If you’re newer on your kratom journey, buying kratom online can feel a bit overwhelming. There are hundreds of online kratom vendors selling products with a variety of wacky names, making all sorts of claims about the quality of their products. With so many options, how do you make the right choice?
How do you choose the best online kratom vendor? How do you know you’re getting safe, fresh, pure kratom? What steps can you take to make sure you’re getting the highest quality kratom products?
The kratom team at Mitra Bros knows that quality matters, and we care about our customers. We’ve compiled information on steps you can take to ensure you get safe, quality kratom from trusted online kratom vendors.
Do Your Homework on the Vendor
Unfortunately, the kratom market is not currently regulated by the FDA. Kratom advocacy groups are actually asking for sensible regulation to protect consumers. In states where kratom is legal, the amount of regulation is extremely uneven.
Some states have kratom-specific laws and rules, including manufacturing and labeling requirements, while others have virtually no kratom regulation. That means it’s up to you to do your homework.
The first step you should take when buying kratom online is to vet your vendor. Run searches for the company online and see what turns up. Look for customer reviews on Yelp, trade magazines, and other review sites. You can also check for customer complaints at the Better Business Bureau and see if there are posts about the vendor on forums like Reddit or Quora.
Third-Party Lab Testing is Key
The best kratom comes through proper quality assurance. Good kratom vendors ensure that their products are batch-tested at accredited laboratories.
Labs look at a variety of elements to ensure you receive the highest quality kratom:
- They test for the alkaloid content to ensure the kratom is potent and effective.
- They test for freshness to make sure the product is not near expiration.
- They test for the presence of contaminants that may have seeped into the soil of the original kratom trees or that might have been introduced during packaging or transit.
- They test for harmful additives and adulterants that may have been added to affect the kratom’s potency or shelf life.
Effective lab testing means your product should be fresh, pure, and potent.
The testing should be conducted by independent, third-party labs rather than in-house by the vendor’s own employees. Third-party testing ensures the results are accurate, unbiased, and trustworthy.
Check your vendor’s website to learn about their manufacturing and testing processes. The more transparent they are about their quality assurance process, the better.
Certification from the American Kratom Association
The American Kratom Association is the leading kratom advocacy group in the United States. They aren’t just fighting to keep kratom legal in general; they’re pushing for common-sense regulation of the kratom market. The goal is to ensure access to safe, legal kratom across the country.
One of their big initiatives is the GMP Standards Program. The GMP program
[I]ncludes requirements that participants must satisfy to demonstrate that they have taken steps necessary to ensure the safety, identity, wholesomeness, and quality of the kratom-containing products they manufacture or distribute and that the label and labeling of such products ensures consumers have all the meaningful information required to make an informed purchasing decision.
So if you are buying from an AKA Qualified Vendor, you can rest assured knowing that a lot of steps have been taken to ensure the safety and quality of your kratom products before it gets to your doorstep.
Look for the “AKA GMP Qualified” seal on the product’s label and/or other indicators on the vendor’s website demonstrating that they are certified by the AKA.
Product Packaging Matters
High-quality kratom only stays high quality if it is processed, packaged, and shipped appropriately. Kratom products should be professionally packaged and sealed in airtight, opaque containers. This ensures the kratom is not exposed to environmental factors that can reduce the product’s shelf life and potency. Proper packaging also protects the kratom from contaminants like mold.
The packaging label should also include information sufficient for you to verify the quality of the product. Does it list the strain and country of origin? Does it include the AKA seal so that you know the vendor is AKA Qualified?
The GMP Standards Program– and many state regulations– include requirements for what should be on the product label so that customers know exactly what they’re getting. If your kratom vendor is hiding the truth about what you’re buying, you should avoid their products. Trustworthy vendors share all the information you might want to make sure you’re getting the highest quality kratom powders and capsules.
Your Five Senses as a Final Check
If you are buying kratom from an AKA-approved vendor that utilizes third-party lab testing and otherwise has all the indications of a trustworthy source, there is still one final quality assurance technician: You!
But even quality kratom can grow old and expire over time, it can become damp and moldy or otherwise become contaminated if not stored correctly.
Fresh, quality kratom should have a vibrant color that matches the strain identifier (green, red, etc.). The texture should be smooth and fine, not clumpy and coarse. The product should have a clean, fresh, earthy smell; if you smell chemicals or mold, you might have a contaminated bottle.
Finally, it should taste bitter and earthy. If the kratom tastes like chemicals, it may be adulterated. If it tastes like mold, don’t consume it.
Get Fresh, Premium-Quality Kratom from Mitra Bros
At Mitra Bros, quality is key. Every Mitra Bros product uses kratom that has been certified through extensive testing by qualified independent, third-party laboratories. We’re so confident in our products we’re happy to offer our customers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
When you order from Mitra Bros, you’re getting the highest quality kratom featuring the American Kratom Association’s stamp of approval. Visit our online store for fresh, pure, premium kratom products delivered right to your doorstep.
