Zeaxanthin is more than just a buzzword in the health and wellness industry—it's a vital carotenoid that plays a starring role in supporting eye health, particularly in protecting against age-related macular degeneration and reducing the impact of blue light exposure from screens. Often paired with lutein, another powerful antioxidant, zeaxanthin is a staple in everything from dietary supplements to functional foods and even cosmetics. If you're in the UK and on the hunt for reliable sources of high-quality zeaxanthin, you've come to the right place. Whether you're a small supplement brand, a large pharmaceutical company, or a food manufacturer looking to enhance your products, finding a trustworthy supplier is key. In this guide, we'll walk you through the top 10 zeaxanthin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in the United Kingdom, highlighting their strengths, product offerings, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market. Along the way, we'll also touch on zeaxanthin benefits and why pairing it with lutein (hello, lutein and zeaxanthin benefits!) can take your products to the next level.
1. UK NutraIngredients Ltd
Starting off our list is UK NutraIngredients Ltd, a well-established manufacturer and wholesaler with over 15 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry. Based in Manchester, this family-run business has built a reputation for prioritizing quality and transparency, which is why they're a go-to for many UK-based brands. Their zeaxanthin offerings are sourced from non-GMO marigold extracts, ensuring purity and potency. What sets them apart? They specialize in both bulk powder and encapsulated forms, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes—whether you need 1kg for a small batch or 500kg for large-scale production.
UK NutraIngredients prides itself on its certifications, holding GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and ISO 9001 accreditations, which means you can trust that their zeaxanthin meets strict quality standards. They also offer custom formulations, so if you're looking to create a best lutein and zeaxanthin supplement tailored to your brand's needs, their in-house team can help blend the perfect ratio. Customers rave about their responsive customer service and fast turnaround times, with most orders delivered within 3–5 business days across the UK. Plus, they offer competitive wholesale pricing, making them a cost-effective choice for long-term partnerships.
2. GreenWave Botanicals
Next up is GreenWave Botanicals, a London-based supplier and trader that focuses on sustainable and organic ingredients. If "clean label" is a priority for your brand, GreenWave should be on your radar. Their zeaxanthin is derived from organically grown marigolds sourced from ethical farms in Europe, and they're certified by the Soil Association, ensuring no harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers are used in the extraction process. Beyond just zeaxanthin, they offer a range of carotenoid blends, including popular lutein-zeaxanthin combinations that highlight the lutein and zeaxanthin benefits for eye health supplements.
GreenWave's strength lies in their commitment to sustainability. They offset their carbon footprint by partnering with reforestation projects, and their packaging is 100% recyclable—something that resonates with eco-conscious brands and consumers alike. They also provide detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) for every batch, so you can verify potency, purity, and heavy metal levels with ease. While their MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is slightly higher than some competitors (starting at 10kg for bulk powder), the quality and sustainability credentials make it worth the investment. They also offer sample sizes (500g) for testing, so you can ensure their zeaxanthin meets your product's specifications before committing to a large order.
3. VitaCarotene Trading
Based in Birmingham, VitaCarotene Trading is a leading wholesaler and trader with a global network of suppliers, making them a great choice if you need access to a wide range of zeaxanthin grades. They work directly with manufacturers in India, China, and Europe, allowing them to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Their product line includes both synthetic and natural zeaxanthin, though their natural marigold-derived options are their bestsellers, thanks to growing consumer demand for plant-based ingredients.
What makes VitaCarotene stand out is their flexibility. They cater to both small businesses (with MOQs as low as 1kg) and large corporations, offering bulk discounts for orders over 100kg. They also provide logistics support, handling customs clearance and delivery to your doorstep, which is a huge plus if you're importing ingredients from overseas. Their team of technical experts is always on hand to answer questions about zeaxanthin benefits, dosage recommendations, and formulation tips—whether you're creating a supplement, a functional beverage, or a skincare product. With a 98% customer retention rate, it's clear that their focus on reliability and support keeps clients coming back.
4. PureVision Ingredients
As the name suggests, PureVision Ingredients specializes in eye health ingredients, making them a niche but highly knowledgeable player in the zeaxanthin market. Headquartered in Edinburgh, this manufacturer has been around since 2008 and has carved out a space for itself by focusing solely on carotenoids like zeaxanthin, lutein, and astaxanthin. Their zeaxanthin is produced using a proprietary extraction method that preserves its antioxidant properties, resulting in a higher bioavailability compared to standard extracts. This means your customers will get more of the zeaxanthin benefits they're looking for, from supporting retinal health to reducing eye strain.
PureVision is particularly popular among pharmaceutical and high-end supplement brands because of their pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin, which meets USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards. They also offer microencapsulated zeaxanthin, which improves stability in products like tablets and capsules, ensuring the ingredient remains potent shelf-life. While their prices are on the higher side, the quality and expertise make them a top choice for brands that prioritize efficacy. They also provide clinical trial data supporting the benefits of their zeaxanthin, which can be a valuable marketing tool for your products.
5. Harvest Bioactives
Harvest Bioactives, located in Leeds, is a wholesaler and supplier that prides itself on "from farm to finish" traceability. They partner with local UK farmers to grow marigolds, which are then processed in their state-of-the-art facility in Yorkshire. This vertical integration allows them to control every step of the supply chain, from planting to extraction, ensuring consistency and freshness. Their zeaxanthin powder is available in various concentrations, from 5% to 20%, making it versatile for different applications—whether you need a high-potency ingredient for supplements or a lower concentration for functional foods like cereals or energy bars.
One of the things customers love about Harvest Bioactives is their commitment to supporting local businesses. By sourcing marigolds from UK farms, they reduce their carbon footprint and support rural communities, which is a story many brands are proud to share with their customers. They also offer flexible MOQs, starting at just 500g, making them accessible for startups and small businesses. Their customer service team is known for being hands-on, often providing free samples and helping with formulation advice. If you're looking to highlight "locally sourced" in your product marketing, Harvest Bioactives is an excellent partner.
6. BrightLeaf Trading Co.
BrightLeaf Trading Co., based in Bristol, is a global trader with a strong focus on importing high-quality zeaxanthin from trusted manufacturers in Asia and the Americas. While they don't manufacture in-house, their rigorous supplier vetting process ensures that every batch they bring into the UK meets strict quality criteria. They work with suppliers who hold certifications like GMP, ISO, and Kosher, so you can be confident in the safety and purity of their zeaxanthin. Their product range includes both natural and synthetic zeaxanthin, as well as pre-mixed blends with lutein, which are perfect for brands looking to capitalize on the combined lutein and zeaxanthin benefits.
BrightLeaf's biggest advantage is their global network, which allows them to source zeaxanthin at competitive prices and pass those savings on to customers. They also offer a "just-in-time" delivery service, helping businesses reduce inventory costs by ensuring ingredients arrive exactly when needed. For international brands looking to enter the UK market, BrightLeaf can also assist with regulatory compliance, helping navigate EU and UK food supplement regulations. Their team speaks multiple languages, including Mandarin and Spanish, making them a great choice for global businesses with diverse communication needs.
7. NutraBulk UK
True to its name, NutraBulk UK is all about bulk quantities—and they do it well. Based in Liverpool, this wholesaler specializes in supplying large-scale manufacturers with high-volume zeaxanthin, with MOQs starting at 100kg. They source their zeaxanthin from leading global manufacturers, ensuring consistent quality across batches, and offer it in both powder and oil suspension forms. Their oil-based zeaxanthin is particularly popular for use in softgels, as it enhances absorption compared to powder forms.
NutraBulk UK is known for its competitive pricing, making them a favorite among large food and supplement companies. They also offer long-term supply contracts, which can help stabilize costs for businesses with predictable demand. While they don't offer custom formulations, their technical team can provide guidance on how to best incorporate their zeaxanthin into your products, whether you're making multivitamins, protein bars, or eye health supplements. They also have a dedicated logistics team that ensures on-time delivery, even for large orders, which is crucial for keeping production lines running smoothly.
8. BioNature Extracts
BioNature Extracts, located in Cambridge, is a manufacturer that focuses on innovative extraction technologies. They use supercritical CO2 extraction for their zeaxanthin, a method that uses carbon dioxide under high pressure to extract the ingredient without heat or chemical solvents. This results in a purer, more potent zeaxanthin with better stability, which is why they're a top choice for premium brands. Their zeaxanthin is also vegan-friendly and free from allergens like gluten and soy, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
What makes BioNature stand out is their focus on research and development. They invest heavily in studying zeaxanthin benefits and are constantly looking for ways to improve their extraction processes. They also offer custom particle sizes, which can be tailored to your product's needs—for example, a finer powder for easier blending in smoothies or a coarser powder for tablets. While their prices are higher than some traditional suppliers, the advanced technology and superior quality justify the cost for brands that want to market their products as "premium" or "science-backed." They also offer white-label services, allowing you to launch your own line of zeaxanthin supplements without the hassle of manufacturing.
9. Global Carotenoids UK
Global Carotenoids UK is the European arm of a larger global supplier, with headquarters in London and manufacturing facilities in India and China. This global reach allows them to offer a wide range of zeaxanthin products, from standard grades to specialty formulations like water-soluble zeaxanthin, which is ideal for beverages and liquid supplements. They also produce zeaxanthin in beadlet form, which is easy to incorporate into gummies and chewable tablets—perfect for brands targeting the children's supplement market.
Global Carotenoids UK is known for its scalability. Whether you need a small trial order (starting at 5kg) or a massive bulk shipment (1000kg+), they can accommodate your needs. They also have a strong focus on regulatory compliance, with their products meeting EU, UK, and US standards, which is essential if you plan to export your products internationally. Their customer service team is available 24/7, which is a big plus for businesses with tight deadlines or urgent orders. Plus, they offer free samples, so you can test their zeaxanthin before making a commitment.
10. SunWave Supplements
Rounding out our list is SunWave Supplements, a Manchester-based trader that specializes in hard-to-find nutraceutical ingredients, including high-quality zeaxanthin. They work with a network of small, family-owned manufacturers in Europe and South America, many of which use traditional extraction methods that preserve the natural integrity of the ingredient. Their zeaxanthin is often sourced from organic marigolds and is available in both powder and liquid forms, making it versatile for various applications.
SunWave's biggest strength is their personalized approach. They take the time to understand your business needs, whether you're a startup looking for guidance or an established brand needing a reliable backup supplier. They offer flexible payment terms and small MOQs (starting at 1kg), which is great for businesses testing new products. They also provide detailed product documentation, including safety data sheets (SDS) and allergen information, to help you comply with UK labeling regulations. While they may not have the same global reach as some larger suppliers, their focus on relationships and customer care has earned them a loyal following in the UK market.
| Company Name | Type | Key Zeaxanthin Products | Certifications | MOQ | Why They Stand Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK NutraIngredients Ltd | Manufacturer, Wholesaler | Bulk powder, encapsulated forms, lutein-zeaxanthin blends | GMP, ISO 9001 | 1kg | Custom formulations, fast UK delivery, family-run reliability |
| GreenWave Botanicals | Supplier, Trader | Organic zeaxanthin powder, lutein-zeaxanthin blends | Soil Association (organic), ISO 14001 (sustainability) | 10kg (bulk), 500g (sample) | Sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, ethical supply chain |
| VitaCarotene Trading | Wholesaler, Trader | Natural/synthetic zeaxanthin powder, marigold extracts | GMP, ISO 9001 | 1kg | Global supplier network, flexible MOQs, logistics support |
| PureVision Ingredients | Manufacturer | Pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin, microencapsulated powder | USP, GMP | 5kg | Eye health expertise, high bioavailability, clinical trial data |
| Harvest Bioactives | Wholesaler, Supplier | UK-sourced zeaxanthin (5–20% concentration) | Traceability certification | 500g | Local UK farming partnerships, full supply chain control |
| BrightLeaf Trading Co. | Trader | Imported zeaxanthin powder, oil suspensions | GMP, Kosher, Halal (upon request) | 5kg | Global sourcing, competitive pricing, regulatory compliance support |
| NutraBulk UK | Wholesaler | Bulk powder (100kg+), oil suspensions | ISO 9001 | 100kg | High-volume supply, competitive bulk pricing, long-term contracts |
| BioNature Extracts | Manufacturer | CO2-extracted zeaxanthin powder, custom particle sizes | GMP, Vegan Society | 5kg | Supercritical CO2 extraction, high bioavailability, R&D focus |
| Global Carotenoids UK | Trader, Supplier | Water-soluble zeaxanthin, beadlets, liquid suspensions | EU, UK, US compliance | 5kg | Global scalability, specialty formulations (e.g., gummies), 24/7 support |
| SunWave Supplements | Trader | Organic zeaxanthin powder, liquid extracts | Organic (EU), SDS documentation | 1kg | Personalized service, small MOQs, hard-to-find ingredients |
Choosing the right zeaxanthin supplier in the UK is about more than just price—it's about aligning with your brand's values, whether that's sustainability, quality, scalability, or innovation. From family-run manufacturers like UK NutraIngredients to eco-conscious suppliers like GreenWave Botanicals, each of the companies on this list brings something unique to the table. Remember, zeaxanthin benefits are best realized when the ingredient is pure, potent, and sourced responsibly, so don't hesitate to ask for certifications, sample products, or references before making a decision. Whether you're creating the next best lutein and zeaxanthin supplement or enhancing a functional food with this powerful antioxidant, the right supplier can be a game-changer for your business. With this guide in hand, you're well-equipped to find a partner that meets your needs and helps your products shine in the UK market.
