Of all of the different forms that kratom comes in, Maeng Da Kratom is easily the cream of the crop. And, because of its high level of prestige, it’s no wonder why so many companies carry it in their catalog. But, as a consumer, it’s important to know that not all Maeng da kratom is actually high in quality - or even authentic.
In our previous series on Maeng Da Kratom, we talked about Preparation Methods of Maeng Da Kratom for Consumption. Today, we want to offer up a guide on how to choose only the highest-in-quality, purest, and most effective Maeng Da Kratom that exists on the marketplace.
What is Maeng Da Kratom and What Makes It So Special?
First, let’s talk about what Maeng Da Kratom actually is, and isn’t. Nicknamed “pimp grade” in its region of origin, Maeng Da is considered the most exceptional form of pure kratom that exists.
To appreciate what makes Maeng da kratom unique, we need to take a quick look at what kratom actually is, for those still unaware. “Kratom” is the dried leaves of the evergreen Mitragyna speciosa tree, a close relative to coffee, which grows wildly throughout Southeast Asia. The leaves of the tree are so desirable because they’re extremely high in unique alkaloids (mainly mitragynine) which produce distinctive and potentially powerful responses in the body, by interacting with opioid receptors in the nervous system in a way similar to opioid drugs. People use kratom for various purposes, ranging from physical discomfort to mood disorders, and different strains, based on where the particular tree originates from, will have unique dominant effects.
Kratom leaves are harvested and dried in a climate-controlled environment, and then they’re often pulverized into a powder. This water-soluble substance can be consumed by itself, or used to formulate gummies, teas, beverages, capsules, and more.
Now, Maeng Da Kratom, like we said, is the premium form of kratom that’s in high demand on the U.S. market. But what makes it different from “regular” kratom? Well, for starters, it’s a hybrid of various strains, producing uniquely potent and balanced effects. Besides that, the drying process is a bit more involved and extensive, as this process actually concentrates the desirable alkaloids so that the effects are stronger.
What Kinds of Products Feature Maeng Da Kratom?
Not only will you find an array of unique Maeng Da Kratom products, but you’ll notice that all of the products below are ingestible, and that’s because what we know thus far is that ingesting the alkaloids in kratom is the most effective way to experience their benefits – based on how these compounds are processed by the liver before getting released into the bloodstream. You may come across alternative forms of kratom, like vapes and topicals, and while these products may very well work, there really isn’t a lot of info at the moment regarding their efficacy (or, in some cases, their safety), due to being new to our industry.
Maeng Da Kratom Powder
Maeng Da Kratom powder is sort of the foundation of all other kratom products. It’s simply the dried up Maeng Da Kratom leaves, which have been pulverized. Water-soluble and versatile, it can be added to all kinds of formulas, from smoothies to homemade edibles like cookies or gummies. Someone who wants to take kratom daily and wants a cost-effective routine may prefer powder, since they can make their own products and spend less per gram of product.
Just keep in mind though, if you’re gonna be buying Maeng Da Kratom in powder form, you will need to carefully weigh out each gram whenever you want to take it. When it comes to dosing, careful not to take too much, but to take enough that you can experience its effects. Fortunately, most kratom products, including powder, come with clear dosing guidelines on the back of the label.
Maeng Da Kratom Tea
Maeng Da Kratom tea can be purchased as well, and typically consists of dried kratom leaves of pulverized kratom powder in individually portioned tea bags. The tea can be steeped just like any other type of tea and is consumed in the same way. You can add flavor to the tea, i.e., honey or lemon, if so choose, since the taste of kratom is quite bitter.
Maeng Da Kratom Drinks
Maeng Da Kratom drinks, like sparkling water and flavored soft drinks, are available as well, and offer a very portable and convenient way to consume kratom as needed during the day.
Maeng Da Kratom Shots
Kratom shots are liquid beverage shots that come in small cans or bottles – usually 2oz. to 4oz. - and are meant to be drunk straight, like a shot. They usually have very high concentrations of kratom extract and are considered the most potent and fast-acting kratom products of all, best for those with more severe needs. While many kratom shots on the market have a bitter taste, K Tropix kratom shots are purified and flavored to eliminate the unpleasant aftertaste, making them a smoother and more enjoyable option.
Maeng Da Kratom Capsules
These kratom capsules are convenient for people, since each capsule contains an equal amount of kratom - typically a single serving in a low, medium, or high dose, depending on the formulation. You can also make your own capsules with kratom powder and empty gel caps that are meant to be filled with the supplement of your choice.
Maeng Da Kratom Gummies
Finally, we have Maeng Da Kratom gummies, which’re the newest product on the market. People love gummies because they taste delicious, as these edible goods are formulated to disguise kratom’s natural flavor. They’re also pre-portioned, just like capsules, so you can take an equal amount of kratom each day without having to do any measuring or counting. They may take a little longer to take effect, and may be slightly less potent than other products, as there is more to digest in them given the many different ingredients, and solid form.
Green, White, and Red Maeng Da Kratom: Which is Right for You?
Now, let’s break down the tree types of Maeng Da Kratom veins, as this information will make a big difference when it comes to the product you choose and how it affects you. When we talk about the vein of kratom, we’re referring to the color the vein that runs down the center of the leaf.
Question: Why does the color of the vein matter? Well, it tells us how mature the leaf was when it was harvested. And, at different stages of maturation, the leaf carries a unique composition of alkaloids, which determines the dominant effects of the vein as well as its overall potency. To break it down a bit further here:
- Green Maeng Da: A milder vein that can provide something of an energy boost and enhanced focus, while producing a general sense of wellbeing and some relief throughout the body.
- White Maeng Da: Being a bit more potent, it can produce a clear psychoactive buzz that’s never too strong. Depending on the dosage, it can range from stimulating to sedating, and can offer more substantial relief to the body
- Red Maeng Da: The most potent by far, producing the strongest psychoactive effects, having the most pronounced effect on mood (which can be potentially sedative-like), and the best results when it comes to those seeking out pain relief.
How Do I Know That Maeng Da Kratom is Authentic?
Unfortunately, as Maeng Da Kratom’s popularity grows, there is a higher chance of encountering the occasional fake on the market. This is only natural, as high demand can mean that some sketchy people will want to produce fake Maeng Da Kratom to make money off of more naive consumers. How can you tell then, if you’re dealing with a fake or not?
Before we answer that, just one thing: When we talk about “fakes”, we may mean products that do contain kratom, but aren’t Maeng Da Kratom; products that contain heavily diluted kratom; or products that contain zero kratom whatsoever, but a “lookalike” in them. The problem is that some fakes may even be dangerous, if they contain additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients made to mimic the effects of kratom which come with potentially serious side effects. Because of this, seeking out authenticity is of utmost importance.
Company Reputation
First off, really consider the vendor you’re buying from. We always strongly suggest going with a licensed online vendor who carries only kratom products. Why? Because they have more visibility than, say, a local business, and that means that there’s more pressure to deliver. If they’re only selling kratom, they really can’t afford to sell subpar product, or they’ll go out of business. Compare this to a convenience store that carries a couple of kratom products on their shelves, who really has little to lose should the products be disappointing.
But, does that mean that all online kratom companies are legit and worthwhile? No, of course not. Once you decide you’re going to go the online route, make sure that you choose a company that has a good overall reputation with consumers. A brand that has their products sold by many third-party distributors is always a good sign, as it indicates that their kratom products are in high demand.
Third-Party Reviews
Then, we have third-party reviews, which play an enormous role in confirming the validity of a kratom product. You can look up a company online by searching their name on third-party apps like Reddit and YouTube, where you’re likely to encounter real reviews and comments left by individuals who have taken the product. This is where you’ll find out whether or not people are generally satisfied with what they’ve purchased.
GMP Certification
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certifications are a good sign that the brand maintains excellent standards when it comes to the safety and quality of their usual practices in their facility. GMP refers to a strict set of rules and standards that companies must hold themselves to in order to get a certification, and this international organization doesn’t just give their certifications out to random vendors who are mixing kratom powders in their kitchens.
Third-Party Lab Reports
Third-party lab reports are a crucial method for determining the quality, safety, purity, and authenticity of a Maeng Da Katom product. These lab reports show that the manufacturer sends each batch of Maeng Da Kratom to a licensed laboratory, where the kratom is carefully analyzed by an objective entity. The lab reports are meant to be returned to the manufacturer, and displayed on their company website, so that consumers can access them easily and verify the quality of the product that they intend to purchase.
Clear and Informative Labeling
Labeling goes a long way, so pay close attention to the label of the product. While kratom is not approved by the FDA yet, there still are strict rules about how kratom products may be labeled. Look for information about the potency, the ingredients, and dosing directions, as these things are required. Check the ingredients list carefully to make sure that there aren’t harmful ingredients in the formula, and that the product contains an effective amount of kratom in its pure form or extracts of kratom alkaloids like Mitragynine.
Customer Service
A company that offers easy access to customer service is always a good sign. This means that they are ready to answer any and all questions regarding their product, and so, are less likely to have something to hide.
Price and Value
While price is an important factor, it should not be the sole determinant of quality. Extremely low prices can be a red flag for subpar products. Compare prices from reputable vendors and consider the value offered in terms of quality, potency, and customer service. High-quality Maeng Da Kratom may come at a higher price, but it ensures a safer and more effective experience.
How Can Maeng Da Kratom Vary in Quality?
We’ve talked about how to avoid fake kratom, but now, let’s talk about the things to look for that indicate not only legit kratom, but top-shelf Maeng Da Kratom products.
Potency
Potency is important, as no one wants to pay top dollar for weak kratom products. All kratom products should have the potency on the label, telling you how many grams you’re getting per serving. For reference, 1-3 grams is considered a low dose, 3-5 grams is a medium dose, and 5-8 grams is a high dose. The strength of the brand’s product should reflect these typical dosing guidelines.
Purity
Purity is essential, as kratom that’s been diluted, or developed impurities during the harvesting or drying process, is not going to give you the quality level you’re looking for. Again, read ingredients carefully - for instance, pure kratom powder should never be diluted with anything - and once again, check those third-party lab reports..
Formulation
If you’re buying kratom not in pure powder form, look at the overall formula to make sure that the other ingredients are on point, and that the kratom is not heavily diluted - like, for instance, if you’re looking at a liquid kratom shot that has only .3 grams of kratom in the formula, masked by loads of flavoring ingredients.
Age
Kratom will lose its potency with age, just like any other substance. After about a year, it may not be as potent as it once was. Because of this, you want to look for an expiration date, and make sure that you’re buying from a vendor that generally has a good product turnover rate, so that they’re not shipping out kratom that’s been sitting in their inventory for months and months.
Authenticity
Again, make an effort to check for indicators of authenticity, as mentioned in the previous section. Reputable vendors often have certifications from kratom advocacy groups or industry associations. Look for seals of authenticity or certification, such as those from the American Kratom Association (AKA). These certifications indicate adherence to industry standards and best practices.
How to Directly Evaluate Maeng Da Kratom Quality
Now that you know how to better identify a Maeng Da Kratom’s product authenticity and quality, you still need to evaluate it for yourself if you end up purchasing it.
1. Appearance and Color
High-quality Maeng Da Kratom should have a vibrant color, indicative of its freshness and potency. Red Vein have that Deep red or burgundy hue, Green Vein have bright green color, and White Vein have a pale or white hue. Basically, dull or faded colors can indicate old or improperly stored kratom, as things such as heat and light could’ve degraded the alkaloids in kratom, reducing its effectiveness. That’s why kratom in needs to be stored in a cool, dark place, and away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
2. Smell and Taste
Fresh Maeng Da Kratom has a strong, earthy aroma. The taste should be slightly bitter but not overpowering. A sour or off-putting smell and taste can indicate contamination or degradation.
3. Texture
The texture of Maeng Da Kratom powder should be fine and consistent, free from clumps or foreign particles. Coarse or gritty textures may suggest poor processing or adulteration.
4. Effects
While evaluating effects is subjective, high-quality Maeng Da Kratom should produce noticeable and consistent effects. Again, red vein should provide relaxation and pain relief, green vein should offer a balanced experience, and white vein should be stimulating. If the effects are weak or inconsistent, it may indicate low-quality kratom.
Can I Take Subpar Maeng Da Kratom and Still Benefit from it?
We do not recommend taking any Maeng Da Kratom product that doesn’t meet the list of standards we’ve mentioned so far. Again, low-quality kratom may be harmful as it may contain added ingredients, or it may simply be ineffective, which means that you will have wasted money.
Most people who purchase kratom are seeking out very specific effects, like relief from physical discomfort, help with their energy levels, or, simply, a mood-lifting buzz. Regardless of the reason, there’s no reason to waste your time, energy, and money on kratom that just doesn’t live up to the right standards. Do yourself a favor and invest in top-shelf kratom whenever possible, as the results you’ll get are very much worth it.
Remember, Only Top-Shelf Maeng Da Kratom Will Do!
Overall, Maeng Da Kratom is the premium grade of all kratom forms, and it’s worth going out of your way to score the highest-quality version you can find, regardless of the product type. K-Tropix makes it easy by carrying strictly pure, potent, and lab-tested Maeng Da kratom, in various product forms and veins, so that everyone can find what they’re looking for. Explore our Maeng Da Kratom collection, and just know that you’re getting nothing but the good stuff, for maximum effectiveness, benefits, and possible relief.
