That said, you may still want to manage expectations. Just as a protein powder won’t miraculously grow your muscles, a fat burner won’t instantly shed pounds. If you want the best results, we recommend prioritizing a consistent exercise routine and a diet that’s rich in whole foods. We also recommend you consult a medical professional before trying fat burner supplements, especially if you have any preexisting conditions.

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks. 

Medical Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare or medical professional. For health concerns or medical guidance, contact your healthcare provider.

Our Best Fat Burner Overall 

After testing a variety of products, our team agreed that the best fat burner overall is Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free. 

Best Fat Burners of 2026 

• Best Fat Burner Overall: Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free 
• Best Thermogenic Fat Burner: Jacked Factory Burn XT 
• Best Non-Stim Fat Burner: Legion Phoenix Fat Burner without Stimulants 
• Best Fat Burner for Women: Juvenon Dream Away the Fat
• Best Fat Burner for Men: 1st Phorm L-Carnitine 

Best Fat Burners Comparison Table

Fat Burner	Key Ingredients	Caffeine Per Serving	Third-Party Testing Certifications	Serving Size
Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free	ForsLean®, Capsimax®, Paradoxine®, and green tea extract	0 mg (stim-free)	Informed Choice	Two capsules
Jacked Factory Burn XT	Acetyl L-Carnitine HCI, Green tea extract, caffeine anhydrous, Capsimax cayenne pepper extract, BioPerine	270 mg	CGMP manufactured	Two capsules
Legion Phoenix Fat Burner without Stimulants	PurCaf® Natural and organic caffeine, green coffee bean extract, Irvingia® IGOB-131 seed extract, green tea leaf extract, grains of paradise, 5-HTP	200 mg	CGMP manufactured and third party tested in an ISO 17025-accredited  laboratory	Three capsules
Juvenon Dream Away the Fat	Magnesium, melatonin, vitamin B6, chromium, grains of paradise, hops	0 mg (stim-free)	None	Two capsules
1st Phorm L-Carnitine	L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, green tea leaf extract, BioPerine, fucoxanthin	0 mg	None	One scoop

Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free
Key Ingredients	ForsLean®, Capsimax®, Paradoxine®, and green tea extract
Caffeine Per Serving	0 mg (stim-free)
Third-Party Testing Certifications	Informed Choice
Serving Size	Two capsules
Jacked Factory Burn XT
Key Ingredients	Acetyl L-Carnitine HCI, Green tea extract, caffeine anhydrous, Capsimax cayenne pepper extract, BioPerine
Caffeine Per Serving	270 mg
Third-Party Testing Certifications	CGMP manufactured
Serving Size	Two capsules
Legion Phoenix Fat Burner without Stimulants
Key Ingredients	PurCaf® Natural and organic caffeine, green coffee bean extract, Irvingia® IGOB-131 seed extract, green tea leaf extract, grains of paradise, 5-HTP
Caffeine Per Serving	200 mg
Third-Party Testing Certifications	CGMP manufactured and third party tested in an ISO 17025-accredited  laboratory
Serving Size	Three capsules
Juvenon Dream Away the Fat
Key Ingredients	Magnesium, melatonin, vitamin B6, chromium, grains of paradise, hops
Caffeine Per Serving	0 mg (stim-free)
Third-Party Testing Certifications	None
Serving Size	Two capsules
1st Phorm L-Carnitine
Key Ingredients	L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, green tea leaf extract, BioPerine, fucoxanthin
Caffeine Per Serving	0 mg
Third-Party Testing Certifications	None
Serving Size	One scoop

Best Fat Burner Overall: Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free

Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-free is our choice for the best fat burner overall due to its absence of any stimulants. For those who regularly drink a pre-workout, a stim-free fat burner may be preferred. It still contains ingredients that have been studied to potentially help burn fat, such as coleus forskohlii extract, which research has shown may reduce body fat while also maintaining lean muscle mass. Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free also includes grains of paradise extract, known for its ability to potentially help activate brown adipose tissue to increase energy expenditure and reduce visceral fat, even without added stimulants.  

However, it’s important to manage expectations, as it hasn’t shown vastly different results compared to a placebo. 

Our Tester’s Thoughts on Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free  

Pete tested this fat burner, rating it a 5 out of 5 for first impressions. “It comes in a white plastic container with a metallic white and blue label. It looks good, is easy to read, and travel friendly,” he said. 

You may want to set alarms on your phone to ensure you remember to take this twice a day ahead of meals. The directions also recommend that you “never consume more than two capsules in a four-hour period and/or consume more than four capsules in a 24-hour period. Do not take within four hours of bedtime.” So, despite it being stim-free, it’s still best to avoid taking this fat burner in the evening.  

Pete experienced no side effects with this fat burner and did not experience any unpleasant taste or aftertaste from these capsules, rating the flavor a 3 out of 5—which we consider neutral. Those who would prefer a stimulant along with these ingredients may like Transparent Labs Recomp, which has 125 milligrams of natural caffeine. 

What We Think Could Be Improved 

Pete rated the instructions a 3 out of 5 for ease of understanding and following, noting that there are some caveats to pay attention to within the directions. The directions recommend that you take two capsules twice daily, 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. “Start with one capsule, twice daily, to access tolerance for the first three days, then gradually increase dosage,” Pete described.  

Specs 

• Caffeine per serving: 0 mg (stim-free) 
• Serving size: Two capsules 
• Servings per container: 60 
• Third party testing: Yes 
• Key ingredients: ForsLean®, Capsimax®, Paradoxine®, and green tea extract 

Best Thermogenic Fat Burners: Jacked Factory Burn XT

Jacked Factory’s Burn XT is our top pick for the best thermogenic fat burner, thanks to its unique combination of Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL, green tea extract, caffeine anhydrous, Capsimax® cayenne pepper extract and BioPerine®, all of which work together to potentially help enhance the body’s calorie-burning capability and support fat oxidation.  

The inclusion of Capsimax® and caffeine together may help to increase your body’s thermogenesis, which supports your body to burn more calories by producing more heat. As with all fat burners, though, this will work best when paired with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.  

What We Liked About Jacked Factory Burn XT  

Pete tested Burn XT and gave the product a 5 out of 5 for his overall first impression. “The container is aesthetically pleasing and would definitely stand out on a store shelf,” he said. “The bottle is relatively small and would be easy to travel with, too.”   

When trying the product, he found the capsules easy to swallow, earning Jacked Factory a 3 out of 5 in this category—a pretty neutral rating overall. The instructions, he noted, indicate that “the recommended serving size is dependent on the ‘experience’ of the user. The initial use is one capsule per day, then regular use is one capsule two times per day, and experienced user use is two capsules two times per day.”   

When testing out the capsule, Pete described it as follows: “No taste, it is made of hypromellose instead of gelatin. There is no coating on the capsule.” He rated the overall taste as 3 out of 5, again indicating a fairly neutral experience.  

There are clear instructions on the label indicating not to take this fat burner on an empty stomach. The label also advises not to take these capsules within six hours of going to sleep, and not to exceed four capsules in a 24-hour period.   

What We Think Could Be Improved 

Pete rated the possible side effects of Burn XT as a 3 out of 5, explaining, “A two-capsule serving contains 270 milligrams of caffeine, which is a strong dose and could elicit side effects.”  

“It’s worth noting that taking four capsules per day would put you over the USDA’s recommended upper caffeine limit of 400 mg per day,” Pete says. If you are sensitive to caffeine or experience jitters or anxiety with stimulants, we recommend that you try Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free instead, as it is free of any stimulants. 

Specs 

• Caffeine per serving: 270 mg  
• Serving size: Two capsules  
• Servings per container: 30  
• Third party testing: Yes 
• Key ingredients: Acetyl L-Carnitine HCI, Green tea extract, caffeine anhydrous, Capsimax cayenne pepper extract, BioPerine 

Best Non-Stim Fat Burner: Legion Phoenix Fat Burner without Stimulants

Legion’s Phoenix Fat Burner is our pick for the best fat burner without stimulants. This supplement skips ingredients like caffeine and instead contains ingredients such as 5-HTP to potentially reduce hunger and cravings, plus grains of paradise, which may help decrease visceral fat. It also includes a proprietary blend with Irvingia gabonensis, which studies have shown may support reduction in body fat. However, more research is needed on these ingredients to conclusively link them to body fat reduction and fully explore potential effects.

Our Tester’s Thoughts on Legion Phoenix Fat Burner without Stimulants 

Pete noted the inclusion of Irvingia IGOB-131, saying, “It’s not commonly seen in fat burner supplements. It is a patented extract of the African mango seed. Some clinical trials showed modest weight loss or metabolic improvements at a dose of 300 milligrams a day, which is the same dose in Legion’s Phoenix Fat Burner.” 

He rated this fat burner as a 5 out of 5 for first impression, saying, “This product comes in a black container with a black and pink label. It’s easy to read and travel-friendly.” 

Pete also described the directions as easy to read, earning it another 5 out of 5. As with most other fat burner supplements, it’s recommended to start with a lower dose (like one capsule per day) to assess your tolerance.  

After testing Legion Phoenix, Pete rated it a 5 out of 5 for both taste and ease of swallowing. “The capsule is a standard size; about the width of a quarter. The recommended serving size is three capsules a day,” he noted. If you prefer to take fewer capsules per serving, we’d suggest trying Transparent Labs Recomp, which is two capsules.  

What We Think Could Be Improved 

The only drawback we noted was the price, as this product is $49.99 for 30 servings—which is on the pricier side. 

Specs 

• Caffeine per serving: 200 mg 
• Serving size: Three capsules 
• Servings per container: 30  
• Third party testing: Yes 
• Key ingredients: Green coffee bean extract, Irvingia® IGOB-131 seed extract, green tea leaf extract, grains of paradise, 5-HTP 

Best Fat Burner for Women: Juvenon Dream Away the Fat

Our Thoughts on Juvenon Dream Away the Fat

Juvenon Dream Away the Fat is our pick for the best fat burning supplement for women. Though the formulation is not specific to any gender, we like that the Juvenon formula is stim-free. Individual responses to caffeine are affected by body size and composition, so folks with smaller bodies may prefer no caffeine.  

Not only is Juvenon caffeine-free—it may actually help some women asleep, as it contains 6 mg of melatonin. 

Our Tester’s Thoughts on Juvenon Dream Away the Fat 

“I did fall asleep quickly, within 30 minutes of taking the supplement,” said one of our testers who’s a certified nutritionist. “The 6 mg in each two-capsule serving size is a strong dose.” That said, they wished the label gave more specific timing instructions for each dosage (it just says to take the capsules before bedtime). As for potential metabolic benefits, the weight-loss ingredients include AfperFit grains of paradise extract and Perluxan hops extract, both of which are meant to help burn fat while you sleep. 

Our tester rated the Juvenon fat burner a perfect 5 out of 5 on first impression. “The supplement comes in a small white plastic container with a screw-top lid,” they said. “The lid has grooved sides that improve grip, making it easy to open and close. The label looks good and is easy to read, and the container is small enough to be travel-friendly.” For dosage, the instructions recommend starting off with two capsules (the amount that was clinically tested), then moving to one capsule daily after the first 90 days as a maintenance dose. 

What We Think Could Be Improved 

For taste and ease of swallowing, our tester rated Juvenon Dream Away the Fat a 3 out of 5. Even though they didn’t experience any negative side effects, they didn’t think the capsules really tasted like anything and were a bit large. If swallowing capsules is an issue for you, we recommend Kaged Clean Burn, which is a dissolvable powder.  

Specs 

• Caffeine per serving: 0 mg (stim-free)  
• Serving size: Two capsules 
• Servings per container: 15 
• Third party testing: No 
• Key ingredients: Magnesium, melatonin, vitamin B6, chromium, grains of paradise, hops 

Best Fat Burner for Men: 1st Phorm L-Carnitine

It can’t be said enough: Fat burners aren’t a gender-specific product. But for men who like to stack their supplements, like mixing their L-carnitine with a creatine supplement, we recommend 1st Phorm L-Carnitine. Available as a mixable powder in five different flavors, 1st Phorn L-Carnitine is intended to support fat burning without heavy stimulants. The higher dose of L-carnitine may extend your exercise performance, endurance, and power, which may help support further fat loss, according to a 2021 study.  

The formula also includes fucoxanthin, which is part of the edible brown seaweed and is often found in macro- and micro-algae. It may help your body burn fat by stimulating genes and enzymes, which increases your metabolic rate, supports your body as it breaks down lipids, and can also activate thermogenesis in white adipose tissue, which is the most frequently occurring type of fat in your body.  

What We Liked About 1st Phorm L-Carnitine   

Pete tested this fat burner, rating it a 5 out of 5 for first impressions. 1st Phorm L-Carnitine comes in a white container with a metallic white and blue label. Pete said, “The label is easy to read and includes scannable QR codes for more information about the product. The scoop was easy to find, it’s small and the container was easy to open.”  

The product mixed well with eight ounces of water, earning a 5 out of 5 for mixability. “After shaking for sixty seconds, the product is fully dissolved; it has a smooth texture with no visible chunks or further shaking required,” Pete said.  

Pete thinks 1st Phorm L-Carnitine is a good alternative choice if you dislike taking pills and prefer a flavored powder that you can drink. “The L-carnitine is dosed well at 1,500 milligrams, and the fucoxanthin dosed at 2.5 milligrams may help with fat oxidation.”   

What We Think Could Be Improved 

Our tester rated the taste a 3 and the sweetness a 5, noting the inclusion of artificial sweeteners in his rating. “The product is sweetened with both sucralose and acesulfame potassium, coming off as pretty sweet, bordering on being too sweet.” Pete liked the berry lemonade flavor and noted that it is “isn’t gritty or foamy, but it does have a chalky aftertaste.”  

Specs 

• Caffeine per serving: 0 mg 
• Serving size: One scoop 
• Servings per container: 60 
• Third party testing: No 
• Key ingredients: L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, green tea leaf extract, BioPerine, fucoxanthin 

How We Tested and Selected the Best Fat Burners 

We tested and evaluated fat burning supplements and scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as first impressions, directions that are easily understood, taste, side effects, and price per serving. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.

Formula 

We work with a registered dietitian (RD) during testing to find the most effective and safe fat burning formulas. We primarily focus on supplements without artificial sweeteners and other additives, while prioritizing clinically dosed formulations. 

However, especially with fat burners, there’s no quick fix or magic pill when it comes to fat loss. Our team can’t stress enough that a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine are the main key to fat loss. That said, if you’re wanting to buy a fat burner regardless, we want to offer the safest options possible, as there are a lot of sketchy products out there.

Serving Size 

When evaluating supplements that are in capsule form, we focus on the serving size and ease of swallowing. Both of these aspects can impact your experience as a consumer, and whether or not you’ll continue taking the supplement long-term. In general, smaller, well-shaped pills are easier to swallow.

Particularly with fat burners, we like to prioritize products that don’t involve a multitude of servings per day. 

Taste and Texture 

Flavor is an important part of our testing process. We ask our testers to provide feedback on the taste, texture, and flavor of each supplement that they test. For fat burning supplements, we focus on taste of the capsule (if any) as flavors are sometimes added to the casing materials. We also ask testers to share if they experience any aftertaste. 

Third-Party Testing 

We aim to select fat burning supplements that have been third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures independent verification of safety, purity, as well as nutrition label accuracy. This helps to reduce the risk of mislabeling or underdosing. Third-party testing also checks for harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and more for safety. For athletes, third-party testing is paramount to knowing that the fat burning supplement that they’ve chosen does not contain any banned substances. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate supplements, so it’s vital to have independent testing done to ensure safety, accuracy, and quality. 

Side Effects 

Our testers carefully monitor for any side effects experienced both during and after taking fat burning supplements, systematically recording any experiences of stomach upset, changes in energy levels, and other symptoms. By keeping detailed logs of reactions such as nausea, cramping, bloating, jitteriness, and headaches, they help identify general trends in tolerability and what to look out for. 

Value 

When considering value, we place a higher value on brands that source their ingredients in America and have certifications, such as Informed Choice.

Fat Burner	Caffeine Per Serving	Price Per Serving
Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free	0 mg (stim-free)	$0.92
Jacked Factory Burn XT	270 mg	$0.50 per capsule (servings vary)
Legion Phoenix Fat Burner without Stimulants	200 mg	$1.66
Juvenon Dream Away the Fat	0 mg (stim-free)	$1.74
1st Phorm L-Carnitine	0 mg	$0.75

Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-Free
Caffeine Per Serving	0 mg (stim-free)
Price Per Serving	$0.92
Jacked Factory Burn XT
Caffeine Per Serving	270 mg
Price Per Serving	$0.50 per capsule (servings vary)
Legion Phoenix Fat Burner without Stimulants
Caffeine Per Serving	200 mg
Price Per Serving	$1.66
Juvenon Dream Away the Fat
Caffeine Per Serving	0 mg (stim-free)
Price Per Serving	$1.74
1st Phorm L-Carnitine
Caffeine Per Serving	0 mg
Price Per Serving	$0.75

Potential Benefits of Fat Burners 

Fat burners are designed to support weight management and have several benefits. Effectiveness and benefits can depend on ingredients and dosing at clinical levels. Here are some benefits: 

• Thermogenesis: Fat burners are often formulated with ingredients intended to increase thermogenesis. This is the process of heat production in the body that helps raise metabolic rate and calorie expenditure. Ingredients such as caffeine, capsaicin/cayenne pepper extract, and green tea extract are commonly included and have been shown to potentially help boost your resting energy expenditure and caloric burn. For example, cayenne (capsaicin) and green tea have demonstrated an increase in fat burning in some studies and multi-ingredient thermogenics may also lead to an increased metabolic rate over several hours after consumed. However, as mentioned, you’ll see the best results when you pair supplements with a healthy diet and exercise routine. 
• Lipolysis: Lipolysis is when your body breaks down stored fat into free fatty acids for energy. Several fat burner ingredients are linked to enhanced lipolysis, including L-carnitine, green tea extract, forskolin, and bitter orange.  
• Appetite suppression: Natural appetite suppressants included in fat burning supplements are 5-HTP, green tea extract, and garcinia cambogia. These ingredients have been shown in studies to help decrease sensations of hunger, which may help minimize your cravings. 

To get some additional insights, we turned to Lisa Moskovitz, a registered dietitian and CEO at The NY Nutrition Group, and author of “The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan.” According to Moskovitz, “Any ingredient that is considered a stimulant, such as caffeine or green tea, may have a noticeable impact on your appetite and metabolism.” However, she said that amino acids like L-carnitine and cayenne pepper extract are more likely to have a modest impact, if any at all. So, it’s important to manage your expectations when taking a fat burner supplement.  

How to Take a Fat Burner Pill  

When taking a fat burner supplement, it’s vital to closely follow the instructions printed on the supplement container and not to exceed the recommended maximum dosage. Taking the right dose helps to optimize the benefits while minimizing risks, such as a headache or nausea. Since each formula differs in strength, it’s good to check for any timing advice on the label—some fat burners are best to take thirty to sixty minutes prior to a meal or before a workout in the morning. 

If you take any prescriptions or are managing any health conditions, we also recommend talking with your doctor about any supplements you’d like to add to your routine.  

Potential Side Effects of Fat Burners 

Moskovitz explained, “Supplements marketed as ‘fat burners’ generally contain caffeine and other stimulants which can be toxic with concerning side effects like anxiety, poor sleep, digestion issues and elevated heart rate. It’s best to limit or even avoid caffeine from coffee or and other beverages while taken them and avoid it too close to bedtime.” 

However, we’ve also included non-stimulant options in our lineup, for those who prefer options without caffeine and other stimulants.  

Finally, if you notice any adverse effects, you should stop taking the supplement immediately, Moskovitz recommends.  

How to Find the Best Fat Burner for You 

Everyone has different fat burner supplement needs depending on your fitness goals, dietary needs, allergies, and pre-existing health conditions.  

Here’s what to consider when selecting the best fat burner for you. 

Formula 

When choosing the best formula for a fat burner, it’s important to remember that everyone’s dietary preferences and sensitivities are unique. We recommend checking for common allergens, artificial ingredients, added sugars, or stimulants, choosing what fits best with your health needs. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or have a digestive condition, you may want to prioritize clean and transparent labeling, where each ingredient and dose is clearly listed, not disguised within a proprietary blend.

The best fat burners are made with formulas based on scientific studies and are free from added fillers or artificial ingredients. Most importantly, if you are considering a fat burner, especially if you have a preexisting condition or already take medications, we recommend that you speak with your doctor before starting, as some dangers have been documented to be associated with fat burners. 

Your Fitness Goals 

Every athlete and gym-goer has individual training goals in mind: you might be aiming to burn fat, get lean, increase your daily energy or endurance. When choosing a fat burning supplement, it’s important to consider your workout intensity, performance goals, and personal preferences such as caffeine or stimulant tolerance. 

Expectations 

When considering supplementing with a fat burner, it’s important to keep your expectations in check—these supplements aren’t miracle pills and won’t melt fat away on their own. While some ingredients in fat burners may help support the body’s metabolism, energy levels, and appetite control, the effects are usually modest and are not a replacement for eating balanced meals made of whole foods and prioritizing an exercise routine. It’s best to approach fat burners with a realistic mindset and ensure that your health and safety remain the top priority. 

Before you add fat burners to your supplement routine, we recommend that you prioritize healthy eating and consistent exercise to support fat loss. 

Who Should and Shouldn’t Use Fat Burners 

We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, including a fat burner. Additionally, says Moskovitz, “Do not experiment with these supplements if you have a heart condition, an underlying anxiety disorder, sleep or digestion issues, are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, breastfeeding, or are under the age of 18.” 

In sum, this type of product is best suited for: 

• Those who have consulted with a healthcare provider 
• People who are already optimizing fat-burning potential with diet and exercise 
• Adults 

And it’s not advised for: 

• People with a heart condition 
• Those with an anxiety disorder 
• Folks with sleep issues 
• People with digestion issues 
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women 
• Children 

Frequently asked questions 

Are fat burners safe?

The safety of a fat burner depends on the supplement’s ingredients, formulation, and third-party testing results. Although many people can tolerate fat burners, clinical studies and case reports have found risks, including but not limited to: heart palpitations, headaches, and insomnia, as well as some more serious complications such as liver failure. Most harmful ingredients have been banned (such as ephedra), but due to the lack of supplement regulation by the FDA, we recommend starting low and slow with a fat burning supplement, following the brand’s instructions and warnings carefully. Before you try a fat burner, it’s best to consult a medical professional.

What is the most effective fat burner?

Transparent Labs Recomp is our pick for the best overall fat burner because of its unique ingredient formulation designed to help support fat loss, maintain lean muscle, boost energy levels, and curb hunger cravings without an excessive amount of stimulants.

If I take a fat burner, can I stop my diet?

No, a fat burner should only be taken as a complementary supplement to aid your exercise regimen and healthy, whole foods diet. A fat burner is not a substitute for a healthy eating routine and is not a shortcut to sustainable weight loss.