The 10 Best Wholefood Multivitamin Brands in 2023, According to Experts
When it comes to giving your body the essential nutrients it needs, nothing beats eating a balanced diet full of whole, unprocessed foods. But let‘s be real – with today‘s busy lifestyles, it‘s not always easy to get optimal nutrition from food alone. That‘s where a high-quality multivitamin can help fill in the gaps.
But not all multivitamins are created equal. Many cheap drugstore brands use synthetic, isolated vitamins that are harder for your body to absorb. If you really want to invest in your health, experts say it‘s best to choose a wholefood multivitamin made from real foods.
What exactly is a "wholefood" multivitamin? Instead of artificially created vitamins, these supplements source nutrients from things like organic fruits, veggies, herbs, mushrooms, algae, and yeast. The idea is that vitamins and minerals are easier for your body to recognize and use when they come in their natural "food" form.
Some potential benefits of taking a wholefood multivitamin include:
- Improved energy levels
- Stronger immune system
- Better concentration and memory
- Healthier hair, skin, and nails
- Balanced mood and less stress
- Supported heart, bone, and eye health
Of course, not all wholefood multivitamins are high quality. You want to look for clean brands that are transparent about their ingredients and have their products third-party tested for purity and potency.
To help you find your perfect match, we‘ve rounded up the 10 best wholefood multivitamin brands on the market in 2023. These top-rated supplements are loved by customers and meet high standards for sourcing, safety, and effectiveness.
1. Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+
Ritual is the millennial multivitamin brand taking over your Instagram feed – and for good reason! Their Essential for Women 18+ checks all the boxes:
- Vegan, non-GMO, gluten/allergen-free
- Gentle on an empty stomach
- Traceable ingredients from trusted suppliers
- Fills gaps in the average diet with 9 key nutrients
- Delayed-release capsule for better absorption
- Subscription model with free shipping
Ritual‘s standout feature is transparency – each bottle lists exactly what vitamins are included, where they come from, and why they matter for your health. For example, their Vitamin D3 is sourced from lichen and supports bone, muscle, and immune health.
With a minty tab in every bottle, you‘ll actually look forward to taking these every day. 30-day supply for $30.
2. Garden of Life mykind Organics Women‘s Multi
Garden of Life has been a leader in wholefood supplements for over 20 years. Their mykind Organics line is certified organic, non-GMO verified, and made from over 30 powdered fruits, veggies and herbs.
This comprehensive women‘s multi features:
- Plant-based D3 from lichen
- Bioactive B12 from organic sprouted quinoa
- Iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc for women‘s health
- Antioxidants like vitamin C from organic amla berries
- Digestive support with probiotics and enzymes
Many customers rave that this multi gives them a natural energy boost and is easy to digest. You can feel good about supporting a brand that is certified Carbon Neutral and donates to eco-charities. 120 vegan tablets for $45.59.
3. MegaFood Women‘s One Daily
Another trusted natural brand, MegaFood has been crafting wholefood supplements on their farm in New Hampshire since 1973. Their Women‘s One Daily is designed to support the nutritional needs of active women in a convenient one-a-day tablet.
- Made with farm-fresh foods like organic spinach, beets and carrots
- Includes B vitamins for energy, vitamin D3 for immunity, and iron for blood health
- SLO-FOOD PROCESS preserves the potency of delicate vitamins
- Certified Glyphosate Residue Free and tested for 125+ herbicides and pesticides
- No synthetic fillers, artificial flavors or colors
MegaFood is a certified B Corporation, meaning they meet high standards for sustainability, transparency, and giving back to their workers and community. 90 mini-tablets for $34.97.
4. New Chapter Every Woman‘s One Daily Multi
New Chapter is committed to sourcing the most potent wholefood vitamins and minerals from around the world. Their Every Woman‘s One Daily is expertly formulated for active women under 40.
- Fermented with beneficial probiotics for better absorption
- Whole-food sourced biotin for lustrous hair and strong nails
- Stress and energy support from B Vitamins and whole foods
- Superfood herbal blend with Ginger, organic Turmeric and Chamomile
- Non-GMO Project verified and 100% vegetarian
Something unique about New Chapter – their vitamins are gentle enough to take any time, even on an empty stomach. 72 tablets (24-day supply) for $24.31.
5. Naturelo Whole Food Multivitamin for Women
Naturelo believes that multivitamins should be as close to nature as possible. Their Whole Food Multivitamin for Women 18+ sources nutrients from organic fruits and veggies, never synthetic isolates.
- Plant-based vitamins A, C, D3, E, and B-complex
- Food-based calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium
- Natural folate from organic lemon peel extract
- Organic fruit and veggie blend with spinach, broccoli, green cabbage and more
- Enzymes and probiotics for digestive support
- Vegan and free of common allergens
Naturelo packs a whole farmers market worth of goodness into a serving of just 4 capsules a day. Many reviewers swear by these for boosted energy, immunity, and mood. 120 capsules for $34.95.
6. Smarty Pants Women‘s Formula Daily Gummy Vitamins
Not a fan of swallowing pills? Smarty Pants makes it easy to get your daily nutrients in a delicious gummy vitamin. Their Women‘s Complete is more than just a multivitamin — it also includes omegas and probiotics.
- 17 essential nutrients including vitamin D3, B12, and folate
- Omega-3 EPA & DHA from sustainable fish oil
- Probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) to support digestion and immunity
- CoQ10 to promote heart and skin health
- No synthetic colors, artificial flavors/sweeteners, or preservatives
- Non-GMO and third-party lab tested for purity
These gummy vitamins taste great and are an easy way to fill nutrient gaps. Note that a full serving is six gummies, which have 6 grams of sugar from organic cane sugar and tapioca syrup. 180 gummies for $27.21.
7. Whole Earth & Sea Women‘s 50+ Multivitamin & Mineral
Whole Earth & Sea is a Canadian company that makes natural supplements from organic, sustainably-grown ingredients. Their Women‘s 50+ Multivitamin is specially formulated for women in their prime.
- High-potency B vitamins for brain and nervous system health
- Extra calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D3 to maintain strong bones
- Bioflavonoids and antioxidants from organic berries, herbs, and veggies
- Plant-sourced enzymes for easy digestion
- Certified organic by ECOCERT
Women over 50 have different nutritional needs, and this multi delivers with bonus ingredients like fermented black pepper to enhance absorption. It‘s also a great choice for the eco-conscious — the glass bottle and metal lid are curbside recyclable. 60 tablets for $28.99.
8. Innate Response Formulas Women‘s One Daily Iron-Free
If you eat a balanced diet or are postmenopausal, you may not need the extra iron found in many women‘s multis. In that case, Innate Response Women‘s One Daily Iron-Free is an excellent choice.
- Potent vitamins and minerals from whole foods like beets, blueberries, and spinach
- FoodState Nutrients providing bioavailable forms of folate and B12
- Gentle on the stomach and can be taken with or without food
- Certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project
- No magnesium stearate flowing agents or other additives
Innate Response has been a leader in wholefood supplements since 1979. Their products are routinely tested to ensure they‘re free of heavy metals and other contaminants. 30 tablets for $19.56.
9. Vitamin Code Women‘s Formula Multivitamin
Made by Garden of Life (the same company behind mykind Organics), Vitamin Code is another high-quality line of raw, wholefood multivitamins. The Women‘s Formula is designed to support the immune, reproductive, bone, skin, and digestive health of women in their reproductive years.
- Raw organic fruit and vegetable blend for phytonutrients
- Live probiotics and enzymes for digestive support
- Raw food-created nutrients providing targeted delivery
- No binders or fillers, gluten, dairy, or soy
- Non-GMO Project Verified and NSF Gluten-Free & Vegan Certified
One thing to note – this vitamin contains a raw organic probiotic and enzyme blend. Some reviewers love this for gut health, but others find it causes stomach upset. 120 vegetarian capsules for $33.09.
10. Pure Synergy USDA Organic MultiVitamin for Women
Rounding out our list is Pure Synergy, a family-owned company crafting organic supplements since 1972. What sets their women‘s multi apart is its focus on stress support and superfood ingredients.
- Energizing adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, ginseng, and ginkgo
- Antioxidant-rich organic berries, sprouts, and algae
- Food-based folate, calcium, magnesium, and iron
- USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO, vegan
- No artificial additives, fillers, sweeteners, colors, or preservatives
With its impressive lineup of organic superfoods, this multi does more than just hit your daily values – it provides bonus phytonutrients to help you thrive. 60 capsules (30 servings) for $21.95.
How to Choose the Best Wholefood Multivitamin Brand for You
With so many great wholefood multis to choose from, how do you find your perfect match? Here are some factors to consider:
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Ingredients – Look for brands that source their nutrients from organic, non-GMO whole foods. Bonus points for superfood herbs and antioxidants.
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Quality – Choose multivitamins that are third-party tested for purity and potency. Certifications like USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and B-Corp are also good signs.
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Age and gender – Different life stages have different nutritional needs. Many brands offer multis tailored for men, women over 40, or pregnant women.
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Allergies – If you have dietary restrictions, read labels carefully and look for brands that are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and/or vegan.
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Format – Do you prefer a capsule, tablet, or gummy? Some people find liquids and gummies easier to take, but they can also have added sugar or lower nutrient levels.
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Price – Wholefood multivitamins tend to be pricier than synthetic, but you get what you pay for. Look for brands that offer discounts on monthly subscriptions.
At the end of the day, the best wholefood multivitamin is the one you‘ll take consistently. Consider sampling a few top brands and see which one makes you feel your best.
Whole Food Multivitamins vs. Eating Whole Foods
You might be wondering – if wholefood multivitamins are so great, can they replace a balanced diet? The answer is no. Experts agree that food should always be your primary source of nutrition.
Whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats contain essential fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that work synergistically for health. Multivitamins are meant to complement, not replace, a wholesome diet.
That said, many of us have gaps in our diets due to busy lifestyles, food preferences, or health conditions. A quality multivitamin can provide insurance against deficiencies and optimize wellness. Specific groups that may benefit from multis include:
- Older adults
- Vegans and vegetarians
- Pregnant women
- People with limited appetites or absorptive issues
- Athletes with higher nutrient needs
Multivitamins can also be helpful during times of extra stress, travel, or illness to shore up immunity. But they‘re not a magic bullet – you still need to practice healthy lifestyle habits like eating colorful produce, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.
The Bottom Line on Wholefood Multivitamins
In an ideal world, we would get everything we need from food. But in reality, many of us fall short. A high-quality wholefood multivitamin is a convenient way to fill nutrient gaps and support overall health.
When choosing a multi, look for clean brands that source their vitamins and minerals from organic plant ingredients. While these wholefood supplements are more expensive than drugstore synthetics, the difference in quality and absorption is worth the investment.
Our top picks for best wholefood multivitamin brands in 2023 include:
- Ritual Essential for Women 18+
- Garden of Life mykind Organics Women‘s Multi
- MegaFood Women‘s One Daily
- New Chapter Every Woman‘s One Daily
- Naturelo Whole Food Multivitamin for Women
- Smarty Pants Women‘s Formula Daily Gummy
- Whole Earth & Sea Women‘s 50+ Multi
- Innate Response Women‘s One Daily Iron-Free
- Vitamin Code Raw Women‘s Multi
- Pure Synergy USDA Organic Women‘s Multi
Of course, no supplement is a substitute for a nutrient-dense diet, stress management, and healthy habits. But if you‘re looking for extra support on your wellness journey, one of these top-rated multivitamins could be a game changer.
Here‘s to investing in your most vibrant self, one wholefood vitamin at a time! Let us know in the comments which brand you‘re excited to try.
