Kratom Guides

What Should Kratom Smell Like?

Does your kratom powder smell “off” to you?

It shouldn’t — kratom has an Earthy scent. Rotten kratom can have a stinky or moldy aroma. 

Here, you’ll learn what different types of kratom should smell like, and how you can detect bad batches. We’ll also mention some of the best sources to buy from so you can minimize the risk of ordering rotten kratom.

Written by Audrey Webber
Last Updated 3 years ago

Audrey Webber

Anthropologist & Freelance Writer

What Does Kratom Smell Like?

Kratom has an earthy smell to it.

Kratom is known for its strong bitter flavor, but not many people realize that smell is almost as important as taste. Knowing what your products should smell like will help you avoid bad batches and shady vendors.

While the smell varies depending on the strain and vein color, kratom usually has a distinct earthy odor. Yet, it’s not as strong as its taste, which is also loamy but in a raw and bitter sense. Some users describe the smell as similar to green tea or freshly-cut grass.

This is especially true with green-vein varieties, which have a more potent aroma. Also, red-vein strains may resemble matcha — a special kind of green tea. Other alternatives may be closer to yerba mate or hay instead.

Remember that no matter how good your kratom smells or looks, you should never snort it. Not only is it one of the most inefficient ways to take this herb, but it could also lead to several side effects.

Making Kratom Last

Kratom has a short shelf life — most people agree that it usually lasts for about three months. However, you can do a few things to extend your kratom’s usable life.

For example, you should never keep your powder near a water source, as it causes moisture. While it may not seem like a big deal, keep in mind that humidity often leads to mold, ruining your whole batch.

Another common mistake among novice kratom users is letting your powder breathe. Oxidization can result in stale kratom, meaning that it’s best to limit its exposure to fresh air whenever possible.

While not as prevalent, there have also been reports of ruined batches due to exposure to strong smells. Keeping your powder in places such as a fridge may cause a drastic change in taste, rendering it unusable.

There are dozens of other tips to keep in mind whenever you want to store your kratom. Online sites such as Reddit are ideal for finding out what veteran users recommend and what works.

Still, the easiest way to make sure that your kratom won’t go bad quickly is by purchasing it from reputable, trustworthy vendors.

Keeping your kratom in the best conditions possible is the best way to extend its shelf life significantly. Some users report making it last for over a year by following a few storage guidelines.

When storing kratom, make sure to:

  • Store it in an airtight container — by putting your kratom in a mason jar, you isolate it from contamination. You can also use plastic bags, but make sure to remove all the air.
  • Avoid environmental variables — fluctuating temperatures and changes in humidity can destroy your kratom. Make sure to put the container in a cool and dry place.
  • Keep it away from UV light — sunlight can degrade your kratom in days. The best way to avoid it is by using an opaque mason jar and keeping it in a drawer.

Vendors With the Freshest Kratom

The number one thing you can do to improve your kratom’s shelf life is to buy it from reputable sellers. Shady vendors may offer you old, stale powder which will spoil in a few days.

However, if you’re a beginner, the sheer amount of options might confuse you. So here we will show you the top three choices to keep in mind when looking for fresh kratom.

Kona Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $45.00 — $115.00
Verified Vendor

Kona Kratom

4.95 / 5
Ranked 1 out of 196 vendors

Kona Kratom has been consistently topping our best-of lists for a while now. Thanks to its consistent, high-quality products, excellent customer service, and fast shipping, it earned its place. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its orders.

On its menu, you’ll find over 30 different strains in capsule and powder form. A kilo of powder here runs for about $159.99 — not the cheapest, but certainly not bad considering all of its perks.

Kona Kratom’s top three rated strains:

Star Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $35 — $95
Verified Vendor

Star Kratom

4.8 / 5
Ranked 3 out of 196 vendors

Star Kratom is an up-and-coming vendor that has gained a following due to its incredible shipping times. Thanks to a strict same-day dispatch policy, this fantastic company can deliver your order in record time.

Besides, Star Kratom offers discounts for bulk orders and first-time buyers. It’s also one of the cheapest options out there, as it prices a kilo of kratom for $99.99. Also, it doesn’t sacrifice quality to reach this fantastic price tag.

Star Kratom’s top three rated strains:

VIP Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $40.00 — $125.00
Verified Vendor

VIP Kratom

4.70 / 5
Ranked 7 out of 196 vendors

VIP Kratom prides itself on carrying the highest-quality kratom available today. While many other vendors also claim this, this company is on another level — a dose of its powder can even surprise veteran users.

The downside of VIP Kratom is the price tags, as it offers a kilo of powder for $179.99. However, all of its orders have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so rest assured you’ll only be getting the best.

VIP Kratom’s top three rated strains:

Detecting Spoiled Kratom

Spoiled kratom can lead to severe side effects, such as persistent vomiting, stomach aches, and dizziness. In some cases, ruined powder has landed people in the emergency room due to the strength of these effects.

Detecting ruined products in time is the most critical thing you can do to ensure a healthy experience. While it may not be as obvious, smelling your kratom is easy to check if it’s in a good state.

Kratom that has gone bad will usually smell different, as many people report an odor related to fermentation. Others, instead, talk about a “wet dirt” aroma due to excess moisture inside the powder.

Another common characteristic of spoiled kratom is an overall loss of smell. Kratom’s fragrance is usually intense, but it may not be as strong when spoiled.

Most reports about spoiled powder also talk about a change in its taste. This is closely related to smell, so if a batch smells and tastes bad, don’t take any chances.

While you may be tempted to use your kratom despite a funky smell, we advise you not to take any chances. Kratom can develop mold, leading to severe consequences such as vomiting, fainting, and many others.

If you have any doubts regarding a product, it’s best to throw away the whole batch. We also recommend discarding batches that were stored in the same container.

Conclusion: What Should Kratom Smell Like?

Kratom, in good conditions, should have an earthy fragrance similar to that of green tea. Instead, if your batch smells as if it’s fermenting, it most likely has gone bad. However, you can ensure your products don’t spoil quickly by knowing how to store them properly.

We advise not taking any chances if you have doubts, as it could lead to several side effects. If you believe you’ve used spoiled kratom, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Don’t wait until side effects become unbearable.As always, getting your products from reputable vendors should be your first step when looking to have a satisfactory kratom experience. The vendors mentioned above uphold the highest quality standards and will deliver the freshest kratom right to your doorstep.

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