Understanding Ancient Nutrition's Certifications
When evaluating a supplement brand, transparency and verified standards are key. Ancient Nutrition has made its commitment to quality and sustainability clear through a range of certifications. These certifications cover different aspects of the business, from environmental impact and ingredient sourcing to ethical labor practices. For the consumer, understanding these designations can offer valuable insights into the products they purchase. {Link: ancientnutrition.com https://ancientnutrition.com/blogs/all/impact-report}.
Certified B Corporation
Ancient Nutrition became a Certified B Corporation in January 2023. This certification from the nonprofit B Lab indicates a company meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, balancing profit with purpose and considering its impact on stakeholders.
Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC)
Ancient Nutrition's farms in Tennessee and Missouri were among the first in their states to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified status. This standard focuses on soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. This goes beyond typical organic standards and includes farming practices that improve soil health and increase biodiversity. Ancient Nutrition offers some of the first triple-certified supplements with ROC, USDA Organic, and Non-GMO status, sourcing ingredients from their ROC farms.
USDA Certified Organic
Many Ancient Nutrition products, like SuperGreens powder and Plant Protein, are USDA Certified Organic. This federal certification ensures products are made with at least 95% organic ingredients and processed without toxic pesticides or genetic engineering.
Third-Party Testing and Manufacturing
Ancient Nutrition utilizes accredited third-party labs for testing products for contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. While testing is claimed to be rigorous, some third-party reviewers suggest that public Certificates of Analysis (COAs) could offer more detail, such as specific lot numbers or testing dates. The company's manufacturing follows cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards, a federal requirement for supplement quality and safety.
Sustainability Initiatives
Ancient Nutrition's R.A.N.C.H. Project is a company commitment to environmental stewardship, dedicating revenue to support regenerative agriculture. The company also has goals for waste reduction and environmental improvement as part of its mission.
Certification Comparison: Ancient Nutrition vs. Typical Competitors
| Feature | Ancient Nutrition | Typical Supplement Brand | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| B Corporation Status | Yes, Certified B Corporation since Jan 2023. | No, unless specifically stated. | {Link: ancientnutrition.com https://ancientnutrition.com/blogs/all/impact-report} |
| Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) | Yes, for company-owned farms. | No, very few brands have this. | {Link: ancientnutrition.com https://ancientnutrition.com/blogs/all/impact-report} |
| USDA Organic | Yes, on many product lines. | Varies, many brands are not organic. | Ingredients grown without toxic synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes, claims rigorous testing for purity. | Varies, some do, some don't. | Independent verification of ingredient accuracy and contaminants. |
| Transparency (COA) | Mixed; provides COAs but public details can lack specifics. | Varies, some are excellent, others lack. | Detailed COAs provide maximum consumer confidence. |
| Sustainability Program | Yes, through the R.A.N.C.H. Project. | No, typically lacks specific, company-wide initiatives. | Demonstrated commitment to environmental goals beyond basic compliance. |
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Ancient Nutrition Certifications
Ancient Nutrition has invested significantly in multiple, verifiable certifications to demonstrate its commitment to quality, ethics, and sustainability. The Certified B Corporation status showcases their dedication to a business model that benefits not only shareholders but also employees, communities, and the environment. Their pioneering Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) status for their own farms and select products places them at the forefront of the regenerative agriculture movement within the supplement industry. Combined with USDA Organic and cGMP certifications for many products and a commitment to third-party testing, the brand offers a robust portfolio of verified quality. While there is room for improvement in providing more granular, batch-specific transparency for third-party testing results, the overall picture shows a company that takes certification seriously. For consumers who prioritize ethically and sustainably sourced supplements that are backed by independent verification, Ancient Nutrition presents a strong option.
A Quick Checklist for Evaluating Supplement Certifications
- Verify the Certification: Check for B Corp status on the B Lab website and ROC status on the Regenerative Organic Alliance site.
- Check Individual Products: Look for the USDA Organic seal and other relevant symbols on product labels.
- Seek Third-Party Proof: Search the brand's website for Certificates of Analysis (COAs) or mention of third-party testing from reputable labs.
- Compare Transparency: If a competitor offers more detailed public data on testing, weigh this as part of your purchasing decision.
- Consider Company Initiatives: Look beyond individual product certifications to understand the company's broader mission and sustainability efforts, like the R.A.N.C.H. Project.
