Best vegan vitamin brand: Garden of Life
- Why we chose it: Garden of Life offers a good selection of vegan-based supplements from raw fruits and vegetables.
- Certifications: some products are Informed Choice, NSF Certified for Sport, Friend of the Sea, or Marine Stewardship Council certified. Some products have organic, carbon-neutral, vegan, or gluten-free certification.
- Product range: multivitamins, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, fiber, omega-3s, collagen, and protein powders.
- Price range: around $12–$72.99
This brand sells dietary supplements that are free from gluten, soy, and dairy and many do not contain animal ingredients. Over 130 of its products are vegan, making it a great option for those wanting a wide choice of vitamins without any animal ingredients.
The Garden of Life website states that its vegan products have Vegan Awareness Foundation certification. This organization’s stringent guidelines require that products:
- do not contain meat, fish, fowl, or animal by-products, egg or egg products, milk or milk products, honey or honey bee products
- do not involve animal testing
- do not contain animal-derived GMOs or genes
- are manufactured in facilities maintained to prevent cross-contamination between vegan and nonvegan products
Pros
- the company offers a large variety of vegan-friendly supplements
- several products have NSF International or Informed Choice certification
- some products are gluten-free, kosher, certified vegan, or certified organic
- some products contain whole-food ingredients
Cons
- some customers report that the supplements did not improve their general well-being
- others experienced side effects from Garden of Life products
- not all products are vegan
Best vitamin brand for athletes: Klean Athlete
- Why we chose it: Klean Athlete products are free from substances banned in competitive sports.
- Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport and non-GMO.
- Product range: multivitamins, vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, collagen, protein powders, electrolyte powders, and creatine.
- Price range: around $32–$60
Klean Athlete states that its products are made with and for athletes. All of its products have the Certified for Sport certificate from NSF International.
NSF International is a third-party reviewer of sports-related supplements and products. Its certification indicates that products are free from contaminants and adhere to the regulations of sports organizations.
Klean Athlete sells a wide range of products, including:
- probiotics
- vitamins
- recovery supplements
Klean Athlete differs from some manufacturers targeting athletes by emphasizing healthy eating, natural products, and science-based claims.
Pros
- products are NSF-certified
- products are free from substances that are banned in competitive sports
- products are backed by scientific research
- products do not contain GMOs, wheat, or gluten, making them suitable for people with a wheat or gluten intolerance or allergy
- Klean products contain no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
Cons
- products can work out to be expensive if purchased regularly
- some buyers did not find the supplements effective
- others experienced side effects
