Are CVS Brand Supplements Third-Party Tested? A Comprehensive Guide

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

In 2019, CVS Pharmacy launched its "Tested to Be Trusted" program, making it the first national retailer to require that all vitamins and supplements sold in its stores undergo third-party testing. This means all CVS brand supplements are, in fact, subjected to rigorous third-party testing to ensure label accuracy and product safety.

Quick Summary

CVS Pharmacy subjects its store-brand supplements to third-party testing under its "Tested to Be Trusted" program to confirm ingredients match the label and screen for contaminants. This initiative includes products from the CVS Health line, verifying their quality through external laboratories.

Key Points

Mandatory Testing: All CVS-sold supplements, including store brands like CVS Health, undergo mandatory third-party testing under the "Tested to Be Trusted" program.
Accuracy and Purity: Testing verifies ingredient accuracy against the label and screens for heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.
Reliable Partners: CVS utilizes independent and credible third parties like NSF International, USP, and Eurofins for its verification processes.
Increased Accountability: The program led to the removal or relabeling of products that failed testing, showing real-world enforcement.
Safety over Efficacy: The testing confirms safety and label accuracy, but does not guarantee a supplement's health efficacy.
Enhanced Consumer Trust: By taking these steps, CVS aims to provide greater consumer confidence in the quality of its supplement offerings.

CVS's "Tested to Be Trusted" Program

CVS Pharmacy's "Tested to Be Trusted" program addresses the need for greater oversight in the dietary supplement industry. This program mandates that all dietary supplement products sold by CVS, including its store brands like CVS Health, undergo third-party testing for quality and safety. The goal is to enhance customer trust through transparency and ensuring a certain standard for the products offered.

The Testing Process and Standards

CVS utilizes reputable third-party certification bodies and approved laboratories for its testing. The testing covers several key areas:

Verification of Dietary Ingredients: Ensuring the ingredients and amounts listed on the label are accurate.
Contaminant Screening: Checking for harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological content.
Adulterant Testing: Evaluating products, particularly in certain categories, to ensure they don't contain banned substances.
"Free-From" Claim Validation: Verifying claims such as "gluten-free" according to FDA standards.

Approved Third-Party Partners

CVS works with well-regarded independent organizations for its testing protocols. These include:

NSF International: An organization focused on public health and safety that certifies dietary supplements.
USP (United States Pharmacopeia): A non-profit establishing standards for the quality and purity of medications and supplements.
Eurofins: A laboratory providing specialized testing services.

This collaboration with external partners provides independent validation of product quality.

Manufacturer Accountability and Product Outcomes

The "Tested to Be Trusted" program holds manufacturers accountable. Initially, around 7% of tested products did not meet the new standards, leading to their removal or relabeling. This process ensures that the information on the supplement facts panel is verified, exceeding baseline FDA requirements.

CVS Health vs. National Brands: The Quality Comparison


Feature	CVS Health Brand Supplements	Major National Brands at CVS
Third-Party Testing	Required via the "Tested to Be Trusted" program	Required via the "Tested to Be Trusted" program
Compliance Outcomes	Enhanced standards were already in place before the program expanded to all brands	Subject to the same testing requirements; some products failed and were removed or relabeled
Manufacturing Oversight	Factories must follow ethical sourcing and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and undergo annual audits	Oversight is manufacturer-specific, but must meet CVS's testing requirements
Price Point	Generally more budget-friendly due to store-brand strategy	Often priced higher due to brand recognition and marketing costs
Availability	Exclusive to CVS Pharmacy stores and cvs.com	Available at CVS and other retailers, both physical and online

The Importance of Supplement Efficacy vs. Safety

Third-party testing verifies label accuracy and safety but does not guarantee a supplement's effectiveness. A CVS executive noted the testing confirms "what's on the label is what's in the bottle, and it's safe". While consumers can trust the ingredients and safety, the health benefits are not evaluated or guaranteed. Consumers should research supplements and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Conclusion

Yes, CVS brand supplements are third-party tested through the "Tested to Be Trusted" program. This program mandates independent verification of ingredient accuracy and safety, including screening for contaminants. This provides a higher level of assurance than standard FDA regulations. CVS's policy offers a significant safeguard in the supplement market. However, consumers should still research and consult a healthcare professional regarding supplement efficacy.

Visit the official CVS website to read more about their supplement quality standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, CVS's "Tested to Be Trusted" program, implemented in 2019, applies to all dietary supplements sold in its stores and online, encompassing both CVS brand products and national brands.

The tests include verification of dietary ingredient accuracy, screening for heavy metals and pesticides, checking for microbiological contaminants, and confirming claims like "gluten-free".

CVS partners with respected third-party certification bodies, such as NSF International, USP (United States Pharmacopeia), and Eurofins, to conduct the testing.

No, the testing verifies that the product's contents match its label and are free from harmful contaminants. It does not evaluate or guarantee the supplement's health efficacy.

If a product fails testing, it is either removed from CVS shelves or the manufacturer must update the label to accurately reflect the contents.

When it was launched, CVS was the first national retail pharmacy to implement a mandatory third-party testing program for all supplements it sells.

As part of CVS's standards, all suppliers are required to manufacture their products in facilities registered with the FDA and to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).