Vitamin Retailer (VR) once again polled its retailer readers on their top-selling products and best sales and merchandising support to compile its 2015 Vity Awards. After all, who is better qualified to determine the industry’s best-selling products than the people who sell them?

What started in the 1990s has evolved into one of the most sought-after awards in the natural products industry. The 2015 Vity Awards represent a random sampling of retailers across the country polled earlier this year. The winners are, as always, based on the number of votes in each category.

The 2015 winners showcased here represent products and services for which health food retailers have voted because their customers cast the ultimate vote: with their pocketbooks.

VR would like to thank the retailers who supported this year’s Vity Awards with their time and input, and congratulate all the winning manufacturers.

Product descriptions are provided by the manufacturers and do not reflect the viewpoint of VR.

Vitamin & Mineral Supplement Category

Single Mineral

Chelated Magnesium Bisglycinate by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Bluebonnet Nutrition’s Chelated Magnesium Bisglycinate capsules provide 200 mg of elemental magnesium per serving in a more bioavailable bisglycinate form. The capsules provide 100 percent pure chelated magnesium to support heart health, as well as a host of other valuable structure/function applications. Available in easy-to-swallow vegetable capsules for maximum assimilation and absorption, Bluebonnet’s Chelated Magnesium Bisglycinate Vcaps are kosher certified, gluten- and soy-free, as well as 100 percent vegan. Bluebonnet’s Chelated Magnesium Bisglycinate Vcaps can not only help your customers maintain a healthy heart but to also help them maintain their general health and well-being.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Antioxidant Supplement

CuraMed by EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
CuraMed contains enhanced absorption BCM-95 curcumin, which is up to 10 times better absorbed than standard curcumin. This patented system relies on turmeric essential oil to boost absorption of important curcuminoids. The turmeric essential oil itself contains tumerones, not found in any standard curcumin, which have been shown to boost curcumin’s absorption and activity, especially in support of healthy immune function. CuraMed is available in 200, 375 or 750 mg soft gels for a variety of dosing options.

Single Vitamin

Vitamin B12 by Solgar
Solgar’s line of Vitamin B12 formulas includes a variety of delivery formats and potencies ranging from 100 mcg to 5,000 mcg. All are vegetarian, free of gluten, wheat and dairy, and are kosher certified, while some of the formulas are halal-certified. Vitamin B12 is part of a group of essential nutrients known as the B Complex, which supports energy metabolism and promotes a healthy nervous system.* Along with folic acid and vitamin B6, it supports heart health by promoting healthy levels of homocysteine already within a normal range.* B12 is required for the normal development and regeneration of red blood cells, which help to deliver oxygen throughout the body.* In addition, B12 is involved in DNA synthesis and renewal.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Multiple Vitamin/Mineral

Alive! Once Daily Multi-Vitamin by Nature’s Way
Alive! Once Daily Multi-Vitamin is the most complete, nutritionally diverse and invigorating once-daily multivitamin complete with 24 vitamins and minerals, 12 digestive enzymes, 14 green foods and 12 organically grown mushrooms. As with all Alive! Multivitamins, the product is packed with high-potency B vitamins, 26 fruits and vegetables and nutrients for whole-body nourishment that helps support bone health, daily energy, colon health, eye health, heart health and immune defense.*
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Specialty & Herbal Supplement Category

Acidophilus, Probiotic or Enzyme

RAW Probiotics by Garden of Life
RAW Probiotics is an innovative line of raw, whole-food probiotic formulas from Garden of Life. Each high-potency RAW Probiotics formula contains a naturally diverse group of more than 30 beneficial probiotic strains from Bulgarian yogurt and Eastern European wild kefir, guaranteed to Arrive Alive! RAW means the probiotics are uncooked, untreated, unadulterated, with no carriers, binders or fillers. There is a RAW Probiotics formula for your specific stage of life.

Children’s Health Supplement

Animal Parade by Nature’s Plus
Animal Parade children’s formula supplies the protection and nutritional assurance all parents seek for their children, along with the great taste and animal shapes that kids love. Each chewable tablet supplies 16 vitamins and eight minerals, as well as nature’s most healthful whole foods, including spirulina, carrot, broccoli, whole brown rice and spinach. Each bottle is packed with playful animal shapes and a luscious spectrum of delicious flavors. Combining the natural goodness of whole foods with a balanced profile of nutrients is what makes Animal Parade the complete dietary supplement parents and children love. And, parents have an even bigger Animal Parade selection with xylitol-sweetened Animal Parade Sugar Free and Animal Parade GOLD, packed with even more nutritional goodness including Organic Gold Standard Whole Foods and a wide selection of Animal Parade specialty formulas.

EFA Supplement

Ultimate Omega by Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals’ most popular concentrate, Ultimate Omega offers therapeutic support for both body and mind. Without solicitation, doctors and researchers worldwide consistently choose and recommend this powerful formula. Concentrated Ultimate Omega delivers more omega-3s per serving than most other omega-3 products and has been shown by original research to support healthy glucose levels, healthy lipid levels in professional athletes, bronchial health and the body’s ability to respond to stress in a healthy way.

Herbal Supplement

Curamin Extra-Strength by EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
Curamin Extra-Strength contains BCM-95 curcumin—the highly absorbable form with up to 10 times the absorption of standard curcumin extracts. Known for its ability to balance the body’s natural inflammatory response, BCM-95 has been proven in published clinical studies to provide consistent and long-lasting effects. Curamin Extra-Strength also contains BosPure boswellia. BosPure is purified to reduce beta boswellic acids (BBA) that actually increase inflammation to less than 5 percent. The formula—like the original—pairs these ingredients with DLPA (D,L – phenylalanine) to help maximize the effects of endorphins and enkephalins, the body’s own powerful pain relievers and nattokinase to promote micro-circulation, aiding the other ingredients in Curamin Extra-Strength to reach all areas of the body.

Homeopathic Remedy

Arnica Montana by Boiron
Before pain gets in your way, relieve it at the first sign with Arnica Montana by Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicines. These melt-away pellets work with your body to relieve pain.* Made from a natural active ingredient, it’s safe to use at the first sign of muscle pain. Try it for neck, back, shoulder and leg muscle pain, stiffness and swelling from injuries and bruising. Don’t just mask your pain. Relieve it with Boiron Arnica Montana and feel better faster.
*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Fiber/Internal Cleanser Supplement

CleanseMORE by ReNew Life
Relieve occasional constipation with one of Renew Life’s best-selling formulas, CleanseMORE—an effective, gentle herb and magnesium laxative that works overnight so you feel better, lighter and more energized the next day.* CleanseMORE is non-cramping and non-urgent with no harsh herbs or artificial ingredients.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Green Food Supplement

Greens by Barlean’s
Barlean’s multi-award winning Greens are the absolute easiest and most delicious way to fuel your family’s vitality and energy with the antioxidant power of super foods and nutrients. Every whole food ingredient in Barlean’s Greens is carefully selected, responsibly grown and third-party tested to guarantee the absolute highest quality and purity. Packed with super foods, vitamins and minerals, Barlean’s Greens contain probiotics, enzymes and fiber to aid digestion and are high in vitalizing antioxidants. Barlean’s Greens are available in Organic Original, Organic Berry, Chocolate Silk and Strawberry-Kiwi formulas. Barlean’s Greens are gluten free, non-GMO, have no added sugar and are sweetened with all-natural stevia leaf extract.

Joint/Bone Support

Bone Strength Take Care by New Chapter
Most calcium supplements are made of limestone, but Bone Strength Take Care is different. It’s whole-food, plant-sourced calcium sustainably harvested from the sea. Bone Strength Take Care includes a proprietary blend of vitamins K2 and D3 that direct calcium into bones, where you need it.* Delivered in easy-to-swallow slim tablets, New Chapter’s holistic calcium complex offers a slow, steady release for the body’s consistent nourishment.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Women’s Health Supplement

Every Woman II by New Chapter
Every Woman II is a whole-food cultured multivitamin that goes beyond just addressing nutrient deficiencies to promote overall health and system-specific benefits.* New Chapter’s most nutrient-rich multivitamin for the needs of women 40-plus is gentle and can be taken anytime—even on an empty stomach! New Chapter’s multivitamins are fermented with beneficial live probiotics, made with certified organic vegetables and herbs and are Non-GMO Project Verified.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Men’s Health Supplement

T Male by Nature’s Plus
The monumental success of T Male, T Male Liquid and Ultra T Male is no surprise given that millions of men experience testosterone declines of 10 to 30 percent or more. By supporting healthy natural testosterone production, T Male naturally supports muscle strength, endurance and stamina, rejuvenated energy levels, better sex drive and performance, enhanced mood, healthy brain function, better sleep and overall health. T Male is the safe and natural way to boost testosterone levels, the way nature intended.

Pet Health Supplement

RESCUE Remedy Pet by Bach
Veterinarian-recommended RESCUE Remedy Pet* is a natural way to treat pet anxiety caused by travel, separation, new surroundings, loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks, as well as other issues associated with stress. RESCUE Remedy Pet is an alcohol free blend of the same five Bach Original Flower Remedies* found in the original RESCUE Remedy* stress relief formula that was developed by a doctor more than 70 years ago. RESCUE Remedy Pet treats the physical signs of stress in your animal that can trigger unwanted behaviors such as barking, scratching or biting. Conventional medicine often recommends a tranquilizer, however RESCUE Remedy Pet can address many of the same issues naturally, without the side effects. RESCUE Remedy Pet is appropriate for all kinds of pets, from dogs and cats to birds, horses, fish and iguanas.
*The claims for this product are based upon traditional homeopathic practice. They have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.

Brain Support Formula

Prevagen by Quincy Bioscience
Quincy Bioscience’s brain health supplement is the only one to contain the breakthrough ingredient “apoaequorin,” a protein originally discovered in jellyfish and shown in clinical studies to improve memory.* During the aging process, there is a reduction in proteins that support the brain. Apoaequorin supplements these proteins during the natural process of aging and can help with mild memory problems associated with aging, the company stated.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Digestive Support Formula

Digest Gold by Enzymedica
Digest Gold is formulated to assist with protein, carbohydrate, fat and fiber digestion. Digest Gold features Enzymedica’s proprietary Thera-blend that combines multiple strains of enzymes that work in various pH levels. Thera-blend enzymes have been shown to be three times stronger and work more than six times faster than leading digestive supplements.

Diet/Weight Loss Formula

Garcinia Cambogia by Bio Nutrition
Bio Nutrition’s award-winning Garcinia Cambogia only uses the finest quality garcinia cambogia extract providing 50 percent hydrocitric acid. Garcinia cambogia may assist with maintenance of healthy glucose levels, boost the metabolism and support weight management.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Energy Formula

NOW ENERGY by NOW Foods
NOW ENERGY combines a comprehensive array of nutrients and dietary ingredients that endow your body with natural energizers. This formula does not contain ephedra (Ma Huang) or bitter orange—instead, ENERGY has been naturally formulated with ingredients such as B vitamins, green tea, panax ginseng and rhodiola to naturally support thermogenesis, energy production, and adrenal function.* Caffeine is present in this product as a naturally occurring constituent of herbal ingredients such as guarana, yerba mate and green tea.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Heart/Cardio Support Formula

Blood Pressure Factors by Michael’s Naturopathic Programs
For more than three decades, Michael’s Naturopathic Programs has delivered distinctive, award-winning formulas built on tried and truthful naturopathic principles. Michael’s Blood Pressure Factors contains nutrients essential for maintaining the homeostasis of blood pressure, complemented with herbs garlic and cayenne, both known for their healthful attributes.

Immune Support Formula

Wellness Formula by Source Naturals
Thirty years ago, Source Naturals’ Wellness Formula established the industry’s first wellness-immune category. Since then, it has become the “go to supplement” consumers reach for at the first sign of imbalance. This advanced Bio-Aligned formula combines 28 vitamins and time-tested herbs to provide comprehensive support for interrelated antioxidant defense, stress response, respiratory, and immune support systems critical to seasonal wellness.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Sexual Function Formula

Steel Libido by Irwin Naturals
Steel Libido supports and inspires sexual vitality.* This powerful male-enhancement formula combines traditional botanicals and targeted nutrients to boost physical performance and pleasure.* Use this product daily to help maintain an active sex life, or occasionally as needed to maximize potential.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Sports Nutrition Category

Functional Beverage

Pre-Workout Energizer by Vega
A plant-based, all-natural drink mix, Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer provides immediate and sustained energy before workouts, while enhancing mental focus and recovery. Formulated by Brendan Brazier, professional Ironman triathlete and bestselling author on performance nutrition, Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer is 100 percent plant-based, free from dairy, gluten and soy, and contains no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer is available in Lemon-Lime and Acai Berry flavors.

Liquid Aminos

Amino Fuel by Twinlab
Amino Fuel Liquid provides protein in its most easily digested, absorbable and utilizable form to maximize muscle growth and optimize protein synthesis. Research shows that when taken orally, peptide-bonded amino acids increase nitrogen retention better than free form amino acid mixtures for optimum muscle growth. Amino Fuel liquid contains 15 g per serving of protein from amino acids, includes fast absorbing, high quality branched chain, peptide-bonded and free amino acids and provides protein in its most usable, easily digested form to maximize muscle growth and optimize protein synthesis.

Sports Nutrition Bar

Quest Protein Bar by Quest Nutrition
Quest Nutrition believes healthy eating should be fun, delicious, and good for you. Quest Bars have 20 g of high-quality protein, no added sugar, and only 2 to 7 g of active carbs. Quest created 18 tasty flavors packed with protein, so you can find your favorites.

Muscle Enhancement

Extreme Edge by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Bluebonnet Nutrition’s Extreme Edge is a professional-strength formula stacking system, featuring Pre Workout, Carbo Load and Post Workout formulas, for hardcore bodybuilders and strength/resistance-trained athletes, as well as endurance athletes and weekend warriors to take before, during and after training. Extreme Edge also provides products like kosher-certified whey protein isolate providing 26 g of pure protein from grass-fed cows not treated with antibiotics or hormones. All of these great-tasting sports nutrition formulas are not only free of unnatural excipients, binders, hormones, antibiotics, artificially derived sweeteners, flavors or colors, they are also Certified for Sport by NSF, the leading global public health and safety company. This means that all Extreme Edge products pack a clean and mean punch, free of more than 180 substances banned by major professional and collegiate sporting authorities (e.g., NFL, MLB and NCAA) and therefore, safe for professional and amateur bodybuilders and athletes to take while providing all of the necessary nutrients they need for optimal muscle recharging, refueling and recovery.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Protein Powder

RAW Protein by Garden of Life
Unlock the nutritive power of living seeds and grains with RAW Protein from Garden of Life—a certified organic, RAW, vegan protein powder.
Featuring 13 RAW and organic sprouts, RAW Protein is an excellent source of complete protein, providing 17 grams, or 33 percent of the daily value, plus all essential amino acids. RAW Protein contains Vitamin Code fat-soluble vitamins and supports digestive health and function with live protein-digesting enzymes and powerful probiotics.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Weight Gainer

Weight Gain by Naturade
Naturade Weight Gain with no sugar added is a naturally flavored, nutrient dense food formulated to help you magnify calorie intake and gain weight fast. It provides balanced nutrition and is a food, not a dietary supplement, and does not contain any stimulants or steroids. Naturade Weight Gain enhances your body’s utilization of nutrients for optimal calorie absorption with three natural enzymes—papain, bromelain and pancreatin. You can add more than 1,600 calories daily in a fast, safe way to supplement your balanced meal plan. It’s important that you do not reduce your regular food intake.

Natural Medicine Category

Natural Allergy/Hay Fever Remedy

Dr. King’s Regional Allergy Formulas by King Bio
Pollens vary nationwide according to the grasses, flowers and trees that grow there. Dr. King, who founded King Bio in 1989, developed nine homeopathic formulas, specific to each U.S. region, from Hawaii to the Northeast, and everything in between. It made sense, the public “got it,” rave reviews flooded in, and the product line took off. Homeopathic medicine, recognized and regulated by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), is safe, natural and produces no negative side effects. It can also provide targeted regional relief. And for allergy sufferers, that’s golden.

Natural Cold/Flu Remedy

Oscillococcinum by Boiron
The moment you feel achy or rundown, nip symptoms in the bud with Oscillococcinum (Oscillo). Clinical studies show that Oscillo reduces the duration and the severity of flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headaches, fever, chills and fatigue.* Recommended for ages 2 and older, it works naturally with your body without causing drowsiness, and it won’t interact with other medications. Take Oscillo and feel like yourself again.
*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Headache Remedy

Headache by Hyland’s
Hyland’s Headache, on the market for well over 50 years, offers pain relief with four natural homeopathic ingredients and in a quick-dissolving tablet. Hyland’s Headache helps ease the symptoms of headaches so consumers can get back to leading a vitality-rich life.

Natural Indigestion Remedy

Acid Soothe by Enzymedica
Acid Soothe contains vegetarian enzymes, papaya leaf, marshmallow root, prickly ash bark and gotu kola botanicals to maximize digestion and minimize gastrointestinal distress such as occasional heartburn, diarrhea, discomfort and indigestion. Paired with zinc carnosine and Enzymedica’s proprietary Thera-blend, the enzymes in Acid Soothe work in specific pH levels, resulting in superior performance in the body.

Natural Sleep Remedy

Melatonin by Source Naturals
Melatonin is a naturally occurring brain hormone that regulates the body’s sleep and wake cycles. Source Naturals Melatonin works the same way the body works to help support the body’s processes for falling asleep quickly and waking up refreshed. Source Naturals offers the widest variety of melatonin products available to help each person find what’s best from them. Source Naturals Melatonin comes in different potencies; vegetarian capsules, liquid, tablets, and orange and peppermint flavors.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Supplier Merchandising Support Category

Best Supplier-Provided Educational Materials

EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
EuroPharma produces a wide variety of educational offerings, from shelf-talkers and flyers to informative webinars, podcasts, as well as on-site training.

Best Computerized Point-of-Sale System

Catapult by ECR Software Corporation
ECRS serves hundreds of natural product/health retailers with its end-to-end retail automation suite helping them achieve greater productivity in areas such as inventory management, supplier communications, data analysis and customer experience. In turn, ECRS customers have reported higher profits and year-over-year growth. The ECRS Catapult software suite, developed with modern, javat-based technology, includes functionality, such as point of sale (POS), self service, mobile POS, dashboard analytics, inventory management, membership management, loyalty and rewards, general ledger and supplier integration.