How We Assess Supplements
THG assesses supplement products by asking whether they meet a useful need, what the evidence supports, and whether the product information justifies the claims we publish. Food or no supplement can be the better choice.
The THG Fit Check
- Evidence: research relevant to the ingredient and intended use. Evidence for an ingredient does not establish that one brand works better.
- Formula: the selected product’s declared ingredients, relevant amounts, allergens and practical trade-offs.
- Verification: what we actually checked. A manufacturer’s label, an independent product listing and a batch-specific test are different kinds of evidence.
- Value: comparable cost within a relevant category and market. We say when we have not completed a comparison.
Research-based assessments and hands-on tests
A research-based assessment uses published research and product information. It does not mean THG has tasted, mixed, used or laboratory-tested the product. We state when a product has not been hands-on tested and do not assign it an overall numerical product score.
Any future hands-on review must document the exact product, tester, dates, protocol and observations. Personal experience does not establish laboratory purity or superior muscle growth.
Product information and uncertainty
We identify the market, flavour and pack being discussed. Our checks apply to the specific claims we publish. If conflicting information affects a claim, we omit that claim or hold the recommendation until the issue is resolved. For example, conflicting serving counts can prevent a cost-per-serving calculation without invalidating a separately confirmed ingredient list or net weight.
We distinguish producer claims from independent verification. An unverified certification is not a failed test, and a brand-wide quality statement does not automatically establish the status of a particular product or batch. Check the current pack for serving instructions and allergy information.
How we compare value
Where the necessary data are verified, we compare protein powders by cost per 25 g of protein and creatine products by cost per 5 g of creatine monohydrate. These are comparison units, not personal dosing instructions. We distinguish powder weight from active-ingredient content and state whether shipping or discounts are included.
We do not call a product the best value without documenting suitable alternatives. An affiliate partnership, a familiar brand or a low price alone does not determine our recommendation.
Affiliate links and updates
THG may earn a commission when you buy through identified affiliate links. We can include non-affiliate alternatives or recommend buying nothing. UK retailer links may not suit readers in other countries.
Approved product cards identify their reviewer and review date within the expanded assessment. We recheck recommendations at least every 90 days and when material information changes, and recheck prices before publishing comparisons. Cards are hidden if their review expires without renewal.