Reviews and Information for 365/Whole Foods

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Product Review

Cinnamon Supplements and Spices Review

CAUTION: Limit Use of Some Cinnamon Due to Liver Toxin. See Our Findings and Top Picks.

Product Review

Hemp Seed Review

We Found That 33% of Products Were Spoiled

Product Review

Rice Review (White, Brown, Black, Wild, and Combination)

Discover Arsenic Levels in Rice and Our Top Picks.

Product Review

Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) Review

We Identified the Best Pumpkin Seeds

Product Review

Dark Chocolates, Cocoa Powders and Supplements Review

Many Dark Chocolates and Cocoa Powders Fail Safety Tests

Product Review

Apple Cider Vinegar Review — Bottled Liquids and Supplements

Find the Best Apple Cider Vinegar and Avoid Fakes.

Product Review

Whole, Ground, Milled, and Cracker Flaxseed Review

High Levels of Cadmium Found in Flaxseed Products — Testing Expanded

Product Review

Rolled Oats and Steel-Cut Oats Review

Find the Best Rolled and Steel-Cut Oats -- Beware of Unexpected Gluten.

Product Review

Potassium Supplements Review

Be Careful with Potassium Supplements! Problems Found. Tests and Reviews of Potassium Supplements & CL's Top Picks.

Product Review

Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, Flax and Hemp Seed Oil Review

Choose the Best Flaxseed and Other Oils Based on Our Tests.

Product Review

Shelled Walnuts (Halves & Pieces)

See Our Top Picks for Walnuts

Product Review

Sunflower Seeds and Butters Review

High Levels of Toxin Found in Most Sunflower Seeds and Butters

Product Review

Chromium Supplements Review

Chromium Supplements Review. Best Chromium Supplements Identified -- By Strength.

Product Review

Avocado Oil Review

Find the Best Avocado Oil for Purity, Freshness and Taste. Some Others May Include Rotten Avocado or Other Oils.

Product Review

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review

Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity

CL Answer

Where to Safely Buy Real Vitamins and Supplements Online, Not Fakes or Counterfeits

ConsumerLab explains how to avoid counterfeit vitamins and supplements when shopping online on Amazon, Walmart.com, and other sites. Learn to identify authorized sites and sellers and avoid fake supplements. Use the brand-by-brand guide to protect yourself from risk.

Product Review

L-Theanine Supplements Review

Touted for Stress Relief, Do L-Theanine Supplements Work?

Product Review

Selenium Supplements Review

Choose the Best Selenium Supplement. Find Out If You Need Selenium and Which Supplement Is Our Top Pick.

Product Review

Elderberry Supplements Review

Find the Best Elderberry Supplement. Tests and Reviews of Popular Elderberry Supplements & CL's Top Picks.

Product Review

Prebiotic Supplements Review

You Can't Tell How Much Fiber Is Really In Most Prebiotics Without Testing

Product Review

Nutritional Yeast Review

Inaccurate Labeling Discovered on Most Nutritional Yeasts. Best Fortified and Non-Fortified Products Identified.

Recalls & Warnings

May 10, 2021

Whole Food's 365 Everyday Value Whey Protein Recalled

On May 7, 2021, Arizona Nutritional Supplements issued a recall of 365 Everyday Value Whey Protein Powder Natural Vanilla Flavor because it contains undeclared soy. Containers of 365 Everyday Value Whey Protein Powder Natural Vanilla Flavor were mistakenly packaged with Soy Protein Powder.

Recalls & Warnings

August 17, 2021

Weight Loss Supplements Found to Contain Sibutramine Recalled

Two companies (including one Ebay seller) recently recalled weight loss supplements that were found to contain sibutramine.

Recalls & Warnings

October 05, 2023

Counterfeit Pure Encapsulations and GutConnect 365 Sold on Amazon

On September 26, 2023, a man from New Jersey was arrested for selling fake versions of Pure Encapsulations L-Glutamine and Nature MD's GutConnect 365 on Amazon.

News Release

March 19, 2026

Fake Apple Cider Vinegar? ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best & Worst Brands

White Plains, NY, March 19, 2026 — Apple cider vinegar is widely promoted for blood sugar control, weight management, and general health due to its acetic acid content, but new tests by ConsumerLab reveal that not all products are what they claim, and some products may offer little benefit.

News Release

February 25, 2026

Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2026 Based on Consumer Satisfaction

-- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users --

Product Review

Farro and Bulgur Review

See How Bob's Red Mill Compares to Trader Joe's

Product Review

Gluten-Free Grains Review (Buckwheat, Quinoa, Sorghum, Millet, and Teff)

31% of Gluten-Free Grains Fail Our Tests Due to Contaminants. Quinoa, Buckwheat, Sorghum, Millet and Teff Tested.

Product Review

Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review

See Which Sports Drinks, Powders, and Pills Deliver the Right Electrolytes

Product Review

Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review

Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands

Product Review

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review

Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead

Product Review

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) Supplements Review

Choose the Best Ginkgo Biloba Supplement. Finding Real Ginkgo Isn't Easy — 60% Fail ConsumerLab's Tests of Quality.

Product Review

Ginger Supplements, Chews & Spices Review

Tests Reveal Best and Worst Ginger Supplements & Spices. Poor Quality and Lead Contamination Discovered in Some Products.

News Release

October 30, 2025

ConsumerLab.com Reveals Key Safety Tips for Cinnamon Users: What You Need to Know About Toxic Compounds and Health Benefits

October 30, 2025 — Cinnamon is a popular spice and supplement, but new testing by ConsumerLab.com highlights important safety considerations for regular users. Dr. Tod Cooperman, president of ConsumerLab.

News Release

February 25, 2025

Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2025 Based on Consumer Satisfaction

White Plains, New York, February 25, 2025 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on over 8,400 responses collected in November/December 2024.

News Release

January 23, 2025

ConsumerLab Tests Identify Best Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose Flax and Hemp Oils

White Plains, NY, January 23, 2025 —  Black currant, borage, evening primrose, flax, and hemp oils contain omega-3, -6, and/or -9 fatty acids that, when replacing saturated fats in the diet, may help reduce cardiovascular risk.

CL Answer

What is the best sunscreen based on safety and efficacy?

We’ve boiled down the latest research about mineral and chemical sunscreens, including product tests, to help you choose the best sunscreen (which will depend on whether you expect to be in or out of the water). We also list popular sunscreens that have, or have not, been found to contain cancer-causing compounds (benzene and benzophenone).

CL Answer

Sugar Substitutes: Pros, Cons, and Best Choices

Learn about the pros and cons of using sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners in place of table sugar. Sweeteners discussed include stevia, monk fruit, and other high-intensity sweeteners; xylitol, erythritol, allulose and other low-calorie sweeteners; and agave syrup, black sugar, coconut sugar, honey, molasses and other sugar alternatives.

Product Review

Magnesium Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Vitamins D & K, and Boron)

Find Out What Magnesium Does, Who Needs It, and Our Top Picks Among Supplements

CL Answer

How concerned should I be about glyphosate in foods and supplements?

Find out if you should be concerned about glyphosate in foods and supplements. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Which supplements help with arthritis?

Learn more about supplements for joint health, including products such as Wobenzym and Zyflamend and ingredients such as collagen, curcumin, devil's claw, glucosamine and chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), SAMe, and others.

CL Answer

Is drinking coffee good or bad for heart health?

Learn more about coffee and caffeine, its safety, if it's good for you, how much coffee is too much and its impact on your heart.

CL Answer

5 Tips for Finding a Soap or Body Wash That Won't Irritate Skin

Get 5 tips for finding soap or body wash that won't cause skin irritation. See which soaps we rate best, ingredients to avoid, and phrases on labels that can mislead.

News Release

December 05, 2024

Some Oats Surprisingly High in Gluten, According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, NY, December 5, 2024 —  Oats are a healthy source of fiber and naturally gluten-free. However, it’s not uncommon for oats to become contaminated with gluten during processing, which can cause problems for people with celiac disease and others who follow a gluten-free diet.

News Release

August 19, 2024

High Levels of Toxin Found In Most Sunflower Seeds & Butters

White Plains, NY, August 19, 2024 —  Sunflower seeds are rich in healthy, unsaturated oils and provide significant amounts of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals, but ConsumerLab's recent tests found high levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in most of the sunflower seeds and sunflower ...

News Release

December 07, 2023

Best Shelled Walnuts According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, New York, December 7, 2023 —  Fresh walnuts are rich in healthful, unsaturated fats, protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals, but how fresh and pure are packaged, shelled walnuts? And does higher cost guarantee better quality or taste? To find out, ConsumerLab recently ...

News Release

March 28, 2023

Expanded Flaxseed Testing by ConsumerLab Reveals More Cadmium Contamination – Several Quality Products Also Identified

White Plains, New York, March 28, 2023 — Due to concerning levels of cadmium ConsumerLab discovered in its tests of flaxseed products in January 2023, ConsumerLab recently purchased and tested seven additional whole and ground flaxseed products.

News Release

January 12, 2023

High Levels of Cadmium Found In Whole and Ground Flaxseed In ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, New York, January 12, 2023 — Recent ConsumerLab tests revealed concerning levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in several popular flaxseed products which, otherwise, provided the listed amounts of healthy fats, fiber, and protein without microbial contamination.

News Release

December 16, 2022

Is Your Chocolate or Cocoa Healthful or Toxic? ConsumerLab Finds Major Differences Among Products.

White Plains, New York, December 16, 2022 — Although dark chocolate and cocoa can be good sources of potentially heart-healthy, antioxidant flavanols, they can also be contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead – and consumers can’t judge products from their labels.

Recalls & Warnings

June 12, 2023

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides 24 oz Recalled

On April 28, 2023, Vital Proteins issued a recall of a single batch of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides -- Unflavored (24 oz) that were distributed to and sold by Costco. Canisters may contain broken blue pieces of plastic from a broken lid.

News Release

August 10, 2022

Best Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Identified by ConsumerLab

  White Plains, New York, August 10, 2022 — Lavender essential oil as aromatherapy may reduce anxiety and tea tree essential oil is used topically for various skin ailments.

News Release

May 18, 2021

Caution With Potassium Supplements: You Could Get More Than Expected

White Plains, New York, May 18, 2021 — Recent tests by ConsumerLab.com of popular potassium supplements on the market revealed that consumers to get much more or much less potassium than expected from certain products.

News Release

April 17, 2021

ConsumerLab Identifies Best and Worst Avocado Oils Based on Testing

White Plains, New York, April 17, 2021 — Avocado oil has become increasing popular, but concern about the quality of products was raised in 2020 by a study from researchers at the University of California, Davis that found that as much as 82% of avocado oil samples bought locally or online in ...

News Release

December 11, 2020

Caution With Cinnamon: ConsumerLab Tests Reveal High Amounts of Toxin in Some Supplements and Spices

White Plains, New York, December 11, 2020 — Cinnamon is a favorite spice that may modestly help lower blood sugar levels, likely due beneficial proanthocyanidins (PACs).

News Release

October 21, 2020

Best Apple Cider Vinegar? Quality of Bottled Apple Cider Vinegars and Supplements Varies, According to ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, October 21, 2020 — Apple cider vinegar is often promoted for lowering blood sugar levels, weight loss, "balancing" pH, and improving digestion.

News Release

March 12, 2020

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Big Differences Among Elderberry Supplements

White Plains, New York, March 12, 2020 — Elderberry extracts have long been promoted for fighting colds and flu, and, more recently, as a natural remedy for coronavirus (COVID-19).

News Release

November 12, 2019

Best Magnesium Supplements Revealed by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, November 12, 2019 — Many people do not get adequate amounts of magnesium from their diets, or may have lower levels of this essential mineral due to certain medical conditions or the use of common medications such as Nexium and Prilosec.

News Release

July 10, 2019

Best Selenium Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, July 10, 2019 — Selenium is an essential mineral important for proper immune and thyroid function but taking a selenium supplement is often not necessary and, in some people, may increase the risk of cancer or diabetes.

News Release

July 10, 2018

Best Chromium Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, July 10, 2018 — Chromium supplements are promoted to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and with weight loss.

News Release

November 01, 2017

Gummies Are Most Likely to Fail Testing in Review of Multivitamins -- Best and Worst Multivitamins Identified by ConsumerLab Testing

White Plains, New York, November 1, 2017 — Multivitamin/multimineral supplements are among the most popular supplements, with many consumers relying on them to provide nutrients they may not get from their diets. However, ConsumerLab.

News Release

May 17, 2017

Best Vitamin D? ConsumerLab.com Tests Popular Vitamin D Supplements and Reveals Its Top Picks

White Plains, New York, May 17, 2017 — Vitamin D is currently the most popular dietary supplement among people who regularly use supplements according to a recent survey by ConsumerLab.com.

News Release

April 04, 2017

ConsumerLab.com Reveals Best and Worst Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices -- 31% Fail ConsumerLab.com Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, April 4, 2017 — Turmeric and its key compound, curcumin, may be help reduce symptoms of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and may be helpful in treating depression, diabetes, and indigestion.

Recalls & Warnings

June 17, 2022

Built Brand Protein Bar Recalled Due to E. Coli Concern

On June 10, 2022, Built Brands, LLC. Issued a recall of 4,146 Banana Cream Pie Puffs protein bars after routine testing discovered potential contamination with E. coli (Escherichia coli).

Recalls & Warnings

July 06, 2022

Vegan Protein Powder Recalled

On July 3, 2022, Natreve recalled two batches of its Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla Wafer Sundae flavor because it contains undeclared milk. One illness has been reported to date.

Recalls & Warnings

July 25, 2022

Nature’s Sunshine Protein Powder Recalled

On July 22, 2022, Nature’s Sunshine Products Inc. issued a recall of two AIVIA Whey Protein Powder Herbs meal replacement products due to undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

December 19, 2022

High Impact Plant Protein Powder Recalled

On December 15, 2022, THGH Partners LLC issued a recall of one lot of its High Impact Plant Protein due to the presence of undeclared milk.

News Release

February 23, 2017

ConsumerLab.com Reveals Best and Worst B Vitamin Supplements and Why Current Labels Often Mislead

White Plains, New York, February 24, 2017 — B vitamins and complexes are popular supplements, but labels often mislead, says a new report from ConsumerLab.com which tested, reviewed, and compared 49 supplements from the U.S.

News Release

January 10, 2017

Your Extra Virgin Olive Oil May Not Be, According to Review By ConsumerLab.com -- Top Picks Noted for Best Quality and Value

White Plains, New York, January 10, 2017 — Extra virgin olive oil may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, and may have other potential health benefits — likely due to its healthful fats and generally high concentration of antioxidant ...

News Release

August 30, 2016

Surprising Results in Oat Cereals Study by ConsumerLab.com -- Popular Brands Tested for Fungal Toxin, Gluten and Heavy Metals

White Plains, New York, August 30, 2016 — Cheerios, rolled oats, steel-cut oats and other oat cereals can be a healthy choice for breakfast.

News Release

November 06, 2015

Some Surprising Results from Tests of 43 Probiotic Supplements and Kefir Drinks

White Plains, New York, November 6, 2015 — How many beneficial organisms are in probiotic supplements and kefir drinks? Are any contaminated with pathogens, such as E. coli, and do those labeled as "gluten free" or "99% lactose-free" live up to their claims? To find out, ConsumerLab.

CL Answer

Which is the best mask to prevent COVID-19 and how do cloth, disposable, N95, and KN95 masks compare? How can I stop glasses from fogging?

See our Top Picks for masks. Learn how to make COVID-19 masks from materials at home that can be almost as effective as surgical mask and N-95 masks.

Recalls & Warnings

June 28, 2014

Chia Seed Recall Expanded

On June 26, 2014, HEALTH MATTERS AMERICA INC.

Recalls & Warnings

March 02, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Vitamin C, Silver Spray

On March 1, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ageless Global, LLC following a review of the company's websites for selling Immunoral, Immune Plus, MD Immune Support Spray, and MD CVK-365 Mouth Spray with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

August 01, 2022

53 Protein, Meal Replacement and Nutritional Beverages Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination

On July 29, 2022, Lyons Magnus LLC issued a recall of 53 protein, meal replacement, and nutritional beverages, including those sold under the brand names of Glucerna, Premier Protein, Oatly, and others, due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from Cronobacter sakazakii.

Recalls & Warnings

March 15, 2013

Maker of Liquid Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On January 31, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Liquid Health, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

June 04, 2020

FTC Warns 35 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

On June 4, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 35 companies for selling products such as herbal products, immune system boosters, and vitamin C with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

August 09, 2002

Recall of 7 Herbal Products from Botanic Lab in US and Abroad

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the following Class II recall information in its August 7, 2002 Enforcement Report.