When it comes to supplements, there are a lot of options to choose from. So what is the best supplement for energy?

The answer depends on your specific needs.

In this article, we will discuss the best energy supplements and what makes them good and unique for energy production and energy levels.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of which of these energy supplements are best for you!

Please note: we spent many hours researching this article. We noticed the pricing would slightly change for some products, even while we were researching! 

If you want more helpful info on supplements – including risks and general FDA guidelines – please see our “Supplements and Vitamins – Ultimate Beginner’s Guide”.

How We Rank and Review – 8 Criteria

1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?

• At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration. 

2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?

• We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.

3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission? 

• We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.

4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?

5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?

6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?

7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?

8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?

1 – Best Overall – Nature’s Lab

• Price = $26.99
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $0.90
• Product Reviews = 5/5 with 16 verified reviews
• Taste / Absorption = 2 easy to swallow vegetarian capsules per serving
• Labeled Effect = supports heart and cognitive health
• Food Allergens = manufactured in facility that also processes soy, shellfish, milk and fish
• Pro’s = contains three key nutrients
• Con’s =

About “CoQ10 + Alpha Lipoic Acid + Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl”:

Like the name of the supplement suggests, this product contains three ingredients.

For all three of these ingredients, there is some science suggesting benefits ranging from heart health, energy generation and cognition.

This supplement is more for general day-to-day physical and mental stress, rather than for athletic endeavors.

If you alleviate stress, you’ll stop draining energy and boost energy levels by default.

What makes this our top recommendation is the science behind the ingredients, as well as the quality and third party certifications.

Made by “Nature’s Lab”:

About Nature’s Lab: Started in 2011 in Las Vegas by Wayne Gorsek, founder of Vitacost in 1994. According to Reviews.io, the company has a 4.9/5 rating with 656 reviews.

• Start = 2011
• Revenue = less than $5 million
• Employees = less than 25
• Mission = provide the right nutrients, in the right forms, and at the optimal potency levels to produce the best supplements on the market
• Third Party Certifications = FDA, GMP, Non-GMO, USDA Organic, How 2 Recycle, Made in USA, Kosher, Halal, Cruelty Free
• Third Party Reviews = 4.9/5 rating from 656 reviews.

2 – Best Price – Bulk Supplements

• Price = $16.96
• # of Servings = 167
• Price per Serving = $0.10
• Product Reviews = 4.8/5 with 3049 verified reviews
• Taste / Absorption = mix about ⅙ teaspoon with water
• Labeled Effect = improve memory and mental focus
• Food Allergens = safe
• Pro’s = active ingredient, Acetyl-L-carnitine, is used in conjunction with many other conditions
• Con’s = flavor tolerable but not great

About “ALCAR HCl (Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl)”:

When one ingredient is seen many times in different supplements you can be more certain it actually has benefits.

L-Carnitine HCl is one common ingredient that many energy supplements contain, including  several supplements in this list.

Like my advice for other products, if you know specifically what you are looking for then this is a great item.

If you know that L-Carnitine HCl is what you’re looking for, great. Bulk Supplements will give you the best bang for your buck.

If you just have a general idea that you want a supplement for energy, best to try a different option.

Made by “Bulk Supplements”:

About Bulk Supplements: Bulk Supplements started in 2011 and is based in Nevada. Its main manufacturing facility is FDA registered. They keep costs low by producing one metric ton for each supplement, which is more than normal, and by using plain packaging. According to ReviewMeta.com, Bulk Supplements’ average adjusted rating is 4.4/5 from 39,370 verified reviews.

• Start = 2011
• Revenue = $10 million
• Employees = 50
• Mission = 
• Third Party Certifications = NSF, cGMP
• Third Party Reviews = 4.4/5 from 39,370 reviews

3 – Best for B-Vitamins – MegaFood

• Price = $15.87
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $0.53
• Product Reviews = 5/5 with 35 verified reviews
• Taste / Absorption = 1 tablet per serving, can be taken on an empty stomach
• Labeled Effect = Supports healthy cellular energy production & nervous system health
• Food Allergens = very safe
• Pro’s = lots of most important B vitamins in high amounts
• Con’s = doesn’t contain all B vitamins

About “Balanced B Complex”:

B-Vitamins are commonly known to be associated with energy.

If you are deficient in B-Vitamins, especially vitamin B12, this could be a major drain on your energy.

This is a high quality B-Vitamin supplement complex. You’ll be getting your B  vitamins with MegaFoods.

Hard to go wrong with more B vitamins. These vitamins are water soluble, so it’s nearly impossible to take too much because you just pee them out.

However, you can also get B vitamins from your diet.  Foods that contain B vitamins are common in the western diet, such as milk, beef and eggs.

You may want a vitamin deficiency blood test to see if you are deficient in any vitamins or minerals.

If you are deficient in B this supplement would be good to try.

Made by “MegaFood”:

About MegaFood: MegaFood started in 1973 and is a verified B-Corporation, which means they meet higher standards for quality, transparency and sustainability. MegaFood provides tons of science, gives back to the community, and is transparent about their supply chain. According to MetaCritic, MegaFood has a 4.3/5 average rating based on 7,100 reviews.

• Start = 1973
• Revenue = $67 million
• Employees = 200
• Mission = working toward a world where everyone is truly nourished
• Third Party Certifications = B Certification, USDA Organic Certification, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Certified Kosher, 125+ Pesticide Free, Certified Gluten-Free
• Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 with 7,100 reviews

4 – Most Natural – Real Mushrooms

• Price = $29.95
• # of Servings = 60
• Price per Serving = $0.50
• Product Reviews = 5/5 with 32 verified reviews
• Taste / Absorption = 2 vegetarian capsules per serving
• Labeled Effect = rejuvenation
• Food Allergens = very safe
• Pro’s = contains more than 10% Beta Glucans
• Con’s = no vitamins or minerals

About “Organic Tremella Extract Capsules”:

This Most Natural product is a high quality mushroom supplement.

One of the strengths is the capsules contain more than 10% Beta Glucans.

Beta Glucans are the most well researched, beneficial and active compound behind mushroom supplementation benefits.

Beta Glucans are an important part of mushroom supplementation, but not all mushroom supplements contain them.

If you are looking for a natural way to support energy production, this is a good supplement to try.

Real Mushrooms Company Pros/Cons:

About Real Mushrooms: Since its inception in 1989, Nammex has been at the forefront of mushroom extracts’ development and production for the health and wellness sector. Over 1500 practitioners are prescribing Real Mushrooms. Real Mushrooms contain >10% Beta-glucans without added starch, mycelium, or grain of any kind. ReviewMeta.com gives an average adjusted rating of 4.6/5 with 361 reviews.

Author Affiliate Note: I have interviewed Jeff Chilton, founder of Real Mushrooms, take their supplements myself, and am a huge fan.

• Start = 1989
• Revenue = less than $5 million
• Employees = less than 25
• Mission = deliver the best possible medicinal mushrooms extracts in their purest form, without any carriers or grain fillers
• Third Party Certifications = Certificates of Analysis available upon request
• Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating 4.6/5 from 361 reviews

5 – Best for Ginseng – Botanic Choice

• Price = $16.99
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $0.56
• Product Reviews = 4.7/5 with 15 verified reviews
• Taste / Absorption = 2 gelatin capsules per serving
• Labeled Effect = boosts energy and endurance
• Food Allergens = safe
• Pro’s = ginseng herbal supplement (ginseng has been used for 100’s of years)
• Con’s = no vitamins or minerals

About “Ginseng Booster”:

Ginseng has been used in Asia for centuries to promote health and well-being.

It’s best recognized for its capacity to boost energy levels, enhance memory, and help combat stress today.

This Botanic Choice product is a high quality ginseng supplement. 

If you’re looking for Ginseng specifically or herbal supplements for energy this is worth a try.

Made by “Botanic Choice”:

About “Botanic Choice”: Botanic Choice started in 1910, over 100 years ago. The company is family owned and has millions of customers worldwide. They are one of the oldest supplement companies still around today. According to MetaCritic, Botanic Choice has a 3.8/5 rating with 1,496 reviews.

• Start = 112 years old, founded in 1910
• Revenue = $18 million
• Employees = 107
• Mission = dedicated to making effective natural health solutions available to all
• Third Party Certifications = GMP
• Third Party Reviews = 3.8/5 with 1,496 reviews

6 – Most Unique – Life Extension

• Price = $51.00
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $1.7
• Product Reviews = 4.8/5 with 97 verified reviews
• Taste / Absorption = 4 vegetarian capsules per serving
• Labeled Effect = benefits the body by energizing every cell
• Food Allergens = very safe
• Pro’s = unique combination of ingredients
• Con’s = limited science available, high price per serving

About “Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ”:

This supplement contains 3 of the main amino acids.

Amino acids are what make up proteins.

In addition, it has PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone), a relatively new ingredient.

PQQ is what’s called a “cofactor” and has been shown to support mitochondrial structure and function to help produce energy.

Amino acids are most known for their use by athletes for muscle recovery, and blood sugar stability.

However, this supplement requires taking 4 capsules per serving, which is a high amount.

Made by “Life Extension”:

About Life Extension: Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24, 224 verified reviews. 

• Start = 1980
• Revenue = $168 million
• Employees = 500
• Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
• Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
• Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24, 224 reviews

7 – Best Powder – Optimum Nutrition

• Price = $16.86
• # of Servings = 6
• Price per Serving = 2.81
• Product Reviews = 4.6/5 with 29,965 verified reviews
• Taste / Absorption = 1 powder stick per serving, mix with water
• Labeled Effect = supports performance, focus and energy
• Food Allergens = very safe
• Pro’s = high quality amino acid blend
• Con’s = powder for water (not capsules)

About “Amino Energy”:

At a high price of $2.81, this is a more luxury convenience item.

But it is geared for athletes, so if you need hydration and an energy boost on the go this product is worth a shot.

You can mix the powder into your water and easily drink the energy supplement.

Obviously, though, taking capsules while you’re climbing a rock wall or running is difficult.

Made by “Optimum Nutrition”:

About Optimum Nutrition: Most of its products are for athletes. Optimum Nutrition has decades of experience. According to ReviewMeta.com, they receive a 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 67,776 verified reviews.

• Start = 1986
• Revenue = $21 million
• Employees = 112
• Mission = helping performance-focused athletes achieve their goals
• Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF
• Third Party Reviews = 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 67,776 verified reviews

What supplements should I take if I’m always tired?

There are a variety of supplements you can try if you’re always tired.

Some people might need more B vitamins, while others might need more iron or magnesium. You could also try supplements like ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea, CoQ11, and melatonin to help boost your energy levels.

In fact, the problematic question most people have is “what supplement, out of hundreds, is best for me specifically?”

In order to answer this question, it’s best to take a blood test for vitamin deficiencies.

Vitamin deficiencies can contribute to out of control eating, low energy and much more.

By learning what specific deficiencies you have, then you can take appropriate supplements instead of randomly guessing.

How can I increase my energy instantly?

You don’t need a supplement for more energy!

In fact, if you are dependent on a supplement for an energy boost then you’re missing out on healthy ways to increase your energy quickly and naturally!

Here are some ways you can increase your energy production:

• Work out or go for a walk in the afternoon
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat a balanced diet with enough protein and healthy fats
• Get adequate sleep
• Take breaks during the day to move your body and get some fresh air

If you are missing the basic building blocks of energy – sleep, relaxation, healthy diet, and exercise – then no amount of supplementation will work.

Instead supplementation can work alongside a strong foundation of healthy behaviors.

Affiliate Disclosure: ​​Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning that if you decide to purchase a product after clicking one, we may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. 

Medical Disclaimer: This information should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before taking any supplements.