3 Surprising Things You Need To Know Before You Start Your Own Supplement Brand
Thinking about launching your own line of dietary supplements? Whether you’re inspired by big-name brands or hoping to create the next industry disruptor, there are a few things you absolutely need to know before investing your hard-earned money.
After nearly two decades in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance, I’ve helped both established companies scale and entrepreneurs launch brands from scratch. One thing is certain: supplements are heavily regulated, and most new founders underestimate what that really means.
Here are three surprising — and sometimes shocking — truths you need to understand before signing with a manufacturer or committing to production.
Key Takeaway
Many first-time supplement founders assume their contract manufacturer will handle everything — formulation, compliance, and even shelf-life testing. The reality is that:
Manufacturers may under-dose ingredients to keep costs down.
Most contracts shift FDA compliance responsibility onto you, not them.
Shelf-life and stability testing can cost thousands — and few manufacturers mention it upfront.
Knowing these risks early can save you from costly mistakes, lawsuits, or regulatory action.
1. Under-Dosed Ingredients Are More Common Than You Think
A common misconception is that contract manufacturers always formulate effective products. In reality, many include only a sprinkling of trendy or clinically studied ingredients — just enough to list on the label, but nowhere near the effective dose.
Example: A product on Amazon advertised ashwagandha extract at 62.5 mg per serving, yet published clinical trials use 240 mg or more for stress support.
Why does this happen? Manufacturers want to keep your per-unit cost low so you’ll commit to an order. But under-dosing not only shortchanges your customers, it also exposes you to FTC enforcement or lawsuits as your brand grows.
What to do instead: Stay actively involved in formulation. Work with partners who prioritize effective dosing and are transparent about ingredient levels.
2. Manufacturer Contracts Often Put All Liability on You
If you’ve ever browsed manufacturer websites, you’ve seen the same promises: GMP certifications, third-party audits, quality-first language. But the real story shows up in the contract.
In many standard contracts — even from “top-tier” manufacturers — there is no clause guaranteeing they will produce your supplements according to FDA GMP requirements. Instead, the brand owner (you) is held responsible for ensuring compliance, even though you’re not the one making the product.
This creates a massive conflict of interest. Your manufacturer profits from volume, not from keeping you out of regulatory trouble.
What to do instead: Always review contracts carefully and push back on one-sided clauses. A fair agreement should clearly state that the manufacturer will produce supplements in full compliance with FDA GMP.
3. Shelf-Life and Stability Testing Can’t Be Ignored
Look at any supplement label and you’ll see a “Best Before” or “Expiration Date.” What most new founders don’t realize is that the FDA expects scientific data to support those claims. That means stability testing — a process that:
Takes 3+ months to complete
Costs $2,500–$5,000 per product
May reveal costly formulation issues
Most contract manufacturers don’t mention this when onboarding new brands. But without valid stability data, you risk mislabeling your product and violating FDA requirements.
What to do instead: Budget for stability testing early, and don’t skip it. Consider the impact on your timeline and cash flow before committing to a launch date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do manufacturers ensure my supplements are FDA compliant?
Not necessarily. Most contracts put the compliance responsibility on you, the brand owner. That’s why it’s critical to have your own compliance partner.
Why do some supplements have very small amounts of active ingredients?
It’s often a cost-saving move by manufacturers. Lower dosages make products cheaper to produce but less effective.
Is shelf-life testing required by law?
If you print an expiration or best-before date on your label, the FDA expects supporting stability data. Without it, you’re at risk of enforcement.
How much does stability testing cost?
Typically $2,500–$5,000 per product, plus the cost of samples and potential reformulation if issues arise.
Can I trust my manufacturer’s marketing materials?
Treat them cautiously. Certifications look good on a website, but what matters is what’s written in your contract.
Next Steps
If you’re serious about launching your supplement brand the right way, don’t walk into these pitfalls blind.
You have two options:
Book a one-on-one consultation session with me to review your formula, contract, or compliance setup.
Enroll in the Supplement Startup Essentials Training (SET) — a comprehensive program that covers these topics in depth and includes our directory of vetted manufacturers.
Both options are designed to save you time, money, and stress while ensuring your brand is built on a solid foundation.
Book a consultation or learn more about the training today, and start your supplement brand with confidence.