating, gas) from flavored variants( Prime Protein with cocoa, stevia, or trace natural carriers like tapioca maltodextrin).
The brand may support micronutrient intake indirectly through real-food proteins rather than fortification. Prime Protein retains collagen peptides (glycine, proline), while Core Colostrum adds IgG, glutamine, and growth factors. However, there are no added vitamins or minerals, so broader micronutrient needs (e.g., magnesium, zinc, B-vitamins) require separate supplementation.
Final Words
Equip Foods presents a clearly defined brand philosophy centered on performance nutrition derived from real, minimally processed food sources. Across its portfolio, the brand demonstrates strong formulation discipline, favoring short ingredient lists, additive avoidance, and animal-based inputs aligned with functional outcomes such as recovery, gut support, and sustained energy.
The clinician-founded background and emphasis on sourcing transparency and third-party testing contribute to credibility, particularly among consumers prioritizing digestibility, ingredient integrity, and routine usability.
However, the brand’s minimalist approach may not suit all consumers equally. Limited retail availability can affect accessibility, and certain formulations, by virtue of their simplicity and lack of processing aids, may present practical trade-offs such as texture or tolerance variability depending on individual sensitivity. Your experience can also differ based on personal digestion, stimulant tolerance, and expectations around convenience.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.