Listing Plant-Based Protein Shake as Grocery – Need Advice to Avoid Selling Restriction
Hello,
I'm preparing to create a new listing for a plant-based protein shake under the following category:
Grocery & Gourmet Food › Beverages › Bottled Beverages, Water & Drink Mixes › Meal Replacement & Protein Drinks › Protein Drinks.
The product is a protein drink powder made with ingredients like pea protein, rice protein, and other beans and vegetables, designed to be mixed with water or almond milk into a smooth, plant-based beverage.
It is not marketed as a dietary supplement — it’s positioned as a food product for everyday nutrition, similar to other protein shakes listed in the Grocery category.
Previously, when trying to list a similar product, I encountered a restriction where it was mistakenly classified under Diet & Sports Nutrition › Sports Nutrition › Protein › Blends, and I could not request approval to sell.
To avoid any similar issues, I would like to confirm:
- Will I be able to list this product without needing additional approval?
- Is there any risk it could be mistakenly flagged as a supplement again? (For example, should I avoid using the terms "vegan," "plant-based," or "protein shake" if I want to clearly position it as a food/snack?)
- Is there any better recommended category to ensure smooth listing approval?
FYI, my brand already got approved for Grocery & Gourmet Food .
Thank you very much in advance for your support and clarification!
Listing Plant-Based Protein Shake as Grocery – Need Advice to Avoid Selling Restriction
Hello,
I'm preparing to create a new listing for a plant-based protein shake under the following category:
Grocery & Gourmet Food › Beverages › Bottled Beverages, Water & Drink Mixes › Meal Replacement & Protein Drinks › Protein Drinks.
The product is a protein drink powder made with ingredients like pea protein, rice protein, and other beans and vegetables, designed to be mixed with water or almond milk into a smooth, plant-based beverage.
It is not marketed as a dietary supplement — it’s positioned as a food product for everyday nutrition, similar to other protein shakes listed in the Grocery category.
Previously, when trying to list a similar product, I encountered a restriction where it was mistakenly classified under Diet & Sports Nutrition › Sports Nutrition › Protein › Blends, and I could not request approval to sell.
To avoid any similar issues, I would like to confirm:
- Will I be able to list this product without needing additional approval?
- Is there any risk it could be mistakenly flagged as a supplement again? (For example, should I avoid using the terms "vegan," "plant-based," or "protein shake" if I want to clearly position it as a food/snack?)
- Is there any better recommended category to ensure smooth listing approval?
FYI, my brand already got approved for Grocery & Gourmet Food .
Thank you very much in advance for your support and clarification!
1 reply
Glenn_Amazon
Hi there @Seller_rOwUjnc5IY3xn,
Thank you for reaching out with your questions. In general I would recommend you reach out to your own compliance experts on if your product can be identified as supplement. Per Amazon's Dietary supplements help page:
The FDA defines a dietary ingredient as a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical, amino acid, or dietary substance used to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake; or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of the preceding substances intended for human consumption. Dietary supplements come in different forms such as powders, pills, capsules, liquid drops, and oral sprays. They include, but are not limited to, categories such as vitamins and minerals and herbs and botanicals; and they can be marketed for functions such as sexual enhancement, weight management, bodybuilding, sports nutrition, and joint health.
It is possible your product may be subject to this definition and you may need additional approval to list the product. As the products are labeled protein products, they may be considered protein supplements.
Rather than trying to find a category that would be easier to get approval, it is better to list your product as accurately as possible and go through the approval process. If you have additional questions on this issue feel free to reach out here. Thank you for your understanding.
-Glenn
