GNC
Part of Harbin Pharmaceutical Group
GNC has a SupplementChecker.co trust score of 50/100, a Grade of C, and a MEDIUM risk level. GNC products are not third-party tested, although they are GMP certified. Consumers should consider these factors when evaluating if GNC is a good brand for their needs.
GNC Trust Summary
- Trust Score
- 50/100 (Fair)
- Grade
- C
- Risk Level
- MEDIUM
- Third-Party Tested
- No
- FDA Recalls
- 0
- Adverse Events
- 38
- Years in Business
- 91 years
- GMP Certified
- Yes
GNC has a trust score of 50/100 (Fair). The brand is not third-party tested by NSF, USP, or Informed Sport, has no FDA recalls on record and 38 adverse event reports and has been in business for 91 years.
Where to Buy GNC
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Red Flags
- ⚠Elevated FDA adverse event reports (38)
- ⚠No third-party testing certifications found
Verified Strengths
- ✓Established brand — operating since 1935 (91 years)
Certifications
GMP certification ensures manufacturing quality standards are met, but does not verify that product contents match the label through independent testing. Look for NSF, USP, or Informed Sport certifications for third-party verified products.
FDA Record
Is GNC Third-Party Tested?
No — GNC is not currently third-party tested by independent certifiers like NSF, USP, or Informed Sport. They do hold GMP certification, which ensures manufacturing quality but does not independently verify product contents. We recommend looking for brands with verified third-party testing for the highest confidence in product quality. See our guide to third-party tested supplements.
Is GNC a Good Brand?
GNC scores 50/100 (C) — this is a below-average score. We recommend considering brands with third-party certifications like NSF or USP. GNC has a clean FDA record with no warnings or recalls. The brand does not currently hold third-party testing certifications.
About GNC
GNC, or General Nutrition Centers, is a long-standing supplement retailer founded in 1935. Now owned by Harbin Pharmaceutical Group, GNC offers a wide range of health and wellness products. GNC is a well-known brand in the supplement industry.
Product Specialization
GNC specializes in a variety of supplement categories, including vitamins, protein, pre-workout supplements, and weight management products. They are known for their diverse selection of protein powders, multivitamins, and performance-enhancing supplements.
Testing & Certifications Explained
GNC is GMP certified, which means their manufacturing processes adhere to certain quality standards. However, GNC products are not third-party tested. Third-party testing provides an extra layer of assurance that the product contains what the label claims and is free from contaminants. The absence of third-party testing means consumers must rely on the brand's own quality control measures.
How GNC Compares
Compared to brands like NOW Foods (trust score 75, third-party tested) and Thorne Research (trust score 90, third-party tested), GNC's trust score is lower, and they lack third-party testing. Other competitors like Optimum Nutrition also have varying levels of third-party certifications. Consumers may wish to compare GNC's offerings with those of brands that prioritize independent testing.
Buying Guidance
Given GNC's trust score and lack of third-party testing, consumers should carefully evaluate product labels and consider their individual risk tolerance. Purchase GNC products from reputable retailers and be sure to check expiration dates. If you are looking for third-party tested supplements, GNC may not be the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has GNC had any recalls?
Are GNC supplements third-party tested?
Is GNC safe?
Is GNC a good brand?
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How We Calculated This Score
Every brand starts with a baseline score of 70/100.
Points added for: Third-party certifications (NSF +15, USP +15, Informed Sport +10), publishing lab results (+10), clean regulatory record (+10), 10+ years in business (+10), organic certification (+5).
Points deducted for: FDA warning letters (-25), product recalls (-20), high adverse events (-15), no third-party testing (-15), proprietary blends (-10), no GMP (-10).
Score is capped at 0-100. Grade and risk level are derived from the final score.
All data sourced from FDA.gov, Health Canada (LNHPD / recalls-rappels), NSF.org, USP.org, and publicly available brand information. Last updated: 4/9/2026.
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See the best third-party tested supplements →Quick Facts
- Trust Score
- 50/100
- Grade
- C
- Risk Level
- MEDIUM
- Third-Party Tested
- No
- FDA Recalls
- 0
- Adverse Reports
- 38
- Founded
- 1935
Similar Brands
Brightside
⚠ No third-party testing certifications found
Outwork Nutrition
⚠ No third-party testing certifications found
Vital Vitamins
⚠ No third-party testing certifications found
Thesis
⚠ No third-party testing certifications found
Traditional Medicinals
⚠ No third-party testing certifications found