Kratom Extract vs. Kratom Powder: Which One Is Better?

What Is Kratom Powder?

Obtaining kratom powder is a simple process. First, farmers harvest and dry the fresh leaves from the kratom trees. Once dried, manufacturers use special grinders to crush the leaves, resulting in a fine powder similar to matcha.

This process allows the plant to maintain all its benefits while helping it last longer. Moreover, kratom powder is not only cost-effective but also the most natural way of consuming kratom besides chewing the leaves.

Users who prefer loose powder usually do so because it allows them to use precise doses and because they have more strain options. However, it has an unpleasant, bitter taste that makes it hard to ingest.

There are many ways to take kratom. You can toss and wash your dose with a drink, use it to brew tea or cook with it.

What Is Kratom Extract?

Kratom extracts are highly concentrated forms of kratom that contain only the active alkaloids of the plant. Extracts usually come as liquids like tinctures and shots, but some people will also dry these to create powder extracts.

Extracts are much more potent than other forms of kratom. Additionally, since there is no plant matter to digest, they are much easier on your stomach, and the effects are usually instantaneous. Be aware that these also build tolerance and cause addiction much quicker.

Every brand has an extraction process, and they often choose not to disclose it, which makes it hard for clients to determine how processed a product is. This also gives every extract different properties and potencies.

If your extract comes in powder form, you can take it like regular kratom. For tinctures and shots, mix it into a drink or hold it under your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing it. This will enable it to enter your bloodstream more quickly.

Kratom Powder vs. Extract: Potency

Kratom extracts are always more potent than kratom powder, and their effects will last longer for most users.

Still, the exact potency of an extract heavily depends on the brand and manufacturer, and every extract has different alkaloid contents. You should always check the lab results to know exactly how much mitragynine you will consume.

Kratom Powder vs. Extract: Cost

Producing a kratom extract requires more labor, product, and special equipment. For this reason, high-quality extracts are usually more expensive than powders.

On the opposite side, many vendors offer bulk options for loose powder, which reduces the cost, making it even cheaper than it already is. Still, keep in mind that you need a much smaller amount of kratom extract to obtain results.

Related: Step-by-Step DIY Kratom Extracts

Kratom Powder vs. Extract: Dosages

The dose of kratom powder depends on the effects you are looking for — usually between two to eight grams of powder. Lower doses are for stimulation and creativity; larger amounts are for insomnia and pain reduction.

Although measuring every dose takes a few extra minutes, it gives you much more control over the effects.

For extracts, however, there is no simple rule of thumb for measuring a dose. The amount needed will depend entirely on the product you are using, as each comes with different concentrations.

You can usually find this information on the label, as they will usually indicate its strength. Weaker concentrates, such as shots, are typically single-use products, but others will have a dropper to measure the dose.

Kratom Powder vs. Extract: Side Effects

Technically, neither product is safer than the other, as both contain the same active ingredients and alkaloids. The dangers and side effects come with incorrect usage.

Both powders and extracts can cause you to develop dependence and addiction over time. However, since extracts are more potent, this is much easier. Only a few extra drops can cause adverse reactions, while powders require more significant amounts. Don’t use extracts every day; limit how often they’re used, and you’ll be fine. If you need kratom daily, stick with powders.

Although kratom overdoses are rare, the side effects are unpleasant enough. You will feel dizzy, nauseous, weak, and tired for at least a few hours.

Best Kratom Powder & Extract Vendors

The vendor you choose will significantly impact your experience with any kratom product, especially with extracts. You must research a company and its products before buying from them.

Below, you will find the best kratom vendors that offer high-quality, pure kratom powders and extracts. The American Kratom Association (AKA) certifies most of them, and the companies provide third-party lab test results to ensure the highest safety.

1. Kona Kratom

Kona Kratom is a reliable company with excellent products, affordable prices, and outstanding customer service.

If you go for their powders, you will have a wide selection of strains to choose from. Also, their extracts come in tablets with 100 mg of mitragynine each, and you can choose from 2 to 40.

Every product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you get free shipping if your order is over $29.99. Their customer service is also available from Monday to Sunday in case you have any issues.

2. VIP Kratom

If you want potent products but are not ready for extracts, try some of VIP Kratom’s loose powders. This company has such strict quality standards that their kratom is usually more potent than other vendors.

They are a pricier option, but their satisfaction guarantees and excellent customer service ensure you will end up with a product you enjoy.

3. Star Kratom

Star Kratom is a convenient and affordable option to get high-quality kratom powder. Although they do not have an extensive selection of strains, all their varieties are pure and effective.

Their shipping times are excellent, with same-day and next-day delivery options, and they have return policies in case you want to exchange or refund a product.

4. Happy Hippo Herbals

Happy Hippo Herbals has an incredible variety of products, all of excellent quality and purity. You can find regular powders and many different extracts, like liquids, shots, and candies.

In addition, this company is a prominent advocate for kratom, and customer satisfaction is their number one priority. They have money-back guarantees and ship even on weekends.

5. Chief Kratom

Chief Kratom provides affordable, high-quality, and 100% natural kratom extract, free from harmful additives and synthetic alkaloids. They only carry one product, which comes in 12 mL bottles, and cost about $12 each.

Many find the lack of lab test results, variety, and information off-putting. Still, they are certified by the AKA and have plenty of positive reviews online.

The Bottom Line: Should You Choose Kratom Powder or Extract?

Powdered kratom has been the standard for a long time, but the demand for extracts has increased in recent years. If you are still unsure about which is the right choice for you, reading other users’ experiences might help you with this decision.

If you value a good selection of products and control over the effects you obtain, you should go with loose powder. Kratom extracts are more suitable for those who want convenience and potency but only for short-term use. New users should use them carefully and start with smaller doses.