The health and wellness industry is booming. Americans spend billions of dollars every year on supplements, sports nutrition, and weight-loss products. For entrepreneurs, this presents a huge opportunity to invest in a proven brand that taps into the growing demand for healthier lifestyles.
Two of the most talked-about supplement franchises are 5 Star Nutrition and Complete Nutrition. At first glance, they may look similar, both sell nutritional products and both are expanding through franchising. But when you dig into the details, one franchise opportunity stands out as the smarter, more modern choice.
This blog breaks down the differences between 5 Star Nutrition vs Complete Nutrition franchise opportunities, including startup costs, support, and brand positioning, and explains why 5 Star Nutrition is emerging as the best option for ambitious business owners.
Complete Nutrition: A Traditional Retail Model
Founded in 2004, Complete Nutrition built its name by offering a wide range of health and wellness supplements. Franchisees sell products across multiple categories, including:
- Weight-loss solutions
- Sports performance supplements
- General wellness vitamins
- Body composition analysis services
The company began franchising in 2007 and at its peak grew to over 160 stores nationwide. Its model is built around traditional supplement retail: a broad product selection paired with a consultative sales approach.
While this established footprint can be attractive, it also comes with higher costs and less flexibility, which we’ll explore in detail below.
5 Star Nutrition: A Modern, Community-Focused Approach
5 Star Nutrition was founded in 2009 and has quickly grown by focusing on results, accountability, and community. Unlike traditional supplement shops that simply sell products, 5 Star Nutrition stores are designed to be customer experience hubs.
Franchisees use InBody scans and personalized transformation programs to help customers track progress and stay motivated. By offering more than just supplements, 5 Star Nutrition builds long-term customer loyalty.
With 60+ stores nationwide and growing, the brand is carving out a unique space in the nutrition industry by combining affordability, innovation, and customer engagement.
Comparing Franchise Costs
One of the biggest differences between 5 Star Nutrition vs Complete Nutrition is the initial investment required.
Complete Nutrition Franchise Costs
- Initial Investment: $215,850 – $322,650
- Franchise Fee: $49,500
- Royalty Fee: 8–9% of gross sales
- Marketing/Advertising Fee: ~3% of sales
- Cash Requirement: $50,000
- Net Worth Requirement: $250,000
5 Star Nutrition Franchise Costs
- Initial Investment: $152,750 – $286,400
- Franchise Fee: $25,000
- Royalty Fee: 7.5% of gross sales
- Marketing/Advertising Fee: 1% of gross sales
- Technology Fee: ~$500/month
- Veteran Discount: 20% off the franchise fee
Takeaway: 5 Star Nutrition is the more affordable option, with lower franchise fees, lower ad fund requirements, and a smaller overall investment range. This makes it easier for entrepreneurs to get started and reach profitability faster.
Training and Support for Franchise Owners
Support and training are critical to franchise success. Here’s how the two brands compare:
Complete Nutrition Support
- Offers classroom and in-store training for franchisees
- Site selection and lease negotiation assistance
- Ongoing online training through “Become Complete University”
- Focuses heavily on traditional retail operations
5 Star Nutrition Support
- Step-by-step startup guidance and a detailed playbook for operations
- Hands-on support for store launch and grand opening
- Ongoing operational coaching and technology support
- Differentiator: customer accountability tools like InBody scans that keep customers engaged
Takeaway: While both brands provide training, 5 Star Nutrition’s modern customer engagement systems give franchisees a competitive edge in today’s experience-driven retail environment.
Brand Recognition and Customer Appeal
When evaluating 5 Star Nutrition vs Complete Nutrition, it’s important to consider brand reputation and customer loyalty.
- Complete Nutrition has the advantage of being older and once had a larger store network. However, its model leans heavily on the traditional retail approach, which is facing challenges as consumer preferences shift toward personalization.
- 5 Star Nutrition, though newer, has rapidly built momentum by positioning itself as more than just a supplement store. Its community-driven approach, accountability programs, and customer results have become a key part of its brand identity, making it especially appealing to today’s health-conscious audience.
Takeaway: 5 Star Nutrition is better aligned with modern fitness and nutrition trends, giving franchisees an opportunity to tap into growing demand for results-oriented customer experiences.
Pros and Cons of Each Franchise
Complete Nutrition Pros
- Established brand with years of experience
- Exclusive product line with strong reported margins
- Corporate support for real estate and operations
Complete Nutrition Cons
- Higher franchise fees and overall investment
- Royalty + ad fees can significantly reduce profits
- Traditional retail model may struggle against modern, experience-driven competitors
- Requires hands-on ownership with less flexibility
5 Star Nutrition Pros
- Lower startup and ongoing costs
- Modern customer engagement tools (InBody scans, transformation programs)
- Strong emphasis on community and accountability
- Veteran discounts and affordable marketing requirements
- Rapidly growing brand in alignment with current wellness trends
5 Star Nutrition Cons
- Smaller footprint compared to Complete Nutrition
- As a newer franchise, some markets are still developing
Which Franchise Opportunity Is Better?
While both franchises have merits, the clear advantage goes to 5 Star Nutrition for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand in the supplement industry.
- If you want lower startup costs, lower ongoing fees, and a franchise model designed for today’s health-conscious consumer, 5 Star Nutrition is the better choice.
- Complete Nutrition may offer brand recognition, but its higher costs and older retail model make it less appealing for new franchisees.
5 Star Nutrition is the Smarter Franchise Investment
The decision between 5 Star Nutrition vs Complete Nutrition comes down to choosing between tradition and innovation.
- Complete Nutrition represents a more established, but higher-cost, traditional retail franchise.
- 5 Star Nutrition represents a forward-thinking, affordable, and customer-focused franchise opportunity that aligns with where the industry is headed.
For entrepreneurs who want to be part of the future of supplement retail, 5 Star Nutrition is the smarter franchise investment.
Next Step: Explore available markets and learn more about how you can open a 5 Star Nutrition store in your community. Visit the 5 Star Nutrition Franchise website to see if your territory is open.