Compare the label, not the hype
A reference table for choosing a fair comparison basis. These are product types, not rankings or medical equivalents.
Start by matching the ingredient and purpose of your comparison. Then check the label denominator, form and total checkout cost. A lower unit price alone cannot establish benefit, purity or suitability. We do not list live retailer prices or claim to have tested products.
Select a column header to sort.
| Label or product type | Useful price basis | Read closely | Comparison limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-ingredient capsule | Cost per labeled serving | Capsules per serving and ingredient amount | Different forms may not be interchangeable |
| Multivitamin | Cost per labeled serving | Each nutrient, form and amount | Counting ingredients does not measure benefit |
| Mineral supplement | Cost per gram of the named mineral | Mineral amount in Supplement Facts | Compound mass is a different measure |
| Fish or algal oil | Cost per quantified EPA + DHA amount | EPA and DHA separately, serving size | Total oil is not necessarily EPA + DHA |
| Protein powder | Cost per gram of labeled protein | Protein per serving, serving weight | Tub weight includes other ingredients |
| Gummy | Cost per labeled serving | Number of gummies, other ingredients | One gummy may not be one serving |
| Probiotic | Cost per labeled serving of exact formulation | Organism identity and labeled quantity | CFU is not a universal effectiveness score |
| Proprietary blend | Cost per labeled serving, with gaps noted | Whether individual amounts are disclosed | Unknown amounts prevent ingredient-level math |
Use the table responsibly
This is a comparison worksheet, not a recommendation to start, stop or change a supplement. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal questions, particularly when taking medicines, pregnant or breastfeeding, preparing for surgery, or shopping for a child.
See FDA dietary supplement questions and answers for the US regulatory framework and NIH ODS consumer resources for ingredient-specific references. Try the cost per serving calculator with your own label and checkout inputs.