7 Supplement Brands Making Nordic Naturals Look Like Yesterday's News

Published on: November 17, 2024
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While Nordic Naturals has enjoyed its reign as the supplement industry's darling, particularly in fish oil products, a fresh crop of innovators is shaking up the wellness landscape. These brands aren't just offering alternatives – they're fundamentally rethinking supplementation through unexpected ingredients, environmental consciousness, and evidence-based formulations. Here's our look at seven companies that caught our attention for bringing something genuinely different to the supplement aisle.

: From Climate Science to Seaweed Snacks

Former climate scientist Sachi Singh is turning heads with Rootless's Daily Bite: Cacao Crunch. While most supplement makers are stuck in the capsule-and-powder paradigm, we're intrigued by how this brand transforms seaweed into actually-palatable nutrition bombs.
The company's origin story reads like a case study in sustainable innovation. Their ocean-farming approach needs nothing but saltwater and sunlight – no freshwater, no fertilizers, no pesticides. It's a refreshingly simple solution to the supplement industry's notorious environmental footprint. The nutrients in their seaweed-based formulations are particularly bioavailable, meaning your body can actually put them to use rather than just expensively tinting your urine.

Why we like Rootless

  • 1

    Sustainable Ocean Farming

    Uses only saltwater and sunlight for production

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    Innovative Format

    Transforms seaweed into palatable nutrition snacks

  • 3

    High Bioavailability

    Nutrients are easily absorbed by the body

: Robin Williams's Son Tackles the Anxiety Epidemic

Zak Williams's personal battle with grief and anxiety led him to create Pym's Stop Stress Bundle. While plenty of supplement brands make vague claims about "relaxation," we're impressed by Pym's laser focus on the science of neurotransmitter support.
Their approach goes beyond just throwing trendy ingredients into a bottle. The formulations reflect a sophisticated understanding of how different nutrients work together to support mental wellness. Their transparency about ingredient sourcing and partnerships with mental health organizations suggest a deeper commitment to addressing the mental health crisis than simply selling pills.

Why we like Pym

  • 1

    Science-Based Formulation

    Focuses on neurotransmitter support

  • 2

    Mental Health Advocacy

    Partners with mental health organizations

  • 3

    Ingredient Transparency

    Clear sourcing and formulation information

: CBD That Actually Lives Up to the Hype

The CBD market is notorious for its wild west atmosphere, but Evn's CBD Sour Gummies stand out for their scientific rigor. We appreciate their obsession with third-party testing and consistent dosing – two rare qualities in the CBD supplement space.
Their roster of professional athlete endorsements, including snowboarder Maddie Mastro, adds credibility to their performance-focused approach. While many CBD brands try to be all things to all people, Evn's narrow focus on athletic performance and recovery feels refreshingly honest. Their emphasis on clean formulations without artificial additives aligns with what we're seeing from the most thoughtful supplement makers.

Why we like Evn

  • 1

    Third-Party Testing

    Rigorous quality control and dosing consistency

  • 2

    Athletic Focus

    Specialized formulations for performance and recovery

  • 3

    Clean Formulations

    No artificial additives

: The Science of Getting Nutrients Where They Need to Go

Cymbiotika's Pure Hydration reflects a deeper understanding of how the body actually processes nutrients. Their proprietary delivery systems aren't just marketing speak – they represent a genuine advance in supplement technology.
The brand's environmental consciousness extends beyond mere lip service. Their packaging and production methods suggest a company thinking seriously about their total impact. We're particularly interested in their approach to traceability, which allows consumers to follow ingredients from source to supplement.

Why we like Cymbiotika

  • 1

    Advanced Delivery Systems

    Proprietary technology for better nutrient absorption

  • 2

    Environmental Consciousness

    Sustainable packaging and production methods

  • 3

    Ingredient Traceability

    Complete transparency from source to supplement

: Finally, Brain Supplements That Don't Taste Like Fish

Olly Pbc's Ultra Strength Brain Softgels tackle one of supplementation's eternal challenges: making something effective that doesn't make you gag. The peppermint-flavored softgels combine cognitive heavyweights like Bacopa and Blueberry extract with Omega-3s and B vitamins.
Their corporate culture mirrors their product philosophy, with initiatives addressing mental health in the workplace. It's a holistic approach that acknowledges supplements are just one piece of the wellness puzzle. We're encouraged to see supplement companies thinking beyond just what goes in the bottle.

Why we like Olly Pbc

  • 1

    Palatable Innovation

    Peppermint-flavored brain health supplements

  • 2

    Holistic Approach

    Addresses workplace mental health

  • 3

    Comprehensive Formulation

    Combines multiple cognitive support ingredients

: Life-Stage Specific Supplements That Actually Make Sense

Victoria Thain Gioia and Dr. Banafsheh Bayati's Women's Daily Vitamin Trio represents a more sophisticated approach to women's supplementation. Instead of the one-size-fits-all strategy that dominates the market, Perelel acknowledges that nutritional needs evolve throughout different life stages.
Their collaboration with women's health experts has produced formulations that reflect current research on bioavailability and absorption. We're particularly interested in their recognition that women's nutritional needs aren't static – something surprisingly rare in the supplement industry.

Why we like Perelel

  • 1

    Life-Stage Specific

    Tailored formulations for different life phases

  • 2

    Expert Collaboration

    Developed with women's health specialists

  • 3

    Research-Based

    Formulations reflect current bioavailability research

Lily Galef

Lily Galef

02/11/24

I love Perelel! Their multivitamin is fantastic and the individualized packs are so convenient for on the go.

: Breaking Down the Price Barrier

Rae Wellness's DeStress Capsules challenge the notion that effective supplements need to cost a fortune. Their formulation includes proven stress-management ingredients without the premium pricing that often comes with wellness products.
Their commitment to consumer education stands out in an industry often criticized for its opacity. We appreciate their straightforward approach to explaining ingredients and their effects, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about their supplement regimen.

Why we like Rae Wellness

  • 1

    Affordable Quality

    Premium ingredients without premium pricing

  • 2

    Consumer Education

    Clear, transparent ingredient information

  • 3

    Accessibility

    Makes effective supplements more widely available

The Future of Supplements

The supplement industry is evolving beyond basic vitamins and fish oil capsules. These seven brands represent a new wave of innovation, combining scientific rigor with environmental consciousness and genuine concern for consumer well-being. While Nordic Naturals deserves credit for raising the bar on quality, these newcomers are redefining what we should expect from our supplements.