Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Taking a fat burner can give your body a fat loss boost to help get you to your goal weight faster. Many fat burners are built around stimulants, such as caffeine, designed to increase metabolism and thermogenesis. However, a lot of people do not react very well to stimulants. Therefore, they require a fat burner to accelerate their fat loss without the high dose of excitants.
This article reveals the 8 best non-stimulant fat burners on the current market. We've categorized our favorite stim-free fat burners according to key benefits to help you find the ideal supplement to meet your needs. You'll also find a breakdown of the benefits of stim-free fat burners and a buyer's guide to help you make the best buying decision.
8 Best Non-Stimulant Fat Burners
- Best Overall: Transparent Labs Stim-Free
- Runner-Up : HourGlass Fit
- Budget Pick: Kaged Clean Burn
- For Appetite Suppression : Cellucor CLK
- For Craving Reduction: Huge Supplements Exterminate
- Powdered Non-Stimulant Fat Burner: EVL Leanmode
- For Sleep Support: Jacked Factory Lean PM
- For Men: Burn Lab Pro®
SFS Pick
Transparent Labs
SFS Runner-Up Pick
HourGlass Fit
SFS Budget Pick
Kaged Clean Burn
1. Overall Best Non-Stimulant Fat Burner: Transparent Labs Stim-Free
Transparent Labs Stim-Free fat burner is a jitter-free way to boost your energy, ramp up your metabolism, retain muscle mass, burn body fat more efficiently and improve focus and mood. There are six ingredients in this product as follows:
- Acetyl-L -Carnitine: 750 mg
- Forslean (contains Forskolin): 250 mg
- 5-HTP: 150 mg
- Rhodiola Rosea: 100 mg
- Cayenne Pepper Extract: 50 mg
- Fucoxanthin: 10 mg
The one ingredient listed above that is unique is Fucoxanthin. This is a carotenoid that is extracted from some types of edible seaweed. There is some research to indicate that it may be able to help people lose weight by speeding up their metabolism. However, more data is needed, so this is probably the most dubious of the ingredients in this product.
A one-month supply (at a dosage of two capsules per day) of Transparent Labs Stim-Free Fat Burner will cost around $50, but if you buy two or more bottles off the transparent Labs website, you will receive a discount.
Pros
- Transparent labeling
- Clinically dosed ingredients
- Uses multiple mechanisms to achieve fat loss
Cons
- Does not contain glucomannan for appetite suppression
With a unique combination of clean and natural fat burning ingredients, PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner Stim-Free is perfect for anyone intolerant to stimulants looking...
2. Best Non-Stimulant Fat Burner For Women: HourGlass Fit
HourGlass Fit is a capsule-based non-stimulant fat burner for women. It promotes fat loss by increasing metabolism, reducing appetite, and boosting energy levels. The key ingredients loaded into the product to achieve these objectives are:
- Glucomannan
- 5-HTP
- Vitamin B-12
- Chromium
- Zinc
- Capsimax
- Bioperine
There are 3 grams of glucomannan in HourGlass Fit. That makes it an excellent appetite suppressant, able to fill the stomach and reduce snack binges.
Even though it is marketed toward women, this product will work equally well for men. A daily dosage is four capsules, so people who don't take well to capsules may struggle with it. A one-month supply is around $50, or approximately $1.50 per day. If you buy three bottles, you will get the 4th one for free.
Pros
- 3 grams of glucomannan for appetite suppression
- Bioperine to boost bioavailability
- Buy three, get one free
Cons
- Requires taking four capsules per day
- Only available from the official website
Hourglass Fit is our only product, meaning we are completely focused on making a quality product that delivers results. It’s the only...
3. Best Budget Non-Stimulant Fat Burner: Kaged Clean Burn
Kaged Muscle Clean Burn is a non-stimulant fat burner designed for men. It's designed to boost the metabolism, increase fat burning and reduce the appetite.
First, let's take a look at the key ingredients in Kaged Muscle:
- Chromium (ChromeMate®): According to some studies, this ingredient may be able to boost fat burning. The problem is that the dosages used in those studies were significantly higher than 134mg contained in Kaged Muscle Clean Burn.
- L-Carnitine Tartrate: This a popular fat loss ingredient that has been touted as being able to burn visceral body fat. The research-backed evidence to support this, though, is pretty slim. There is 1000mg of L-Cranitine Tartrate in Clean Burn.
- Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract provides a similar thermogenic effect to caffeine but without side effects. "It only 4 grams of caffeine (from the green tea extract) per serving so it won’t stimulate even the most caffeine-sensitive individuals," says Kaged Muscle. It also contains catechins that have an antioxidant effect.
- Gymnema Sylvestre Extract: Gymnema Sylvestre Extract can lower blood sugar levels. It also contains an acid that stops the sweetness of sugar from getting to the tastebuds. Eliminating the sweetness removes the incentive to eat sweet, calorie-rich food. There is 100mg of gymnema sylvestre extract.
Kaged Muscle represents excellent value for money, with a 3-month supply, selling for close to $30. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and can be obtained from various online sellers. Every batch of Clean Burn is also 3rd party tested to ensure that it is free of banned substances.
Pros
- Great price
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3rd party tested
Cons
- Some ingredients underdosed
While most weight-loss formulas only address one of the typical person’s weight management challenges, Clean Burn™ attacks the problem from multiple angles! Losing weight is...
4. Best Appetite Suppression Non-Stimulant Fat Burner: Cellucor CLK
Cellucor CLK is a blend of four key ingredients to support weight loss, control the appetite and burn energy. This is Cellucor's stimulant-free fat-burning option.
Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients in CLK:
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): CLA is a fatty acid that is found in milk and red meat. It is common in weight loss solutions since research suggests it may help with weight loss. Beef, buttermilk, yogurt, cheese, safflower oil, chicken, turkey, and salmon are a few examples of foods that include CLA. Supplemental CLA is beneficial to your overall health and boosts fat metabolism.
- L-Carnitine Tartrate: L-Carnitine Tartrate is an amino acid with strong antioxidant qualities. Therefore, it can aid in overcoming weariness. Additionally, it aids in weight loss and can ease muscle pain.
- Raspberry Ketones: Raspberry ketones are the compounds that give raspberries their distinctive smell. They are believed to mimic capsaicin in their ability to assist with boosting metabolism and burning fat. However, the only studies that have shown this to be the case were done on animals. Without human studies, it remains uncertain whether they will benefit from fat loss.
You get 1.7 grams of CLA in each dose of Cellucor CLK. The other ingredients are grouped in a proprietary blend under the heading 'stimulant-free toning blend'. The total of these ingredients is 1017 grams, but we have no way of knowing the individual dosage of each ingredient. That is not ideal, as we cannot tell if some compounds have been underdosed.
Each container of Cellucor CLK contains 90 capsules. A daily dose of three soft gels provides you with a month's supply. The average cost is around $30 per bottle or approximately a dollar daily. That puts this product at the lower end of the market price-wise.
Pros
- Contains CLA
- Well priced
- Curbs the appetite
Cons
- Proprietary blend
CLK provides the extra edge for those who want to maximize their weight loss potential and turn great effort into even better results. With a blend of...
5. Best Craving Reducing Non-Stimulant Fat Burner: Huge Supplements Exterminate
Huge Supplements Exterminate is the stimulant-free fat-burning alternative from Huge Supplements. It contains ten ingredients that are formulated to act as an all-day thermogenic while also burning stored body fat and boosting the metabolism.
Here's a rundown of the ingredients and dosages contained in Exterminate:
- Green Tea Extract (camellia sinensis) (Leaf) (std 15% EGCG) – 600mg
- Naringin (from citrus fruit) – 300mg
- White Willow Extract – 250mg
- Advantra Z (Citrus aurantium (fruit), standardized to 30% p-Synephrine) – 200mg
- L-Tyrosine – 150mg
- Hordenine HCI – 100mg
- Thermo V (Stearoyl vanillylamide
- Capsaicin, Zingerone) – 20mg
- Huperzine A 1% (Huperzia serrata leaf extract) – 3mg,
- Bioperine (Black Pepper Fruit Extract) – 3mg
- T2 (3,5 Diiodo-L-Thyronine) – 150mcg.
Some of these ingredients are not very familiar, even to those of us who regularly review fat burners. Advantra Z is a form of bitter orange extract that somewhat mimics the actions of a stimulant by boosting the metabolism but without exciting the pulse rate. T2 (no connection with The Terminator) may be able to boost mitochondrial energy production and lipid metabolism. Huperzine A has been found to have nootropic properties, being able to improve focus and memory.
Each container of Huge Supplements Exterminate contains 90 capsules. That is enough for a month at a daily dosage of three capsules. This fat burner sells for around $50, which puts it on paper with our average per-serving cost of around $1.50.
Huge Supplements Exterminate is made in the USA in GMP-complaint and FDA-registered facilities. The capsules that the ingredients are contained in are made of gelatin, so this is not a vegan-friendly product.
Pros
- Ten research-backed ingredients
- Transparent label
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not vegan friendly
Exterminate is our stimulant-free fat burner that has been formulated to provide long-lasting effects. It is fuelled by...
6. Best Powdered Non-Stimulant Fat Burner: EVL Leanmode
EVL Leanmode combines five ingredients into one complex. These ingredients are:
- Green Tea Leaf Extract
- Green Coffee Bean
- CLA
- Acetyl L-Carnitine
- Garcinia Cambogia
CLA is dosed at 100mg and combined with 200mg of Garcinia Cambogia to boost the metabolism and promote the use of stored body fat for energy during exercise. This combination also helps to preserve muscle mass during times of dieting.
There is 200mg of green coffee bean extract in EVL Leanmode. Because they are unroasted, coffee beans contain chlorogenic acid, a potent antioxidant. This acid has been shown to help the body burn off stored fat. It also supports the metabolism and helps fight against the free radical effects of oxidative stress.
EVL Leanmode contains 100mg of green tea extract, which contains EGCG polyphenol, another key antioxidant. It has been shown to encourage the breakdown of stubborn stored body fat.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is dosed at 1000mg in this product. This compound helps to increase energy levels by fast-tracking the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria to increase endurance and promote energy production.
This powdered form supplement is dosed at one 5.1 gram scoop per serving, mixed with water or another liquid. There are 30 servings per container. The powder does not mix well but has a pleasant fruit punch taste. The manufacturer recommends one serving with breakfast and another in the evening before dinner.
Pros
- Well researched ingredients
- Pleasant tasting
- Well dosed
Cons
- The powder does not mix very well
LEANMODE combines the most effective stimulant-free ingredients for weight management into a full spectrum formula. The 5 active ingredients in LEANMODE...
7. Best Sleep Support Non-Stimulant Fat Burner: Jacked Factory Lean PM
Jacked Factory Lean PM is a nighttime formula that burns fat when you sleep. It includes ingredients that will promote a better night's sleep as it works on converting stored body fat to energy.
Lean PM contains seven ingredients. Here's a quick rundown of the highlights:
- Magnesium: 150mg of magnesium acts as a muscle relaxant and helps you drift off into deep sleep.
- EGCG: This green tea extract is dosed at 300mg, which is a little low compared to many other fat burner brands. 500mg would have been a more potent dose. This compound acts as a thermogenic to heat the body temperature. The body needs to produce energy by burning calories to return to homeostasis. EGCG is also a powerful antioxidant. This is a good replacement for caffeine that will produce similar thermogenic benefits without the side effects that come with stimulants.
- L-Theanine: You get 200mg of L-Theanine in Jacked Factory Lean PM. This is a well-known nootropic, but its fat-burning credentials are less well-established. It is believed to have metabolism-boosting abilities, but no human trials have yet confirmed this.
- 5-HTP: 5-HTP is usually included in fat burners in order to help suppress the appetite. So, its addition to a nighttime fat burner is a bit of a mystery, as you won't be hungry when you are sleeping! It is dosed in Jacked Factory Lean PM at 150mg.
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a popular and researched sleep-inducing hormone. The brain produces it in response to darkness. It is dosed here at 5mg, which is a pretty good amount.
- Bioperine: This black pepper extract has the ability to increase the absorption and bioavailability of the other ingredients.
The fact that this is a sleep fat loss product means that some of the ingredients that you would normally see in a stim-free fat loss supplement are not on the table. These include glucomannan which acts as an appetite suppressant. However, Jacked Factory Lean PM will help improve your sleep as you get leaner.
Pros
- Most ingredients well dosed
- Science-backed ingredients
- Promotes good sleep
Cons
- Does not include appetite-suppressant ingredients
Lean PM is a night-time fat burner for men and women with no caffeine or other stimulants. No jitters, headaches, or crashes - burn fat while...
8. Best Non-Stimulant Fat Burner For Men: Burn Lab Pro®
Burn Lab Pro® is a non-stim fat burner that is designed for hard-training gymgoers. It promises to help guys retain their hard-earned muscle mass while losing body fat. Here is what it contains:
- Forskolin
- Capsimax
- HMB
- Bioperine
- GTF Chromium
Burn Lab Pro® is designed to maximize fat loss by suppressing the appetite and inducing thermogenesis. Capsimax has been shown to help safely suppress appetite and heat the body internally so that it must respond by producing energy to return to a normal level. In addition, during fasting and calorie restriction, a different component called HMB might assist in maintaining optimal training performance and preventing muscle breakdown.
Combining all the components in Burn Lab Pro® may help suppress hunger and enhance training efficiency. It also aids in maintaining muscle mass. Forslean and Bioperine are a couple of ingredients in this supplement that can stimulate the body's fat-burning hormones. Capsimax is also able to improve resting metabolism. The combination of GTF Chromium, Bioperine, and Capsimax also combat insulin resistance and promote fat over glucose as the body's key energy source.
Burn Lab Pro® is a safe fat burner, free of stimulants, and only contains natural ingredients. However, it should not be used by pregnant women and breastfeeding moms.
Each bottle of Burn Lab Pro® contains 90 capsules, with a daily dose being three capsules.
A one-month supply of Burn Lab Pro® sells for around $60, breaking down to $2 per day. A 30-day money-back guarantee covers your purchase.
Pros
- All natural ingredients
- Designed to retain muscle mass as you lose body fat
- Vegan
Cons
- Quite expensive
Burn Lab Pro® optimizes fat loss + exercise synergy with the most intelligent fat burner formula ever: The HOLY GRAIL of fat burners because it...
What is a Non-Stimulant Fat Burner?
We've covered the best fat burners on the market, so now it's time to talk about what a fat burner is. A non-stimulant fat burner is a supplement designed to accelerate fat loss that does not use stimulant ingredients. Caffeine is the main fat-burning stimulant you will not find in a non-stim fat burner.
Fat burners that include stimulants bring on the state of thermogenesis, heating up the body's internal temperature. The body must use up energy in the form of calories to bring the body back to homeostasis.
Stimulants also have an effect on the central nervous system. This may cause such unwanted side effects as anxiety, nervousness, and jitters. When you take a non-stimulant fat burner, you are able to experience the fat loss benefits without the side effects.
Fat burners, whether stimulant based or stim-free, are designed to be taken in conjunction with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet.
Benefits of Non-Stimulant Fat Burners:
Non-stimulant fat burners are not magic fat loss pills. But when taken as a supplement to regular exercise and a diet that allows for a daily negative calorie balance where you are burning more energy than you take in, fat burners can work, boosting your weight loss results. Here are four specific benefits that come from taking a non-stimulant fat burner.
1. Thermogenic Effects
Stimulants are not the only ingredients that promote thermogenesis. Non-stim fat burners are able to do so, also. But they are able to achieve it without speeding up the heart rate.
Heat is a thermodynamic inefficiency or consequence of every metabolic process. The term "thermogenesis" often refers to the production of heat in connection with metabolism and the energy used to digest food. Calories are used to measure the heat your body produces. You'll burn a lot of calories because of your body's increased thermogenic action resulting in a reduction of stored fat when staying at a caloric deficit.¹
One of the best no-stimulant fat-burning ingredients to promote thermogenesis is capsaicin or cayenne pepper.²
2. No Energy Spikes
While caffeine is well known for its ability to quickly boost your energy levels, it will also cause a pretty sudden and dramatic energy crash.
By inhibiting adenosine receptors in the brain, caffeine boosts mental alertness and energy. However, once the caffeine is metabolized, adenosine binds, and weariness sets in.³
Additionally, short-term metabolic investigations have shown that caffeine consumption may abruptly decrease insulin sensitivity and raise blood glucose levels. Your energy level decreases when blood glucose levels ultimately return to normal.
This is not a good thing. When you take a non-stimulant fat burner, you are able to get a more consistent, reliable source of energy. That means that you are able to experience a far more stable energy balance during your workout - and don't have to put up with that post-workout crash effect.
3. Can be taken at any time
When you take a stimulant-based fat burner, you have to think carefully about the timing of your supplementation. That's because you've got to factor in the side effects, including feeling hyped and jittery and possibly suffering from an energy crash. Taking a stim-based product any time in the evening could lead to a frustrating lack of sleep. Then again, taking it mid-morning may cause you to crash during your mid-afternoon staff meeting.
When you take a stim-free fat burner, you are freed from the hassle of regulating your timing. You can take the supplement any time of the day without having to worry about how the side effects will affect the rest of your day (or night).
4. Metabolism regulation
Non-stimulant-based fat burners are designed to increase the resting metabolic rate. Ingredients such as green tea extract, capsaicin, and cayenne pepper work together to increase the body's energy usage so that the caloric burn goes up. Research shows that stim-free fat burners have the capability to increase metabolism by 6-9 %.⁴
Side Effects of Non-Stimulant Fat Burners
Stimulant-free fat burners are considered to be safe when they are consumed according to the dosage guidelines. You will not experience any of the wired, jittery side effects that come with stimulant-based products, nor will you have to deal with the energy crash that usually occurs about an hour after taking a stim-based fat burner.
Some people may experience some minor side effects when they start taking a stim-free fat burner. These may include stomach upset, flatulence, burping, and slight headaches. These effects usually do not last for more than a couple of weeks.
What to look for when buying Non-Stimulant Fat Burners:
There is fierce competition amongst fat burner manufacturers, with lots of money being spent to convince potential customers that their product will shred fat faster than the competition.
Rather than taking the word of those with vested interests, however, the discerning buyer will base their decision on objective guidelines. Here are four key things to take into account when you're shopping for a stimulant-free fat burner that works.
1. Ingredients
Most fat burners contain a long list of ingredients, many of which are unpronounceable. Trying to make sense of the label can be pretty confusing. Here are six key ingredients that you should look for when trying to decide if a non-stim fat burner is worth your money:
Capsaicin:
Capsaicin, which is present in cayenne and chili peppers, has been shown to promote fat-burning and aid in weight loss. Additionally, by raising body temperature and oxygen consumption, its heat helps the body burn more calories. According to one study, adding 6 milligrams of capsaicin to a regular diet and exercise routine can considerably reduce abdominal fat.
Green Coffee Bean Extract:
The antioxidant properties of the extract of unroasted coffee beans can decrease blood pressure and promote weight loss. These beans haven't been roasted, so they still contain chlorogenic acid, which can aid in weight loss.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine:
Fatty acids are transported into our cells by L-carnitine, where they are burned and converted into energy. Several studies have indicated that it can help older, obese persons lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. We discuss this in more detail in our article: Is L Carnitine Good For Weight Loss?
Beta-Aminoisobutyric Acid:
The PGC-1 protein, which is secreted when we exercise, causes the release of BAIBA, or beta-aminoisobutyric acid. Our thermogenic genes are activated as it enters the white fat cells, speeding up metabolism and fat burning considerably. This organic substance regulates insulin and cholesterol while focusing on metabolism.
5-HTP:
Our bodies naturally synthesize the amino acid 5-hydroxytryptophan in order to make serotonin. It has been shown to help people with depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties by stabilizing their moods. Additionally, 5-HTP can make you feel fuller longer, which would reduce your appetite.
While hunger-stimulating hormones frequently develop more abundantly after losing weight, 5-HTP can work against these hormones to reduce appetite. Additionally, 5-HTP may control blood sugar levels and reduce the consumption of calories from carbs.
Glucomannan:
The low-calorie dietary fiber glucomannan makes you feel full by taking up space in your stomach. Additionally, when taking glucomannan for weight loss, it may slow down stomach emptying and lessen the absorption of fat and protein. The healthy bacteria in our intestines are also fed by it, according to studies, which helps us gain less fat.
Chromium Picolinate:
Chromium is a mineral that helps to control insulin and blood sugar levels. Despite the fact that there is still more research to be done on this product, what has been done suggests that it may contribute to weight loss.
2. Testing/Transparency
We recommend purchasing your supplements from companies that employ a 3rd party lab to check their products for potency and purity. By doing so, you will have the confidence that you are putting into your body exactly what is stated on the label.
3. Price
The price of non-stimulant fat burners ranges quite widely. A budget brand will cost around $30 for a one-month supply or a dollar per day. Premium brands may cost twice that amount. The average daily serving price of the eight best stimulant-free fat burners reviewed on this page is around $1.50.
4. Reviews
By getting into the habit of checking online reviews from verified purchasers of the fat-free stimulant you are considering buying, you are able to gain insight into the potential side effects, taste, mixability, and effectiveness of the supplement.
When reading user reviews, you should also take note of the level of customer service being used, especially in relation to any problems encountered by the user.
Non-Stimulant Fat Burner FAQs
What is a Non-Stimulant Fat Burner?
A non-simulant fat burner is a supplement designed to accelerate fat loss that does not contain any stimulant-based ingredients. That means that it will not contain caffeine, and other thermogenic boosters that come under the category of methylxanthines. Instead of these ingredients, stim-free fat burners use such ingredients as capsaicin, cayenne pepper, 5-HTP, and glucomannan.
What is the safest fat burner?
The majority of non or low-stimulant fat burners are safe, so it is difficult to say which one is the safest. We love Transparent Labs Stim Free thanks to the top notch formualtions and science backed ingredients.
Is there a healthy fat burner?
Most stimulant-free based fat burners are safe when taken according to the recommended guidelines. They use only natural, herb-based ingredients that are completely safe.
What is the strongest natural fat burner?
The strongest natural fat-burning ingredients are capsaicin, acetyl-l-carnitine, and glucomannan. If you want to use a stimulant-based fat burner, you should look for a product that includes caffeine. So, long as these dosages are under 350mg for caffeine, you should not suffer any negative side effects.
Summary
Non-stimulant fat burners provide all the positives of a fat burner without the unpleasant side effects that come with stimulant-based products. You won't have to contend with the shakes, anxiety, or that unnatural wired feeling that comes with high stimulant-based thermogenic fat burners.
The best non-stim fat burner on the current market is Transparent Labs Stim Free thanks to a safe blend of non-stimulant thermogenics to boost the metabolism and promote calorie burning.
More Best Supplement Rundowns:
- Best Fat Burners For Women
- Best Fat Burners For Men
- Best Nighttime Fat Burners
- Best Pre-Workout Supplements For Weight Loss
Research
- Clark JE, Welch S. Comparing effectiveness of fat burners and thermogenic supplements to diet and exercise for weight loss and cardiometabolic health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health. 2021 Dec;27(4):445-459. doi: 10.1177/0260106020982362. Epub 2021 Jan 11. PMID: 33427571.
- Diepvens K, Westerterp KR, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. Obesity and thermogenesis related to the consumption of caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin, and green tea. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2007 Jan;292(1):R77-85. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00832.2005. Epub 2006 Jul 13. PMID: 16840650.
- Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM. Caffeine and adenosine. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 1:S3-15. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2010-1379. PMID: 20164566.
- Jeukendrup AE, Randell R. Fat burners: nutrition supplements that increase fat metabolism. Obes Rev. 2011 Oct;12(10):841-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00908.x. PMID: 21951331.
Steve Theunissen
Author