Hey there, wellness enthusiasts! If you‘re anything like me, you know how overwhelming the supplement aisle can be these days. With countless vitamin brands all claiming to be the best, how do you choose? Two personalized options that stand out from the pack are Persona Nutrition and Care/of.
I‘ve tried both of these custom vitamin services myself, so I‘m excited to share my in-depth comparison. We‘ll look at how the brands stack up in terms of personalization, product quality, variety, pricing, and more. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide which is worth your investment. Let‘s dive in!
Tale of the Tape: Persona Nutrition vs Care/of
First, a quick rundown of what these brands actually do. Both Persona and Care/of offer personalized daily vitamin packs based on your unique health needs and lifestyle factors. You start by taking a short online quiz, which generates custom supplement recommendations. Here‘s a snapshot of each company:
| Persona Nutrition | Care/of | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2016 |
| Personalization | Quiz + nutritionist review | Quiz + algorithm |
| Products | 80+ supplements | 30+ supplements |
| Subscribers | 500,000+ | 300,000+ |
| Funding | $420.9M | $42.3M |
As you can see, Persona has a bit of a head start in funding and subscriber base. The company has grown rapidly since launching just four years ago, with half a million active customers. Meanwhile, Care/of has earned a loyal following of over 300,000 users drawn to its hip millennial branding.
One key difference is Persona offers a more robust product catalog of 80+ supplements, while Care/of focuses on a curated selection of 30 essentials. Persona also brings a human touch by having nutritionists review each person‘s quiz results and tailor recommendations.
Supplement Showdown: Comparing Popular Products
Multivitamins
Winner: Care/of
Let‘s start with the bedrock of any supplement routine: the multivitamin. Care/of offers a personalized multi that‘s tailored to your sex, age, diet, and health needs. You can see the exact breakdown of all 25+ nutrients, which include optimal forms like methylated B vitamins and chelated minerals for better absorption.
I like that Care/of uses a high-quality beadlet-in-capsule technology to combine water- and fat-soluble vitamins in one pill. The brand also offers targeted multis for men, women, prenatal, and 50+.
Persona has a standard multivitamin, but pushes customers more toward its specialized vitamin packs. While this approach provides flexibility, I found the multi a bit lacking compared to Care/of‘s. It was also annoying to have to take multiple pills vs. just one.
Omega-3s
Winner: Care/of
Another staple supplement I always recommend is omega-3 fish oil. Care/of delivers a potent, sustainably sourced omega-3 with 1280 mg of EPA and DHA combined. The triglyceride form is easier to absorb than cheaper ethyl ester fish oils. Plus, it‘s IFOS third-party tested for freshness and purity.
Care/of‘s omega-3 is sourced from wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, and mackerel, with a special antioxidant blend to prevent fishy burps. For vegans like myself, they also offer an algal oil option with 450 mg of DHA.
Persona‘s omega-3 is decent, with 1000 mg of fish oil per two softgels. However, the EPA to DHA ratio isn‘t disclosed, which is a red flag for me. There‘s also no information on specific fish sources or third-party testing.
Probiotics
Winner: Persona
Here‘s an area where Persona outshines Care/of. Persona offers a powerful, multi-strain probiotic with 50 billion CFUs of research-backed bacteria like L. acidophilus and B. lactis. The patented delayed-release capsule ensures the bugs survive stomach acid to reach your gut.
I‘m impressed that Persona‘s probiotic is backed by 15 clinical studies for digestive and immune support. The brand also offers a Mood probiotic that‘s been shown to promote healthy emotional wellbeing. Hooray for feel-good bugs!
In comparison, Care/of‘s probiotic is more basic, with 10 billion CFUs of a single Bifidobacterium strain. While this species is well studied, I prefer a more diverse probiotic for optimal gut support. However, props to Care/of for using acid-resistant capsules.
Protein Powders
Winner: Care/of
To round out your nutritional needs, both brands offer protein powder. Care/of carries a grass-fed whey protein isolate sourced from small farms in the US. With 18g of protein per serving, it‘s an excellent choice for athletes or anyone looking to build lean muscle. The cold-processed powder has no artificial additives.
For plant-based folks, Care/of‘s pea protein is a solid option with 20g protein per scoop. Bonus: a portion of every sale goes to the Frontera Farmer Foundation to support small organic farms. Love a brand that gives back!
Persona recently launched its own line of protein powders, including whey, collagen peptides, and pea. They‘re all solid quality but don‘t quite measure up to Care/of‘s in my book. I found Persona‘s whey a bit chalky, and the pea protein had some gritty texture.
Ingredient Quality & Freshness
When it comes to supplement quality, both brands claim to use premium, research-backed ingredients. But is there actual proof in the pudding? I did some digging to find out.
Care/of is extremely transparent about its sourcing and quality testing. The brand only uses raw materials that meet rigorous standards for potency and purity. Many of its supplements are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan, with sustainable sourcing like algal oil and methylated B vitamins.
All of Care/of‘s products go through four rounds of third-party testing, exceeding FDA requirements. You can actually pull up the C of A (Certificate of Analysis) for your specific batch to see the testing results.
Persona is a bit more opaque when it comes to ingredient origins and quality control. The website mentions using "high-quality ingredients" and "rigorous testing," but I couldn‘t find many specifics. For example, when I reached out to ask about Persona‘s fish oil sourcing, the rep couldn‘t give me a clear answer.
However, I do like that Persona uses trademarked ingredients like Kaneka Q10, Meriva Curcumin, and SunActive minerals. These branded raw materials ensure a standardized level of purity and potency. And the company does follow FDA cGMPs (current good manufacturing practices).
So while both brands appear to uphold strong quality standards, Care/of definitely wins points for transparency. I feel I can trust what‘s on the label and make a more informed decision.
What Customers Are Saying
You know I‘m always keeping it real with you guys. But don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s look at what other customers have to say about their experiences with Persona and Care/of.
I scoured hundreds of online reviews to get a balanced picture. Here‘s a rundown of the recurring themes and actual testimonials I found:
Persona Nutrition
Average of 4.6/5 stars from 8,000+ reviews across platforms
Common Pros:
- Convenient daily packs
- High-quality, effective supplements
- Stellar customer service
- Professional nutritionist support
Typical Cons:
- Pricey compared to some brands
- Slight delays with shipping/billing
- Pills can be hard to swallow
Actual Customer Quotes:
"I never thought a vitamin pack delivery service would change my life, but Persona has! I‘ve seen a huge difference in my energy and focus since starting my personalized protocol. The nutritionist consult was so helpful for fine-tuning my regimen. Highly recommend!" – Sarah L.
"I‘ve been using Persona for over a year and am really happy with the quality of the supplements. I love that everything I need comes in a convenient daily pack. No more rummaging through bottles! One downside is that the packs can be a lot to swallow if you have a sensitive gag reflex like me." – John K.
Care/of
Average of 4.4/5 stars from 3,500+ reviews across platforms
Common Pros:
- Personalized, research-backed formulas
- Transparent sourcing and testing
- Sustainable packaging
- Helpful wellness app
Typical Cons:
- More expensive than drugstore brands
- Canceling subscription can be tricky
- Some don‘t love cutesy branding
Actual Customer Quotes:
"I feel so much better knowing exactly what I‘m putting in my body. Care/of goes above and beyond with ingredient quality and testing. You can really tell the difference compared to generic supplements. Plus, their app makes it easy to earn rewards and track my healthy habits!" – Alex P.
"I‘ve been using Care/of for a few months and am pretty satisfied. The personalized pack is convenient and I like supporting a brand that cares about sustainability. My only gripe is that the quirky branding can feel a bit much. I prefer a more straightforward science-based approach." – Lisa W.
As you can see, both brands have their loyal fans and critics. Persona scores higher on overall customer ratings, while Care/of seems to have an edge with millennials seeking a wellness vibe. Consider your personal needs and priorities to decide which might suit you best.
Price Comparison
Let‘s be real: cost is often the deciding factor when choosing a supplement brand. So how do Persona and Care/of stack up? Here‘s a quick price comparison:
| Brand | Average Monthly Cost | Shipping | Intro Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persona Nutrition | $50-80 | Free | 50% off first order |
| Care/of | $20-50 | Free over $20 | 50% off first order |
As you can see, Persona runs a bit more expensive at $50-80 per month for most personalized packs. Meanwhile, Care/of packs average $20-50/month. Both offer half off your first month, plus free shipping over $20.
Of course, actual costs will vary based on your specific supplement protocol. It‘s worth noting Persona offers more extensive nutritionist support, which could be worth the extra spend for some.
When I break down the per-pill price, both end up being pricier than buying generic drugstore brands. But you‘re paying for the quality sourcing, personalization, and convenience. It all depends on your budget and how much you value those factors.
The Verdict: My Honest Opinion
Drumroll please…if I had to choose between Persona and Care/of, I‘d personally go with Care/of. While both are solid personalized supplement brands, here‘s why Care/of gets my vote:
- Transparent, traceable ingredients with extensive third-party testing
- Sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging
- Affordable price point with free shipping
- User-friendly app with rewards and wellness content
- Strong clinical research behind formulations
I‘m a huge advocate for supplement quality and transparency – no cutting corners! Care/of goes the extra mile to ensure every ingredient is top notch. I also love supporting a brand that genuinely cares about its impact on people and the planet.
All that said, I still think Persona is an excellent choice for those who want a bit more hand-holding and nutritionist access. The company offers some unique branded ingredients you won‘t find elsewhere. And hey, the 50% off deal is pretty sweet too!
At the end of the day, the "best" supplement brand is the one that‘s best for you. Take a peek at each company‘s quiz to see what they recommend based on your health needs and lifestyle. Read real customer reviews and think about your budget.
I hope this in-depth comparison gave you the info you need to make an empowered decision! Remember, personalized vitamins should be part of a holistic wellness routine that also includes nutrient-dense eats, joyful movement, and solid self-care.
Have you tried Persona or Care/of yourself? I‘d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below so we can keep the conversation going. In the meantime, wishing you all vibrant health!
FAQs on Persona vs Care/of
Still have questions? I‘ve rounded up answers to some of the most common queries about these brands. Don‘t see yours? Comment below!
How do I cancel my Persona or Care/of subscription?
For Persona, email [email protected] or call (800) 983-3887 to cancel anytime. Care/of has an online cancellation form at takecareof.com/cancel or you can email [email protected].
Can I get a refund if I‘m not satisfied?
Persona offers a 30-day risk-free trial. If you‘re not happy, contact them for a full refund (minus return shipping). Care/of accepts returns of most unopened products within 30 days of purchase for store credit.
How do the brands protect my personal info?
Both Persona and Care/of use industry-standard encryption and security measures to safeguard your data. They never sell or share personal info without consent. You can read the full privacy policies on their sites.
Are the vitamins shipped discreetly?
Yep! Your custom vitamin pack will arrive in a plain box or envelope with no overt labeling. Persona ships in 100% recyclable packaging, while Care/of uses 89% recycled materials.
How often do I need to retake the assessment?
With both brands, you can retake the health quiz and adjust your packs at any time. I recommend revisiting every 6-12 months, or whenever your health needs change. Open communication is key!
What if I‘m taking prescription meds?
Always check with your doctor before adding supplements if you‘re on medications. Care/of addresses some common drug interactions in their FAQ. Persona offers personalized advice from staff pharmacists and nutritionists.
I hope these help provide some extra clarity! Let me know what other questions you have about navigating the wide world of vitamins.
