By Lindy Lawrence
Have you ever picked up a supplement or wellness product, read the ingredient label, and still felt unsure about what you were putting in your body?
You’re not alone.
Today’s wellness market is crowded with phrases like natural, clean, and proprietary blend. While those words sound comforting, they don’t always tell the full story. At The Elderberry Co., we’ve chosen a different approach, one built on clarity from the start.
We formulate and produce our products in-house, which gives us full control over ingredients, sourcing, and quality. That’s important in an industry where many brands outsource manufacturing and never see the full process firsthand. For us, transparency isn’t a marketing angle — it’s part of how we operate every day.
Our formulas reflect what Jenny, our founder, uses in her own home. The simplicity you see in our ingredient lists is intentional. It isn’t about cutting costs or doing less, it’s about including only what’s necessary and leaving out what isn’t. Every ingredient has a purpose.
Over time, our customers have come to associate us with honesty and straightforward communication. When you read our labels, you’re seeing exactly what we stand behind. No vague blends, no hidden fillers, and no guesswork.
What Is Ingredient Transparency — and Why Does It Matter?
Ingredient transparency means clearly listing every ingredient in a product — both active and inactive — so you fully understand what you’re using.
True transparency goes beyond basic labeling requirements. It means clearly naming each ingredient, avoiding vague terms like “natural flavor” or “fragrance,” explaining the purpose of key ingredients, and sharing sourcing or formulation details when possible. In simple terms, nothing is hidden and nothing is unclear. It’s not about perfection — it’s about honesty.
Transparency becomes even more important when wellness products are part of your daily routine. Whether it’s something you take daily, apply regularly, or share with your family, those small choices can have an impact over time. If you or your loved ones have sensitivities, allergies, or specific ingredient preferences, clear labeling allows you to make informed decisions with confidence.
You shouldn’t have to guess what’s in the products you bring into your home.
How to Read an Ingredient Label on a Supplement
Understanding a label doesn’t require a science degree! Here are a few key principles that can help you evaluate products more confidently.
First, ingredients are typically listed in descending order by weight. That means the first few ingredients make up the largest portion of the formula. If a featured ingredient is highlighted on the front of the package but appears near the bottom of the list, it’s likely included in a much smaller amount than you might expect.
Next, pay attention to the order. The primary ingredients should reflect the product’s purpose. Supporting ingredients usually follow. Reading the list from top to bottom gives you a clearer picture of what the formula is truly built around.
It’s also helpful to remember that the word “natural” isn’t strictly regulated in many wellness categories. It may sound reassuring, but it doesn’t automatically guarantee safety, simplicity, or transparency. The full ingredient list will always tell you more than the front label.
Finally, fewer ingredients don’t automatically mean a better product. What matters most is clarity — that each ingredient is clearly named, purposeful, and easy to understand. A transparent brand makes that process simple, not confusing.
What Does Ingredient Transparency Look Like in Practice?
At The Elderberry Co., part of our mission is helping families take ownership of their health with products they can trust. That starts with the ingredients.
Take our Elderberry Syrup, for example. We’re transparent about the six simple ingredients it contains: elderberries, aronia berries, raw honey, cinnamon, clove, and ginger. Each ingredient serves a purpose. These botanicals are naturally rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to support respiratory, digestive, and joint health. Because we use raw honey, our syrup also provides gentle support during times of the year when seasonal allergies are more common.
The same commitment applies to our Superfood Gummies. We clearly identify key nutrients and explain how each formula supports daily nutritional needs — without artificial colors, flavors, or fillers.
For us, transparency goes beyond the ingredient list. It includes how we source, formulate, and produce our products, because you deserve clear information at every step. When you know exactly what you’re giving to yourself and your family, you can feel confident about the products you know and love.
Choosing Wellness Products with Confidence
Shopping for supplements and wellness products shouldn’t feel confusing. Wanting to understand ingredients doesn’t make you skeptical, it means you care. About your health. About your family. About the routines that shape long-term wellbeing.
When brands prioritize ingredient transparency, they empower you to make informed decisions based on facts instead of assumptions.
If you ever have questions about our ingredients, sourcing, or formulation process, we’re always happy to help. Transparency isn’t a marketing strategy — it’s an ongoing conversation.
And you deserve to be part of it.