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In 2021, approximately 21.4 million adolescents and 172 million adults in the United States were classified as overweight or obese. These numbers are projected to increase sharply by 2050, raising serious health and quality-of-life concerns.
The root cause? A persistent energy imbalance—consuming more calories than the body burns. While nutrition and physical activity remain the foundation for fat loss, many people turn to fat burners for additional support.
Fat burners are dietary supplements formulated to increase metabolism, suppress appetite, and enhance fat oxidation. When used alongside a proper diet and training plan, they can accelerate progress—especially for those aiming to drop body fat percentage and reveal a leaner physique.
In this article, we’ve reviewed the best fat burners of 2025, examining ingredients, effectiveness, safety, and user goals. Whether you’re looking for energy support, appetite control, or faster results, these are the top products worth considerin
What Are the Best Fat Burners To Try In 2025?
- Transparent Labs Body Recomp – Best Overall
- Jacked Factory BURN-XT – Best Thermogenic Fat Burner
- Legion Phoenix Fat Burner – Best Natural Fat Burner
- Thorne Green Tea Phytosome – Best Fat Burner For Fat Oxidation
- BulkSupplements Berberine HCL – Best Budget-Friendly Fat Burner
- 1st Phorm L-Carnitine – Best L-Carnitine Fat Burner
Best Fat Burners In 2025
These are our top six best fat burners to consider using. For each, we’ve presented the pros and cons and main ingredients. Take a read through each one before deciding the best choice for your exercise goals.
Transparent Labs Body Recomp
- The main ingredients are included in scientifically proven doses.
- The tub is informed-choice certified, making it suitable for tested athletes.
- The transparent labeling shows the types and amounts of each ingredient.
- The price point is quite high for the ingredients included.
- Only one tub size option is available.
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Ingredients Overview
- Natural Caffeine (Green Coffee Bean) — Caffeine is one of the most commonly used ergogenic aids with the most scientific backing. It helps boost energy levels, which can lead to a higher energy expenditure. This is the amount of energy the body requires for basic functions. Furthermore, it can stimulate the nervous system and help with appetite control.
- Green Tea Leaf Extract (98% Polyphenols) — Polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The benefits for weight loss may include a reduction in inflammation, better metabolism, and increased energy expenditure.
- Capsimax (Red Pepper Extract) — Known commonly as cayenne pepper, red pepper extract may help increase your energy expenditure and reduce appetite. It may also have favorable effects on your digestion by boosting the amount of good gut bacteria.
One serving contains 125 milligrams of natural caffeine, 300 milligrams of green tea leaf extract, and 50 milligrams of capsimax. While these are relatively small doses, Transparent Labs recommends two daily servings, which would put them at efficacious amounts.
As with all Transparent Labs products, they offer fully transparent labeling with the type and amount of each ingredient clearly present. Alongside this, it’s Informed Choice certified, which makes it suitable for tested performance athletes.
If we were to go with the suggested serving amount, this would put the daily cost at around $1.83. While this is quite high, it’s the price you pay for high-quality ingredients with excellent labeling and testing.
The Transparent Labs Body Recomp is our best overall pick. It’s well-formulated and suitable for recreational gym-goers and tested athletes. Whether you’re doing dumbbell exercises for weight loss or hopping on the treadmill, Transparent Labs has got you covered.
Jacked Factory BURN-XT
- The main ingredients are included in scientifically-backed doses.
- Acetyl L-carnitine HCL is used to improve the absorption rate.
- Vegetarian-friendly with no fillers or dyes.
- Different tub sizes are available.
- The high caffeine content may be too much for those who are not used to it.
- It should be taken with a meal to improve its proposed effects.
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Ingredients Overview
- Acetyl L-carnitine HCL — Carnitine transports fatty acids to the cell’s mitochondria and helps to break down fatty acid chains. The mitochondria are known as the cell’s powerhouses and help with energy production. The addition of the acetyl group helps to improve the absorption rate.
- Green Tea Extract (98% Polyphenols) — The polyphenols may help increase energy expenditure and improve metabolism. Alongside this, the added caffeine can improve mental focus and energy levels.
- Capsimax (Cayenne Pepper Extract) — Cayenne pepper can help burn more calories by promoting thermogenesis (production of heat). It may also improve digestion by promoting good bacteria in the gut.
If you remember the Jacked Factory Pre-Workout, you’ll know that they don’t mess around when it comes to ingredients. Each serving contains 270 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, 700 milligrams of acetyl l-carnitine HCL, and 450 milligrams of green tea. Jacked Factory suggests splitting this into two servings over the day once you’ve got used to a half dosage.
Each of these ingredients is dosed nicely above the scientifically suggested amounts. What’s more, Jacked Factory has the amount and type of each ingredient clearly labeled. However, there’s no mention of third-party testing, which is something for future releases to improve on.
With two different tub sizes, you have more freedom to choose according to your budget. Each daily serving works out at approximately $0.83 which represents great value for money.
Overall, the ingredients used and doses included make it a great fat burner to increase your metabolism. It’s the perfect choice to use before exercising to enhance the well-known cardio benefits and enhance your energy-burning potential.
Legion Phoenix Fat Burner
- The ingredients are included in research-backed doses.
- It’s National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified which is the gold standard of supplement testing.
- Convenient option to buy with or without caffeine.
- High price point for those on a budget.
- The huge ingredient list is hard to navigate.
- No cayenne pepper or green tea is included.
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Ingredients Overview
- L-DOPA (Levodopa) — Known as Levodopa, L-DOPA is an amino acid that acts as a precursor to dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine (brain chemicals). It’s sometimes used in Parkinson’s Disease to improve cognitive function. However, studies on its effectiveness are conflicting. It may improve focus when added to a fat burner.
- 5-HTP — Naturally occurring amino acid that can be converted to serotonin (chemical affecting mood) in the body. Supplementation may help to reduce appetite by increasing the feelings of fullness.
- Caralluma Fimbriata — An edible cactus that originates from India, growing commonly on roadsides. It’s heavily used in Indian culture as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. While more research is needed, some studies suggest possible beneficial effects.
Sometimes when you choose supplements, natural ones can be the best way forward. They can help to meet your nutritional needs without using anything artificial. To meet this demand, the Legion Phoenix Fat Burner is one of the best natural fat burners on our list.
The Legion Phoenix Fat Burner contains a lot of ingredients. Each serving includes 150 milligrams of 5-HTP, 150 milligrams of levodopa, 1000 milligrams of caralluma fimbriata, 250 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, and 100 milligrams of black ginger.
Each of these doses is well in line with what’s used in proven scientific research. Legion also offers fantastic label transparency, with each ingredient clearly shown on the tub. Furthermore, the NSF certification is the gold standard in supplement testing.
Overall, the Legion Phoenix Fat Burner is a great natural supplement choice with lots of ingredients and excellent transparency. Each serving costs $1.67, which is something to bear in mind. Whether you’re doing your women’s full-body workout or men’s bro split, it has something to offer for everyone.
Thorne Green Tea Phytosome
- Contains 250 milligrams of green tea extract.
- Has added phospholipids for an improved absorption rate.
- Good value for money.
- Only one capsule per serving.
- Decaffeinated with no option to add caffeine.
- No third-party testing.
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Ingredients Overview
Green Tea Phytosome — Combined green tea extract and phospholipids to improve the body’s absorption rate. It may help to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation when exercising and at rest. Studies also show increases in the hormone leptin which helps to promote feelings of fullness.
Green tea extract is one of the most common ingredients in fat burners. It can be taken daily to improve energy expenditure and possibly weight loss. Throne has made a fat burner that focuses on this key ingredient for those who prefer a simple approach.
Each serving contains 250 milligrams of green tea phytosome extract. This form is used to improve the body’s absorption rate. Taking two pills daily would put the dosage in line with the amounts suggested in studies examining weight loss.
The fact that the green tea is decaffeinated makes it a good option for those who prefer a stimulant-free fat burner. If you’re using the amount suggested in the research, the price per serving works out to be $1.00 exactly.
If you prefer something simple that can be used to improve fat burning, this is our suggested choice.
BulkSupplements Berberine HCL Powder
- The budget-friendly price point offers great value for money.
- Available in different pouch sizes.
- No additives, sugar, soy, gluten, or dairy.
- Possible medication interactions need to be considered.
- Only one ingredient which is significantly less than most fat burners.
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Ingredients Overview
Berberine HCL — A substance found in plants and commonly used in Chinese medicine. Supplementation may help to improve insulin resistance and lipid profiles, both of which could help weight loss. However, research is still developing and should be carefully interpreted.
The BulkSupplements Berberine HCL powder keeps things simple by using one ingredient with no additives, soy, gluten, and dairy. Each serving contains 500 milligrams of berberine HCL, which is the amount commonly used in many developing studies.
BulkSupplements make sure to use third-party testing for all their products. On their website, they claim to use only reputable U.S.-based laboratories. Therefore, you can expect that their berberine HCL powder has undergone the same testing.
At $0.22 per serving, it’s the best fat burner for women and men on a budget. However, potential medication interactions do need to be considered before taking it. Alongside this, the lack of other ingredients does mean that it’s an entry-level fat burner.
1st Phorm L-Carnitine
- 1500 milligrams of L-carnitine L-tartrate.
- Added green tea extract and B vitamins.
- The powder can be included as part of a pre-workout or protein shake.
- Five flavor options.
- Included artificial flavors and sweeteners.
- The high L-carnitine dose may cause possible side effects.
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Ingredients Overview
- L-carnitine L-tartrate — The biologically active form of carnitine with L-tartrate acting as an antioxidant. Helps to transport fatty acids to the cell mitochondria and break down fatty acid chains. Both of these may provide improvements in weight loss with this high dose.
- Fucoxanthin — This is a carotenoid commonly found in brown seaweed. These organic pigments, produced by plants and algae, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Initial research suggests possible weight loss applications but mechanisms are yet to be developed.
The 1st Phorm L-Carnitine supplement doesn’t contain all of your typical fat-burner ingredients. It focuses on l-carnitine, which may be used to promote fat loss alongside a consistent dietary intake and exercise regime.
Each suggested serving contains 3000 milligrams of l-carnitine l-tartrate, which is above the dose commonly used in research. Other ingredients to be aware of include 400 milligrams of green tea leaf extract and five milligrams of fucoxanthin.
While each tub is clearly labeled, the lack of third-party testing is something to improve on. At $1.43 per serving, it represents a mid-range price point compared to our other options.
1st Phorm also offers five great flavor choices which makes it easy to add to a protein shake or pre-workout.
Overall, it’s the best fat burner for men and women wanting L-carnitine as the main ingredient. It offers a great dose of L-carnitine with some nice added extra ingredients. The five flavor options and powder formulation make it effortless to add to your favorite pre-workout.
What To Look For in Fat-Burning Supplements?
When choosing a fat burner, it’s important to focus on a few essential factors. Paying attention to these can help you select the right product for your body and your goals.
Ingredients
Fat burners typically aim to boost metabolism, suppress appetite, or reduce fat absorption. Many supplements combine these effects, but the impact depends on the specific ingredients and dosages.
Start by identifying the primary result you want—whether it’s appetite control, energy, or fat oxidation—and check if the formula supports that goal. Then, examine the ingredient list for transparency and quality.
As part of this, watch for proprietary blends. These blends don’t list exact ingredient amounts, so it’s hard to know what you’re getting or how effective the product might be.
Workout Timing
Fat burners are commonly taken either first thing in the morning or before a training session. Each timing method offers different benefits depending on your exercise routine and overall fat loss goals.
Taking a fat burner before your workout may support fat oxidation and improve training performance, especially if it contains stimulants. However, caffeine timing matters. Most fat burners include stimulants, and using them too late in the day can interfere with your sleep. Research shows that caffeine consumed before bed may cause a 7% reduction in sleep efficiency.
If you work out in the evening, a stimulant-free fat burner might be a better fit. If you take your supplement upon waking, you’ll likely do well with either type. Both approaches can be effective when paired with consistent training and exercises to lose belly fat.
Price
Price often reflects what you’re getting—especially when it comes to dosage strength and ingredient quality. Decide what you’re comfortable spending and assess whether a higher cost aligns with better formulation or added benefits.
Fat burners with higher price points may include more active ingredients or higher potencies of key compounds like caffeine, green tea extract, or cayenne pepper. Once you set your budget, compare the cost with the ingredient profile to determine overall value.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews offer valuable real-world accounts of how fat burners perform for different users. While product descriptions can be helpful, reviews provide insights into actual results, side effects, and consistency.
Before choosing a fat burner, scan the reviews for patterns. If multiple users highlight poor results or side effects, it’s a red flag. On the other hand, consistently positive feedback can add credibility to a product’s claims.
Third-Party Testing
If a product is third-party tested, it means the ingredients and dosages have been verified by an independent lab—not just the brand itself. This testing helps confirm the accuracy of what’s on the label.
Choosing fat burners that have been tested independently offers extra confidence in product safety and effectiveness. While not every brand invests in this step, it’s a good sign when they do.
Are Fat Burners Safe?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a U.S. government organization that regulates the safety of supplements. They aim to ensure no dangerous ingredients are present by banning them and checking products.
That being said, fat burners are not FDA-approved. Therefore, some ingredients may still cause side effects that should be considered. This is especially the case when taking a fat burner containing caffeine and beta-alanine.
Common side effects to be aware of include:
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Increased Heart Rate.
- Anxiety.
- High Blood Pressure.
- Digestive Issues.
Certain ingredients may negatively interact with food, medication, or other dietary supplements. That’s why it’s extremely important to know what’s in each fat burner.
It’s always a good idea to consult a medical professional before taking a fat burner. They will look at the ingredients and assess your suitability. This is especially important if you suffer from underlying health issues.
How To Use Fat Burners Effectively?
Follow these steps to effectively use a fat burner as part of your supplement routine.
- Check The Ingredients — Read the ingredient list to see what’s included. Check the ingredient online if you’re unsure what it is. Make sure that the doses used are correct.
- Look For Third-Party Testing — Check the label for the third-party tested symbol. This ensures that the fat burner has been checked for safety by an independent organization.
- Stick To The Prescribed Dose — Now that you’ve identified the fat burner as safe to use, read the label to find the suggested dose. Make sure to stick to the daily dose required. Each label should state the daily frequency and amount of pills to take.
- Monitor Your Health — Consult a qualified healthcare professional if you notice any differences in your health. You should regularly check in with a doctor if you have any underlying health conditions.
Conclusion
Fat burners are most effective when paired with correct diet and exercise routines. They’re meant to support your fat loss efforts—not replace healthy habits. Think of them as tools that can help accelerate progress when everything else is already in place.
Among the options we’ve reviewed, each offers a unique benefit depending on your needs. Our top overall pick is Transparent Labs Body Recomp, thanks to its well-researched formula and added functional ingredients.
Have you tried any of these fat burners? Share your experience with us—we’d love to hear how they’ve worked for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fat burners FDA-approved?
Fat burners are not FDA-approved. This means that brands can make claims without using supporting evidence. Therefore, it’s vital to properly check the labels and do your research.
Who should not take fat-burning supplements?
Those with high blood pressure, kidney and liver issues, and eating disorders should avoid taking fat burners. This would put them at an increased risk of dangerous side effects.
Can I take fat burners for a long time?
Fat burners can be taken for a long period but it’s generally not recommended. Extended use increases the risk of potential side effects. Alongside this, they may become less effective over time.
How fast can I lose weight using fat burners?
Fat burners are designed to supplement a good diet and exercise regime, not replace them. Therefore, your rate of weight loss will mainly depend on them. However, fat burners can potentially help speed up the process.
