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Beetroot is typically roasted or steamed and eaten with other vegetables or juiced to make a beverage. You may be familiar with the culinary aspects of this colorful root vegetable but would you ever guess that it can also serve as a dietary supplement?
The Best Beet Supplements - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Beet Supplement: KOS Organic Beetroot Powder
- Best Beet Juice: Raw Generation Sweet Roots
- Best Beet Supplement Powder: KOS Organic Beetroot Powder
- Best Beet Supplement Capsules: KOS Organic Beetroot Capsules
- Best Beet Supplement Chews: HumanN SuperBeets Heart Chews
The terms "beetroot" and "beets" are often used interchangeably, although we are referring only to the root portion of the plant and not the greens. Beets are high in nitrates, a chemical compound that contributes to boosting nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in our blood flow, lung function, and muscle contractions.(1) A fairly wide body of research supports the use of beetroot supplements for improving various aspects of sport performance.(2) Beetroot supplementation may enhance the recovery protocol of competitive athletes looking to eke out every last bit from their performance.
Beet supplements come in a number of formats and concentrations so choosing between them can be a tough task. To help you select the best option for your goals, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has researched the top beet products on the market to give you the best beet supplements of 2023.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE’s readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming nutritional supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third-party. We’ve also consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers. More importantly, fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Overall Beet Supplement - KOS Organic Beetroot Powder
SPECS
- Price: $
- Flavor options: 1
- Beetroot content: 100% organic beetroot powder
- Serving size: 1 scoop (4g)
- Sugars: 1g total, 0g added
- Calories per serving: 15
- Carbs per serving: 4g
Why We Picked It
At the top of our list for the best overall beet supplement is KOS Organic Beetroot Powder. It emerged as our top pick for a few reasons. First, it has only one ingredient; 100% organic beetroot powder rich in antioxidants. Additionally, it provides 2 milligrams of calcium, an essential mineral that plays a role in bone health, and 80 milligrams of potassium, which is another important antioxidant that may help protect the body against potential cardiovascular damage.(3,4)
This beetroot powder can be taken before training to help boost nitric oxide levels, increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles. To top it off, it’s free of preservatives, additives, and fillers. Due to its pure beetroot content and erythritol-free status, this powder may have a bit of an earthy taste, but you can easily add it to a smoothie or baked good as part of your pre- or post-workout fueling.
What We Like
- 100% organic beetroot powder
- Can be taken before exercise to improve blood flow to muscles
- non-GMO, gluten-, dairy-, soy- and erythritol-free
- 60-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- No added flavoring, so you will need to mix if you don't like the earthy taste
- Some dissolvability issues with just water
BUY: KOS Organic Beetroot Powder
Best Beet Juice - Raw Generation Sweet Roots
SPECS
- Price: $$$
- Flavor options: 1
- Beetroot content: Beet juice
- Serving size: 12 oz. (340g)
- Sugars: 22g total, 0g added
- Calories per serving: 130
- Carbs per serving: 33g
Why We Picked It
Instead of using a beetroot supplement, many people resort to buying beets and juicing them at home. While this is a viable option, the process is extremely messy due to the intense color and staining property of beets, making it not worth the effort for some people. Raw Generation Sweet Roots provides a cold-pressed combination of beets, apples, carrots, and lemon without the mess of having to juice your fruits and veggies. Regularly supplementing with beet juice has been shown to improve cardiovascular endurance, which can lead to improvements in overall athletic performance.(5)
Raw Generation Sweet Roots is also free of artificial ingredients and is flash frozen, meaning the flavor, nutrients, and enzymes are preserved until you're ready to consume. Keep in mind, however, that a minimum of 12 bottles of juice is required for purchase, so this is a bit of a commitment, financially and otherwise. But if the idea of having a supply of freezable antioxidant-rich juices that you didn't have to prepare yourself sounds really appealing, this is the product for you.
What We Like
- Clean, real-food mix of beets, apples, carrots, and lemon
- Flash frozen for longevity
- No added sugar
- Vegan and non-GMO
- Reviewers love the taste
What We Don't Like
- Must purchase a minimum of 12 bottles, so can be expensive
- Doesn't list amounts for each ingredient
BUY: Raw Generation Sweet Roots
Best Beet Supplement Powder - KOS Organic Beetroot Powder
SPECS
- Price: $
- Flavor options: 1
- Beetroot content: 100% organic beetroot powder
- Serving size: 1 scoop (4g)
- Sugars: 1g total, 0g added
- Calories per serving: 15
- Carbs per serving: 4g
Why We Picked It
KOS Organic Beetroot Powder was our pick for the best overall beet supplement, but it's also our pick for best beet powder due to its pure organic beetroot formula that is bursting with vitamins and minerals to help boost endurance. In addition to the beetroot, this supplement also provides a solid dose of sodium and potassium, two important electrolytes for hydration.
KOS Organic Beetroot Powder can be taken before exercise to enhance blood flow to muscles as well as support energy and stamina, or post-workout to help aid in muscle recovery and reduce inflammation. This powdered form of beetroot can be added to smoothies, other beverages, baked goods, or plain old H2O.
What We Like
- 100% organic beetroot powder
- Can be taken before exercise to improve blood flow to muscles
- non-GMO, gluten-, dairy-, soy- and erythritol-free
- 60-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Not as highly concentrated
- Some dissolvability issues with just water
BUY: KOS Organic Beetroot Powder
Best Beet Supplement Capsules - KOS Organic Beetroot Capsules
SPECS
- Price: $
- Flavor options: N/A
- Beetroot content: 1500mg organic beetroot per serving
- Serving size: 3 capsules
- Sugars: 0g
- Calories per serving: 0
- Carbs per serving: 0g
Why We Picked It
Taking beets in juice or powder form can be an acquired taste due to their naturally earthy aroma. While most companies add flavors to offset this, some people may still not be able to stomach it. Thankfully KOS also provides their organic beetroot formula in capsule form, allowing you to yield the benefits of beets without the taste. That is why KOS Organic Beetroot Capsules is our pick for this supplement category.
KOS offers a very simple ingredient panel with organic beetroot powder as the one and only ingredient. With each three-capsule serving providing 1500 milligrams of beetroot powder, one daily dose is enough for most people to boost nitric oxide levels in their blood. Additionally, this supplement provides a rich source of betalains, which is a group of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.(6)
For athletes looking for a straightforward beetroot supplement in capsule form, KOS Organic Beetroot Capsules is a fitting choice.
What We Like
- 1500mg of organic beetroot powder per serving
- Manufactured in a GMPc (good manufacturing practice compliant) facility
- Plant-based, gluten- and soy-free
- Uses transparent labeling
What We Don't Like
- Lacks other ingredients commonly found in beet supplements
- 3 capsules may be a lot for some
BUY: KOS Organic Beetroot Capsules
Best Beet Supplement Chews - HumanN SuperBeats Heart Chews
SPECS
- Price: $$
- Flavor options: 1
- Beetroot content: 500mg per serving
- Serving size: 2 chews
- Sugars: 4g total, 4g added
- Calories per serving: 40
- Carbs per serving: 9g
Why We Picked It
When browsing the beetroot supplements on the market you’ll typically find most of them are provided in powder or capsule form. While these forms meet the needs of most people, others may prefer to have a supplement that doesn’t require a drink or any preparation.
HumanN SuperBeets Heart Chews are a unique alternative to traditional beetroot supplements. They pack 500 milligrams of beetroot into a tasty chew making them a great option for athletes on the go since no liquid is required. On top of the beetroot, they also provide 150 milligrams of grape seed extract, which is a great source of antioxidants and may enhance blood flow as well as heart health.(7,8)
Our choice for the best beet chews comes in a berry pomegranate flavor—a tasty way to get in your daily serving of beetroot.
Read our full review of SuperBeets.
What We Like
- Provides 500mg of beetroot per serving
- Supports healthy blood pressure and heart health
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Produced in a GMPc facility
What We Don't Like
- Contains added sugars
- Amount of beetroot per serving is low compared to other products
BUY: HumanN SuperBeets Heart Chews
Benefits of Beet Powder
Supplementing with beetroot has been associated with a number of potential health and performance benefits.
Physical Performance
Regularly supplementing with beetroot has been associated with increased cardiovascular endurance and overall improved athletic performance. In addition, beets are a good source of nitrates which can help increase nitric oxide levels in the body and improve blood flow to working muscle during exercise.
Heart Health
Nitric oxide is a compound found in the body that helps relax blood vessels. Considering that beet supplements may boost nitric oxide production, they can help relax blood vessels resulting in a reduction in blood pressure. This in turn puts less stress on your heart. In addition, their antioxidant content helps reduce inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Cancer Prevention
Beets are an excellent source of antioxidants, which work to fight inflammation and free radicals throughout the body.(9) Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to various types of cancer when uncontrolled. Including beet supplements as a part of an overall healthy lifestyle may help reduce cancer risk.(10)
How We Rate Supplements
Below is a breakdown of some of the factors we used to rate each supplement:
Price/affordability (scale of $-$$$)
Prices depend on several factors and tend to fluctuate over time, so we've kept our affordability rating scale simple so you can easily see how products compare:
$ = under $1 per serving
$$ = $1-2 per serving
$$$ = over $2 per serving
Flavor Options (scale of 1-3)
Regarding dietary supplements you take frequently or even daily, options are important. And while your protein powder or pre-workout doesn't have to taste good to be effective, having several flavors to choose from can make it easier to stick with your fitness and health goals.
N/A = Unflavored
1 = 1-2 flavor options
2 = 3-4 flavor options
3 = 5 or more flavor options
How to Choose the Best Beet Supplements for You
Format
Beet supplements come in a variety of formats including capsules, chews, juices, and powders. When shopping for one, consider which form you will be most likely to take on a regular basis. If you prefer to add it to smoothies, a powder or liquid version might be best whereas if you are looking to take it on the go, chews or capsules might be better.
Other Active Ingredients
In addition to beetroot, some products may provide other active ingredients to further enhance performance and health benefits. Some common additional ingredients include electrolytes, caffeine, and vitamins and minerals. You’ll have to decide whether you’re looking for a pure beet supplement or if you value a supplement that includes other active ingredients as well.
Sweeteners
The majority of beet supplements come either unsweetened or sweetened with a small amount of sugar. A select few contain calorie-free sweeteners from natural or artificial sources. Think about how you will be using the supplement. If you are adding it to an already sweetened beverage you may not need additional sweeteners, while if you are taking it on its own, you may prefer a sweetened version. All five of our top choices are free of artificial sweeteners.
FAQs About Beet Supplements
Are beet supplements effective?
There have been a number of high-quality studies that have found beet supplements to be effective for increasing nitric oxide and improving athletic performance. While it’s not a miracle supplement, high-level athletes are likely to see benefits from supplementing with it.
Do beets have side effects?
Considering that beet supplements are usually naturally sourced from vegetables, they don’t tend to have any notable side effects. One odd thing you may notice when supplementing with beets is that your urine and stool may have a slight reddish tinge to it. This is normal and not something to be alarmed about.
Who should avoid beetroot?
In general, beetroot is safe for most people. That said, beets are high in oxalates, a compound found in plants that can increase the risk of kidney stones in certain populations. Therefore if you suffer from kidney stones you’ll want to check with your doctor before supplementing with beetroot.
Is it good to take beetroot every day?
Most beetroot supplements are designed to be taken on a daily basis for the best results. That said, you could certainly still benefit from supplementing with beetroot even if you only take it on training days.
Do beets burn belly fat?
There’s no evidence that links beets with increased burning of belly fat. That being said, beets can be included as a part of an overall healthy diet which can lead to changes in body composition. When consumed in whole form, beets provide a good source of dietary fiber, which plays a role in fat loss.(11)
Do beets interact with any medications?
There are no listed, specific food-drug interactions with beets. However, you should still be cautious. Considering that beets impact nitric oxide production, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure, you’ll want to check with your healthcare provider before supplementing with beetroot, especially if you take any blood pressure medications.
What Are Vitamins | Nutrient-Dense Foods | Fat-Soluble Vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins | Best Vitamin D Supplements | Best Magnesium Supplements | Best Iron Supplements | Best Vitamins for Energy | Best Beet Supplements | Best Vitamin B12 Supplements | Best Calcium Supplements
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Jones, A. M., Thompson, C., Wylie, L. J., & Vanhatalo, A. (2018). Dietary Nitrate and Physical Performance. Annual review of nutrition, 38, 303–328. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-nutr-082117-051622
- Domínguez, R., Cuenca, E., Maté-Muñoz, J. L., García-Fernández, P., Serra-Paya, N., Estevan, M. C., Herreros, P. V., & Garnacho-Castaño, M. V. (2017). Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 9(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010043
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Pantothenic Acid -Fact Sheet for Consumers. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved March, 2023, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/
- Ando, K., Matsui, H., Fujita, M., & Fujita, T. (2010). Protective effect of dietary potassium against cardiovascular damage in salt-sensitive hypertension: possible role of its antioxidant action. Current vascular pharmacology, 8(1), 59–63. https://doi.org/10.2174/157016110790226561
- Domínguez, R., Cuenca, E., Maté-Muñoz, J. L., García-Fernández, P., Serra-Paya, N., Estevan, M. C., Herreros, P. V., & Garnacho-Castaño, M. V. (2017). Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 9(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010043
- Cristina Montserrat Moreno-Ley, Guillermo Osorio-Revilla, Diana Maylet Hernández-Martínez, Oswaldo Arturo Ramos-Monroy, Tzayhrí Gallardo-Velázquez, Anti-inflammatory activity of betalains: A comprehensive review. Human Nutrition & Metabolism, Volume 25, 2021, 200126, ISSN 2666-1497, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hnm.2021.200126.
- Odai, T., Terauchi, M., Kato, K., Hirose, A., & Miyasaka, N. (2019). Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Vascular Endothelial Function in Participants with Prehypertension: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients, 11(12), 2844. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11122844
- Sivaprakasapillai, B., Edirisinghe, I., Randolph, J., Steinberg, F., & Kappagoda, T. (2009). Effect of grape seed extract on blood pressure in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 58(12), 1743–1746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2009.05.030
- Clifford, T., Howatson, G., West, D. J., & Stevenson, E. J. (2015). The potential benefits of red beetroot supplementation in health and disease. Nutrients, 7(4), 2801–2822. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7042801
- Tan, M. L., & Hamid, S. B. S. (2021). Beetroot as a Potential Functional Food for Cancer Chemoprevention, a Narrative Review. Journal of cancer prevention, 26(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.15430/JCP.2021.26.1.1
- Miketinas, D. C., Bray, G. A., Beyl, R. A., Ryan, D. H., Sacks, F. M., & Champagne, C. M. (2019). Fiber Intake Predicts Weight Loss and Dietary Adherence in Adults Consuming Calorie-Restricted Diets: The POUNDS Lost (Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies) Study. The Journal of nutrition, 149(10), 1742–1748. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxz117
About the Author
Daniel Preiato is a registered dietitian who specializes in sports nutrition and nutrition education. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and an avid strength athlete. He uses his background in clinical nutrition to dissect research and help individuals meet their health and fitness goals.
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