Posted by
Katherine Tudsbury
Everyone has an opinion on beets. I love them lightly steamed and mixed with feta, arugula, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar – not that you asked.
Whether you love or loathe beets, there is no denying this vibrant root vegetable is nutrient-dense and health-promoting.
What Are Beet Supplements?
Beet supplements are made from powdered whole beets or beet juice concentrate.
You know what beets are. But if you need a reminder, it’s an earthy and slightly sweet root vegetable (from the Beta vulgaris plant) rich in fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, copper, iron, betaine, and vitamin C.
Nutrient-dense beet supplements are gaining popularity among athletes and fitness enthusiasts as a natural performance enhancer. Plus, they’re great for those who hate the taste or texture of whole beets.
What are the Best Beet Supplements in 2024?
Let’s not “beet” around the bush anymore (terrible joke, but I said what I said); here is our list of the best beet supplements on the market.
These products are selected from trusted brands and made according to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for quality and safety.
*Note: We have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you buy from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.
1) Force Factor Total Beets
Force Factor Total Beets is a comprehensive heart health formula designed to improve blood flow and bring your blood pressure back to normal.
It contains a bioavailable blend of six nitric oxide boosters known as the Beetroot Vasodilation Matrix (BVM). This includes Beet Powder, NO3-T® Betaine Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, MegaNatural®-BP Grape Seed Extract, L-Citrulline, and L-Ornithine.
In addition, it has vitamin C, B3, B6, B12, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium for extra support.
Finally, each serving comes with 5 mg of BioPerine®, a black pepper extract proven to improve nutrient bioavailability and absorption.
You can grab it for $20.50 on iHerb.
The only downside is that a serving is 4 tablets, which may feel overwhelming if you struggle to swallow tablets.
2) Double Woods Beet Capsules
Double Woods Beet capsules deliver 500 mg of concentrated beetroot powder free from GMOs, soy, and gluten. A bottle has 210 capsules – and they recommend taking 2-4 capsules daily.
The capsules are made according to cGMP standards and thoroughly assessed by a third party for purity and quality. You can view the Certificates of Analysis and the third-party test results online.
At just $19.95, it’s the most affordable product on this list.
3) Pure Bulk Beet Extract
Pure Bulk concentrated beet powder delivers 250 mg of beet extract standardized for ≥12% betanin (the main betalain compound in beets).
It’s available in both pure powder and capsules – and the powder comes in sizes ranging from 25 grams to 500 grams. All forms are free from sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and additives.
Pure Bulk is known for its no-nonsense approach to manufacturing pure health supplements. They are cGMP-registered and use third-party testing.
4) NOW Sport Beet Root Capsules
NOW Sport Beetroot is a GMP-quality assured supplement targeted at athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Each capsule delivers 550 mg of non-GMO beet powder made from whole, dried beets.
This product is steroid tested by Informed-Sport, a leading anti-doping organization. The strict testing standards ensure it’s free from banned substances and safe for athletes.
5) Garden of Life Beets Gummies
Garden of Life has created the yummiest raspberry-flavored beet gummies for heart support.
One serving delivers 500 mg of organic beet powder, 200 mg of tart cherry concentrate, 800 IU of vegan vitamin D3, and 12 mcg of vegan vitamin B12.
As a bonus, you get a whole-food polyphenol blend of black currant concentrate, apple concentrate, and lemon juice concentrate. (However, it’s tricky to know the exact dose of each ingredient in the polyphenol blend).
These fruity gummies are certified USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO, and NSF-certified gluten-free.
How We Ranked
We researched these products extensively to rank the best beet supplements on the market. But you need to make the best decision for your needs.
Here are some factors we considered when making our list.
Strict Testing Standards
The FDA doesn’t regulate the supplement industry. So, dodgy brands can make all sorts of misleading claims on their labels and get away with it.
As such, we only list reputable companies that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations. We also prioritize brands that use third-party testing and make their test results available on request.
Whichever product you choose, you can feel confident there was no corner-cutting during production.
Ingredient Quality
If you’re paying for a supplement to improve your health, you want the highest-quality ingredients.
We looked for the purest beet concentrate powders free from fillers, additives, and preservatives. We also prioritized products using organically grown beets.
In addition, we listed supplements with other beneficial ingredients that stimulate the nitric oxide-boosting effects of beets. This is the case for Micro Ingredients Beet Max Powder, Force Factor Total Beets, and Garden of Life Beet Gummies.
Form
Beet supplements come in capsules, gummies, and loose powder. We included all three forms for your convenience.
Value
We believe the rising cost of living shouldn’t stop you from investing in your health. We take care to choose products that are high-quality but don’t break the bank.
Why Should You Take a Beet Supplement?
Beet supplements are a source of disease-fighting antioxidants called betalains. These compounds are also responsible for their vibrant pink color.
However, their big claim to fame is their content of inorganic nitrates. In your body, nitrates boost the production of nitric oxide (NO), an essential gas that improves circulation and supports your cardiovascular system. When your cells can access oxygen and nutrients easily, many areas of health improve.
Promotes Healthy Blood Pressure
Elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Nitrates in beets relax the smooth muscles in your blood vessels, taking some strain off your cardiovascular system.
This review study found beet juice improved blood pressure in people with hypertension.
But don’t throw away your BP medication. Beet supplements should be part of an integrated approach to heart health.
Oh, and for dudes reading this, a side-effect of healthy blood pressure and circulation is stronger erections (you’re welcome).
May Improve Physical Performance
Supplementing with beet powder is a no-brainer if you want to improve your exercise performance and recovery. Higher NO levels give your muscles greater access to nutrients and oxygen, which increases energy efficiency.
A 2017 review confirmed beetroot juice improves cardio-respiratory endurance in athletes and increases time to exhaustion during exercise.
However, these benefits seem to peak within three hours of consumption. So, experts suggest taking beet supplements 2-3 hours before your workout, match, or competition.
FAQ
Can Beet Supplements Improve Cognitive Function?
Beet supplements improve gas exchange and nutrient delivery to all your cells, tissues, and organs. Better blood and oxygen flow to your noggin means better focus and mental clarity.
This study found dietary nitrates increased blood flow to the brain’s frontal lobe – an area responsible for decision-making and executive function. Another study found consuming beet juice enhances neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways) in older people – especially when combined with exercise.
Do Beet Supplements Support Immunity?
Nitric oxide is an antimicrobial that kicks pathogens to the curb. And, as you know by now, beets boost NO availability.
This study on stressed-out students found beet juice reduced the severity of a cold by 26%.
However, it was a small study. We need more research before we can suggest it as a cold-and-flu staple.
Do Beet Supplements Have Side Effects?
Beet supplements are safe for most people. If you stick to the suggested dose, you should be A-Okay.
However, as they can lower blood pressure, speak to your doctor before taking a beet supplement if you already have low blood pressure.
In addition, the bright red pigment in beets can cause red or pink urine and stools in a small percentage of the population. It’s known as “beeturia” – but it is not harmful.
Beet supplements are worth considering if you’re interested in enhancing your exercise performance and supporting your circulatory system and blood pressure.
