Reviews and Information for Gold Standard
Filters
View All
Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.
Product Review
Muscle & Workout Supplements Review (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids)
Do Creatine and BCAAs Really Improve Strength and Recovery?
Product Review
Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review
Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests
Product Review
Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review
50% of Red Yeast Rice Supplements "NOT APPROVED" in CL Tests
CL Answer
Is it true that protein can strain the kidneys as you get older?
Find out if protein strains the kidneys as you get older, how much protein older adults need and the best way to take protein supplements.
CL Answer
At-Home COVID Tests: How They Compare and What You Need to Know
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tests: Where to get COVID-19 tests, including information about free testing, home testing and more. Information about SARS-CoV-2 virus tests, antibody tests and FDA authorized tests.
Product Review
Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review
Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity
Product Review
Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review
Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands
Product Review
Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review
Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead
Product Review
Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review
See Which Sports Drinks, Powders, and Pills Deliver the Right Electrolytes
News Release
February 25, 2024
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2024 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2024 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on over 10,000 responses collected in November/December 2023.
News Release
June 08, 2023
Best Muscle and Workout Supplements With Creatine or BCAAs, According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, June 8, 2023 — Creatine supplements are promoted to increase muscle size, strength, and endurance, while supplements with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are promoted to improve exercise recovery.
CL Answer
Which is the best mask to prevent COVID-19 and how do cloth, disposable, N95, and KN95 masks compare? How can I stop glasses from fogging?
See our Top Picks for masks. Learn how to make COVID-19 masks from materials at home that can be almost as effective as surgical mask and N-95 masks.
News Release
February 25, 2023
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2023 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2023 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 8,600 responses collected in November/December 2022.
CL Answer
Which is the best pulse oximeter for home use?
Best pulse oximeter for home use (COVID-19, asthma and COPD). Differences between home use and FDA-approved medical pulse oximeters.
CL Answer
My doctor told me to stop taking supplements because my kidney function was low. After stopping, my kidney function returned to normal. Can taking a lot of supplements really damage the kidneys?
Find out which supplements may damage your kidneys. ConsumerLab explores possible kidney side effects of supplements including chromium, creatine, and vitamin C.
News Release
June 30, 2022
Best Protein Shakes & Drinks According to ConsumerLab Tests. Lead, Excess Sodium Found in Some
White Plains, New York, June 30, 2022 — Consumers may get more sodium, fat, calories, or even lead, than they bargained for from some protein supplements, according to recent ConsumerLab tests of over 20 popular protein powders and shakes.
News Release
February 25, 2022
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2022 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2022 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 8,049 responses collected in November/December 2021.
News Release
February 25, 2021
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2021 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2021 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,647 responses collected in November 2020.
News Release
February 25, 2020
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2020 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2020 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,782 responses collected in late November and early December 2019.
News Release
February 25, 2019
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2019 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2019 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,931 responses collected in late November and early December 2018.
News Release
January 03, 2019
ConsumerLab Tests Reveal the Best Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks -- 20% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail CL's Tests of Quality
White Plains, New York, January 3, 2019 — Combined with resistance exercise, protein supplements can help athletes build muscle and older people prevent muscle loss. They can also help people with diabetes maintain blood sugar levels when consumed as part of a low-calorie diet.
News Release
February 25, 2018
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2018 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2018 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 11,446 responses collected in late November and early December 2017.
News Release
February 25, 2017
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2017 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2017 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,505 responses collected in late November and early December 2016.
News Release
June 15, 2016
28% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail ConsumerLab.com's Tests of Quality
White Plains, New York, June 15, 2016 — Protein powders and drinks can help build and maintain muscle when combined with exercise and can also help with blood sugar control. However, recent ConsumerLab.
News Release
February 25, 2016
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2016 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 11,534 responses collected in November, 2015. Respondents gave ratings for 963 brands and 399 merchants.
News Release
February 25, 2015
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2015 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,329 responses collected in November, 2014. Respondents gave ratings for 1,709 brands and 891 merchants.
News Release
May 07, 2014
Flaxseed and Other Popular Seed Oil Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com, But Not All Brands Pass -- Flaxseed, Black Currant, Borage and Evening Primrose Oils Reviewed
White Plains, New York, May 7, 2014 — Plant seed oils are popular supplements that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but which products offer the best value and quality? Recent analyses by ConsumerLab.
News Release
February 12, 2014
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2014 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,326 responses collected in November, 2013. Respondents gave ratings for 1,639 brands and 788 merchants.
News Release
June 11, 2013
31% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail Tests by ConsumerLab.com
White Plains, New York — June 11, 2013 — What's really in a scoop of "protein powder"? sIn some products, a lot less protein or a lot more carbohydrates than you would expect, and perhaps even a serving of something you don't want -- lead. That's according to recent tests by ConsumerLab.
News Release
February 01, 2013
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2013 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,862 responses collected in November, 2012. Respondents gave ratings for 1,438 brands and 851 merchants.
News Release
February 01, 2012
Top-rated vitamin and supplement brands and merchants on consumer satisfaction for 2012 -- Based on ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,260 responses collected in November, 2011. Most respondents used multiple supplements.
News Release
May 05, 2010
Tests of protein powders and drinks show some lead contamination but no melamine -- New report covers whey, soy, and rice protein supplements for body building, endurance/recovery, meal-replacment and dieting
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — MAY 5, 2010 — New tests by ConsumerLab.com found most protein powders, shakes and drinks to meet their nutrient claims, but two products were contaminated with lead (6 to 18 mcg per day) and a third product contained four extra grams of sugar.
News Release
April 27, 2005
ConsumerLab.com finds quality of most nutrition powders and drinks high, but identifies five protein powders with excess sodium or cholesterol — Report Now Available Online
WHITE PLAINS, NY — APRIL 27, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of nutrition powders, shakes and drinks. These products are used for general nutrition, dieting, and meal-replacement and are frequently used by athletes and bodybuilders.
Recalls & Warnings
August 01, 2022
53 Protein, Meal Replacement and Nutritional Beverages Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination
On July 29, 2022, Lyons Magnus LLC issued a recall of 53 protein, meal replacement, and nutritional beverages, including those sold under the brand names of Glucerna, Premier Protein, Oatly, and others, due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from Cronobacter sakazakii.
Recalls & Warnings
January 10, 2017
FTC Charges Marketers of Prevagen With Making False Claims
On January 9, 2017, the FTC charged the marketers of Prevagen with making false and unsubstantiated claims that the supplement improves memory, provides cognitive benefits, and is "clinically shown" to work.
