The key to weight loss is to lose body fat while you maintain lean muscle. You have to nail the basics, which should include a good exercise and diet plan. But it takes more than that to lose weight and you’re likely going to need some help. That’s where supplements for cutting come in.
The best cutting supplements, or fat burners, will help you get rid of every last pound of fat so you can look your best.
Many cutting supplements use multiple pathways to target weight loss. What are the best supplements for cutting?
Let’s find out!
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
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Quick Answer – The Best Cutting Supplements in 2022!
- Rule 1 R1 Cut 10 – The Best Overall
- Evlution Nutrition Lean Mode – Best Stim-Free
- Universal Nutrition Animal Cuts – Best All-In-One
- 5% Nutrition Freak Show – Best GDA
- 5% Nutrition Keto aSalt – Best For Keto
- Jacked Factory Burn XT Black – Best Thermogenic
- SCUPLTnation Burn PM – Best For Nighttime
- Jacked Factory Dry XT – Best Diuretic
- Irwin Naturals Maximum Strength 3-in-1 Carb Blocker – The Best Carb Blocker
- Orphic Nutrition Garcinia Cambogia – Best Appetite Suppressant
- Condemned Labz Thyrogenic– Best Thyroid Support
Reviews – The Best Cutting Supplements
1. Rule 1 R1 Cut 10 – The Best Overall
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R1 Cut 10 is a powdered fat burner that features a fully disclosed label with 10 total ingredients.
One of the stand-out ingredients in this formula is carnitine tartrate. This supports weight loss by transporting stored body fat to be burned as energy. It also supports muscle mass.
This formula contains several thermogenic ingredients, including 130mg of caffeine. There are also cognitive ingredients that elevate focus and improve mood. Not bad for a company that’s known for its whey protein supplements!
The downside is that there’s artificial flavoring and colors. Still, the open-label, well-dosed ingredients, and balanced formula make Rule1 R1 Cut 10 our pick for the best overall.
PROS
- Features L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
- Fully Open Label
- Convenient Powder
CONS
- Contains Artificial Ingredients
2. Evlution Nutrition Lean Mode – Best Stim-Free
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Evlution Nutrition Lean Mode is a stim-free fat burner that uses several mechanisms of action to help you lose fat.
Lean Mode contains carnitine to transport stored body fat to use as fuel. It also stimulates the metabolism and controls appetite with green tea extract and green coffee bean. Plus, there’s CLA. This supports lean muscle mass and prevents muscle breakdown during times of calorie restriction.
This is a good fat burner for anyone that doesn’t want stims. That means you can use it at any time of the day.
The downside is there are no focus ingredients. One challenge of fat loss is a lack of focus. Lean Mode is a good fat burner that could be even greater if it included focus enhancers. Still, the formula is effective enough to make Evlution Nutrition Lean Mode our pick for best stim-free.
PROS
- Stimulant Free
- Full Disclosure Labeling
- Use Any Time Of The Day
CONS
- No Focus/Mood Ingredients
3. Universal Nutrition Animal Cuts – Best All-In-One
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Universal Nutrition Animal Cuts is an “all-in-one” fat burner that cuts fat from multiple angles for effective results.
This product features an 8 complex formula that includes a stimulant complex to activate thermogenesis, burn fat, and give you an energy boost.
There’s a thyroid support complex that helps enhance fat metabolism, a nootropic complex for elevated focus and an improved mood. What’s more? There’s a cortisol blocking complex, a diuretic complex, and a CCK-boosting complex. Finally, there’s a complex that improves the absorption of the entire formula.
The main downside, and it’s a big one, is that each complex is a prop blend. That means you don’t know how much of each ingredient you’re getting. Still, Universal Nutrition Animal Cuts is a complete formula that can offer a total approach to fat burning. That makes Animal Cuts the best all-in-one weight loss supplement.
PROS
- Complete Formula That Covers All Major Fat Loss Pathways
- Contains 40 Active Ingredients
- Convenient One Packet Per Serving
CONS
- Every Complex Is A Prop Blend
- No Listing Of The Total Caffeine Content
- May Be Too Many Pills For Some Users
4. 5% Nutrition Freak Show – Best GDA
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5% Nutrition Freak Show is a glucose disposal agent (GDA) that features full disclosure labeling and effective dosing. This is something a little different than most cutting supplements.
Freak Show works by helping the body use excess carbohydrates to support muscle mass instead of being stored as body fat. It does this by manipulating insulin, one of the primary hormones in the body.
Insulin promotes the absorption of glucose into fat cells and muscle cells. In muscle, this leads to glycogen storage. Insulin also supports protein synthesis.
However, too much glucose causes insulin to store it as body fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, this is far from ideal.
Freak Show helps prevent excess carbohydrates from being stored as fat. Instead, they are pulled into the muscles. This creates more fullness and more glycogen stores.
It’s a strong formula that includes chromium, gymnema sylvestre, cinnamon, and berberine. The downside is the value. Still, the clear labeling and generous dosing make 5% Nutrition Freak Show our pick for best GDA.
PROS
- Generously Dosed
- Balanced Formula
- Fully Disclosed Label
CONS
- Not Value-Minded
5. 5% Nutrition Keto aSalt – Best For Keto
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5% Nutrition Keto Salt is a powdered source of BHB salts that help the body achieve a state of ketosis faster. Ketosis is a normal metabolic state. It’s when the body does not have enough carbohydrates and instead uses stored body fat for energy. The Keto diet is based on this idea.
One scoop of Keto aSalt provides 11g of BHB salts! That’s one of the strongest doses available. Some ingredients help the body transport and use stored fat for energy.
This creates a very effective keto-based fat burner. Keto aSalt does not use any artificial ingredients. It uses natural flavors and a touch of stevia. Another good thing is that it features a transparent label.
The only downside of Keto aSalt may be the taste and texture. Otherwise, 5% Nutrition Keto aSalt is the best keto supplement for cutting.
PROS
- A Huge 11g OF BHB Salts Per Serving
- Helps Transport Fat To Be Burned For Energy
- Full Disclosure Labeling
CONS
- The Taste May Not Appeal To All Users
- Some Users Feel The Texture Is Gritty
6. Jacked Factory Burn XT Black – Best Thermogenic
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Jacked Factory Burn XT Black is a more comprehensive version of the popular Burn XT.
There are more stimulants, including slow-release caffeine. This helps smooth out any harsh effects caused by the 305mg dose of caffeine. The other stims offer a clean energy boost, more clarity, and elevated focus.
One of the most impressive things about Burn XT Black is the use of trademarked ingredients. In fact, of the 9 ingredients in this formula, 5 of them are trademarked.
That means Jacked Factory is using premium quality, tested ingredients in a balanced formula. For this reason, Jacked Factory Burn XT Black is our choice for the best thermogenic fat burner.
PROS
- Fully Open-Label
- Numerous Trademarked Ingredients
- Clean, Smooth Energy
- Effectively Dosed
- Tested For Quality, Potency & Purity
CONS
- May Be Too Much Caffeine For Some Users
7. SCUPLTnation Burn PM – Best For Nighttime
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SCULPTnation Burn PM is a weight cutting supplement for nighttime use only. This means it should be stacked with the daytime weight cutting supplement of your choice. This provides around-the-clock fat-burning.
Burn PM features fat burning ingredients such as green coffee bean and raspberry ketones. It stands out by containing ingredients to help you sleep, such as melatonin and the amino acid tryptophan.
There’s also white kidney bean extract to help block carbohydrate storage. Also, the label is fully transparent. You know exactly what you are getting.
Overall, this is a good formula that can be an effective addition to your fat loss program.
PROS
- Promotes A Good Night’s Sleep
- Burns Fat All Night
- Fully Disclosed Label
CONS
- May Not Be Value-Minded Enough For Some Users
8. Jacked Factory Dry XT – Best Diuretic
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Jacked Factory Dry XT is a diuretic that is designed to reduce water retention and help detox the body.
Some users may see a diuretic as something a bodybuilder might use on their weight loss journey to get muscle definition before a contest. The truth is that anyone that is experiencing bloat and excess water retention can use Dry XT.
The use of a diuretic can help you look thinner and more defined. While burning fat is not one of its benefits, it does give the appearance of losing fat fast. That is due to losing water weight.
Dry XT features an open-label. It contains 9 ingredients including dandelion, perhaps the most common herbal diuretic.
Dry XT also contains potassium. This helps prevent cramps caused by dehydration.
The fully disclosed formula and solid ingredient panel make Jacked Factory Dry XT our choice for the best diuretic.
PROS
- Gets Rid Of Excess Water Weight
- Well-Dosed Formula
- Fully Disclosed
CONS
- May Cause Cramps & Dehydration – Stay Hydrated While Using
9. Irwin Naturals Maximum Strength 3-in-1 Carb Blocker – The Best Carb Blocker
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Irwin Naturals Maximum Strength 3-in-1 Carb Blocker helps block excess carbohydrates from being absorbed by the body.
3-in-1 Carb Blocker also improves digestion and supports fat metabolism.
Do you eat occasional high carb meals as part of your overall diet plan? You can block the effect of too many carbs with 3-in-1 Carb Blocker. This helps you stay on track as you chase your weight loss goals.
This product offers a complete formula that’s well-dosed and fully disclosed. That makes it our pick for the best carb blocker.
PROS
- Effective Carb Blocker
- Fully Open Label
- Improves Digestion
CONS
- May Give Some Users An Excuse To Overeat Carb Heavy Foods
10. Orphic Nutrition Garcinia Cambogia – Best Appetite Suppressant
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Orphic Nutrition Garcinia Cambogia is a well-thought-out formula that helps control hunger as well as promote an improved mood.
Garcinia contains the active ingredient HCA. This stimulates the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps you feel full sooner. This is an important benefit when following a weight cutting program. Also, it supports mood and helps control anxiety.
Garcinia Cambogia features an open-label and effective dosing. The addition of chromium helps prevent excess glucose from being stored as fat. That helps give Orphic Nutrition Garcinia Cambogia a definite advantage over other one-dimensional hunger control products.
This is why Orphic Nutrition Garcinia Cambogia is the best appetite control product available.
PROS
- Over 2g Garcinia Per Serving – 95% HCA
- Contains Chromium
- Effective Hunger Control
CONS
- Works Best When Used With The Fat Burner Of Your Choice
11. Condemned Labz Thyrogenic – Best Thyroid Cutting Supplement
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Condemned Labz Thyrogenic is a thermogenic fat burner that supports the thyroid gland.
This is more important than many people might realize. That’s because the thyroid controls how well your metabolism functions. That’s your overall metabolism, not just fat metabolism.
It makes sense to include thyroid support when you’re considering what weight cutting supplements to use.
Thyrogenic also supports thermogenesis without the use of stimulants. That gives it a dual effect on fat loss. Also, Thyrogenic features a fully disclosed and well-dosed formula.
The downside is that the hardcore bodybuilding image of this company may turn off some users. Still, Condemned Labz Thyrogenic is the best thyroid support supplement available.
PROS
- Supports Thyroid Health & Function
- Improves Mood
- Open-Label – Well Dosed
CONS
- Hardcore Bodybuilder Image May Turn Off Some Users
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Cutting Supplement?
What Are Weight Cutting Supplements?
Weight cutting supplements are any product that helps promote fat burning. They should be used as part of a total program of nutrition and exercise.
When discussing cutting supplements, one thing is important to understand. Terms such as fat loss, weight loss, weight cutting, and cutting are interchangeable.
For example, a fat burner, cutting supplement, and weight loss/weight cutting supplement means the same thing.
Types Of Cutting Supplements
There are several different types of cutting supplements. Let’s take a look at each:
Thermogenic – A thermogenic is usually a stimulant-based weight cutting supplement that stimulates thermogenesis and increases energy. This will increase fat metabolism. You may remember from some of my other guides that thermogenesis means increasing body temperature by burning more calories. While not all thermogenic fat burners contain stimulants, the most effective ones do.
Stim-Free Weight Cutting Supplements – This is any product designed to help you burn fat without the use of stimulants. As noted, the terms weight loss and fat loss are used interchangeably. Yet there’s more to it than that. You should think of weight loss as losing fat but maintaining muscle mass. During your weight loss journey, you want to keep as much lean muscle mass as possible.
Keto-Specific – There’s an entire category of keto-related products that help you achieve and stay in a state of ketosis. As noted, this is when your body uses stored fat as its preferred source of energy.
Carb Blockers – Several products help block the body’s use of carbohydrates. This means you can eat carbs a little more freely. You don’t have to worry about the excess being stored as fat. The downside is this may lead to excessive carbohydrate consumption.
Thyroid Support – There’s one thing fad diets and cutting supplements overlook. That’s the fact that the thyroid controls the metabolism. (1) If your thyroid is not functioning at peak efficiency, you can have serious problems controlling your body fat levels.
Diuretics – Excess water retention can cause you to look overweight and feel bloated. Getting rid of excess water weight can make a big difference in how you look. It can also be a strong motivating factor. That’s because the changes in your appearance can be a great start to your weight loss journey. This is a product that should be specifically used according to the directions.
Appetite Suppressants – Controlling your appetite can make a huge difference in your results. After all, putting the fork down and walking out of the kitchen is one of the keys to effective fat loss. These products can help you do exactly that.
How To Choose The Best Cutting Supplements
The main thing to keep in mind when choosing the best weight cutting supplements is to choose one that supports your goals.
Are you sensitive to caffeine and other stimulants? Then you shouldn’t use a stim-based thermogenic.
On the other hand, if you’re OK with stimulants, then go with effective fat loss supplements that contain caffeine and other stims.
Any fat burners you’re considering should contain effectively dosed and researched ingredients. They should also feature full-disclosure labeling so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
The best cutting supplements are balanced formulas that can target multiple areas of fat loss. Ultimately, this is the best type of fat burner to consider.
The Ingredients You Should Look For
Caffeine – This is the most commonly used stimulant in the world. You’ll find it in quite a few thermogenics. Caffeine stimulates thermogenesis and increases energy. (2, 3)
Capsimax Cayenne Pepper – This ingredient is a trademarked version of cayenne pepper. Cayenne contains capsicum, the active ingredient that gives them their heat. It also stimulates thermogenesis and helps decrease appetite. Capsimax helps prevent the burning sensation that regular cayenne peppers can cause in the digestive tract. (4)
Carnitine – L-Carnitine is synthesized from the amino acid lysine and the amino acid methionine. Both of these are essential amino acids. Carnitine’s primary function is to transport fatty acids to be used as energy by the body. There are different forms of carnitine. Each form having slightly different benefits besides fat transport. For example, l-carnitine-l-tartrate supports muscle mass and recovery. Acetyl-l-carnitine also has cognitive benefits. (5, 6)
Synephrine – Also known as bitter orange. Synephrine replaced ephedra when it was banned back in the 90s. Ephedra was marketed as fat burning pills. It was combined with caffeine and other herbal fat burners. This was the fabled ECA Stack, and it helped users lose weight fast.
Synephrine has similar benefits that include thermogenesis and energy. However, it’s not as strong, which is one of the reasons it replaced ephedra. (7)
Yohimbine – Yohimbe is a small tree originating in South Africa. The active ingredient is yohimbine. It’s popular as an aphrodisiac. Also, it has received a lot of attention because it’s thought to be involved in burning “stubborn” fat. Stubborn fat refers to the last few pounds of fat in areas such as the stomach and lower back. These areas are considered “stubborn” because it takes a lot of effort to lose the fat deposited there. Typically it’s the last to go when you’re getting lean, and it doesn’t want to go without a fight.
Yohimbine is also considered to be a stimulant that activates thermogenesis. These benefits aid weight loss. In fact, the best weight cutting supplements should include an ingredient that targets stubborn fat. (8)
Guggul Extract – This ingredient is common in thyroid support formulas. Guggul is a resin that’s secreted by the myrrh tree located in India, Central Asia, and North Africa. Guggul is used in Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of conditions.
Kelp – This is a form of seaweed that has a high iodine content. Iodine is a mineral that’s important to thyroid function.
Ashwagandha – This ingredient is another herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. This ingredient is used in cutting supplements to help lower levels of cortisol. That’s the destructive catabolic hormone that’s released by increased stress. It’s widely believed that excess cortisol can make you fat. That’s not entirely accurate. Stress can lead to overeating, which can lead to fat gain. Cortisol also affects insulin resistance which can also lead to unwanted belly fat. The main problem with cortisol is that it’s a catabolic hormone that affects muscle mass. To minimize muscle breakdown and stimulate lean muscle growth, you should be in a state of anabolism. Put simply: anabolism is the positive or building phase of metabolism. Catabolism is the negative or tearing down phase of metabolism. (9)
Dandelion Extract – An herb commonly used as a diuretic that also contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals. (10)
BHB Salts – BHB, or beta-hydroxybutyrate is a form of ketone body that is mainly used as fuel by the brain, heart, and muscles. They are a common supplement used by keto dieters because they can help them achieve a state of ketosis faster.
How Are Protein Supplements Used For Cutting?
Supplements such as whey protein, whey protein isolate, and branched chain amino acids are all nutritional supplements you would use for muscle building. Yet while they are not directly involved in fat burning, they are a must-have when losing weight.
The reason is, as noted, you want to lose fat, not weight. Why? When you lose weight, you’re losing more than fat. You’re losing muscle tissue.
You want to hang onto, or even gain, lean muscle so you look your best. Ask yourself, do you want to simply be a smaller version of your current self? Or do you want to lose fat yet look muscular?
One of your goals when losing weight should be muscle maintenance. Even with working out and following a diet high in protein while cutting, muscle building will be difficult.
Even so, you should train and eat a high protein diet as if you were training for muscle growth. This will allow optimal muscle maintenance. It may even allow you to gain muscle.
High Protein Diets
Protein supplementation with whey protein, the protein powder of your choice, and amino acids will help stimulate protein synthesis. This in turn supports muscle growth and muscle recovery. As you may know, protein synthesis is a direct trigger of muscle growth. Even if you aren’t a serious bodybuilder, this should always be your goal.
Lean muscles burn a higher number of calories than fat. That’s because muscle is more metabolically active. As noted, a healthy diet high in protein, low in carbs and fat supports protein synthesis, muscle recovery, and fat loss.
Adding 1-2 protein shakes to your program helps ensure you’re getting essential nutrients. Many of these nutrients are important for good health, such as immune system health. Some help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Quality protein shakes improve protein absorption.
Other Supplements You Should Use While Cutting
What are some other dietary supplements you should use to preserve lean muscles while cutting? Besides protein powders and amino acids, nitric oxide boosters are another important type of supplement.
Nitric oxide supplements increase blood flow. This leads to better pumps and improved nutrient delivery. This can be important for weight loss since it ensures the delivery of fat burning supplements.
Other supplements should include a multivitamin. This ensures you aren’t lacking any key nutrients.
A good multivitamin supports overall good health as well as immune system health. The best supplements in this category include antioxidants, such as alpha lipoic acid and green tea extract.
Digestive enzymes are also important. If your protein powder does not contain them, you can find them separately. They improve fat absorption, as well as protein and carbohydrate absorption.
Finally, supplements that support normal growth hormone levels are also important. Growth hormone helps you lose weight and build muscle.
The Best Way To Use Cutting Supplements
There are many different types of cutting supplements that include several stimulant-based products. The best way to use the fat burner of your choice is to follow all label directions. This is especially true of a stim-based product.
Most often, you will be directed to begin with a half serving to determine your tolerance. Read the label carefully, and do not increase the dosage above what is recommended.
In addition, it’s important to time weight cutting supplements properly. One question that you may hear is: are stim-based weight cutting supplements safe? The answer is yes. Part of that ties into proper timing.
Also, the best supplements for cutting should contain caffeine. Always take a caffeine-based fat burner early in the day. Sometimes, you have to look for their caffeine source. Remember green tea extract usually, but not always, contains caffeine.
Finally, as part of your efforts to lose weight, you should measure your body fat percentage. This number, combined with the scale and mirror, will help you track your progress.
Conclusion
If your goal is to lose weight, cutting supplements can make your efforts much more successful. This guide gives you the best choices. All the products listed are well-dosed and the majority are fully disclosed.
The best overall cutting supplement is Rule 1 R1 Cut 10. It’s a powdered drink that features a balanced formula designed to do what a great fat burning supplement should: target fat loss through multiple pathways.
If you don’t want a powder, there’s Jacked Factory Burn XT Black. This is the best thermogenic cutting supplement and features clean, smooth energy from a mix of slow and fast release caffeine. Jacked Factory Burn XT Black also uses several trademarked ingredients for quality and purity.
If you’re not into stims, there’s Evlution Nutrition Lean Mode. This is a stim-free formula that transports fat to be used as fuel, helps control appetite, and stimulates the metabolism so your body burns more calories.
When it comes to cutting supplements, there are a ton of great choices!
Why wait?
Make your choice and get going!
References
- https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5778
- Astrup, A, et al; “Caffeine: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of its thermogenic, metabolic, and cardiovascular effects in healthy volunteers”; Am J Clin Nutr; 51(5):759-67; 1990; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2333832
- Koot P, Deurenberg P. Comparison of changes in energy expenditure and body temperatures after caffeine consumption. Ann Nutr Metab 1995; 39(3):135-142.
- https://omniactives.com/capsimax/
- Kraemer WJ; Volek JS; French DN; Rubin MR; Sharman MJ; Gómez AL; Ratamess NA; Newton RU; Jemiolo B; Craig BW; Häkkinen K; (n.d.). The Effects of L-carnitine L-tartrate Supplementation on Hormonal Responses to Resistance Exercise and Recovery. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12930169/
- Braintropic.com Research Team. (2020, March 23). Acetyl-L-Carnitine – Review of Benefits, Effects, Dosage, and More. Retrieved from https://www.braintropic.com/nootropics/acetyl-l-carnitine/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21904645/
- SM;, O. (n.d.). Yohimbine: The Effects on Body Composition and Exercise Performance in Soccer Players. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17214405/
- https://examine.com/supplements/ashwagandha/
- K;, C. B. A. C. R. S. S. (n.d.). The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract of Taraxacum Officinale Folium Over a Single Day. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19678785/
