By Maggie Jaqua and Rachel Appleton

 

What makes the WholeFoods Natural Choice Awards so special? The honorees are selected by natural products retailers who choose the products that have made the greatest impact on their business for the year. New this year, we’ve added two additional categories based on areas that have gained popularity in recent years: cognitive health and stress/sleep support. Europharma/Terry Naturally takes home the trophy for Full Supplement Line. Bluebonnet Nutrition, which claimed that spot for the previous three years, is the Runner Up in that category this year, and also wins in the Sports Nutrition category. Among the companies that received an honor for this first time this year is CV Sciences, which won in the stress/sleep category for its Plus CBD Oil. For each category, we tallied the votes and broke the ties using data compiled from our monthly What’s Selling column. Congratulations to all the winners and to the runners-up.

A special thank you goes out to all the retailers who voted through our printed ballot and our new digital voting system. This year, all who voted were entered into a drawing to have a $100 donation to Vitamin Angels made in their name. Congratulations to Spring Street Vitamins in Fairfield, OH, for winning the drawing.

SUPPLEMENTS: FULL LINE Europharma/Terry Naturally

Abiding by Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs), Terry Naturally Vitamins of Green Bay, Wisconsin, wins the National Choice Award for best full line. Some of the customer favorites include Adrenaplex (Energy & Stress Resister), AnxioCalm (Anxiety, Stress-Relief, Tension), Artery Strong (Vascular Elasticity and Strength), Clinical Glutathione (Vital Support), Clinical OPC (Absorption), CuraMed (Healthy Inflammation Response), Hemp Oil + Curcumin (Endocannabinoid Support), Curamin (Pain Relief) and CuraMed Brain (Brain Function).

955 Challenger Dr., Green Bay, WI 54311, www.europharmausa.com

SPORTS NUTRITION Bluebonnet Extreme Edge

Extreme Edge is a pre-workout mix designed to ignite energy and mental focus.

12915 Dairy Ashford, Sugar Land, TX 77478, www.bluebonnetnutrition.com

WEIGHT LOSS Irwin Naturals System 6

System-Six is a specialized formula that supports thermogenesis, energy, mood, metabolism, carbohydrate support and antioxidants to assist with weight-loss goals when combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise program.

5310 Beethoven St., Los Angeles, CA 90066, www.irwinnaturals.com

BONE/JOINT Pure Essence JointEssence

Introduced to the market in 2013, Pure Essence JointEssence is designed to increase mobility, flexibility and promote overall joint health.

P.O. Box 95397, Las Vegas, NV 89193, www.pureessencelabs.com

IMMUNE Source Naturals Wellness Formulas

Wellness Formula combines over 25 vitamins, herbs, and nutraceuticals to support key body systems related to immune health.

23 Janis Way, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, www.sourcenaturals.com

HEART HEALTH Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

With 1,280 mg of omega-3s, this supplement supports heart and brain health, is certified non-GMO and third-party purified. The fish gelatin softgels benefit pescatarians and others with restricted diets.

111 Jennings Dr., Watsonville, CA 95076, www.nordicnaturals.com

DIGESTIVE Enzymedica Digest Gold

Enzymedica says Digest Gold is its most potent digestive formula. It contains amylase, lipase, cellulose and protease thera-blend enzymes to help the breaking down of carbohydrates, fats, fiber and protein.

771 Commerce Dr., Venice, FL 34292, www.enzymedica.com

COGNITIVE Bio Nutrition Brain Wellness

This formula contains a blend of vitamins, herbs and more designed to work synergistically to support optimal brain health and function, boost memory and promote mental alertness.

3580 Oceanside Rd., Unit #5, Oceanside NY 11572, www.bionutritioninc.com

STRESS/ SLEEP CV Sciences Plus CBD Oil

PlusCBD Oil Gold Formula contains a complex phytocannabinoid matrix including cannabidiol (CBD) from agricultural hemp, which the company says is a great option for those looking for high-intensity support.

10070 Barnes Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92121, www.pluscbdoil.com

HERBS Gaia Herbs

Among the popular products from Gaia Herbs: Calm A.S.A.P., which provides anti-stress qualities; Golden Milk, a plant-based blend to support the mind; and Black Elderberry Syrup to support immune health.

101 Gaia Herbs Dr., Brevard, NC 28712, www.gaiaherbs.com

CHILDREN Nordic Naturals Nordic Berry

With vitamins A, B, C, D3, E, zinc, and more, this gummy multivitamin comes in classic sweet-and-sour citrus and cherry berry flavor.

111 Jennings Dr., Watsonville, CA 95076, www.nordicnaturals.com

VEGAN So Delicious Dairy Free Cheese

Free from dairy and soy and Non-GMO Project Verified, the line includes Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Cheddar Jack.

1130 Shelley St., Springfield, OR 97477, www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com

BEVERAGES Health Ade Kombucha

Health Ade Kombucha is made from 100% cold pressed juices and is free from preservatives. Flavors include Maca-Berry (black currant, aronia, maca root), Power Greens (wheatgrass, spirulina, camu camu) and the seasonal Holiday Cheers (allspice, ginger, cacao).

2012 Abalone Ave., Torrance, CA 90501, www.health-ade.com

FOOD – ORGANIC NOW Foods

From cooking oils to natural sweeteners and nuts to gluten-free natural baking mixes, NOW food products are non-GMO, Kosher and peanut-free.

244 Knollwood Dr., Bloomingdale, IL 60108, www.nowfoods.com

SENSITIVE DIETS Pamela’s Products

Pamela’s offers natural and gluten free baking mixes, cookies and snack bars. Pamela’s products use high quality sugars including fruit juice, agave, coconut sugar, brown rice syrup and molasses, as well as minimally processed grains like certified gluten-free oats, brown rice, millet and sorghum.

1 Carousel Ln., Ukiah, CA 95482, www.pamelasproducts.com

BARS Garden of Life

Garden of Life products are made from whole food ingredients and are Certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, NSF.

4200 NorthCorp Pkwy., Suite 200, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410, www.gardenoflife.com

HABA – SKIN Derma E

Derma E offers a full line of natural skin care products that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals. All products are cruelty free, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, recyclable, paraben free, and do not contain sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil or artificial colors.

2130 Ward Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065, www.dermae.com

HABA – PERSONAL CARE My Magic Mud Charcoal Toothpaste

This toothpaste is formulated with essential oils, coconut oil, bentonite clay and xylitol to clean, polish and whiten teeth without the use of fluoride, SLS, GMOs or Glycerin. My Magic Mud is also vegan and comes in peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen and cinnamon clove flavors.

1965 Post Rd., Suite 600, New Braunfels, TX 78130, www.mymagicmud.com

HABA – HAIR Giovanni

Giovanni is a full-range, salon-inspired hair care brand that provides gel, mousse, hair spray, leave-in conditioners, vitamin hair treatments and hair re-constructors.

2555 South Dominguez Hills Dr., Compton, CA 90220-6402, www.giovannicosmetics.com

PET PRODUCTS Vital Planet

Vital Planet products are made with a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber, omega-3s, probiotics and enzymes formulated to support the dietary needs of canines.

133 Candy Ln., Palm Harbor, FL 34683, www.vitalplanet.com

Natural Choice Awards Runners-Up

Supplements – Full Line: Bluebonnet Nutrition Corp. Supplements – Sports Nutrition: Vega Sport Nutrition System Supplements – Weight Loss: Enzymedica weight loss support products Supplements – Heart Health: Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract Supplements – Bone/Joint Health: Bio Nutrition Joint Wellness Supplements – Immune Health: Nature’s Way Sambucus Supplements – Digestive Health: Bio Nutrition digestive health products Supplements – Cognitive Health: Europharma/Terry Naturally Curamed Brain Supplements – Stress/Sleep: Pure Essence Ionic-Fizz Magnesium Plus Supplements – Herbs: Nature’s Way herbal products Supplements – Children: Child Life assorted products Food – Organic: Bob’s Red Mill assorted products Food – Vegan: Pamela’s Products (vegan mixes, pastas and more) Food – Sensitive Diets: Food for Life assorted products Food – Nutrition Bars: RX Bar assorted products Food – Beverages: Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar HABA – Skin Care: Mychelle assorted products HABA – Hair Care: Alaffia assorted products HABA – Personal Care: Natracare assorted products Pet Care – NOW assorted products