Brand review
Is NOW Foods a Good Supplement Brand?
NOW Foods is worth considering for clearly labeled supplements at a competitive price. Start with the ingredient amount and serving size you need, then check the testing for that exact formula. Its facility certification does not certify every product.
Products worth comparing



More reviews from this brand (5)
NOW Berberine HCl 500 mg
Berberine HCl 500 mg per label serving.
Berberine HCl 500 mg · 90 Veg Capsules
Supplement Explained Score 60/100
Read the reviewNOW NAC 600 mg
NAC 600 mg; selenium 25 mcg; molybdenum 50 mcg per label serving.
NAC 600 mg · 100 Veg Capsules
Supplement Explained Score 60/100
Read the reviewNOW Probiotic-10 25 Billion
25 billion CFU; 10 strains; potency through best-by date per label serving.
Probiotic-10 25 Billion · 50 Veg Capsules
Supplement Explained Score 64/100
Read the reviewNOW Super Enzymes
Betaine HCl 200 mg; ox bile 100 mg; pancreatin 134 mg per label serving.
Super Enzymes · 90 capsules
Supplement Explained Score 52/100
Read the reviewNOW Whole Psyllium Husks
Fiber 7 g: soluble 6 g; insoluble 1 g per label serving.
Whole psyllium husks · 1 lb (454 g)
Supplement Explained Score 72/100
Read the reviewOn this page
Is NOW Foods third-party tested?
NOW describes extensive in-house testing and outside certifications, but these are not interchangeable. A laboratory tests samples; a facility certificate evaluates manufacturing practices; a product certification covers the named formula. Look for the evidence that answers your particular concern.
| Evidence | What is documented | What still needs checking |
|---|---|---|
| Company testing program | NOW reports more than 31,000 quality tests a month and describes ingredient and finished-product checks. [1] [2] | A company-wide count is not a result for your bottle or proof of benefit. |
| Facility certification | The posted Eurofins certificate for the Bloomingdale facility names NSF/ANSI 455-2 manufacturing requirements. [3] | It is not blanket NSF Certified for Sport coverage of the entire range. |
| Exact-product certification | Some products have separate certifications. | Match the certifier’s listing to the exact formula, market and package; do not transfer a badge from another SKU. |
| Lot-specific results | A report naming your lot can provide more specific evidence. | Ask which tests, specifications and laboratory are covered. We have not obtained a report for every reviewed product. |
Independent facility assessment is meaningful. So is a transparent testing policy. Neither turns a supplement into a clinically proven treatment. Our USP versus NSF guide explains how to read the different marks.
There is also some independent product-testing evidence. ConsumerLab’s public NOW report card lists 45 selected products: 39 approved, 5 not approved and 1 with another status, as checked October 19, 2026. The product-level details require membership. This is not a random sample of the whole catalog or a pass rate for the bottle you are considering. ConsumerLab’s public summary.
A named extract also needs a product-specific check: our review of NOW KSM-66 Ashwagandha 600 mg distinguishes the root formula from other NOW extracts and addresses the important clinical cautions.
Where are NOW supplements made?
NOW is a US company founded in 1968. That does not mean every ingredient comes from the US. For example, the current magnesium glycinate tablet label says it is made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. Check the exact product’s label if origin matters to you; company location, manufacturing location and ingredient origin are different details. Company history; tablet label.
Why are NOW supplements often cheaper?
NOW attributes its pricing to purchasing ingredients at scale and maintaining its own testing facilities and staff. These are the manufacturer’s explanations, not an independent audit of its costs. A lower price alone does not show weaker quality; a higher price does not show better results. [1]
Compare the same active amount and bottle size. A low sticker price can still buy fewer servings. Include shipping, and distinguish a one-time price from a subscription or promotion.
The review of NOW Taurine 1000 mg, 100 capsules shows the per-1 g capsule calculation and keeps the low unit price separate from unproven human longevity claims.
Which NOW products are worth comparing?
These examples answer different shopping questions. Choose the ingredient for a reason first, then compare the exact formula rather than buying several products because the brand looks good.
Our review of NOW Methyl B-12 5000 mcg, 120 lozenges adds a practical version check: the current manufacturer lists 5-MTHF, while the seller’s older table still lists folic acid.
| Product | Useful label detail | Main check |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium Glycinate | 200 mg per two tablets; the linked 180-tablet bottle has 90 servings. | Tablet size, total supplemental magnesium and medication compatibility. |
| Ultra Omega-3 | 500 mg EPA and 250 mg DHA per softgel on the reviewed label. | EPA/DHA, fish allergy, bovine gelatin and the exact package. |
| Probiotic-10 25 Billion | A multi-strain formula; CFU alone is not a match to a clinical study. | Strain identifiers, storage and the reason you want a probiotic. |
We also review Super Enzymes, Whole Psyllium Husks, Berberine HCl and NAC. Those are separate ingredient decisions, not additions everyone needs.
Another separate ingredient decision is NOW Inositol Powder 8 oz; the review checks the 730 mg label serving and why it should not be treated as an established PCOS regimen.
What should you check before buying a NOW supplement?
- The Supplement Facts line: identify the active amount per serving, not just the front-label number.
- The full ingredient list: check allergens, gelatin, sweeteners and ingredients you specifically avoid.
- The dose: a high-potency bottle is not necessarily a better everyday option.
- The seller: check the seller’s identity, return policy, seal and expiration on arrival.
- The proof: ask for the exact certification or lot report if that determines your choice.
For context before shopping, use our magnesium guide, omega-3 guide or probiotic guide. If you have kidney disease or take medicines, get appropriate advice before adding magnesium. [4]
Is NOW better than Solaray or Doctor’s Best?
There is no defensible whole-brand winner without naming a product and a requirement. For magnesium, compare tablets, capsule count, added ingredients and cost for the same elemental amount. For an athlete, an exact sport listing can matter more than the brand’s general reputation.
Use our five-product magnesium glycinate comparison alongside the Solaray review and Doctor’s Best review. None of these brand names guarantees better absorption or fewer side effects for every formula.
FAQ
Is NOW Foods a reputable brand?
Its published testing information and manufacturing certification provide concrete reasons to consider it. Reputation still cannot tell you whether the exact formula, amount and ingredients fit your needs.
Are NOW supplements FDA approved?
FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before sale. Manufacturing compliance is a different issue from drug approval. [5]
Does every NOW product have sport certification?
No brand-wide assumption is justified. Check the exact product in the relevant certifier’s database rather than relying on a manufacturing badge.
Does a lower price mean lower quality?
Not by itself. Compare the formula, serving count, documented testing and final delivered price. Price is not a direct measurement of quality.
Has Supplement Explained tested these bottles?
No. This review compares public documents and labels; it is not a hands-on trial or an independent laboratory test.
Sources
Update: October 19, 2026. Quality documents and retailer package matches checked; buying routes and comparisons clarified. Manufacturer claims are identified as such. Editorial policy.





