Why Does MegaFood Use Amber Glass Bottles?

The story behind our signature packaging and how it helps protect what’s inside.

If you’ve taken MegaFood supplements for a while, you probably recognize our amber glass bottles. They’ve been part of our packaging for years, but that familiar brown glass isn’t just about looks. 

Packaging can play an important role in protecting the quality of the product inside. For many of our tablets and capsules, amber glass offers a simple, effective way to provide that protection while also offering some sustainability benefits. 

So, why amber glass? Let’s take a closer look. 

 

Why Supplement Packaging Matters 

A lot goes into making a high-quality supplement, from sourcing ingredients and developing the formula to manufacturing and testing the finished product. But our work doesn’t end there. 

Some nutrients and other ingredients can be sensitive to environmental factors, including light, moisture, and air. The right packaging creates a barrier between the product and the world around it, helping maintain its quality throughout its shelf life when stored as directed. 

That means the bottle, cap, seal, and other packaging components all have a job to do. 

 

Why Amber Glass? 

If protecting a supplement is the goal, why not use clear glass? 

It comes down to light. 

Some ingredients can be sensitive to light exposure, which can contribute to degradation over time. Amber glass helps block more ultraviolet (UV) and visible light than clear glass, offering added protection for light-sensitive ingredients. 

In other words, the brown color of the bottle is functional. It helps create a darker environment for the supplements stored inside. 

 

The Benefits of Glass 

Light protection isn’t the only reason glass works well for many supplements. 

Glass is nonporous and provides a strong barrier between the product and the surrounding environment. It also works well for many of the tablet and capsule formats that have long been a part of the MegaFood lineup. 

And there’s another advantage: glass is recyclable and can be made using recycled material. 

MegaFood’s amber glass bottles contain an average of 37.5% recycled glass, allowing us to incorporate recycled content into our packaging while continuing to prioritize the needs of the product inside. 

For us, those considerations can work together. Packaging can help protect product quality while also supporting our efforts to make thoughtful choices about the materials we use. 

 

Why Doesn't Every MegaFood Product Come in Amber Glass? 

Take a look across our products and you’ll notice that not everything comes in an amber glass bottle. That’s intentional, too. 

Different supplement formats have different packaging requirements. Some formats, including gummies and soft chews, prohibit the use of glass and require other types of packaging. Other product-specific considerations may also influence the packaging we select. 

Rather than choosing one type of packaging for every product, we consider the needs of the individual formula and format. Let's take a look at some Frequently Asked Packaging Questions:  

Does different packaging mean a product is less protected? 

No. A gummy has different needs than a tablet, and a soft chew has different needs than a capsule. Packaging is selected based on the requirements of the product inside. 

Why are some MegaFood products packaged in plastic? 

Certain product formats require packaging other than glass. Depending on the product, factors such as format, stability, manufacturing requirements, and intended use may all play a role in determining the appropriate packaging. 

Can I recycle my MegaFood amber glass bottle? 

Yes! Check the How2Recycle instructions on your product label for guidance on how to properly recycle your bottle and its packaging components. Recycling requirements can vary by material and location, so be sure to follow the instructions on the label and check your local recycling guidelines. 

 

Quality, Right Down to the Bottle 

There are a lot of decisions behind every bottle of supplements, including decisions about the bottle itself. 

For many MegaFood products, amber glass provides the light protection and barrier properties we’re looking for while giving us the opportunity to incorporate recyclable and recycled materials. For products with different needs, we choose packaging suited to those needs instead. 

It’s one more way the care that goes into a MegaFood supplement extends beyond what’s in the formula.