NowFoods Review: Trusted Quality or Just a Mass-Market Gimmick?

Now Foods offers an extensive product range that includes dietary supplements, sports nutrition, essential oils, natural foods, personal-care products, and pet products. The brand is focused on foundational vitamins, minerals, and specialized herbal blends targeting cognitive support, immune health, and joint function.

This Now Foods review will cover everything you might want to know about Now Foods as a brand. You’ll learn about its mission, range of products, ingredient transparency, manufacturing practices, and pricing. We’ll also explore what customers are saying, how the brand compares to other similar brands, and what factors can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

About Now Foods

Founded in 1968, Now Foods claims to provide high-quality products that support healthier lifestyles. The product lineup at Now Foods is extensive. In the supplements category, you’ll find options like PQQ Energy (with PQQ, CoQ10, and B vitamins), ADAM Men’s Multivitamin, Magnesium Citrate, Ultra Omega-3, Ashwagandha Extract, and Probiotic-10. These supplements could support mitochondrial health, immune function, and stress management.

The natural foods category includes ancient grains, nut butter, dried fruits, flours, sweeteners like Xylitol and Erythritol, and oils such as Avocado Oil and Coconut Oil. NOW also produces beauty and personal care products like Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Vitamin C & Oryza Sativa Scrub, and Solution Castor Oil, as well as essential oils like Lavender, Peppermint, and Tea Tree Oil, all designed to support wellness inside and out.

As per the official website, Now Foods claims to be GMP-certified by Intertek and the Natural Products Association, ensuring strict adherence to manufacturing standards. It also holds Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative.

The brand highlights that many of its products are USDA Organic certified through QAI, and several carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. Additional certifications obtained by Now Foods include Certified Gluten-Free, Informed-Sport (for sports supplements), Kosher, Halal, Cruelty-Free, and UL Dietary Supplement Certification.

Now Foods Best Sellers

1. Now L-Arginine Double Strength

   Now L-Arginine Double Strength may support cardiovascular and metabolic functions. L-arginine is known as a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning your body may need additional support from supplementation during periods of stress, illness, or intense physical activity.

   As per the official website, the L-Arginine Double Strength formula may help relax and dilate blood vessels. This could support healthy blood flow, which might support cardiovascular wellness, athletic performance, or circulation support.

   Now L-Arginine Double Strength provides 1,000 mg of L-Arginine, derived from 1,250 mg of L-Arginine HCl, providing twice the potency of the brand’s regular-strength version.

   L-arginine is also involved in urea metabolism and excretion, helping the body eliminate excess nitrogen, as well as contributing to DNA synthesis and protein production, critical processes for muscle repair and cellular health.

2. Now L-Carnitine Pure Powder

   L-Carnitine Pure Powder by Now Foods offers a concentrated form of L-Carnitine, which may support cellular energy production and metabolic function. L-carnitine’s primary function involves transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where fatty acids are then oxidized to generate ATP, the body’s main energy currency. This process plays a critical part in energy metabolism, especially for the heart and skeletal muscles. As per the makers, L-Carnitine Pure Powder provides 635 mg of L-Carnitine (as Carnipure® from 950 mg L-Carnitine Tartrate) per ¼ teaspoon serving.

3. Now Aquatic Beauty+

   According to the official website, Aquatic Beauty+ can support hydration, elasticity, and visible youthfulness from within. This formula includes MoriKol Tripeptide Marine Collagen, a premium marine-derived collagen known for its superior absorption and effectiveness. These collagen tripeptides are uniquely small in size, allowing them to be absorbed intact into your bloodstream, where they may promote deep tissue support for the skin. To complement the collagen content, the makers added 100 mg of Vitamin C (111% Daily Value) per two capsules, which plays a vital role in natural collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection, further supporting skin integrity.

4. Now BioCell Collagen® Hydrolyzed Type II

   BioCell Collagen® Hydrolyzed Type II by Now Foods may support joint mobility, connective tissue integrity, and healthy, hydrated skin. It features BioCell Collagen®, a patented complex derived from hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage that contains a synergistic blend of Type II collagen, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. These components naturally occur in the body and play vital roles in maintaining the structural health of joints, cartilage, and skin.

   BioCell Collagen® may help promote smoother joint movement and visibly healthier skin with age by delivering these nutrients in a pre-digested, bioavailable form.

   As per the official website, BioCell Collagen® Hydrolyzed Type II contains 1,000 mg of BioCell Collagen®, including 570 mg of Hydrolyzed Type II Collagen, 190 mg of Chondroitin Sulfate, and 95 mg of Hyaluronic Acid per two capsules. Type II collagen may support cartilage structure and resilience, while chondroitin helps maintain joint lubrication and shock absorption. Hyaluronic acid in this formula may support both joint cushioning and skin moisture, helping to reduce signs of aging and improve skin texture from within.

5. Now Nature’s Shield Oil Blend

   Now Foods Nature’s Shield is a potent essential oil blend that uses the potent botanical properties of five essential oils, including clove bud, lemon peel, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

   The ingredients in the Now Nature’s Shield Oil Blend include Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove) bud oil, known for its potent antimicrobial activity, which may help combat harmful bacteria and support oral or topical hygiene. Lemon peel oil contributes a fresh, citrusy aroma while offering natural cleansing qualities that could aid in purifying surfaces or the skin.

   Nature’s Shield Oil Blend also has cinnamon bark oil that may add a warm, spicy scent and is traditionally used for its immune-supportive effects, potentially helping to fortify your body’s natural defenses.

   The makers also added eucalyptus radiata oil in NOW® Solutions Nature’s Shield, which could help promote respiratory clarity, and rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil may help enhance focus and boost mental clarity.

6. Now Eucalyptus Globulus Oil

   Now Eucalyptus Globulus Oil is a 100% pure essential oil known for its revitalizing, invigorating, and clarifying properties. It is said to be extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus globulus tree and features a strong aromatic and camphoraceous scent that may help stimulate the senses, promote mental clarity, and support respiratory comfort.

   As per the official website, Now Eucalyptus Globulus Oil contains eucalyptus globulus oil, with no additives or synthetic components, ensuring purity and potency. The makers state that it blends well with other essential oils like cedarwood, cypress, grapefruit, lemon, rosemary, and thyme, allowing for customized aromatherapy experiences.

   Now Eucalyptus Globulus Oil is suitable for diffusion, helping to purify indoor air and promote a sense of clarity. The website highlights that for topical use, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil such as almond or grapeseed oil to avoid skin sensitivity.

7. Now Sports L-Ornithine Powder

   Now Sports claims that its L-Ornithine Powder can support protein metabolism, detoxification, and muscle energy production.

   L-ornithine is known as a non-essential amino acid that may play a critical role in the urea cycle, where it works alongside arginine and citrulline to help remove ammonia, a toxic by-product of protein breakdown. Efficient ammonia clearance is essential for maintaining energy and performance during intense physical activity.

   This formula contains L-Ornithine Hydrochloride, which provides 780 mg of pure L-Ornithine per 1-gram serving (approximately ½ teaspoon). The hydrochloride form includes the acid naturally present in the stomach, which helps stabilize the compound and enhance absorption.

   The makers suggest taking ½ teaspoon of L-Ornithine Powder 1 to 2 times regularly, mixed with juice or water on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. The product is free of anti-caking agents, so lumping may occur, but it does not affect quality or efficacy.

Now Foods Advantages

1. Extensive Product Range

   Now Foods maintains one of the most diverse product catalogs in the wellness industry, offering over 1,400 items across categories like dietary supplements, sports nutrition, natural personal care, and essential oils. This extensive range reflects the brand’s broad formulation capabilities and long-standing infrastructure for category-wide wellness.

   For example, Now Foods supports niche goals like stress management (Relora), mitochondrial health (PQQ Energy), and joint support (BioCell Collagen) while also offering NSF Certified for Sport® supplements under the Now Sports line.

   You also have access to non-supplement items like plant-based essential oils and clean beauty products, which means you can streamline your purchases without shifting across multiple brands, which can be an advantage in both convenience and brand trust continuity.

2. Transparency And Certifications

   Now Foods carries a wide range of third-party certifications that reflect its commitment to verified quality and safety. These include USDA Organic for chemical-free farming practices, Non-GMO Project Verified for ingredient integrity, Informed-Sport for testing against banned substances in athletic supplements, UL certifications for cosmetic manufacturing under GMP standards, and SQF certification for food safety across the entire supply chain. Each certification involves independent audits and strict compliance with industry-recognized standards. This framework allows you to make more confident decisions, whether you’re avoiding GMOs, seeking certified gluten-free or vegan products, or relying on supplements free from contaminants. The emphasis on documented compliance, rather than marketing-based claims, makes Now Foods a more trustworthy option across diverse dietary and ethical preferences.

Now Foods Limitations

1. Generalist Formulations May Limit Targeted Support

   Now Foods offers thousands of products across categories like essential oils, vitamins, sports nutrition, and pet care. However, most of these supplements are formulated for broad, everyday wellness rather than tailored, condition-specific support. Unlike Metagenics, which specializes in clinical-grade products such as UltraFlora for gut health and Estrovera for menopausal symptoms, or Nature Made, which is known for pharmacist-recommended basics like Vitamin D3 or Magnesium, Now Foods does not typically develop high-potency or practitioner-formulated blends. This means you may not get supplements that are optimized for complex needs like hormonal imbalance, autoimmune concerns, or metabolic syndrome if you’re seeking targeted results, such as cortisol regulation, inflammation control, or detoxification support. Now’s generalist formulas may lack the precision or therapeutic strength required. This can limit effectiveness, especially if you’re managing a chronic issue or working under the guidance of a functional medicine provider.

2. Mixed Experiences Among Users

   A key limitation of Now Foods, based on customer reviews from Amazon, is the inconsistency in its product effectiveness and individual response. While many users report noticeable benefits from the brand’s supplements like Alpha GPC and L-Carnitine, others experience minimal results or even adverse effects such as insomnia. This inconsistency can stem from how different bodies metabolize ingredients, the need to combine certain supplements with others to see results, or underlying health factors that affect absorption or tolerance. This variability means you may not experience the advertised benefits, even if the product works well for others, which makes it difficult to rely on Now Foods for targeted outcomes without some trial and error.

Now Foods Alternative Brands

1. Nature Made

   Nature Made, founded in 1971 and now part of Pharmavite, has built its reputation around clinically reliable supplements and pharmacist trust. It was one of the first brands to earn USP verification, a third-party seal confirming that the components listed on the label match what’s inside and that the product meets standards for purity and potency.

   Meanwhile, Now Foods was founded in 1968 and remains a family-owned company. Its mission revolves around making natural, high-quality wellness products accessible and affordable. While it doesn’t lean on USP verification as heavily, Now Foods invests heavily in quality control, performing over 31,000 in-house tests each month to ensure ingredient integrity and product consistency.

   Nature Made’s catalog consists of around 150 core supplements that support general wellness, immunity, sleep, digestion, and stress relief. Its product formats include tablets, softgels, capsules, powders, and gummies, many of which are sugar-free or pectin-based. Notable offerings of the brand include Advanced Multivitamin Gummies, magnesium citrate and glycinate blends, vitamin D3 softgels, melatonin supplements, and bundled packs like the Daily 4 Value Pack.

   Now Foods, on the other hand, offers an expansive portfolio of over 1,400 products. This includes not just dietary supplements like CoQ10, adaptogens, or vitamin K-2 but also personal care items (such as Bakuchiol serums and baby shampoos), essential oils, sports nutrition, organic foods, and pet health products. It’s a broader, more holistic approach to wellness that covers every corner of your lifestyle.

   In terms of pricing, both brands are affordable, but they cater to slightly different needs. Nature Made offers entry-level single-nutrient tablets such as iron or zinc for under $10, while its gummies and specialty items usually fall between $14 and $28. Bundle packs and high-dose blends can go up to $75. Now Foods is similarly budget-conscious, with foundational supplements starting around $7–8 and most mid-tier options priced between $15 and $35. However, NOW also offers large-size or clinical-grade items like bulk protein powders or specialty amino acids, which may cost $70 or more, often giving better value per serving for those with higher or long-term needs.

   Both brands prioritize product safety and ingredient transparency, but they follow different paths. Nature Made leans heavily on USP certification and pharmacist recommendations to build trust with customers looking for verified, essential nutrients. Its products are also claimed to be free from artificial colors, flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup, and many are gluten-free. Now Foods, on the other hand, boasts a wide array of third-party certifications, like Non-GMO, USDA Organic, Informed-Sport, Vegan, Kosher, and cruelty-free for select lines.

2. Metagenics

   Now Foods and Metagenics both serve health-conscious consumers, but their market positioning, product offerings, and quality assurance practices are notably different.

   Metagenics is recognized as a practitioner-grade supplement brand with a strong clinical orientation. Its products are typically recommended by healthcare professionals and are grounded in scientific research, formulated to address targeted health concerns such as digestion, hormonal balance, brain function, and immune support.

   Metagenics also highlights bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes, offering specialized product lines like UltraFlora® probiotics and OmegaGenics® fish oils, as well as medical foods designed for dietary management under professional supervision.

   On the other hand, Now Foods is positioned as a broad, consumer-accessible brand with a diverse product range that extends well beyond dietary supplements. The company offers products across categories, including supplements, natural foods, sports nutrition, beauty and personal care, essential oils, and pet health. While it covers foundational wellness needs with items like multivitamins, probiotics, and herbal blends, Now Foods also provides food staples, protein powders, aromatherapy products, and grooming essentials.

   Metagenics offers a generous 60-day satisfaction guarantee (for authorized purchases) and flexible subscription options with a 36-month price lock. Meanwhile, Now Foods products are widely available through retail stores and its website without restrictions, offering a 30-day return policy for unopened items, and customer perks like product finders, discount codes, and standard shipping benefits.

   Metagenics distinguishes itself through its clinical, practitioner-focused approach and targeted, science-backed formulations, while Now Foods stands out for its broad accessibility, wide-ranging product selection, and commitment to quality and value for everyday consumers.

How Did We Evaluate Now Foods?

1. Brand Reputation

   To evaluate Now Foods, we considered several key factors, including the brand’s age, history, background, and customer reputation. Now Foods has been a long-standing brand in the supplement industry, which indicates its stability and experience in delivering fitness products. A major part of our evaluation focused on their customer service and business practices, reflected by their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This rating demonstrates a strong commitment to transparency, reliable customer support, and effective complaint resolution.

   While Now Foods is not currently reviewed on Trustpilot, limiting our access to a wider range of consumer feedback, the BBB accreditation may provide an indicator of the brand’s trustworthiness.

2. Refund And Shipping Policy

   We assessed Now Foods primarily based on how clear, fair, and customer-friendly their shipping and refund policies are. You’ll find their shipping approach straightforward as they offer free shipping on any order made over $50 within the contiguous US, which encourages you to buy more. If your order is smaller, there’s a reasonable flat fee of $6.95. However, if you’re in Alaska or Hawaii, you’ll incur this $6.95 charge, no matter the order size, because of higher delivery costs.

   When it comes to returns, you get 30 days to return new, unopened products purchased directly from their website. That’s a standard window but not especially generous. You’ll be responsible for return shipping costs, which could discourage you from returning items.

   Now Foods handles damaged or incorrect shipments by offering free returns within 30 days. While some fees and restrictions might limit flexibility depending on where you are or what you buy, their policies stay transparent and fair for most customers in the US. This may indicate that the brand focused on maintaining quality service while managing operational and regulatory demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Now Foods supplements suitable for people with multiple food allergies?
   Now lists common allergens on product labels, but cross-contamination is still possible in shared manufacturing facilities. If you have severe allergies, it’s best to contact customer service directly with the product lot number for details on that batch.
2. Can I use Now essential oils internally?
   Now Foods does not recommend ingesting essential oils. Many oils can be toxic when consumed and are intended for external or aromatic use only.
3. Can Now Foods supplements be used to manage chronic health conditions?
   No. Now Foods claims that its products can support general wellness, like better energy and immunity, but they’re not intended to diagnose, treat, or manage diseases. If you have a condition like diabetes or autoimmune disorders, it’s best to consult your doctor.

Conclusion

Now Foods is focused on clean-label formulations, third-party testing, and affordability. Its extensive product range covers nutrition, fitness, aromatherapy, and personal care, supported by GMP-certified manufacturing and transparent labeling practices. The brand emphasizes the use of science-backed ingredients and maintains certifications that may reflect its commitment to quality and safety.

However, its generalist approach may not be suitable if you’re looking for high-potency or condition-specific formulations. Some supplements may lack the therapeutic strength or in-house clinical research found in practitioner-grade brands. In such cases, effectiveness can vary depending on your needs and conditions.

If you have any health concerns or are taking medications, it’s important to consult a doctor before considering Now Foods. While the brand provides options for basic wellness, it may not address more complex or specialized fitness goals.