What Are The Best Nootropic Supplements?
Discover the top 5 best nootropic supplements on the market today to boost your cognitive performance
Reviewed and fact-checked by certified nutritionists.
Imagine a pill that could instantly enhance your brain capabilities, making you think better, clearer, faster, while unleashing your full creativity and cognitive potential…
That’s the promise of nootropics – these cognitive-enhancing substances that have become the new subject of fascination among high-functioning entrepreneurs, elite athletes, and other top performers.
This vision of unlocking the brain’s full potential has notably been popularized by the movie Limitless, where the hero (played by Bradley Cooper) goes from struggling writer to multi-millionaire financial genius after taking a revolutionary brain-enhancing pill.
While this movie belongs to science fiction, pills that can improve cognitive function (to a certain degree) do exist; they’re called nootropics.
If nootropics cannot turn the average human into an era-defining genius, more and more clinical studies show that certain nootropic substances can make a significant difference in our cognitive abilities, which may improve our productivity and performance at work. That being said, certain nootropics also come with risks, as we’ll discuss later…
In this article, we will answer the following questions: What are the key benefits of nootropics? Are there any risks to consuming nootropics? Which nootropics are both effective in boosting cognitive function and safe for our body? At the end of the article, we also present a selection of several nootropic supplements known for their efficacy and safety.
Our guide has been carefully reviewed by professional nutritionists and dieticians, to ensure high-quality and accurate information.
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are “cognitive enhancing” substances that can boost brain performance. These substances, which can take the form of drugs, natural supplements, or herbs, can temporarily affect brain chemistry and put the mind in an altered state of focus and consciousness.
Due to their benefits on cognitive performance, many high-performing people – from corporate executives to elite athletes – are turning to nootropics to think clearer and achieve more in life.
More and more clinical evidence suggests that their cognitive benefits are real, although one should be cautious before taking any of these nootropic supplements, as they also come with risks (more on that later).
What are the key benefits of nootropics, according to science?
Improved focus and attention:
Several studies have found that certain nootropics can improve the quality of our focus, especially during lengthy work-related tasks. They can help us stay sharper, more alert, and more focused during the day - which may in turn improve our productivity.
Enhanced mental clarity:
Nootropics are also known to be very effective at clearing “brain fog”. Many people who take nootropics report having a clearer mind and an improved ability to think straight. This can be explained by the several brain-boosting hormones that nootropics are capable of stimulating, including serotonin and dopamine.
Improved memory:
Studies also indicate that certain nootropics may improve both short-term and long-term memory, allowing people to retain information faster and longer.
Increased mental energy:
According to studies, some nootropics have been found to significantly reduce mental fatigue and boost mental energy and vitality. They can keep our brain sharper and more energetic throughout the day.
What are the main types of nootropics?
Synthetic drugs:
Drugs created by pharmaceutical companies, such as Modafinil or Adderall. These drugs have been proven to increase alertness and cognitive function, but they also come with a range of undesirable side effects (more on that later).
Natural nootropics:
Natural ingredients typically found in plant or herbal extracts, capable of boosting the brain capabilities with fewer side effects than synthetic nootropics. Well-researched natural nootropics include caffeine, L-Tyrosine, and Panax Ginseng, to name a few.
Why nootropic drugs should be avoided, according to brain health specialists
Synthetic nootropics have been proven to improve cognition in multiple studies. Modafinil, for example, a common nootropic drug, has been clinically found to boost cognitive function, improve working memory, and enhance problem-solving skills.
"In acute studies from my laboratory at the University of Cambridge, we have shown that methylphenidate and modafinil as compared with placebo do enhance cognition in healthy people,"
— says Barbara Sahakian, DSc, FBA, FMedSci, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge.
"While products like modafinil offer a fast track to sharper focus, they're not without their drawbacks. These cognitive-enhancing drugs tend to come with many unwanted side effects that may permanently affect brain chemistry. On the other hand, many natural nootropics, backed by solid research and history, provide similar cognitive boosts but with significantly fewer and less severe side effects."
— Dr. Alexander Bennett, Neuropharmacology and Brain Health Specialist
"We have seen, for example, improvements in working memory, planning, and problem-solving. We have also shown that modafinil enhances task-related motivation; people found doing the tests and tasks more enjoyable with modafinil. This was not a general euphoric effect, which may be why modafinil is used by people as a 'work drug.'"
— That being said, drugs like modafinil also come with serious side effects in the long-term, which may include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Difficulty breathing
That’s why health specialists tend to recommend natural nootropics instead of synthetic ones. They can be just as effective in boosting cognitive performance, with less pronounced side effects. Some of them are even free of side effects, as we’ll discuss later.
Which nootropics are safe and effective?
Certain nootropics can indeed boost your cognitive performance and help you function at your best. But if you want to try nootropics, it’s best to make sure that those are not only effective but also safe to use on the long-term.
We’ve examined scientific literature to identify a few proven natural nootropics that have been found to enhance cognitive function with excellent safety profiles. For each natural nootropic, we also mention the potential side effects they may produce.
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is a natural amino acid mainly in high-protein foods, such as nuts, fish and beans. This molecule is known for boosting mental sharpness, without creating jitters or overexcitation often associated with caffeine.
Clinically proven benefits:
- Enhances focus and mental clarity. L-Tyrosine has been shown to improve attention, focus and mental clarity, especially when combined with caffeine.
- Improves cognitive flexibility. Enhances the brain’s ability to switch smoothly between tasks or thoughts,
- Reduces stress and promotes relaxation. The molecule promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness, by promoting healthy neuronal activitiy
- Improves stress resistance. L-tyrosine can enhance cognitive performance under stressful conditions, by boosting certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine
Effects of Tyrosine on mental accuracy
In a placebo-controlled study evaluating the effect of L-Tyrosine on cognitive flexibility, participants showed 91% mental accuracy during an n-back task, compared to 87% for placebo
Potential side effects (rare):
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Stomach discomfort
Ginger root
Ginger is a flowering plant that has been used in ancient medicine for thousands of years. While the plant is well known for its benefits on digestion and inflammation, it could also deliver powerful cognitive-enhancing benefits, according to recent research.
Clinically proven benefits:
- Enhances cognitive function. Studies suggest that ginger root extract may improve memory and reaction times in cognitive tests.
- Improves mood and reduces depressive symptoms
- Combats oxidative stress, supporting brain health
- Protects the brain against certain neurodegenerative diseases
Potential side effects (rare):
- May cause stomach issues, such as diarrhea
- Can interfere with some medications, especially those for diabetes and hypertension
- May cause allergic reactions including itching or skin rash
Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng is an ancient medicinal plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It’s well known for its powerful adaptogenic properties, helping the body fight stress and function better. Recent studies indicate that it may improve cognitive function and mental clarity, which makes it a particularly effective natural nootropic.
Clinically proven benefits:
- Improves memory and cognitive function. Studies suggest that panax ginseng can improve memory, focus and attention in healthy subjects, allowing them to perform better in cognitive tasks.
- Reduces mental fatigue. Can help reduce work-related fatigue and boost cognitive performance in tasks requiring prolonged attention.
- Reduces stress. Due to its adaptogenic benefits, panax ginseng can help the body feel more relaxed, less stressed, which may indirectly benefit cognitive function
Effects of Tyrosine on mental accuracy
In a placebo-controlled study evaluating the potential benefits of ginseng on fatigue, ginseng was found to significantly decrease fatigue perception compared to placebo. These findings indicate that ginseng may be an effective natural solution to reduce fatigue and promote healthy energy levels during daytime
Potential side effects (rare):
- Headache
- Insomnia
Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most well-known cognitive stimulants in the world. Found naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, and other plants, caffeine can improve focus, alertness, cognitive performance, making it a popular ingredient in nootropic supplements.
Clinically proven benefits:
- Increases alertness. The mind is more alert after caffeine consumption, enhancing immediate responsiveness.
- Improves concentration and focus due to elevated attention
- Enhances short term memory. Studies show improvements in short-term recall after caffeine consumption
Potential side effects (rare):
- Jitters (common)
- Insomnia
- Upset stomach
- Dependance
What are the key things to look for in a nootropic?
Must use a sufficiently high dose of each ingredient. Low doses are unlikely to work.
Many nootropic supplements use low doses of nootropic ingredients to reduce production costs. This can be a problem as low doses are unlikely to produce any noticeable effects on brain cognition. For example, dieticians recommend a dose of at least 150 mg of tyrosine for optimal effects. For panax ginseng, at least 200 mg is recommended. Any dose below that is likely to produce mild cognitive benefits at best.
Only use natural nootropic ingredients that have been clinically studied.
There are plenty of commercialized nootropics that don't use clinically proven ingredients, or the ingredients they use are backed by very little clinical evidence. To feel a strong and healthy cognitive boost, it's important to choose nootropics that only contain ingredients with clinically proven cognitive benefits. These well-studied nootropics include: L-theanine, ginger, panax ginseng, caffeine, theobromine, among others.
Produce a significant and long-lasting cognitive boost.
Many nootropic supplements on the market produce a mild cognitive boost, especially if they contain low-dose ingredients. If you're looking to boost your cognitive performance, it's better to choose supplements that create strong and long-lasting brain-boosting effects, using high-dose natural nootropics. Certain nootropics can produce a major, clearly perceptible cognitive boost for several hours in a row (we present some of these below)
Free of any major side effects.
To get the benefits without the bad side (jitters, energy crashes, anxiety), only choose supplements that cause no to minimal side effects. In general, supplements made of natural and clinically tested nootropics such as L-theanine or ginseng are very safe and free of side effects. That means they can be taken every day without causing any issues. It's however always advised to consult with a health specialist before taking health supplements
Doesn't contain aspartame or acesulfame potassium
Unhealthy artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or acesulfame potassium (often used as sweeteners in nootropic supplements, specifically drinks) should be avoided. These chemicals can destroy gut health and have bad long-term consequences on your body.
What to avoid:
Cause jitters or energy crashes
Use ingredients that haven’t been clinically tested
Excessive use of synthetic nootropic ingredients
Contain aspartame or ace-K
The Top 5 Best Nootropic Supplements On The Market Today, According To Nutritionists
To help you choose a supplement that helps you perform at your peak while feeling your best, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 best nootropic supplements on the market. This list was carefully curated in partnership with certified nutritionists, and takes several factors into consideration, including: ingredients quality, health impact, taste, value for money, and verified customer reviews.
01 Alpine Bliss Cognitive Energy Booster
Cognitive boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS
- Provides a strong, sustained cognitive boost a few minutes after consumption
- Uses natural nootropics in high and safe doses
- Only uses clinically proven nootropic ingredients
- Improves mood and well-being thanks to a natural blend of dopamine boosters
- Very well tolerated, no reported side effects
- Low on calories and sugar
- No ace-K or aspartame
- Great taste, according to users
- Uses pure Alpine water with high-quality plant-based ingredients
CONS:
- Expensive
- Frequently out of stock due to limited production
THE BOTTOM LINE
Alpine Bliss is a premium, fast-growing Swiss brand of flavored sparkling water offering functional health benefits, using clinically studied nootropic ingredients. The Alpine Bliss Cognitive Energy Booster is a fruity nootropic energy drink that is specifically designed to boost cognitive function and performance.
One of the key benefits of this nootropic energy drink is its ability to provide a strong, sustained cognitive boost for several hours, without causing unpleasant crashes. Users report a clearly perceptible improvement in mental clarity and focus within a few minutes of consumption.
This is achieved through a unique blend of high-dose natural nootropic ingredients, including 70 mg of caffeine from natural source, 350 mg L-tyrosine (significantly higher than the average), 400 mg of panax ginseng, a high dose of phenylalanine, and high-purity ginger root extract.
At least four of these ingredients have been clinically proven to improve cognitive performance due to their nootropic properties (L-tyrosine, caffeine, ginger root and panax ginseng).
The drink is also reported to create a distinct feeling of relaxation and well-being a few minutes after consumption, due to the presence of dopamine-boosting ingredients. Many users report feeling better in their body within 30 minutes of consumption.
From a nutrition standpoint, the drink is also scoring pretty well. The formula contains zero added sugar, just 25 calories per can, and only 5 grams of natural sugar from wild berries. It doesn’t contain any harmful artificial sweeteners like aspartame or ace-K. The drink is also a rich source of vitamin B6 and B12 – two vitamins that promote a healthy metabolism.
Beyond its functional health benefits, the Alpine Bliss formula also performs well on taste, according to consumers. Users praise its fruity wild berries flavor and refreshing fine bubbles. It strikes a delicate balance of sweetness and freshness, and delivers an enjoyable drinking experience.
On the minus side, we note that the drink is quite expensive ($3.95 per can) – which can be explained by the “fancy” ingredients that it contains, including extracts of saffron and ginger roots (some of the most expensive spices in the world). We also note that the drink is frequently out of stock, because it’s produced in limited batches as of now.
Taking all of this into consideration puts Alpine Bliss Cognitive Energy booster in our #1 spot in our top 5 nootropic supplements.
02 NeuroGuard
Cognitive boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS
- Quality nootropic supplement
- Ingredients proven to stimulate dopamine production
- Rich in vitamins
- Supports memory and focus
CONS:
- Expensive
- Lacks some key nootropics that would make the supplement stronger
- May produce only mild effects for some users
THE BOTTOM LINE
NeuroGuard is a nootropic supplement that is meant to make a lot of different parts of cognitive function better.
Six important ingredients are used in its recipe: L-Tyrosine, Vitamins B6 and B12, L-Theanine, Caffeine Anhydrous, and Citicoline. These all have been shown to be good for brain health.
L-Tyrosine is a key ingredient that is known to help the production of dopamine, which is needed for mental clarity and stable mood. The addition of B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, helps the brain work better and makes you feel less tired.
L-Theanine, which is found in tea leaves, is known for its calming effects, which help balance out the stimulating effects of caffeine. This is especially helpful because caffeine anhydrous gives you a strong energy boost that makes you more alert and focused.
People who took NeuroGuard said they were able to concentrate better, had more mental energy, and felt less stressed and anxious. Because of these benefits, it’s a good choice for people who want to improve their mental performance when they are under a lot of stress at work, school, or in their daily lives.
It may be a bad thing that NeuroGuard costs more and has a stronger caffeine amount. The supplement works, but it lacks some nootropics that other products have, like ginger root or phenylalanine. This is to be expected, given how much it costs. This might make it less appealing to people who want a more complete nootropic profile.
03 Onnit Alpha Brain Focus Shot
Cognitive boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS
- Compact and easy to drink
- May improve cognitive function such as memory and focus
- Contains several nootropic ingredients in good doses
- Reputable brand
- Quality ingredients
CONS:
- Lack of ingredient transparency
- Dosage may be inappropriate
- Mixed reviews, results may vary
- Expensive compared to other more effective, better-rated supplements
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Onnit Alpha Brain Focus Shot is a compact, on-the-go beverage designed to improve cognitive functions, including memory, mental speed, and focus. It’s a popular product from Onnit, a Texas-based supplement manufacturer known for its commitment to providing high-quality health and fitness products.
The Focus Shot is available in two flavors: Tropical and Peach, both of which have been praised for their refreshing and pleasant taste.
One of the key advantages of the Alpha Brain Focus Shot is its unique blend of ingredients. It contains high-quality nootropic components such as lion’s mane, n-acetyl-l-tyrosine, theanine, KSM-66 ashwagandha, Cognizin citicoline, and InnovaTea natural caffeine.
Some of these ingredients are known to support cognitive functions thanks to their proven nootropic properties, including tyrosine, theanine, and natural caffeine.
That said, this supplement also comes with a few flaws. First, the product lacks transparency about the specific doses of each ingredient. This could be a concern for individuals who want to know exactly what they’re consuming.
Further, several customer reviews say that the product didn’t work for them, which may be due to inappropriate ingredient dosage. Compared to other dopamine supplements, this one has slightly less favorable reviews, although reviews are still positive overall.
Additionally, while it’s slightly cheaper than the capsule version of Alpha Brain, it’s still somewhat expensive compared to other similar products on the market.
04 Zevia Energy Drink
Cognitive boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS
- Strong energy boost
- Healthier option than mainstream energy drinks
- No sugar, carbs, or fat
- Sweetened with stevia leaf extract
CONS:
- Caffeine content may be slightly too high for some people (120 mg). May cause jitters
- Mixed reviews on the taste. Some find it overly sweet and chemical-tasting
THE BOTTOM LINE
Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink, with flavours including Raspberry Lime and Pineapple Coconut, is a good option for people looking for a healthier energy boost.
The drink contains no sugar, no carbs, no sodium, no fat, and it is suitable for a variety of diets including vegan, kosher, Paleo, and Keto. Sweetened with stevia leaf extract, this makes it an appropriate option for those who are on a diet but who still want to drink energy beverages for the energy kick they provide.
The primary source of energy is 120 milligrammes of caffeine per can, which comes from green tea leaves.
While this provides a large energy boost, moderation is essential due to the potential negative consequences of excessive caffeine consumption. We note that this dose of caffeine is slightly more than what is needed to provide a sustainable energy boost without side effects.
Such doses of caffeine may cause jitters and crashes for certain people who are sensitive to caffeine.
While most users appear to be satisfied with this drink, the taste of Zevia is not for everyone. The drink obtained mixed reviews on its taste, with some consumers finding it overly sweet and a bit too chemical in taste.
It does remain a strong option in the field of healthier, better-for-you energy drinks.
05 Mind Lab Pro
Energy Boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS
- May improve brain health and mental function by boosting dopamine
- Designed for busy professionals, students and athletes
- Rich blend of quality brain-boosting ingredients
- Well tolerated formula
CONS:
- Very expensive
- Mixed reviews
- Limited efficacy
THE BOTTOM LINE
Mind Lab Pro is a dietary nootropic supplement made to improve brain health and mental function. It is aimed at athletes, students, and busy workers who want to improve their mental sharpness.
Mind Lab Pro is a mix of 11 different ingredients that are good for the brain and can help improve brain function and overall health. The product doesn’t contain any drugs and uses more than one method to improve brain function. It is made by a company in the United Kingdom called Opti-Nutra Advanced Nutraceuticals, which was founded in 2015.
Mind Lab Pro costs $69 for one bottle with 60 pills. If you take the usual dose of two capsules per day, one bottle will last one month.
On the plus side, we note that the formulation is very clean and uses well tolerated nootropic ingredients.
On the other hand, the price of $69 per bottle may be a bit high for some people. Further, we note that many users reported feeling minor to no improvement at all in clarity and focus, and reviews are mixed, despite the quality of formulation. This may be due to a limited concentration of dopamine-boosting active ingredients.
Like any supplement, results may change from person to person, and it might not work for everyone.