Essential Health: Picks for the Best Vitamin Brands of 2024

Essential Health: Picks for the Best Vitamin Brands of 2024

Thorne takes the top spot as our overall favorite vitamin brand, but there are also eight other companies that do a fantastic job with supplements for all sorts of needs. Here's how we picked the best of the best.

How We Pick the Top Vitamin Brands

We evaluated the brands on our list to make sure they meet our standards for quality and wellness. The products that passed our review were then checked by editors and registered dietitians. Here's what we looked at:

•Quality Testing: We favored brands whose products are tested for purity and effectiveness, preferably by an independent lab.

•Certifications: We chose brands with products certified by third-party organizations.

•Ingredients: We looked for brands using top-notch ingredients and vitamins and minerals that are easily absorbed. Most also avoid or limit artificial flavors, fillers, and preservatives.

•Brand Reputation: We picked brands with a positive reputation and approval from nutrition experts.

•Hands-On Testing: Many of the brands on our list are ones that our editors and writers have personally tried and recommend.

•Price: Although prices vary, each brand offers good value for their supplements.

Top Vitamin Brand Picks

Best Overall

•Thorne •Price Range: $11 to $91

•Certifications: Facility certified by NSF and TGA; some products NSF Certified for Sport; some tested by third parties for purity and potency

•Thorne is our top choice due to its well-researched formulas, high-quality ingredients, and dedication to quality. They offer a wide range of products, including multivitamins, protein powders, and more. Thorne's products are easy to find online or at major retailers.

Best for Multivitamins

•Ritual •Price Range: $25 to $54

•Certifications: Non-GMO; most products third-party tested for purity and potency; some certified by USP or Informed Sport

•Ritual stands out for its transparent ingredient sourcing and third-party testing. Their multivitamins are designed for different ages and genders and come in delayed-release capsules to enhance absorption. Ritual is subscription-based but also available in some stores.

Best with Dietitian Support

•HUM Nutrition •Price Range: $12 to $60

•Certifications: Third-party tested for purity and potency; Clean Label Project certified; Non-GMO Project verified

•HUM offers personalized advice from registered dietitians and high-quality, tested ingredients. Their range includes supplements for hair, skin, mood, and women's health. You can buy HUM products online or at major retailers like Target and Walmart.

Best for Prenatal Vitamins

•FullWell •Price Range: $17 to $45

•Certifications: Third-party tested for purity and potency

•Founded by a dietitian, FullWell specializes in prenatal vitamins with essential nutrients like folate and choline. They also offer a fish oil supplement for omega-3s. FullWell products are manufactured in a certified facility and tested for quality.

Best Affordable

•Nature Made •Price Range: $6 to $62

•Certifications: Most products USP verified

•Nature Made is a reliable, budget-friendly option with a broad range of supplements. Many products are USP verified for quality and accuracy, and they often appear on our best-of lists.

Best for Omega-3 Supplements

•Nordic Naturals •Price Range: $12 to $64

•Certifications: All products third-party tested for purity, potency, and freshness; Friend of the Sea, non-GMO verified; some NSF Certified for Sport

•Nordic Naturals is known for its high-quality omega-3 supplements, including vegan options. Their Ultimate Omega is a top pick for fish oil. All products are tested by an independent lab, and they provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Best Organic and Vegan-Friendly

•Garden of Life Organics •Price Range: $13 to $72

•Certifications: All products third-party tested; some certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO

•Garden of Life Organics is great for those seeking vegan and organic supplements. They offer a wide selection with many products certified for various dietary needs. The company is also carbon-neutral and transparent about its quality testing.

Best for Athletes

•Klean Athlete •Price Range: $12.70 to $69.30

•Certifications: NSF certified facilities; all products NSF Certified for Sport; non-GMO

•Klean Athlete's products are designed specifically for athletes and are certified to be free of banned substances. They offer a variety of supplements to enhance performance, including creatine and protein powders.

Best for Gummy Vitamins

•SmartyPants •Price Range: $16 to $40

•Certifications: NSF certified; Clean Label Project; non-GMO tested; some products USDA organic

•SmartyPants is known for its gummy vitamins that are easy to take and include omega-3s. Their products are third-party tested, though some contain added sugars, so be mindful of dosage recommendations.

How to Choose a Vitamin Brand

•Personal Needs: Think about what you need, whether it's for general health, specific conditions, or dietary gaps.

•Brand Reputation: Pick a well-known brand that follows good manufacturing practices.

•Testing: Look for brands that test their products for purity and effectiveness.

•Ingredients Label: Check for minimal fillers and additives.

•Dietary Restrictions: If you have specific dietary needs, like vegan or gluten-free, make sure the brand meets those requirements.

In short, picking a good vitamin brand can be tricky, but there are lots of great options out there for different needs and tastes. When choosing a brand, think about the ingredients they use, your personal health goals, and how reputable the company is. Also, consider how the brand tests its products. You can use the list above to help you figure out which brands might be a good fit for you.