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For this Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies review, we had this supplement tested by Kate Meier, GGR senior director of content and a certified personal trainer (CPT). Previously, when our team was on the hunt for the best ashwagandha supplement on the market, we found that Nutricost was the best budget-friendly option out of our picks.
Ashwagandha extract has worked its way into the daily routine of an increasing number of active individuals lately. However, it’s notorious for a…unpleasant flavor. This is where flavored gummies could be the preferable option. So, keep reading to see what Kate thought of Nutricost’s ashwagandha gummies.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
From Creatine to Magnesium, We’re in the Know
Every nutritional supplement we review at GGR is tested by our fitness professionals, dietitians, and personal trainers personally, so you can expect a raw and honest opinion.
We rate products using a 1 to 5 scale based on our custom GGR supplement testing methodology. This methodology examines criteria like:
- Quality of the formulation
- Taste/solubility
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
- Price/value
- Customer reviews/service
Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies
Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies
Product Highlights
- 1,200 mg per serving
- Less than 50 cents per serving
- Customer reviewers love the mixed berry taste
- Contains added sugar and sweeteners
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Customers love the taste
- Falls within the clinically-recommended dose
Cons
- Contains sweeteners
- Higher dose may cause digestive issues for some people
Bottom Line
Nutricost Ashwagandha gummies are one of the most affordable nootropics. The 1,200 milligram serving has been shown to reduce stress and improve sleep and focus, though the higher dose could cause some gastrointestinal distress in some people.
A Quick Look at Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies
Nutricost is a Utah-based company that frequently pops up on Amazon for selling a wide range of wellness supplements—such as creatine, whey protein, and multivitamins—at affordable prices. They also sell ashwagandha in both capsule and gummy form, so it depends on how you prefer to take this supplement.
Before You Buy
- There’s a 60-day money-back guarantee, you’ll just pay an extra $2 at checkout to cover your return shipping.
- Label says third-party tested (Independent ISO-accredited labs), but keep in mind this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s been screened for banned substances.
Are Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies Worth It?
These gummies are vegetarian, non-GMO, gluten-free, and pretty affordable at $0.42 per serving. However, they do contain added sugar (4 grams), so approach with caution if you’re watching your sugar intake. If this is a non-issue, taking a gummy version of ashwagandha is likely the most enjoyable way to integrate the herb into your daily routine.
RELATED: Best Creatine Gummies
Great for:
- People new to weightlifting, as ashwagandha has been shown in studies1 to help increase strength and recovery after resistance training
- Those who have issues with the taste of ashwagandha or prefer gummies to pills
- Individuals on a tight supplement budget
Not recommended for:
- Those who prefer to take supplements in a capsule or powder form
- People avoiding added sugars
- Individuals who want a more potent ashwagandha supplement
Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies Specs
Price per serving | $0.42 |
Serving size | 2 gummies |
Flavors | Mixed Berry |
Type of ashwagandha | Ashwagandha Root Extract |
Form | Gummy |
Ashwagandha dosage | 40 mg (30:1 extract, equivalent to 1.2 g) |
Other notable ingredients | Glucose syrup, sugar, erythritol, dextrose |
Third-party tested? | Yes |
Experience Using Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies
Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, tested the Nutricost Ashwagandha gummies and had a generally positive experience using them. She thought it was a great product that tasted good and had no side effects. We just had some small concerns about the price and formulation.
RELATED: Best Biohacking Supplement
Price Per Serving
We gave a rating of 3 out of 5 for price per serving. At $0.42 per serving, you get 60 gummies, which is a one-month supply when you consider the two-gummy serving. While this can fit most budgets and is certainly reasonable for something like ashwagandha, there are more robust forms of this extract at a comparable cost.
Formulation
For formulation, Nutricost receives a 2 out of 5. Though ashwagandha itself has plenty of science-backed ingredients, we have some gripes. For example, there are three types of sugar—plain sugar, glucose syrup, and erythritol—for a total of 4 grams of added sugar per serving. Which is not ideal for a wellness supplement you’ll be using regularly. It’s also puzzling that, with all that sugar, they also included a sugar alcohol for even more sweetness.
Another thing to note is that the most potent and researched forms of ashwagandha are KSM-66® or Sensoril®, but Nutricost uses a basic form of ashwagandha extract. This is despite research showing that the inclusion of at least 5% of withanolides2—the active compounds that contain the main benefits of ashwagandha—are in forms like KSM-66®.
The most relevant benefit is an improvement in strength and power, with one study crediting ashwagandha with up to 10% improvement in strength power and twice the gains in lean muscle mass3 in subjects. But, there’s a catch. These studies were done on people who were not regular weightlifters. There’s little evidence that ashwagandha improves athletic performance among experienced athletes and weightlifters.
There’s also some research-backed evidence that ashwagandha can help boost energy levels and ease physical and mental stress4, reduce inflammation5, improve memory and mental performance6, and even boost testosterone7.
RELATED: Best Testosterone Booster
We want to be careful with the testosterone claim, as the effects ashwagandha has on the hormone are often overstated. However, many of the rumors surrounding the link between the herb and testosterone have to do with ashwagandha’s effect on the male libido.
This doesn’t mean it increases testosterone, though, as the supplement has been shown to help improve sexual function in women8 as well without having any effect on testosterone. All in all, though, there are plenty of reasons to take ashwagandha if you are new to weightlifting and looking for a boost in performance.
Taste and Swallowability
The Nutricost gummies got a rating of 5 out of 5 for both taste and swallowability. Now, this is a big deal when it comes to ashwagandha. As a sports dietitian, the number one complaint I get from athletes who start taking this supplement is that the smell and flavor are awful.
The name ashwagandha translates to “ashwa” for horse and “gandha” for smell, so hey, you can’t say we didn’t warn you. Thus, finding a supplement that isn’t difficult to get down is a huge win.
RELATED: What’s the Best Time to Take Ashwagandha?
“The gummies are sugary with hints of blueberry—I thought they were delicious,” Kate says after trying them for herself. “If you avoid added sugars in your supplements, though, this isn’t for you.”
As for swallowability, Kate remarks, “It’s a huge win that these guys are dime-sized, don’t get stuck in your teeth, and are a breeze to chew. ”
Side Effects
We awarded these gummies a 5 out of 5 for side effects, as Kate didn’t experience any while taking Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies. Additionally, studies have shown that supplements containing ashwagandha root extract are safe for most healthy adults for up to three months of consistent use. Long-term use requires more research.
Taking ashwagandha isn’t recommended if you have liver issues, an upcoming surgery, or thyroid or autoimmune disorders. Finally, pregnant or breastfeeding people shouldn’t take ashwagandha root extract as there’s been evidence of the risk of miscarriage9.
Third-Party Testing
Though the label does indicate the product is third-party tested, the independent labs involved don’t test for banned substances, so we can’t say that Nutricost’s ashwagandha supplement is safe for athletes.
That said, the product has been tested by independent, ISO-accredited laboratories and was made in a GMP-Compliant, FDA-registered facility. This means that independent parties not affiliated with Nutricost have tested the dietary supplement to ensure it’s high-quality and free of contaminants that could be injurious to health.
Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies vs XWERKS Ashwagandha Gummies
Best Gummies
XWERKS Ashwa
Product Highlights
- 1,500 mg ashwagandha (withania somnifera)
- Strawberry flavored gummies
- Gluten-free and vegan
- Made in the USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free shipping
- Money-back guarantee
- Made in the USA in an FDA certified facility
- Gummies are gluten-free and vegan
- Xwerks website links to studies backing benefits
- Customers positively review taste
Cons
- Extremely limited customer reviews
- Subscribe and save only 5%
- Only available in one flavor
Bottom Line
XWERKS Ashwa is a daily gummy supplement that claims to help reduce stress, maximize sleep, increase testosterone, and increase physical performance. The Xwerks website links to the clinical studies backing these claims about ashwagandha. There are not many reviews of this product, but they are mostly positive with people saying they like the taste and feel it has helped reduce their stress.
When we made our list of the best ashwagandha supplements, XWERKS came out on top as our favorite ashwagandha gummies. So, we wanted to stack them against Nutricost. For one, XWERKS has a higher dosage of ashwagandha and even notes its percentage of withanolides at 3%, but it does cost $0.21 more.
These two gummies have a lot in common. Both have the same serving size, only offer one flavor, and aren’t third-party tested for sport. Also, both, for some reason, have multiple forms of sugar. However, XWERKS has 2 more grams of added sugar than Nutricost—yikes.
Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies | XWERKS Ashwagandha Gummies | |
Price per serving | $0.42 | $0.63 |
Serving size | 2 gummies | 2 gummies |
Flavors | Mixed Berry | Strawberry |
Type of ashwagandha | Ashwagandha Root Extract | Ashwagandha Root Extract |
Form | Gummy | Gummy |
Ashwagandha dosage | 1.2 g | 1.5 g |
Other notable ingredients | Glucose syrup, sugar, erythritol, dextrose | Glucose syrup, sugar, glucose |
Third-party tested? | Yes | No |
Customer Experience
If you need to get a hold of Nutricost, you can contact them by phone at 866-438-3694 or email at support@nutricost.com. If you order directly from them, you can take advantage of a 60-day money-back guarantee.
However, and this is important, if you don’t want to have to cover the price of shipping, you must purchase the $1.98 free return + exchange protection at checkout to qualify for the money-back guarantee. Sure, it doesn’t bode well to have to anticipate whether you’re going to return a product before you even bought it, but it’s still good information to have.
Ordering Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies
Nutricost offers free shipping at checkout if you spend more than $59. Otherwise, shipping is $7 flat. If you want to save some extra dough, consider doing subscribe-and-save, which will knock off 20% of your total. More substantial than most wellness companies offer!
Customer Reviews
On Amazon, the supplement has a 4.2 out of 5 star rating based on 181 reviews. Most positive product reviews rave about the taste and how effective it was at boosting energy levels and stress relief.
On the official Nutricost website, there are only seven product reviews and all are 5 stars. Again, people love the taste and say they can really feel the benefits.
Final Verdict of Our Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies Review
Despite not having the optimal form of ashwagandha and an unnecessarily high amount of added sugar, Nutricost is a great product that makes supplementing with ashwagandha a bit more manageable.
- If you’re on the fence, order from the official website to have the money-back guarantee to fall back on
- Pregnant people, and those taking certain medications should check with their doctor before taking ashwagandha.
RELATED: Can You Lift Weights While Pregnant?
Full Rating
Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies
Nutricost Ashwagandha gummies are one of the most affordable nootropics. The 1,200 milligram serving has been shown to reduce stress and improve sleep and focus, though the higher dose could cause some gastrointestinal distress in some people.
Product Brand: Nutricost
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 13.95
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies: FAQs
Do ashwagandha gummies really work?
There’s some promising science on the efficacy of ashwagandha, but more research is needed to establish its benefits.
What is the best brand of ashwagandha gummies?
The best brand of ashwagandha depends on what you’re looking to get out of this dietary supplement. As an example, here are our picks of for the best ashwagandha supplements in different categories, with several coming in gummy form:
– Best Overall Ashwagandha Supplement: Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha
– Best Ashwagandha Gummies: XWERKS Ashwagandha Gummies
– Best Budget Ashwagandha Gummies: Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies
– Best Ashwagandha Blend: KOS Kiss Your Blues Away
– Best Pre-Workout with Ashwagandha: Onnit Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout
– Best Budget Ashwagandha: NOW Supplements Ashwagandha
– Best Greens Powder with Ashwagandha: Athletic Greens AG1
– Best Ashwagandha Supplement for Stress: HUM Ashwagandha Calm Gummies
– Best Vegan Ashwagandha Supplement: Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha
– Best Organic Ashwagandha: Himalaya Ashwagandha
– Best Powdered Ashwagandha: Moon Juice Ashwagandha
– Best Ashwagandha Supplement for Improved Sleep: Stressballs DeStress + Snooze
Does ashwagandha have any negative side effects?
For healthy individuals, ashwagandha appears to be safe. However, some individuals, like pregnant people, should avoid the supplement.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, Sinha SR, Bhattacharyya S. Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Nov 25;12:43. doi: 10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9. PMID: 26609282; PMCID: PMC4658772.
- Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Mundkur L. A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023;102(41):e35521. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000035521
- Sandhu JS, Shah B, Shenoy S, Chauhan S, Lavekar GS, Padhi MM. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. Int J Ayurveda Res. 2010;1(3):144-149. doi:10.4103/0974-7788.72485
- Remenapp A, Coyle K, Orange T, et al. Efficacy of Withania somnifera supplementation on adult’s cognition and mood. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2022;13(2):100510. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2021.08.003
- Logie E, Vanden Berghe W. Tackling Chronic Inflammation with Withanolide Phytochemicals-A Withaferin a Perspective. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(11):1107. Published 2020 Nov 10. doi:10.3390/antiox9111107
- Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Bose S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(6):599-612. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970
- Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health. 2019;13(2):1557988319835985. doi:10.1177/1557988319835985
- Dongre S, Langade D, Bhattacharyya S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:284154. doi:10.1155/2015/284154
- Tandon N, Yadav SS. Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;255:112768. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.112768
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