Research-Based

Alpha Brain Black Label Review – Is It Right For You?

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By Jack Cincotta, MS

Reviewed by Juliana Tamayo, MS, RDN - Last Updated

alpha brain black label review

Nootropic supplements are in huge demand right now as people are looking to optimize cognition and mental performance.

One of these supplements that is designed to be a tier above and really meant to get you in the zone is Alpha Brain Black Label, which is made by Onnit Labs. 

There’s been a lot of talk about how effective this supplement this is. But in this Alpha Brain Black Label review, we’ll look into every detail to see if all the hype is backed up by evidence! 

Continue reading our Alpha Brain Black Label review to learn all about this supplement’s main features, ingredients, unique benefits, and who it’s best for.

About Alpha Brain Black Label

Alpha Brain Black Label is advertised as the premier nootropic supplement in the Alpha Brain line. It’s designed to be a cut above Onnit’s original Alpha Brain supplement due to more ingredients and higher doses.

Alpha Brain Black Label

Onnit entertainingly calls Alpha Brain Black Label the “ultimate break-in-glass-in-case-of-emergency, must-get-stuff-done now formula”. Yeah, that’s quite a slogan!

With citicoline, huperzine A, theanine, and several other ingredients, Onnit Alpha Brain Black Label is advertised to get you deep into the zone, promoting optimal focus, concentration, and productivity like never before. 

It’s especially meant for the days when regular Alpha Brain won’t cut it and you really need to get your ass (well, brain!) in gear to meet a deadline, finish a project, or study for that big exam.

And on top of that, Alpha Brain Black Label has two key ingredients to support eye and brain health, which may be especially useful for people who sit in front of a computer all day.

Alpha Brain Black Label Benefits

Alpha Brain Black Label claims to be a high-end nootropic supplement with the following benefits:

  • Enhanced Attention & Focus
  • Increased Energy & Motivation
  • Better Cognitive Performance
  • Eye Support
Alpha Brain Black Label Benefits

Enhanced Attention & Focus

When you need to get a lot done, you can’t let brain fog or lack of focus get in your way.

Alpha Brain Black Label claims to supercharge your levels of attention, focus, and concentration. They use theanine, Citicoline, and other ingredients to kick you into a flow state for optimal cognitive performance. 

This may also upgrade your processing speed so you can work and learn more efficiently than ever before. 

Increased Energy & Motivation

If you’re faced with huge tasks, this can be very overwhelming and even anxiety-provoking.

Alpha Brain Black Label is advertised to increase your energy levels and motivation to make tasks seem easier and more effortless. 

Their combination of low-dose caffeine, mucuna pruriens, theanine, and other compounds are designed to synergistically boost energy and mood, without causing any anxiety or jitters. 

Better Cognitive Performance

Many things can get in the way of optimal cognitive performance, such as poor sleep or high stress levels.

Onnit Alpha Brain Black Label claims to give you better cognitive performance overall. Lion’s mane, Cognizin, and theanine are just a few of the ingredients that are designed to support neurotransmitter (brain chemical) balance, nerve function, and other pathways involved in optimal brain function. 

Eye & Brain Support

Whether for school, work, or let’s face it…leisure, many people spend hours every day on the computer or phone. And this can really damage the eyes over time.

One of the unique aspects of Alpha Brain Black Label is that it includes Lutemax 2020, which they claim will offer anti-inflammatory effects and provide potent support for your eyes (and brain). 

Overall, Alpha Brain Black Label is advertised as a step above their original formula and is meant to truly be a nootropic superstar.

But is it really beneficial, or just all hype?

Keep reading to find out!

Alpha Brain Black Label Ingredients

Alpha Brain Black Label has eight main ingredients. It’s a mix of herbal extracts, amino acids, and other natural compounds. 

Listed below are all of the Alpha Brain Black Label ingredients:

  • Velvet Bean Extract
  • Lion’s Mane
  • Cognizin
  • SerinAid
  • L-Theanine
  • Caffeine Anhydrous
  • Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzine A)
  • Lutemax 2020
Alpha Brain Black Label Supplement Facts

Velvet Bean Extract (1,000mg)

Velvet bean is an herb with a compound called l-dopa. This stimulates dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that may increase motivation, alertness, and overall well-being. 

It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which in turn protects the brain from damage and may generally support cognitive function. 

Lion’s Mane (500mg)

Lion’s mane is a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Compounds in lion’s mane stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports overall brain and nervous system function.

Lion’s mane also has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, and may even reduce depression. Overall, this mushroom is one of the best for cognitive and mental health.

And it’s not psychoactive, so don’t worry about it making you trip.

Cognizin Citicoline (250mg)

Cognizin is a trademarked form of citicoline, which is a choline-based compound. This can increase acetylcholine levels, which improves focus and memory.

A clinical study that used the exact Cognizin compound showed that it significantly improved memory in older adults, the people who probably need it most.

This specific form of citicoline is also found in the popular nootropic, Qualia Mind

SerinAid Phosphatidylserine (200mg)

SerinAid is a trademarked form of phosphatidylserine, which is a very important compound for brain health. Phosphatidylserine is crucial for healthy brain cells and nerve function. 

Supplementing with it can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and may improve memory, recall, attention, concentration, and problem-solving. So it’s quite the compound for cognition!

Plus, specific research on SerinAid shows that it increases accuracy and total cognitive function. 

L-Theanine (100mg)

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It increases alpha waves in the brain and may also stimulate neurotransmitters, such as GABA and serotonin.

These effects can lead to many benefits for your brain, such as reduced stress and anxiety, and improved attention. Basically, it can put you into a state of calm, focus, sort of like during meditation.

Caffeine Anhydrous (25mg)

Caffeine anhydrous is a powdered form of caffeine. It has synergistic effects when used with theanine for focus and overall cognitive performance. 

Moreover, the dose is small so you likely don’t have to worry about any negative side effects. 

Toothed Clubmoss Extract (20mg)

Toothache clubmoss is an herb most known for its concentration of Huperzine A. This compound in it prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, which ultimately allows for more acetylcholine to be available. 

Most of the benefits seem to be for people with cognitive disorders. But it may have some benefits for focus or concentration in healthy people too. 

Lutemax 2020 (20mg of lutein and 4mg of zeaxanthin)

Lutemax 2020 is a trademarked form of marigold flower extract. It is extremely rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are both powerful antioxidants. 

Clinical research on Lutemax 2020 has shown that this supplement protects the eyes from blue light and can reduce eye strain, fatigue, and headaches.  For this reason, it’s often used in eye support supplements such as those from Eyetamins

Plus, lutein and zeaxanthin are documented to improve memory, processing speed, attention, and even mood. 

Does Alpha Brain Black Label Work?

Overall, it is very likely that Alpha Brain Black Label will work as a nootropic.

It’s honestly a bit simpler of a formula than we expected. But this doesn’t at all mean that it’s not effective.

Quite the opposite in fact. All eight of the ingredients are well-researched and proven to offer many benefits for brain function and cognitive performance. In particular, we like the use of SerinAid, Cognizin, and Lutemax 2020, which are all trademarked forms specifically researched to improve focus, memory, attention, and eye health. 

But, of course, caffeine, theanine, lion’s mane, and velvet bean are also well-researched too and support cognitive function, energy, and mood.

Despite the overall positive tone, we also want to make sure you have realistic expectations. A supplement like this is meant to enhance your cognitive function, not supercharge your brain power into god-like capacities. So just be aware that while it may likely provide benefits, it probably won’t be anything HUGE. It also depends on how much cognitive support you need in the first place.

Alpha Brain Black Label Bottle

How Does Alpha Brain Black Label Compare?

Alpha Brain Black Label fares pretty well against most other nootropics. It’s formulated with several different research-backed brain boosters. And they use a fully transparent label showing each dose, which often isn’t the case with nootropics. But this is key because the dose is crucial for actually experiencing the claimed effects. 

Also, Alpha Brain Black Label is low in caffeine and instead focuses on sources of cleaner, calmer energy, which sets it apart from some supplements that just try to load you up on caffeine and stimulants. 

One of the most popular brain supplements out there is Mind Lab Pro. And you’ll be glad to know that Alpha Brain Black Label seems on par with the effectiveness of this one. Mind Lab Pro offers equal doses of Cognizin, theanine, and lion’s mane that are seen in Alpha Brain Black Label. 

They definitely have their differences though. For example, some key herbs used by Mind Lab Pro (e.g. rhodiola, bacopa) are different from Alpha Brain Black Label (toothed clubmoss, Lutemax 2020). Both supplements likely offer benefits for focus, attention, and overall cognition. However, Alpha Brain Black Label is nearly double the price of Mind Lab Pro. 

Another more basic nootropic is Performance Lab Mind. It has the same dose of Cognizin as Alpha Brain Black Label, although it’s lower in phosphatidylserine (100mg). It also has maritime pine bark and a trademarked form of tyrosine. 

It’s a simple formula but still effective for focus, concentration, alertness, and brain power. Users who want a more comprehensive formula probably should go with Alpha Brain Black Label, if picking between the two.

Who is Alpha Brain Black Label Best For?

Onnit states that Alpha Brain Black Label is best for people who want a really high-powered nootropic for the days when you absolutely need the most focus, concentration, energy, and productivity.

They also say it’s a good option for people who tried the original Alpha Brain but didn’t experience any major benefits, since this product is higher-dosed than the OG.

Alpha Brain Black Label In Hand

How to Take Alpha Brain Black Label

Alpha Brain Black Label comes as capsules. The instructions state to take four capsules daily (or as needed), preferably with a light meal. 

Don’t exceed four capsules in any 24-hour period. And don’t take it if you’re already using the original Alpha Brain supplement.

alpha brain black label 1

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Alpha Brain Black Label

  • Formula includes a mix of herbal extracts, amino acids, and other natural compounds
  • Ingredients are gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free
  • Benefits focus, energy, cognitive performance, and eye health

Is Alpha Brain Black Label Safe?

Alpha Brain Black Label shouldn’t pose too many risks for most people. Here are some possible side effects:

  • Headache
  • Mood changes
  • Allergic reactions/sensitivities
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Nausea

Alpha Brain Black Label is made in the USA in a cGMP, FDA-approved facility. This product is BSCG-Certified drug-free. And it is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. 

Where to Buy Alpha Brain Black Label

You can buy Alpha Brain Black Label right from Onnit’s website.

Alpha Brain Black Label Website

There are 20 servings (80 capsules) per bottle. The regular price is $124.95 ($6.25/serving). You can save 15% with their Subscribe & Save option, which brings the cost down to $106.21 ($5.31/serving)

This is honestly the highest-priced nootropic we’ve seen. Granted it’s not meant to be taken every day unless you really need it. But the price per serving is still way up there, and not necessarily justified since it really isn’t THAT much different from other lower-cost brain supplements. Onnit could’ve easily cut this price in half. 

With that said, it’s still worth considering especially if you only need to take it occasionally AND really seem to get a lot of benefits from it. 

Final Thoughts: Alpha Brain Black Label Review

Alpha Brain Black Label is likely a powerful brain supplement. It contains several quality ingredients known to improve focus, enhance memory, boost energy and alertness, and support total cognitive function.

Plus, most ingredients are dosed properly and we can see all this thanks to their fully transparent label. 

The main concern is the overly high price, even with a subscription. But it still might be worth buying for those who can afford it and experience really noticeable benefits. It all comes down to what you think is ultimately worth it. 

Overall Rating:
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Jack Cincotta, MS

Jack Cincotta is a certified holistic health coach through AFPA and a board-certified holistic health practitioner through AADP. He has written hundreds of articles on nutrition and supplementation. Jack has a M.S. degree in Psychology and is passionate about researching the science behind nutrition. He often uses research-backed supplementation protocols for many of his clients to optimize results.