We’ve all been there – browsing through the tempting ‘penny sale’ section and wondering whether we’ve hit the noni juice jackpot. You may even find some Holland and Barrett CBD products on promotion for prices that seem too good to be true. As we know, appearances can sometimes be deceiving. We’re digging up dirt on some controversial high street CBD products in this critical review and offering you an alternative curated model for a safer shopping experience. Prepare for some ethical issues, contamination reports, and fresh insights!
It’s helpful for us to place Holland and Barrett within a much broader mass-market movement – full of choices (and often hidden compromises). If you live in a developed country, it is highly likely that you already participate in the mass-market to some degree: whether it’s through picking up groceries from Asda, shopping for clothes in H&M, or buying furniture from IKEA. These types of stores often represent a substantial proportion of the markets they operate within by offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices. They also capitalise on “brand comfort” by encouraging customers to perceive them as trustworthy, convenient, and familiar sources.
Expectations vs Reality
We don’t expect any surprises when we’re shopping with mass-market outlets – just the same standardised experience. A McDonald’s burger tastes the same whether you’re in London, England, or London, Ontario. Some of us may feel empowered at the supermarket because we have 100 different versions of the same toothpaste to choose from. However, it’s also possible that some mass-market companies may use their economic influence to exploit consumers: selling dodgy products with inaccurate labels and potentially hazardous ingredients. As a result, this model has faced heavy criticism in a modern world where consumer conscience, environmental impact, ethics, and quality are increasingly important.
Can You Mass-Produce “Wellness”?
While companies such as Holland and Barrett industrially produce and sell “wellness” products like CBD oil on a mass scale, many of us approach personal health as an intimate and multi-faceted topic that demands special care. You could argue that mass-produced products may contradict the values that many of us hold dear regarding our wellbeing. Of course, health is not something you can buy in a bottle – despite what many leading retailers might suggest. In this article, we’ll be reviewing some of the reasons why you should avoid high street CBD products and access top-shelf CBD brands through niche platforms instead. First, let’s consider the background and popularity of stores such as Holland and Barrett.
The History of The Health Food Market
As we know, home farms have persisted throughout history as a way for people to survive independently by growing crops and raising animals to meet their dietary and economic needs. In the 16th century, British townspeople seeking natural wellness products often went to the local ‘apothecary’ – an advanced folk practitioner whose main tools were herbs, plants, spices, and alcohol. Within this tradition, people could experience relief from various health symptoms and engage with trusted local experts.
As far as marketing is concerned, we can trace ‘health foods’ back to the 1920s – a period that was otherwise known for its extravagant parties and wild alcohol consumption. During this time, health food stores began to emerge throughout the USA and the UK, and initially offered natural sugar products such as honey and molasses. By the 1960s, public demand for these stores surged considerably due to the rising popularity of alternative lifestyles. Since plant-based lifestyles and planet-conscious shopping remain at the forefront of our current priorities, health food stores remain highly trendy even in the modern world. As a testament to this, paparazzi often snap pictures of Hollywood celebrities touting grocery bags from American stores like Whole Foods. Now, let’s redirect our attention to the British market by appreciating Holland and Barrett’s history.
The Holland and Barrett Story
Founded in 1870s Britain by Major William Holland and Alfred Slapps Barrett, Holland and Barrett began as a small store in Hertfordshire, about 30 miles outside of London. Initially, it provided clothes and groceries without any particular emphasis on ‘health’ products. So how did it grow into a £1.8 billion franchise with the slogan: “health foods and natural remedies”?
Humble Beginnings
Today, Holland and Barrett is one of the most influential global health food chains. Its decision to start selling CBD products in 2018 was instrumental in bringing legal cannabis extracts to the mainstream marketplace. Perhaps this can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Holland and Barrett decided to expand their humble grocery section. After the business established an additional retail space in Epsom (home of the world-famous Epsom salts), Holland and Barrett representatives later sold the business to prospectors in the 1920s. A series of shifts took place as the company evolved into a global network full of affordable ‘health food’ items such as supplements and low-calorie snacks.
Changing Hands
Did you know that Lloyds Pharmacy once owned Holland and Barrett? This temporary arrangement took place in the 1990s and may potentially be a factor that propelled Holland and Barrett into a more wellness-conscious territory. However, there is a big difference between pharmacies and ‘health food’ retailers. As we know, pharmacies are responsible for supplying customers with licenced drugs and medical products that may either be purchased over the counter or prescribed by professional doctors. On the other hand, ‘health food’ stores are retailers who stock nutritional supplements, whole foods, and specialised products marketed towards people with dietary restrictions.
After Lloyds Pharmacy’s five-year run with Holland and Barrett, NBTY, and The Carlyle Group eventually purchased the health food brand. Today, the once-quintessentially British wellness company has transformed dramatically. L1 Retail – a corporation tied to Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman – calls the shots. With over 9,000 products sold in 1,300 stores throughout the UK, Europe and Asia, Holland and Barrett is truly a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, as with many large forces, numerous scandals have arisen around them – calling the brand’s integrity into question.
Holland and Barrett: Home of Discount Codes and Unpaid Staff?
For a brief time, Holland and Barrett was part of the highly controversial workfare scheme. This alternative welfare system drives vulnerable people to work in order to ‘earn’ the social benefits they qualify for, rather than compensating them with the standard minimum wage. Supporters argue it is a well-intentioned method of helping disadvantaged people transition into the job market, while critics say it is a form of ‘slave labour’. Could Holland and Barrett have offered us popular discount codes at the expense of looking after their staff?
Understandably, companies can save a lot of money and avoid extra responsibilities with ‘volunteer’ jobseekers, but it presents a vast ethics issue. In Britain, Holland and Barrett stores used approximately 1,000 unpaid workers between 2011 and 2012. These temporary recruitment preferences triggered an enormous outcry – climaxing in dramatic and violent protests, as people displayed banners reading: “If you exploit us, we will shut you down.” In response, the company discreetly backed out of the workfare scheme but still opted to advertise apprenticeships compensated at roughly £2.50 per hour.
Further Problems In-Store During the Pandemic
In April of 2020, the BBC reported another Holland and Barrett controversy – this time regarding the company’s decision to remain open during times of lockdown. Due to its stock list of gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan products, the government did not force it to shut its doors. However, thousands of staff members felt the shops were ill-equipped to support new health and safety measures. Despite growing concerns and staff petitions, Holland and Barrett conducted business in-store instead of transitioning to online sales. This decision upset many people, and it may tie in with broader criticisms about mass-market interests.
As we’ve reviewed, Holland and Barrett began as a small, local business (a niche market) run by health food enthusiasts and later morphed into a dominating brand (mass-market) that has faced some criticism regarding its ethics. Before we go on to assess CBD products from Holland and Barrett’s own-brand line, let’s weigh up the pros and cons of niche markets and mass-markets.
Niche Market vs Mass-Market
In business terms, a niche market is all about quality over quantity. It’s a relatively small and highly selective market that offers a range of products or services dealing with a specific theme or issue. Here’s a simple example: if a supermarket represents a mass-market, then an independent bakery represents a niche market. You wouldn’t shop there for random products or general supplies, but if you enjoyed the recipe and trusted the brand, you would make a point of buying your bread there.
While cheaper, factory-made goods may be available at the supermarket, niche markets are devoted to the best practices and high-quality output. Since the consequences of eating defective goods can involve allergic reactions, illness, and even more severe incidents, isn’t it worth purchasing wellness products from reliable brands that can demonstrate their expertise?
Underrated Benefits of the Niche Market
One of the primary challenges associated with the niche market is its pricing. Often, niche markets launch on a local scale before negotiating and striking more competitive deals with international suppliers. Typically, their initial running costs are high. However, their commitment to quality means that they avoid cheap or faulty ingredients. Unlike vast corporations, niche markets may not have access to advanced legal representation. As a result, they may be less likely to exploit system loopholes or ‘hoodwink’ customers with counterfeit products.
Niche markets often require more of an upfront financial investment from customers in the short-term, but you can expect long-term benefits such as:
- Access to advanced expertise and specialised product knowledge
- Genuine customer care and relationship building
- Being part of a like-minded community
- A quality over quantity approach
- Rigorously tested and high-end products
- A culture that places value on environmental and ethical impact
Misleading ‘Benefits’ of the Mass-Market
While niche markets speak to our consciences, mass-markets often talk to our wallets. Hard financial times can drive us to seek out the cheapest options available, without adequately considering the quality of our products. As the old saying goes: “you get what you pay for.” Mass-market retailers can often offer very competitive rates, since they have an extensive and broad range of industry contacts and products. But cheaper isn’t always better. Sometimes, low prices may indicate that companies have made compromises regarding their ingredients, sourcing methods, and ethics. Potentially, this might even be associated with consumption risks in the case of edible products.
While there are some cheap, short-term options available through the mass-market, you may also have to deal with inconveniences such as:
- A generalised knowledge base that may not support your specific queries
- Limited customer care and poor relationship building
- Feeling less connected with a particular community
- A ‘quantity over quality’ approach
- Unclear standards and inconclusive product guidelines
- A culture that places value on making as much money as possible
Now that we’ve addressed the pros and cons of different market styles, let’s look at some industrial challenges related to CBD products.
What is CBD? – A Quick Reminder
CBD (cannabidiol) has taken the UK marketplace by storm over the past few years and shows no signs of stopping! According to recent research from the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis (CMC), British CBD oil users often purchase cannabis-derived products equivalent to the monthly sum of an average electricity bill (£58). While electricity powers our homes, CBD is a natural substance that has sparked considerable intrigue due to its potential wellbeing benefits.
Potential CBD Benefits
Many anecdotal reports suggest that CBD may possibly influence how we experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms connected with common ailments. Studies indicate that this natural extract might potentially be of benefit if you’re facing symptoms of pain, inflammation, and sleep disturbances. Interestingly, CBD use is particularly trending among young and middle-aged audiences – as the Statista infographic below illustrates:
If you’d like to learn more, we have an entire article exploring the possible reasons why people are gravitating towards CBD like never before.
Popular CBD Products
CBD, sometimes known as the “calm compound”, is a prevalent cannabinoid (cannabis molecule) that manufacturers source from hemp plants. As an extract, it is slightly oily – which makes it suitable for combining with base oils and infusing into a wide variety of products.
Among the most popular items, you can find:
- CBD oil (consumed by placing CBD drops under the tongue)
- CBD gummies (chewy ‘sweets’ containing a pre-measured dose)
- CBD capsules/tablets (taken orally as part of a food supplement regime)
- CBD topicals (applied directly to the skin or infused in bath water)
- CBD vape products (inhaled through an e-cigarette apparatus)
Is CBD Oil Legal?
If you live in the UK, botanical products (such as CBD) oil are legal as long as they comply with safety regulations. The British government currently views cannabis as a Class B drug, but its reputation as a controlled substance is mostly due to the plant’s THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) compound.
Unlike CBD, THC has mood-altering and habit-forming side effects and may potentially produce an intoxicating “high” when consumed in sufficient quantities. Since CBD and THC occur naturally together in the leaves, stems, and flowers of cannabis plants, UK law requires specialised hemp extraction methods to ensure that CBD products contain no more than 0.2% THC. If these products contain excess THC (or any other prohibited substances), they are considered illegal in the eyes of British law.
Similar rules apply throughout much of Europe and in numerous other countries. However, it’s best to consult the government guidelines where you live before integrating CBD into your routine. As you can imagine, there are ongoing debates about the extent to which businesses and retailers should be held accountable for the products they sell. Here, Holland and Barrett is no exception.
Holland and Barrett CBD Product Criticism
Recently, a journalist named Jonathan Bucks released a sensational article with the provocative headline: ‘Illegal cannabis oil for sale…at Holland and Barrett’. According to research conducted by Fera Science, some of the CBD oils sold by the popular health food store may potentially contain over ten times more THC than the legal limit of 0.2% per product. These shocking test results centred on Jacob Hooy CBD – a Dutch brand still available in Holland and Barrett stores nationwide.
Jacob Hooy CBD Controversy
Observers first expressed suspicion when they noticed that Holland and Barrett’s online product information conflicted with the official Jacob Hooy website. The health food store claims that these products are “non-psychoactive, and the THC content is tested on every batch to meet specification requirements of less than 0.05%”. Some anecdotal reports have suggested that the Jacob Hooy website formerly listed THC content that exceeded the UK legal limits. Both platforms now refrain from providing scientific analysis or reports to update us. To make matters worse, 2020 studies from the BBC Two series Trust Me, I’m a Doctor indicate that Jacob Hooy CBD oil may potentially contain 40% less CBD extract than their labels suggest.
This situation potentially undermines controlled substance regulations and food laws, which aim to protect the general public and prevent businesses from misleading customers with false advertising. Furthermore, it may possibly lead some CBD oil users to consume excess amounts of THC without realising it – increasing their risk of:
- Screening positive for “marijuana” in workplace drug tests
- Experiencing habit-forming or mood-altering side-effects
- Substance-induced impairment of cognitive functions
- Adverse effects while driving or performing other operational tasks
Unpleasant Surprises in CBD Product Samples
Fera Science also reviewed 31 CBD oil brands sold online and in Holland and Barrett high-street stores, triggering a new wave of concerning claims. Allegedly, almost one-third of the sample’s CBD products tested positive for illegal THC concentrations. One of the products in question may have contained close to 24mg of THC! For reference, experts advise that consuming 10mg or more may potentially be associated with adverse side-effects and psychoactive properties. And, of course, it’s against UK law.
Negative Holland and Barrett CBD Reviews
Numerous Holland and Barrett customers have voiced their opinions on the company’s CBD products through Trustpilot – an online consumer review platform. According to the data present in February 2021, roughly 28% of the feedback posts are negative: almost one in four customers have rated their experience as “bad”.
One customer says that his experience purchasing CBD from Holland and Barrett felt “like an April Fools’ joke”, while several others express their disappointment with the quality and marketing of the CBD products they bought. There are also discussions of anaphylactic shocks and one anecdotal account that Holland and Barrett may potentially prevent negative product reviews from appearing on their website. Of course, we do not know the broader contexts at play in these cases. However, in principle, the customer is always right, and businesses should always encourage their customers to make informed choices.
Broader Problems With Buying CBD Oil on the High-Street
Customers, journalists and laboratory experts have raised some serious issues regarding Holland and Barrett’s approach to quality control and accurate product labelling. However, concerns about authenticity and legitimacy may also apply to the broader selection of CBD oils and other supplements available through British high-street stores.
Analysts from the CMC recently sampled 29 high-street CBD products and suggested that almost half of them contained excess amounts of THC. This review also indicated that nearly 40% of the samples had substantially less CBD than their labels claimed. Researchers also detected toxins such as heavy metals in approximately 25% of the products. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, one so-called CBD product sold on the high-street contained 0% CBD!
While most of us have no problem accepting the mystery ingredients in our grandmother’s cooking, we certainly don’t imbue that level of trust into food and wellness corporations. Widespread talk of Holland and Barrett’s controversial business practices are far from comforting. Likewise, news of possibly misleading advertising campaigns and questionable laboratory results raise other red flags. Thankfully, there are alternative ways to access CBD without putting your peace or wellbeing on the line.
How to Spot the Best CBD Products
As you may have gathered, there is a particular knack for spotting a premium CBD brand. While we sometimes assume that products accepted by mass-market retailers such as Holland and Barrett have passed rigorous in-house tests, this may not be the case. Despite how convenient it might seem to make a quick trip to your local store and leave with a shiny, new bottle of ‘CBD oil’, you may be taking a huge gamble. A lot of work, care and expertise go into manufacturing CBD that’s authentic, safe and high-quality. Shouldn’t we (as consumers) take similar care levels when selecting meaningful wellness products?
If you have enough time on your hands to carry out a self-directed review, the research tips listed below may bring you one step closer to your ideal niche-market premium CBD product. To go straight to the quickest solution, you may wish to skip past this section.
Look For High-Quality Packaging
Since brands often display sample images of their products online, you can use this as an opportunity to gain insights from the product design. While top-rated CBD brands want their packaging to be pleasing to the eye, they also recognise the importance of functionality. CBD is an active botanical compound – which means that exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays can cause it to degrade. For this reason, niche CBD companies generally choose to package their products in amber-tinted glass bottles or opaque containers. Sometimes, the packaging’s surface area is covered with extensive labels to protect the product’s integrity. CBD oil sold in transparent glass or plastic bottles may represent a low-quality (or potentially fake) formula.
When examining product packaging, you should also look for:
- A list of ingredients
- Specifications – such as the spectrum and concentration of CBD exact
- Reassuring bonus signs – such as vegan-friendly and sustainability logos
Expect to See Honest Marketing
While many people share firsthand perspectives of their experiences using CBD, we mustn’t elevate these personal stories above the objective evidence. Since cannabis-derived wellness trends are relatively recent market developments, it stands to reason that research is currently limited. The customer reviews may be glowing, but brands who maintain the best industry practices will prioritise the facts and seek to educate you as a consumer. Often, niche manufacturers who love what they do cannot keep the exciting possibilities of CBD to themselves! The content they share should be thought-provoking and inspiring, without making any blatant health claims.
As you may know, commercial brands who attempt to promote CBD as a “cure”, “treatment”, or “health-boosting” substance may be in direct violation of Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulations. Companies interested solely in making a profit may choose to neglect their responsibilities, but most high-end CBD brands err on the side of caution by investing in diligent marketing.
Some of the materials released by trust-worthy CBD brands often include:
- Research-based blog articles
- Observations from PubMed and other acclaimed science platforms
- Carefully worded campaigns and transparent disclaimers
Look For a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
You wouldn’t be pleased if you hired a self-professed Harvard University graduate who could not supply you with any evidence of their achievements, would you? Similarly, a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a must-have document that confirms the chemical makeup of any given CBD product. Typically, brands enlist third-party laboratories to produce these conclusive reports and prevent any conflict of interest.
As it happens, there are currently no publicly-available lab certificates to support Holland and Barrett’s home-brand CBD range. This problem also extends to many other companies dabbling in the legal cannabis industry. As you can imagine, thorough testing procedures require additional funding and may highlight legal compliance or food safety issues. For niche-market CBD companies, reputation is everything, and they approach quality-control measures with enthusiasm. It’s vital to look for brands who proudly display their COAs and (presumably) have nothing to hide.
Read Some Press Releases and Customer Reviews
If there is a particular newspaper or magazine you take lifestyle advice from, why not check what they have to say about individual CBD brands? In many cases, this will help you weed out any unwanted products, such as those associated with scams, complaints, or negative reviews. It’s a good idea to keep in mind that some CBD-themed press releases may be slightly biased since the brands themselves might have commissioned them. However, respected publications are unlikely to put their reputations on the line by misleadingly promoting products.
The customer reviews featured on your chosen CBD brand’s official website are a great place to start, but it’s also essential to expand your reach. Depending on who is hosting the website, some companies may filter out any negative CBD reviews submitted by customers. This editing could mean that the feedback you’re reading may only represent one side of the story. As a result, it’s wise to browse customer reviews using your favourite search engine, or top-rated platforms such as Trustpilot. Remember to factor in overall customer service feedback and comments about the products.
Shop Smarter With a Curated Online Marketplace
If the selection tips detailed above seem exhaustive, it’s because they are – and this is just the tip of the iceberg. You can never be too careful when choosing a reliable CBD product. To be honest, learning how to navigate a rapidly expanding marketplace on your own is enough to give you a headache – which is the last thing you want if you’re looking for CBD to help with your pain symptoms! But don’t worry – there is an even smarter way to source your products.
What is a Curated Marketplace?
Put simply, a curated marketplace offers an exclusive range of pre-screened products that have ticked all the boxes before they hit the shelves. There are plenty of great CBD products out there, but finding them can be a mammoth and time-consuming task. Using a curated marketplace can streamline your experience and automatically narrow down your options to only the best. Instead of being under pressure to judge between the “good”, the “bad”, and the “ugly”, all you have to worry about is which high-quality product is most suitable for your needs.
Some of the top advantages of shopping through curated collections include:
- Time-efficiency (as you’ll avoid wasting valuable time on unworthy products)
- Convenience (as all of your options are pooled together on one platform)
- Quality-control (as in-house experts put every product to the test)
- Superior customer care (as you’re dealing with a dedicated and focussed team)
- Secure purchasing (with customer guarantees and fair returns-policies)
Alphagreen: Your Niche-Market CBD Platform
If you’re looking to browse, compare and shop from the world’s leading cannabis-derived wellness brands, Alphagreen offers an unbeatable experience. Our team of experts goes to great lengths to give you every assurance regarding the products on our marketplace. We do the fieldwork behind the scenes, so you don’t have to review lab results, analyse customer feedback, and test products to assess their worth. In the end, our platform represents only the best – with the certificates and reviews to prove it. This way, you’re not left to make any general assumptions or blind purchases.
Some factors that set us apart from mass-retailers such as Holland and Barrett include:
- Our highly selective collection of premium brands
- Our decision to supply copies of COAs for every product
- Our extensive library of research articles
- Our interactive shopping experience (including advanced search filter options)
If you’d like a personalised shortlist of products to suit your needs, our 2-minute quiz is a great place to start! Meanwhile, let’s close with our conclusion and a few frequently asked questions.
Throughout this article, we’ve learned that mass-market retailers generally prioritise quantity over quality without placing focus or expertise on one specific area or service. On the other hand, niche-market retailers hone in on one or two dedicated themes: CBD and hemp, for example. They are committed to high-quality output and treat customers with great care. Over the past few years, there have been several causes for concern regarding the controversial business practices upheld by mass-market health food retailer Holland and Barrett. Chemistry analysts indicate that some of their CBD products may be contaminated, and this problem may also apply to other popular chain stores. As a result, niche-market retailers like Alphagreen are by far the best place to source your CBD – especially since they maintain meticulous and evidence-based selection processes. If you’re looking to buy CBD, choose a retailer who knows hemp like the back of their hand! You won’t regret it.
Anastasiia Myronenko
Anastasiia Myronenko is a Medical Physicist actively practicing in one of the leading cancer centers in Kyiv, Ukraine. She received her master’s degree in Medical Physics at Karazin Kharkiv National University and completed Biological Physics internship at GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Germany. Anastasiia Myronenko specializes in radiation therapy and is a fellow of Ukrainian Association of Medical Physicists.