Vitamin Retailer magazine once again polled its retailer readers on their top-selling products and best sales and merchandising support to compile its 2016 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 2016 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 2016 winners showcased here represent products and services for which health food retailers have voted because their customers cast the ultimate vote: with their pocketbooks.
Vitamin Retailer 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 Vitamin Retailer.
Vitamin & Mineral Supplement Category
Single Mineral
Natural Calm by Natural Vitality
Multi-award-winning Natural Calm is the bestselling magnesium supplement in the natural products market year after year. Natural Calm supports heart and bone health, better sleep, natural energy production and natural stress reduction. Natural Vitality uses only organic flavors and organic stevia. In addition, Natural Calm is vegan, gluten free and certified non-GMO (genetically modified organism).
Antioxidant Supplement
CellularActive CoQ10 Ubiquinol 100 mg Vegetarian Soft Gels by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Bluebonnet’s CellularActive CoQ10 Ubiquinol 100 mg Vegetarian Soft Gels contain the active antioxidant form of CoQ10 (ubiquinol) rather than the common form of CoQ10 (ubiquinone) which must be converted to ubiquinol in the body. Aging, intense training and certain medications like statins compromise the body’s natural production of CoQ10, as well as the conversion of ubiquinone to ubiquinol. That’s specifically why athletes and seniors benefit from ubiquinol supplementation by offering their bodies the active antioxidant form of CoQ10 that can be immediately utilized. This CellularActive antioxidant formula is non-GMO, soy- and gluten free as well as suitable for vegetarians.*
*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.
Single Vitamin
Vitamin D3 5000 IU by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Bluebonnet’s family of non-GMO Vitamin D3 5000 IU offers various delivery forms (liquid, chewable tablets, soft gels and vegetable capsules)—all as an important part of a daily nutritional regimen for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D3 5000 IU Soft Gels are soy-free and contain vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) from deep sea, cold water, fish liver oil in a base of non-GMO safflower oil. Bluebonnet’s EarthSweet Chewables Vitamin D3 5000 IU Tablets, Liquid Vitamin D3 5000 IU Drops and Vitamin D3 5000 IU Vegetable Capsules are all soy-free, kosher certified and sourced from lanolin to help support optimal serum vitamin D levels.*
*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
Super Earth Multinutrient Formulas by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Bluebonnet’s Super Earth Multinutrient Formulas—most available in both iron and iron-free forms—are specially formulated with whole food phytonutrients from the foods one eats every day. These cutting-edge, whole food-based formulas offers essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes from unique, kosher-certified, plant-based ingredients, such as adaptogenic and immune-boosting herbs from the garden, greens from nutrient-dense spirulina, chlorella and chlorophyll, lycopene from tomatoes and potent anti-aging antioxidants from pomegranate fruit and sprout phytonutrients. The scientifically relevant amounts of important nutrients help close the nutritional gap in our daily diets for complete and balanced daily nutrition.*
*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
EFA Supplement
Ultimate Omega by Nordic Naturals
The No. 1 selling fish oil in the U.S.—and the company’s most popular concentrate—Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega offers 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. This means you get more health benefits in a smaller serving. Ultimate Omega: contains high potency omega-3s for increased benefits in fewer soft gels; is clinically shown to support a healthy heart; helps optimize immune function; supports a positive mood; and promotes joint mobility.
Acidophilus, Probiotic or Enzyme
Ultimate Flora Probiotics by Renew Life
Over a decade ago, Renew Life took digestive wellness to a new level with Ultimate Flora.* Now the No. 1 high potency probiotic,† Ultimate Flora formulas range from 15 billion all the way to 200 billion, all made with multiple, scientifically studied strains, targeted delivery, and a quality, purity and potency guarantee through expiration. The Ultimate Flora line also has alternative deliveries for children or for those who don’t like to swallow capsules including delicious Probiotic Gummies, Fizzy Drink Mixes, and the company’s chewable Kids probiotics. Renew Life has an Ultimate Flora probiotic for everyone—from infants to seniors and everyone in between—to help them live digestively every day.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
†No.1 probiotic brand with 15 billion or more cultures based on annual sales ending 1/24/16.
Fiber/Internal Cleanser Supplement
Organic Clear Fiber by ReNew Life
From Renew Life, the No. 1 Fiber Company,† Organic Clear Fiber is the fiber with total-body benefits―it helps curb appetite by helping you feel full, promotes digestive balance, and supports healthy cholesterol levels already in normal range.* Made from 100 percent soluble, organic acacia fiber, Organic Clear Fiber is a flavor-free, clear-mixing supplement that can be mixed into soft foods, beverages, and even baked goods to help customers live digestively every day. Plus, its prebiotic benefits help restore the gut flora’s natural harmony.* Organic Clear Fiber contains no gluten, dairy, soy, or artificial ingredients, and is guaranteed for quality, purity, and potency through expiration.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
†Based on SPINS Natural Channel data, unit sales 52 weeks ending 2/21/2016.
Green Food Supplement
Green Vibrance by Vibrant Health
Green Vibrance is a comprehensive green superfood, which focuses on the four major areas of health: nutrition, circulation, digestion and immunity. The label is jam packed with ingredients that support these areas, such as 25 billion probiotics, digestive enzymes, oat grass, goji berries, astragalus, holy basil, flaxseed powder and liverwort. That’s just the tip of the iceberg as far as top-quality ingredients and because they utilize full disclosure labeling—everything you see on the label is everything in the product.
Herbal Supplement
Curamin by EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
Terry Naturally Curamin formulas are award-winning, leading pain relief products, changing lives for the better all around the world. The clinically studied ingredients in our formulas are carefully selected for safe, effective and non-addictive pain relief.† Curamin doesn’t mask occasional pain—it gets to the source and stops it.*† Terry Naturally products are sold in fine health food stores.
*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.
†Occasional muscle pain due to exercise or overuse
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.
Joint/Bone Support
Bone Strength Take Care by New Chapter
New Chapter’s Bone Strength Take Care is clinical-strength plant calcium with a 3-in-1 benefit: bone strength support, joint flexibility and heart health support.* Bone Strength Take Care includes fermented vitamin D3 to support effective calcium absorption, and vitamin K2 to direct calcium to bones, where it’s needed.* Bone Strength Take Care’s calcium/magnesium complex has been shown to support movement, joint flexibility and joint function.* The vitamin K2 also functions to help maintain artery health, important for overall cardiovascular health.*
*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.
Pet Health Supplement
RESCUE Remedy Pet by Bach
Veterinarian recommended RESCUE Remedy Pet is a natural stress reliever that can be used to create a calming effect for pets experiencing any stressful situation. This may include separation anxiety, travel anxiety, fear of loud noises like thunderstorms and much more. RESCUE Remedy Pet is an alcohol free blend of the same 5 Bach Original Flower Remedies* found in the original RESCUE Remedy* stress formula that was developed by a doctor over 75 years ago. RESCUE Remedy Pet is available in 10 ml and 20 ml drops and is suitable for all animals including dogs, cats, horses, bird and rabbits.
*The claims for this product are based upon traditional homeopathic practice. They have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.
Women’s Health Supplement: TIE
DIM Plus by Nature’s Way
DIM-plus contains diindolylmethane, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale. Diindolylmethane has unique benefits that support the activity of enzymes that improve estrogen metabolism.* This patented complex offers enhanced absorption and contains Protectamins vegetables.
*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.
Woman’s One by Rainbow Light
Rainbow Light Women’s One Multivitamin contains potent vitamins, minerals and herbs to nourish, protect, and support major systems of a woman’s body, and promote natural energy. Added calcium, magnesium and vitamin D3 support bone and breast health, while specially blended herbs promote natural stress and hormone balance. Plant-based enzymes and probiotics promote easy, gentle digestion, without stomach upset. Just one tablet per day, with or between meals, is all it takes for women to receive comprehensive daily nutrition and natural energy. Women’s One is 100 percent natural and is free of gluten, dairy, wheat and yeast.
Men’s Health Supplement
T Male by Nature’s Plus
Nature’s Plus T Male is a revolutionary supplement that nutritionally supports healthy, natural testosterone production in men. Testosterone positively influences male physiology, promoting strength, endurance, stamina, vitality, energy, brain function, mood, sexual function and more. Powerful nutrients, featuring ViNitrox fruit polyphenols, high potency zinc aspartate, calcium and fenugreek, contribute to the healthy production of revitalizing testosterone.
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.
Diet/Weight Loss Formula
Citrimax by Nature’s Plus
Supporting healthy weight management, Citrimax is an important breakthrough in the field of natural weight loss and healthy living. Citrimax is a highly concentrated extract of Garcinia cambogia, a healthful fruit indigenous to India and popularly used for hundreds of years. Independent laboratory analysis shows that Citrimax contains among the highest concentrations of [-]hydroxycitrate available, offering unparalleled results. Nature’s Plus always uses the highest-quality, best-studied ingredients in all of its products.
Digestive Support Formula
Digest Gold by Enzymedica
Enzymedica’s Digest Gold, which is the No. 1 selling digestive enzyme on the market, uses an advanced formula of enzymes to break down carbohydrates, fats, fiber and protein. It helps the body absorb nutrients and convert food into energy, while also preventing post-meal bloating, gas and other digestive discomforts. Enzymedica uses an exclusive Thera-blend process for blending enzyme strands together, resulting in far superior potency.
Energy Formula
NOW ENERGY by NOW
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
Red Yeast Rice with CoQ10 by Jarrow Formulas
Jarrow Formulas Red Yeast Rice is a 10:1 extract of red yeast rice along with 100 mg of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). The two ingredients work together supporting cardiovascular health.* Red Yeast Rice is a complex food substance that also contains many bioactive components like sterols, isoflavones and monounsaturated fatty acids. Specific compounds found in Red Yeast Rice, such as monascin and ankaflavin, have been found to promote inflammatory health and even support beneficial HDL levels.* CoQ10 complements Red Yeast Rice in supporting healthy cardiovascular function.*
*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.
Immune Support Formula
Wellness Formula by Source Naturals
A signature Source Naturals product, Wellness Formula goes beyond other immune support products to bring balance to interrelated body systems critical to seasonal wellness. Its advanced Bio-Aligned formula combines important vitamins, herbs and nutraceuticals to deliver comprehensive immune, respiratory, and antioxidant defense support.*
*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.
Children’s Health Supplement
Nordic Berries by Nordic Naturals
Nordic Berries contains essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that growing kids need—including zinc and vitamins A, B, C, D3 and E. These easy-to-chew multivitamins capture the delicious sweet-and-sour citrus taste of Norwegian cloudberries. No wonder they’re the No. 1 Children’s Multivitamin in the U.S. Nordic Berries is suitable for children 2 years and older, and makes a potent complement to any Nordic Naturals omega-3 product. Nordic Berries: contain essential nutrients for kids and adults alike; have no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives; come as a chewable, pectin-based multivitamin for ages 2 and up; and are a potent complement to any Nordic Naturals omega-3 product.
Sports Nutrition Category
Functional Beverage
Oxylent Sport 3-in-1 by Vitalah
Sport Oxylent from Vitalah is a comprehensive 3-in-1 supplement drink that supports energy, stamina and recovery for the sports enthusiast and active weekender in a delicious Blueberry Burst flavor. With a unique panel of ingredients that includes Creatine MagnaPower, Sustamine, Citrulline Malate, electrolytes, antioxidants, vitamins C and D, and a host of powerful Albion Minerals, this product is the all-in-one solution for pre, during and post workout support or for those with an active lifestyle. Packaged in convenient 30-serving canisters or in 15-count stick pack boxes, Sport Oxylent is free of sugar, gluten, soy, dairy, GMOs and caffeine.
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.
Muscle Enhancement
100% Natural Whey Protein Isolate Powder by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Bluebonnet’s 100% Natural Whey Protein Isolate Powder is kosher certified, non-GMO and sourced from free-roaming, grass-fed cows not treated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) or antibiotics, providing 26 g of microfiltered protein per serving. In addition, it is free of most allergens including soy and gluten. Plus, it is low in fat, carbohydrates, sodium and cholesterol, and doesn’t contain artificially derived colors, flavors or sweeteners, making it one of the purest whey protein products on the market. Bluebonnet employs a special low-temperature microfiltration process that removes excess fat and 98 percent of the lactose, while leaving the protein undenatured and the immunoglobulins intact. Available in five naturally delicious flavors: vanilla, chocolate, original/unsweetened, strawberry and mixed berry.*
*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 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 a variety of tasty flavors packed with protein, so you can find your favorites.
Protein Powder
Super Earth VeggieProtein Powder by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Bluebonnet’s Super Earth Organic VeggieProtein Powder contains four of the highest quality, nutritionally dense plant proteins that Mother Nature has to offer. The unique combination of brown rice, yellow pea, chia and quinoa delivers 18 grams of complete and balanced protein containing all nine essential amino acids, plus 2 to 3.5 grams of fiber as well as 2 grams of essential fatty acids. Additionally, it contains up to 93 percent of the daily value for select key minerals to help balance your body’s electrolytes. This USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) organic, non-GMO and kosher certified formula is free of most allergens (e.g., soy, gluten and milk) and is available in five naturally delicious flavors: vanilla, vanilla chai, chocolate and chocolate mocha.*
*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
Breathe Free by Rootology
Rootology’s Breathe Free is made of 13 powerful herbal extracts that provide fast-acting, non-drowsy, year-round, natural nasal and sinus relief, no matter the cause of discomfort. With extracts ranging from 8:1 to 5:1 concentrate and including such well known herbs as magnolia and angelica, to lesser known as schizinopeta, the unique formulation goes to work immediately for congestion, sinus pressure and pain, runny nose and eyes, itchy nose and eyes, and post nasal drip. While it is used often for allergies, many users find it very helpful for all manner of nasal and sinus issues, whether acute or chronic.
Headache Remedy
Headache by Hyland’s
Hyland’s Headache, available for well over 50 years, offers you pain relief for the symptoms of headaches caused by stress or illness.* Made with four natural homeopathic ingredients, these quick-dissolving tablets help you feel better so you can get back to leading a vitality-rich life. Don’t let a headache slow you down.
*The uses for Hyland’s products are based on traditional homeopathic practice. They have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.
Natural Cold/Flu Remedy
Sambucus by Nature’s Way
Nature’s Way Sambucus contains premium elderberries, made from a unique cultivar of black elderberries with a higher level of naturally-occurring flavonoids. Full-spectrum black elderberry extract are standardized to anthocyanins, which are potent flavonoid BioActives. The gentle, solvent-free extraction method ensures maximum flavonoid potency. Additionally, the company’s elderberry extract has been tested for bioavailability and activity within the body.
Natural Indigestion Remedy
DGL by Enzymatic Therapy
DGL from Enzymatic Therapy offers soothing digestive relief* and soothes the stomach lining.* The original formula contains 3:1 DGL extract and also contains less than 1 percent glycyrrhizin to help avoid any potential effect on blood pressure.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Natural Sleep Remedy
Tranquil Sleep by Natural Factors
Tranquil Sleep is a superior sleep support formula that promotes peaceful and tranquil sleep. This advanced, fast-acting, safe approach helps people fall asleep more quickly, stay asleep, sleep more soundly, and wake up feeling refreshed. What makes this formula so unique is the combination of 5-HTP, melatonin, and Suntheanine L-theanine that exerts a gentle yet powerfully synergistic effect that helps promote restful sleep. Tranquil Sleep is a safe, non-habit-forming formula and is available in chewable tablets or soft gels.
Supplier Merchandising Support Category
Best Supplier-Provided Educational Materials
EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
EuroPharma (Terry Naturally) produces a wide variety of educational offerings, from shelf-talkers, brochures and flyers to informative webinars and on-site training. EuroPharma’s passion is your health.
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, java-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.
