EVIDENCE LIBRARY · 7 MIN

How to Actually Read a Supplement Label

The five things that matter and everything the marketing wants to distract you from.

1. Serving size vs. container size

A 30-serving tub with a 2-scoop serving is really a 15-serving tub. The advertised dose usually assumes the full 2 scoops.

2. Per-serving doses of the active ingredients

Compare each ingredient's per-serving amount to the studied effective dose. Underdosed = doesn't work at any price.

3. Proprietary blends

See the dedicated lesson. If you see one, assume underdosing.

4. Third-party testing

Look for Informed Sport, NSF Certified for Sport, or USP Verified. These certify the label matches the contents. Without one, you're trusting the manufacturer's word.

5. What ISN'T on the label

No claim of 'clinical dose'? No third-party seal? No batch number? Skip it. There are hundreds of alternatives.

Reviewed 11/1/2025 · Brawn Supplement Reviewer. Educational content, not medical advice.