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Thorne vs NOW Foods Calcium (2026)
Disclosure: We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores. Editorial policy
The Verdict
Thorne scores higher on our rubric (82 vs 75 on our 0-100 execution score), driven by its NSF Certified for Sport testing and DiCalcium Malate form. NOW Foods is the value pick at about $0.15 per dose versus Thorne's $0.47, and carries the Best Value badge in our calcium scoring. In our view, if you want the highest-tested option and the malate form, Thorne earns its score; if you want a well-absorbed calcium citrate at the lowest cost, NOW Foods delivers. Both beat the carbonate products on absorption.
Calcium (formerly DiCalcium Malate)
Thorne
Calcium Citrate Pure Powder
NOW Foods
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Calcium (formerly DiCalcium Malate) Thorne | Calcium Citrate Pure Powder NOW Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Score | 82/100Winner | 75/100 |
| Dosing & Form | 23/25Winner | 23/25 |
| Purity | 25/25Winner | 18/25 |
| Value | 9/25 | 15/25Winner |
| Transparency | 25/25Winner | 19/25 |
| Cost/Day | $0.47 | $0.15Winner |
| Dose/Serving | 500mg | 600mg |
| Form | DiCalcium Malate (DimaCal) | Calcium Citrate (powder) |
| Third-Party Tested | ✓ Yes | No |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No |
Why This Comparison Matters
Thorne and NOW Foods both avoid the poorly-absorbed calcium carbonate that dominates cheap supplements, but they use different well-absorbed forms. Thorne uses DiCalcium Malate (DimaCal) with NSF Certified for Sport testing; NOW Foods uses calcium citrate in a value-priced powder. Both citrate and malate forms absorb better than carbonate and do not require stomach acid to the same degree.
The form choice is sound in both. The differences are certification, format (capsule vs powder), and cost per dose.
We scored both on evidence, quality, cost per dose, and transparency.
Detailed Score Breakdown
Calcium (formerly DiCalcium Malate)
Thorne
DiCalcium Malate (DimaCal) - 29% elemental calcium, well-absorbed, fewer capsules per dose than citrate
NSF Certified for Sport and TGA-registered; one of the most rigorously tested calcium products available
$0.47/day after a price rise - premium pricing reflects NSF certification and the DimaCal patented form
Full ingredient disclosure, branded form (DimaCal), no proprietary blends
Highest-quality standalone calcium tested - NSF Certified for Sport, uses DimaCal patented form for higher elemental calcium per pill
Calcium Citrate Pure Powder
NOW Foods
Pure calcium citrate with no other ingredients - the cleanest standalone calcium format on the market
GMP certified by NPA (A-rated); UL GMP registered facility, but not USP/NSF certified
$0.15/day after a price rise - still excellent value, especially given the bioavailable citrate form
Single-ingredient product with full disclosure - no proprietary blends, no fillers
Truly pure calcium citrate - no D, no magnesium, no fillers - lets users titrate the exact dose they need; mix into juice or smoothie
How We Compared These Products
Every product in our database is scored on four equally-weighted pillars: dosing accuracy and form quality, purity verification (third-party testing), cost per clinically effective dose (not cost per pill), and label transparency. Each pillar is worth 25 points for a total of 100.
Cost per effective dose is calculated using the clinically studied dose from published research, not the manufacturer's suggested serving. If a product requires multiple servings to reach the dose used in clinical trials, that cost is reflected in the value score.
For a full explanation of our scoring methodology, see our methodology page. Prices were last checked on the dates listed for each product and may have changed.
More Calcium (Standalone) Comparisons
We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores or recommendations. See our editorial policy.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.