3 min readWE’RE COMMITTED TO testing and studying the research behind the most innovative supplements around to help you cut through the noise and find the best products for building muscle, increasing performance, and maintaining or improving general health. To spotlight some of our top recommendations, we recently partnered with The Vitamin Shoppe on the retailer’s first annual The Vitamin Shoppe Supplement Awards, aka “The Suppies.”
Our editors judged and selected winners across categories like “Best in Sports Nutrition” and “Most Craveworthy Flavor,” to guide readers and The Vitamin Shoppe customers to the best in quality, performance, and innovation. Additional winners were selected by The Vitamin Shoppe’s buyers and associates, honoring products they believe had the greatest impact on trends over the past year.
The Suppies were celebrated this month in New York City by founders and CEOs of winning brands, top creators, and the Men’s Health team. “The quality and diversity of the winning products at The Suppies reflect the strength of our partnerships and the remarkable innovation shaping this industry,” says Muriel Gonzalez, president of The Vitamin Shoppe.
Keep reading to learn more about seven winners that earned the stamp of approval.
Best in Sports Nutrition
A compound derived from amino acids, creatine supplies energy to muscles, which can be a boon for exercise performance. This year’s Suppie goes to BodyTech 100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate powder. Unflavored and free of excess ingredients, this product has ultra-fine particles that allow for quick absorption and bioavailability.
The editors at Men’s Health note that it’s a “no-nonsense creatine from a trusted legacy brand. If you’re not sure where to start with creatine supplementation, it’s here.”
Most Craveworthy Flavor
Although it may seem like there’s a gazillion protein bars out there, let’s face it: Not all of them spark enthusiasm in the flavor department. Some can be chalky, while others may be overly sweetened, but not Barebells’ bars. The brand offers an array of flavors, but the Men’s Health editors rave about the key lime variety in particular: “The 20 grams of protein per bar is solid, and you gotta love the just-sour-enough taste among a sea of too-sweet options.”
Best Wellness Essential
To fill potential nutritional deficiencies, it’s important to look for a multivitamin that’s formulated with high-potency, bioavailable vitamins and minerals your body can absorb easily, and geared toward your specific needs, such as age-related support, energy, immunity, or stress. For that, Vthrive The Vitamin Shoppe Bioactive Multivitamins earn a Suppie.
“They contain all the nutrients you need to close nutrition gaps, with each formula tailored to who you are—and where you are—in life,” say the Men’s Health editors.
Health Enthusiasts’ Choice
This award was voted on by more than 1,000 of The Vitamin Shoppe’s retail associates, who are known as Health Enthusiasts. In the sports nutrition category, Transparent Labs stood out for its whey protein isolate, with 28 grams of protein per serving, and no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring. Plus, there are 20 flavors available, including mint chocolate chip, blueberry pancakes, and mocha.
“This is the formula that many of our customers ask for by name and our Health Enthusiasts are proud to recommend to anyone seeking premium quality, uncompromising purity, and exceptional performance,” says The Vitamin Shoppe.
Launch of the Year
Even in a noisy and competitive market, David bars came onto the wellness and supplement scene with a bullhorn. The Vitamin Shoppe merchant team noted that with its headline-grabbing macros, “David keeps even the most demanding protein devotees satiated with an indulgent taste that matches its nutrient credentials. Add bold marketing and viral momentum, and it’s clear how David became a top-selling brand at The Vitamin Shoppe.”
Brand of the Year
The company offers a robust breadth of products that contain ingredients known to fuel performance, like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), collagen, creatine, electrolytes, magnesium, and beta alanine.
“With its clean ingredients, complete label transparency, and rigorous third-party testing, Transparent Labs has won hard-earned trust among discerning nutrition customers, delivering credibility and standout performance as a modern sports nutrition leader,” says The Vitamin Shoppe merchant team.
Partner of the Year
With products developed by athletes and tested in real training scenarios, RAW is considered a force when it comes to providing support to athletes—from bodybuilding professionals to everyday gym-goers. The company is all about connecting with its customers, too, and sponsors interactive contests and exclusive retail experiences with The Vitamin Shoppe.
“By pairing best-in-class formulations with authentic community engagement that resonates deeply with consumers, RAW Nutrition has created serious momentum at The Vitamin Shoppe that only continues to grow,” the retailer notes.
Elizabeth Millard is a freelance writer focusing on health, wellness, fitness, and food.
