The 5 Best Nootropic Supplements In 2023: Our Tested Reviews
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Our product testing team uses the full 30 day serving amount in container before reviewing. Learn more about our review process here.
Society is constantly trying to get more shit done in less time. We are turning to copious amounts of caffeine to keep us running, going on minimal sleep and just overextending ourselves. More caffeine isn't always the answer (although it can help with brain function). There is a category of supplements known as Nootropics that have been gaining popularity due to their ability to improve memory, focus and productivity.
Nootropics are still fairly new, so we see a multitude of formulas, and they change all the time. We constantly get sent new nootropics only to find them reformulated four to six months later. We have done our best to formulate a list of our best nootropics available based on real-life usage.
The nootropic supplements you find on this list are current formulations with no plans to update this year. To be considered it also must be an everyday offering - it cannot be a limited edition. Lastly, we have had to actually use the product. There are plenty of nootropics on the market that look great on paper, we just have not had a chance to use them.
The following ratings may not reflect the review rating system on our website. Our website places equal weight across all attributes (for example, flavor is weighted the same as effectiveness when we think effectiveness is more important - unless the flavor is just trash). These are our honest ratings and rankings.
The Best Rated Nootropic Supplements on the Market Today
Here's the top five picks for the best Nootropic supplements that money can buy:
Product Name | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|
#1 Kaged Mindset Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15% | Overall Nootropic Highlights:
| Our #1 Rated  9.3 out of 10 |
#2 Arms Race Nutrition Clarity Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10% | Best for Energy Highlights:
| Our #2 Rated 9.1 out of 10 |
#3 GHOST Gamer Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Gaming Highlights:
| Our #3 Rated 8.9 out of 10 |
#4 Core Nutritionals Zone Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Productivity Highlights:
| Our #4 Rated 8.8 out of 10 |
#5 Glaxon Neuro 365 Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Non-Stim Capsule Form Highlights:
| Our #5 Rated 8.5 out of 10 |
There are hundreds of different brands and variations of Nootropic supplements out there.
How did these five make Fitness Informant's top 5 list? Read on and we'll tell you:
#1 Kaged Mindset
- Rating: 9.3 out of 10
- Servings: 30/15 Servings
- Best For: Top Overall Product
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Pros
Cons
Kaged Mindset is the newest supplement on this list, and it secures our top spot for our favorite nootropic supplement. Kaged is a brand that has always been about quality and transparency, and quite frankly Mindset might be their best product yet.
Mindset is available in both a caffeinated and non-caffeinated version. This is key. The sweet spot for us is one scoop of each to limit caffeine, and honestly provides what we feel is the best experience.
With that said, the caffeinated version has 150mg to 300mg caffeine, depending if you do one scoop or two scoops. Normally when you see a 1-scoop or 2-scoop option you elect to go two. You don't necessarily need two with this as one scoop still makes this one of the best available on the market.
At two scoops you are getting a huge 1,200mg dosage of Alpha-GPC which aids in focus and performance. In addition you are getting 1g ALCAR, the only version of carnitine that can aid in improving cognition. Tyrosine is also used at 1,000mg for focus.
Kaged also uses SunPS® PhosphatidylSerine, another branded ingredient. It is used at 100mg. This has been shown to improve symptoms of declining memory, learning, concentration, coordination, and mood.
The flavor of Orange Mango is spot on as well. You'd think this was a capsule product from the look of it, but it is a powder that is extremely effective.
Who Makes It?
Kaged has been behind many great products over the years. The brand stands behind them and is certified banned substance free, meaning you can take this if you're involved in athletic programs (i.e. a college athlete). Across the board Kaged makes some of the best products in the industry.
What's In It?
One serving (two scoops) contains:
- 1,200mg Alpha GPC - improves memory, focus and performance
- 1g Tyrosine - precursor to Dopamine, helps with focus under stress
- 1,000mg Acetyle-L-Carnitine - helps with energy and can cross blood-brain barrier to improve focus
- 300mg L-Phenylalanine - supports brain health
- 300mg Caffeine - energy and improves focus
- 200mg Cereboost - improve cognitive function
- 100mg Ioniplex - helps with bioavailability
- 100mg Phosphatidylserine (SunPS) - improve symptoms of declining memory, learning, concentration, coordination, and mood
- 10mg Huperzine A - improves focus
Bottom Line:
This is our favorite nootropic right now. You do not need the 2-scoop serving, but it is quite impactful if you do. It works extremely well and it is flavored great. Like we mentioned above, we like one scoop of each for the best experience but either the caffeine or non-caffeine version alone will work wonders for you!
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#2 Arms Race Nutrition Clarity
- Rating: 9.1 out of 10
- Servings: 40/20
- Best For: Longer Energy
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Pros
Cons
Clarity by Arms Race Nutrition is a powdered nootropic product that right off the bat we have to say is loaded. It starts off with NooLVL, which is an ingredient that is typically used in gamer products. It can help with blood flow and gaming performance, and is at a solid dose in Clarity. Following this you get 1g of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, which is a high quality form of Carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier, and is popular in nootropics. It is actually one of our favorite ingredients not just for the gym, but also for stuff like gaming and productivity.
Next up comes a popular nootropic combo, which is 1g of Tyrosine and 600mg of Alpha GPC. Tyrosine is one of our favorite nootropic ingredients, as it helps with dopamine production and focus as well. Alpha GPC is a high-quality form of choline, which is a neurotransmitter. Both ingredients are dosed well.
The next two ingredients are also great, but not as popular. Clarity has included Mucuna, which is a source of L-Dopa. This is a precursor to dopamine, and is dosed well. Next up comes EnXtra™, which can help with alertness and the ability to perform tasks with minimal mind-spacing. At 300mg you are getting a solid dose.
Bacopa is also in Clarity, which is nice to see in here. It acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and has some solid research behind it. Next up we have Sabroxy®, which is rather new to the industry, but is getting a lot of attention. Sabroxy® can help with BDNF levels, and is dosed well at 100mg.
Of course, we have some Caffeine in Clarity, because who doesn’t love Caffeine? Caffeine of course helps with energy, and you get 100mg in here, which is about a cup of coffee. For many experienced users, this will be just enough to get them going while not making them feel as if they need to go to the gym. You also get some ZumXR®, which is a delayed-release source of Caffeine. This can help prevent a crash, and make you feel energized longer.
Finally we have Huperzine A at 20mg (1%). This is a popular acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and is very common in nootropics. A solid addition to Clarity for sure.
Who Makes It?
Arms Race Nutrition is a brand out of the Doug Miller enterprise that is really booming. The brand is now available in both GNC and Vitamin Shoppe as well as many brick and motor stores. The brand is widely used by both bodybuilders and active lifestyles. Arms Race Nutrition also has social media personality and bodybuilder Julian Smith attached to it.
What's In It?
One serving (one-scoops) contains:
- 1.6g NooLVL® - form of Arginine shown to help Gamers play better
- 1g Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl - helps with energy and can cross blood-brain barrier to improve focus
- 1g Tyrosine - helps with focus under stress
- 600mg Alpha GPC - improves focus and clarity
- 500mg Mucuna Pruriens Extract - source of L-Dopa for mood elevation
- 300mg EnXtra - improved alertness
- 300mg Bacopa Monnieri Extract - prevents the breakdown of the neurotransmitter (acetylcholine)
- 100mg Sabroxy Extract - helps with Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- 100mg Caffeine Anhydrous - energy
- 50mg zum XR Caffeine - extended release caffeine
- 20mg Huperzine A - aids in focus
Bottom Line:
Overall Arms Race Nutrition Clarity deserves a spot on this list. Solid flavoring, great profile, solid company, and cool branding all make Clarity a surefire contender for the top spot on this list. Well worth having around, especially if you are a student, gamer, or simply need something to keep you focused on work.
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#3 GHOST Gamer
- Rating: 8.9 out of 10
- Servings: 40/20
- Best For: Gaming
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Pros
Cons
GHOST Gamer is the product on this list, and it could very well be number one on this list as well, and is currently #1 on another list. GHOST Gamer is a nootropic targeted towards Gamers, as it is a fast growing category in our space it seems. To start, we have to say that GHOST Gamer is easily the best flavored product on this list. Of course, taste is subjective, and some people say cucumbers taste better pickled, but here on FI, we can safely say that Gamer is a great tasting supplement, and easily #1 for that reason on this list.
Of course flavor isn't the only reason GHOST Gamer is on this list. Gamer is a very well formulated product, that provides subtle energy that puts you in a prime state of mind to play video games at your fullest capability. The profile starts off with an ingredient that is new to the market, and is meant for gaming. NooLVL® is an ingredient from Nutrition21®, and has been studied on Gamers. Be sure to check out our video on NooLVL for more info. Either way, you are getting 1.6 grams of NooLVL in Gamer, which is the clinical dose. Following this you get 1 gram of Taurine, which helps can help with hydration, blood flow, and cognitive function as well.
Tyrosine is in here and for good reason, as it helps with focus under stressful situations, which happens a lot when you're playing some video games. At 1 gram it is dosed well. You also get 500mg of Cognizin®, which is Citicholine. This is a high quality form of Choline, and is perfect for Gamer. Rounding this out you get 150mg of Caffeine, 40mg of Theobromine, and AstraGin®. The amount of Caffeine is great, as it is enough to boost focus and energy without making you jittery. 300mg of Caffeine and sitting around isn't the best way to go. AstraGin is great for absorption, and is dosed well.
Overall, Gamer is the best nootropic for gaming, and it can be used for being productive as well. Most people who buy it tend to use it for working out, productivity, and much more than just gaming, and with such great flavors, this is one you will most likely stock up on... we certainly have.
Who Makes It?
GHOST is a fully transparent brand in the supplement industry. They are more than a supplement brand, they are a lifestyle (that's really what they are going for). They could easily attract consumers with their amazing YouTube Channel and marketing campaigns, which they do, but they keep them with their quality formulas and products.
What's In It?
One serving (two-scoops) contains:
- 1.6g NooLVL® - form of Arginine shown to help Gamers play better
- 1g Tyrosine - helps with focus under stress
- 1g Taurine - improves muscular strength and endurance
- 500mg Cognizin® - high quality form of Choline , helps with focus
- 500mg Raw Coconut Powder - aids in hydration
- 50mg AstraGin - aids in absorption
- 40mg Theobromine - can help with energy
Bottom Line:
GHOST Gamer is a high quality nootropic supplement that aids with focus, alertness, gaming, and provides subtle energy. It is easily the best tasting product on this list, and we guarantee if you try it, you will be a repeat buyer, as it is great to have around for times when you need energy, want to focus, or simply want to play video games at your best.
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#4 Core Nutritionals Zone
- Rating: 8.8 out of 10
- Servings: 20
- Best For: Productivity
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Pros
Cons
Core ZONE continues to stick in our top five, and for good reason. It is a very versatile nootropic supplement that can be used for al most any situation. We here on Fitness Informant loved it for how productive it made us. We hate to say it, but it really put us... "in the Zone".
The profile is very straight forward, and besides the Pregnenolone, uses nothing we haven't sen in a nootropic before. With that said, everything is dosed well, and it all comes together to deliver an awesome experience. With that said, the profile starts off with two well known nootropic ingredients, ALCAR and Tyrosine. Both are staples in many nootropics and pre-workouts, and at a gram each, they are dosed well. You also get 500mg of Citicholine, which converts to Acetylcholine in the brain, a neurotransmitter.
Bacopa and Mucuna are also in here, both dosed well and have multiple benefits. Mucuna is a source of L-Dopa, which is a precursor to Dopamine. You also get a solid dose of Caffeine at 150mg, which is a great spot for a nootropic, as it isn't overpowering however it should provide a solid boost in energy.
Zone also contains Neurofactor® and Pregneolone. Neurofactor® is great for brain health, and is at 100mg, the clinical dose. Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid and Core is one of the first few brands to actually use this, as you see it in their pre-workout as well.
Overall, Zone is simply a great Nootropic, and works for just about any situation. It really is great for when you want to get work done, however even when stacked with a pump product makes for a great pre-workout. This is certainly a nootropic worth grabbing.
Who Makes It?
Core Nutritionals is a brand from Doug Miller. It has been around for a long time now, and has certainly stood the test of time. They are known for making some of the best formulas on the market and never seem to disappoint when it comes to new product or flavor launches.
What's In It?
One serving (one scoop) contains:
- 1g ALCAR - form of Carnitine that helps with focus 1g Tyrosine - precursor to Dopamine, helps with focus under stress
- 1g Taurine - improves muscular strength and endurance
- 500mg Citicoline - high quality form of Choline , helps with focus
- 500mg Mucuna Pruriens Extract - source of L-Dopa
- 300mg Bacopa - helps with focus
- 150mg Caffeine Anhydrous - helps with energy
- 100mg Neurofactor® - helps with brain health
- 20mg Huperzine A (1%) - prevents choline from being broken down in the brain
- 10mg Pregnenolone - Neurosteroid that hales with cognitive function
Bottom Line:
Core Nutritionals Zone is a great nootropic supplement, that is useful for many situations, which is why not makes this list. It can be used for work, to help with productivity, gaming, and is a greta way to start your day. There is nothing crazy in here, besides the Pregnenolone which can be found in core Fury as well. Certainly the most interesting aspect to Zone. There is a good reason hy this got the rank it did, and it is certainly worth grabbing, if not stocking up on.
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#5 Glaxon Neuro 365
- Rating: 8.5 out of 10
- Servings: 30
- Best For: Non-Stim Capsule
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Pros
Cons
Neuro 365 is awesome for its convenience and the fact that it is a non-stimulant nootropic. Glaxon does a great job of putting emphasis on science in their products, and Neuro 365 is no exception to that rule
As a society we consume so much caffeine and energy drinks, it is refreshing to have Neuro 365 as an option. This is a great add-on nootropic to other stim based products, or even used as a standalone option.
We love the use of Lion's Mane at 500mg combined with 50mg Neurofactor, Bacognize and Rhodiola. This will definitely be a mind clarity and focus application that works (spoiler: it does).
Another really cool aspect about Neuro 365 is not only does it improve clarity and focus, it can elevate mood. The LTP Factors section of the supplement facts panel is dedicated to improving overall mood and energy which goes hand-in-hand with focus improvement.
Glaxon also adds in Lipidox to aid with absorption to make sure you're actually getting the ingredients to where they need to go.
Overall, this is going to be one of the best capsule nootropics on the market today.
Who Makes It?
Glaxon is a science-first brand that really focuses on bringing innovation to the category. They are also very good at marketing. The combination of formulas/science and branding really catapulted Glaxon into one of the faster growing brands in the space with amazing products.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 500mg Lion's Mane – Mushroom that helps with brain health and cognitive function
- 300mg Bacognize – supports targeting cognitive wellness, memory, learning, focus, attention, mood, stress management, emotional balance, and circadian rhythm support for improved quality of life and quality of sleep
- 250mg Rhodiola – adaptogen that can improve fatigue levels
- 100mg Neurofactor – helps with brain health
- 100mg Sabroxy - improve memory and to support neuronal functions
- 250mg D-Serine - elevate mood and fight depression
- 100mg Theanine - elevate mood
- 100mg Sarocsine - mood elevation
- 100mg Dimethylglycine - increase performance and energy levels
- 50mg Wax Tree Extract - antioxidant
- 100mg Lipidox - improves absorption
Bottom Line:
Glaxon Neuro 365 is a great choice for a non-stimulant nootropic (not many exist) that uses science as the key to the formulation. The product is convenient since it is a capsule form, but it also works very well. We like the brand. We like the formula. We like the convenience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nootropic Supplements
Why Do You Need To Supplement With Nootropics?
Nootropics are supplements meant to aid with cognitive function, focus, alertness, and productivity. They are a growing category, and many brands are launching them. While we have a list here of our favorite and what we consider here the best.High quality Nootropic supplements can provide you with:
With many people trying to look to increase focus in a world full of distractions, good nootropics may help with keeping you focused
Increased alertness is another aspect that nootropics can help with. Alertness can somewhat be thrown in the same bucket as awareness, and is another aspect that Nootropics can help with.
Productivity is another thing Nootropics can help with. With so many distractions these days, productivity can certainly be affected. Nootropics can keep you feeling great and focused, therefore helping with productivity.
Nootropics tend to aid with energy, as many of them have caffeine in them. Caffeine is always thought of an energy booster, and it can also help with focus. It isn't a must for Nootropics, but you will find it in them.
What Should You Look For in a Nootropic?
You should look for good profiles that use proven ingredients at clinical doses. There are many ingredients out there, so we will list some that have some research behind them, and are easy to spot on an ingredient profile.
Common Ingredients In Nootropics
If you are looking for. The following ingredients are used in in Nootropic supplements to help with improving your mental clarity:
- Caffeine: this is an energy ingredient, but it also works with your central nervous system to provide cognitive benefits and increased endurance. increased focus without jitters, you do not need 200+mg dosage. A dosage of 150mg would suffice. Many times there are other forms of caffeine meant to last longer than Caffeine Anhydrous.
- Alpha GPC/Citicholine/Choline Bitartrate: Choline is usually the first ingredient that is used for Nootropics, and due to Choline converting to Acetylcholine in the brain, it's almost mandatory in Nootropics.
- Tyrosine: Tyrosine is one of our favorite ingredients in nootropics and for good reason. Tyrosine is a precursor to Dopamine and other catecholamines. It is a great way to get your mind going, and is certainly a staple in many Nootropics supplements.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a form of Carnitine that can cross the blood-brain barrier very well. While Carnitine is usually thought of as a fat burner, however this particular form of Carnitine has been shown in studies to aid with cognitive function.
- NooLVL™: this is a new ingredient that has been introduced to the mnarket and it has actually been studied on Gamers. Since Gamers are always looking to increase their performance, NooLVL will usually be found in nootropics that are marketed towards Gamers.
Our Testing Process
We examined five different areas of each amino acid supplement when we compiled our rankings:
- Ingredients Profile
- Effectiveness
- Taste
- Mixability
- Value
Please Note: Many of the “top 10 BCAA” lists you find online are written by content writers with no in-gym or supplement experience who are paid by the word count to write an article for a website trying to generate money.
These lists are influenced by brands who pay for placement. These lists contain amino acid supplements that are, for the lack of a better word, garbage.
The following products on our best of list were used by the author of this article. He used the BCAA & EAA supplements through the duration of a full container. Sample packs were not used in determining the rankings.
Stop relying on faulty information that is influenced by outside writers and money. This list is the real deal. Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong. Be Informed. Live Fit.
