How to Create a High‑Quality Dietary Supplement: Step‑by‑Step Guide with APM Co‑Packing Essentials

Are you considering entering the supplement game? You’re not the only one. The health and wellness industry is on the rise, so it is no wonder that everyone would like to create a supplement that is unique and that actually works. But how do you even get started? Trying to start a supplement company without knowing how to create a supplement is equivalent to trying to bake a cake without a recipe. 

That’s why we here at All Points Manufacturing created this guide. We are breaking it all down, from the conception stage to when your finished product is in stores, and sharing the knowledge from professionals in the supplement industry. Whether you're a total beginner or a pro ready to move to the next level, this step-by-step guide will enable you to design your supplement in the right way.

Step 1: Know What You Want to Offer and Why

Before you even come up with a supplement, you need to think about why you are making it in the first place. What is the health issue that you are addressing? What will your product provide that is currently missing in the industry? Maybe you want to boost energy and concentration or help promote weight loss and gut health. You should never forget that the goal must be connected with what people really need. Avoid creating a supplement just because it’s trending and focus on building a lasting brand. 

The Grand View Research suggests that the size of the global dietary supplement market stood above 164 billion dollars in 2022 and is projected to increase by more than 8 percent every year until the year 2030. That is your indication that there is an opportunity there, but only to those who have genuine value to offer.

Step 2: Decide on a Dosage Form

The decision can be critical for real-world use of your supplement. Will it come in a capsule form, a powder, a gummy, or even a liquid? All of them provide a different feel and user experience. Capsules are convenient since you don’t have to worry about taste or solubility, but they are limited on dosage. The powders can be more tailorable and make for a fun user experience, but you’ll have to spend time testing and developing the flavor profile.

You should also consider the ease of use and the way people want to take their daily beneficial dose.  If your product is targeting young children, a gummy would be more suitable than a massive pill. If you’re powder product is for people on the go, you’ll probably want to provide single dose sachets instead of a big jar. 

Step 3: Build the Formula

Formulation can feel like cooking up a magic potion, but when you do not know what you are doing, things can go very wrong. It is not just throwing certain ingredients together. You have to consider how they interact together, how they are absorbed, and how much you are able to take, which is effective and safe. Don’t be afraid to consult with a professional or find a manufacturing partner that can help with formulation. 

In order to produce a supplement with results, your ingredients must be well-researched and processed responsibly. Third-party testing is fundamental to ensure that what the label says is contained in the bottle. Consumers are intelligent; they want to know that they can trust you and your product. 

Step 4: Choose the Right Partner for Manufacturing

This is where contract manufacturers and co-packers like All Points Manufacturing come in. Choosing the right partner is everything. The wrong partner can result in regulatory complications, costly delays, and poor product quality. Finding a trustworthy manufacturing partner can help you sleep a lot easier.

Make sure your manufacturer or copacker has all the proper certifications, such as FDA registration and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance. This ensures that your supplement will be of high standards and produced according to FDA standards. You may also desire a partner with additional certifications like Informed Sport, Kosher, or Organic depending on your product. 

Download Our Complete Guide to Choosing Your Manufacturing Partner

Step 5: Nail Down Labeling and Packaging

Label design is not only to make things look nice. When creating a supplement, your label must conform to FDA regulations. Everything from font size all the way up to structure/function claims must be compliant, or you will have recalls and fines.

That is where skilled partners come in. All Points Manufacturing can review your labels and ensure that you comply with federal regulations while still reflecting your brand. A manufacturing partner can also help you source the right packaging for your product like bottles, jars, and lids that stand out on the shelves.

Step 6: Handle Regulatory Approvals and Testing

No product can be launched into any market, be it in-store or online, without some form of testing. Depending on your formula, you may require shelf-stability testing, microbiological tests, heavy metals, and more. Testing a product before it is launched can help avoid costly recalls down the line. 

This is a step you cannot afford to overlook, especially when you want to develop a supplement that is trusted. An industry report in 2023 demonstrated that 73 percent of consumers would be more willing to purchase a supplement that is third-party tested. 

Step 7: Get Ready to Launch

When all is tested and packaged, the time comes to launch. Consideration should be given to where and how you want to sell your new supplement. E-commerce? Health food outlets? Amazon? Varying needs surround each of them. Some retailers (like Amazon) will even require additional documentation of  manufacturing and testing before they allow you to sell on their platform. 

Starting with your message is a good idea if you want to make a good first impression with a supplement. What is the difference in your product? Why are you special when contrasted with the other bottles on the shelf? Who can benefit from taking your supplement? Your marketing should answer these questions while remaining genuine, straightforward and self-assured.

Step 8: Fulfillment and Supply Chain Planning

This is not the most glamorous part of creating a supplement, but it is important. Keeping stock of your inventory, managing storage and delivery--it all has to be planned way ahead of time. Any lag in your ability to deliver the product will balk even the best launch. 

A good manufacturing partner can help you keep track of your supply chain and ensure that you don’t run out of raw materials and packaging components. They can also recommend the best distribution and fulfillment centers. This ensures that things run smoothly, from your first batch to the 50th one. Such reliability is what makes brands develop and retain customers.

Conclusion

Starting your supplement brand is a process, and every step matters. From the first idea to testing, production, and launch, every choice you make shapes how people will view and trust your product. With the right approach and partners, you can create a supplement that isn’t just another bottle in the crowd—it’s something valuable. And if you’re serious about doing it right, it’s worth teaming up with people who know what they’re doing.

Contact All Points Manufacturing to explore how their expertise can help bring your supplement to life.