Nootropics Depot Review: My First Order Experience
My journey with Nootropics Depot uncovered surprising truths about their service, products, and whether they deserve their stellar reputation.
After spending countless hours researching nootropics suppliers, Nootropics Depot frequently emerged as a trusted source in many online discussions. Despite hearing mixed reviews about their prices and shipping times, I decided to give in and place my first order with them. More specifically, I purchased three supplements from them: Tribugen, DHEA, and Berbelean.
Although I had known about the company for some time and had even reviewed several of their products (for example MicroMag Magnesium Powder Review) in the past, this is my first direct experience with their service.
The TL;DR is that my experience turned out to be quite insightful, revealing surprising findings that could benefit anyone considering Nootropics Depot for their nootropic needs. In this article, I’ll share why I ultimately chose to trust this company, despite the mixed feedback I encountered online.
About My Order
First of all, it’s important to know that I live in Cyprus, Europe. When I ordered from Cyprus, shipping took about two weeks from the US, using standard worldwide mail at a reasonable cost of 10 euro (about $12).
As mentioned in the introduction, I ordered 3 supplements.
Look, I’ve dealt with plenty of supplement companies that charge obscene shipping fees to Europe, so Nootropics Depot’s 10 euro rate feels like a breath of fresh wind.
For those worried about international shipping (I know I was), everything arrived in a single, well-packed bag without any problems.
It’s worth mentioning (for anyone that cares) that the DHEA supplement and Berbelean had a small moisture-absorbing packets inside.
Anyways, there’s not much I can say about these supplements. Afterall this review is now about them, it’s about the vendor – Nootropics Depot.
So, in the next sections, I am going to discuss my thoughts about the brand and why I like them and most probably gonna keep buying from them.
What I Like about Nootropics Depot
I’m genuinely blown away by Nootropics Depot’s commitment to transparency and scientific rigor, from their thorough third-party lab testing to their meticulously detailed ingredient labels.
Their upgraded website’s clean, intuitive interface makes easy to navigate while their use of standardized extracts and proper Latin nomenclature shows they’re not messing around with quality control.
What really seals the deal for me, though, is how they’ve consistently demonstrated their dedication to earning customer trust, something that’s damn hard to find in the supplement industry these days.
1. Well-Structured and Responsive Website
Since launching their redesigned website, Nootropics Depot has impressed me with their well-structured and user-friendly interface.
Their commitment to functionality is evident through every aspect of the design, especially in their quick product view feature that lets me check out supplements without clicking through multiple pages.
Plus their website has a very responsive layout that works perfectly on any device to those large, clear icons that make finding product information a breeze.
I particularly appreciate how they’ve cut the “bullshit” and presented everything straightforwardly, without the usual marketing fluff you’ll find on other supplement sites.
2. Third-Party Lab Testing
Though many supplement companies make bold claims about quality, Nootropics Depot backs theirs up with extensive third-party lab testing through multiple reputable partners like Omnient Labs, Alkemist Labs, and Eurofins.
What’s particularly impressive is their transparency – they’ve got a whole damn roster of respected labs (eight in total) verifying their products, which you can actually check out on their website.
As someone who’s pretty damn paranoid about supplement quality (and rightfully so), I won’t touch anything that isn’t third-party tested. What’s on the label needs to match what’s in the bottle, period.
With Nootropics Depot’s extensive testing network coordinated through Omnient Labs, I can trust that their products aren’t just marketing bullshit – they’re actually verified by independent professionals.
3. Transparent Ingredient Labels
When it comes to supplement labels, Nootropics Depot sets a gold standard for transparency.
I’m very impressed by their straightforward approach – you won’t find any sketchy “proprietary blends” that companies often use to mask actual ingredient amounts.
The supplement I ordered from them clearly lists exact doses of each component, which is exactly what you’d want as someone who gives a damn about what they’re putting in their body.
Their labels “feel” honest, listing every ingredient without hiding behind fancy marketing terms or mysterious blends.
I’ve checked all three supplements I bought from them, and both were crystal clear about their contents. This transparency extends to their no-bullshit policy on fillers – they simply don’t use the nasty stuff that other companies sneak into their products.
4. Standardized Extracts and Latin Names:
Another impressive aspect of Nootropics Depot’s labeling is their careful attention to herbal supplement details.
They’ve got their shit together when it comes to proper botanical identification, listing both common and Latin names for every herb they sell (because let’s face it, that’s how you know they’re not messing around).
And damn, do they nail it with standardized extracts across their entire herbal line.
Look, I can’t stress this enough – if you’re shopping for herbal supplements and the company doesn’t bother listing Latin names or standardized extract information, run the other way.
It’s a massive red flag in this industry.
That’s why I’m particularly impressed with Nootropics Depot’s commitment to transparency here – they’re doing exactly what serious supplement companies should do.
I suggest you read a previous article I wrote about how to choose supplements. It offers some really good tips that will help you avoid pitfalls when buying supplements.
5. Commitment to Earning Customer Trust
That commitment to proper labeling reflects a broader philosophy at Nootropics Depot – they’re dead serious about earning customer trust.
Imo, earning customer trust is something every company in this world should strive for first and don’t just resort only to marketing BS.
In the case of Nootropics Depot, they back everything with hard science, providing research snapshots and maintaining a legitimate medical advisory board (which you can actually contact).
Their transparency extends to every aspect of operations – from displaying certificates to writing no-nonsense product descriptions that stick to facts rather than hype.
While other companies are busy crafting seductive marketing narratives, these folks are publishing peer-reviewed research and maintaining rigorous quality standards.
6. Great Value for Money Supplements
Despite the premium quality of their products, Nootropics Depot maintains surprisingly reasonable prices.
When I compare their supplements to other vendors, I’m honestly amazed at the value proposition – you’re getting independently lab-tested, pharmaceutical-grade compounds at prices that won’t make your wallet cry.
I’ve found that while some might initially balk at certain price points, the cost-per-serving actually works out to be quite competitive, especially considering the rigorous quality control and third-party testing that goes into each product.
You’re fundamentally getting research-grade supplements at retail prices, which, in my experience analyzing the nootropics market, is practically unheard of.
7. Wide Range of Nootropic Options
Another thing that impresses me of Nootropics Depot is their massive product selection. Currently the list over 250+ Nootropics in various forms (capsules and powders).
I’ve been reviewing supplements and being the editor of Foodnourish for over five years, and I must admin that I’ve encountered compounds in their catalog that I’d never even heard of before.
What’s particularly impressive is how they’ve managed to curate such an extensive collection of nootropics while maintaining quality standards across the board.
8. Informative Blog with Research and Health Insights
Beyond their impressive product lineup, Nootropics Depot’s blog stands as a goldmine of scientific knowledge and research insights.
I’ve spent countless hours diving deep into their detailed articles, which cover everything from molecular mechanisms to practical supplementation strategies.
What really blows my mind is how they break down complex research into digestible pieces while maintaining scientific rigor – no dumbing-down bullshit here.
Their blog effectively bridges the gap between peer-reviewed literature and real-world application, something that’s damn near impossible to find elsewhere in the nootropics space.
You’ll find extensive articles about their products, thorough explorations of health topics, and cutting-edge research interpretations that’ll genuinely broaden your understanding of cognitive improvement and biochemistry.
Some interesting reads I suggest you take a look are:
- Which is the Best Ashwagandha? | Sensoril vs. KSM-66 vs. Shoden
- The Road To Controversy | Turkesterone Scandal Pt. 1
- Tribugen | The Road To Making A Smoother And More Stimulating Formula
- Comparing Rhodiola Rosea Extracts: Rosavins vs. Salidroside
What I don’t like
While I absolutely love Nootropics Depot’s commitment to quality control and third-party testing, I’m genuinely frustrated that they don’t carry basic vitamins and minerals in their lineup.
Look, I’ve come to trust their rigorous testing standards and impressive quality control, so it’s frustrating that I still need to source basic supplements elsewhere.
I get that their business model focuses on nootropics and performance improvement, but damn, wouldn’t it be convenient to grab everything from one trusted source?
Their attention to detail and third-party testing would make them my go-to for vitamins in a heartbeat, and I know I’m not alone in wanting this option from them.
What the rest of the internet thinks about them
When I examined what others think about Nootropics Depot online, I found a fascinating split in public opinion – with Reddit’s nootropics community practically worshipping them, while Trustpilot reviews paint a drastically different, much darker picture.
I’ve cross-referenced respected third-party sources like Illuminate Labs and Consumer Labs, who consistently give them high marks for quality and testing practices, though I’ll admit their Better Business Bureau presence raises some red flags.
After weighing everything, I’m honestly more inclined to trust the detailed, scientifically-literate feedback from hardcore users than generic review platforms where people tend to vent without context.
Redditors seem to love them
Based on extensive research across Reddit threads and forums, Nootropics Depot has garnered an impressive following of loyal customers who consistently praise the company’s commitment to quality, testing standards, and customer service.
I’ve noticed that Redditors are particularly vocal about ND’s rigorous in-house testing – they’ll actually delay product releases until their quality metrics are met (which, let’s be honest, is damn rare in this industry).
Their reputation for transparency is rock-solid, with many users reporting 7+ years of consistent experiences.
While there’s occasional grumbling about prices and taste (because, yeah, some nootropics taste like ass), the consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
Even skeptics who’ve questioned their test results often end up converting after third-party lab verification confirms ND’s claims.
Trustpilot reviews are terrible
The stark contrast between Reddit’s glowing praise and Trustpilot’s harsh 2.8-star rating initially left me puzzled.
After diving deep into these reviews, I noticed a clear pattern: most complaints center around international shipping delays, which, frankly, aren’t entirely ND’s fault (customs holdups and postal strikes are a bitch).
What’s fascinating is how ND responds to these reviews – they’re meticulous as hell, backing every response with tracking data and timestamps.
For example, check this review and ND’s reply..
Or this one..
(all links open in a new tab, so, feel free to check them out).
While some might find their fact-checking approach a bit confrontational, it shows they’ve got their shit together.
The few product quality complaints get demolished with lab testing data and precise measurements.
Sure, their responses could use a softer touch, but I’d rather deal with a company that’s brutally honest and keeps detailed records than one that just apologizes mindlessly.
Better Business Bureau page is kinda misleading
Looking at Nootropics Depot’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile reveals a misleading C+ rating that could give consumers a false sense of insecurity.
Let me be crystal clear: the BBB’s rating system isn’t necessarily representative of a company’s true performance or reliability.
While browsing their BBB page, I couldn’t help but notice how the “NOT BBB Accredited” wording with big red letters and a mediocre C+ grade might actually make some people think, “Hey, that’s a bad company!“
But here’s the thing – the BBB’s mysterious rating methodology doesn’t tell the whole story.
When it comes to supplements and nootropics, you’ll want to dig way deeper than just trusting a BBB score, as these ratings can mask important details about a company.
Illuminate Labs’ Review: A Questionable Perspective
Digging into Illuminate Labs’ review of Nootropics Depot (here) reveals some problematic claims that don’t quite add up. Their online review, which frustratingly ranks high in search results, presents allegations that seem more provocative than substantive:
- Accusations of drug distribution
- Vague claims about safety data
- Criticisms about test result transparency
- Complaints about product specifications
The context matters here. As a competing nootropics company, Illuminate Labs isn’t exactly an unbiased source. Their review feels more like a calculated marketing move than a genuine assessment.
ConsumerLab: A More Credible Voice
ConsumerLab.com provides a stark contrast – they’re the supplement industry’s gold standard for independent testing. Their repeated mentions of Nootropics Depot carry real weight, precisely because they’re known for their rigorous, no-nonsense approach to supplement evaluation.
Their recent Ashwagandha supplement testing is a perfect example of their thoroughness. Out of 13 products tested, only 5 passed. The testing revealed some fascinating nuances, especially around KSM-66 extracts and withanolide content.
The KSM-66 testing raised interesting methodological questions. Every KSM-66 product failed potency tests, with Ixoreal (the manufacturer) arguing that their testing method was too complex to be easily verified.
For Nootropics Depot’s Ashwagandha Shoden supplement there’s an important caveat.
ConsumerLab’s testing only examined 8 of over 40 possible withanolides – essentially missing the product’s core value proposition of providing a more comprehensive extract.
Anyways, for those of you wondering, their top pick was NOW® Ashwagandha 450 mg, but the testing methodology itself seems incomplete when it comes to more complex extracts like Shoden.
By the way, if you are want to learn more about the quality of Ashwagandha Shoden, I suggest you read this eye-opening thread on Reddit from ND’s founder directly.
The Nootropic Depot lawsuit
And because I knew you were thinking about this issue, I am going to shed some light on Nootropic Depot’s lawsuit and what happened:
Nootropics Depot faced serious legal consequences in 2023 when the company and its CEO Paul Eftang pleaded guilty to distributing unapproved drugs across the United States.
Between 2017 and 2021, they imported $7.4 million worth of raw materials from China, including tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, and various racetams, ultimately generating a whopping $35 million in revenue.
These are various research chemicals and nootropics with different neurological effects:
- Tianeptine: An atypical antidepressant that modulates glutamate and works on opioid receptors. Potentially mood-elevating but with significant addiction risks.
- Adrafinil: A prodrug for modafinil, used to promote wakefulness and cognitive enhancement. Metabolized in the liver to produce modafinil-like effects.
- Phenibut: A GABA derivative that can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Potentially habit-forming with risks of withdrawal symptoms.
- Racetams (various types):
- Piracetam: First developed racetam, mild cognitive enhancer
- Aniracetam: Fat-soluble, potentially improves memory and reduces anxiety
- Oxiracetam: Stimulant-like nootropic with mild cognitive benefits
- Pramiracetam: Potent cognitive enhancer, focuses on memory and learning
Anyways, the feds weren’t messing around – the company got slapped with three years probation, Eftang got one year, and they’d to forfeit $2.4 million.
I decided to check if these substances are legal in other parts of the world, so, I asked Claude Ai about it and here’s what I got:
| Substance | US Status | European Status | Other Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tianeptine | Not FDA-approved, unregulated | Prescription in some countries (e.g., France, Italy) | Prescription in Russia, Brazil; banned in Australia |
| Adrafinil | Unregulated | Mostly unregulated; modafinil (related drug) is prescription-based | Limited medical use, unregulated in many countries |
| Phenibut | Not FDA-approved, unregulated | Restricted or banned in most countries | Legal and sold as a pharmaceutical in Russia |
| Piracetam | Unregulated | Prescription for cognitive disorders in some countries (e.g., Germany, Poland) | Prescription or unregulated depending on the country |
| Other Racetams | Unregulated | Legal status varies; often unregulated or gray area | Varies widely; typically unregulated or considered supplements |
So, despite their legal challenges, I am sure that they are not the “Mexican Cartel” they were portrayed, but as a genuine Nootropics exploration and manufacturing company, they sourced these material to manufacture products with their clients’ best interests in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
Overall, I’m damn impressed with Nootropics Depot’s commitment to quality and transparency. While their prices might make your wallet wince, and some products taste like they were scraped off a gym floor, the exceptional purity standards and rigorous testing protocols make it worth every penny.
After this experience (and diving deep into community feedback), I’m confident in recommending them as a go-to source for research-backed nootropics and supplements.
More Reviews
ℹ️ FoodNourish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission without any surcharge to you.
