Developing the best nootropic stack can be a surefire way to enhance brain function and improve cognition in the mind and body.
Nootropics, or cognitive enhancers aid cognitive function and develop brain health, to ensure that your mental performance is at the top of its capability.
The best nootropic stacks (or smart drugs) improve cognitive function, promote a calm mindset, improve motivation and willpower, as well as aiding the brain in fighting conditions like anxiety and depression.
And thanks to the inclusion of ingredients like Citicoline, L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, and Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract, the best nootropic stacks can also support the brain in fighting serious conditions like dementia, and in helping recovery from issues with the central nervous system.
Our in-house team of nutrition and supplement experts have compared and reviewed all of the best nootropic supplements on the market.
We’ll walk you through our top 5 smart drug picks, and show you how each nootropic supplement boosts cognitive performance.
Top 5 Best Nootropic Stack Supplements
- Mind Lab Pro
- Hunter Focus
- Onnit Alpha Brain
- Performance Lab Mind
- Zhou Nutrition Neuro-Peak
Top 5 Best Nootropic Stack Supplements
Here at BigBluetest we compare and review all of the best nootropic stacks online, so that you can quickly and easily find the right smart drug for you.
There are a range of different nootropics that all help the brain in a slightly different way. From boosting cognitive performance, through to boosting long-term brain health.
1. Mind Lab Pro
Top of our best nootropic stack list is Mind Lab Pro.
Mind Lab Pro contains eleven different natural nootropics that help to support six different bio-pathways in the human brain.
Unlike some nootropic supplements that focus on a select few ingredients, Mind Lab Pro contains 250mg of Citicoline, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, 150mg of Bacopa Monnieri, 500mg of Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, 175mg of L-Tyrosine, 100mg of L-Theanine, 75mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract, 50mg of Rhodiola Rosea, as well as brain boosting vitamins.
This powerful mix of natural nootropics helps to support six key pathways in the brain. Which includes boosting brain chemistry, brain energy levels, blood flow, neurotransmitters/receptors, and helping to regenerate and protect the brain under stress.
Mind Lab Pro is non-GMO, allergen-free, and contains only 100% natural plant-based ingredients and natural nootropics. It is also gluten-free and suitable for those following a vegan diet.
If you are looking for a cost-effective nootropic supplement that contains high doses of all of the main nootropic stack ingredients out there, Mind Lab Pro is a fantastic option.
Key Benefits
- Contains 250mg of Citicoline, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, 150mg of Bacopa Monnieri, 500mg of Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, 175mg of L-Tyrosine, 100mg of L-Theanine, 75mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract, 50mg of Rhodiola Rosea
- Helps to support six different key pathways in the brain from boosting energy levels, to combatting stress
- 100% plant-based and allergen free
2. Hunter Focus
If you are looking for a premium nootropic stack, that will help to support a busy lifestyle, then Hunter Focus is a great option.
Hunter Focus contains 250mg of Citicoline, 500mg of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract, 300mg of Ashwagandha, 250mg of Passion Flower Extract, 200mg of Bacopa, 200mg of L-Tyrosine, 200mg of L-Theanine, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, and 100mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract.
The unique blend of natural nootropics found in Hunter Focus helps to sharpen the brain to deliver clear thinking, and laser-sharp focus. While the introduction of Passion Flower Extract helps to maintain a calm, and relaxed mindset.
Hunter Focus only contains 100% natural ingredients, and is non-GMO, gluten, free and free from allergens. It helps to boost mental clarity, optimize the mind, and unleash creativity by removing stress. This leads to all-round cognitive enhancement, as well as reduced brain cell fatigue.
Key Benefits
- Contains 250mg of Citicoline, 500mg of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract, 300mg of Ashwagandha, 250mg of Passion Flower Extract, 200mg of Bacopa, 200mg of L-Tyrosine, 200mg of L-Theanine, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, and 100mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract
- Boosts all-round cognitive performance, brain function, brain synergy, and mental clarity
- 100% plant-based and allergen free
3. Onnit Alpha Brain
Next on our list of the best nootropic stacks is Onnit Alpha Brain.
Onnit Alpha Brain is nootropic supplement that is built for anyone who wants to “live in the zone”. It helps to aid memory, focus, and cognitive processing, as well as mental speed, accuracy, and focus.
Onnit Alpha Brain contains three unique nootropic blends made up of 650mg of Onnit Flow Blend (L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Oat Extract, and Phosphatidylserine), 240mg of Onnit Focus Blend (Bacopa, L-Alpha, and Toothed Clubmoss Extract), and 60mg of Onnit Fuel Blend (L-Leucine, and Pterostilbene). On top of this, Onnit Alpha contains 10mg of Vitamin B6, and 350mg of Cat’s Claw bark extract.
With over 1 million bottles sold, Onnit Alpha Brain helps to create alpha brain waves, increase the production of neurotransmitters, optimize acetylcholine levels, and improve central nervous system communication.
Onnit Alpha Brain is caffeine free, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. There is also a subscription option that saves you over 15% every month.
Key Benefits
- Contains three unique nootropic blends made up of 650mg of Onnit Flow Blend (L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Oat Extract, and Phosphatidylserine), 240mg of Onnit Focus Blend (Bacopa, L-Alpha, and Toothed Clubmoss Extract), and 60mg of Onnit Fuel Blend (L-Leucine, and Pterostilbene). On top of this, Onnit Alpha contains 10mg of Vitamin B6, and 350mg of Cat’s Claw bark extract
- Supports memory, mental clarity, focus, mental processing, and makes you feel “in the zone”
- 100% plant-based and allergen free
4. Performance Lab Mind
If you are looking for a super clean nootropic supplement that boosts brainpower, and brain health, while limiting cognitive exertion, then Performance Lab Mind could be for you.
Performance Lab Mind contains fewer natural ingredients, and is designed to boost brain energy levels, supports mental focus, and help the brain recover from heavy exertion.
Performance Lab Mind contains 250mg of Citicoline, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, 250mg of L-Tyrosine, and 75mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract.
This narrow focus on high-quality ingredients and natural nootropics is designed to give your brain everything it needs to perform at its peak over time.
Performance Lab Mind is GMP-Certified, non-GMO, caffeine-free, gluten-free, and delivered in tablet coatings made from prebiotic fibers. On top of this, Performance Lab Mind is one of the most affordable nootropic supplements on the market.
Key Benefits
- Contains 250mg of Citicoline, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, 250mg of L-Tyrosine, and 75mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract
- Boosts brain energy levels, helps the brain recover from cognitive over-exertion, and supports all-round mental clarity and focus
- One of the best priced nootropic supplements on the market, 100% plant-based and free from allergens
5. Zhou Nutrition Neuro-Peak
The final option on our list of the best nootropic stacks is Zhou Nutrition Neuro-Peak.
Zhou Nutrition Neuro-Peak is the most affordable option on our best nootropic supplements list, and also offers a convenient subscription option.
Zhoe Nutrition Neuro-Peak contains 500mg of Vitamin B12, 300mg of Bacopa Monnieri, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, 100mg of Ginkgo Biloba, 50mg of Rhodiola Rosea, and 50mg of DMAE.
This unique natural nootropic blend is particularly well equipped to support memory and mental accuracy, mental energy levels and alertness, and improve focus and mental clarity.
This top nootropic supplement is perfect for busy professionals, CEOs, and athletes who want to perform at the top of their games daily. Zhoe Nutrition Neuro-Peak is GMP-Certified, non-GMO, allergen free, and easy to take.
Key Benefits
- Contains 500mg of Vitamin B12, 300mg of Bacopa Monnieri, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, 100mg of Ginkgo Biloba, 50mg of Rhodiola Rosea, and 50mg of DMAE
- Supports memory and mental accuracy, mental energy levels and alertness, and improve focus and mental clarity
- Non-GMO, GMP-Certified, Gluten-Free, and available in affordable subscription format
Nootropic Stack Buying Guide
Now that we have completed our breakdown of the best nootropic stacks on the market, let’s turn our attention to our nootropic supplement buying guide.
Here we walk you through what natural nootropics are, their various health benefits, and how each natural nootropic ingredient works. That way, you can make sense of each nootropic supplement before you buy.
We also walk you through any potential side effects, as well we our top tips when buying your next nootropic stack.
Lets get started.
What Are Nootropic Stacks?
Nootropic stacks are nootropic supplements made up of natural nootropic ingredients.
The most popular nootropics include Citicoline, Phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Pine Bark Extract, and Rhodiola Rosea.
Each of these ingredients is included in a unique supplement blend that aims to increase brain function by supporting the brain in various different ways.
That means increasing mental clarity, mental energy levels, boosting serotonin, gaba, and dopamine levels, supporting cognitive function, and enhancing recovery after strenuous brain exertion.
People take nootropic stacks for many different reasons. But largely, it is because popular nootropics help to increase cognitive performance which in turn improves performance in business, competition, sport, and situations where mental endurance is required.
Many of the natural nootropics found in the best nootropic stacks have also been shown to fight more serious conditions like dementia, central nervous system issues, anxiety, depression, and other cognitive illnesses.
Nootropic Supplement Health Benefits
There are various health benefits associated with nootropic supplementation.
The reason that popular nootropics work is because the nootropic supplement stacks contain a range of naturally occurring brain boosting ingredients that help to increase bioavailability, blood flow, and neurotransmitters in the brain and body.
This leads to boosted mental clarity, energy levels, nerve growth factor, and all-round brain function, synergy, and wellness. Here are a list of some of the top brain boosting health benefits connected to nootropic supplementation.
- Boost Brain Function – if you are a busy professional, nootropics can help you perform under stress, helping to maintain focus so that you can multitask, and solve problems
- Mental Clarity – thinking clearly is super important when dealing with complex problems. Nootropics help to boost mental clarity and brain fog
- Mental Energy – nootropics help to boost energy levels in the brain, meaning you can exert more mental energy when completing important tasks
- Increased Serotonin & Dopamine – neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine and serotonin play a big role in making us feel positive and upbeat. Nootropics contains amino acids and antioxidants that boost these pleasure hormones
- Increase Blood Flow – increased blood flow to the brain means your brain is well oxygenated throughout the day. This promoted clear thinking and neurons firing on all cylinders
- Enhanced Memory – another brilliant benefit of nootropic supplements is their ability to enhance memory and boost recall. This is a vital skill in competition and professional settings
Nootropic Supplement Ingredients
To really understand the power of popular nootropic stacks, it’s vital that you understand how each natural nootropic supports your brain health.
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
One of the most widely found natural nootropic ingredients is Citicoline (Choline).
Citicoline, or Choline is an organic compound that is naturally produced in all living cells, and is particular important in brain health and cognitive enhancement. It is believed that Citicoline helps to counteract age-related memory loss, aid in stroke recovery, and in boosting long-term blood flow which counteracts many cerebrovascular diseases.
Citicoline is included in nootropic supplements because it helps to build brain cells, raise acetylcholine levels, and optimize the mitochondria. On top of this, it helps to boost blood flow to the brain which is important in boosting the brains energy metabolism and supporting neural repair.
If you are looking to develop healthy brain function, leading to better mood balance, memory, focus, and cognitive performance, then choose a supplement that contains Citicoline.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a fatty substance that is produced by the body to cover and protect cells in the body and brain. It is also a vital component in supporting the clotting process that happens across the body to maintain overall health.
Phosphatidylserine is used as a popular nootropic because it helps to promote nerve cells and neurotransmitters in the brain, ensuring the proper transmission of messages between brain cells.
Used in the best nootropic stacks, Phosphatidylserine has been shown to improve memory, boost brain cell formation, reduce the impact of depression, and ADHD, as well as increasing exercise capacity, and motivation. Phosphatidylserine also plays an important role in creating brain energy and better neural communication.
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is naturally produced by the body. It derives from another non-essential amino acid called phenylalanine, and is also found in high-protein foods like turkey, mince, and steak.
L-Tyrosine helps to make several important hormones in the body like dopamine, adrenaline, melanin, and thyroid hormones. One of the most important roles it plays in popular nootropic stacks is in enhancing neurotransmitters like dopamine, l-dopa, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
Neurotransmitters like dopamine play a huge role in sending messages between nerve cells. This makes up a critical component in how we think, feel pleasure, and focus.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is another amino acid found in natural ingredients like green tea leaves.
L-Theanine is used in popular nootropics because it helps the body and brain to relax, while maintaining sharp mental focus. L-Theanine is often used in pre-workout supplements to combat the negative side effects of caffeine, like jitters and drowsiness.
On top of maintaining calm, L-Theanine has also been shown to reduce anxiety, stress, and boost overall health and immunity.
Ashwagandha
Another popular natural nootropic found in some of the leading nootropic supplements is ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb and adaptogen that helps the brain and body manage stress (by fighting cortisol levels). It has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels, which contribute to anxiety and mental fatigue.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is another adaptogen herb that helps the body adapt to stressful situations.
Alongside being shown to reduce stress, rhodiola rosea helps to fight brain fatigue, improve cognitive performance, improve exercise performance, and reduce signs of depression.
Rhodiola Rosea is found in most popular nootropics as a key adaptogen that combats stress alongside ashwagandha.
Other Nootropic Ingredients
Other popular nootropic ingredients include B-Vitamins, DHA, Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Bacopa Monnieri, Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, and Maritime Pine Bark Extract.
Each plays an important role in boosting brain function.
Nootropic Stack Side Effects
Our list of the best nootropic supplements are all derived from natural nootropic ingredients. That means they do not contain caffeine or additives that are found in other forms of nootropic supplement.
Caffeine supplementation can often cause unwanted side effects like caffeine crashes and jitteriness, something that caffeine-free nootropics avoid.
Other unwanted side effects are seen when taking other forms of nootropics and brain boosting pre-made medication. For example, Piracetam, Adderall, Racetams, Noopept, Alpha GPC, Modafinil and others.
Common side effects of Adderall involve nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, dry mouth, headaches, and sleep disturbance. If you suffer from any of these symptoms when taking natural or prescribed nootropics, make sure you consult a doctor or seek further medical advice.
On the whole, if you make sure that you take the best natural nootropics, you will not suffer from unwanted side effects. However the same cannot be said for prescription drugs like Adderall.
Best Nootropic Stack Bottom Line
We have now completed our review of the best nootropics stacks and supplements.
Our list of the top 5 best nootropic stacks show you the top brain boosting supplements for enhancing brain function, cognitive performance, mental clarity, and mental energy.
If you are a busy professional, athlete, or someone who faces competition and pressure in your life, then nootropic supplements can help you gain an edge.
Make sure you always pick natural nootropics that contain a wide range of brain boosting benefits. And always follow the dosage recommendations for each smart drug, so that you avoid unwanted side effects.
To learn more about the best supplements online, head over to our BigBlueTest homepage to discover more reviews on the best health and fitness supplements.
