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Most new supplement brands do not make anything themselves: they pick a formula, have a manufacturer produce and package it, and sell it under their own brand. Here is what that involves, using figures makers publish.
Researched against our directory of 195 makers, maker-published documents and official sources. Last reviewed October 2026. Figures change, so confirm with the maker before budgeting.
A stock (private-label) formula is the fastest and cheapest start: you brand a formula the maker already produces. A custom formula is yours alone but needs larger orders and development time. See private label vs white label vs custom.
Your first inventory order is usually the biggest start-up cost, and it is set by the maker's minimum. Published minimums in our directory range widely:
Add label design, any testing your sales channel requires, and marketing. Compare more makers in low MOQ supplement manufacturers and the manufacturing cost guide.
The FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold; the company selling the product is responsible for its safety and labeling. Products claiming to treat, cure or prevent a disease are regulated as drugs. Full detail: do supplements need FDA approval?
Your manufacturer must follow the dietary supplement cGMP rule (21 CFR part 111), so check its certification: see GMP certified makers and NSF-certified makers.
Facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food, which includes dietary supplements, must register with the FDA before starting those activities; a private residence is not a “facility” for this purpose. If a contract manufacturer makes and packs your product, it holds that registration. Beyond the FDA, your business is subject to other federal, state and local licences or permits, which vary by state and city. A federal trademark for the brand name is optional but common: US owners file about 3,500 supplement trademark applications a quarter, most before they sell anything (see new supplement brands by quarter).
Your label needs five required statements and a Supplement Facts panel (see supplement label requirements). If you plan to sell on Amazon, its policy since April 2, 2024 requires dietary supplements to be verified by a third-party testing, inspection and certification organization (see third-party testing).
The biggest cost is usually the first production order, set by the maker's minimum. Published minimums run from 12 bottles for stock products at the smallest makers to 2,500–5,000 bottles per SKU at larger private-label makers, and far more for custom formulas. Add label design, testing and marketing.
There is no FDA approval or licence for the product itself. Facilities that manufacture, pack or hold supplements must register with the FDA, and your business needs whatever state and local licences or permits apply where you operate.
No. Under the law the FDA does not have authority to approve dietary supplements before they are marketed. Companies are responsible for safety and truthful labeling, and new dietary ingredients need an FDA notification at least 75 days before marketing.
Choose a stock or custom formula, pick a GMP-certified manufacturer whose minimums fit your budget, get a compliant label designed, arrange any testing your sales channels require, and place your first order.