How to Compare Supplement Prices: A Beginner's Guide

Walking into the supplement aisle � or scrolling through an online store � can feel overwhelming. Dozens of brands, different tub sizes, confusing labels, and prices that range from �15 to �80 for what looks like the same product. How do you know which one is actually the best deal?

The answer isn't always the cheapest sticker price. Here's how to compare supplement prices like a pro.

Cost Per Serving vs Cost Per 100g: Which Matters?

Most supplement brands list a "serving size" on the label � typically one scoop of protein powder, one capsule of creatine, or one tablet of a multivitamin. The cost per serving is the simplest way to compare: divide the total price by the number of servings in the container.

For example, a 1kg whey protein at �25 with 33 servings costs �0.76 per serving. A 2.5kg tub at �50 with 83 servings costs �0.60 per serving. The bigger tub wins on a per-serving basis � but only if you'll actually use it all before it goes off.

However, cost per serving has a catch: serving sizes aren't standardised. Brand A might call 25g a serving while Brand B uses 30g. That's a 20% difference hidden behind identical "per serving" claims.

This is where cost per 100g of active ingredient becomes the gold standard. For protein powder, calculate the cost per 100g of actual protein (not total powder). For creatine, cost per 100g of creatine monohydrate. This levels the playing field regardless of scoop size or filler content.

Watch Out for Misleading Deals

Supplement marketing is full of traps designed to make you think you're getting a bargain. Here are the most common ones:

1. The "Biggest Tub" Fallacy

A 5kg tub looks like amazing value � until you realise you're buying 18 months' worth of protein that'll degrade in flavour and quality after 6 months. Only buy bulk if you'll genuinely use it within a reasonable timeframe.

2. Proprietary Blend Hiding

Some pre-workouts and amino acid blends list a "proprietary blend" of 10g on the label but don't tell you how much of each ingredient is included. You might be paying �30 for a product that's 90% cheap filler and 10% of the ingredient you actually want.

3. Sale Price Anchoring

"Was �60, now �30!" � but was it ever really �60? Some retailers inflate their RRP to make discounts look dramatic. Compare the "sale" price against what competitors charge as their standard price. Tools like PriceSniper make this comparison instant.

4. Free Shipping Thresholds

Adding a �5 item to hit a �50 free shipping threshold only saves money if you actually wanted that item. Factor in delivery costs when comparing between retailers � a slightly cheaper product from a retailer charging �4.99 delivery might cost more overall.

The Quick Comparison Checklist

Next time you're comparing supplements, run through this checklist:

• Identify the active ingredient � protein content, creatine content, vitamin dosage
• Calculate cost per 100g of active ingredient � not per serving, not per tub
• Check the form � whey isolate vs concentrate, creatine monohydrate vs HCL
• Factor in delivery � include shipping in your total cost
• Consider shelf life � only buy what you'll use

Or skip the maths entirely � that's exactly what PriceSniper does for you. We break down every product to its cost per 100g of active ingredient and compare across UK retailers in real time.