The supplement industry is crowded, making it hard for consumers to choose wisely. To address this, The Vitamin Shoppe launched “The Suppies,” its first annual awards recognizing top-performing products and brands. These aren’t just trending items; they represent innovation and proven results, judged by industry experts, retail staff, and even social media influencers.
The awards process involved input from Women’s Health editors, The Vitamin Shoppe buyers, and over 1,000 retail associates. The winners were celebrated in New York City, signaling a new benchmark for quality and transparency in the industry. This matters because consumers deserve reliable guidance in a market often filled with hype over substance.
Seven Standout Winners
Here’s a look at the winning products, each addressing specific needs with unique strengths:
Best Viral Product: Clean Simple Eats Pink Burst Clear Protein
Clean Simple Eats’ Pink Burst Clear Protein went viral for a reason. Social media users rave about its candy-like taste, and editors agree: this translucent, fruity protein powder delivers a surprisingly delicious experience. Viral success in supplements is rare, highlighting the product’s exceptional appeal.
Best Protein Bar: David Bars
David Bars offer 28 grams of protein with only 150 calories and zero sugar. The peanut butter chocolate chunk flavor is a standout, proving that healthy doesn’t mean compromising on taste. This resets expectations for protein bars, demonstrating that high nutrition and indulgence aren’t mutually exclusive.
Best Wellness Essential: Care/of Multivitamins
Nutritional gaps are common even with a healthy diet. Care/of multivitamins address this by providing tailored formulas for different life stages and needs. This recognition highlights the growing awareness of personalized nutrition, ensuring consumers get exactly what their bodies require.
Best for Healthspan: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
Healthspan—the duration of healthy living—is increasingly valued over just lifespan. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, available in liquid, soft gel, and gummy forms, delivers a potent dose of omega-3 fatty acids linked to heart, brain, and immune health. This underscores the importance of preventive health and the role of supplements in supporting long-term well-being.
Best Brand Ambassador: Lean Beef Patty
Lean Beef Patty’s influence extends to over eight million followers, where she shares fitness tips, workouts, and her favorite pre-workout products (including her Gorilla Mind collaboration). Her mobility-focused content and motivational style make her a standout ambassador. This demonstrates how influencer marketing can drive engagement and trust in the supplement space.
Most Chill: Magnesium & L-Theanine Supplement
Stress is pervasive, and effective solutions are in demand. This supplement combines magnesium (in three bioavailable forms) with L-theanine to soothe the nervous system and improve sleep. The combination of these ingredients offers a natural approach to managing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Health Enthusiasts’ Choice: MaryRuth’s Liquid Morning Multivitamin
Voted on by The Vitamin Shoppe retail associates, MaryRuth’s Liquid Morning Multivitamin stood out for its taste, ease of use, and immune-boosting benefits. This award shows that front-line staff recognize products that genuinely improve customer wellness.
The Suppies awards underscore a shift towards greater accountability and quality standards within the supplement industry. By recognizing excellence, The Vitamin Shoppe is helping consumers navigate a complex market and make informed choices.
