The supplement industry, once dominated by small, independent companies aiming to provide innovative health solutions, has seen a significant shift over the years. Large corporations have entered the space, acquiring some of the most popular supplement brands to diversify their portfolios and tap into the growing demand for wellness products. While this wave of acquisition brings with it increased resources and distribution opportunities, it also raises questions about product quality and corporate influence. Here's a look at some of the top supplement brands that have been acquired by large corporations.

1. Garden of Life - Acquired by Nestlé

Garden of Life has long been a favorite among health-conscious consumers due to its commitment to organic, non-GMO, and whole-food-based supplements. However, in 2017, Nestlé, one of the largest food and beverage corporations globally, acquired its parent company, Atrium Innovations, for $2.3 billion. Nestlé's goal was to bolster its health science division and gain a foothold in the wellness industry. While some loyal customers initially expressed concerns about whether the brand’s integrity would change under Nestlé's ownership, Garden of Life has largely retained its product formulations and certifications.

Source: Nestlé Press Release 2017

2. New Chapter - Acquired by Procter & Gamble

New Chapter built its reputation by offering high-quality, whole-food-based supplements that combine herbal and nutritional ingredients for optimal health. The company was acquired by Procter & Gamble (P&G) in 2012. Known for its household products, P&G saw the acquisition as an opportunity to expand into the growing wellness category. New Chapter continues to produce supplements aligned with its original ethos, but with P&G's backing, it has reached a broader market.

Source: Procter & Gamble News Release 2012

3. Nature Made - Acquired by Pharmavite (Otsuka Pharmaceutical)

Nature Made is a household name when it comes to vitamins and supplements. The brand is produced by Pharmavite, which was acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., a Japan-based corporation, in 1989. While the acquisition occurred much earlier than the others on this list, it marked one of the first significant moves by a major corporation into the supplement space. Nature Made remains a trusted name in the industry, offering affordable and evidence-backed nutritional products.

Source: Otsuka Holdings Investor Relations

4. Vital Proteins - Acquired by Nestlé

Vital Proteins, a leading collagen supplement brand, saw its sales skyrocket as the demand for collagen products grew. Known for its focus on beauty and fitness markets, Vital Proteins became a staple among influencers and wellness advocates. Nestlé acquired a majority stake in the company in 2020, following its growing interest in health and nutrition-oriented products. With Nestlé's resources, Vital Proteins has expanded its product line and its international reach.

Source: Nestlé News Release 2020

5. MegaFood - Acquired by Pharmavite (Otsuka Pharmaceutical)

MegaFood, known for its whole-food nutritional supplements, was also acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceutical through its Pharmavite division. The brand is committed to testing for glyphosate residue, working with organic farms, and providing ethical, whole-food-based products. Under Otsuka, MegaFood continues to uphold its standards while enjoying the benefits of corporate backing.

Source: MegaFood Official Website

6. Sundown Naturals and Pure Protein - Acquired by Nestlé Health Science

Nestlé's presence in the wellness industry continues to grow with its acquisition of The Bountiful Company in 2021 for $5.75 billion. This deal included popular supplement brands like Sundown Naturals, Pure Protein, and others. With this acquisition, Nestlé became one of the largest players in the supplements industry, further solidifying its ambitions in global health and wellness markets.

Source: Reuters, May 2021

What Do These Acquisitions Mean for Consumers?

While acquisitions bring advantages such as improved distribution, expanded product lines, and strengthened marketing, they also raise valid concerns:

• Product Sustainability: Many consumers worry that multinational corporations may compromise the core values or production methods of smaller brands to prioritize profit margins.
• Transparency: Ensuring that brands maintain the same level of quality and ingredient sourcing post-acquisition has become a key concern for health-conscious buyers.
• Accessibility: On a positive note, being backed by large corporations often allows these brands to expand their availability, entering more retail markets and reaching a global audience.

How to Make an Educated Purchase

For consumers who want to ensure their purchase aligns with their values:

• Research the Parent Company: Take a close look at the parent company to understand its philosophy on health and sustainability.
• Check Certifications: Look for certifications such as USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, or NSF that indicate a continued commitment to high standards.
• Read Reviews: Check recent reviews for any noticeable changes in product quality or customer satisfaction post-acquisition.

Final Thoughts

The increasing number of acquisitions in the supplement industry is a reflection of how mainstream dietary supplements and wellness products have become. While these changes bring growth and innovation opportunities, they also highlight the importance of transparency and accountability for both the corporations involved and the consumers they serve.

For a more personalized shopping experience, consider checking out consumer-driven reviews and engaging with trusted nutrition professionals to find brands that remain true to their mission, regardless of ownership.

Would you continue to support a supplement brand after learning it has been acquired by a large corporation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

FULL LIST:

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Clorox:

• Rainbow Light
• Neocell
• Renew Life
• Natural Vitality (popular for their CALM drink)
• Champion Performance
• Stop Aging Now
• True Health

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Nestle:

• Unda
• Garden of Life
• Pure Encapsulations
• Klean Athlete
• Genestra
• Body Fortress
• Pharmax
• AOV
• Douglas Labs
• Minami
• Orthica
• Wobenzym
• Dr. Organic
• Sundown Naturals
• Solgar
• Osteo Bi-Flex
• Sisu
• Met-Rx
• Persona
• Vital Proteins
• Nature’s Bounty
• Spring Valley
• Ester-C
• Puritan’s Pride
• Pure Protein

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Bayer:

• Care / of
• Move Free
• One A Day
• MegaRed
• Digestive Advantage
• Schiff Nutrition
• Airborne
• Neuriva

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by HGGC:

• Natural Balance
• All One
• Nature’s Life
• Zand
• Thompson
• Natural Sport
• KAL
• Dynamic Health
• Solaray
• Zhou
• Life Time
• Natural Care

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by DSM:

• Culturelle
• Up4
• Ovega -3
• AZO
• Estroven
• Brainstrong
• Life’s DHA

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by P&G:

• Bion 3
• Metamucil
• Sangobion
• Sean Seas
• New Chapter
• Align
• Neurobion
• Femibion

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Unilever:

• OLLY
• ONNIT
• Smarty Pants

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by New Mountain Capital:

• Jarrow Formulas
• Natrol

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Alticor:

• Nutrilite (all amway brand)
• Metagenics

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by WM Partners LP:

• Great Lakes Gelatin
• Vega
• Ultima Health

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Schwabe:

• Sanat
• Enzymatic Therapy
• Nature’s Way
• Integrative Therapeutics

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals:

• Uqora
• Nature Made
• MegaFood
• Equelle
• Innate

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Johnson & Johnson:

• Zarbees Naturals

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Bansk Group:

• Naturelo

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Butterfly Equity:

• Orgain

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Pfizer:

• Multi- tabs
• Caltrate
• Centrum
• Bifiform
• Emergen-C

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Swander Pace Capital:

• Swanson Health

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Apollo Global Management:

• Sprouts Farmers Market (this includes not only their whole store, but their personal supplements brand as well)

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Bridges Consumer Healthcare:

• Florajen

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Harbin Pharmaceutical Group:

• GNC (this includes not only their whole store, but their personal supplements brand as well)

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Amazon:

• 365 by Whole Foods (this includes not only their whole store, but their personal supplements brand as well)

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Kraft Heinz:

• Primal Blueprint

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Probi:

• Nutraceutix
• Vital Nutrients

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Kikkoman:

• Country Life Supplements

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by TSG Consumer Partners:

• Nuun

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Medly Pharmacy:

• Pharmaca

Vitamin/ Nutrition/ Supplement Brands Bought Out by Church & Dwight Co. Inc:

• Lil Critters
• PB8
• Vitafusion