Key Takeaways
- Precision fermentation enters the protein mainstream: French startup Verley closed an oversubscribed €32 million Series A to bring animal-free whey protein to the US market, boasting 11% more leucine than native whey isolates.
- Regulatory upheaval looms for supplement brands: A proposed FDA rule requiring formal submission of all self-affirmed GRAS ingredients could disrupt thousands of products, potentially making 2026 the most significant regulatory year since GMPs were introduced.
- Expo West 2026 crowns 37 NEXTY Award winners: Natural Products Expo West celebrated its 45th year with nearly 1,000 product entries, highlighting protein-ification, grass-fed ingredient resurgence, and clean-label innovation.
- M&A activity accelerates in the VMS space: PK Consumer Health acquired Healthaid Ltd and Healthaid USA, while Monterey Bay Herb Co. expanded its nutraceutical capabilities by acquiring NP Nutra.
- New clinical evidence supports collagen and botanical nutraceuticals: A randomised controlled trial demonstrated that grape pomace extract with L-arginine significantly reduces blood pressure, while native type II collagen showed joint health benefits in active individuals.
Top Stories
Verley Closes Oversubscribed €32M Series A to Bring Animal-Free Whey Protein to the US Market. French precision fermentation company Verley has completed an oversubscribed €32 million Series A financing round, positioning it to launch its animal-free whey protein in the United States during the second half of 2026. The company, which secured self-affirmed GRAS status in 2024 and received an FDA “No Questions” letter in 2025, produces fermented beta-lactoglobulin that delivers 11% more leucine than native whey protein isolates and 50% more than soy protein. CEO Stéphane Mac Millan described the raise as proof that Europe is “a competitive player in the key future food technologies of tomorrow.” The funds will also support regulatory pathways in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, along with continued R&D into proprietary functionalisation technologies including MicroFactor and GelFactor. The launch comes at a critical time as global protein demand accelerates — the market was valued at approximately $56.25 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $108.76 billion by 2034, with 86% of Americans actively trying to add more protein to their diets. For those looking to optimise their protein intake today, high-quality Essential Amino Acids remain a proven foundation for muscle protein synthesis and recovery. Source: NutraIngredients
2026 Could Be the Biggest Year for Dietary Supplements Since the Introduction of GMPs. A proposed rule that would require all self-affirmed GRAS ingredients to be formally submitted to the FDA could impact thousands of supplement products currently on the market. Combined with the anticipated finalization of the New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) guidance and broader discussions around modernizing supplement regulations under the current administration, industry attorney Ivan Wasserman of Amin Wasserman Gurnani has called 2026 potentially the most pivotal year for the supplement industry since GMP requirements were introduced. The regulatory landscape is shifting rapidly, and companies that have relied on self-affirmed GRAS status for their ingredients may need to prepare for significant compliance changes. Source: NutraIngredients
Expo West 2026 Showcases Industry Innovation as NEXTY Awards Honour 37 Winners. Natural Products Expo West 2026, marking its 45th year in Anaheim, California, concluded with the announcement of 37 NEXTY Award winners and three Editor’s Choice selections from a pool of nearly 1,000 product entries. Judges highlighted the continued “protein-ification” trend across categories, a resurgence of grass-fed and animal-based ingredients appearing in novel formats, and clean-label formulations prioritising ingredient integrity and sustainability. Two new award categories were introduced this year — Newtopia Now and Product Design and Storytelling — reflecting the industry’s evolving focus on brand narrative alongside product innovation. Source: New Hope Network
Business and Investment
PK Consumer Health has made a significant move into the vitamins, minerals, and supplements market by acquiring Healthaid Ltd in the United Kingdom and Healthaid USA. The company, a joint venture between Yvan Vindevogel’s Damier Group and Avista Healthcare Partners, is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy with a stated goal of reaching €100 million in EBITDA. The dual acquisition gives PK Consumer Health an established footprint in two of the world’s largest supplement markets and a portfolio of recognised VMS brands to build upon. Source: MandA
Monterey Bay Herb Co. (MBHC) has acquired NP Nutra, a specialist supplier of nutraceutical ingredients and botanical extracts. The deal, backed by private equity firm Frontenac, significantly expands MBHC’s capabilities in the nutraceutical sector, adding a wide range of specialty products and deepening its sourcing expertise. The acquisition reflects continued consolidation in the ingredient supply chain as companies seek to offer end-to-end solutions from raw material to finished product. Source: Frontenac
Niagen Bioscience Inc. reported a 30% jump in net sales for fiscal year 2025, reaching $129.4 million. The company is projecting 10–15% growth in net sales for 2026, driven by its expanding e-commerce business and new strategic partnerships. The strong results underscore the continued consumer demand for NAD+ precursor supplements and the company’s ability to scale its direct-to-consumer channels. Source: RTTNews
Renaissance BioScience has secured a $550,000 grant from Genome BC to develop a proprietary platform for discovering and commercialising high-value wild yeast strains for industrial applications. The 24-month project, in partnership with the University of British Columbia, will build a large library of natural yeast strains to accelerate the discovery of new compounds from waste streams, with potential applications across the nutraceutical and food ingredient sectors. Source: Nutraceutical Business Review
Science and Research
A randomised controlled trial published in Antioxidants has demonstrated that a nutraceutical formulation combining grape pomace extract (Taurisolo) and L-arginine produced significant and sustained reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with grade 1 and grade 2 hypertension. The intervention also improved quality of life measures without adverse effects on renal function, supporting its potential as a safe adjunctive strategy alongside conventional antihypertensive therapy. The mechanism is believed to involve enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability through the sGC-cGMP pathway and improved endothelial function. Source: Antioxidants (MDPI)
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Nutrition Journal has evaluated the efficacy of native (undenatured) type II collagen (CN2) supplementation for joint health in healthy volunteers experiencing exercise-induced joint discomfort. Results showed significant improvements in joint function, pain scores, and quality of life measures, with certain benefits observed earlier in the CN2 group compared to placebo. The findings are particularly relevant for active individuals seeking preventive joint support, and those interested in collagen-based solutions may benefit from exploring high-quality options such as Joint Support formulations that combine multiple evidence-backed ingredients. Source: Nutrition Journal
At Expo West 2026, Aker BioMarine presented new clinical data positioning krill oil and marine omega-3s as science-backed solutions for metabolic health, cognition, and longevity. The company highlighted its Lysoveta and Revervia ingredients, which represent a shift toward high-absorption, next-generation formats that target brain delivery across the blood-brain barrier. With rising GLP-1 drug use, Aker BioMarine also presented data suggesting krill oil may support fat-focused weight loss while helping preserve lean muscle mass. For those seeking premium omega-3 supplementation, Omega 3 Krill Oil delivers phospholipid-bound EPA and DHA for superior absorption. Source: Nutrition Insight
New Product Launches and Formulation
Libré, a new women-focused supplement brand built around stage-specific hormonal support, officially launched at Expo West 2026 with its first-ever booth exhibition. Founded by Al Brokaw and Sabrina Mahieddine alongside French physician Dr. Norelyakin Kara, the brand enters the market with two initial SKUs designed around distinct hormonal phases. The formulas were developed in consultation with an OB-GYN, nutritionists, and an immunologist, and the company spent a year in dedicated research before beginning R&D. Libré’s unflavoured powder supplements are designed to mix into everyday beverages and are packaged in recyclable aluminium tins. Source: BevNET
AstaReal AB has introduced a vegan vitamin D3+K2 supplement made from lichen, offering a natural and sustainable alternative to the animal-derived lanolin commonly used in vitamin D3 production. The vitamin K2 component uses the clinically backed menaquinone-7 (MenaQ7) form. Brand manager Annelie Gunnarsson noted the product is designed to help maintain strong bones, normal muscle function, and a well-functioning immune system. The launch is part of AstaReal’s strategy to expand its “by Astaxin” supplement line into pharmacies and health stores. Source: Nutrition Insight
Gnosis by Lesaffre took centre stage at Expo West 2026 with a holistic approach to women’s health, showcasing multifunctional ingredients including SAMe and vitamin K2 designed to address interconnected biological pathways. The company emphasised the importance of bioactive folate for optimal efficacy across life stages, from prenatal health through to bone density support in later years. The presentation reflects a broader industry shift toward personalised, bioavailable solutions for women’s health. Source: Nutrition Insight
The Collagen Co., an Australian wellness brand that recently entered the US market, is seeing its collagen-based sleep supplements trend during Sleep Week 2026. The company’s new Choc Honeycomb Collagen Dream formula is designed as a melatonin-free alternative that promotes relaxation and deeper rest by blending collagen with calming ingredients. The product reflects growing consumer interest in functional supplements that address sleep quality without reliance on traditional sleep aids. Source: Herald-Mail Media
Regulations and Quality
The supplement industry faces what could be its most significant regulatory year since the introduction of Good Manufacturing Practices. A proposed rule that would require all self-affirmed GRAS ingredients to be submitted to the FDA has the potential to disrupt thousands of products currently on the market. Attorney Ivan Wasserman noted that the finalization of the New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) guidance, combined with broader efforts to modernize supplement regulations, creates an unprecedented regulatory environment. Companies relying on self-affirmed GRAS status should begin preparing compliance strategies now. Source: NutraIngredients
A detailed analysis from REACH24H compares the GRAS and NDI regulatory pathways for supplement ingredients entering the US market, outlining key differences in scope, data requirements, and regulatory outcomes. The guide is particularly timely as companies navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and seek to determine the most appropriate market entry strategy for their ingredients. Source: REACH24H
The latest legal update from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP highlights ongoing litigation and advertising enforcement trends affecting the food, beverage, and dietary supplement sectors. Key areas of concern include lawsuits over “natural” and “no artificial” claims, increased scrutiny of pricing practices and “Made in USA” labelling, and heightened enforcement activity from the National Advertising Division (NAD). The trends suggest that supplement brands should review their marketing claims and labelling practices carefully to mitigate legal risk. Source: JDSupra
Marketing and Consumer Trends
The North American dietary supplements market is projected to reach $175.5 billion by 2036, growing at a 7.5% CAGR, according to a new report from Future Market Insights. The growth is driven by a fundamental shift from general multivitamins to condition-specific, personalised supplement regimens. Notably, the adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications is generating entirely new supplement demand for protein, fibre, and micronutrient products aimed at addressing nutritional gaps linked to these weight management drugs. Source: Yahoo Finance / FMI
The personalised nutrition and supplements market is becoming increasingly fragmented, with the top 10 players accounting for only 16% of market share according to The Business Research Company. This low concentration indicates significant opportunities for startups focusing on hyper-personalised nutrition plans and AI-driven consumer engagement. Major players including Nestlé Health Science, Abbott, and Herbalife are responding by investing in clinical research and leveraging established distribution networks to maintain their competitive edge. Source: EIN Presswire
SPINS has announced a webinar scheduled for March 18, 2026, analysing the state of the natural, beverage, and supplement industries with a focus on how Millennial and Gen Z consumers are driving category trends. The session will cover category performance data, trending functional ingredients, and evolving consumer shopping behaviour, with highlights from Expo West presentations. Source: SPINS
European supplement brands continue to expand into the US market through major e-commerce platforms. ORGANA International, a wellness company specialising in natural mineral-based supplements, has expanded its product availability to Amazon and Walmart.com as part of its digital retail growth strategy. Similarly, Santos Muscle Nutrition, a performance supplement brand from the Netherlands, is set to launch on Amazon and Walmart.com, introducing its European-developed supplements to the American fitness community. Source: StreetInsider
About the Author
Ben Law is the founder of Love Life Supplements, a UK-based supplement company committed to producing clean, evidence-backed nutritional products with no bulking agents, ever. With a deep passion for health optimisation and ingredient transparency, Ben curates this daily industry briefing to keep professionals and enthusiasts informed about the latest developments shaping the supplement landscape.
This briefing is compiled from trade and industry sources including NutraIngredients, Nutrition Insight, New Hope Network, Nutraceutical Business Review, and other reputable publications. It is intended for professional use within the supplement industry.