Until recently, I started my day with a mountain of pills, powders, and capsules.
One day I ran out of a product and bought a new brand. The product had the same dose but the capsule doubled in size. I investigated.
Each new capsule contained fillers, excipients, and plenty of other inactive ingredients. The first product didn’t have them, so surely the second cheaper brand didn’t need them either.
It turns out that not all supplement brands or products are the same. Choosing reliable brands ensures that you receive a product with the actual active ingredients inside, no questionable fillers, and most importantly, no contaminants.
In this post I will present the best supplement brands that meet the highest purity, safety, and trustworthiness standards:
- Certified by one of more regulatory agencies
- Vigorous safety testing
- Trusted by medical practitioners
- Minimal filler
- Products mostly made in the USA
Biohacker Favorite: BiOptimizers
Peptides: LVLUP Health
Whole-Food Based: Paleovalley
Ingredients: Qualia Life
The Wrong Supplement Manufacturer Are Worse Than Useless
Dietary supplements do not fit into the category of either food or drug, so the FDA turns a blind eye. Manufacturers notoriously cut corners whenever possible for a leg up on their rivals.
Filling this need, third-party companies evaluate products for effectiveness and safety.
Every year new headlines come out about contaminated supplements. The results of many such tests are dismal.
A study on athletes found that supplement users unintentionally consumed products adulterated with banned substances. This devastated the career of Olympic swimmer Jessica Hardy. And Jessica was proactive. Before buying she had contacted the company for safety and purity information on their products. Not an athlete?
Smart drugs, or brain-enhancing nootropics have similar issues with purity. Memory supplements contained little to no active ingredients, yet substantial contamination.
One of the larger tests of 138 common dietary supplements found worrisome levels of toxic molds, yeast, and fungi.
Another more recent 2018 study identified unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients in a staggering 776 dietary supplements. What kind of products? Those marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or muscle building. From that same report:
“157 products (20.2%) contained more than 1 unapproved ingredient.”
It still happens today.
In June 2019 the FDA seized 300,000 containers of contaminated products.
Due to widespread product contamination and new untested brands bombarding store shelves, choosing a safe and reliable supplement brand is critical to your health and wellbeing.
The Best Honest Supplement Companies
My research on the below companies comes mostly from their own websites along with personal testing and third-party evaluation.
Note that I haven’t included all supplement vendors below, rather only the biggest and most popular.
These online supplement sellers don’t stock everything. For niche supplements, check out these posts:
- Where to buy quality therapeutic peptides online
- Reputable bioregulator peptides sellers
- Where to buy brain boosting nootropics online
You’ll find many other high-quality lab-tested supplement brands in my online shop.
BiOptimizers
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If you’ve taken supplements for any period of time, you’ve likely come across BiOptimizers. They have among the lowest return rate of any supplement company. That’s because they extensively research how to best solve their own problems and those of their clientele (pro athletes, CEOs, etc).
Using the highest-quality, most bioavailable forms of nutrients (often costing them 200-400% more than their competitors). If they cannot produce the best product in its category, they don’t.
They use organic ingredients wherever possible, and manufacture in the Canda-based facility. BiOptimizers products are non-GMO; free of chemical fillers, binders, soy, dairy, and gluten; vegetarian and vegan-friendly; and backed by a generous no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.
Other notes:
- Team includes a world-class Chinese herbal expert, an elite nootropic formulator, and top enzyme scientists
- Scientific Advisory Board includes Dom D’Agostino; Monia Avdic, PhD; Sabina Halilovic, PhD
- They work with the Burch University in Sarajevo
- BiOptimizers has their own probiotics lab with multiple PhDs
LVLUP Health
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LVLUP Health delivers advanced peptide and nutraceutical formulations designed to support the body’s innate healing capacities.
It sets itself apart by using only clean, functional fillers and formulating some of the most potent stacks on the market.
Founded by naturopath Kyal Van Der Leest in 2020, the company blends modern ingredients for fast-acting results with time-tested botanicals to support long-term health.
Just note that some of LVLUP’s products are for research purposes only. Regardless, their commitment to purity and quality encompasses all their products.
Kyal refuses to compromise on quality, and only releases products that he (and his family) personally take.
I still use their pre-workout, testosterone formula, metabolic optimizer, longevity formula, and more.
Ingredients: Pure, clinically-dosed ingredients free from common allergens.
Testing:
- HPLC testing and third-party verification (MZ Biolabs) for purity, potency, and contaminants
- Certificates of Analysis available on their website
Other notes:
- Practitioner-formulated supplements
Activation Products
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Activation Products is a nature-based supplement brand emphasizing pure, plant-derived nutrients and superfoods. Focusing on supporting the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
It harnesses the wisdom of nature and intelligently applies technology to retain maximum bioactives and beneficial substances in each of their products.
The company was founded by Ian Clark as a result of his successful quest to resolve simultaneous life-threatening conditions.
Activation Products emphasizes transparency and quality control. For example, their Oceans Alive® uses photobioreactor-grown marine phytoplankton to eliminate ocean pollutants and ensure strain purity.
Manufacturing is performed in US-based facilities (Salt Lake City, UT), following rigorous processes.
Ingredients: 100% plant, mineral, and superfood-based.
Other notes:
- Emphasis on simplicity and authenticity for natural health seekers.
- Family-owned business
- Team includes industry experts from the USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, Greece, & Australia
- 60-day return policy
Paleovalley
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Paleovalley is a whole‑food supplement brand dedicated to nourishing the body with nutrient-dense, minimally processed superfoods. It was co-founded by a Doctor of Holistic Nutrition, Dr. Autumn Smith.
Their supplements are based on extensive research and a strong understanding of the natural synergy of whole foods.
They also offer the cleanest possible snacks and are widely considered the premium supplier of natural supplements.
Paleovalley upholds strict purity measures, and their products undergo gentle processing methods like freeze-drying.
While not all products carry formal third-party certifications, their transparency, consumer reviews, and inclusion in ConsumerLab evaluations reflect a trusted reputation.
Ingredients: Grass-fed, pasture-raised, wild-caught or organic whole‑food sources. No synthetic vitamins, additives, preservatives, allergens, GMOs, and flow agents.
Testing:
- ISO-certified and third-party lab testing for pesticides, contaminants, and nutrient integrity
- Detailed reports for select products like bone broth protein
Certifications:
- Strict no‑GMO, gluten-free, soy/dairy-free labeling
- Produced in U.S. facilities under cGMP/FDA compliance
- Some products evaluated by ConsumerLab
Thorne
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Trusted by 12 U.S. National teams and many professional sports teams, Thorne research provides safe, effective products free of contamination. If you can’t (or don’t want to) risk accidentally consuming banned substances, Thorne’s got you covered.
They’ve been in business for decades, have great evidence-based formulas, and are one of my go-to brands.
Ingredients: Free of the common magnesium stearate filler or other unwanted absorption-inhibiting ingredients.
Testing:
- They test for 760 contaminants to verify the identity, potency, and purity of each ingredient on their labels
- Throughout the production process, each product undergoes four rounds of testing
- Thorne has an outstanding reputation among third-party certifications
Certifications:
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
- NSF-Certified products available
- A1 rating from Australia’s ultra-strict Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
- Their manufacturing facility, warehouses, and shipping centers are regularly inspected and have passed every inspection without the issuance of an FDA Form 483
Other notes:
They have over 40 products in clinical trials around the world
Thorne produces ecologically and culturally responsible products
Performance Lab
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Performance Lab is a clean‑label, plant‑based supplement company focused on ultramodern formulations engineered for peak daily performance.
It offers the world’s first universal nootropic (Mind Lab Pro®) that enhances all facets of cognition in all types of people. It’s also the best-selling nootropic of all time.
Performance Lab was founded by David Wright, after his fascination with smart drugs led him to discover that those supplements weren’t so clean.
This led him to formulate cleaner and smarter nootropics without the downsides.
Now, the company formulates ultra-clean, high-performing supplements for different health needs. Utilizing a proprietary nature-identical process for manufacturing ingredients.
It combines research-backed nutrition technologies like NutriGenesis® lab-grown vitamins and minerals and vegan-delivery NutriCaps®/NutriGels®.
Each product is crafted based on the latest science and continuously refined with input from global academic research (including University of Leeds).
They are proudly non-GMO, vegan-certified, and packaged in recyclable or PCR-based materials.
Ingredients: 100% plant-based ‘nature-identical,’ highly-bioavailable nutrients through NutriGenesis® technology. Uses premium-grade, research-backed ingredients with no fillers, allergens, GMOs, synthetic colors, or additives.
Testing:
- Multi-stage QA/QC including in-house and third-party ISO-certified testing for purity, potency, and label accuracy
Certifications:
- FDA-registered manufacturing,
- NSF
- cGMP
- Natural Products Association
- UL
- HACCP
- USP-compliant heavy metals
- EU Supplement Commission standards
- B‑Corp
Other notes:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Vegan-delivery capsules infused with prebiotic fiber
Qualia Life Sciences
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Qualia is a science‑driven brain and longevity supplement company focused on supporting mitochondrial function, stress resilience, and long-term cognitive health.
It takes a systems biology approach to formulation, rigorously testing each product in internal clinical trials before it ever hits the shelf.
By using patented, proven ingredients, they ensure you’re getting the real deal—effective, targeted, and trustworthy.
It was founded by CEO James Schmachtenberger, Jordan Greenhall, Daniel Schmachtenberger, and Venessa Hall.
They aimed to address large-scale civilization challenges by enhancing mental and physical capacities through scientifically formulated supplements.
Qualia also adheres to high‑quality sourcing and transparency standards. All ingredients and dosages are fully disclosed so no proprietary blends. Most of their products also contain patented ingredients, the same ones used in studies, so you know you’re getting the real thing (and researched benefits).
The brand is widely trusted by healthcare professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients: Fully‑disclosed vitamins, amino acids, adaptogens, polyphenols, and mitochondrial boosters with natural and minimal excipients.
Testing:
- Multi-stage quality assurance with third‑party lab testing for contaminants, potency, and label verification
- Transparent Certificates of Analysis for batches
Certifications:
- Produced in FDA‑registered, GMP‑compliant facilities
- Non‑GMO, vegan, gluten-free
- Follows ISO/USP standards for ingredient quality
Other notes:
- Includes 100‑day money back guarantee
- Ethically sourced
RnA ReSet
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RnA ReSet is a practitioner-designed supplement brand founded by Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, specializing in highly absorbable, liquid and capsule mineral and vitamin solutions.
Dr. Dean is the pioneering voice who first brought magnesium therapy into the spotlight. Because she realized most products on the market simply don’t deliver what they promise.
Built on over 40 years of clinical experience, RnA ReSet emphasizes pure, biochemically optimized nutrient delivery.
The brand offers ionic liquid formulas like magnesium, zinc, and B-complex in picometer-sized or nanoparticle form for enhanced cellular uptake.
Consumer feedback rates RnA ReSet highly (≈4.3–4.8★ across platforms) and emphasizes quality, value, and effective absorption.
Ingredients: No artificial colors, flavors, gluten, soy, artificial sweeteners, and GMOs.
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- Quality control measures for purity and potency reported across product lines
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- cGMP-compliant manufacturing
- Made in FDA-regulated facilities
- Adheres to FDA labeling requirements
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- Transparent about formulation design
Healthgevity
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Healthgevity is a cutting‑edge, science‑focused supplement company dedicated to unlocking the potential of bioactive peptides and longevity-enhancing nutraceuticals.
Utilizing science-backed ingredients and formulas that you won’t find inside any other product.
The brand collaborates with top medical researchers and clinicians to formulate advanced, orally bioavailable peptides, proteins, and natural compounds.
All aimed at optimizing healthspan, metabolism, cellular function, and gut health.
Products are designed for practitioners and health-conscious consumers seeking next-level nutritional innovation.
Healthgevity upholds rigorous quality standards, with their quality assurance system exceeding industry requirements.
The brand carries forward integrity with transparent supply-chain sourcing and clinical-grade R&D. Including patented ingredients like PeptiStrong with GRAS status and backed by clinical research.
Ingredients: Peer-reviewed peptides, proteins, and natural bioactives selected for oral bioavailability. Using only qualified, superior raw materials sourced globally.
Testing:
- Internal and external QA/QC
- Comprehensive evaluation criteria for identity, purity, quality, strength, and composition
- Every batch analyzed for identity, potency, contaminants, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes
Certifications:
- Manufactured in US-based FDA-inspected facilities
- cGMP
Other notes
- Offers webinars and educational resources for healthcare professionals
Life Extension
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Supplement fans that want the highest quality without the cost of ultra-premium products have found their company.
A consumer favorite, Life Extension’s behind-the-scenes access to modern research ahead of the general public helps them get effective, tested products to you quickly. I use Life Extension often.
Ingredients: Raw, pure, and potent. 99% of their products are manufactured in the U.S
Testing:
- A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for every product they produce
- Voluntarily undergo Third-party ConsumerLab testing
- International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS™) testing
- Extensive internal testing of both active ingredient and potential contaminants
Certifications:
- Non-GMO certified
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
Other notes:
- They have a Super Sale every November with the best deals of the year. I like to stock up then
- You can request the COA of any product to verify its safety
- A #1 pick on ConsumerLab’s 2020 customer satisfaction report
- Life Extension offers complimentary health counsel and guides to treating a number of conditions
- A full year, no-hassle return policy
Jarrow
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Often a choice behind Life Extension, Jarrow offers cutting-edge formulations in line with the latest research.
Their decades of stellar industry reputation help me get past my initial concern of not finding specific ingredient sourcing information online.
Ingredients: I could not find much information about their ingredients online.
Testing:
- Raw materials and finished products both tested for contaminants of any kind
- Products tested to confirm label accuracy and safety
Certifications:
- Quality Assurance International (QAI)
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
- USDA organic
- California Department of Public Health Organic Processed Product
- Non-GMO
- Certified Kosher
Other notes:
- They fund research studies on many of their products
- Jarrow products have won dozens of industry awards over the last two decades
- Their staff of scientists and health professionals are actively involved in clinical studies and continually work with researchers from universities and institutes around the world
- One of the more established brands, Jarrow has produced supplements for nearly 43 years
Swanson
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51 years on the market, Swanson is one of the oldest names in the industry. For those looking to get into supplements affordably, Swanson offers some of the best promos. Search just about any grocery store carrying supplements and Swanson products will turn up.
Ingredients: I could not find much information about their ingredients online. I did see some fillers in their products.
Testing:
- Ingredients are tested for purity and potency at multiple stages throughout the production process
- Voluntarily undergo Third-party ConsumerLab testing
Certifications:
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) since 2001
Other notes:
- They produce products in tailored quantities to reduce storage time, ensuring your supplements haven’t degraded by the time you use them
- Swanson offers an “Absolute Satisfaction, 30-Day 100% Money-Back Guarantee”
Gaia Herbs
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Gaia brings 33 years to producing quality herbal supplements the right way. The herbal industry is rife with contamination. Not Gaia.
From biodynamic compost to advanced regenerative farming practices, you can feel safe knowing their herbs are among the most nutritionally dense options available. Their website provides complete transparency into Gaia practices.
Ingredients: Gaia grows and tests their own ingredients.
Testing:
- Rigorous in-house testing for contaminants
- DNA testing to verify that what you read on the label is what you will find in the bottle
Certifications:
- Certified Organic through Oregon Tilth — one of the nation’s most stringent organic certifiers
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
Other notes:
They have a strong commitment to sustainability
An active partner of 11 herbal organizations
I love their handy herb reference guide to give you background on every plant
Their patented technology increases the absorption of concentrated plant extracts.
Gaia cares about people and the planet. They have all kinds of other certifications: Certified B Corp, Certified Monarch Waystation, Certified United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary
Standard Process
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Standard Process understands that whole-foods supplements are only as good as the soil quality and inputs that go into producing the raw ingredients. They vertically integrate and rigorously test each batch of products for purity, safety, and consistency.
Standard Process goes the extra mile to actually work with practitioners and ensure that their patients get results.
For over 90 years, they’ve been deeply committed to sustainability, transparent manufacturing, nutrition research, and organic whole foods.
“Whole foods are the best natural source of vitamins. The key to the highest quality is the manufacturing process.” – Dr. Royal Lee, founder of Standard Process Share on XIngredients: Standard Process grows their ingredients in the rich soil of their organic farm. All ingredients undergo testing.
Testing:
- In-house active ingredient testing
- FTIR, HPTLC, HPLC, and wet chemistry testing
- Raw materials and finished product quality testing
Certifications:
- Certified Organic
- Regenerative Farming
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
- Green Tier
Other notes:
- Extreme environmental responsibility
- Preserves delicate nutrients for maximum natural potency and efficacy.
- Uses whole foods-based ingredients whenever possible.
- Nutrition Innovation Campus sponsors the latest nutrition research
- Plants are harvested less than two miles from their production facility
Designs for Health
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Designs for Health has been a source trusted by healthcare professionals since 1989. From their leadership team to the formulation scientists they have extensive experience producing ultra-high-quality supplements.
They commit to putting science first. Designs for Health has a massive catalog of supplements for virtually any need.
Ingredients: Designs for Health ingredients are sourced from select heavily-scrutinized vendors.
Testing:
- Raw materials testing
- Finished product testing
- Testing throughout manufacturing for ingredient identity, purity, quality, strength, and composition
Certifications:
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- NPA
- NSF
- TGA
There are lots of other great supplement brands and manufacturers. These are the ones I have the most experience with.
Supplement Brands I Stopped Recommending
While many top manufacturers used to create high-quality products, as in all industries, ownership often changes.
Pure Encapsulations
As their name implies, people chose Pure Encapsulations (PE) for their extreme attention to both safety and quality. You knew exactly what you get from Pure products. If you have lots of allergies, sensitivities, or concern over quality look no further.
I stopped recommending them because they were purchased by Nestle and we have little to no insight if any of their formulas or processes have changed (as they often do when companies are sold).
Garden of Life
Another company purchased by Nestle years ago, that was once known for whole-food-based nutrition. I’ve examined the labels of a number of their products and was unimpressed to now find all kinds of excipients, flow agents, binders, and other unhealthy (and unnecessary) additives.
How To Verify Supplement Quality
No matter what company you choose, give their products a thorough evaluation. There are a few criteria that all quality supplement companies have in common.
Quality Control Certification
Manufacturers should test the raw ingredients before they produce their formulation. Look for a third-party inspection certification. The best common supplement certifications include USP and NSF.
Certain products like fish oil have their own certifications. In the case of fish oil, look for IFOS.
Reputable companies will often provide you with Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) of their final product when asked.
Check The Ingredients Label
Capsule and pill fillers can unnecessarily interfere with absorption, and cause reactions in sensitive individuals. High-quality products minimize or do not contain “inactive ingredients”.
Passes Third Party Testing
Labdoor and ConsumerLab both independently test products for purity and safety. They purchase the supplements themselves and run unbiased testing.
ConsumerLab subscribers can access thousands of reports but they also publish some for free. Labdoor, on the other hand, publicizes its rankings of products across 36 supplement categories.
You can find the two here:
Which Supplement Brand Will You Choose Next?
Brands change fast in the supplement world, which is why I prefer the ones with a long, proven track record. Their products have stood the test of time and have raving fans.
The more products you add, the more opportunity for contamination. Choosing from the above quality brands reduces that risk so you don’t have to worry.
What do you think? Who do you like for supplements?
I am worried about companies I used to trust that have been bought out. I just found out today that companies I buy from like Garden of Life and Pure Encapsulations where bought out by Nestle and it is not a recent transfer.
Jarrow Formulas was bought out by New Mountain Capital. Swanson Health was bought out by Swander Pace Capital. Not sure about the others, but it does concern me that they no longer control what goes into their products and how they are manufactured. Perhaps they did not change, but how do we know? I absolutely don’t trust Nestle after finding out what they did on some of their own products. I prefer to buy from private companies, not these huge corporations.
Please let me know your thoughts on this topic.
Thanks!
Hey Deborah, thanks for writing in!
I’m with you on that. Based on their track records, I don’t really trust a lot of the major corporations with human health. The issue is, we really don’t know what (if any) changes they make. There are some exceptions. Companies that truly prioritize health and product quality. Some that advance the industry by publishing independent third-party lab testing reports. I wrote this post a long time ago and it really needs some updating.
Thank you for the advice and the good information.
You’re welcome, Loo!
I have been using Extend-Life Total Balance Unisex for several years and am completely satisfied with the
results. I am 84 and in good health, partly, maybe, due to this supplement. I am an engineer by education
and am a skeptic.
Mostly, I believe my good health is due to working out hard with weights for the last 60+ years…no
“muscle toning”, fairly good diet and sound sleep.
What do you think?
Glad to hear it! I agree with you, those are all foundations of optimal health. What made you choose that supplement?