Solaray: Vertically integrated tester with real GMP credentials—held back by a transparency gap
Our analysis confirms Solaray's parent manufacturing sites are NSF/ANSI 455-2 GMP–listed—a higher bar than basic cGMP—and the brand advertises extensive in-house testing down to 10 parts per billion for many contaminants. At the same time, Solaray does not routinely publish batch COAs for consumers and recently had a nationwide packaging recall on iron-containing multis for failing child-resistant requirements, revealing a brand that excels in lab rigor but lags in consumer-facing proof and packaging controls. [1][4][5]
Our Verdict
Comprehensive analysis shows Solaray as a credible, vertically integrated supplement maker with real GMP credentials and strong in-house testing culture. The flip side: they lag transparency leaders by not routinely publishing batch COAs, and a 2023 packaging recall underlines the need for continuous improvement in consumer safety controls. Bottom line: Solaray earns a "trust but verify" verdict—good value and selection for mainstream users who don't need published COAs; transparency-driven buyers or athletes may prefer brands with third-party seals or open COA portals. [1][4][5][10]
How we investigated:We reviewed regulatory listings (NSF, CPSC), company technical pages, retail pricing, consumer forums, and legacy legal records. The evidence paints a consistent pattern: credible manufacturing controls and scale, selective product innovation (enteric-coated probiotics, a patent-pending dry liposomal multi), but a public-testing gap and isolated compliance stumbles. [1][4][16]
Ideal For
- Shoppers wanting mainstream availability with credible GMP credentials (NSF/ANSI 455-2).
- Consumers prioritizing enteric-coated probiotics or large-count minerals at fair prices.
- Those comfortable asking customer service for COAs, rather than expecting public posting.
Avoid If
- You require instant, batch-level COAs published online.
- You want NSF Certified for Sport or USP Verified seals on the exact product you're buying.
- You strictly avoid carrageenan in vegan softgels—labels vary by SKU.
Best Products
- Magnesium Glycinate (verify elemental mg per serving).
- Mycrobiome Probiotic variants (choose strain profile by need).
- Select botanicals and vitamins with simple formulas and clear labeling.
Skip These
- Any recalled liposomal multivitamin lots; verify current child-resistant packaging if iron-containing.
- Vegan softgel SKUs listing carrageenan if you aim to avoid it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Solaray third-party certified?
Yes—its parent's Ogden facilities are listed to NSF/ANSI 455-2 (dietary supplements GMP). Individual products may also carry other designations (USDA Organic/Non-GMO Project) but Solaray does not routinely publish batch COAs. [4][1]
Did Solaray have a recall?
Yes. In September 2023, several iron-containing liposomal multivitamins were recalled for not meeting child-resistant packaging rules (PPPA). [5]
Does Solaray run clinical trials on its formulas?
We found no published clinical trials on Solaray-formulated supplements; innovation focuses on delivery systems (e.g., enteric-coated probiotics, dry liposomal multi). [2][16]
Where is Solaray made?
Manufactured and tested in Ogden, Utah (650,000-sq-ft facility) under a vertically integrated model. [1]
Alternatives to Consider
NOW Foods
Aggressive in-house and third-party testing; ISO 17025–accredited labs; frequent public quality reporting.
Price:Often equal or lower than Solaray on commodity actives.
Choose when:When testing rigor and price leadership matter most. [24][25][26]
NutraBio
Publishes batch COAs via CheckMySupps; strong transparency culture.
Price:Comparable to slightly higher on some SKUs.
Choose when:When you require verifiable COAs for each lot. [20][22]
Thorne (NSF listings/Certified for Sport on many SKUs)
Extensive NSF listings including Certified for Sport; strong practitioner trust.
Price:Typically premium-priced.
Choose when:Athletes or those needing NSF-certified products. [27]
What Customers Say
Trust in quality, questions on transparency
Multiple Reddit threads across 2023–2025 mention decent experiences but ask for third-party tests/COAs.
"Solaray is generally a good brand... They test their products... but I want more info on third party testing/certifications."
"I think they lack third party testing... popular brand but quality doesn't always match the price."
If you require on-demand COAs, consider brands that publish them batch-by-batch. [18][9]
Customer-service friction on refunds/subscriptions
BBB profile shows several complaints in the past 3 years; Trustpilot shows mixed reviews.
"charged my card without consent... had to wait to receive package to return."
"pathetic customer service, really let me down."
Prefer retail channels with easy returns or buy directly only if you're comfortable with the stated policy. [10][11]
Value Analysis
Pricing Strategy
Mainstream, mid-tier price points with large counts to drive perceived value.
Ingredient Cost Reality
Standard commodity actives (magnesium, probiotics, botanicals) with occasional premium delivery forms; costs align with category norms.
Markup Analysis
Example: Magnesium glycinate observed ~$0.10/cap for Solaray 275-count vs. NOW's BioPerine magnesium glycinate ~$0.10/cap (180-count)—functionally comparable per-cap pricing; per-mg elemental magnesium may vary by label. [13][14]
Subscription Warning
Isolated BBB complaints about subscriptions/refunds suggest checking terms before enrolling. [10]
Most Surprising Finding
Despite extensive in-house testing and high-end GMP listing, Solaray still doesn't routinely publish batch COAs—an uncommon gap for a brand of its size.
Key Findings
Verified higher-bar GMP: Solaray's parent, Nutraceutical Corporation, appears on NSF/ANSI 455-2 GMP listings for its Ogden, UT facilities—a meaningful upgrade from generic cGMP claims. [4][21]
Heavy in-house testing, but limited public COAs: Solaray advertises 15,000 tests/month, 580+ protocols, and contaminant screens to 10 ppb, yet does not routinely publish batch Certificates of Analysis; consumers often must request them and reports are inconsistent. [1][12][9]
Real recall, packaging control gap: A 2023 CPSC recall covered ~85,300 bottles of Solaray liposomal multivitamins for lacking child-resistant packaging for iron, indicating a packaging compliance miss (not a formula purity issue). [5]
Best Products We Found
Magnesium Glycinate (275-count)
Mineral • Observed ~$26–31 for 275 caps on Amazon (~$0.10/cap; actual elemental dose per cap varies by brand). [13]
Strength:Chelated bisglycinate with BioPerine; widely available; competitive per-cap price vs. NOW's popular forms. [13][14]
Weakness:Labeling across brands uses different elemental magnesium per capsule; compare per-mg prices, not just per-cap. [13][14]
Good mainstream value if you confirm elemental mg per serving; price is competitive among reputable peers.
Mycrobiome Probiotic (50B, Colon/Women's)
Probiotic • Typically $30–$45 for 30 enteric-coated caps
Strength:Enteric Shield VegCaps designed to survive stomach acid; diverse strain panels at stated CFUs. [2][15]
Weakness:Potency typically guaranteed at manufacture (not always through shelf life); refrigeration sometimes advised; no Solaray-run clinicals found. [15]
Solid option for enteric delivery; choose strain profile by use-case and confirm storage needs.
Liposomal Multivitamin Universal (dry, patent-pending)
Multivitamin • List $57.49 (60 ct) on brand site at time of review. [16]
Strength:Dry liposomal encapsulation aims to improve nutrient stability/absorption vs. standard multis. [16]
Weakness:Recent packaging recall on related liposomal multi line (iron/child-resistance); liposomal benefit claims depend on formulation specifics not independently published. [5][16]
Promising delivery tech; verify child-resistant packaging if iron-containing and weigh premium vs. benefits.
Products to Approach Cautiously
Recalled Liposomal Multivitamins (2023 lots)
Multivitamin • N/A (recalled).
Issue:Packaging lacked required child-resistant features for iron—safety risk for children.
Avoid any recalled lots; ensure current packaging is compliant if buying iron-containing multis.
Plant-sourced DHA Vegan Softgels (select SKUs)
Omega-3 • ~$30–35 per 60 softgels across retailers. [23]
Issue:Ingredient lists show carrageenan in some Solaray vegan softgels despite prior brand communications celebrating carrageenan-free tapioca softgels—an inconsistency worth noting. [2][23]
If avoiding carrageenan, verify the specific SKU's excipients before purchase.
Red Flags
Public transparency gap on testing
Brand highlights intensive in-house testing but does not systematically publish batch COAs; community reports mixed success obtaining them.
Packaging compliance lapse (iron/child-resistance)
CPSC recall of liposomal multis for not meeting PPPA child-resistant requirements (not formula contamination).
Legacy regulatory conflict (ephedra)
Parent company litigated FDA's ephedra ban; appeals court upheld FDA. Not directly reflective of current supplement quality but part of regulatory history.
Frequency:Historical (2005–2007). [17]
Company Response:N/A (matter concluded with ban upheld).
Transparency Issues
Historical ephedra litigation with FDA (ban upheld); 2023 child-resistant packaging recall on iron-containing liposomal multis; mixed customer-service feedback about refunds/subscriptions.
Company Background
Ownership:Solaray is a flagship brand of Better Being (formerly Nutraceutical). Nutraceutical was taken private by HGGC in 2017; HGGC remains an investor alongside later minority investors. [6][7]
Founded:Brand founded in Utah in 1973; long history of herbal blends and delivery-form tweaks (e.g., "Cool Cayenne," enteric-coated probiotics). [2][19]
Headquarters:Manufacturing and lab operations in Ogden, Utah; 650,000-sq-ft vertically integrated facility. [1]
Market Position:Large U.S. natural-channel staple with broad catalog and mainstream retail presence; positions on quality via extensive in-house testing and sourcing narratives. [1][2]
Regulatory Record:No recent FDA warning letters located specific to Solaray, but (1) a CPSC-supervised 2023 recall of Solaray iron-containing liposomal multivitamins due to non-child-resistant packaging; and (2) legacy litigation by Nutraceutical over FDA's ephedra ban (ultimately upholding the ban). [5][17]
Investigation Methodology
Document review of NSF listings, CPSC actions, FDA/court records, company quality disclosures, retail product specs and pricing, and aggregated customer/employee feedback across BBB, Trustpilot, Glassdoor, and Reddit.
Sources & References
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- 5.CPSC Recall: Solaray Liposomal Multivitamins (child-resistant packaging) (2023)[Regulatory recall] [link]
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- 8.ConsumerLab berberine/goldenseal news (Solaray included among products tested) (2023)[Independent lab news] [link]
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- 17.Quackwatch: Utah Appeals Court Upholds FDA Ephedra Ban (Nutraceutical case) (2006)[Court summary] [link]
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