A bold move to revolutionize supplement trust: SuppCo's new certification program.
In a world where dietary supplements often fall short of their promised benefits, SuppCo steps in with a groundbreaking initiative. Their new certification program aims to verify the active ingredients in supplements, addressing a critical gap in the industry.
The Need for Transparency
SuppCo's journey began with a personal quest for reliable supplement information. Steve Martocci, the company's co-founder and CEO, realized that the challenge wasn't unique to him; it was a systemic issue. With their new program, 'TESTED by SuppCo,' they aim to set a transparent and accountable standard, ensuring consumers can trust what they buy.
A Comprehensive Approach
This certification complements SuppCo's existing TrustScore system, which rates supplement quality. It builds on previous testing initiatives, revealing a startling truth: about half of the top-selling supplements failed to meet basic label accuracy standards.
Certifying Quality, Exposing Failures
Jordan Glenn, SuppCo's head of science, explains that the certification process extends their testing capabilities. Last year, they tested 44 popular Amazon supplements, and the results were eye-opening. Half of these products didn't meet basic label accuracy.
The TrustScore feature adds another layer of insight, shedding light on formulation decisions and manufacturing standards. It identifies quality signals before a product even reaches the lab.
Unveiling the Truth
'TESTED' provides an independent verification of what's actually in the supplement bottle. Combined with TrustScore, it creates a comprehensive loop, ensuring trustworthiness.
SuppCo's initial testing focused on creatine, NAD+, urolithin A, and berberine supplements. The results were shocking: 22 products contained a mere 0% to 3% of their listed active ingredients. Brands claiming the highest serving sizes often concealed weak or absent active ingredients.
A Systemic Issue
SuppCo's 2025 testing retrospective highlights the severity of the problem. These aren't minor misses; they indicate breakdowns in quality control, from raw ingredient sourcing to final formulation. Whether due to manufacturing shortcuts, supplier issues, or intentional deception, the result is the same: products that promise much but deliver little.
Independent Testing, Transparent Results
TESTED by SuppCo submits all products for testing through an ISO 17025-accredited lab. Products meeting or exceeding 95% of their labeled active ingredient claims earn certification. Importantly, all results are posted, including failures, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
With over 650,000 users tracking their supplement routines on SuppCo, certification results are directly accessible to those making purchase decisions. This visibility complements existing certifications, which often lack direct consumer focus.
Addressing Structural Issues
While SuppCo isn't the first to monitor supplement quality, their approach addresses a critical structural issue. Most existing certifications rely on manufacturer-submitted samples or production lot tests. TESTED, however, purchases products anonymously, off the shelf, just like a consumer would. This distinction closes a loophole, ensuring products perform as promised in the real world.
A Call for Action
SuppCo's mission aligns with other industry leaders like ConsumerLab, NSF International, and the United States Pharmacopeia, all working to ensure supplement label accuracy and quality. However, SuppCo's certification program uniquely resolves a fundamental structural issue in testing.
As the supplement industry evolves, consumer expectations and regulatory scrutiny rise. Independent verification is no longer a differentiator but a baseline expectation. Transparency and accountability are the new competitive advantages.
Jeff Byers, CEO of Momentous, a brand participating in TESTED, emphasizes this point: "It's easy to talk about quality, but proving it is harder. We chose TESTED because trust and accountability are essential for industry progress. Transparency shouldn't be optional."
The Way Forward
SuppCo's innovative certification program addresses a critical gap in the supplement industry. By purchasing products anonymously and testing them as consumers would, they ensure supplements deliver what they promise.
And here's the controversial part: Are existing certifications enough? Can we trust supplements without independent, anonymous testing? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Let's spark a conversation and ensure we're getting the quality we deserve from our supplements.
