Herbalife is an MLM (multilevel marketing) company that sells dietary supplements, “nutritional shake mixes,” and protein powders. Its multilevel business structure allows distributors to earn a profit by selling Herbalife products and recruiting others to do the same. Herbalife is not approved by the FDA and has been the subject of several lawsuits filed by independent parties and the federal government.
The company’s products are also controversial because they contain high levels of caffeine. The CDC and National Institutes of Health warn that caffeinated drinks, such as Herbalife’s loaded teas, can cause dizziness, heart palpitations and stomach upset. However, many consumers in Weld County still purchase Herbalife products. In addition, there is a growing trend of people making their own loaded teas at home.
Aside from the controversies, Herbalife has been accused of misleading its customers about its products and compensation. Its distributors often make inflated claims about how much they can make by selling Herbalife products, according to an article from the Los Angeles Times. They also often encourage their customers to buy Herbalife products in bulk.
To be clear, Herbalife is a legitimate product, but its MLM structure leaves a lot to be desired. Competitors in the nutrition industry are successful because they offer lower prices or provide more value than Herbalife’s products. In addition, they are able to attract customers by offering more support services for those who have used their products. However, Herbalife’s online store makes it difficult to access important information such as the ingredients and allergens in its products.