How to Spot Fake Supplements in India: 7 Checks Before You Buy
Fake whey and pre-workouts are common. Seven quick checks — licence, batch, seal, price — to protect your money and health.
Updated 9 October 2026 · General information, not medical advice.
Counterfeit supplements are a real problem: wrong protein content, cheap fillers, sometimes banned substances. These checks take two minutes.
1. FSSAI licence on the label
Every food supplement sold in India must show the manufacturer's or importer's FSSAI licence number. No number is a red flag.
2. The seller's licence too
Online sellers of food products must show their own FSSAI licence number. Look for it in the store's footer.
3. Batch number and expiry
They should be printed clearly (not a loose sticker) and match your invoice.
4. Seals
An intact outer seal and inner foil. Broken or re-glued seals mean don't use it.
5. Price that's too good
Sales are normal; a price far below every authorised seller is how fakes are moved.
6. Mixability, smell and taste
Genuine whey dissolves reasonably well and smells like its flavour. A chalky texture, odd smell or lumps that won't dissolve deserve a complaint.
7. A proper invoice
Always get a GST invoice with the product name, batch and price.
Buy from authorised sellers, keep your invoice, and contact the brand if anything feels off.