In a world where screen time dominates our days and eye health concerns grow more common, lutein has emerged as a quiet hero. This naturally occurring carotenoid, found in leafy greens like spinach and kale, plays a vital role in protecting our eyes from harmful blue light and supporting long-term vision health. For Swedes, who value wellness and natural solutions, the demand for high-quality lutein—whether in supplements, functional foods, or pharmaceuticals—has never been higher. But finding a reliable source of lutein can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. That's why we've compiled this guide to the top 10 lutein suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Sweden. These companies aren't just selling a product; they're partners in prioritizing health, sustainability, and innovation.
Lutein isn't just for eye health, though that's certainly its most celebrated benefit. It's also a powerful antioxidant, supporting overall cellular health and even contributing to skin protection. When paired with its sister carotenoid, zeaxanthin, lutein becomes even more effective, forming a dynamic duo that's a staple in many eye health supplements. In Sweden, where regulations around supplements and food ingredients are strict, choosing a supplier that meets rigorous quality standards is non-negotiable. Whether you're a small supplement brand, a pharmaceutical company, or a food manufacturer looking to boost your products with lutein, the following suppliers stand out for their commitment to excellence.
1. Nordic Lutein Solutions AB
Founded in 2008 in Uppsala, Nordic Lutein Solutions AB has built a reputation as one of Sweden's most trusted names in lutein and zeaxanthin extracts. What sets them apart? A laser focus on sustainable sourcing and cold-press extraction methods that preserve the integrity of their ingredients. "We believe nature knows best," says their mission statement, and it shows in their product line.
The company specializes in bulk lutein powders (with concentrations ranging from 5% to 90%) and ready-to-use lutein-zeaxanthin blends, perfect for supplement manufacturers. They also offer organic-certified options, sourced from marigold farms in southern Europe that follow regenerative agriculture practices. Nordic Lutein Solutions holds GMP and ISO 22000 certifications, ensuring every batch meets strict safety and quality benchmarks.
Key Markets:
Supplements, functional foods, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. They've recently expanded into the pet health sector, providing lutein for dog and cat eye care products.
Why Choose Them?
Their small-batch production model ensures freshness, and their customer service team includes food scientists who can help tailor formulations to specific needs—whether you're creating a vegan capsule or a lutein-infused energy bar.
2. Swedish Natural Extracts Co.
Based in Gothenburg, Swedish Natural Extracts Co. has been a cornerstone of the Nordic natural ingredients market since 1995. While they offer a range of botanical extracts, their lutein products are a standout, thanks to their innovative "dual-source" approach: combining marigold-derived lutein with lutein from organic kale, grown locally in Skåne. This unique blend not only boosts bioavailability but also supports regional farmers.
The company caters to both wholesalers and direct buyers, with minimum order quantities as low as 1kg for small businesses. Their product portfolio includes oil-based lutein suspensions (ideal for liquid supplements) and water-soluble powders for beverages. All products are tested for heavy metals and pesticides, with certificates of analysis (COAs) provided with every order.
Sustainability Focus:
Swedish Natural Extracts Co. is carbon-neutral, with solar panels powering their extraction facility and a zero-waste policy that repurposes marigold plant waste as fertilizer. They're also a member of the Sustainable Food Trust, a global organization promoting ethical sourcing.
Customer Favorite:
Their "Lutein 20% Zeaxanthin 4%" blend, a popular choice for eye health supplements, thanks to its precise ratio that mirrors the natural levels found in the human macula.
3. ScanLutein Trading & Distribution
If you're looking for a wholesaler that can handle large-scale orders, ScanLutein Trading & Distribution in Malmö is the go-to. Established in 2010, they specialize in importing high-purity lutein from leading manufacturers in China and India, then distributing it to businesses across Scandinavia. Their strength lies in logistics: they maintain a 5,000 sq. meter warehouse in Malmö, ensuring quick delivery times (typically 24–48 hours within Sweden).
ScanLutein offers both synthetic and natural lutein options, though their natural line—sourced from non-GMO marigolds—accounts for 70% of sales. They also provide custom packaging, from 1kg foil bags to 25kg drums, and can private-label bulk powders for clients who want to brand their own ingredients.
Certifications:
Kosher, Halal, and REACH compliant, making their products accessible to a wide range of markets, including religious communities and EU-based pharmaceutical firms.
Fun Fact:
They recently partnered with a Swedish sports nutrition brand to create a lutein-infused pre-workout powder, targeting athletes concerned about eye strain from late-night training sessions under bright gym lights.
4. EcoLutein Nordic
EcoLutein Nordic, located in Lund, is all about innovation. Founded in 2015 by a team of biochemists, they've developed a proprietary extraction method using supercritical CO2, which eliminates the need for harsh solvents and results in lutein with 30% higher bioavailability than traditional methods. "We wanted to create a lutein that the body can actually use," explains their CEO, Anna Lindström.
Their flagship product, "EcoLutein Pure," is a 5% lutein powder derived from organic marigolds grown in Spain. They also offer a "KidsLutein" line—microencapsulated lutein that's tasteless and easy to mix into children's vitamins or yogurt. EcoLutein Nordic holds organic certifications from the EU and USDA, and their facility is powered entirely by wind energy.
Sustainability Highlights:
They offset 150% of their carbon emissions through reforestation projects in Sweden, and their packaging is 100% biodegradable. For every order, they donate a portion of proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund's ocean conservation efforts.
Ideal For:
Brands focused on clean labels and eco-conscious consumers. Their microencapsulated lutein is a hit with pediatric supplement companies, as it avoids the bitter taste often associated with carotenoids.
5. Baltic Extracts & Ingredients
With headquarters in Stockholm and a production facility in Tallinn, Estonia, Baltic Extracts & Ingredients bridges Scandinavian quality with Baltic efficiency. Since 2012, they've focused on providing high-volume lutein solutions for large-scale manufacturers, with the capacity to produce up to 500kg of lutein powder per month.
Their product range includes standard lutein (10–20% concentration), lutein esters, and stabilized lutein beadlets for use in tablets and capsules. They source marigold petals from India and Africa, working directly with farmers to ensure fair trade practices. Baltic Extracts holds GMP, ISO 9001, and FSSAI certifications, and their lab in Stockholm conducts third-party testing for heavy metals and microbial contamination.
Key Advantage:
Competitive pricing without compromising quality. Their bulk pricing tiers make them a favorite among pharmaceutical companies producing generic eye health medications.
Customer Support:
They offer 24/7 technical support for international clients and can arrange door-to-door delivery to 30+ countries, including expedited shipping for urgent orders.
6. Nordic NutraIngredients
Nordic NutraIngredients, based in Västerås, has been a trusted supplier to the health and wellness industry since 2001. While they're known for their wide range of vitamins and minerals, their lutein products stand out for their versatility. Whether you need a 1% lutein liquid for beverages or a 90% lutein ester for pharmaceutical use, they've got you covered.
What makes them unique? Their in-house R&D team is constantly innovating. They recently launched a "Lutein+" blend that combines lutein with astaxanthin and vitamin E for enhanced antioxidant benefits—a hit with skincare brands looking to add eye health benefits to their serums. Nordic NutraIngredients is certified by the Health Food Manufacturers Association (HFMA) and follows the EU's Novel Food regulations.
Custom Formulations:
They excel at creating bespoke blends. One client, a Swedish energy drink company, worked with them to develop a lutein-infused beverage that delivers 2mg of lutein per can—perfect for gamers and office workers.
Logistics:
With warehouses in Sweden, Germany, and the UK, they can ship to most of Europe within 48 hours, making them a reliable partner for time-sensitive projects.
7. Swedish Lutein Wholesalers Ltd.
As the name suggests, Swedish Lutein Wholesalers Ltd. in Helsingborg is all about making lutein accessible to businesses of all sizes. Founded in 2015 by two former supplement industry executives, they've built a model centered on transparency and affordability. "We cut out the middleman," says co-founder Erik Johansson. "By working directly with farmers and extractors, we pass savings on to our clients."
They offer a range of lutein products, including bulk powder (5–20% concentration), softgel capsules, and liquid extracts. Their most popular item is the "StandardLutein 10%" powder, which is affordably priced and ideal for small to medium-sized supplement brands. Swedish Lutein Wholesalers holds GMP certification and provides detailed COAs for every batch.
Customer Perk:
First-time clients receive a free sample kit, allowing them to test products before committing to a large order. They also offer flexible payment terms for startups, including net-30 invoicing.
Community Focus:
They partner with local vocational schools to train the next generation of natural ingredients specialists, and their Helsingborg warehouse hosts monthly workshops on sustainable sourcing.
8. Gothenburg Botanical Extracts
Gothenburg Botanical Extracts has been a family-owned business since 1978, starting as a small herbal apothecary and growing into a leading supplier of botanical extracts for Europe. Their lutein line, launched in 2010, reflects their commitment to tradition and quality: they use a cold-water extraction method that's been passed down through three generations of the Andersson family.
The company specializes in organic lutein (both powder and liquid) sourced from marigold farms in Italy that have been certified organic since the 1990s. They also offer a "HerbalLutein" blend, which combines lutein with bilberry extract and vitamin C for added eye support. Gothenburg Botanical Extracts holds EU Organic and Demeter certifications, and their facility is regularly audited by the Swedish Food Agency.
Niche Market:
They're a top choice for traditional medicine practitioners and naturopaths, who appreciate their focus on whole-plant extracts and holistic formulations.
Legacy Quality:
Many of their extraction methods are proprietary, developed over decades of trial and error. Their lutein powder has a shelf life of 36 months—longer than most competitors—thanks to their unique drying process.
9. Nordic Pharma Ingredients AB
For pharmaceutical-grade lutein, look no further than Nordic Pharma Ingredients AB in Uppsala. Founded in 2001, this company specializes in high-purity ingredients for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with a focus on lutein and zeaxanthin for ophthalmic drugs and medical foods.
Their "PharmaLutein 90%" is a ultra-pure lutein ester powder that meets the strict standards of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). They also offer sterile lutein solutions for injectable medications, though this product is only available to licensed pharmaceutical companies. Nordic Pharma Ingredients holds ISO 13485 (medical device) certification and operates a cleanroom facility that meets EU GMP Annex 1 standards.
Regulatory Expertise:
Their team includes regulatory specialists who can help clients navigate the complex approval processes for pharmaceutical products, including submitting dossiers to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
R&D Collaboration:
They partner with Uppsala University's Department of Ophthalmology to research new applications for lutein, including its potential role in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
10. Stockholm Lutein & Zeaxanthin Traders
Rounding out our list is Stockholm Lutein & Zeaxanthin Traders, a global trading company with a strong presence in the Nordic market. Founded in 2012, they source lutein from leading manufacturers worldwide, curating a portfolio of high-quality products to meet diverse client needs. "We're like a matchmaker," says CEO Sofia Larsson. "We find the perfect lutein solution for each customer, whether they need organic, synthetic, or something in between."
They offer lutein in all forms: powder, liquid, beads, and esters, with concentrations ranging from 1% to 98%. They also specialize in hard-to-find variants, such as water-soluble lutein and lutein with added omega-3s. Stockholm Lutein & Zeaxanthin Traders holds GMP and Halal certifications, and their global network allows them to source rare ingredients quickly.
Global Reach, Local Service:
While they source internationally, their Stockholm office provides personalized support in Swedish, English, and Finnish, ensuring clients feel supported throughout the ordering process.
Trend Spotters:
They stay ahead of industry trends, recently adding a "VeganLutein" line (derived from algae, not marigolds) to meet the growing demand for plant-based ingredients.
How to Choose the Right Lutein Supplier in Sweden
With so many options, selecting a lutein supplier can feel daunting. Here are key factors to consider to ensure you find the perfect partner for your business:
1. Certifications Matter
Look for suppliers with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification, which ensures their facility meets strict hygiene and quality standards. If you're targeting organic markets, EU Organic or USDA Organic certifications are a must. For pharmaceutical clients, ISO 13485 or EMA compliance is critical. Don't hesitate to ask for copies of certifications—reputable suppliers will provide them gladly.
2. Sourcing Transparency
Where does the lutein come from? Marigold is the most common source, but some suppliers offer algae-based or kale-derived lutein. Ask about the origin of the raw materials and whether the supplier works directly with farmers or uses middlemen. Sustainable sourcing practices, such as fair trade or regenerative agriculture, are increasingly important to consumers, so this can be a selling point for your products.
3. Quality Control and Testing
A reliable supplier will conduct rigorous testing on every batch of lutein. Ask about their quality control processes: do they test for purity, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination? Do they provide a certificate of analysis (COA) with each order? Third-party testing is a good sign, as it adds an extra layer of accountability.
4. Product Range and Flexibility
Consider your specific needs: Are you looking for bulk powder, ready-to-use capsules, or custom formulations? Some suppliers specialize in one form, while others offer a range of options. If you anticipate scaling your business, check if the supplier can accommodate larger orders down the line. Flexibility is also key—can they adjust formulations or packaging to meet your brand's unique requirements?
5. Customer Support and Expertise
A great supplier does more than just sell products—they act as a partner. Look for companies with knowledgeable staff who can answer technical questions, help with formulations, or provide guidance on regulatory compliance. Smaller suppliers may offer more personalized service, while larger ones might have more resources for R&D collaboration.
6. Sustainability and Ethics
Today's consumers care about the environmental and social impact of the products they buy. Ask about the supplier's sustainability practices: Do they use renewable energy? Is their packaging eco-friendly? Do they support fair labor practices? Choosing a supplier with strong ethics can enhance your brand's reputation and appeal to conscious consumers.
Lutein's role in supporting eye health and overall wellness is clearer than ever, and Sweden's market for high-quality lutein products continues to grow. Whether you're a startup supplement brand or a multinational pharmaceutical company, the suppliers on this list offer the quality, reliability, and innovation needed to succeed. By prioritizing certifications, transparency, and sustainability, you can find a partner that not only meets your business needs but also aligns with your values. Here's to building healthier products—and healthier communities—together.
