Imagine buying a supplement, only to discover it contains barely any of the ingredients promised on the label. This shocking reality is far more common than you think, and it's why SuppCo is stepping in with a game-changing certification program. But here's where it gets controversial: while many companies claim to prioritize quality, SuppCo's TESTED program exposes a glaring gap in the industry's self-regulation efforts. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about catching bad actors; it's about fundamentally changing how we verify supplement quality.
SuppCo's new certification builds upon its existing TrustScore system, which evaluates supplement quality based on formulation, manufacturing, and transparency. However, TESTED takes it a step further by physically purchasing products off the shelf and subjecting them to rigorous independent testing. This approach addresses a critical loophole in traditional certifications, which often rely on manufacturer-submitted samples that may not reflect the actual product consumers receive.
Steve Martocci, SuppCo's CEO, knows this struggle firsthand. "I started SuppCo because I was tired of navigating the supplement aisle blindly," he explains. "TESTED is our answer to the industry's transparency crisis. It's about empowering consumers with reliable information and holding brands accountable."
Partnering with leading brands like Momentous, Thorne, and Gaia Herbs, TESTED by SuppCo sets a new standard for accountability. Products earning the TESTED seal must contain at least 95% of their labeled active ingredients, as verified by an ISO 17025-accredited lab. All results, including failures, are publicly available on SuppCo's platform, ensuring complete transparency.
But is 95% enough? Some argue that even this stringent threshold allows for potential discrepancies. Jordan Glenn, SuppCo's Head of Science, acknowledges this concern but emphasizes the program's iterative nature. "Annual retesting and remediation processes ensure continuous improvement," he says. "We're not just identifying problems; we're helping brands address them."
SuppCo's initial testing rounds revealed alarming results. Out of 44 popular supplements tested, nearly half failed to meet basic label accuracy standards. Creatine, NAD+, urolithin A, and berberine supplements were particularly problematic, with some containing as little as 0-3% of their claimed active ingredients. These findings highlight systemic issues in the industry, from raw material sourcing to final product verification.
Is the supplement industry ready for this level of scrutiny? Jeff Byers, CEO of Momentous, believes so. "Transparency isn't optional anymore," he states. "Brands that truly stand behind their products should welcome independent verification. It's the only way to build genuine trust with consumers."
While SuppCo isn't the first to tackle supplement quality, its approach is unique. By purchasing products anonymously and testing them after retail aging, TESTED bridges the gap between manufacturer claims and real-world consumer experience. This distinction, as Glenn points out, "closes a meaningful loophole" in existing certification processes.
Companies like NOW Foods have also conducted their own testing, uncovering widespread labeling and potency issues, particularly with products purchased on Amazon. Their findings echo SuppCo's concerns, underscoring the need for industry-wide reform.
So, what does this mean for you, the consumer? TESTED by SuppCo empowers you to make informed choices. By choosing TESTED-certified products, you can be confident that you're getting what you pay for. But the conversation doesn't end here. Do you think 95% accuracy is sufficient? Should all supplement companies be required to undergo independent testing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
