Vitamin Retailer magazine once again polled its retailer readers on their top-selling products and best sales and merchandising support to compile its 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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.
2017 Vity Awards
Vitamin & Mineral Supplement Category
Single Mineral
Natural Calm by Natural Vitality
Natural Calm is a highly absorbable, water-soluble ionic powder drink mix providing molecular charge that allows the element to easily bond with water so it’s ready to go to work right away. The multi-award-winning formula mixes easily with water or your favorite beverage. It comes in a variety of delicious organic flavors, are naturally sweetened, vegan, gluten-free, verified by the Non-GMO (genetically modified organism) Project, certified R.A.W and C.L.E.A.N. and accredited lab tested by Healthy Living. Scoop, stir, fizz, aahh.
Multiple Vitamin/Mineral
mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily by Garden of Life
A whole food multi from real, honest, nutritious foods that’s Certified USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Organic, is Non-GMO Project Verified and is specifically formulated in a once-daily dose for the needs of women: mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily. Made from more than 30 organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily offers 20 vitamins and minerals with 15 greater than 100 percent daily value (DV), including great levels of B vitamins for radiant skin and nails.* It also provides vitamin B-12 in methylcobalamin form—a highly absorbable, active, natural form of B-12, like the B-12 in the body.* Women’s Once Daily also delivers vegan D3 from lichen for immune support and 2 mg of iron for blood 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.
Antioxidant Supplement: TIE
Clinical OPC by EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
Clinical OPC features French Grape Seed Extract VX1, a tannin-free source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins that have a low-molecular weight for superior absorption and utilization by the body. Clinical OPC provides high-absorption, high-antioxidant strength for the ultimate in cellular, cardiovascular, and immune system 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.
Ubiquinol 100 mg by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Bluebonnet’s CellularActive CoQ10 Vegetarian Softgels provide the reduced form of CoQ10 (ubiquinol) rather than the common, oxidized form (ubiquinone), which must be converted to the “active” form in the body. Aging, oxidative stress and certain medications can compromise the natural production of CoQ10 in the body as well as the conversion of ubiquinone to ubiquinol. With the “active” form, you can feel confident you are receiving a form that the body can immediately utilize, because when it comes to protecting your cardiovascular health, you shouldn’t have to settle for second best.
Single Vitamin
Vitamin D3 by Natural Factors
Natural Factors Vitamin D3 is carefully blended with organic flaxseed oil in an easy-to-swallow soft gel. Vitamin D3 is essential for strong bones and teeth as it increases the body’s absorption of calcium from food. Its role in regulating calcium levels also helps regulate the immune system and maintain healthy nerves and muscles.
Specialty & Herbal Supplement Category
Acidophilus, Probiotic or Enzyme
Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care by Garden of Life
Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Ultimate Care—the ultimate complementary probiotic. Many factors can compromise your body’s defenses, including the overuse of medications, stress, your environment and even normal aging, resulting in the loss of beneficial Bifidobacterium. RAW Probiotics Ultimate Care’s high Bifido formula includes the clinically studied Replenish Blend, making it your ultimate complementary probiotic to achieve balance—helping you repopulate your gastrointestinal tract with good bacteria.*
*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.
EFA Supplement
Ultimate Omega by Nordic Naturals
Ultimate Omega Liquid provides exceptionally high levels of the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. It is ideal for people wanting high intensity, therapeutic support in a smaller serving. Nordic Naturals’ most popular concentrate, Ultimate Omega Liquid 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.* Overall Ultimate Omega supports a healthy heart and healthy immune function and offers double-strength EPA+DHA for increased omega-3 benefits in fewer soft gels.
*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 Naturals’ iconic multivitamin gummy, packed full of essential nutrients—including zinc and vitamins A, B, C, D3 and E—will delight everyone from your 2-year-old child to your 90-year-old grandma with two great flavors—classic sweet-and-sour citrus and new cherry berry! Nordic Berries contain essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants growing kids need, including full–spectrum B vitamins, which is hard to find in a gummy. Both Nordic Naturals’ original flavor and its new sour citrus are made with no artificial coloring, flavoring or preservatives.
Fiber/Internal Cleanser Supplement
Total Body Cleanse by Renew Life
Reset and refresh with Total Body Cleanse from Renew Life, a wholesome, gentle cleanse to help you get rid of digestive toxins and support regularity.* The easy-to-use, three-part cleansing program is made with organic herbs and fiber for a more gentle cleansing experience.* It provides targeted support to your body’s pathways of elimination.* Part 1 supports detoxification; Part 2 helps with the removal of digestive toxins; and Part 3 promotes healthy bowel elimination.* Total Body Cleanse contains no dairy or soy, 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.
Green Food Supplement
Green Vibrance by Vibrant Health
Green Vibrance, Vibrant Health’s flagship product, has lead the way in the green superfoods industry and has won an impressive number of awards since its launch in 1992. It’s a comprehensive green superfood that focuses on the four foundations of whole-body wellness: nutrition, circulation, digestion and immunity. The product is loaded with ingredients that support these areas, including 25 billion probiotics, digestive enzymes, oat grass, goji berries, astragalus, holy basil, flaxseed powder and liverwort. With Vibrant Health’s dedication to full disclosure labeling, consumers can simply take a look at the bottle to find out what other top-quality ingredients are inside.
Herbal Supplement
CuraMed by EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
CuraMed features the only patented, clinically studied curcumin enhanced with turmeric essential oil for better absorption and a full spectrum of benefits from turmerones. The curcumin in CuraMed has been used in 31 published studies, and is requested by researchers around the world for one reason: it works. For the best in healthy inflammation response† and liver, brain, heart and cellular health, CuraMed is a powerful choice.*
*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 inflammation due to exercise or overuse
Homeopathic Remedy
Arnica Montana by Boiron
Arnica montana (or Mountain daisy) has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever. Today, Boiron’s pharmaceutical-grade homeopathic medicine relieves muscles pain, stiffness, swelling from injuries and bruises.* The dissolvable pellets are safe to use at the first sign of symptom for systemic relief and can be used in conjunction with Arnicare Gel or Cream for spot relief. Boiron’s Arnica does not cause drowsiness or interact with other medications. Recommended for ages 2 years and older.
*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 three-in-one 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.
Women’s Health Supplement
Raw Probiotics for Women by Garden of Life
Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Women is a raw, full-spectrum, whole-food probiotic formula specifically designed to meet the unique needs of women. RAW Probiotics Women offers 32 “original” probiotics, including L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus, specifically formulated for women to support vaginal health and overall digestive 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.
Pet Health Supplement
RESCUE Remedy Pet by Nelson
Veterinarian recommended RESCUE Remedy Pet helps to calm pet stress, naturally. Trips to the groomer, thunderstorms, fireworks and travel and separation anxiety can all cause pet stress, and RESCUE Remedy Pet can help. 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 more than 75 years ago. RESCUE Remedy Pet is available in 10 and 20 ml drops and is suitable for all animals including dogs, cats, horses, bird and rabbits.
Diet/Weight Loss Formula
PGX by Natural Factors
PGX from Natural Factors is a unique water-soluble, plant-based fiber that promotes healthy weight loss, reduces appetite, and supports healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range. This revolutionary super fiber is backed by more than 20 clinical studies. It comes in a variety of forms including soft gels, unflavored granules and powders.
Men’s Health Supplement
Ultra T Male by Nature’s Plus
Millions of men experience testosterone declines of 10 to 30 percent or sometimes more. The T Male line of products (T Male, T Male Liquid, Ultra T Male, GH Male, GHT Male and Ultra GHT Male) was created as part of Nature’s Plus’ dedication to helping consumers feel their very best. Patent pending, Nature’s Plus Ultra T Male works by promoting the body’s natural testosterone production, not delivering a steroid or synthetic precursor. Plus, for those men who desire both rapid and long-lasting testosterone support, the Nature’s Plus Ultra T Male bi-layered delivery system ensures that the same powerful nutrients reach your system right away and lasts for 10 hours. Nature’s Plus Ultra T Male truly is the safe and natural way to boost testosterone levels, the way nature intended.
*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.
Brain Support Formula
Prevagen by Quincy Bioscience
Prevagen Improves Memory.* Prevagen is a dietary supplement that has been clinically shown to help with mild memory problems associated with aging.* Prevagen contains apoaequorin, which is safe and uniquely supports brain 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.
Energy Formula
Energy Plus by Pure Essence Labs
EnergyPlus combines many superior herbs into an exquisite formula to simultaneously nourish all five of the major organ systems and the blood, and to provide the vital energies mentioned above. There is 1 gram of spirulina in each serving. The premade glycogen in spirulina is the molecule that the human body makes to store energy. The short-term effect is clean, clear energy you’ll enjoy for hours with none of the jittery feeling or inevitable crash that follows when using stimulants. In the long term, this energy will continue to build as the whole food nutrition in EnergyPlus continues to support all the major systems, so that they can work together to produce, distribute, and store energy as nature intends.*
*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
Super Enzymes by NOW
NOW Super Enzymes is a comprehensive blend of enzymes that supports healthy digestion.* Formulated with bromelain, ox bile, pancreatin and papain, Super Enzymes helps to optimize the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and protein. NOW Super Enzymes is available in either tablets or capsules.
*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 Omega by NOW
Red yeast rice (RYR) is the natural product of the fermentation of rice with red yeast (Monascus purpureus). For centuries, RYR has been used as a flavoring and coloring agent in Asian cuisine, and has been valued by traditional Asian herbalists as well. NOW Red Omega is carefully produced to avoid the presence of citrinin, an unwanted by-product of RYR fermentation process. This product is further enhanced with the addition of CoQ10 and omega-3 fish oil to support 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
Libido (Men’s & Women’s Formulas) by Gaia Herbs
A healthy libido is vital to an optimal quality of life and is an important part of a healthy relationship. Gaia’s Libido Formulas for Men and for Women expertly blend key botanicals and herbs to support peak sexual function, desire and stamina. Utilizing maca, damiana and sarsaparilla, the women’s formula works to delicately tonify the female reproductive tract and restore natural arousal and desire, while Gaia’s Libido for Men fuses maca, tribulus, horny goat weed and saw palmetto to nourish the male body and optimize men’s health and vitality.*
*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
SPORT Energy + Focus by Garden of Life
Garden of Life’s pre-workout “Energy + Focus” is designed to boost energy levels and help focus during workouts.* Made only with clean, plant–based organic ingredients, it delivers clean fuel in the form of 85 mg of organic coffeeberry to provide mental focus during your workout.* Garden of Life added 220 mcg of wholefood vitamin B12 to optimize energy production.* Energy + Focus utilizes a unique nitric oxide blend consisting only of organic veggies including organic kale, spinach and beets rich in nitrates to deliver oxygen and fuel to muscles.* Energy + Focus now offers the cleanest pre-workout formula that is both Certified USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, as well as NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Choice for Sport Certified, assuring it is free of banned substances.
*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.
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
Extreme Edge Post Workout by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Extreme Edge Post Workout is a muscle rebuilding and recovery formula with 28 g of whey protein per serving designed for rapid recovery when taken after training for optimal muscle growth and development, as well as efficient muscle repair. It provides a 3:1 ratio of whey protein to complex carbohydrates to help replenish amino acid and muscle glycogen stores. The whey protein is microfiltered and derived from free-roaming, grass-fed cows not treated with hormones (rBGH)/antibiotics. This kosher-certified, no-added-sugar formula is available in two delicious flavors (vanilla and chocolate) for a winning combination.
Weight Gainer
Weight Gain by Naturade
Naturade Weight Gain with no sugar added is a naturally flavored, nutrient dense food formulated to help 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 the 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 a balanced meal plan.
Sports Nutrition Bar
SPORT Plant-Based Performance Bars by Garden of Life
Organic Plant-Based Performance Protein Bars deliver 20 grams of complete multi-sourced, organic, whole food plant protein and are available in four delicious, decadent flavors. They are all Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, making them the clear winner for the discerning athlete looking for clean organic nutrition to fuel their exercise and nourish their bodies. In addition, these bars are NSF Certified For Sport and Informed-Choice for Sport Certified, meaning there is traceability and testing by third-party labs to validate label accuracy and the absence of any banned substances. They’re also Certified Vegan by Vegan Action, certified gluten free, as well as dairy- and soy free.
Protein Powder
Raw Protein & greens by Garden of Life
Garden of Life combined the power of clean organic protein and the nutrient-rich energy of organic greens! RAW Protein & greens are CLEAN—Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified—and come in a variety of flavors. Offering 20 grams of smooth, raw organic plant protein per serving from organic sprouted brown rice, organic peas, organic chia, organic navy beans, organic lentil beans and organic garbanzo beans and six organic greens and veggies—organic alfalfa grass juice, organic spinach, organic kale, and organic broccoli, carrots and beets—1.5 billion CFU probiotics, 13 non-GMO enzymes, 3 grams of organic fiber and less than 1 gram of naturally occurring sugar, RAW Protein & greens is a delish way to get protein and greens in one serving.
Natural Medicine Category
Natural Allergy/Hay Fever Remedy
Dr. King’s Natural Medicine Regional Allergies by King Bio
Dr. King’s Natural Medicine Regional Allergies provide advanced, contemporary, award-winning homeopathic formulas in taste-free, pure water based, oral spray bottles. Each of Dr. King’s Regional Allergies formulas contain, on average, 18 HPUS* active ingredients in three potencies, including the rare 1LM. The nine U.S. regions Dr. King’s Regional Allergies cover are: Hawaii, Southern, Plains, Rocky Mountains, Desert, Southwestern, Great Lakes, Northeastern, and Pacific.
*Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (recognized by the FDA).
Natural Cold/Flu Remedy
Oscillococcinum by Boiron
Oscillococcinum has been shown in clinical studies to help reduce both the duration and the severity of flu-like symptoms. Dissolve the pellets under the tongue at the first sign of body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue to nip symptoms in the bud.* Recommended for ages 2 years and older, Oscillococcinum works without causing drowsiness, and it has no known interactions with other medications. For more 70 years, families in 50 countries have relied on Oscillococcinum.
*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Headache Remedy
Curamin Headache Relief by EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
Curamin Headache Relief*†† combines powerful ingredients from our award-winning and well-loved Curamin formula with ingredients targeted to relieve occasional headaches due to stress and fatigue.* It the perfect choice for anyone looking for a safe and effective solution.
*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 headaches or headache pain due to stress or fatigue.
Natural Indigestion Remedy
Acid Soothe by Enzymedica
Occasional heartburn and acid discomfort after a meal are often symptoms of impaired digestion as a result of factors including lifestyle and diet. Acid Soothe contains enzymes, papaya leaf and other botanicals to support optimal digestion and ease symptoms associated with occasional gastrointestinal (GI) distress.* Zinc carnosine is included to help strengthen the mucosal lining of the stomach, acting as a buffer to gastric acid.*
*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
Sleep Thru by Gaia Herbs
Gaia’s SleepThru addresses the root of sleep problems, targeting the system with ashwagandha, jujube, magnolia and passionflower to promote healthy adrenals and restorative sleep all night long.* Taken before bed, the formula helps to regulate stress pathways and enhances energy upon waking up to bolster feelings of refreshment and alertness throughout the day.*
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & 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)
As a company based on scientific validation, EuroPharma, makers of the Terry Naturally brand, devotes a great deal of resources to providing the information retailers need to match the right product to the right consumer. The company believes that quality information is needed to make informed health decisions. EuroPharma’s team communicates this information in a wide variety of modalities, including third party non-branded information on research, educational webinars featuring experts in natural health, branded product literature that highlights unique points of differentiation, and a science and education team available to answer any type of question from retailers.
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 report higher profits and year over-year growth. The ECRS CATAPULT software suite, developed with cutting-edge 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.