Ryde Earns Key Certification, Raising the Bar for Supplement Trust

NEW YORK, NY – January 20, 2026 – In a significant move aimed at bolstering consumer confidence, functional wellbeing brand Ryde announced today that its popular ENERGIZE, FOCUS, and RELAX dietary supplement shots have received the globally recognized Informed Choice certification. This achievement signals that the products have undergone rigorous third-party testing for banned substances, setting a new benchmark for transparency in the rapidly growing but often-criticized supplement market.

Ryde, which entered the U.S. market in May 2025, has built its brand on making wellness accessible with convenient, 2oz pocket-sized shots. The new certification reinforces this mission by providing a verifiable layer of safety and quality assurance for its customers, from casual consumers to elite athletes.

The Quest for Transparency in a Crowded Market

The dietary supplement industry is a multi-billion dollar behemoth, with an estimated 83% of Americans using supplements. However, this explosive growth has been shadowed by persistent consumer skepticism. Widespread misconceptions about regulatory oversight—a 2025 survey found that over half of consumers were unsure if supplements were regulated at all—have created a trust deficit. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), it does not provide pre-market approval, leaving the primary responsibility for safety and accurate labeling on the manufacturers themselves.

This regulatory landscape has made third-party certifications not just a value-add, but a critical tool for building credibility. Recent market research underscores this trend, with studies showing that as many as 95% of consumers place greater trust in claims made by independently certified products. For many, a certification seal is a key purchasing driver, with some reports indicating consumers are willing to pay a premium for brands that demonstrate this level of transparency.

"Consumers want to know exactly what they're putting in their bodies, especially when it comes to supplements," said Andre Denischuck, General Manager for Wellbeing and Stimulation USA at Ryde, in a press statement. "Achieving Informed Choice certification is a milestone we're incredibly proud of, giving our community confidence that Ryde: products have been third-party tested for peace of mind."

What Informed Choice Certification Guarantees

The Informed Choice seal is more than just a logo on a label; it represents a stringent, ongoing commitment to product integrity. The program is administered by LGC, a world-renowned sports anti-doping and research laboratory with over 50 years of experience. Products bearing the certification have been screened for over 285 substances that are prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

This testing is not a one-time event. The program involves regular, unannounced retail monitoring where LGC purchases certified products from store shelves and online retailers to test them. This monthly blind sampling ensures that the quality and purity of the products remain consistent from batch to batch, protecting consumers from the risk of inadvertent contamination with banned or harmful compounds.

While other reputable certifications like NSF Certified for Sport and USP Verified exist, Informed Choice's specific focus on the WADA Prohibited List and its connection to LGC's anti-doping expertise makes it particularly valuable for athletes and anyone subject to drug testing. For the everyday consumer, it provides a powerful assurance that what is listed on the label is precisely what is inside the bottle, with no hidden or unwanted extras.

A Strategic Move in the Functional Beverage Boom

Ryde's decision to pursue this certification is a savvy strategic maneuver in the highly competitive functional beverage space. The market for functional shots is projected to surge past $1.9 billion by 2032, fueled by consumer demand for convenient, targeted health solutions. In this crowded field, differentiation is key, and verifiable trust can be a powerful market advantage.

By securing the Informed Choice seal, Ryde not only enhances its brand reputation but also strengthens its position with retailers. Many distributors and large retail chains are increasingly prioritizing or even mandating third-party certifications to mitigate risk and meet the demands of their health-conscious shoppers. Since its U.S. launch with reality TV star Heidi Montag, Ryde has already secured distribution in over 4,000 stores, including major chains like 7-Eleven and Albertsons, alongside national availability on Amazon. This new certification is likely to accelerate that expansion and solidify its shelf space.

The move positions Ryde as a leader in a movement toward greater industry accountability, potentially pressuring competitors to follow suit and adopt similarly rigorous testing standards. For a brand that challenges unrealistic wellness ideals, this commitment to scientific validation and transparency is a tangible demonstration of its core values.

From Energy to Relaxation: The Certified Lineup

The certification applies to three of Ryde's core products, each designed for a specific daily need. All shots in the lineup are formulated to be zero-calorie, zero-sugar, vegan, and gluten-free, built around a proprietary formula called Ryde: Ryplenish™ and other science-backed ingredients.

• ENERGIZE (Tropical): This shot is designed to combat fatigue, featuring 200mg of green tea caffeine, B-vitamins, and ginseng for a clean energy boost.
• FOCUS (Orange): Aimed at enhancing mental clarity and cognitive performance, this shot contains 150mg of caffeine along with other ingredients to support concentration.
• RELAX (Raspberry): A caffeine-free option intended to help ease stress and promote a sense of calm, providing a moment of tranquility in a hectic day.

This certification validates the purity of these formulations, assuring consumers that they can rely on Ryde for a clean and effective boost, whether they need to power through a workout, sharpen their focus for a meeting, or unwind at the end of the day. As consumers continue to demand more from the brands they support, such verifiable commitments to quality may soon become less of a market differentiator and more of a fundamental requirement for success in the wellness industry.