Virtual Shop-A-Long

1.  I usually purchase "conventional" OTC products at grocery stores like ACME, CVS, and even Walmart.  For "natural" OTC's, it is usually Mrs. Green's, Amaazon.com, Whole Foods and in the last couple of years, at my local Target.

I often find that Target skews more on the "natural" side, but also has traditional and conventional OTC's, which is sometimes convenient.   When it comes to "natural" OTC's, it is all about the brand, what health benefits it purports, the ingredient listing, and its packaging / uniqueness.  I rarely talk to anyone at the store.  Most of my time is either reading the packaging front to back thoroughly, or googling the brand in the store and seeing what it brings up - good and bad reviews, ads, etc.



2.  

Vitamins

Nature Made Adult Gummies

Choosing between brands, is based on familiarity of course, but the other is about the packaging (color, size), the ingredients and whether or not it will solve a pain point in my life that hasn't been overcome. 

Probiotics 

Quick Melt Probiotic Sticks

Instead of taking my usual capsule, this comes in handy when I don't have water (melts in your mouth) and also makes taking my probiotics that much more fun to ingest rather than a chore.

3.  

                                    

Target - one stop shopping for both "natural" and "conventional" OTC's

a.  FOR ME - Smarty Pants multivitamin. 

Catchy and memorable name.  But beyond that it has clear messaging (Omega 3s+CoQ10) with Folate.  It's seems like a super-vitamin - ie: "more than a multivitamin" as the packing states.  

         

a.  FOR ME - OLLY Super Foods Multivatimin

Even though it states Women's, I am still intrigued by this offering.  Firstly, it says it is a Super Foods Multi-mineral and that it will boost performance.  The name OLLY intrigues me as well, and overall, I feel that they would cater to a man's needs vs. a females needs which is targeted and personalized. 

a.  FOR ME - Rainbow Light

This multi-vitamin states it is Food based and described as "Men's One."  

I love that it addresses things like sexual health, stamina, and does so with probiotics and enzymes - gluten free and soy free. 

   

 

b.  NOT FOR ME - Mucinex, Theraflu (Traditional cough and cold OTC's)

They are filled with all sorts of chemical, additives, that not only make you drowsy, but can leave you feeling stressed, lethargic and totally wiped out. 

 

b.  NOT FOR ME - Viactiv Calcium plus D

Although the milk chocolate is enticing, I zoomed in and it states, "Natural AND Artificial flavors."  Um...NO!  I want an OTC that will help my body get better and complement it not affect it adversely. 

4.   

The Boiron brand makes various kinds of OTC's, and most are not only effective, but offer a safe and natural alternative to pain relief.  A brand offering both "conventional" and "natural" items allows them to reach other consumers who are just interested in the immediate outcome and not the long-term implications.  If a brand it known as a "natural" brand it is seen as trusted and a go-to remedy for that particular malady.  It is also seen greater because it takes into account other methods and sources for added comfort and security.  

 

5.   I found the "natural" OTC's closer to the register in their own section.  I am in two minds because I would rather it be in the same section as the "conventional" OTC's organized by treatment type.  The current method alienates the "natural" OTC's from the other brand categories and makes it seems "specialized."   I may also overlook various brands in this "natural" section if I was just searching in the "conventional" OTC aisle and vice versa.  Sometimes (rarely) "conventional" is necessary if a doctor recommends it or if you want instant relief and not too concerned about future implications.