Methodology under review. Composite Trust Index scores and band labels are paused for marketing while we strengthen primary-source Case Log timelines, manufacturer Q&A, and citation QA. For the public record, start here: Case Log.
The Evident Reviews™ Trust Index 2026
We scored 39 brands across 8 health categories on transparency, lab testing, and regulatory compliance. The biggest names scored the worst.
The headline
The most-funded brands in functional health score an average of 35 out of 100 on an independent transparency audit — 25 points below indie comparison brands. The correlation between funding and trust is r = −0.65 (p < 0.001).
Citable findings
Copy-paste ready. Each finding traces to a primary source document.
“Unicorn-tier health brands averaged a Trust Score of 35 out of 100. Indie comparison brands averaged 60. The 25-point gap is statistically significant (r = –0.65, p < 0.001).”
Source: Composite finding across 39 brands in 8 categories
“Zero of 21 unicorn-tier brands scored “Trustworthy” or “Acceptable.” Every unicorn fell in the Concerning, Deficit, or Severe Failure bands.”
Source: Trust band distribution analysis
“Consumer Reports found Naked Mass Gainer contained 7.7 μg of lead per serving — 1,570% of the concern level. The brand is literally named “Naked” for its transparency positioning.”
Source: Consumer Reports, October 2025
“PepsiCo acquired Poppi for $1.95 billion. The acquisition closed May 19, 2025. The court approved an $8.9 million class action settlement four days later, on May 23.”
Source: PepsiCo press release; Cobbs v. VNGR Beverage LLC settlement
“RYZE Superfoods voluntarily withdrew all five core health claims under pressure from the BBB’s National Advertising Division — the functional equivalent of admitting it could not substantiate a single marketed benefit.”
Source: BBB National Programs NAD Case #7492, September 2025
At a glance
Highest Trust Scores
Lowest Trust Scores
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The most-funded health brands scored the worst.
0 of 21 unicorn brands scored “Trustworthy” or “Acceptable.” Corporate acquisition does not improve trust scores.
Downloadable assets
About Evident Reviews
Evident Reviews is a product review publisher that tests, scores, and reviews health products using original research, lab testing, and regulatory analysis. The Trust Index is our flagship annual report.
Disclosure: Evident Health LLC owns Sleep Karma, a bamboo-silk mouth tape brand. Mouth tape is intentionally excluded from the Trust Index to avoid scoring our own category.
Alec Hess, Co-Founder
Alec Hess is co-founder of Evident Reviews and Sleep Karma. He oversees editorial direction, research methodology, and partner relationships. Available for interviews, quotes, and background briefings on the Trust Index findings.
Embargo & contact
Embargo: This report is available for review under embargo until [EMBARGO DATE]. Please do not publish findings before the embargo lifts. If you need an exception, contact us.
Exclusives: We can offer category-specific exclusives (e.g., the electrolytes findings to a fitness outlet, the protein findings to a bodybuilding outlet) on a first-come basis. Contact us to discuss.
Press contact
For interviews, quotes, data requests, and embargo inquiries:
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