Solaray: Vertically integrated tester with real GMP credentials—held back by a transparency gap
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.
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]
Ranked by verified review count
Common 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]
What to Watch For
Watch for: (1) movement toward publishing lot-level COAs; (2) continued rollout of patent-pending dry liposomal formats; (3) sustained compliance with PPPA for iron-containing products; and (4) any independent lab results (e.g., ConsumerLab) on more Solaray SKUs. [16][8]
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]
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 ."
"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]
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