A Beginner's Guide to Dietary Supplement Ingredient Sourcing

5 min read

Successful supplement manufacturing hinges on supplement ingredient sourcing.

Most supplement sellers start by scrolling a dietary supplement ingredient directory. This is a costly mistake that can lead to formulation errors and distribution nightmares. The most profitable supplement brands understand the process of sourcing supplement ingredients to avoid reformulation and supply chain headaches.

This article walks you through the intricacies of supplement ingredient sourcing so you can develop the best product for your customers while staying on time and on budget.

Supplement Ingredient Sourcing 101

What is Supplement Ingredient Sourcing?

Supplement ingredient sourcing is the process of finding and curating the raw materials needed to manufacture dietary supplements. The most common ingredients are vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and other functional ingredients.

Why is Supplement Ingredient Sourcing Important?

Choosing the right ingredients is the cornerstone of creating safe and effective dietary supplements. Here are five reasons why proper sourcing makes or breaks a product.

Safety and Compliance: Your supplement won't make it past the sampling phase without compliance. Without proper ingredient sourcing you risk wasting money on formulations that can't be sold, or worse —sicken your customers. Find a partner that sources ingredients that adhere to strict regulatory guidelines set by agencies like the FDA and Amazon's new supplement seller guidelines for 2024.
Consumer Trust & Brand Reputation: People want to know where their supplements come from and that they're made with high-quality ingredients. Transparent sourcing practices build strong brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Taste and Flavor Development. A well-formulated supplement with a pleasant taste has a higher chance of success in the market. Consumers are more likely to repurchase and recommend palatable supplements to others. Many raw ingredients used in supplements, especially botanicals and certain vitamins, can have naturally bitter, earthy, or metallic flavors. Partner with a manufacturer with sourcing expertise to make sure your supplement doesn't taste like dirt.

Cost Management. Unexpected ingredient shortages or quality issues can sabotage your budget and create frustrating delays. Choose suppliers with a proven track record of reliability and transparent pricing. Predictable supply chains mean predictable cash flow and a better bottom line.

Proper Dosing: Ingredient sourcing isn't just about what's inside, it's about getting the amounts right. Work with a partner who provides precise data on active compounds. Not only will this ensure that your formula can be recreated, it ensures that your product delivers all the benefits without unnecessary risks.

Related: How to Comply With Policy Changes to Sell Supplements on Amazon in 2024.

Find an Supplement Ingredient Sourcing Partner

A lot goes into supplement ingredient sourcing. You don't have to figure it out alone. We strategically partner with our clients on supplement innovation and formulations.

Our years of expertise and industry authority means:

Supplier Relationships: We've meticulously cultivated relationships with the world's most reputable ingredient suppliers. This translates to direct access to premium raw materials for unmatched quality and potency.

Streamlined Supply Chain: Our global network minimizes lead times. Whether you need well-established vitamins, cutting-edge botanical extracts, or custom supplement blends, we leverage our connections to keep production moving.

Formulation Expertise: Bevnutra offers comprehensive research and development (R&D). Our team doesn't just hand you a formula; we guide you through every step. From market trend analysis and ingredient selection to prototype development and regulatory guidance, we provide the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of supplement creation.

Most Popular Supplement Ingredients

Understanding the supplement ingredient sourcing process is the first step.

Identifying popular supplement ingredients is the next step.

Here's an overview of some popular supplement ingredients Bevnutra can source.

Vitamins and Minerals

Lesser known ingredients become trendy everyday thanks to the rise of social media wellness influencers. But well-known vitamins and minerals are still the foundation of most supplements because they remain popular no matter the trends. Think:

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Calcium
Potassium:
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)
Magnesium

Whether you're formulating a multivitamin or want custom supplement manufacturing, these vitamins and minerals are just a selection of the essential nutrients that can be incorporated into your supplement formulations.

See our full dietary supplement ingredient directory.

Botanical Extracts

The popularity of botanical extracts in supplements is on the rise. It's expected to be a $81 million industry by 2032. However, not all botanicals are created equal.

We only use botanicals with the highest levels of bioactive compounds. Here are some examples of botanical extracts that can add a natural touch to your supplements:

Green Tea (EGCG Extract)
Ashwagandha
Ginkgo Biloba
Mushrooms
Guarana
Rhodiola Rosea
Turmeric (Curcumin Extract)

These botanical extracts are just a glimpse of the vast natural ingredients available for supplement formulations. Find a complete list of botanical extracts here.

Caffeine

Your customers don't have to drink coffee to love caffeine.

The most popular supplements in 2024 are functional.

Think Caffeine combined with functional supplement ingredients like:

L-Theanine
B Vitamins
Adaptogens
Nootropics
Electrolytes

An overdose of 1-5 grams of caffeine may lead to coma or death. Partner with a supplement manufacturer with high standards. Our caffeine is rigorously tested for purity and potency, ensuring that your formulations provide the energy boost and functionality your customers seek without harm.

Sweeteners

Supplement brands have options when it comes to sweeteners. All sweeteners exist to amp up flavor but differ in how they are derived. If you find yourself debated natural vs. artificial sweeteners, here is a quick overview:

Stevia: Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is intensely sweet but has zero calories, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural, low-calorie alternative to sugar.
Sucralose: Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener that is highly heat-stable and provides sweetness without the calories. It's often used in supplements as it doesn't impact blood sugar levels and has a clean, sugar-like taste.
Monk Fruit: It is a natural sweetener that contains compounds called mogrosides, which provide sweetness without calories. Monk fruit is prized for its natural origin and clean, sweet taste.
Erythritol: Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that offers sweetness with few calories. It is often used with other sweeteners to improve texture and mouthfeel. Erythritol is a smart choice for mint-flavored supplements becauses it has a cooling effect.

Our sweeteners are chosen for their taste profile and safety.

Check out our wide range of sweetening solutions here.

Custom Supplement Blends

One-ingredient supplements often lose market share to blends.

Blends combine complementary ingredients for maximum effect. Plus, the customer sees it as "getting more bang for their buck."

Whether you're looking to develop a supplement that boosts immune support, improves digestion, or enhances cognitive function, we can give you the right mix.

Schedule a complimentary supplement manufacturing consultation.

Dietary Supplement Ingredient Sourcing

Successful supplement development starts with the right ingredients and the right expertise. Bevnutra is not just a supplier; we're your strategic partner.

Our global network, focus on quality, and formulation expertise give you the edge needed to create supplement that meet the ever-evolving demands of the market.