5 Best Vegan Multivitamins (+How to Audit Yours at Home)
I have some bad news: more than half of the multivitamins on the shelf are garbage. Worst of all? Vegan multivitamins aren’t any different: in fact, they’re sometimes worse.
Now, for those who don’t know: I actually worked for years as a trained vitamin clerk. All as a vegan, no less!
As a result, I’d say I perused the vitamin aisles just a bit more than the average consumer.
What I found scared the hell out of me:
- Vitamins bound to cyanide,
- Synthetic vitamins galore, and
- Fake “whole food” supplements
We have good reason to be careful in those supplement aisles!
Everything Included in this Guide to Vegan Multivitamins
- It’s Time to Audit Your Vegan Multivitamin
- Why Vegan Multivitamins at All?
- The Three Main Multivitamin Categories / Types
- The Problem with Fake “Whole Food” Vegan Multivitamins
- 5 of the Best, Clean Vegan Multivitamins
- Vegan Multivitamins to Avoid
It’s Time to Audit Your Vegan Multivitamin
With all these shady ingredients for sale, how can we be sure our box at home is quality?
First I want you to ignore everything the package says.
I don’t care if it says “with vegetables and herbs”, I especially don’t care if it says “100% natural”.
Why?
There’s a good chance the company is twisting this information (more on that later).
What should you inspect instead?
Turn the box around and check the white “Supplement Facts” label; this is where it gets juicy.
Now, simply scan down the list of vitamins, taking note of their forms.
Some Good Vitamin Forms You Want to See:
- Natural Vitamin A as Beta Carotene
- Vitamin D as D3 (from Lichen)
- Natural Vitamin E as d-alpha tocopheryl
- Vitamin K as K2 (even better as MK-7)
- Folic acid as the natural, food-form Folate
- Vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin
If the majority (or all) of these match your vegan multivitamin: chances are it’s a high-quality formula!
These vitamins are some of the most absorbable, and most natural forms available.
Unfortunately, quality comes at a cost and most companies are just not willing to pay for it. This leaves us with shady marketing, synthetic vitamins, and health-compromising ingredients.
Some Scary Vitamin Forms to Avoid:
- Vitamin A as synthetic Retinyl Palmitate (which is a known to cause cellular level changes)
- Vitamin D as the less bio-available D2 (the cheapest vegan form of Vitamin D)
- (or even worse D3 from fish oil or sheep’s wool)
- Synthetic Vitamin E as dl-alpha tocopheryl (which has been shown to cause cancer)
- Vitamin K as the less bio-available and cheaper K1
- Synthetic Folic Acid
- (rather than the preferred, natural form: Folate)
- Vitamin B12 as the cheaper Cyanocobalamin
- (B12 bound to a cyanide molecule. Yes, cyanide the poison)
- (B12 bound to a cyanide molecule. Yes, cyanide the poison)
Why Go with Vegan Multivitamins at All?
Now, it may sound like I’m just ragging on vegan multivitamins…
When, in fact, I’m bringing light to shady practices common throughout the industry.
That being said, do you want a vegan multivitamin at all?
Would a non-vegan multivitamin be better?
Not so fast, cowboy.
Most traditional multivitamins are loaded with health-compromising animal products.
Even worse?
These animal products tend to be saturated with dangerous contaminants, particularly fish oil.
In fact, as Veterinary Practice News puts it; plant-based sources are better anyways.
Do yourself a favor and research the products you’re buying.
More Lies the Supplement Industry Has Told You
Now that we’ve got those details ironed out… What else have supplement companies been dishonest about to make a sale?
Unsurprisingly; a whole ton of buzz-words.
The main offender?
Food-based multivitamins.
But, First: The Three Main Multivitamin Categories/Types
Now, before we go any further… Let’s break the multivitamins into three easy to discern categories.
We have:
- Basic,
- Fermented, and finally
- True Whole Food multivitamins
Basic Multivitamins
These are the cheap, run of the mill multivitamins you’re used to. Flinstones, Centrum, Alive!, the list goes on and on.
How can you tell it’s a basic multivitamin?
- Generally the cheapest options,
- Typically containing 100% synthetic forms of vitamins,
- You found it at a drug store (and not in the natural section)
Fermented / Yeast Culture Multivitamins
These multivitamins were the first “whole food” vitamins to hit the market.
The problem?
These multis are not even close to being a “whole food”.
These are brands using misleading phrasing to keep consumers confused.
How can you tell it’s a fermented / yeast culture multivitamin?
- You’ll see words like:
- “Whole Food Fermented Multivitamin”,
- “from ferment media”, and
- “from culture of S. cerevisiae”
My Problem with Fake “Whole Food” Vegan Multivitamins
Save for my few “good” examples below, food-based multivitamins aren’t what you think.
- Start with USP synthetic, lab-created vitamins. (Typically the same synthetic vitamins developed in the early 1940s)
- These companies then take these synthetic vitamins and feed them to yeast... Usually Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (brewer’s yeast).
- Finally, they dry and press this synthetic-vitamin-yeast into a tablet… All to be sold as a “food-based” multivitamin.
Would you consider this food-based?
I, for one, absolutely do not.
They’re using the term “base” to refer to the foundation upon which the synthetic vitamins lay.
This is like calling a beef-burger plant-based because it’s put on top of lettuce and bread.
This isn’t food.
This is a company assuming our bodies recognize a franken-yeast as food and can absorb it as such.
This is asinine and blatant false advertising. Worst of all, these companies are aware of what they’re doing and continue to deceive the public.
True Whole Food Multivitamins
The last category is the newest, and arguably the most exciting category.
These are the vitamins truly made from whole foods.
In fact, the only thing not 100% from food is the methylcobalamin B12 which is still cultivated from yeast.
We’re talking things like:
- Vitamin E from Sunflower Seed Oil,
- Vitamin K from Natto Bean,
- Calcium from Algae,
- etc.!
To me, this is the ultimate category of vegan multivitamins… This is how you truly harness the power of plants!
How can you tell it’s a true whole food multivitamin?
- You’ll see things like:
- “from Organic Food Blend”, or even better
- “from ____________” (insert food item)
5 of the Best, Clean Vegan Multivitamins
Finally ready for some good news?
There are a handful of decent (even great) vegan multivitamins… Across a whole range of prices!
Here’s the list of my favorite vegan multivitamin brands:
Deva Nutrition Vegan Vitamins Daily Multivitamin
This guy was actually my very first vegan multivitamin… Wow, how things have changed!
In short, this is the bottom of the barrel when it comes to vegan multivitamins… Not much going for it, but not enough negatives to keep it off the list.
How would I review DEVA “Vegan Multivitamin”?
Pros:
- Cheap
- Natural form of Vitamin E
Cons:
- Not much else going for it
- Vitamin D as the less-absorbable (and cheaper) D2
- B12 in cyanocobalamin form
Vegan Multivitamin Category:
- “Basic”
Find Their Formulations on Amazon:
- One and Two Packs of the “One Daily”
- Prenatal One Daily
VegLife Vegan One Multivitamin
This guy is a decent multivitamin for vegans, especially when considering the price.
How would I review VegLife “Vegan One Multiple”?
Pros:
- Natural Vitmains A, E, and Folate
- Low cost
Cons:
- B12 in cyanocobalamin form
- Vitamin D as the less absorbable D2
Vegan Multivitamin Category:
- “Basic”
Find Their Formulations on Amazon:
Rainbow Light Just Once Multivitamin
How would I review Rainbow Light “Just Once Food-Based Multivitamin”?
Pros:
- Natural forms of Vitamins A + E
Cons:
- Folic Acid instead of food-based Folate
- B12 as Cyanocobalamin rather than Methylcobalamin
- Vitamin D as the less absorbable D2
- Vitamins are not food-sourced as is alluded to on the packaging. Instead, this is a yeast-cultivated formulation.
Vegan Multivitamin Category:
- “Fermented / Yeast Culture”
Find Their Formulations on Amazon:
Garden of Life myKind Multivitamin
How would I review Garden of Life “mykind Organics”?
Pros:
- 100% food-based
- Certified Vegan
- Methylcobalamin B12
- Folate form of Folic Acid
Cons:
- High price
- No indications of which foods are supplying the vitamins… Each vitamin simply says “from Organic Food Blend”
- (Not a huge deal, but it’s kinda lame…)
Vegan Multivitamin Category:
- “True Whole Food”
Find Their Formulations on Amazon:
- Once Daily (less potent, but less pills)
- Multiples
Natural Factors Whole Earth & Sea Multivitamin
How would I review Whole Earth & Sea “Pure Food” Multivitamin?
Pros:
- Natural/Food forms of everything!
- A cheaper option than Garden of Life, without sacrificing quality
- Lists each and every food that each vitamin comes from! We love the total transparency
Cons:
- The only negative I can think of is the fact that I don’t have an endless supply… Someday!
Vegan Multivitamin Category:
- “True Whole Food”
Find Their Formulations on Amazon:
Bonus: Best Vegan Multivitamins for Kids!
Thanks to a kind reader (hey, Anna!), I’ve discovered the some of the vegan kids’ multivitamins have become hard to find.
Not good!
Luckily, I’ve found an amazing new brand that fits our criteria perfectly… and one product I didn’t know existed!
Vegan Kids Multivitamin Gummies by MaryRuth’s
How would I review MaryRuth’s Vegan Kids Multivitamin?
Pros:
- Vegan Vitamin D3 from Lichen (food)
- The better form of Vitamin E (not food-based)
- Folate form of Folic Acid
- B12 as Methylcobalamin
- Ages 2 & over can take 2 gummies per day (or as recommended by a physician or healthcare professional.)
Cons:
- No indication of which form of Vitamin A
Vegan Multivitamin Category:
- Kids/Gummy
Find Their Formulations on Amazon:
Garden of Life – mykind Organics Kids Gummy Vitamins
How would I review Garden of Life mykind Organics Kids Gummy Vitamins?
Just like the adult counterpart, this is a true whole food vegan multivitamin… For kids!
Pros:
- 100% food-based
- Certified Vegan
- Methylcobalamin B12
- Folate form of Folic Acid
- Children 4 years and older thoroughly chew 4 gummies daily with food under adult supervision.
Cons:
- Higher priced brand
Vegan Multivitamin Category:
- Kids/Gummy
- “True Whole Food”
Find Their Formulations on Amazon:
Vegan Multivitamins to Avoid
“RAW” Vitamin Code Multivitamins from Garden of Life
Before Garden of Life released the “mykind” multivitamin line, this was their star.
Unfortunately, nothing about this product is truly food-based. Every vitamin found within comes from the yeast-cultivation process.
Let’s call this what it is: synthetic vitamins fed to yeast. “RAW Food-Created Nutrients™”? Notice the “™”? That’s because they can’t legally say this was ever actually food.
How would I review Garden of Life “RAW Vitamin Code”?
Pros:
- Can’t think of any reason you’d want these
Cons:
- Synthetic
- Dishonest
- Misleading
- Absolutely no sign of which form these vitamins are in (Methylcobalamin? Cyanocobalamin? We’ll never know..)
Vegan Multivitamin Category:
- “Basic”, and in my opinion misleading
Hippo7 Vegan Multivitamin
Now, if you’re on Instagram: chances are you’ve seen this product promoted.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of good things to say about this one..
How would I review “Hippo7 vegan complete“?
Pros:
- Includes Omega-3 Fatty Acids as both DHA/EPA
- Vitamin D is the superior D3 from Lichen
- Vitamin B12 is methylcobalamin form
- Iodine from Kelp
- Calcium, Iron, and Zinc included
Cons:
- Unfortunately, what I listed above is everything included in this formula.
- Sure, this is a multivitamin in the very literal sense of having “multiple vitamins”
- In short, this mess isn’t even close to being a complete multivitamin.
- If you’re going to have to supplement a supplement: what’s the point!?
- Vitamins work synergistically and systematically together. Some of the B vitamins, for example, require each other for absorption.
- What’s the point!?
Vegan Multivitamin Category:
- “An incomplete, not-even-gonna-call-it-a-multi“
Wondering Where to Buy the Best Vegan Multivitamins?
I have a whole post comparing grocery stores for vegans, that would be a great place to start!
Click to Pin-It for Later!
John Y
May 21, 2020 at 4:18 pmI tried to ask Hippo7 via email for 3rd party quality control verification for their multivitamin, but they were unwilling to share any and stopped responding. I tried reaching out via Facebook/Instagram and they ended up deleting my comment and blocking me – sketchy!
Nick Abell
May 22, 2020 at 4:14 pmWOW, thank you for sharing! This confirms my suspicions further: Hippo7 is a company to stay away from. Hopefully you’ve found a suitable alternative!
John Y
May 21, 2020 at 4:19 pm(3rd party verification as in USP/UL/NSF/ConsumerLab certifications)
John Y
May 24, 2020 at 11:13 amI ended up with Holier! They gladly sent me their QC testing results 🙂
The range micronutrients included are also limited as in Hippo7, but in my case it works well because I’m taking isotretinoin and the instructions are to cease vitamin A supplementation, so I was specifically looking for a multivitamin that didn’t include vitamin A!
Nick Abell
May 24, 2020 at 2:55 pmOh, I’m glad you found one that works for your specific situation! Thanks for the great feedback
John Y
May 25, 2020 at 8:06 amThank you for writing!
JaredD
October 10, 2020 at 5:10 amI do subscribe to hippo7 as it provides just what my diet lacks. I’m a “healthy” vegan so I don’t need a lot of the vitamins and minerals and hippo7 has what vegans usually lack. They also don’t call themselves a multivitamin on their packaging. I only picked hippo7 for the B12, D3, and omega3 in one capsule. If you know a better pill to take that has those ingredients that do have a better customer service, or third party verification, please tell me!! Thanks!
Nick Abell
October 19, 2020 at 1:25 pmI’m glad it works for you! Like I said in the post, I prefer to take something with all of the synergistic vitamins grouped together… They don’t absorb well on their own (specifically the B-vitamins).
Melissa
November 5, 2020 at 8:51 pmI am curious if you have an facts on Complement Plus? Thanks!
Nick Abell
November 9, 2020 at 4:21 pmHi there! Everything within Compliment Plus looks incredible (best forms of b12 and k2, lots of essential fatty acids, etc). Unfortunately, it is not a complete multivitamin and therefore I wouldn’t personally take it (especially for the price!). Like I mention in the article, B-vitamins specifically rely on each other to absorb, so I would definitely look for a multi with a more complete list. Thanks for reaching out!
Lee
November 15, 2020 at 6:05 pmWhat about Future Kind? What brand would you choose for Omega 3s, DHAs?
Nick Abell
November 16, 2020 at 11:35 amHi there!
Everything in Future Kind’s “Essential Vegan Multivitamin” looks decent (if not great!).
Unfortunately, like so many of these online vitamins, it is not a complete multivitamin, and therefore I wouldn’t personally take it. Like I mention in the article, B-vitamins specifically rely on each other to absorb, so I would definitely look for a multi with a more complete list.
As far as DHA and Omega-3’s: thank you for asking! I wasn’t sure if anyone was interested in a post about it. I will get that list out ASAP.
mike
December 12, 2020 at 6:45 amI think you should have went about the hippo7 one differently, specifically which vitamins should be combo’d but aren’t. As supplements are still meant to supplement an actual diet, saying that something isn’t a “complete” multivitamin sounds like a selling point to me. I would have trouble constructing and following a diet that would give one a vitamin A deficiency so why would I want it in a supplement? I don’t think vegans with vitamin C issues are a remotely common thing so why take it in a vitamin that doesn’t also include iron?
Nick Abell
December 12, 2020 at 9:45 amVitamins work synergistically with each other and rely on other vitamins for absorption, so yes it is a good idea to take a complete multivitamin. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2016-03-09/nutrient-synergy-harnessing-the-power-of-dynamic-duos-and-trios
James
December 30, 2020 at 8:48 pmI’m not sure I understand your aggressive dismissal of Hippo7. It doesn’t claim to be a multi vitamin and includes good forms of all the things I have a hard time getting enough of in my diet, and it includes iron which many vegan supplements don’t have. I understand vitamins work in synergy but a complete diet provides the easier to get nutrients so all you need is the ones that are difficult to get. I believe this is what Hippo7 provides. You give more props to Deva and that brand has the B12 bonded to cyanide, the cancer causing form of vitamin E and the less absorbable vitamin D2. Why would you specifically single out multivitamins with these “scary” ingredients and then turn around and list the very first “good” supplement as one that contains three of the ingredients you just finished saying we should avoid? I’m sorry but it sounds to me like your criticism of Hippo7 is off base and a bit harsh. Its literally the only supplement in your list that doesn’t contain ANY harmful forms of these nutrients. And again, proper diet easily provides the other nutrients so I’m not sure why anyone eating correctly would need a complete multivitamin.
Nick Abell
December 31, 2020 at 10:34 amHi there, thanks for the response!
A couple of things:
Whether or not you believe vegans need a complete multivitamin is a different story. In my opinion, I would rather cover all my bases rather than assume I’m going to be able to eat perfectly balanced every day.
A-L
January 4, 2021 at 8:45 pmI’ve been looking for a multivitamin, and today I came across the Kirkland Organic Multivitamin from Costco. It has D3 and folate,though I can’t tell what form of B12 it uses (it just says Organic Food Blend). But all the foods are listed in the Organic Food Blend, Organic Greens Alkalizing Blend, and Organic Full Spectrum Mushroom Complex part of the ingredients. As it’s regularly $22 for 80 tablets (one a day), and currently on sale for $18, this looks like a definite possibility for those looking for a good multivitamin on a budget!
Nick Abell
January 4, 2021 at 8:46 pmSounds like a good one, to me! Thanks for sharing
Kerri
January 6, 2021 at 6:24 pmHi Nick, thank you for all of the information! I am a hippo7 consumer because I felt it had all of the nutrients in it that I struggle to get in my diet. I don’t mind the idea of taking a complete multi -I agree hippo is not- but I believe I have a copper sensitivity that makes me sick. Do you have any recommendations for vegan multi’s that do not have copper in them? Thanks
Nick Abell
April 5, 2021 at 2:26 pmGreat question! Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find any vegan multivitamins that are copper free… Bummer! In this case: Hippo7 might actually be the best option. If you’re worried about the “lack of completeness”, you could always supplement with a separate b-complex on the side.
s.s
January 16, 2021 at 6:34 amThank you for sharing. this is do helpful especoally fhe kids review
Michael Parker
January 16, 2021 at 11:51 pmYea so the more I read on veganism and general health, the more confused I get. I just bought a bottle of Hippo7. My first vegan vitamin, and it’s not cracked up to what they say either?? Damn man, so what IS the best vitamin for a vegan diet??
Nick Abell
April 5, 2021 at 2:27 pmHippo7 is okay, it’s just not the best (especially for the price). Any of the other ones I listed would be great alternatives
Sarah
February 25, 2021 at 9:01 amWhat do you think about Terraseed?
Nick Abell
April 5, 2021 at 2:34 pmLOVE the idea of a compostable bottle, hate that they call it a “complete multivitamin” when it literally only has one B vitamin in it. That’s 12 other B-vitamins you’re potentially missing out on, and as I’ve mentioned with the other “non-complete” vitamins: B-vitamins specifically rely on each other for proper absorption. I’d find a different option- most come in glass if you’re worried about the recyclability of the bottles (I know it’s a step down from compostable, though).
Nanzib
April 18, 2021 at 10:06 amOMG, thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve been looking for a good one on a budget as I can’t really afford the expensive true wholefood multivitamin ones. This is a life saver.
Javier
October 2, 2021 at 2:53 pmHello, can you confirm if the whole earth and sea multivitamin has omega-3. If not can you recommend one omeg3
Nick Abell
October 23, 2021 at 11:11 amIt does not contain omega-3, however, they do produce a separate Marine Algae DHA that I use and love!
Philip
October 23, 2021 at 8:17 amHey Nick,
Thanks for the great article. The input is very helpful for a newbie like me.
I applied your research points to AG1 from „Athletic Greens“ and to me it looks like a pretty good all-rounder. However, I might be missing something.
I was wondering if you could share your opinion on their product and whether you‘d recommend it over/ along any of the alternatives you listed?
Nick Abell
October 23, 2021 at 11:15 amWhile some of the vitamin concentrations are lower than you’d find in a multi- this product does look very comprehensive. My biggest concern with greens/superfood powders is typically the fear of heavy metal contamination, however their website states they test every batch AND have it independently, third-party tested as well.
Coke Angela Fedor
December 31, 2021 at 10:03 amHippo specifically says, “Vegan Complete” then lists that it only has the 7 specific nutrients that lack in a Vegan diet. So to claim it is a Vegan Complete multivitamin is not misleading. Most vegans prefer to get the majority of our nutrients from the food we eat and only need a supplement to fill in the gaps. I have taken several of the vitamins that you list as the best and still suffered from thin, brittle nails (FYI I give them at least 2 months before trying something new). I am on my first month of Hippo 7 and can already see the thickness coming back to the bed of my nails. People on here are getting so defensive because if you are going to post the, “5 Best Vegan Multivitamins”, more research should go into it actually being beneficial for vegans. Also you probably shouldn’t criticize a supplement that fills in those gaps for most vegans. That would be like complaining that a multivitamin didn’t have gingko in it, when gingko is not necessary for most people.
Nick Abell
December 31, 2021 at 11:05 amDoes Hippo7 send you people after me, or what?? Lol. I’m not going to sit here and retype literally the same response 4 different times.
1. It says complete multivitamin, which it’s not. You can try to qualify that however you want, but adding the word “vegan” in front of it does NOT make it a complete multivitamin
2. If it’s so complete, where are the other B vitamins that facilitate the absorption of B12? Surely you wouldn’t want to be taking vitamins that aren’t bioavailable and are thus not as absorbable
3. Great to hear about your nails, but I have strong doubts about it being attributed to Hippo7. Ever heard of “correlation does not equal causation”? Hippo7 doesn’t even have biotin- creating even more distrust in your anecdotal evidence for “why it’s actually decent”.
It doesn’t “fill in the gaps” of anything- food has practically no nutrition compared to 50 years ago so we’re ALL deficient- not just vegans, and not just in these random 7 vitamins they throw together and call “complete”
Coke Angela Fedor
January 1, 2022 at 12:50 pmI cannot speak for anyone else but Hippo 7 did not send me. It is just frustrating when people trust another person’s opinion regardless of how much research went into it. Biotin is not the only vitamin that causes thin and brittle nails, I would think anyone with knowledge of nutrition would know this. If you lack that basic knowledge then perhaps you should do much more research prior to posting an article giving people health advice.
Nick Abell
January 1, 2022 at 12:59 pmThanks for the feedback!
Maria Cebrian
February 13, 2022 at 10:59 amHi Nick! I am Maria Cebrian, founder of Terraseed, one of the supplement brands you mention in your comments above. I just came across this thread and I am very grateful to have access to all this valuable information! It is very important for Terraseed to get to know your opinions and experiences so we can continue improving our product. We are in the process of reviewing and optimizing our formula, and we will take into consideration your recommendation about adding other B-vitamins in it. Thanks again.
Nick Abell
March 2, 2022 at 12:16 pmThanks so much for the comment! Love to see a company taking feedback into consideration
Chuck
December 6, 2022 at 2:24 pmHi Nick, most people will walk into. GNC or VitaWorld and ask the the cashier or stock person for their recommendations. I came across your site looking for information and although I am not walking into a Vitamin Store, your claim to have worked as a trained vitamin clerk is backed up by what seems to have been “doing your homework”. I tend to use the “shopping” method and take what I want and leave what I don’t. So I appreciate you being here all the work you’ve provided and providing such an enormous amount of information. Even if Hippo7 was at the top, based off of what I’ve heard, I wouldn’t purchase it simply because their customer service sucks, and believe me, before this thread I was leaning towards them or Terraseed. But I’m sure there is at least one other company that will treat me well as gratitude for my business. We don’t need Hippo7. Without the customer, they are just another name on the internet.