Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

Our company distinguishes itself from others you may consider working with in four ways: Superior Service, Superior Account Executives, Superior Turnkey Manufacturing, and Superior Resources and Services. To read more about our superior services, please click here.

As a private label manufacturer, we have the capability to produce virtually any dietary or nutritional supplement. We specialize in nutritional supplements for the categories of weight loss, enhancement, anti-aging, cardiovascular health, joint support, multivitamins, children’s health, sports nutrition, antioxidants, detox, and much more.

All products are manufactured in facilities with the most stringent certification standards. Please see the full list of certifications under which you can manufacture your product: GMPNSFNPATGASQFOrganicKosher or Halal.

Yes, we can manufacture a wide variety of organic and natural supplements. The main driver for whether a product can be organic or natural depends upon the ingredients within the supplement. We can help you determine whether or not your product will classify for either of these certifications.
We can provide a variety of packaging options. Some packaging projects are completed in-house; some packaging projects are sent to co-packers depending on the complexity and volume. We can package bottles, tubs, jars, pouches/bags, sachets, stick-packs, blisters.
There are no setup fees or extra costs for our private label vitamin and supplement manufacturing services.
Yes. For any order, a deposit of 50% is required upon initiation of production. The remaining 50% is due upon completion and shipment.
We accept wires, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover.
We do not offer custom label design in-house, however, we have a few designers we work with that we can introduce you to.
When it comes to private label products we have hundreds of options, including delivery methods and packaging. Whether you need a product related to muscle building, overall health, mental health, diet and weight loss, or more, we can help you develop the perfect product for your private label needs.
Depending on your country of operation, your private label product order can be produced, packaged, shipped and received within 3-4 weeks.
Absolutely not. There are no setup fees for any of our services.

Minimum order quantities (MOQs) can vary greatly depending on a myriad of factors such as type of ingredients, delivery form, type of packaging needed, equipment needed, and much more. In general, our typical MOQs are 200,000 doses or 2,000 – 3,500 units of finished product. However, as mentioned previously, our MOQs can run higher or slightly lower depending on the product specifications.

Our Account Executives are available to provide assistance with specific MOQ questions and would be happy to guide you through specifications for your product.

No, you do not have to have a custom formulation ready. For those customers who do not have their formula ready, it is best to have an idea of the outcome the formula will provide and possibly any ingredients that you want to include. From there, our team can help you create the full formula. We can customize the formula for efficacy, price point, and target customer. Our team has helped hundreds of companies, from small to large, create unique formulations for their brand.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Capsule Manufacturing

Regular Capsules: 250,000 capsules or 3,000 units (60 count)
Colored Capsules (Gelatin): 350,000 capsules
Colored Capsules (Vegetable): 1,000,000 capsules
Liquid Capsules: 1,500,000 capsules and requires special approval
Capsule Within Capsule: 1,500,000 capsules and requires special approval
Beadlet Capsule: 1,500,000 capsules and requires special approval

There are various capsules sizes ranging from size “4” to “000”. In general, a “00” size capsule will hold 650 mg – 800 mg and the largest size of “000” will hold 700 mg – 900 mg of most material. The amount of material that can fit into a capsule depends on many factors, such as the density of the ingredients. Please refer to the “Solid Dose Size Chart” above.
Ingredient bulk density can greatly determine how much raw material will fit into a capsule. A single ingredient that is very dense (such as vitamin C), can fit up to 1,000 mg in one “00” capsule. For some less dense ingredients, or “fluffy” ingredients such as some botanicals, you can fit less than 700 mg per capsule. Formulations with many ingredients will have different bulk density than single ingredient products.
After the encapsulation process, formulations tend to settle, creating additional space in the capsule.
In general, capsules are easier to swallow and dissolve faster than tablets. Capsules require less excipients/fillers/binding agents. Depending on the formulation, capsules may or may not be the best choice for your product. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today to discuss the best delivery form for your product.
This depends on the product and your customer’s needs. Some customers have no preference between gelatin or vegetable capsules, while others specifically seek out products that do not contain gelatin and prefer vegetable-based capsules. Call and ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today to discuss the best choice for your product.
No, oils cannot be used in capsules; however, oil powders can be used in capsules. Oils are best suited for softgels or proprietary liquid capsules, subject to approval.
Natural products are more susceptible to environmental factors. This means that the final product can vary due to the climate, type of product, and region where it was grown.
We carry a wide variety of high-end stock capsule formulas. These products meet some of the highest quality standards in the industry.
We work with capsule shell manufacturers that can create custom printed capsules. The MOQ can be as low as 1,000,000 and as high as 5,000,000 based on complexity. We can then utilize those custom-made capsule shells to manufacture your product.
Capsule shell manufacturers can produce almost any color you desire.
We have access to a few different scented capsule options. There are limited scents available.
There are several ways to mask foul smelling ingredients, however some ingredients have off-putting or strong odors that cannot be avoided. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today to discuss the specific needs of your product.
Excipients serve numerous purposes in the manufacturing process. Some excipients ensure the capsule is completely full so the consumer does not receive a partially empty capsule. Other excipients help ingredients flow through machines, allowing for smoother manufacturing.
Magnesium stearate has been labeled as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for human consumption by the US FDA.
Excipients play a major role in preventing clumping, as well as proper storage of the product.
Certain products can be manufactured without excipients; however, there are challenges that come with producing excipient-free products. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives regarding your specific needs.
We have semi-automatic and fully-automatic capsule filling machines.
Semi-automatic machines have a capacity of 15,000 – 25,000 per hour, while fully-automatic machines have a capacity of 40,000 – 250,000+ per hour.
Capsule shells are compressed together to ensure a tight seal, but there is no specific locking mechanism.
Yes, we have access to some delayed/sustained-release capsules. However, the global pandemic has created a shortage.
We can manufacture liquid capsules but not beadlet capsules.
Capsules require very little R&D, unless you are trying to maximize the raw materials that will fit into the capsule or use no excipients.
Bottles, jars, bags, sachets, blisters, and bulk.
Typical bottle sizes are 100cc to 500cc, depending on the number and size of capsules.
Most manufacturers will put a 2-3 year expiration date on capsule bottles. It is the brand’s responsibility to validate the expiration date through stability testing. Many brands are opting to go with a “manufactured on” date to avoid the responsibility of expiration date validation.
We do not offer custom label design in-house, however, we have a few designers we work with that we can introduce you to.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Tablet Supplement Manufacturing

Our MOQ is 250,000 tablets or 3,000 units (60-count).
More raw material can fit into a tablet than in a capsule. Around 2,000 mg of material can fit into a tablet; however, that would be a very large, difficult to swallow tablet. Please refer to the “Solid Dose Size Chart” above.
Oils and some hard-to compress ingredients, although these are rare.
In general, the type of delivery form that is optimal for your product will depend on the formula. For instance, tablets will work best for formulations that require more ingredients than will typically fit in a capsule. It will also depend on how the ingredients will be consumed. Chewables typically require tablet form, while delayed-release can be produced in capsules or tablets, depending on the formula. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today to discuss the best delivery form for your product.
You may have noticed that some tablets have an indented line down the center – that line is known as a “score”. Scoring makes it easier to break the tablet into smaller doses. Without the score it is more difficult for consumers to ensure they are breaking the tablet into equal doses.
There is a wide variety of tablet scoring options. One of our Account Executives can help you with finding the best option for your product.

Enteric coating is a polymer barrier used to coat tablets to prevent them from prematurely dissolving in the stomach. The contents can then travel to the small intestines where they are dissolved and absorbed. Keep in mind that this type of coating can form a cloudy film over the tablet that some customers may find off-putting.

Enteric coating is not typically required for capsules due to the ability to design them to dissolve in the intestines.

Yes, please let our Account Executives know your specific needs.
Yes, we can. Talk to one of our Account Executives for details.
It is possible to produce most colors in tablet form. However, there are some limitations. For instance, shiny colors tend to be a challenge due to the surface texture of the tablet.
Oxidation can cause tablets to change color over time, gaining a tint or developing small spots.
Both plastic and glass bottles have benefits. Glass is sturdier and can provide better protection for tablets under certain environmental conditions. Plastic containers are quite common, durable, and easier to transport and store. Call to speak with one of our Account Executives today about your specific product needs.
Granulation is a process that makes the powder form of ingredients larger so they’re easier to press into tablet form.
Wet granulation uses a volatile, non-toxic solvent to make ingredients easier to compress into tablet form. The solvent is typically removed through drying and can increase the product’s shelf life.
Environmental factors can influence stability. Time, moisture, temperature, storage conditions, etc., can lead to tablet breakdown. Storing your product under the proper conditions is an important aspect to maintaining the integrity of the product.
We carry a few high-end stock tablet formulas. These products meet some of the highest quality standards in the industry.
Tablets aren’t generally printed. However, you can get custom punches that include emblems/logos.
Standard shapes are round and oval. The size of the tablet will vary depending on the amount of raw materials. Custom tablet punches are available as well.
Yes, we can manufacture both delayed/sustained-release tablets.
We can produce chewable tablets with a variety of flavor options.
There are several ways to mask foul smelling ingredients, however some ingredients have off-putting or strong odors that cannot be avoided. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today to discuss the specific needs of your product.
Excipients serve numerous purposes in the manufacturing process. Some excipients ensure the table can be compressed. Other excipients help ingredients flow through machines, allowing for smoother manufacturing.
There is a wide variety, including magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, and stearic acid, to name a few.
It is very rare that a tablet can be manufactured without excipients, due to the binders necessary to help the tablet compress.
Bottles, jars, bags, sachets, blisters, and bulk.
Typical bottle sizes are 100cc to 500cc, depending on the number and size of tablets.
The manufacturer will need to do a pilot run in order to determine the amount of excipients needed to allow the tablet to compress.
We do not offer custom label design in-house, however, we have a few designers we work with that we can introduce you to.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Softgel Manufacturing

For gelatin, 500,000 to 1,000,000 softgels (depending on formulation).
For vegan softgels, 1,000,000 softgels.
There are many benefits to choosing softgels as a delivery form. Softgels are stable at high temperatures, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allow for very accurate dosing, can be utilized to mask bitter or foul smelling ingredients, can increase bioavailability of active ingredients, and tend to be easier to swallow.
Softgels do not work as well for herbs or vitamins, and hold less raw materials than tablets.
It depends on the size of the softgel. Please refer to the “Solid Dose Size Chart” above.
Softgels can be made of a variety of substances and come in both gelatin and vegetarian options. Gelatin softgels are made from either bovine (cow) or porcine (pig), as well as glycerine and water. Vegan softgels are typically made with a seaweed extract called carrageenan.
We offer gelatin and vegan softgels. We can manufacture chewable softgels, however, there are limitations.
Yes, we have a variety of stock softgel formulations. Ask one of our Account Executives for a list of stock products.
We can provide a variety of different colored softgels.
There are several ways to mask foul smelling ingredients; however, some ingredients have off-putting or strong odors that cannot be avoided. The softgel material does, however, tend to suppress smells better than other delivery forms. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today to discuss the specific needs for your product.
Bottles, jars, sachets, blisters, and bulk.
Typical bottle sizes are 100cc to 500cc, depending on the number and size of the softgels.
Cotton can stick to the softgels and, although safe for consumers, can be off-putting to the customer.
Softgels come in a variety of sizes. Please refer to the “Solid Dose Size Chart” above.
We do not offer custom label design in-house, however, we have a few designers we work with that we can introduce you to.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Gummy Manufacturing

Depending on the formula and manufacturing processes, the MOQs for gummies can range from 600,000 to 3,000,000 pieces.
As gummies taste better than other delivery forms, they are most likely to be taken by consumers.

The biggest disadvantage to gummies as a delivery form is that you can fit very few active raw materials into each gummy. This leads gummies to not be the best choice for many types of formulations.

Additionally, gummies typically contain sugar, they are more expensive than other delivery forms for the amount of raw material that can fit into them, and R&D costs tend to be higher than other delivery forms.

The amount of active materials mainly depends on the desired potency and flavor of the final product. For instance, some very effective herbal ingredients have a terrible taste allowing only a very small amount to be used in each gummy.

If your product requires a large amount of raw material, it is likely better to choose tablets, capsules, or powder as your delivery form. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today about the best delivery form for your formula.

Generally it is 50-150 mg per gummy, depending on the raw material.
There are primarily two choices of base for gummy supplements: pectin, a plant-based material, or gelatin, an animal-based compound derived from collagen. We mainly manufacture pectin-based gummies, however, there is some flexibility.
We can formulate fully customized gummies, including the bases.
Yes, we can. Generall, the spore versions of probiotics work the best as they are the most heat resistant.
Pectin-based gummies have a much higher melting point which allows them to be accepted by Amazon year-round. On the other hand, gelatin-based gummies may not hold up very well in hotter climates.
Yes, however, it is more difficult and MOQs tend to be much higher.
We can manufacture an unlimited combination of flavors and we offer formulation assistance. The most popular gummy flavors include strawberry, blueberry, and apple. We can also create other flavors, such as mixed berry, cherry, orange, passionfruit, lychee, pear, and many more.
Yes, we do offer natural flavoring systems.
Foul-smelling ingredients will most likely affect the taste and are therefore not recommended to use in gummies.
We are able to manufacture a variety of different colors.
Yes, we offer a few stock formulas that are made-to-order to ensure freshness.
Yes, we specialize in custom gummy formulations. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today.
We do not recommend using foul-smelling and/or tasting ingredients, or ingredients that would require a large amount of raw materials.
We can create a variety of gummy shapes, such as bears, gumdrops, and squares. We can also create custom gummy molds.
No, gummies require excipients to be manufactured properly. For example, a 3 g gummy may only have 50 mg of vitamin C, therefore, the majority of the other materials in the gummy will be excipients (such as pectin).
The cost for R&D ranges depending upon the product and ingredients, as some ingredients may require higher MOQs.
We can produce 100s of millions of gummies per year. A gummy sample generally consists of 50-100 gummies.
We have 2-4 gummy lines per facility.
The drying process removes excess water content which ensures no microbial activity.
We can provide the following certifications for gummy manufacturing: Organic, kosher, and others. Please contact our account executives for more information.
We do not perform stability testing as a standard on all productions. However, we do have a list of labs that we can outsource stability testing to if requested.
We can, however, this may depend on the raw material in the product. Some ingredients have to be qualified by input.
We can provide documentation, including a letter certifying the melting point.
Yes, as long the customer provides the proper documentation and the raw materials go through the proper testing processes.
We can offer packaging such as bottles, pouches, sachets, and jars.
A typical bottle size for a 60-count gummy product is 225-250 cc.
We do not offer custom label design in-house, however, we have a few designers we work with that we can introduce you to.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Liquid Supplement Manufacturing

Depending on the formula, MOQs for most liquid formulations are between 2,500 and 5,000 units.
Some of the main benefits associated with liquid delivery forms are increased absorption of ingredients, higher potency, convenience of use, and ability to create unique formulations.
There are a variety of ingredients that can be used in liquid supplements – herbs, vitamins, minerals, oils, etc.
We carry a few high-end stock liquid formulas. These products meet some of the highest quality standards in the industry.
Yes. We specialize in custom liquid manufacturing.
Flavoring depends on the type of liquid you are creating. Flavoring can be limited based on the ingredients and method of manufacturing.
Yes, we do offer natural flavoring systems.
The color usually depends on the ingredients. We are able to manufacture a variety of different colors; however, there are some limitations. For example, it is fairly difficult to obtain a clear liquid when there are herbal ingredients.
It is difficult to overcome foul smelling ingredients in liquid products. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today to discuss your specific needs.
The cost for R&D ranges depending upon the product and ingredients, as some ingredients may require higher MOQs.
We can do plastic or glass bottles, from 1 oz to 32 oz.
The standard bottle sizes for liquid products are 1 oz, 2 oz, and 4 oz. We can manufacture products up to 32 oz.
We do not offer custom label design in-house, however, we have a few designers we work with that we can introduce you to.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Powder Supplement Manufacturing

For standard powders, the MOQ is between 1,500 and 2,500 units. The MOQ for USDA organic powders is 5,000 units.
Powders are generally for formulas with large serving sizes. It allows for the product to be flavored and can be mixed with water or another liquid.
We source ingredients from vetted and reliable raw material providers around the world. These providers have long histories of producing the highest quality ingredients. If there is a specific specification or sourcing requirement, let one of our Account Executives know.
The testing procedures follow the current cGMP requirements on raw materials and finished goods. Years of experience and proper protocols of manufacturing help to ensure accurate dosing of the powder product.
Pre workouts, proteins, post workouts, vitamin powders, mushroom powders, mineral powders, collagen powders, and many more.
We have a few stock powder formulations.
Yes! We can provide samples with a purchase order and deposit. Or, there will be a research and development fee to create samples without a purchase order.
These can be added, at times, as flow or anti-caking agents to ensure the product does not clump.
Yes. If you wish to manufacture a powder formula without excipients, we will require a “hold harmless” agreement due to the likelihood of certain ingredients to cause clumping.
Some ingredients are hygroscopic which means that they pull moisture from the air, causing the product to clump.
Typically, liquids and oils can not be included in powder products.
The world is your oyster! We can create almost any flavor that you would like. We do offer formulation and flavor development.
We can work with a variety of flavor systems. We can manufacture with natural flavors.
It is challenging to reduce foul smelling ingredients in powder products. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today regarding your specific needs.
We can manufacture a variety of colors, although formulation will determine color more than anything.
The cost for R&D ranges depending upon the product and ingredients, as some ingredients may require higher MOQs.
Our powder blending machines include: Blenders, ribbon, double ribbon, paddles with choppers, and bin blenders.
Small batch R&D samples can range from 10 cubic feet equal to 2-10 kilos, all the way to 300 cubic feet equal to approximately 15,000-20,000 kilos.
We offer a variety of packaging for powder products, including jugs, pouches, bags, and stick packs.
This depends upon the total volume of the product.
Most manufacturers will put a 2 year expiration date on powders. It is the brand’s responsibility to validate the expiration date through stability testing. Many brands are opting to go with a “manufactured on” date to avoid the responsibility of expiration date validation.
We do not offer custom label design in-house, however, we have a few designers we work with that we can introduce you to.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Tincture Manufacturing

Depending on the formula, MOQs for most tincture formulations are between 2,500 and 5,000 units.
Some of the main benefits associated with liquid tincture delivery forms are increased absorption of ingredients, higher potency, convenience of use, and ability to create unique formulations.
The quantity of active raw material that can be added to a liquid tincture depends upon whether you’re using dry powders or extracting herbs, with the more potent version being the extraction of herbs. Due to solubility, there is a limit to how much powdered raw materials can be used in a liquid.
There aren’t many limitations on the ingredients you can use in tinctures; however, it is not recommended to mix water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients together in one product. Oil-soluble ingredients should be mixed with a carrier oil. Whereas water-soluble ingredients should be utilized in a water or alcohol base.
We have a few stock liquid formulas to choose from.
Yes. We specialize in custom liquid manufacturing and we can provide samples with R&D.
Flavoring depends on the type of liquid you are creating. Flavoring can be limited based on the ingredients and method of manufacturing.
Yes, we do offer natural flavoring systems.
The color usually depends on the ingredients. We are able to manufacture a variety of different colors; however, there are some limitations. For example, it is fairly difficult to obtain a clear liquid when there are herbal ingredients.
It is difficult to overcome foul smelling ingredients in liquid products. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today to discuss your specific needs.
We can manufacture tinctures with water, glycerine, alcohol, or oil bases.
Absolutely. Ask to speak with one of our Account Executives today about your specific needs.
Water-soluble ingredients should be mixed with a water, glycerin, or alcohol base. Oil- or fat-soluble ingredients should be mixed with a carrier oil to even consistency and solubility of the product.
The cost for R&D ranges depending upon the product and ingredients, as some ingredients may require higher MOQs.
We can manufacture 1 oz, 2 oz, and 4 oz tinctures.
We can package tinctures into glass or plastic 1 oz, 2 oz, or 4 oz bottles.
Droppers allow for the most accurate delivery of small amounts of liquid.
We do not offer custom label design in-house, however, we have a few designers we work with that we can introduce you to.
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We just completed a very large Homeopathic tablet order that required involvement from 4 different facilities. There was nobody else in the country that was willing to help us that we called until we found superior. First shipment came last week and we couldn’t be happier or more impressed with the team. Thank you Justine, Phil, Stephenie you are the best!

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I was choosing between two companies to create a formulation, and it came down to their level of service, expertise and confidence in their ability to execute. After speaking to Phil, their lead guy who knows all things supplements and is very easy to communicate with, was enthusiastic and helped to create a strategy to see my vision through. The last thing you want is a transactional relationship in this industry, so whether you’re a first timer or a veteran, these guys know how to add value no matter what level you’re at. Highly recommend Superior and their team to get the job done.
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When they say “Superior” they aren’t kidding. Of over 100 companies on our NSF list that we called, and over 20 that we talked to, Superior was the ONLY one that consistently answered their phones, worked incredibly diligently to problem solve and R&D an incredibly complex patented proprietary product, and consistently was two or three steps ahead of us, the landscape and their competitors. Looking forward to a long relationship Superior!
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We’ve been using Superior for over 5 years. We came to them because our last manufacturer stopped making the capsule size I needed. I looked everywhere for a replacement. Luckily, I found Superior. They quoted me a fair price and sourced a hard to find ingredient quickly. In the 5 years we’ve had them make our product, which is a custom formulation, they have never delivered late once. Quality control is very high and I get constant updates from Phil our point person while it is being manufactured. I cannot recommend them enough.
★★★★★
Our previous manufacturer was 3 months late on a production and barely spoke with us. We have run many runs with Superior and as with all manufacturing, there was an order that was a little late because of poor crop growth. Not only did they warn us ahead of time they showed us the list of suppliers they were calling day and night to try to find replacement material. Best company ever!
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Jake, Justine and Phil are just a few of the team members we have had the pleasure of working with at Superior. As a marketing agency working in the supplement industry, we work with many suppliers on behalf of our clients. I especially appreciate Superior Supplements Manufacturing because of their dedication to customer relationships. They go to extreme measures to ensure quality ingredients, fair pricing and great turn around times. The staff is also extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this team.