Nootropics aka the brain food are supplements that boost brain performance.
They are widely popular now because of our overly complex lifestyles. As the benefits are becoming known, more people are adding these supplements to their diets.
Well, what are they exactly?
If a supplement helps in any way in better functioning of the brain then it may be referred to as a Nootropic. It may include vitamins, herbs, amino acids, antioxidants, etc.
These substances have a positive effect on memory, learning, and mood.
In short, a Nootropic is a substance that safely supports and improves cognitive performance.
What are Nootropic Stacks?
Scientists have identified plenty of nootropic supplements. However, each nootropic supplement may contain one or the other benefit only.
But, when you combine these nootropics in appropriate dosages, you get a bomb of a formula that is potent to fire up all aspects of the brain’s functioning.
Thus, came the pre-formulated nootropic stacks.
Although you can create your own nootropic stack by mixing supplements of your choice, pre-formulated stacks have their own advantages.
A pre-mixed stack from a good pharmaceutical company saves you the trouble of digging in pages-long scientific studies and research.
Also, the dosages in these stacks are usually kept within the tolerance level for most people.
However, since nootropic stacks are not regulated by the FDA, there are also some ‘not-so-good’ options in the market. These companies use marketing gimmicks to make their tall claims believable.
So, how do you select a good nootropic stack?
Worry not, because we’ve got you covered.
What to Look For in a Nootropic Stack?
Top 5 Nootropic Stacks
We have researched many nootropics in the market. However, these are our top five picks
| Price | Best For | Manufacturer |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mind Lab Pro | $$ | All-in-one highly effective formula and suitable for all | Opti-Nutra Ltd | |
 Qualia Mind | $$$ | Dense formula with many vitamins and nutrients. This one can eliminate the need for all multivitamins | The Neurohacker Collective | |
 Alpha Brain | $$ | For people with focus & concentration issues. Helps you stay in the ‘Now’ state | Onnit | |
 Ciltep | $$ | Minimal side-effects and safe for daily use. A good stack for starters. | Natural Stacks | |
 Noocube | $ | Low-cost nootropic with good results | Wolfson Berg |
Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro appears first on our list as it is the best we have seen so far. It’s the most complete Nootropic stack for your brain.
If you want a supplement that can optimize the overall performance of your brain then this is your best bet!
It contains eleven thoroughly researched nootropics that act in the most synergistic way to improve every aspect of your mental performance.
Apart from the cognitive benefits, Mind Lab Pro prevents the degeneration of brain cells and prevents it from stress effects.
Here are some more of its benefits:
Mind Lab Pro Pros
Ingredients and Benefits
Mind Lab Pro contains eleven nootropics that include herbs, amino acids, and essential nutrients to promote and support brain health.
Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 promote healthy neurotransmission, brain energy, and cerebral circulation.
Herbs like Bacopa monnieri and lion’s mane mushroom are super powerful brain boosters.
It contains adaptogens, which are known to protect the brain from the negative effects of stress. Rhodiola rosea is the adaptogen that helps to improve emotional stability and the brain’s stress response under stressful situations.
Phosphatidylserine prevents the decline of phospholipid level that occurs with Aging.
Citicoline helps form the brain chemical acetylcholine. It supports brain structure, repair, and neuroplasticity.
Maritime pine bark extract offers high antioxidant activities. Whereas, Amino acids L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine reduce brain fatigue and boost mental activity.
Who is it Best Suited for?
Mind lab pro is for people who are looking for an all-in-one natural supplement for their brain.
It meets the daily demand of a hectic and stressful life. Whether you are a corporate slave or a college student, supplementing your diet with Mind Lab Pro will give you the ‘extra’ edge you have been looking for.
Price Per Day: $ 4.33
To read our full review on Mind Lab Pro click here
Qualia Mind
Qualia Mind and Mind Lab Pro are very close competitors. Both of these products are designed as overall brain food.
Qualia Mind also comes from a reputable brand. Neuro Hacker is the company behind Qualia Mind. It’s a popular name in the health supplements industry.
Qualia Mind Pros
Ingredients & Benefits
Qualia Mind contains 28 brain-friendly ingredients. These are a mix of vitamins, amino acids, and herbs.
It contains many vitamins and nutrients which may make it unnecessary to take any other health supplement.
Huperzine A, Alpha GPC, and Citicoline are great nootropics and boost the acetylcholine level in the brain.
Celastrus Paniculatus Seed is an ayurvedic herb known as the ‘elixir of intellect’. It has supreme cognition-enhancing properties.
Phosphatidylserine helps prevent memory degradation that occurs with aging.
Theobromine comes from the cacao plant and stimulates the brain.
Uridine helps in the formation of synaptic connections. Pyrroloquinoline Quinone prevents neurons from oxidative damage.
Forskohlii and artichoke extract help in the production of cAMP molecules which in turn boost long-term memory and cognition.
Ginkgo biloba supplement can help with learning and focus.
Mucuna pruriens is an ayurvedic herb. Supplementing with its seeds can treat anxiety and mood disorders.
Rhodiola rosea is a herb with adaptogen properties. It helps the body to adapt to stress.
L-tyrosine and L-theanine are amino acids that enhance working memory and reduce stress.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a potent ingredient that enhances cognition.
Phenylalanine is an amino acid and helps in the production of brain-friendly molecules like Dopamine, Epinephrine, and Norepinephrine.
Apart from the above, there are plenty of supporting and essential vitamins in this stack like Vitamin C, D3, and B vitamins.
Who is it Best Suited for?
One thing is evident that Qualia Mind contains a fast-acting potent formula. If you lack the energy to even start your day or sustain it through the day then Qualia Mind is a great nootropic to counter that.
It contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients for a healthy brain and body. With this supplement in hand, you don’t really need any other health supplements.
Price Per Day - $7.8
To read our full review on Qualia Mind click here
Alpha Brain
Onnit Labs is the company behind Alpha Brain. It was one of the oldest nootropics in the market.
Alpha Brain works by supporting the release of Alpha Waves in the brain. Our brain releases these waves when we are at our best mental level. It leads to calm energy in the brain with a heightened focus and mental clarity.
Alpha Brain Pros
Ingredients & Benefits
Alpha Brain contains bacopa for boosting cognition. There is phosphatidylserine that helps with memory and learning.
Amino acids L-theanine and L-tyrosine help to reduce stress and anxiety. They also improve the body’s stress response.
There is oat’s straw extract which is a superfood and helps in boosting alpha brain waves.
Alpha GPC increases the acetylcholine levels which helps in improving learning and memory.
Pterostilbene is an antioxidant that helps prevent age-related mental decline and helps to boost dopamine production.Who is it Best Suited for?
If you often find it difficult to focus on the task at hand or feel that you are not in the present then Alpha Brain will help you immensely.
It can help you to keep your mind in the present and improve your stress response. Consequently, you’ll feel mental clarity and be able to get done more out of your day.
Price Per Day - $ 5.33
To read our full review on Alpha Brain Onnit click here
Noocube
Noocube is created by Wolfson Berg Ltd. The stack contains a relatively smaller list of ingredients. However, these ingredients cover almost all important functions for enhancing cognition.
Noocube Pros
Ingredients & Benefits
In its smaller list of ingredients, the company has made sure to cover all the relevant nootropics.
NooCube contains bacopa, the powerful brain-boosting herb that we have seen in all good brands.
There are huperzine A and alpha GPC which are excellent sources of acetylcholine and help to boost cognitive abilities.
L-Theanine is a commonly known nootropic that helps to reduce anxiety and stress and relaxes the mind.
Oat’s straw is a brain booster and works by supporting the release of alpha waves.
Cat’s claw, a vine plant is a herb known for its neuroprotective and anti-oxidative properties.
Who is it Best Suited for?
Noocube is a great starter nootropic if you are not sure about your goals. It’s a good quality stack and is low-cost.
So, if you don’t want to spend a fortune on any of the other premium stacks then you may go for this one.
Price per day - $1.33
To read our full review on NooCube click here
Ciltep
Like Alpha Brain, Ciltep is also one of the oldest nootropic stacks. It works by targeting the root cause of brain fog.
It strengthens the connection between neurons naturally. This leads to a natural boost in memory and learning.
Ciltep Mind Pros
Ingredients & Benefits
The Ciltep formula is compact and immensely potent. The ingredients have been very well researched. Each ingredient acts in synergy with the rest of them.
Coleus forskohlii is a herb that can boost the release of cAMP in the brain, which in turn boosts long-term memory and cognition.
There’s artichoke extract which works in tandem with Forskohlii to enhance the cAMP production.
Acetyl L Carnitine is a powerful nootropic that supports multiple brain functions like cognition, age-related mental decline, and boosting acetylcholine levels.
L-Phenylalanine is an amino acid and supports the production of Tyrosine and Dopamine which are beneficial for the brain.
Vitamin B6 assists the release of serotonin, which in turn helps to regulate mood shifts.
Who is it Best Suited for?
If you are looking for a long-term supplement with minimal side-effects and ingredient interference then this stack is a great choice.
Price per day: $4.5
To read our full review on Ciltep click here
Conclusion
Our research team has reviewed almost every nootropic stack there is. After reviewing almost a hundred plus stacks we settled for these five winners.
We don’t prefer ranking them as we believe that depending on your goals each one of these stacks may be appropriate for a different set of people.
Having said that, we feel Mind Lab Pro is an undisputed champ as its formula is the most thorough we have seen so far. It fits with the needs of most of the people looking for brain supplements.
However, depending on your personal needs and choice you may go for any of the above stacks without a doubt.
Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2022