NOW Foods was established in 1968 by Elwood Richard, a physical chemist and entrepreneur who believed that healthy foods and nutritional supplements should be accessible to everyone—not just those who could afford premium prices. Before founding NOW Foods, Richard operated a chain of health food stores called Health House in the Chicago area. Facing competition from supermarkets, he decided to manufacture his own natural products, giving him better control over product quality and pricing. This decision led to the creation of NOW Foods. Over the following decades, the company expanded its manufacturing facilities, invested heavily in laboratory testing and quality control, and broadened its product portfolio. [2]

• Founded: 1968

• Founder: Elwood Richard

• Headquarters: Bloomingdale, Illinois, United States

• Ownership: Family- and employee-owned

• Industry: Health and wellness, dietary supplements

• Products: Vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, sports nutrition, essential oils, natural foods, beauty products, pet supplements

• Global Presence: Available in over 70 countries [3]

NOW Foods offers one of the industry’s broadest selections of natural health products, including:

• Vitamins and minerals

• Herbal extracts

• Amino acids

• Fish oils and omega supplements

• Probiotics and digestive health products

• Sports nutrition supplements

• Protein powders

• Essential oils and aromatherapy products

• Natural sweeteners

• Organic and specialty foods

• Skin care and beauty products

• Household wellness products

• Pet health supplements [4]

Quality assurance is one of NOW Foods’ defining characteristics. The company manufactures many of its products in its own facilities and operates advanced analytical laboratories for testing raw materials and finished products. Its quality program includes:

• Identity testing of ingredients

• Potency verification

• Heavy metal analysis

• Microbiological testing

• Stability testing

• Purity verification

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance

The company has earned multiple certifications, including GMP and ISO laboratory accreditations, reflecting its emphasis on manufacturing standards and product consistency. [5]

NOW Foods states that its mission is:

“To provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives.”

The company emphasizes four core principles:

• Affordable nutrition

• Scientific quality standards

• Transparency

• Environmental responsibility

Unlike many premium supplement brands, NOW Foods aims to keep prices accessible while maintaining rigorous quality testing. [6]

NOW Foods has implemented several environmental initiatives, including:

• Responsible ingredient sourcing

• Recycled packaging materials

• Energy-efficient manufacturing facilities

• Tree-planting partnerships

• Waste reduction programs

The company also supports charitable organizations and community health initiatives, including long-term support for Vitamin Angels, which provides vitamins and nutrition programs to underserved populations. [7]

Over its history, NOW Foods has received numerous industry awards, including:

• Multiple Vity Awards

• Manufacturer of the Year honors

• Recognition from the Natural Products Association

• “Best & Brightest Companies to Work For”

• Certifications for dietary supplement, cosmetic, and food manufacturing quality systems [8]

NOW Foods is generally regarded as one of the more established and trusted brands in the dietary supplement industry. It is known for:

• Extensive in-house quality testing

• Broad product selection

• Competitive pricing

• Long operating history

• Family ownership rather than public shareholders

Community discussions among supplement users often cite the brand as offering good value and reliable quality, though—as with any supplement manufacturer—individual products should be evaluated on their own ingredients, dosage, and intended use. [9]

Through NOW International, the company exports products to distributors in over 70 countries. It supports international product registration, regulatory compliance, and customer service in multiple languages. [10]

NOW Foods has evolved from a small health food manufacturer into a global natural wellness company while maintaining its original philosophy of making quality nutrition affordable. Its long history, broad product portfolio, investment in laboratory testing, and family ownership have helped establish it as one of the best-known brands in the natural products industry. [11]

1. About NOW | Vitamins & Natural Supplements | NOW Foods

2. About NOW | NOW Foods History | Family Company | NOW Foods

3. NOW® International | About Us | NOW Foods

4. NOW Foods | NOW Supplements | NOW Vitamins | NOW Products

5. Is NOW foods a quality supplement company?

6. Is Now Foods a good brand?

7. Is the NOW Foods brand legit?

8. NOW Foods | Natural Health Redefined

9. NOW Foods | Suplementos Naturales para una Vida Saludable

10. Our History | Family Owned & Operated Since 1968 | NOW Foods

11. NOW Foods Leadership Team | Learn About Our Mission & Values