In the wide world of kratom, there’s no shortage of different ways to get your daily dose. Among the most popular are kratom capsules, which combine the pure kratom experience with unparalleled convenience. Another similar option is kratom tablets — and though kratom tablets and capsules have a lot in common, they’re quite different when you take a closer look.
In this article, we’ll go into the details that make each of these kratom products tick. From similarities and differences to issues of efficiency and purity, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide whether kratom capsules or kratom tablets are the ideal choice for your needs — and why Kratom Spot has chosen to offer only the world’s best kratom capsules, not tablets. Let’s jump in!
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Summary: the Pros and Cons of Kratom Tablets and Kratom Capsules
Kratom Tablets
Pros
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- Slightly faster initial onset of dose
Cons
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- Longer time before full dose takes effect
- Binding agents result in less pure product
- Often unpleasant taste
Kratom Capsules
Pros
-
- Allows for a purer, more potent dose of kratom (no additives or fillers)
- Virtually flavorless
- Shorter “waiting period” before you experience your full dose
Cons
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- Slightly slower initial onset (a result of the gel capsule, which can take a few minutes to dissolve in the stomach)
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What are Kratom Tablets and Capsules?
Both kratom tablets and kratom capsules are pills that contain a carefully pre-measured dose of kratom. Like most pills, both kratom tablets and kratom capsules are intended for oral ingestion.
But despite their broad similarities, tablets and capsules have many differences that may make them more or less attractive for particular users.
The most key difference is the binding method — that is, how the pills keep the pre-measured kratom dose together in a cohesive, easy-to-swallow form.
However, many other differences exist; the sum total of these makes it clear that kratom tablets and kratom capsules are very different beasts. Let’s take a look at the key differences in this side-by-side breakdown of kratom tablets vs. kratom capsules!
Binding Method
Kratom Tablet Binding Method:
Kratom tablets are small pills made out of raw kratom powder and a binding agent, which are pressed together under extraordinarily high pressures.
On its own, kratom powder is incapable of holding its shape when pressed. With sufficient pressure, pure kratom powder can become somewhat cohesive but will immediately dissolve when exposed to even trace amounts of moisture (such as in the mouth, prior to swallowing).
The binding agent in kratom tablets is a special additive whose purpose is to increase cohesion and allow the pressed pill to keep its shape until digested (or otherwise exposed to liquid for substantial periods of time).
The most common binding agents in kratom tablets are as follows:
- Sucrose
- Gelatin
- Starch
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone
- Microcrystalline cellulose
Important Note: Some vendors claim to offer “100% pure” kratom tablets with no binding agent of any kind. These claims should be read with the utmost suspicion. As we mentioned above, kratom powder simply does not hold its shape without a binding agent; like virtually every other tablet on the market, kratom tablets must be made with a binding agent that categorically is not pure kratom powder. At best, these “pure” kratom tablets could use another part of the mitragyna speciosa tree (whose leaves are made into kratom powder) as a binding agent. In such a circumstance, the tablets would technically be 100% kratom, but their potency and purity would be diminished as a result of using undesirable parts of the kratom tree.
Kratom Capsule Binding Method:
Kratom capsules are housed in thin gelatin shells (often referred to as “gel caps”). These gel caps can be made from a wide variety of sources and sizes. The all-natural kratom capsules available at Kratom Spot, for instance, are made with a 100% vegan, plant-based gelatin.
Because of this storage device, it is not necessary to alter the natural kratom powder in a kratom capsule in any way. When it comes to delivering a pure, potent kratom pill, kratom capsules undoubtedly take the edge for this reason.
Bonus: You can purchase your kratom powder separately and make your own capsules. Learn more about DIY Kratom Capsules.
The Verdict on Binding Method: Kratom Capsules Win by a Landslide
If you’re looking for an all-natural, pure kratom experience (and you should be), kratom capsules are the clear choice. Kratom tablets rely on additional ingredients to maintain their cohesiveness. At worst, these can be synthetic and nasty-tasting additives that can have health implications of their own; at best, they’re natural plant extracts that, nonetheless, dilute the potency and effectiveness of your dose. Compared with all that, the vegetable gel caps of a kratom capsule are positively peachy.
Taste
Kratom Tablet Taste:
Even if you’re unbothered by the added binding agent, the flavor of kratom tablets will almost certainly give you pause.
One of the most common complaints that kratom users express is that they dislike the distinct, earthy, and bitter taste of raw kratom powder. Well, kratom tablets don’t do anything to improve it. In fact, depending on the binding agent used, kratom tablets can take on a full-fledged bouquet of other, even more unpleasant tastes.
The good news? Kratom tablets aren’t meant to be savored, and the taste will fade quickly after swallowing. And, just like with kratom powder, there are a number of things you can do to cover-up the taste and make your kratom tablets experience more pleasant: The right flavor combinations can make all the difference in the world.
Kratom Capsule Taste:
This is one of the most popular selling points of kratom capsules: they are flavorless. Of course, depending on the type of gel caps used, there might be a slight taste of something or other, but that’s nothing compared to the full-force kratom flavor you get with kratom powder or kratom tablets.
The Verdict on Taste: Kratom Capsules Take the Gold
Don’t like the taste of kratom? Kratom capsules are the perfect option for you. The thin, easy-to-swallow gel caps are virtually flavorless and completely conceal the rich, earthy flavor of the kratom powder they contain. With kratom tablets? Not so much. You’re going to get a full-force sampling of that rich kratom taste, as there’s nothing in between the powder and your tongue. Of course, manufacturers can always cover up the flavor by adding extra ingredients — but that only further dilutes the potency and purity of your kratom dose.
Digestion and Onset Time
Kratom Tablets Digestion and Onset Time:
When you take a kratom tablet, you’ll start to feel the effects of your dose slightly faster than if you were to take a kratom capsule. That’s because the body can begin breaking down the tablet almost immediately after ingestion, rather than having to break down a gel capsule.
However, kratom tablets take significantly longer to fully break down and absorb than kratom capsules. That’s because kratom tablets are so densely packed; it takes time for the stomach to break down the tablet fully, so the surface area (and absorption potential) are dramatically reduced.
Kratom Capsules Digestion and Onset Time:
With kratom capsules, you can expect it to take a few extra minutes before you start to feel your dose. The gel capsule shell takes a short time to break down in the stomach but typically shouldn’t delay onset time by any more than 3-4 minutes.
From there, however, kratom capsules take the clear edge. Because the kratom powder inside the gel capsule is not pressed, it immediately disperses once the gel cap dissolves. This immediately exposes the full surface area of the powder, which dramatically speeds-up absorption time. In effect, kratom capsules can be likened to the toss and wash method, but with a slightly increased initial onset time.
The Verdict on Digestion and Onset Time: A Tie (But We Prefer Capsules)
Which product wins this category comes down to a matter of personal preference. If you’re looking for fast onset with a slower, time-released “trickle” of kratom dosage, then kratom tablets take the cake. If you want a fast-acting dose whose full effects you’ll feel quickly, then kratom capsules are the right choice for you.