What is Informed Choice Certification? Why It Matters for Supplement Buyers
When it comes to supplements, not all products are created equal. Whether you're a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who takes their health seriously, knowing exactly what's in your supplements is critical. That's where Informed Choice Certification comes in.
What is Informed Choice?
Informed Choice is a globally recognized third-party certification program operated by LGC, a world-leading science-based company. The program tests sports nutrition products and ingredients for substances that are prohibited in sport, including steroids, stimulants, and other banned compounds.
Every product that earns the Informed Choice logo has been batch-tested by an accredited laboratory, meaning the specific batch you purchase has been verified, not just the formula on paper.
Why Does Third-Party Testing Matter?
The supplement industry is not as tightly regulated as pharmaceuticals. This means that without independent testing, there's no guarantee that what's on the label is actually in the bottle, or that nothing harmful has been added. Third-party testing closes that gap by having an independent lab verify:
- The product contains what the label claims
- No prohibited substances are present
- Manufacturing standards meet quality benchmarks
For athletes subject to drug testing, from high school sports to professional and Olympic competition, this isn't just a nice-to-have. It's essential protection.
What Does Informed Choice Test For?
Informed Choice screens for over 250 substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list, including:
- Anabolic steroids and prohormones
- Stimulants (amphetamines, ephedrine, etc.)
- Diuretics and masking agents
- Peptide hormones and growth factors
- Beta-2 agonists
Which Superior Nutrition Products are Informed Choice Certified?
We're proud to carry a growing selection of Informed Choice certified products, including:
- Rule1 Proteins — including R1 Protein and R1 Whey Blend
- Transparent Labs Bulk — a clinically dosed pre-workout with full label transparency
Look for the Informed Choice badge on product pages to quickly identify certified options.
What About "Science-Based" and "Clinically Dosed" Claims?
You'll see these terms used by brands we carry, like Transparent Labs. Here's what they mean:
- Science-Based: Formulas built around ingredients with peer-reviewed research supporting their efficacy at the doses used.
- Clinically Dosed: Each ingredient is included at the dose shown to be effective in clinical studies — not a token amount just to appear on the label.
- Third-Party Tested: An independent lab has verified the product's contents and purity.
Together, these standards mean you're getting a product that works as advertised and is safe to use.
How to Verify a Product's Certification
You can independently verify any Informed Choice certified product at informed.sport. Simply search the product name or brand to confirm its certification status and view batch test results.
Our Commitment to Quality
At Superior Nutrition, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you're putting in your body. That's why we prioritize stocking certified, transparently labeled products from brands that hold themselves to the highest standards. When you shop with us, you can trust that quality and safety are never an afterthought.
Have questions about a specific product's testing or certification? Contact us — we're happy to help.
