
The peptide industry, explained
Did someone say peptides? This episode of The Natural List Podcast features special guest Devon Gholam, PHD and editor at SupplySide Supplement Journal, to provide a comprehensive exploration of peptides in the natural products and supplement industry. The peptide market is projected to grow from $4 billion in 2026 to $6 billion by 2030, so it’s safe to say the best time to learn about peptides was yesterday, and the second-best time is right now. Together, Jessica Rubino, Adrienne Smith and Devon Gholam will demystify what peptides are—short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks between individual amino acids and full proteins—and examine their growing presence across pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements and functional foods. Both peptide newbies and industry experts will find something to take away from this episode as Devon delves into the safety considerations surrounding peptides, particularly the risks associated with non-FDA-approved injectable peptides versus oral supplement forms. The discussion offers practical guidance for consumers and formulators on selecting quality peptide supplements, and industry professionals will appreciate the discussion on responsible marketing and the need for gold-standard clinical trials. Looking ahead, our hosts also ask Devon to think about the possibilities for the peptide market’s growth. She predicts continued innovation in metabolic health applications and the potential for peptides to become a defining category in both pharmaceutical and natural products industries. Thank you to our sponsor, GnuSante ! In this episode: 0:40 – Meet Devon Gholam, PHD, editor at SupplySide Supplement Journal 1:10 – Why peptides are everywhere right now and what you need to know 2:07 – The peptide market is exploding: $4B to $6B by 2030 3:03 – Thank you to our sponsor GnuSante. 3:40 – Peptides 101 5:13 – Natural, synthetic or fermented? Breaking down peptide sources 5:48 – Why consumers are confused about peptides and why it matters 8:52 – The hidden dangers of "research use only" injectable peptides 10:03 – Can the supplement industry lead the way in peptide education and safety? 12:30 – Alarming survey: Half of patients admit using non-FDA-approved peptides 14:50 – GLP-1s and metabolic health: Supplements vs. pharmaceuticals 16:54 – Clinican validation is non-negotiable for peptide products 17:24 – Stay informed with Natural Foods Merchandiser (NFM). 18:20 – Nuritas is using AI to identify bioactive peptides in plant proteins with pre-clinical and clinical trials to prove efficacy. 19:23 – Plot twist: You're probably already using peptides (hello, collagen!) 21:40 – Crystal ball time: What's next for peptides in supplements? 23:30 – Are peptides just a flash in the pan, or here to stay? 25:35 – Consumer safety tips: What to know before you buy 26:34 – Industry insider advice: Best practices for peptide brands 28:00 – Connect with Devon on LinkedIn and dive deeper into peptide research in SupplySide Supplement Journal.
