Quality supplements usually come with a hefty price tag. 

And cheap supplements are usually rubbish. Right?

Not necessarily! 

You can get top-quality supplements at great prices right here in New Zealand. It’s all about knowing where to shop. 

The best place to find cheap yet high-quality supplements online in NZ? Bargain Chemist. With our price-beat guarantee, nationwide delivery, and a commitment to affordable healthcare, we’re the smarter, safer place to shop. And that’s how it should be!

We’re about to explain why you can count on us for great quality supplements that support your health and wellbeing - without draining your bank account.

But first, let’s talk about why supplements (and other essentials) often cost more in New Zealand than in other countries. 

What drives supplement prices in New Zealand?

Fact: New Zealand is one of the most expensive countries in the world, usually ranking within the top 20 for cost of living. Rent, groceries, and many everyday essentials are among the priciest items for most families. 

There are lots of reasons for this. A smaller market, shipping costs, and import tariffs all contribute to higher prices.

So, what does that have to do with supplements?

In an ideal world, the bulk of our nutrients would come from our diet. But the elevated costs of fresh produce and quality protein can make it a little more challenging for many Kiwis to get all the nutrients their bodies need every day. 

And although vitamin and mineral supplements should never replace real food, they can help to fill in any gaps. (Psst: a great example is the Lifestream Multi Vitamin+. This concentrated blend of bioactive vitamins and minerals helps to support energy production and year-round immune health! Or, if you prefer to eat your vitamins, you’ll love Vital Greens All-In-One Powder: a nutrient-dense blend of veggies, fruits, essential fatty acids, fibre, pea protein, vitamins, minerals and herbs - just add to smoothies or water!)

If you feel like your diet could be lacking in real nutrition, Bargain Chemist is here for you. We’re committed to making high-quality supplements affordable for all Kiwis. 

But how do we compare to international shopping sites?

Buying from NZ vs buying from international retailers

International shopping sites like Amazon and iHerb are famous for their wide range of products and competitive prices. But is it really better to buy supplements from these sites than from within New Zealand? 

Well, some may offer lower prices compared to retail stores in NZ, but there are a few catches, like:

• Higher shipping costs 

• Foreign exchange fees, depending on your payment method

• Longer delivery times (standard shipping is around 2–4 weeks)

• Limited customer service if issues arise with your order.

Then there are a few other things to consider regarding the products themselves. Supplements such as probiotics and fish oil are more susceptible to deterioration during transit, so they may lose some of their ‘goodness’ by the time they reach you. And because product regulations are different in other countries, some products may not meet NZ manufacturing or safety standards. On top of that, NZ Customs may seize certain items if they contain restricted or prescription-only ingredients, such as melatonin.

Where to get the cheapest supplements in NZ

Bargain Chemist, of course!

We’re New Zealand’s cheapest chemist - and here’s why. 

• Our price-beat guarantee.
  We’re committed to matching or beating lower prices found at other New Zealand pharmacies for identical in-stock items. In fact, we challenge you to compare our prices with other retailers!
  
  

• Competitive pricing strategy
  We’re constantly checking our product prices against other retailers and making ours lower. This helps to ensure that our customers are getting the best possible price.
  
  

• Nationwide accessibility
  We have 15 stores throughout New Zealand as well as our online store, which means you can shop from anywhere, anytime!
  
  

• Commitment to affordable healthcare
  Even after the removal of government subsidies on prescriptions in July 2024, Bargain Chemist continues to absorb the $5 prescription fee for all customers. This decision is all about our dedication to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone.
  
  

• We share our secrets with you!
  Sign up to the Bargain Chemist newsletter and you’ll get the latest news, exclusive offers, and insider tips for smart shopping. It's the easy way to stay updated on new products, sales, and special events.
  
  

But if you’re still willing to take the risk and buy from overseas, here are some tips.

What to look for when buying cheap supplements from overseas retailers

Cheap supplements often cut corners on ingredients, formulations, and testing, which means fewer real benefits. That’s why it’s important to look for:

• Established brands with a good reputation for quality and safety. 

• Third-party testing, which means they have been independently reviewed by reputable organisations like the US Pharmacopoeia or ConsumerLab. This testing verifies that the product contains what it says on the label and is free from potentially harmful contaminants. 

• Natural and/or active forms of vitamins and minerals, rather than synthetic (laboratory-made)

• Quality assurance certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), NSF Certified for Sport, Informed-Choice, and HASTA. These certifications indicate that the product has undergone rigorous testing for quality, purity, and potency, and in some cases, for banned substances.

At the end of the day, it’s sometimes easier - and safer - to stick to what’s made and sold right here in New Zealand.

Buying from overseas may seem like the cheapest option, but it has its risks (and hidden costs). 

You can still get affordable supplements at your local Bargain Chemist store - and we promise you that cheap doesn’t mean low quality! We’re here to support your health and wellbeing with reputable products at excellent prices. 

So, next time you're looking for affordable supplements online, skip the overseas hassle. Visit bargainchemist.co.nz — and see how much smarter (and friendlier!) shopping local can be.