Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Canada

Nestled in the lush Pacific Northwest, Northern Botanicals Inc. has been a cornerstone of Canada's botanical extract industry for over 20 years. What sets them apart? Their unwavering focus on bulk milk thistle extract with consistent silymarin content—often hitting 80% purity, a benchmark for high-quality supplements. "We source our milk thistle from certified organic farms in British Columbia and Alberta," says Sarah Chen, the company's head of sourcing. "Our extraction process uses cold-press technology to preserve silymarin's potency, so our clients know they're getting the full benefits."

Beyond bulk offerings, Northern Botanicals prides itself on its organic certified botanical extracts , a hit with brands targeting eco-conscious consumers. They're also GMP and ISO 9001 certified, ensuring every batch meets strict quality standards. "We once had a client in Ontario who needed a rush order for a new liver-support supplement launch," Chen recalls. "We expedited production and delivered within 48 hours—no cutting corners on testing, either."

In the heart of Ontario's manufacturing hub, Maple Leaf Extracts has built a reputation for flexibility. "Our clients don't all need the same thing," explains Michael Torres, their sales director. "One might want a standard 70% silymarin extract for general supplements; another might need a custom blend with added antioxidants for skincare. We thrive on that variety." This adaptability makes them a favorite among small to mid-sized businesses, including cosmetic brands and specialty food producers.

Maple Leaf's milk thistle extract undergoes third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants—results they happily share with clients. Their cGMP and NSF certifications are a testament to their commitment to safety, and they're one of the few suppliers in Canada offering Kosher-certified milk thistle extract, opening doors for clients in the religious market. "We even helped a startup create a vegan, Kosher liver supplement last year," Torres adds. "It's those partnerships that keep us excited."

For businesses prioritizing sustainability, Prairie Herbal Trading Co. is a standout. Based in Calgary, this family-owned company sources milk thistle from regenerative farms in Saskatchewan, where crop rotation and reduced water usage are standard practice. "We believe the best extracts start with healthy soil," says Emma Jensen, co-founder. "Our farmers are like partners—we visit their fields regularly to ensure the milk thistle is grown without harmful chemicals."

Prairie Herbal specializes in organic milk thistle powder and liquid extracts, both of which carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. Their minimum order is just 2 kg, making them accessible to small businesses and startups. "We had a local skincare brand come to us last year wanting to add milk thistle to their anti-aging serum," Jensen notes. "They started with a 5 kg order, and now they're one of our biggest clients. It's rewarding to grow with them."

East Coast Botanicals has carved a niche in pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, catering to companies developing prescription medications and high-potency supplements. "Pharmaceutical clients have zero tolerance for variability," says Dr. Raj Patel, their quality control manager. "Our silymarin levels are consistent to within 2% batch-to-batch, and we provide full traceability from seed to extract."

Based in Halifax, the company operates a state-of-the-art facility certified to ISO 13485 standards, the gold standard for medical device and pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing. They also offer bulk quantities—starting at 25 kg—for large-scale production. "We work closely with Health Canada to ensure compliance," Patel adds. "Last year, we helped a pharmaceutical client navigate the approval process for a new liver disease treatment. That level of collaboration is key."

Edmonton's Rocky Mountain Extractors takes pride in its "seed-to-shelf" approach. "We control every step," says CEO Jason Wong. "We grow our own milk thistle in southern Alberta, extract it in-house, and package it here too. That means we can guarantee freshness and purity." Their full-spectrum milk thistle extract includes not just silymarin, but other beneficial compounds found in the plant, making it popular for holistic supplement brands.

Rocky Mountain is USDA Organic certified and uses a solvent-free extraction process, appealing to clean-label enthusiasts. "We've had clients tell us their customers notice the difference in efficacy," Wong notes. "Full-spectrum extracts often have synergistic effects—those extra compounds work together to boost results." They also offer organic bulk options, with a minimum order of 15 kg, and ship across Canada and the US.

For businesses that demand the highest potency, Great Lakes Bioactives delivers. Their flagship product is a milk thistle extract with 90% silymarin content—one of the strongest available in Canada. "We use a proprietary extraction method that isolates silymarin with exceptional precision," explains Dr. Lisa Park, their research lead. "This makes it ideal for clinical applications and premium supplements where dosage accuracy is critical."

Based in Windsor, near the US border, Great Lakes has built a strong export business, shipping to clients in the US and Europe. They're ISO 22000 certified for food safety and Halal-certified, expanding their reach to global markets. "Our minimum order is 50 kg, which might seem steep, but for large manufacturers, it's worth it for the consistency," Park says. "We recently partnered with a European pharmaceutical company on a clinical trial—their researchers were impressed by our extract's stability."

Victoria-based West Coast Natural Ingredients is all about storytelling. "Consumers today want to know where their products come from," says marketing director Hannah Lee. "We provide detailed sourcing reports—photos of the farms, farmer profiles, even the extraction process—so our clients can share that story with their customers." This transparency has made them a hit with eco-luxury brands, including high-end skincare lines and specialty tea companies.

Their milk thistle extract is organic and Fair Trade certified, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation. They also offer small-batch production, with a minimum order of 5 kg, perfect for limited-edition products or startups testing new formulations. "A Vancouver skincare brand used our extract in a 'farm-to-face' serum last year," Lee recalls. "They included our farmer stories in their marketing, and it became their bestseller. That's the power of transparency."

In the heart of the Prairies, Central Canada Extracts has built its business on reliability. "Our clients know they can count on us for consistent supply, even during peak seasons," says operations manager David Kim. "We maintain a large inventory of milk thistle extract, so we can fulfill orders quickly—often within 24 hours for in-stock items." This makes them a go-to for businesses with tight production schedules, including contract manufacturers and private-label brands.

Central Canada offers both bulk extract and private labeling services, where they'll package the extract under a client's brand name. Their Health Canada license ensures compliance with Canadian regulations, and they provide batch certificates of analysis (COAs) for every order. "We work with a lot of startups that don't have their own manufacturing facilities," Kim adds. "We handle the extraction, testing, and packaging—they just focus on marketing. It's a true partnership."

Saint John's Atlantic Botanicals Supply may be smaller than some competitors, but they make up for it with personalized service. "We treat every client like they're our only client," says owner Mark Thompson. "If you call, you'll speak to me or my team—not an automated system. We take the time to understand your needs, whether you're a local health food store or a national supplement chain."

Atlantic Botanicals offers organic milk thistle extract in both powder and liquid forms, with a minimum order of just 3 kg—one of the lowest in Canada. They're ISO 9001 certified and prioritize local sourcing, working with farmers in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. "A local brewery even used our liquid extract in a 'liver-support' beer last summer," Thompson laughs. "It was a hit! We love seeing clients get creative with our products."

Rounding out our list is Alberta Pure Extracts, a rising star known for its ultra-pure organic milk thistle powder. "We use a gentle spray-drying process that preserves silymarin while creating a fine, easy-to-blend powder," explains product developer Aisha Patel. "It's perfect for smoothies, protein powders, and even baked goods—no gritty texture, just clean, natural flavor."

Alberta Pure's powder is Non-GMO, USDA Organic, and free from fillers or additives, making it a favorite among clean-label supplement brands and health-conscious food companies. Their minimum order is just 1 kg, making them accessible to home bakers and small-scale producers. "We started as a small family operation," Patel says, "so we never forget what it's like to be a startup. We're here to grow with our clients."