As someone who enjoys staying fit and active, I often find myself browsing the aisles of my local GNC store. With a huge selection of vitamins, supplements, protein powders and more, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options.
While GNC is undoubtedly one of the most popular national chains for health and nutrition products, there are many other great places to shop as well. Whether you’re looking for better prices, different brands, or specialized products, these GNC alternative stores are worth checking out.
In this post, I’ll highlight 12 of the top stores like GNC where you can find quality vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition and more. For each retailer, I’ll summarize what they offer, their key advantages, and other useful details to help you decide where to shop next.
12 Best Places Like GNC to Shop for Vitamins, Supplements, & More
Follow me as to explore top GNC competitors.
1. Costco
Known for bulk discounted pricing, Costco carries a surprisingly extensive range of health and wellness items. Their Kirkland Signature brand includes vitamins, protein bars, shakes and powders. You’ll also find name brands like Nature Made, Muscle Milk, BSN and Optimum Nutrition.
While selections vary by location, most Costcos have a dedicated nutrition section. Prices are competitive, especially for their house brand. Shoppers can buy in large quantities to save more. They accepts returns on most merchandise.
Key Benefits:
- Discounted prices on bulk and Kirkland brand items
- Wide assortment of vitamins, supplements and sports nutrition
- Flexible return policy on most products
2. Vitamin Shoppe
Specializing in nutritional supplements, Vitamin Shoppe aims to be a one-stop shop for health-conscious consumers. Stores carry extensive selections of vitamins, minerals, herbs, protein supplements, cleansing programs and more. Popular brands include VitaFusion, Garden of Life, Optimum Nutrition, and Vitamin Shoppe’s own BodyTech line.
Their stores have knowledgeable staff to provide guidance. Their website offers an extensive catalog with helpful education and filtering options. Frequent promotions and discounts make pricing competitive. Most locations have a BodyTech section for sports nutrition.
Key Perks:
- Huge inventory of vitamins, supplements and sports nutrition
- Excellent website with education and product filters
- Knowledgeable in-store staff for guidance
- Frequent promotions and sales
3. Drugstore
Major drugstore chains like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid have vastly expanded their vitamin and supplement selections in recent years. Most stores now dedicate full aisles to these products. Offerings encompass vitamins, supplements, protein powders, bars and drinks from diverse brands.
Pricing at drugstores is mixed, with promotions bringing costs in line with big-box discount retailers. Convenience is a major perk if you’re already shopping at one of these stores. Staff expertise varies, so research products beforehand. Selection focuses more on vitamins versus hardcore sports nutrition.
Why Shop Here:
- Mainstream supplement brands at neighborhood locations
- Frequent sales and promos can provide cost savings
- Convenience when shopping for other items
4. Walmart
As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart dedicates significant shelf space to vitamins, supplements and sports nutrition essentials. They stock a strong range of popular brands like One-A-Day, Nature Made, Optimum Nutrition, Muscle Milk and Equate house brand.
Prices are consistently low, though selections favor value products versus niche specialty supplements. Walmart has improved quality standards in recent years. Check expiration dates and storage conditions, as stock can sit on shelves.
Key Advantages:
- Everyday low prices on mainstream supplement brands
- Wide availability at Walmart locations across the US
- Strong values on Equate house brand
5. Vitamin World
With over 400 retail locations across the United States, Vitamin World is a specialty health and wellness chain with a product mix similar to GNC. Their shelves are stocked with diverse vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, diet products, natural beauty items and more.
Popular in-store brands include Vitamin World, Life Fitness, and Nature’s Way. Prices are competitive, especially with promotions and loyalty discounts. Their staff can provide knowledgeable guidance on products. The website has extensive information as well.
What Makes Them Popular:
- Extensive range of vitamins, supplements and sports nutrition
- Competitive pricing with frequent promotions
- In-store expertise from knowledgeable staff
6. Usana
Usana is also among the stores like GNC that offers personal shopping services through independent distributors. Their specialty is high-quality science-based nutritional supplements. Products include vitamins, antioxidants, fish oils, probiotics, protein powders and bars.
Shopping through a knowledgeable Usana associate provides guidance on products best suited for your needs. Costs are higher compared to mass-market brands. It has an affiliate network that leads to biased recommendations. Returns can be problematic through distributors.
Key Perks:
- Personalized service and recommendations
- High-quality nutritional supplements
- Extensive line of vitamins, protein and specialty products
7. AdvoCare
Another direct place like GNC, AdvoCare markets nutrition, weight loss, wellness and sports performance products. Their offerings include vitamins, supplements, protein shakes, energy drinks and diet aids sold through independent distributors.
A personalized sales approach can help identify products tailored for your situation. It has faced controversy over distribution practices and product claims. As a network marketer, recommendation objectivity can be questionable. Prices are inflated compared to equivalent products.
Why People Choose Them:
- Personalized service through independent sellers
- Wide range of wellness and performance products
- Popular for weight management plans
8. Rite Aid
Among other stores similar to GNC, Rite Aid pharmacies provide another drugstore option for vitamins and supplements. Most locations dedicate one or more aisles to these products. Brands carried include Nature Made, One A Day, Vitafusion, Nutrilite, and Rite Aid’s own Wellness+ line.
Pricing is competitive with other drugstores and big-box retailers, especially when you catch good sales. Staff expertise varies in helping with selections. Convenience while prescription shopping is a nice perk. The store often runs promotions like buy one, get one free.
Key Benefits:
- Mainstream supplement brands at neighborhood pharmacies
- Competitive pricing with regular BOGO promotions
- Convenient when filling prescriptions
9. Vitacost
Popular for value pricing on nutritional products, Vitacost is an online retailer with a vast selection of vitamins, supplements, natural foods, sports nutrition and more. Free shipping incentives, rewards programs and discounts make it very budget-friendly.
They carries major brands like Nature’s Way, New Chapter and Rainbow Light along with their house label. Reviews often cite excellent prices on quality items. Website navigation tools help narrow down choices. Expect basic packaging and shipping times.
What Makes Them Popular:
- Wide range of supplements and sports nutrition brands
- Very affordable pricing with frequent promotions
- Free shipping offers and rewards program
10. Herbalife
Operating on a multi-level marketing model, Herbalife sells its products exclusively through independent distributors. Their offerings encompass protein shakes, vitamins, supplements, nutrition bars and energy/wellness items.
Distributors provide personalized recommendations and coaching. Critics argue Herbalife overpromises on product benefits and uses questionable sales tactics. Quality is decent but pricing is inflated. Some see Herbalife more as a business opportunity thannutrition supplier.
Key Advantages:
- Personalized sales and recommendations
- Large selection of popular supplements
- Weight management and wellness programs
11. Amway
As a pioneer in direct sales, Amway continues to market an extensive range of wellness, beauty, personal care and household products through independent distributors. Their nutrition offerings include vitamins, supplements, protein powders and bars.
Shopping through an Amway distributor allows personalized service and support. However, direct retail sales focused on recruitment leads to aggressive sales tactics in some cases. Products can be overpriced compared to equivalent supermarket/online options.
Why People Choose Them:
- Guidance from individual distributors
- Longstanding reputation since 1959
- Wide range of wellness, beauty and household products
12. iHerb
A popular online supplement store like GNC, iHerb provides low cost shipping to over 150 countries. Their selection includes vitamins, supplements, natural beauty products, grocery items and more. Brands carried run from mainstream to specialty and natural.
iHerb frequently runs promotions offering discounts and free global shipping with minimal order sizes. Pricing is very affordable, especially for bargain hunters. Support services are limited compared to local stores. Check expiration dates as turnover varies.
Key Perks:
- Low cost shipping to 150+ countries
- Extensive selection of supplements and natural products
- Very affordable pricing with regular promotions
Conclusion
So there you have it – 12 great GNC alternative stores to shop for your supplement and sports nutrition needs! Each retailer has their own strengths in pricing, selection, brands and services.
Where you ultimately choose to shop comes down to your specific preferences and priorities. Convenience, cost savings, product variety, specialty items, and helpful guidance tend to be top factors for most buyers.
With all the options now available both locally and online, the power is yours to shop around and find your perfect supplement source!
So next time you need vitamins, protein powder or other fitness essentials, consider exploring beyond the familiar walls of GNC. You may discover new GNC competitors for all your health and wellness needs, backed by excellent service and savings.
FAQs About GNC
What is GNC known for selling?
GNC is best known for selling a wide range of vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, diet and weight management products. They carry hundreds of popular specialty brands as well as their own proprietary lines. GNC aims to be a one-stop nutrition and wellness retailer.
Does GNC have good prices?
GNC pricing is considered average to high compared to equivalent products at big-box and online retailers. However, they regularly offer coupons, percentage discounts, and sales to make items more affordable. Loyalty members also get special offers.
What vitamins and supplements does GNC sell?
GNC stocks all the essential vitamins and core supplements like multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 fish oil, probiotics, greens powders, protein powders and amino acids. They sell specialty supplements as well.
Where are GNC stores located?
With over 6,000 retail locations, GNC has stores in malls, shopping centers, and standalone shops across the United States. You can find stores in most major cities and suburbs near you. GNC also ships online orders.
Does GNC offer a money back guarantee?
GNC provides refunds on opened or unopened products within 30 days of purchase as long as you have the receipt. Items must be in re-sellable condition. They also price match local competitors within 7 days.
What protein powders does GNC carry?
Popular protein brands at GNC include Optimum Nutrition, BodyTech, Dymatize, Quest Nutrition, Isopure, MuscleTech and Evolve. You can shop by protein source like whey, plant-based, egg, casein hydrolysates.
Does GNC sell natural and organic products?
Yes, GNC has a Nature’s Best section dedicated to natural, organic, non-GMO and sustainably sourced products. Leading brands include Garden of Life, Natural Factors, Rainbow Light, MegaFood and New Chapter.
What store brand items does GNC sell?
GNC has several proprietary brands including Mega Men, Ultra Mega, Women’s Ultra Mega, Pro Performance and Beyond Raw for sports nutrition. Their GNC-label covers multivitamins, fish oil, greens and basics.
