(Last Updated on July 30, 2024)
Are you trying to lose weight but you’re finding that carbs just keep tripping you up?
You need a carb blocker!
These safe and easy-to-take supplements reduce the effects of calorie-dense foods such as pasta, bread, and potatoes.
You can still have a starchy treat without worrying that it will undo your hard work.
We have researched to find the top 5 best carb blockers on the market, so you don’t have to.
Best Carb Blocking Supplements
1. Arazo Nutrition White Kidney Bean Extract
The second product on our list is the Arazo Nutrition White Kidney Bean Extract.
This is an affordable carb blocker with one ingredient, white kidney bean extract (600mg).
This product has a great line-up of “pros”, for example, it’s made in the USA in FDA-approved facilities.
What’s more, there’s a pretty great deal going if you buy more than one bottle, you get a discounted price.
As mentioned, there’s only one ingredient in this product, white kidney bean extract.
This is a benefit for people who don’t require or want any extra stimulants or ingredients, as they may already have a plan set in place for their dietary supplement requirements.
The dosage guidelines are quite loose, as you can take up to four capsules per day.
Each capsule contains 600mg, so a 4-capsule dosage would provide 2400 a day.
This is within safe dosage levels, as clinical studies have used 3000mg per day to test the benefits of white kidney bean extract.
As well as blocking the effects of carbohydrates in the body, white kidney bean extract can suppress the appetite and stop those diet-ruining cravings.
This is a great option for people who just want pure carb-blocking ingredients, without any extra “helpers”.
How it works?
- One capsule is taken before each meal, up to four times a day.
- White kidney bean extract stops amylase from converting starches into sugars.
- The fiber content in white kidney bean extract helps to keep you full, therefore, reduces cravings and unnecessary snacking.
- Caloric intake is reduced.
- Fat storage is reduced.
Pros
- Made in FDA-registered facility.
- Made in the USA.
- 100% natural.
- Affordable (with a great deal for a reduced price on bulk purchases).
Cons
- Doesn’t contain extra ingredients.
- May cause digestive issues.
2. Natrol Carb Intercept
Next up, we have Natrol Carb Intercept Phase 2 Carb Controller Capsules.
This product contains the trademarked Phase 2 Carb Controller Complex (1000mg per 2-capsule serving), containing white kidney bean extract.
This is the key ingredient which blocks the effects of carbs so your caloric intake doesn’t skyrocket, your body doesn’t store excess fat, and ultimately, you can control your weight.
The Phase 2 Complex is a great ingredient as it has been tested for effectiveness, with a standardized potency so you get the most out of your supplement, with a higher success rate.
What’s more, this product contains calcium (190 mg per 2-capsule serving)1 and chromium (40 mcg per 2-capsule serving).
The purpose of calcium is to gently boost the metabolism to help burn extra calories and get you into a calorie deficit.
Chromium is a great ingredient as it does two key things.
First, it helps the body to use sugars from the bloodstream for energy.
What’s more, it helps the body to turn macronutrients (fat, protein, carbs) into energy so they don’t become stored as fat.
And lastly, it helps to suppress sugar and carbohydrate cravings.
Each box contains 120 capsules, enough for two months if you take the recommended 2 capsules a day.
You’ll get one month out of the box if you take the maximum dosage of 4 capsules a day.
This would be an ideal choice for you if you’re looking for extra metabolism-boosting support as well as a back-up for combating your carbohydrate-rich meals and snacks.
Plus, if you’re finding the sugar and carb cravings are overwhelming you, this should be a top contender on your list.
How it works?
- Two capsules are taken once a day, before main meals.
- Calcium helps to boost the metabolism for extra calorie burning.
- Chromium calms the appetite and dampens sugar and carb cravings.
- White kidney bean extract in Phase 2 Carb Controller Complex intercepts amylase and stops carbohydrates from absorbing (up to 66%).
Pros
- Affordable.
- Helps to suppress the appetite.
- Helps to curb sugar and carb cravings.
- High dosage.
Cons
- May cause digestive issues.
3. Double Dragon Organics White Kidney Bean Extract
Number four on the list is the boldly-packed Double Dragon Organics White Kidney Bean Extract.
This is a very similar product to the Natrol Carb Intercept above, as it contains only one key ingredient, white kidney bean extract.
In each 2-capsule serving, you get a reasonably generous dose of 1200 mg of white kidney bean extract.
This will help to block the processing of carbs and sugars as they enter your body, meaning they’ll simply pass through without the usual effects of carbs and sugars.
For example, they won’t hike your caloric intake, they won’t be turned into stored fats, and they won’t cause your blood sugar levels to rise and fall drastically.
Some people have been confused at the “keto” part of the title, as the ketogenic diet is a very low-carb diet.
It could simply mean that keto dieters can inhibit the small number of carbs they do eat, for faster and more thorough ketosis.
For some people, the simple ingredients list may be a “con” as they prefer a carb blocker with extra help in the energy department.
However, others may see this is a huge “pro” as they are sensitive to stimulants, and do not need other ingredients.
This is a great choice for you need a high dosage of white kidney bean extract for the carb-blocking effect, but you already have your energy aids sorted.
How it works?
- Two capsules are taken before two main meals (up to 4 capsules per day).
- White kidney bean extract stops amylase from turning carbohydrates into sugars.
- Carbohydrates and sugars are passed through the system.
- Fat storage is reduced.
- Caloric intake is reduced despite eating carbs.
- The appetite and cravings are reduced.
Pros
- Vegetarian.
- Gluten and allergen-free.
- Made in the USA.
- Made in FDA-approved facilities.
- Third-party safety tested.
- 100% money-back guarantee.
Cons
- No other ingredients.
- May cause digestive issues.
4. Jacked Factory Block XT
Number four on the list is the Block XT.
This stimulant-free product uses the patented Phase 2 complex we learned about when discussing Natrol Carb Intercept earlier at number 3.
Each capsule contains 500mg of white kidney bean extract, which means you can take a maximum of 1500mg per day if you take the maximum dosage of 3 capsules per day.
There are two other key ingredients in this product, Gymnema leaf extract (200mg) and BioPerine (5mg).
Gymnema leaf extract is a smart ingredient that helps to curb cravings for sugary foods.
In fact, it makes sweet treats less desirable by hindering the way the tongue tastes sweet foods.
It can also help to lower your blood sugar levels, as well as supports the heart by reducing cholesterol levels.
BioPerine is a patented formulation containing piperine from black pepper extract.
This is a popular ingredient in weight loss supplements because it helps other key ingredients to be absorbed into the system easily.
As well as increasing bioavailability, BioPerine can help to boost the metabolism, and may even help to ease stomach upsets.
The Block XT Carb Blocker could be ideal for you if you’re struggling with constant and strong sugar cravings, and you want to lose weight without completely cutting out carbs.
How it works?
- 1 capsule is taken 20 minutes before a meal containing carbohydrates (up to 3 per day).
- White kidney bean extract inhibits carbohydrate absorption in the body by reducing the effectiveness of the amylase enzyme.
- Stored fat is reduced.
- Gymnema leaf extract curbs your craving for sweet treats, helping to keep your calorie intake down.
- BioPerine.
Pros
- Stimulant-free.
- Made in the USA.
- Helps to reduce sugar cravings (Gymnema leaf extract).
- Contains BioPerine for improved bioavailability of Gymnema leaf extract.
- Helps to boost the metabolism.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- May cause digestive issues.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a carb blocker?
A carb blocker is exactly as it sounds, a supplement that blocks carbohydrates from being processed in the body.
This means that a portion of the calories in carbohydrates are not absorbed by the body, bringing down the total calorie count in starchy foods.
This is great for people who are trying to lose weight, or who are aiming to reach ketosis on the ketogenic diet.
It all comes down to an enzyme we all have called alpha-amylase.
This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates so they can be absorbed into the body. Carb blockers reduce the effectiveness of this enzyme, so it can’t do a great job at breaking down carbs.
The unbroken carbs move through the system without being turned into sugar, causing fat storage, or affecting blood sugar levels.
The key ingredient in most carb blockers is white kidney bean extract.
Yes, the humble old white kidney bean!
The white kidney bean is a great carb blocker as it has the best amylase-inhibiting properties.
What’s more, it’s a fiber, so it helps to suppress the appetite by helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Some carb blockers include other key ingredients such as chromium and Gymnema leaf extract.
Chromium helps to suppress the appetite and reduce cravings, while Gymnema leaf extract reduces the desire for sweets.
Some carb blockers contain stimulants such as guarana to increase energy levels and sharpening mental focus.
Who should buy a carb blocker?
Carb blockers are readily available for anyone to buy without regulation.
It’s a good idea to look for carb blockers from reputable, well-trusted brands made in the USA where dangerous supplement ingredients are well regulated.
What’s more, look for “FDA-approved facility” on the label, as this indicates a safer, more responsible manufacturing process.
While they are considered safe, carb blockers aren’t safe for absolutely everyone.
If you have any health conditions or you’re simply unsure, you should always talk to your doctor.
They can point you in the right direction, and even help you to maximize the effects of your carb blocker (if they’ve given you the “go-ahead” to take one).
A carb-blocker is most likely not suitable for you if you:
- Are under 18.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have diabetes.
- Have liver or kidney complications.
- Have endocrine issues.
- Are allergic to beans.
If any of the above points apply to you, talk to your doctor before taking any carb blocking or weight loss supplement.
If none of these apply to you, and your doctor or healthcare professional has given their nod of approval, go ahead and give a carb blocker a go.
They could be a great supplement for you if you:
- Have weight loss goals.
- Are struggling to reach ketosis (if doing the ketogenic diet).
- Are prepared to experience mild side-effects at first (not definitely, but a possibility).
- Understand that carb blockers are to help to reach your weight loss goals, but only work if paired with a healthy lifestyle full of nutritious foods and plenty of exercise.
What ingredients should I look for?
- White kidney bean extract: the key carb-blocking ingredient which stops the amylase enzyme from turning carbs into sugars, meaning starches pass through the body. The Phase 2 Carb Blocker complex is a great ingredient to look for. It is just white kidney bean extract which has been formulated and standardized for quality and effectiveness, with a carb-blocking rate of 66%.
- Guarana: gives a natural energy boost and helps to improve mental clarity, especially during a strict heating and exercise plan.
- Chromium picolinate: helps to curb cravings, especially those hard-to-resist yearnings for carbohydrates and sugars.
- Gymnema leaf extract: helps to curb sugar cravings by reducing the tongue’s ability to taste sweet foods. This is an excellent benefit for people who struggle to maintain weight loss due to constant sweet cravings.
Are there any side effects?
It does depend on the ingredients in question, but overall, carb blockers containing natural ingredients such as white kidney bean extract are safe.
However, like all supplements, there are side effects to be aware of.
Certain side effects which you may experience at first, or ongoing, are:
- Bloating,
- Gas,
- Diarrhea,
- Stomach pain and cramping.
Recap
Carb blockers are a generally safe, easy, and affordable way to help reduce the effects of carbohydrates in the body.
They can help to reduce the calorie load of carb-rich foods, and stops excess fat from settling in the body as a result of carbs and stored sugars.
Most carb blockers have white kidney bean extract as their key ingredient, as it stops the enzyme amylase from breaking down carbs.
Some carb blockers contain extra ingredients to give your weight loss efforts an extra helping hand. For example, guarana provides energy and focus, chromium suppresses the appetite, and Gymnema leaf extract squashes sweet cravings.
While carb blockers are considered to be very safe and very low-risk, there’s a chance you may experience some abdominal discomfort. Side-effects include bloating, painful gas, cramping, and diarrhea.
Our list of the top 4 carb blockers includes something for everyone, each containing white kidney bean extract.
The Evolution Slimming Carb Blocker suits people who need a boost of energy (guarana) with their dosage of white kidney bean extract.
The Natrol Carb Intercept supplement is great for people who’d like to suppress their appetite as well as blocking carbs, as it contains chromium.
The Arazon Nutrition White Kidney Bean Extract is great for people who just want pure carb blocking ingredients, without stimulants or extra ingredients.
For carb blocking, squashed sugar cravings, and a metabolism boost try the Jacked Factory Block XT.
Always check with your doctor before introducing a new supplement to your routine, or if you experience worrisome side effects.