Garden of Life Logo

When Jordan Rubin established Garden of Life in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in 2000, the company’s history officially began. The development of the brand was motivated by Rubin’s struggle with Crohn’s disease. After years of trying in vain to recover with conventional therapy, Rubin started using alternative therapies, such as fermented foods and probiotics. His ability to enhance his health led him to start a business providing whole foods and natural supplements.

Primal Defense, a probiotic complex derived from Rubin’s experience, was the debut product. It quickly gained popularity among customers seeking all-natural ways to maintain healthy digestive systems.

Early on, the business concentrated on creating and marketing fermented goods and probiotic supplements. The company swiftly established a solid reputation for providing premium natural supplements, meeting the growing demand for more holistic approaches to well-being and health.

By 2004, the product portfolio had been greatly expanded to include dietary supplements, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the business aggressively promoted “whole food supplements,” emphasizing natural ingredients over artificial ones.

The company was dealt a serious blow in 2005 when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accused the brand of deceptive advertising. This resulted in a settlement wherein the business agreed to pay a fine and modify some of its marketing strategies. The incident prompted the company to step up its R&D and increase transparency about the effectiveness of its products.

In the ensuing years, the business continued to expand its product line, emphasizing organic and non-GMO products. The company proactively collaborated with independent farmers and suppliers to ensure the superior quality and traceability of its ingredients.

The RAW line, introduced in 2009, swiftly rose to prominence. The RAW products were created using unpasteurized, minimally processed ingredients in response to the increased customer interest in “raw” and minimally processed food.

The company was certified as a B Corporation in 2013, demonstrating its dedication to upholding strict social and environmental performance guidelines, accountability, and openness. This choice demonstrated a commitment to improving society and the environment and to manufacturing high-quality goods.

In 2014, the brand expanded its market share in the fast-developing sports nutrition area by launching a new product. This range featured protein powders, recovery items, and pre-workout mixes made with organic and non-GMO components.

The company’s history dramatically shifted in 2017 when Nestlé purchased Garden of Life for $2.3 billion. In addition to creating new growth and expansion prospects, this acquisition caused some customers to worry about upholding the original mission and values.

The business continued to invest in R&D and expand its product line following Nestlé’s takeover. Additionally, efforts in social responsibility and sustainability were boosted.

2018 saw the expansion of the sports nutrition product line and the launch of additional items targeting the growing number of vegan athletes. As part of this effort, organic plant-based proteins with additional glutamine and BCAAs were introduced, helping the brand become better known in the sports nutrition industry.

The Dr. Formulated line, created in partnership with well-known naturopath Dr. David Perlmutter, was introduced in 2019. This line included probiotics, prebiotics, and other supplements specially formulated to improve digestive and mental health. The partnership with Dr. Perlmutter drew in new customers and strengthened the scientific basis of the offerings.

The company debuted its cutting-edge MyKind Organics Herbals range in 2020. This line featured organic food ingredients and herbal supplements manufactured with a special water-based extraction method. The introduction of this line demonstrated the company’s commitment to using clean, organic products and reflected consumers’ increased interest in traditional herbal medicines.

In 2021, the business made large-scale expenditures in digital technologies. The business unveiled a redesigned website with more capabilities for customized product selection and instructional resources. A loyalty program was implemented that allows customers to discuss their product experiences and earn points on purchases.

Launching the “Traceability” program in 2022 was a big step toward supply chain transparency. Through this program, customers could track the precise farms and sources of certain essential ingredients.

The company stuck to its core values of using organic and non-GMO ingredients while tailoring its products to local regulatory requirements and consumer preferences.