Navigating the world of dietary supplements can be challenging, especially with the subjective and unregulated term “clean” used frequently. New Chapter distinguishes itself by defining its own high standards for purity and sustainability, backing its claims with numerous certifications and transparent testing procedures. A closer look at their practices reveals a strong commitment to quality from sourcing to the finished product.
Understanding the "Clean" Standard in Supplements
Unlike food, the term "clean" in the supplement industry lacks a formal, legal definition. For many consumers, it signifies a product free from synthetic fillers, artificial colors, and unnecessary additives, with ingredients sourced transparently and responsibly. It often implies a greater focus on whole-food-based ingredients and environmental stewardship.
New Chapter's Certified Commitment to Quality
New Chapter's dedication to quality is substantiated by several key certifications, providing an objective measure of their practices:
- Certified B Corporation: Since 2014, New Chapter has been a Certified B Corp, meeting high standards for environmental impact, worker treatment, and transparency.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: As one of the first companies to participate in this verification program, New Chapter ensures its ingredients are independently reviewed for GMO avoidance.
- Certified Gluten-Free by NSF: Many New Chapter products meet strict gluten-free standards set by NSF, a leading public health and safety organization.
- Certified Organic: The company incorporates certified organic vegetables and herbs into its products, with some items achieving full USDA Organic certification.
- Certified Vegan: A growing number of New Chapter products carry the Certified Vegan logo from Vegan Action, guaranteeing no animal products or byproducts were used.
The Fermented Advantage and Bioavailability
New Chapter champions a proprietary fermentation process for many of its vitamins and minerals. Fermentation, the process of culturing key nutrients with probiotics and whole foods, is designed to make them more easily digestible and bioavailable to the body. This means the body can better absorb and utilize the nutrients, potentially reducing stomach upset often associated with conventional supplements.
Third-Party Testing and Transparency Initiatives
Beyond their internal quality control, New Chapter partners with respected third-party laboratories, such as Alkemist Labs, to confirm the identity and purity of their ingredients.
- Rigorous Testing: The company invests millions annually in testing to confirm the quality of its final products.
- Testing for Contaminants: Every formula is tested for microbial contaminants, heavy metals (including lead and mercury), and pesticides to ensure it meets or exceeds regulatory limits.
- DNA Verification: For their mushroom products, DNA verification is used to confirm the species, ensuring ingredient authenticity.
- Next Generation Transparency™: New Chapter is pioneering greater transparency with partners, providing customers with more detailed testing results for their products.
Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing
New Chapter's commitment to clean supplements extends to its sourcing practices, with a focus on both quality and environmental impact.
- Wild-Caught Fish Oil: For its Wholemega™ fish oil, New Chapter uses the trim from wild Alaskan salmon, ensuring no fish are caught solely for the oil. This minimizes waste and avoids the environmental issues associated with farmed fishing.
- Plant-Based Calcium: The calcium used in their Bone Strength Take Care™ is sourced from sustainably harvested Red Marine Algae in Iceland, certified by an independent body.
- Global Ingredient Procurement: The company sources ingredients from regions where they grow best, such as Turmeric from India and Elderberry from Austria, and works with suppliers to improve farming practices and reduce waste.
New Chapter vs. Standard Supplements: A Comparison
| Feature | New Chapter | Generic Brand | Budget Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Testing | Yes, extensive | Often limited or not disclosed | Rarely confirmed |
| Organic/Non-GMO | Verified organic and non-GMO | Varies; requires research | Unlikely; may use cheaper ingredients |
| Sourcing Transparency | High; publishes stories and certifications | Moderate; limited details available | Low; minimal or no sourcing info |
| Fillers/Additives | Excludes synthetic fillers, artificial flavors/colors | Varies; check label for synthetic ingredients | Often contains synthetic fillers and dyes |
| Pill Size/Formulation | Fermented for absorption; some pills large | Standard, unfermented formulas | Basic formulations |
Conclusion: So, Is the New Chapter Clean?
Based on their stated practices, certifications, and transparency, New Chapter appears to be a very clean supplement brand. They meet and exceed many of the informal standards consumers associate with the term, such as avoiding synthetic additives, using high-quality ingredients, and verifying purity through third-party testing. Their commitment to sustainable sourcing and bioavailability adds another layer of quality. However, while their standards are consistently high, it's always wise for consumers to check specific product labels for details on proprietary blends or potential allergens like soy. Ultimately, for those prioritizing certified quality, sustainability, and transparency, New Chapter is a reliable and clean choice.
Check New Chapter's official site for details on their third-party certifications
