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Which supplement tests do I need?
Every brand asks this, and the honest answer is “it depends” — on your format, what's in it, the claims on your label, and where you sell. Answer five quick questions and we'll build your recommended testing plan, with real methods, costs, and turnaround times.
Answer questions 1, 2, 3 and 5 to see your plan.
The four tests almost every supplement needs
No matter the product, four tests form the baseline for selling a dietary supplement in the US. Everything the finder adds on top is driven by your specific format, category, claims, and sales channel.
- Identity — confirms each ingredient is what your label says it is. Required under 21 CFR 111 and the first thing Amazon and the FDA check.
- Potency / assay — verifies the active amount matches your label claim (USP allows ±10%). This is the test customers and class-action lawyers care about most.
- Heavy metals— screens lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury against USP <2232> limits (and Prop 65 if you sell into California).
- Microbial panel — checks for harmful microbes: total count, yeast and mold, E. coli, and Salmonella.
Test finder FAQ
- Is the test finder free?
- Yes — it's completely free and needs no signup. Answer five questions and you get a recommended testing plan with methods, indicative costs, and turnaround times.
- How accurate are the cost estimates?
- The ranges reflect typical US lab pricing for each test and are meant for budgeting, not a binding quote. Actual prices vary by lab, region, sample matrix, and turnaround. Request quotes to get real numbers.
- Does this replace advice from my lab or QA team?
- No. It gives you a strong, common-sense starting panel based on your product and where you sell it. Always confirm your final testing plan with an accredited lab and your specific market's regulatory requirements.
- What tests do almost all supplements need?
- Four: identity (is it what the label says), potency (does the amount match the claim), heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury), and a microbial panel. Everything else depends on your format, category, claims, and sales channel.