Vitamin Retailer magazine once again polled its retailer readers on their top-selling products and best sales and merchandising support to compile its 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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.
2018 Vity Awards
Vitamin & Mineral Supplement Category
Single Mineral
Magnesium Glycinate by Solaray
Your body is dependent on a range of minerals, one of which is magnesium. Found in foods like fish, whole grains, dark leafy greens, bananas and avocados, many people believe they’re getting enough from their everyday diets. However, magnesium is one of the main deficiencies in the human body, and a number of people don’t get nearly enough every day. Magnesium Glycinate is believed to offer superior availability of magnesium to the body. It is intended to provide exceptional nutritive support for normal, healthy muscle function.
Antioxidant Supplement: TIE
Ubiquinol Active CoQ10 by Natural Factors
Ubiquinol Active CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that offers enhanced absorption and bioavailability, especially for the aging body when the ability to naturally produce ubiquinol may be diminished. The CoQ10 is combined with organic flaxseed oil for improved absorption.
Resveratrol by Reserveage Nutrition
The heart and soul of Reserveage Nutrition is its award-winning§ Resveratrol formula featuring the company’s prized complex, Pro-Longevity Factors Blend. It contains trans-resveratrol—the active molecule that provides optimal cellular benefits—and is derived from standardized, wildcrafted Japanese knotweed.* Plus, it includes polyphenols from organic French red wine grapes and organic muscadine grapes, a reflection of Reserveage Nutrition’s brand heritage and sustainability standards.* Whole grape technology is used to help maintain the potency of these age-fighting antioxidants.*
§SPINS Scans 03.2017
*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
Methyl B-12 5,000 Lozenges by NOW
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and for the metabolic utilization of fats and proteins.* It’s also essential for the synthesis of DNA during cell division and therefore especially important for rapidly multiplying cells, such as blood cells.* Adequate intake of vitamin B-12, along with folic acid and vitamin B-6, encourages healthy serum homocysteine levels, supporting cardiovascular health.* Because vitamin B-12 is found predominantly in animal products, strict vegetarians are at risk of developing vitamin B-12 deficiency and may benefit from supplementation.* NOW Vitamin B-12 is vegetarian/vegan (non-animal derived).
*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
One by Rainbow Light
Rainbow Light’s family of food-based one-per-day multivitamins meet the needs of every member of your family. Every formula contains the most comprehensive support in just one tablet per day. Additional features include science-backed nutrient potencies and combinations, custom-blended nourishing superfoods and botanicals, and shelf-stable probiotics plus plant based enzymes for superior digestive support. All One-per-day products are made with natural, purity tested ingredients and no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors or sweeteners. The formulas are vegetarian and contain no eggs, fish, gluten, milk/dairy, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts or wheat. Products in the One-per-day line include Women’s One, Men’s One, Prenatal One, Menopause One and Kids One.
Specialty & Herbal Supplement Category
Acidophilus, Probiotic or Enzyme
Raw Probiotics 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 with 32 diverse probiotic strains, 85 billion live cultures, along with added prebiotics and enzymes.
EFA Supplement
Ultimate Omega by Nordic Naturals
Ultimate Omega provides high-intensity support for both body and mind.* Concentrated Ultimate Omega includes more omega-3s per serving than most other omega-3 products. This means you get more health benefits in a smaller serving. Nordic Naturals also offers this formula with added vitamin D3 as well as high-intensity omega-3 benefits in fewer soft gels. Ultimate Omega is clinically shown to support a healthy heart,* supports brain health and a positive mood,* promotes healthy metabolism and blood sugar levels,* helps optimize immune function* and promotes joint mobility.*
*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 for ages 2+, now come in two great flavors—classic sweet-and-sour citrus and cherry berry. Nordic Berries is made with natural ingredients and provides the essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—including zinc, full-spectrum B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, D3 and E—that growing kids need. Pectin-based and gelatin-free, Nordic Berries are free of gluten, yeast, soy and milk derivatives and contain no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives.
*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.
Fiber/Internal Cleanser Supplement
3-Day Cleanse by Renew Life
At Renew Life, it is the company’s mission to empower you to elevate your quality of life through better digestive health. For more than 20 years, Renew Life has pioneered superior-quality digestive wellness supplements to help people achieve optimal health from the inside out* and the company’s 3-Day Cleanse is no exception—an easy-to-use, advanced herbal formula to help eliminate waste and relieve occasional bloating and constipation.*
*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
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. Green Vibrance is a concentrated superfood that’s more than a ultra-comprehensive greens powder: the formula aims to make consumers healthier and stronger. The superfood supplement is designed to feed each cell with what it needs to run at its best, supporting a strong immune system, a robust gastrointestinal tract to draw in complete nutrition, and a healthy circulatory system to deliver those nutrients. To celebrate its 25th year on the market, Vibrant Health has released two customer-selected flavors to enhance the Green Vibrance line: Chocolate Coconut and Matcha Tea. These two flavors simply build on the foundational formula, offering a decadent, low-sugar option for those less initiated to green superfoods.
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 32 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 pain reliever. Today, Boiron’s pharmaceutical-grade homeopathic medicine is a top-seller to relieve muscles pain, stiffness and swelling from injuries and bruises.* The dissolvable pellets are safe to use at the first sign of pain, will not cause drowsiness or interact with other medications Boiron’s pain relief line includes Arnicare Gel, Cream and Ointment for spot treatment, as well as tablets and an arthritis formula.
*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
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
WomenSense EstroSense by Natural Factors
WomenSense is a line of products dedicated to helping women reach their full health potential. EstroSense is designed to support natural hormone balance during PMS or menopause and promote healthy estrogen metabolism.
Pet Health Supplement
RESCUE Remedy Pet by Nelsons
Veterinarian recommended RESCUE Remedy Pet helps to calm pet stress, naturally. Trips to the groomer, thunderstorms, fireworks, 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 five 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, birds and rabbits.
Men’s Health Supplement
T Male by Nature’s Plus
T Male by Natures Plus is the ultimate feel good formula. Unlike other products that seek to temporarily increase libido and make false promises, T Male is a scientifically designed formulation that supports a healthy hormonal homeostasis, including balanced testosterone production. 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.
Diet/Weight-Loss Formula
Skinny Garcinia by Bluebonnet Nutrition
Successful weight loss and healthy weight management depends on sensible goals, managed expectations and most importantly exercise, a well-balanced diet and will power. However, adding a nutritional supplement, such as Bluebonnet’s Skinny Garcinia Vegetable Capsules that supplies the body with the right nutrients for healthy weight management without stimulants can really help give individuals the jumpstart they need to achieve their ideal weight. This unique, kosher-certified diet formula is not only non-GMO (genetically modified organism) and free of most allergens (e.g., soy, gluten and milk), but it also includes the right combination of nutrients at scientifically substantiated potencies. It provides the patented South Asian fruit extract, Garcinia cambogia, known as Super CitriMax that is standardized to 60 percent (750 mg) hydroxycitric acid (HCA), as well as L-carnitine, chromium, choline, inositol, vitamin B6, methionine, plus important electrolytes, all effective wholesome ingredients that support healthy weight management with proper diet and exercise.*
*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: TIE
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.
CuraMed Brain Support by EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
CuraMed Brain can help preserve mental agility, focus, and clarity.* With the combination of ingredients including the most clinically studied, enhanced absorption curcumin with turmeric essential oil, vitamin D, Spanish sage oil and rosemary oil, CuraMed Brain provides the key nutrients to support clear thinking.
*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 Awakening by Redd Remedies
Redd Remedies Brain Awakening is formulated to support full cognition* with three proven, scientifically studied powerhouse ingredients—magtein, amla berry and lion’s mane fruiting body. Combined, these support brain and nervous system health.* Brain Awakening is gluten free, vegetarian, and is produced using a four-point quality control system far beyond industry standards to meet the highest levels of safety and efficacy.
*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 by Enzymedica
Enzymedica’s Digest is an enhanced formula that breaks down carbohydrates, fats, fiber and protein. The enzymes included in Digest support optimal digestion by helping the body absorb nutrients and convert food into energy. Digestive well-being improves concentration and increases 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.
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.
Heart/Cardio Support Formula
CoQ10 by NOW
A natural, vitamin-like compound produced by the body and found in almost every cell, CoQ10 supports a variety of important bodily processes, including cardiovascular function, brain and nervous system health, immune system function, healthy aging and more.* NOW uses only pharmaceutical-grade, non-synthetic CoQ10 in all formulas, and carefully screens each and every product for identity, potency, purity and composition. NOW offers CoQ10 in soft gels, vegetable capsules and lozenges, as well as the reduced, more bioavailable form called ubiquinol, a potent free radical fighter with the ability to regenerate antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.*
*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.* The men’s 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.* Steel-Libido for Women supplies a specialized blend of botanicals and nutrients to support sexual vitality and pleasure.* Key ingredients include the adaptogenic herbs maca, ashwagandha and ginseng that have a long history of use in sexual-enhancement formulas.*
*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 Organic Plant-Based Protein by Garden of Life
Refuel your body after a hard workout with the cleanest plant-based protein available. Containing 30 grams of complete protein, 5.5 grams of BCAAs and 5 grams of glutamine and glutamic acid, Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is Certified USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Informed-Choice Certified for Sport and NSF Certified for Sport.
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
Branched Chain Amino Acids by NOW Sports
The branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine and valine are essential amino acids, and cannot be made in the body. BCAAs are critical for muscle protein synthesis, and because BCAAs can be used as fuel during intense exercise, BCAA supplementation can help to preserve existing muscle tissue.* BCAAs can support recovery by promoting the normal repair processes that take place after exertion.* BCAAs also play an important role in the maintenance of proper immune system function and the support of healthy aging.* NOW Sports Branched Chain Amino Acids are available in both capsules and powder.
*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
SPORT Organic Plant-Based Performance Protein Bars by Garden of Life
Perfect for those on-the-go, Sport Plant-Based Protein Performance Bars provide a quick, convenient source of clean protein plus a healthy dose of fiber. Containing 20 g of complete multi-sourced plant protein, Sport Organic Plant-Based Performance Bars are Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Informed-Choice Certified for Sport and NSF Certified for Sport.
Protein Powder
Raw Organic Protein by Garden of Life
Raw Organic Protein is a Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified RAW Vegan Protein powder made with 13 raw sprouted proteins, delivering 22 grams of protein that is dairy free with a complete profile of all the essential amino acids along with added whole food fat-soluble vitamins, probiotics and enzymes.
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.
Natural Medicine Category
Natural Allergy/Hay Fever Remedy
Adult Sinus Support by Redd Remedies
Adult Sinus Support by Redd Remedies takes a triple action approach to sinus and bronchial health.* This unique formula delivers the right combination of high-quality herbs and nutrients to effectively support the immune, respiratory and digestive systems and bring the body back into balance.* Adult Sinus also comes in a convenient travel size for support on-the-go! Adult Sinus Support is one of 11 interactive products in Redd Remedies’ Sinus Suite designed to provide fast-acting, natural solutions for the whole family.
*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.
Seasonal Support: TIE
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, headaches, 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 than 70 years, families in 50 countries have relied on Oscillococcinum. Retailers can now offer this top-seller in 6-, 12- or 30-dose units.
*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature’s Way
Nature’s Way Sambucus utilizes the dark berries of the European black elder (Sambucus nigra L.), which for centuries has been traditionally used as a winter remedy for immune support.* It’s made with Nature’s Way’s unique, full-spectrum black elderberry extract, ensuring Flavonoid BioActives content, which has been tested and shown to be active within the body. Nature’s Way’s elderberry extract is also made with a gentle, solvent-free extraction method that ensures maximum flavonoid potency. In addition to utilizing the best elderberries possible, the company also has products with added immune-supporting ingredients, such as vitamin C, zinc and echinacea.*
*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.
Headache Remedy
Curamin Headache Relief by EuroPharma (Terry Naturally)
Curamin Headache Relief*†† combines powerful ingredients from EuroPharma’s award-winning and well-loved Curamin formula with ingredients targeted to relieve occasional headaches due to stress and fatigue.* It is 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 Sleep Remedy
Deep Sleep by Herbs, Etc.
Deep Sleep is the solution to various types of sleep difficulties. It does more than simply relax body and mind. It restores a natural sleep rhythm. Deep Sleep is specifically designed for those who long to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed, alert and energized —all without side effects. The secret to Deep Sleep’s effectiveness is the inclusion of fresh (never dried) herbs rich in the constituents essential to achieve sound sleep. These fragile herbal constituents retain their beneficial properties only when they are extracted while fresh and succulent. Deep Sleep contains: fresh California poppy, fresh valerian, fresh passionflower, fresh chamomile, fresh lemon balm, fresh oat seed and orange peel.
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.*
*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)
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 offers natural product/health retailers a friction-free, cost-saving commerce solution. The company’s CATAPULT platform unifies store operations in real time; point of sale (POS), self-checkout, inventory, customer loyalty, membership, back office, e-commerce, general ledger, analytics and enterprise management all share a single transactional business logic. This means actionable business intelligence, increased customer engagement, improvement of the consumer experience and maximized profit. CATAPULT is backed by ECRS’ knowledgeable, accessible, and award-winning U.S.-based support team.
