# How to start a supplement brand

> You need a name, an audience and a first product. You do not need a formula, a producer or a warehouse. This is how it works with us, step by step, with the minimums and timing for each format.

Source: https://www.nordicfunctional.com/guides/start-a-supplement-brand
Updated: 2026-10-21
Contact: info@nordicfunctional.com

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Powders | From 100 kg per powder, 4 to 6 weeks |
| Capsules and tablets | From 300 jars per product, lead time on request |
| Protein bars | From 6,000 bars, about 3 + 3 weeks |
| Drinks in cans | From 480 cans, 2.5 weeks after design approval |
| Payment | Upfront by bank transfer |

## Before you start: Pick one product your buyers already ask for.

The brands that sell from day one start where their buyers already are. A gym sells protein and creatine at the desk. A coach recommends a few products to clients. A shop knows what moves on the shelf. Start with the one or two products your people already buy, under your name.

Decide where you will sell: your own shop, your website, a marketplace or a club. It changes the pack, the label text and how many you need.

## Choose the format: Every format has its own minimum.

The format you choose sets the first run. Powders are the most flexible start; capsules and tablets let you build a range jar by jar; bars and cans add a product people pick up on impulse.

- Powders (whey, creatine, pre-workout, BCAA, electrolytes, vitamin and mineral powders): from 100 kg per powder, 4 to 6 weeks
- Capsules and tablets: from 300 jars per product, over 40 formats, lead time on request
- Protein bars: from 6,000 bars, about 3 weeks for wrapper printing after design approval, then about 3 weeks production
- Drinks in cans: from 480 cans of our ready drink, at your door 2.5 weeks after you approve the design

## Your label: The label is your brand.

Send us your logo and your website. We send back a mock-up on the real pack, so you can see it on a tub, a jar or a can before anything is made. Change it until it is right.

## How it works: Five steps from idea to stock.

1. Send your logo and website. Tell us the format and roughly how much you want. Your logo and your website are the brief.
2. See it on the real pack. We send a mock-up of your label on the real pack, so you see the product before anything is made.
3. Samples, then your order. You check samples first. When you are happy with them, you place your order.
4. Pay upfront. Our ready drink and stock formats are paid upfront by bank transfer.
5. We label, pack and ship. We label, pack and ship your products under your brand.

## What we need from you

- Your logo, as a vector file if you have one.
- Your website or social page, so the label matches your brand.
- The format and flavour you have in mind.
- The quantity you want to start with.
- Where you plan to sell.

## Questions

### Do I need my own formula to start a supplement brand?

No. You can start from an existing product with your label, or develop a formula with us.

### What is the smallest way to start?

Capsules and tablets from 300 jars per product, or a powder from 100 kg.

### How long until I have stock?

Powders take 4 to 6 weeks. Bars take about 6 weeks after design approval. Capsules and tablets are on request.

### Do I need a warehouse?

No. We label and pack your products and ship them to you.