Not everyone always needs supplements, but due to lack of plant-based food in some places and busy lives, sometimes taking an all-round supplement is a good idea, just as back-up. But never use these as replacement for healthy balanced diets. Here are some good plant-based supplements in sustainable packaging. Always check with your doctor before taking supplements if pregnant/nursing or if taking medication (or you have a medical condition).
Dr Vegan offers wonderful supplements (they do smell and taste a bit like compost, be warned!) in a metal tin for the first order, then in refill packs. The company has recently teamed up with Forest Green Rovers (a green vegan football club) as official partners. Developed by expert nutritionists using the latest science, the range includes all-round supplements, plus ones for pregnancy, omega-3, brain or gut health and skin, hair and nails.
Together Health offers a wide range of quality vegan supplements, all sold in plastic-free packaging. The range includes everyday multi-supplements, plus ones for bone health, beauty, omega 3 and pregnancy.
Terraseed (US) is a vegan supplement company, offering nutritional supplements in cardboard tube packaging, made from quality ingredients. Formulated by doctors and scientists, the main supplement features 9 ingredients including vitamin B12, omega-3, iodine, magnesium, vitamin C and zinc. There is also a complete supplement for kids in a biodegradable child-resistant pill bottle (cherry orange gummies for older children).
Future Kind (US) is a highly-reviewed supplement brand, founded by two Aussie nutritionist brothers, who also donate portions of profits to animal sanctuaries worldwide. In sustainable packaging, the wide range includes standard supplements, plus ones for omega 3 and vegan collagen, along with protein powders and meal replacement shakes.
Vegums makes multi-vitamins in chewable gum form, sold in zero-waste packaging. All items are vegan-friendly and also taste great! Simple to use, just take one for older children or two for adults. Say goodbye to chalky tasting pills and capsules! Talk to your doctor before taking supplements if pregnancy/nursing or on medication, and avoid for young children. Keep away from young children and pets, as these do look (and taste) like sweets.
The brand was founded by two pharmacists, who not only were fed up of chalky-tasting supplements, but saw the phrase on some packs ‘suitable for vegans’ offensive, as if this was an afterthought. All supplements should be vegan! And they also knew that supplements are only packaged in plastic, because they chose to be cheap.
This company produces supplements with plant-based diets in mind, but uses natural ingredients like unrefined sugar and citrus-peel gelling agents. Plastic-free and carbon-negative, the range helps to up your B12, D, B6, selenium, iodine, iron and omega-3, just order on subscription for regular deliveries.
The flagship multivitamin contains vitamin B12 (for metabolism), vitamin D3 (plant-based), B6, folic acid, selenium and iodine.
Omega 3 fatty acids are good for your eyes, skin, heart and brain, and also help sleep and reduce symptoms of ADHD and asthma.
Iron helps to move oxygen from the lungs to teh rest of the body, and helps muscles store and use it. It’s also good for physical growth, neurological development, cellular function and synthesis of some hormones.
At end of use, just throw the packaging in your compost along with your potato peelings, cut into small pieces with scissors first.