Garden of Life Review: Does Organic Always Mean Better?

Garden of Life provides a diverse range of formulations, including multivitamins, probiotics, protein powders, and herbal supplements. These formulations may help support various health

aspects, such as brain health, immunity, mood, sleep, and energy.

Garden of Life’s product line includes various products that may help boost your vitality, support healthy digestion, and promote a healthy immune system.

The brand also provides educational resources, such as blogs that discuss nutrition/fitness and various recipes.

This review covers everything you need to know about Garden of Life, including its product lineup, advantages, potential limitations, and safety standards.

About Garden Of Life

Established in 2000, the Garden of Life brand prioritizes whole-food-based nutrition and offers 325+ supplements, including mineral supplements, vitamins, omega-3s, probiotics, collagen, and protein powders.

Garden of Life’s extensive product range includes sub-brands like Garden of Life Organics, Dr. Formulated, Vitamin Code, etc. The brand also emphasizes non-GMO, USDA Organic, and clean-label certifications across its formulations.

According to the official site, Garden of Life is a Certified B Corporation, which may indicate that it meets rigorous social and environmental performance criteria, accountability, and transparency.

The formulations from Garden of Life are manufactured in buildings that comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and are often third-party certified by organizations like NSF International, ensuring quality and safety.

Garden Of Life Products

1. Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women’s

   Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women’s aims to support digestive health, immune function, and vaginal health. One capsule provides 50 billion CFUs from 16 diverse probiotic strains. Among the probiotic strains, Lactobacillus reuteri could help maintain vaginal microbiota balance by producing reuterin (an antimicrobial compound), while Lactobacillus fermentum may support mucosal immunity by enhancing IgA antibody production.

   The Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women’s formula also includes an organic prebiotic fiber blend, providing organic potato and acacia fiber to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. These fibers may support the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate and acetate, which may help strengthen the gut barrier, decrease inflammation, and support immune function.

   As per the official site, Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women’s has a shelf-stable design, eliminating the need for refrigeration. Garden of Life uses protective packaging technologies, including desiccant-lined bottles, to preserve the viability of live probiotic cultures against heat, moisture, and oxygen.

2. Sport Creatine Plus Probiotics

   Sport Creatine Plus Probiotics Powder by Garden of Life pairs micronized creatine monohydrate with clinically studied probiotics. The creatine monohydrate may help support muscle strength, power output, and exercise performance by increasing intramuscular phosphocreatine stores. The micronized form may improve solubility and absorption, potentially enhancing creatine’s effectiveness and reducing digestive discomfort.

   According to the official site, a 5.8 g serving (2 level teaspoons) of Sport Creatine Plus Probiotics Powder offers 10mg of the probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis DE111® (with 1 billion CFUs) to support gut health and immune function. The spore-forming bacterium is highly resilient, which can allow it to survive in the stomach acid and reach the intestines, where it may help balance your gut microbiota.

   The makers state that Sport Creatine Plus Probiotics Powder is NSF Certified for Sport®, which may ensure that it is free from banned substances and safe for competitive athletes. It is also certified by the Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, and kosher.

3. Sport Grass Fed Whey+ Skin Protein Powder

   Sport Grass Fed Whey+ Skin Protein Powder by Garden of Life aims to support muscle recovery and skin health. It delivers 17.5 grams of whey protein isolate sourced from grass-fed cows per 30.5g serving (1 level scoop). Whey protein comprises branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which could help stimulate muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway, supporting post-workout recovery.

   As per the official site, Sport Grass Fed Whey+ Skin Protein Powder also features 3.5g of Skin Rejuvenating Blend, which includes marine collagen peptides and OptiMSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Marine collagen may support skin hydration, elasticity, and collagen density by promoting fibroblast activity and extracellular matrix production. OptiMSM may help enhance collagen cross-linking while reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which could help improve skin structure and resilience from within.

   To support digestive and immune health, the Sport Grass Fed Whey+ Skin Protein Powder formula also includes 2 billion CFUs of Bifidobacterium lactis BL818. It is a probiotic strain known for balancing gut microbiota and aiding nutrient absorption. The Sport Grass Fed Whey+ Skin Protein Powder formula is Certified Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

4. Sport Organic Greens Powder – Original

   Garden of Life Sport Organic Greens Powder (Original) aims to support energy production, immune health, gut balance, and antioxidant protection. It features 66 superfoods, essential vitamins, and a blend of prebiotics and probiotics. The formula also features 23 organic greens and vegetables (such as spirulina and blue-green algae).

   Spirulina provides phycocyanin, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It also delivers a complete amino acid profile, which includes B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which are critical for mitochondrial energy production. Blue-green algae contribute bioactive compounds like polysaccharides that support metabolic efficiency and immune function.

   The Sport Organic Greens Powder (Original) also contains four organic mushrooms, including Reishi and Chaga, which offer adaptogenic and immune-supportive benefits. Reishi delivers triterpenoids and beta-glucans known to enhance immune activity and reduce inflammation. Chaga provides antioxidants like superoxide dismutase and polyphenols that may help lower oxidative stress from physical exertion.

   As per its official site, the Sport Organic Greens Powder (Original) formula also delivers 18 essential vitamins and minerals, which include vitamin K2 in the MK7 form, which supports calcium regulation for heart and bone health.

   Other ingredients like guarana offer plant-based caffeine to enhance focus and reduce fatigue, while beet-derived nitrates promote nitric oxide production for improved circulation and oxygen delivery.

5. Sport Probiotic 30ct Capsules

   Garden of Life’s Sport Probiotic capsules may help support digestive health and immune function. One capsule delivers 50 billion CFU from 14 clinically studied strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and 2 strains of Bacillus. These probiotics may help improve gut microbiota balance, strengthen the intestinal lining, and reduce inflammation.

   The Sport Probiotic capsules also include prebiotics, which serve as fuel for beneficial bacteria, enhancing their growth and activity in the colon. The formulation also features postbiotics, bioactive compounds like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced during fermentation. They may help support immune regulation, reinforce gut barrier integrity, and promote the proliferation of helpful microbes.

   According to the official site, the Sport Probiotic capsules also include TurmiPure Gold, a patented turmeric extract with enhanced curcumin bioavailability. Curcumin contains potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may target pathways like NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines. Its presence in the formula could help reduce systemic inflammation and exercise-induced oxidative stress, supporting recovery and performance.

6. Herbals Liposomal Berberine

   Garden of Life Herbals Liposomal Berberine capsules may support metabolic health by supporting healthy blood glucose and lipid levels. They feature berberine, which may help activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Such activation may support improved insulin sensitivity, reduced liver glucose production, and enhanced glucose uptake in tissues.

   Berberine’s clinical potential is often limited by its low natural bioavailability. To tackle this, Garden of Life uses liposomal delivery technology, which encapsulates berberine in protective phospholipid vesicles. The method safeguards berberine from degradation by stomach acid and enzymes, thereby enhancing its absorption and systemic effectiveness.

   According to the official site, two capsules of Herbals Liposomal Berberine provide 200 mcg of Chromax chromium picolinate. It may support efficient carbohydrate metabolism and help suppress cravings for high-glycemic foods by promoting insulin receptor activity. Herbals Liposomal Berberine also features 250 million CFU of Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969, a shelf-stable probiotic strain known to support gut microbiota health.

7. Herbals Menopause + Hair Growth

   Herbals Menopause + Hair Growth softgels may support women through the hormonal transitions of pre-, peri-, and post-menopause. At the core of the formula is S-equol, which is a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein. It may function as a selective estrogen receptor modulator, binding primarily to estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) to mimic estrogen’s effects. Such a mechanism may help minimize menopause symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes while also improving sleep quality and stabilizing mood.

   As per its official site, one Herbals Menopause + Hair Growth softgel features 150mg of Trans-Resveratrol. It is a polyphenol that may help activate sirtuin (SIRT1) pathways and reduce pro-inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6. Such effects help support joint comfort, cardiovascular health, and cellular energy.

   To support hair health, Herbals Menopause + Hair Growth includes 300 mg of Keranat oil (a patented millet extract oil). Research suggests that Keranat improves hair density, reduces shedding, and enhances scalp hydration by extending the hair’s growth phase and protecting follicles from oxidative stress. Moreover, the formulation contains 250 million CFUs of Bacillus subtilis DE111 to support gut health, nutrient absorption, and immune function. These benefits may indirectly influence hormone balance and systemic inflammation.

Garden of Life Advantages

1. Clean, Organic, and Whole Food-Based Ingredients

   The Garden of Life brand formulates its supplements using nutrient-dense ingredients ( fruits, vegetables, and herbs), many of which are non-GMO Project Verified and certified USDA Organic. The brand’s dedication to organic sourcing minimizes potential exposure to any synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms, ensuring a clean formulation. Moreover, Garden of Life claims to avoid the use of synthetic additives, artificial fillers, and chemical preservatives in its formulations, which may help maintain their purity and functional integrity.

2. Extensive Third-Party Certifications

   Garden of Life holds multiple third-party certifications that may indicate the brand’s commitment to quality, safety, and ethical responsibility. These include NSF Certified Gluten-Free certification, which can confirm that products contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten, supporting the dietary restrictions of people with gluten sensitivities.

   The Non-GMO Project Verified certification of Garden of Life ensures that its formulations are produced in compliance with rigorous practices for GMO avoidance. Moreover, as a Certified B Corporation, Garden of Life meets high standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. These certifications not only validate label accuracy but also offer consumers scientific assurance and ethical clarity in their purchasing decisions.

3. Diverse Product Range and Easy Accessibility

   Garden of Life offers a vast selection of supplements, including multivitamins, herbal blends, probiotics, sports performance supplements, protein powders, etc. These formulations can also cover multiple health aspects, including immune support, digestive health, muscle growth, cognitive support, post-exercise recovery, joint function, and sleep quality.

   The formulations from Garden of Life are also available in select retail chains, on the official website, and on affiliated e-commerce platforms. It also features a store locator to help customers find nearby retail locations. This omnichannel approach may ensure that consumers can easily access Garden of Life formulations through their preferred shopping method, whether online or in-store, helping them maintain a consistent and personalized fitness routine.

Garden of Life Limitations

1. High Dosage in Probiotic Formulations Leading to Side Effects

   Many probiotic-infused formulations from Garden of Life contain very high CFU counts. For example, the Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care Capsules feature 100 billion CFUs per capsule. The high probiotic content in these formulations may trigger adverse gastrointestinal concerns in some users, such as bloating, flatulence, cramping, stomachache, or diarrhea. These side effects may arise as the high probiotic content of formulations may bring rapid changes in the gut microbiome.

2. Customer Service and Return Policy Issues

   Many customers have shared frustration with Garden of Life’s customer service, particularly on online review platforms like Amazon and Trustpilot. The common complaints included slow response times, unhelpful communication, and issues with processing returns or refunds.

   Even though the Garden of Life brand promises to provide a 60-day refund policy, some consumers shared on Amazon that they did not receive their money back even after following refund instructions properly. Moreover, some consumers expressed that the customer service team of Garden of Life did not respond to their complaints, with several weeks of delays in responses.

Garden of Life Brand Alternatives

1. Thorne

   Thorne and Garden of Life both offer nutritional supplements and focus on clean nutrition. However, the brands differ in the perspective of their approaches, product variety, certifications, and accessibility.

   Established in 1984, Thorne focuses on clinical research, precision, and innovation in developing its formulations. Meanwhile, Garden of Life was founded in 2000, and it emphasizes whole-food, organic, and plant-based nutrition. The brand seeks to attract consumers who prefer clean-label products and an environmentally conscious approach.

   Certifications and quality standards further distinguish the Thorne and Garden of Life brands. Thorne holds certifications like NSF Certified for Sport, and each batch of its formulations undergoes four rounds of rigorous testing by third-party labs to verify product quality and safety standards.

   Garden of Life, while also NSF Certified for Sport on select products, highlights a broader set of third-party credentials, such as USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Vegan, and B Corporation status.

   In terms of product offerings, Thorne provides over 155 supplements tailored to specific health needs, including recovery support, bone health, energy, cognition and focus, metabolism, gut health, etc. Besides the products, Thorne also offers 11 personalized health tests, such as the Biological Age Health Panel, the Thyroid Test, the Essential Health Panel, etc.

   Meanwhile, Garden of Life offers over 325 supplements, including vitamins, protein powders, mineral formulations, collagen, omega-3s, probiotics, etc. However, unlike Thorne, Garden of Life does not provide personalized health testing to complement precise supplementation.

2. Ritual

   Ritual and Garden of Life are both wellness brands that are engaged in the supplement industry. However, the brands differ in aspects like their scope, offerings, philosophy, and approaches to nutrition.

   Founded by Katerina Schneider, Ritual focuses on simplifying daily health routines through clean, traceable ingredients and a minimalist product line. The brand offers a limited range of formulations tailored to different life stages and needs, such as Multivitamin 18+ for adults, Synbiotic+ to support gut health, and Prenatal/Postnatal Multivitamin to support pregnancy needs.

   On the other hand, Garden of Life prioritizes whole-food, organic ingredients, often blending a broader range of nutrients sourced from fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The brand offers around 326+ formulations, which include vitamins, probiotics, herbal blends, protein powder, and Sports Performance products.

   Transparency in ingredient sourcing is another area where the Ritual and Garden of Life brands take distinct approaches. Ritual offers consumers a traceable ingredient model, where each component’s origin, supplier, and purpose are disclosed under their “Made Traceable™” initiative. Garden of Life also values transparency and provides sourcing information and background on manufacturing practices. However, they tend to highlight certifications and natural ingredient origins more than supplier-level traceability.

   Both Ritual and Garden of Life brands emphasize sustainability, yet their methods reflect different corporate scales and strategies. Ritual integrates sustainable practices such as using recycled packaging materials and reducing carbon output through streamlined sourcing. Garden of Life has broader environmental commitments, including being certified carbon neutral and supporting environmental initiatives. The brand also holds a Certified B Corporation status, which may reflect its initiative towards sustainable business practices.

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How Did We Evaluate Garden of Life?

1. Reputation of the Brand

   When evaluating Garden of Life, we considered the brand’s age, history, and public presence, along with consumer feedback from genuine review platforms. Founded in 2000, Garden of Life has built a strong reputation over two decades by focusing on clean, organic, and whole food-based supplements.

   On Trustpilot, Garden of Life has an unclaimed profile, indicating that the brand does not actively manage its presence or respond to customer feedback on the platform. The unclaimed profile of Garden of Life on Trust may reduce its visibility among its user base on Trustpilot.

   Meanwhile, Garden of Life holds an “A-” rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. The rating may be impacted as a result of nine consumer complaints filed against the business, which may highlight gaps in customer satisfaction and service.

   Garden of Life does not currently have a verified brand page on Reviews.io, which suggests a limited presence on the platform. The lack of an active online presence of Garden of Life on review forums like Trustpilot and Reviews.io may lower the brand’s credibility and trustworthiness.

2. Consumer Reviews

   When evaluating Garden of Life, we took a close look at consumer feedback on its formulations on Amazon to understand how real users experience the brand’s supplements. For this purpose, we analyzed the consumer feedback on its two popular formulations, including the Sport Creatine Plus Probiotics Powder and the Herbals Liposomal Berberine.

   On Amazon, the Sport Creatine Plus Probiotics Powder received mostly positive reviews, with multiple users praising its role in improving strength, recovery, and even focus. Consumers also appreciated the inclusion of probiotics in the creatine powder, which supported gut health and helped reduce the digestive discomfort commonly associated with creatine. However, a few consumers noted that the Sport Creatine Plus Probiotics Powder did not dissolve easily in cold liquids, which contributed to minor inconveniences in consumption.

   Based on the Amazon feedback, the Herbals Liposomal Berberine Capsules were well-received, especially for their support in fitness goals and metabolic function. Many consumers observed positive effects such as reduced hunger, better control over insulin levels, and noticeable weight loss. The product’s clean formulation and kosher certification also earned praise, appealing to users with specific dietary preferences. However, a few consumers received damaged berberine capsules with no seal, raising questions about packaging consistency and quality control.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Garden of Life Formulations Certified For Sports Use?
   Yes, many of Garden of Life’s formulations, such as Sport Creatine Plus Probiotics Powder and Sport Organic Greens Powder, carry the NSF Certified for Sport® certification. The certification helps ensure that Garden of Life formulations remain free of 270 substances banned by athletic organizations, making them a preferred choice for athletes.
2. Do Garden of Life formulations support healthy aging?
   Yes. Many products include antioxidants like CoQ10, resveratrol, and astaxanthin, compounds that may support mitochondrial health and protection against oxidative stress.
3. Does Garden of Life overuse proprietary blends?
   In some formulations, yes. While the brand often discloses ingredients, the exact dosages in proprietary blends are sometimes withheld, making it challenging to understand the clinical relevance of certain combinations.

Final Word

Garden of Life has established itself as a leader in clean-label supplements, emphasizing organic sourcing, whole-food ingredients, and third-party certifications.

However, the brand is not without shortcomings. Some Garden Of Life formulations, particularly high-potency probiotics and fiber-rich blends, may cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating, cramps, or loose stools, especially when introduced too quickly. These side effects highlight the importance of individual tolerance and gradual integration rather than reflecting poor quality.

The brand’s extensive product range, while impressive, can overwhelm new users. Navigation isn’t always intuitive, and product education across its lines is limited. The customer feedback that we discussed in our review indicates mixed responses, with people mentioning concerns regarding slow response times and unresolved return issues.

When taken alongside a healthy lifestyle that includes consistent exercise, a balanced diet, quality sleep, and proper hydration, Garden of Life’s supplements can support broader fitness goals. However, as with any brand, success depends on how well the products fit your personal needs and routines. Garden of Life reflects the values of a cleaner, more conscious supplement industry. Yet, it remains important to approach it with discernment, choosing thoughtfully, starting slowly, and prioritizing what works for your unique body and lifestyle.