NOW Foods Essential Oils Review: How They Compare to Top Competitors
You’ve probably spotted NOW Foods oils on the shelves of your local health food store. Their range of affordable essential oils is hard to miss.
But have you ever wondered – how do these oils stack up against the top competitors when it comes to quality, purity and value?
We were curious too. That’s why we decided to take an in-depth look at NOW Foods and their extensive essential oils offer.
In this review, we’ll uncover how their sourcing, production methods, testing and overall product line compare. You’ll see a breakdown of how NOW Foods sizes up against the leading brands in the essential oils space.
Ready to satisfy your curiosity?
Read on as we explore if NOW Foods provides the same caliber of oils as the pricier competitors.
A Brief History of NOW Foods
NOW Foods is a family-owned natural products company that has been around since 1968. They offer over 1,400 natural products including supplements, foods, personal care items, sports nutrition, and essential oils.
NOW Foods was founded by entrepreneur Paul Richard. He purchased a small natural foods manufacturing company that made grain and legume products. Richard believed that natural products were better for health. His goal was to offer quality natural products at affordable prices.
Over 50 years later, NOW Foods is still known for their commitment to quality and affordability. Their wide range of products can be found in many health food stores.
When it comes to essential oils, NOW Foods aims to provide pure, natural oils at a fraction of the cost of multi-level marketing (MLM) competitors.
NOW Foods Essential Oils Sourcing and Production
NOW Foods sources ingredients for their essential oils from around the world. They state that the country of origin is not as important as the quality of the source and testing methods. NOW Foods has strict specifications and controls in place when sourcing oils.
The company uses various methods to extract oils including steam distillation, cold press, solvent extraction, and CO2 extraction. NOW also offers a range of certified organic essential oils for customers who prefer organic.
Their oils are produced in facilities in the United States and Canada. NOW Foods has testing labs at their manufacturing plants where quality control technicians use gas chromatography and other methods to test oils.
While NOW Foods conducts quality testing in-house, their oils are not sent out for third party testing. Some competitors like Plant Therapy rely on independent third party labs to verify quality. Independent testing provides an extra layer of assurance.
Controversy Over NOW Foods Oil Purity
There have been some reports that certain NOW Foods essential oils like lavender may be adulterated or diluted. One analysis found that their lavender oil contained compounds that indicate mixing with lavandin oil.
On the other hand, other oils like their tea tree have been found pure in other tests. There seems to be some inconsistency between different essential oils from NOW Foods.
The lack of independent third party testing by NOW Foods means that consumers have to take their word for it when it comes to purity.
Those who want essential oils with verified purity may prefer brands like Plant Guru or Edens Garden that utilize GC/MS reports from independent labs.
NOW Foods Organic Oils
For consumers who prefer organic products, NOW does offer a selection of certified organic essential oils. These oils are certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI).
Some of their certified USDA organic options include:
- Orange
- Lemon
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Tea Tree
- Lavender
- Rosemary
Choosing organic oils eliminates concerns over potential pesticide residues. NOW Foods organic essential oils allow customers to get the benefits of organic at an affordable price point.
NOW Foods Essential Oils Product Line Review
Selection of Singles and Blends
NOW Foods offers a wide range of single note essential oils and proprietary essential oil blends. Their line includes common oils like:
They also offer more unique options like chamomile, ylang ylang, and ravensara.
For blends, NOW Foods has formulas like Clarity, Immune Support, and Brain Power that are designed for specific uses. Diffusing their relaxing Peace and Quiet blend can help create a tranquil atmosphere.
NOW Foods Starter Kits
For beginners wanting to try aromatherapy, NOW Foods has affordable essential oils starter kits. These kits contain popular oils like lavender and peppermint in handy 10ml sizes. Their starter kits include:
- Put Some Pep in Your Step
- Love at First Scent
- Let There Be Peace and Quiet
- Seasonal Changes
Starter kits allow new users to experiment with different scents without having to buy full-sized bottles.
Carrier Oils from NOW Foods
NOW Foods also offers quality carrier oils for mixing with essential oils before topical use. Their carrier oil options include fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil.
NOW Foods carrier oils provide a safe base for diluting essential oils for skin application. Their carrier oil sampler pack lets users try different options.
NOW Foods Essential Oils Prices vs. Competitors
One of the biggest draws of NOW Foods oils is their affordable pricing. Here is a look at how their prices compare:
- NOW Foods Lavender Oil (1 oz) – $14
- Edens Garden Lavender Oil (1 oz) – $15
- Plant Therapy Lavender Oil (1 oz) – $19
- Rocky Mountain Oils Lavender Oil (1 oz) – $24
- doTERRA Lavender Oil (0.5 oz) – $28
- Young Living Lavender Oil (0.5 oz) – $31
This shows that NOW Foods pricing is generally on the lower end, while MLM companies like doTERRA and Young Living have higher retail prices. NOW provides an economical option for buyers who want pure essential oils on a budget.
Pros and Cons of NOW Foods Oils
Pros:
- Established family-owned company
- Wide range of affordable essential oils
- Organic options available
- Oils widely available in stores & online
- Can buy in bulk sizes for better value
Cons:
- Lack of third party testing raises concerns
- Reports of adulteration in some oils
- Unable to view GC/MS reports
Conclusion: Are NOW Foods Oils a Good Option?
NOW Foods provides a very affordable range of essential oils. Their low prices and wide availability make them appealing for buyers on a budget. However, the lack of transparency and independent testing leave some questions about purity and quality.
For shoppers who prioritize tested and verified oils, other brands like Plant Therapy and Edens Garden may be a better choice. These brands openly provide GC/MS reports from third party labs. While more expensive than NOW Foods, their oils deliver purity assurance.
Overall, NOW Foods offers a solid lineup of essential oils at very wallet-friendly prices. But concerns over adulteration may steer some buyers toward more rigorously tested oils.
Look for NOW Foods organic oils to avoid potential pesticide residues. Their organic line adheres to USDA and QAI standards for purity and quality.
