Quick answer
A proprietary blend lists a group of ingredients with one total weight instead of each amount. It protects a formula from copycats but means you can't see how much of each ingredient you get.
How it looks on a label
SodaPeak: "Proprietary Blend 82 mg" followed by eight ingredients. Ingredients are typically listed in descending order by weight.
Why brands use them
- Protect formulas from competitors.
- Simplify labels.
The downside for you
- You can't compare doses with research.
- Small amounts of key ingredients are possible.
For context, most ingredient trials used hundreds of milligrams to grams of a single herb. See our ingredients guide.
How to evaluate a blend
- Check the total weight.
- Look at ingredient order.
- Read the FDA guidance on supplement labels.
- Judge it as a combined botanical routine, not a high-dose single herb.
Frequently asked questions
Are proprietary blends legal?
Yes. They are allowed on supplement labels as long as the total weight and the ingredients are listed.
Do proprietary blends mean low doses?
Not always, but you cannot tell from the label. Small total weights shared across many ingredients mean each is likely small.
Can I ask a company for exact amounts?
You can ask, though many companies treat formulas as confidential.
Sources
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. We may earn a commission from purchases made through links on this page. See our affiliate disclosure.