Losing fat takes a ton of work. To get lean, your macros need to be dialed in, your workout split organized, and your willpower dialed up to 11. But the benefits can be worth it to a point. You can pump out more bodyweight exercises, clothes fit better, you feel lighter and faster, and sporting abs is one way to signal to the world that you’re disciplined, hard-working, and dedicated.
If you’re a guy and your diet and training are on point, then a fat burner may help speed up and optimize your efforts (but it certainly won’t do the work for you). Packed with ingredients that coax calorie burn (like carnitine), a high quality fat burner may help you shed those last few pounds. There are, however, many options when choosing a men’s fat burner, and some may be better for you than others. Below, we’ve culled the best fat burners for men that are budget-friendly, formulated to be stim-free, and may even help you retain muscle. We also explain how fat burners work and list fat-burning ingredients linked to testosterone production, which men, specifically, should look out for.
Best Fat Burners for Men
- Best Fat Burner for Men Overall: Jacked Factory Burn XT
- Best Fat Burner for the Money: Swolverine Therm
- Fastest Working Fat Burner for Men: Kaged Clean Burn Powder
- Best Belly Fat Burner for Men: PhenQ
- Best Pre-Workout Fat Burner for Men: Transparent Labs Lean
- Best Thermogenic Fat Burner for Men: Swolverine Therm
- Best Fat Burner for Men’s Bodybuilding: Transparent Labs Recomp
- Best Natural Fat Burner for Men: Legion Phoenix Fat Burner
- Best Stimulant-Free Fat Burner for Men: Transparent Labs Stim-Free Fat Burner
- Best Premium Fat Burner for Men: PhenQ
- Best Fat Burner Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Burn XT Powder
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.
Best Men’s Fat Burners Video Review
Be sure to check out our video review of these top picks. This video provides an even more in-depth analysis of the best fat burners for men.
The Best Overall Fat Burner: Jacked Factory Burn XT
- Caffeine: 270mg
- Key Ingredients: 350mg acetyl l-carnitine hcl, 225mg green tea leaf extract, 135mg caffeine, 25mg capsimax cayenne pepper fruit extract, 2.5mg bioperine black pepper fruit extract
- Capsules Per Serving: 1
- Price Per Serving: $0.58
Who Should Take Jacked Factory Burn XT
- Athletes who like a decent kick of energy from their fat burners. This contains 270mg of total caffeine for a two-capsule dose.
- Anyone looking for a product that can potentially attack fat loss from multiple angles. Burn XT’s ingredients are designed to impact metabolism, boost energy, and suppress appetite.
- Those looking for a product that’s vegetarian-friendly.
Who Shouldn’t Take Jacked Factory Burn XT
- People looking for a powdered fat burner.
- Folks looking for a non-stim fat burner — this product does contain caffeine.
Fat burners take different approaches to aid in your fitness journey. Some might focus on appetite control and others may have thermogenic effects. If you’re looking to potentially shave off some body fat and help with weight loss, while retaining the muscle you build in the gym, a fat burner could help — this top pick is straightforward, effective, and reasonably priced.
Jacked Factory included a potent combination of thermogenics and appetite suppressants in their formulation of Burn XT. Jacked Factory Burn XT contains 450mg of green tea extract, which may help with weight loss and blood sugar regulation, and 270mg of total caffeine, which can help with thermogenesis and appetite control, while providing energy.
Eliminate also has black pepper fruit extract, which can help you absorb the other ingredients more effectively. Jacked Factory provides supplement facts for both one capsule and two, so beginners can start with a half dose first.
Jacked Factory Burn XT also comes at a pretty reasonable price (about $1.16 per serving if you’re taking two pills), which is more than we can say for some other fat burners on the market.
Best Fat Burner for the Money: Swolverine Therm
- Caffeine: 100mg
- Key Ingredients: 25mg vitamin B6, 150mcg iodine, 100mcg chromium, 300mg guarana, 100mg cocoa extract, 50mg yerba mate powder, 50mg green tea leaf extract, 125mg garcinia cambogia leaf, 125mg chitosan, 10mg cayenne pepper
- Capsules Per Serving: 1
- Price Per Serving: $0.39
Who Should Buy Swolverine Therm
- People who are on a budget, but still want a fat burner with high quality and effective ingredients.
- Folks who prefer a fat burner that contains caffeine that may give you a little extra jolt of energy.
- Athletes who want fat burning ingredients that focus on thermogenesis for a potential increased calorie burn.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Therm
- People who want a more robust ingredient list that may include herbs, nootropics, and other extras for mood and muscle retention may want to look elsewhere.
- Customers who prefer a stimulant-free fat burner — this product contains caffeine, albeit less than many other products.
Even if you’re on a budget, you can still find a high quality fat burner. Thanks to increased competition in the supplement market, more companies are making better products at cheaper prices — and you get to reap the benefits. One of those companies making high-quality products at affordable prices is Swolverine, and their thermogenic fat burner, Therm, is one of our favorite products.
Therm is the most affordable product on our list, but it still packs quite the thermogenic punch. This product from Swolverine is packed full of all-natural ingredients that are formulated to support your weight loss journey. These ingredients are designed to jumpstart your metabolism, help burn body fat, and boost your energy. Guarana extract provides 100mg of naturally-occurring caffeine to potentially help boost energy and metabolism. The 125mg of garcinia cambogia can help burn belly fat. And the cocoa extract and yerba mate can both help suppress appetite and act as natural thermogenics. Therm even has cayenne pepper extract, which can help keep you burning more calories throughout the day.
While the ingredients list is quite comprehensive, this product does miss some of the more popular fat burner ingredients (like l-carnitine and HMB) that some more expensive products include. Though, the one tablet size is a nice change from others that suggest taking multiple capsules.
Therm contains 20 clinically dosed supplements to help promote weight loss at an affordable price. Some might not be able to look past the omission of l-carnitine, HMB, and CLA even at Therm’s affordable price, but if you’re looking for a solid fat burner that won’t bust your budget, Therm is a great option.
Fastest Working Fat Burner for Men: Kaged Clean Burn Powder
- Caffeine: 166mg
- Key Ingredients: 1500mg l-carnitine, 500mg coconut fruit water powder, 500mg organic apple cider vinegar powder, 375mg l-tyrosine, 166mg caffeine, 50mg capsicum, 20mg CaloriBurn GP Grains of Paradise
- Serving: 1 scoop
- Price Per Serving: $1.49
Who Should Take Kaged Clean Burn Powder
- Athletes who want a product that works quick, as powder can absorb more quickly than a capsule.
- If you’re looking for a more moderate dose of caffeine, this product contains 166mg.
- Anyone seeking a thermogenic fat burner will like the cayenne pepper seeds here.
Who Shouldn’t Take Kaged Clean Burn Powder
- Athletes who prefer the convenience of a capsule supplement.
- If you’re looking to steer clear of stimulants, you’ll want to opt for a different product on this list.
Although capsules can be convenient, they have one downside: They need time to absorb. After all, your body needs to break the capsule down before the ingredients actually take effect. That wait time shrinks with a powder. That’s why the fastest-working fat burner is Kaged Clean Burn Powder.
Not only do these absorb quickly, but they can help you more efficiently cut your portions, getting you closer to your goals in a shorter time. For those looking to burn fat ASAP, an appetite suppressant may be the way to go. Luckily, this product contains apple cider vinegar, which can help keep your blood sugar low, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Plus, you’ll also find other helpful ingredients, like guayasa leaf extract, cayenne pepper seeds, and caffeine. This formula also has l-carnitine, which may help your body break down fat more effectively, according to the National Institutes of Health. Carnitine also helps your body store muscle glycogen, which it uses for energy during exercise.
Though fat loss can only happen with the implementation of a healthy diet of whole foods, exercise, and a calorie deficit, it doesn’t hurt to have a fast-absorbing fat burner that contains ingredients that can help control cravings to scoot things along a little quicker.
Best Belly Fat Burner for Men: PhenQ
- Caffeine: 75mg
- Key Ingredients: 8mg vitamin B3, 0.7mg vitamin B6, 1.25µg vitamin B12, 150mg l-carnitine, 75mg caffeine, 50mg capsimax
- Capsules Per Serving: 1
- Price Per Serving: $1.17
Who Should Take PhenQ
- Anyone who wants to lose fat across their body, including belly fat, but needs help with appetite suppression.
- Customers who want thermogenic ingredients will like the capsimax powder.
- Folks who want a boost of energy will enjoy the B vitamins and caffeine content.
Who Shouldn’t Take PhenQ
- Buyers looking for a cost-effective fat burning supplement — this product is more expensive than some others on this list.
- People who exercise late at night or want to avoid stimulants in their fat burner.
It can’t be said enough: Spot reduction is a myth. But if you’re hoping to trim a few pounds from your midsection, losing total body fat can certainly help. For anyone who’s trying to get rid of stubborn body fat, this product may be your best bet.
While PhenQ includes most of the major fat burning ingredients, it also throws in some extra components to potentially help your cravings and energy levels. Like many fat burners, it contains carnitine and caffeine. But unlike some other fat burners, PhenQ also includes nopal cactus, an ingredient that’s naturally high in fiber to help increase your satiety and stave off cravings. This supp also packs B vitamins, which your body uses to help produce energy.
While you’ll find that the label is fully transparent with its ingredients and their amounts, you’ll also see that PhenQ uses veggie capsules, so they’re okay for those looking to avoid animal products.
If you’re targeting stubborn fat, it’s beneficial to have added ingredients in your fat burner that may help boost your overall satiety and better your workouts while sticking to your calorie deficit and resistance training plan. This product is the full package when it comes to this, as well as potential fat loss.
Best Pre-Workout Fat Burner for Men: Transparent Labs LEAN
Third-party tested and clearly dosed, Transparent Labs LEAN has a huge variety of ingredients for endurance, power, alertness, and focus. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs LEAN
- Athletes who are already taking a pre-workout, and would rather take one that had fat burning properties as well to consolidate the number of supplements in their stash.
- Anyone who prefers to take their fat burner in a powder form over a pill form.
- People who value products free of artificial sweeteners, coloring, and preservatives.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs LEAN
- Folks who just want a straight fat burning supplement instead of a pre-workout with fat burning ingredients.
- Those who would prefer a pill supplement to a powder supplement.
- Athletes who want a higher number of potential fat burning ingredients included in their supplement.
If you’re trying to consolidate your supplement stack, you may prefer to take your fat burner within your pre-workout — this pre-workout contains both l-carnitine and caffeine.
A product doesn’t need to be labeled as a “fat burner” to have fat burning properties. While this pre-workout does contain the typical pre-workout ingredients, like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, and branched-chain amino acids, it also includes l-carnitine, which may help turn fat into usable energy, and caffeine, which — though great for energy — has also been linked to fat burn.
Transparent Labs LEAN contains no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives, and is gluten-free and non-GMO. This is a powder supplement that comes in six flavors though, so for those who want a fat burner pill you can take for convenience, this may not be the best pick for you.
For those who are already taking a pre-workout, taking Transparent Labs LEAN can combine your need for a pre-workout and a fat burner — so long as you’re not looking for a super robust fat burner ingredient list, as this product only contains a few.
Read our full Transparent Labs LEAN Review.
Best Thermogenic Fat Burner for Men: Swolverine Therm
- Caffeine: 100mg
- Key Ingredients: 25mg vitamin B6, 150mcg iodine, 100mcg chromium, 300mg guarana, 100mg cocoa extract, 50mg yerba mate powder, 50mg green tea leaf extract, 125mg garcinia cambogia leaf, 125mg chitosan, 10mg cayenne pepper
- Capsules Per Serving: 1
- Price Per Serving: $0.39
Who Should Take Swolverine Therm
- Anyone looking for a fat burner supplement that can potentially increase calorie burn through thermogenesis.
- People who value a fat burner with a robust ingredient list that can help with metabolism, fat burn, and energy levels. Therm contains 20 clinically dosed ingredients.
- Anyone looking to have caffeine included in their fat burning supplement, which may help with appetite control and thermogenic response.
Who Shouldn’t Take Swolverine Therm
- Anyone who prefers to take gel capsules over hard tablets. These tablets are quite large, and may be difficult for some to swallow.
- Anyone who wants a stimulant-free fat burner. This product only contains a modest 100mg of caffeine, but that can be a lot if you’re sensitive to the stuff.
Thermogenesis may help burn more fat by raising your body temperature to expend more energy. Thermogenic fat burners can help raise your body temperature to increase the amount of calories you burn. This product’s cayenne pepper extract is key for this metabolic boost.
This product has 20 clinically dosed ingredients, many of which are intended to support fat loss through promoting the natural thermogenic process. The cocoa extract and cayenne pepper extract in Therm can help regulate fat burn and increase thermogenic response. These aren’t the only helpful fat burning ingredients in this product though. Therm also includes forskohlii root powder, which can help promote the release of fatty acids from fat tissue, and yerba mate, which may help boost metabolism.
In addition, you’ll find guarana, which can help provide some energy (via its 100mg of caffeine), and potentially, appetite control. Swolverine suggests taking one tablet, one or two times per day with meals, which is far fewer than some other fat burners on the market that require six tablets per day.
Thermogenic fat burner supplements can help raise your body temperature to increase your metabolism. Therm includes ingredients to not only help with that aspect of fat loss, but appetite suppression, as well. This product’s cayenne pepper extract is a key factor in this process.
Best Fat Burner for Men’s Bodybuilding: Transparent Labs Recomp
This fat burner contains research suggested ingredient amounts of green tea extract, as well as synephrine, and HTP-5, which may suppress your appetite.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Recomp
- Bodybuilders who want to perform better while also cutting down will enjoy Transparent Labs’ combination of l-theanine and natural caffeine.
- Those who are interested in thermogenic ingredients. This product contains Capsimax, which may help promote thermogenesis.
- If you’re concerned about absorption, you’ll appreciate that Transparent Labs includes a dose of black pepper extract.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Recomp
- Anyone who wants ingredients like l-carnitine or citrulline should look elsewhere.
- Folks who are trying to avoid caffeine will want to look for a stim-free fat burner.
- Those who want a larger dose of caffeine may want a pre-workout-style supp.
Transparent Labs’ Recomp combines l-theanine and caffeine for focus and energy in the gym, ideal for bodybuilders who want to stay muscular while losing weight. After all, keeping focus during a hard training session while on a diet is no walk in the park (pun intended).
This supp attacks fat loss from different angles, thanks to its combination of ingredients. In one dose, you get 250mg of forslean, which contains forskolin, an ingredient that may help promote weight loss, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. You also get l-theanine, which can help promote mental clarity and focus for a distraction-free workout, per the Cleveland Clinic. This ingredient is also ideal for bodybuilders, as it may help improve sleep quality (getting good sleep in a deficit can be tough).
Transparent Labs’ formula also contains black pepper fruit, which may help with absorption, allowing you to get the most out of this product. TL recommends taking two capsules twice a day, 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Though, new users should probably start with just one capsule to assess tolerance and increase gradually as needed.
This product contains capsicum fruit extract, which may help promote thermogenesis, helping increase your total calorie burn. Combined with the other physique- and performance-focused ingredients, this supp is a great choice for bodybuilders.
Best Natural Fat Burner for Men: Legion Phoenix Fat Burner
- Caffeine: 200mg
- Key Ingredients: 1.7mg vitamin B6, 2.4mcg vitamin B12, 240mcg iodine, 1000mg caralluma fimbriata extract, 250mg coleus forskohlii extract, 200mg caffeine, 153mg mucuna pruriens, 153mg griffonia simplificolia, 100mg black ginger extract, 30mg grains of paradise, 15mg laminaria japonica aresch extract
- Capsules Per Serving: 1
- Price Per Serving: $0.39
Who Should Buy Legion Phoenix Fat Burner
- People who appreciate and want not just complete doses, but a science-backed reason for why each ingredient was chosen.
- Anyone looking for fair pricing. Considering the dosing and ingredient quality, this fat burning supplement is pretty reasonably priced.
- Athletes who want to avoid artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and fillers in their fat burner.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Legion Phoenix Fat Burner
- Men who are pill adverse; this formula requires that you take three pills a day.
- Those who don’t need a long list of ingredients in their fat burner — while this product is natural, it does have a lot of ingredients to sift through, and you can find other options out there with a shorter list just focused on fat burn if that’s what you’re interested in.
If you’re looking to potentially burn excess fat without harsh stimulants or harmful chemicals, a natural fat burner is the way to go — this one is one of our favorites.
This product is a 100 percent natural, stimulant-free fat burner. Legion Phoenix Fat Burner contains no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or unwanted fillers for a natural, fat burning blend. We also like that Legion has a track record of transparency, including what’s listed in this fat burner, and about the dosing and science behind the ingredients used.
These include Thai ginseng, 5-HTP, caralluma fimbriata, and forskolin, which all can help burn fat, suppress appetite, and regulate metabolism. (2) Plus, Legion has included an added dose of B vitamins, which can help with focus.
While Legion is transparent in their ingredient-listing, they also keep it all-natural, avoiding artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and fillers, and focusing on high quality ingredients.
Read our full Legion Phoenix Fat Burner Review.
Best Stimulant-Free Fat Burner for Men: Transparent Labs Stim-Free Fat Burner
This product uses science-backed doses of cayenne, 5-HTP, and Coleus Forskolin to aid fat loss without the use of jitter-inducing supplements. Use the code BARBEND10 for 10% off!
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Stim-Free Fat Burner
- Men who exercise late at night may prefer this fat burner that doesn’t contain caffeine. Also, anyone who is allergic or sensitive to caffeine and is trying to avoid it altogether.
- Those who are looking for appetite suppression ingredients will appreciate the 150mg of 5-HTP in here.
- Athletes who may want a fat burner that contains natural thermogenics to increase calorie burn will like the cayenne pepper here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Stim-Free Fat Burner
- Men who don’t like taking a lot of pills may not like that this product requires two per dose.
- Early morning gymgoers who may want caffeine included in their fat burner should opt for one of the caffeinated fat burners on this list.
- Anyone who is looking for a more robust ingredient list may want to check out other options on this list. This product is solid, but lacks some of the common ingredients included in many other fat burners, like gymnema sylevestre, chromium, and grains of paradise.
Sometimes a non-stimulant formula is ideal if you’re looking to avoid caffeine so you can workout later in the evening, or if you just want to stick to coffee for your dose of caffeine in the morning. If you fall into either of these categories, this pick is for you.
Despite being free of stimulants like caffeine, you’ll still find a potent formula of ingredients in this fat burner from Transparent Labs. To kick things off, you’ll find 750mg of acetyl l-carnitine and 250mg of forskolin to potentially help with fat oxidation. For potential help with appetite suppression, Transparent Labs added 150mg of 5-HTP, as well.
Since cutting and extended periods of caloric deficits can be tough both physically and mentally, you’ll find 100mg of rhodiola rosea, which can help with mood and stress regulation. Cayenne pepper can be a natural thermogenic and potentially increase the number of calories burned at rest, which is why this formula has 50mg per serving. Finally, a newer ingredient called fucoxanthin is dosed at 10mg to potentially aid in fat metabolism, but the research is quite limited on this ingredient. (1) Each two-capsule, 60-serving container will run you around $54.99 for a one-time purchase, or $46.74 if you subscribe to regular shipments. Per serving, that equates to $0.92 or $0.78, respectively.
Though caffeine can be an effective fat-burning ingredient, those who exercise late at night or are sensitive to caffeine may prefer Transparent Labs Stim-Free Fat Burner for its natural thermogenic and potentially appetite suppressing ingredients. This product can be taken at any time without interfering with sleep or making you jittery.
Best Premium Fat Burner for Men: PhenQ
- Caffeine: 75mg
- Key Ingredients: 8mg vitamin B3, 0.7mg vitamin B6, 1.25µg vitamin B12, 150mg l-carnitine, 75mg caffeine, 50mg capsimax
- Capsules Per Serving: 1
- Price Per Serving: $1.17
Who Should Buy PhenQ
- Men who value high-quality fat-burning and energy-boosting ingredients in their supplement.
- Folks who want to buy bottles in bulk for a discount. You can choose from different packages with this supp.
- Anyone who wants appetite suppressing ingredients will appreciate the fiber-heavy nopal cactus here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy PhenQ
- Those who want to take their fat burner supplement in powder form.
- Anyone who’s trying to avoid caffeine. .
If you’re willing to spend a little more, some fat burners offer both high quality dosing and ingredients. We like this pick for its thermogenic properties and its ability to ease hunger pangs.
We were very impressed with the ingredient quality in PhenQ’s formula. It includes capsimax powder, which can help boost thermogenesis (or temperature-induced calorie burn). You also get nopal cactus, a unique ingredient, which is high in fiber and may be able to help boost your satiety levels. Another uncommon ingredient, the chromium picolinate may also help keep cravings at bay.
All of the ingredients and their amounts are listed clearly on the label, but this supplement is a little pricier ($69.99 per bottle). With this level of quality comes a higher price tag compared to other picks on this list.
While you may have to dish out a little extra cash for this fat burner, its ingredient list is impressive and more comprehensive than most others on this list. Plus, it’s 100 percent natural.
Best Fat Burner Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Burn-XT Powder
This product contains 15 sticks of powdered fat burner. These powders may absorb quicker than capsules since your body doesn't have to break through a capsule to get to the fat burner.
Who Should Buy Jacked Factory Burn-XT Powder
- People who prefer to take their fat burner in a powder form over pill form.
- Folks who like flavored supplements. Jacked Factory offers their fat burner in three flavors to help it go down with ease.
- Athletes who want a dose of caffeine in their fat burner for a potential jolt of energy.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Jacked Factory Burn-XT Powder
- Men who prefer to take their fat burner in pill form for convenience.
- Athletes who want a more robust ingredient list can find a product with even more fat-burning ingredients included.
- Athletes who want to avoid artificial flavors in their fat burner should opt for an all-natural product.
Some pill or capsule-based fat burners have a serving size of four, six, or even eight pills. For the pill-averse, there are still fat burner options for you on the market. This pick comes in powder form and packs a potent punch.
If you prefer a powder over a pill, Jacked Factory has a box of 15 sticks of powdered fat burner. A benefit of a powder supplement is that your body does not have to digest a capsule to get to the fat burner — you drink it mixed with water, which allows your body to absorb it more quickly. This product contains a relatively simple ingredients list — l-carnitine (1,500mg), green tea extract (500mg), caffeine (200mg), l-theanine (100mg), and black pepper extract (five milligrams) are the major players in this formula — but it hits all the major fat burner ingredients.
The nice thing about this product is that it lists the exact amount of each ingredient, whereas some fat burners use proprietary blends. Jacked Factory sells this fat burner powder in three flavors — Strawberry Lemonade, Pineapple Punch, and Watermelon Lime. Each 30-serving container is only about $19.99 (around $0.67 per serving), making it one of the more affordable products on this list.
While this fat burner powder comes in individual sticks and three great flavors, it still isn’t the most robust fat burner on this list. But if you’re just looking for a solid powder with the big-hitter fat burning ingredients, this pick is the way to go.
What Are the Benefits of a Fat Burner?
Every human being has what’s called a basal metabolic rate, or BMR. Your BMR measures how many calories your body burns by simply existing (with no added activity). Essentially, how many calories would you burn lying still? How much you weigh, your age, height, and body fat percentage all play a factor in determining your BMR.
So a man with a 1,900-calorie BMR will burn that many calories doing nothing. But then you need to account for how many calories you consume and your activity levels. You can use our calorie calculator to factor those elements in and find your starting macros.
To lose weight, you must burn more calories (which acts as energy for your body) than you take in. That’s it. Simple, sure, but meticulously tracking your intake while also training (and holding down a job, possibly raising a family, managing a roster of friends, and making time for Netflix) is tough. Nail your time management, training, and diet, however, and you can get lean. It just takes time.
That said, supplements can help if everything else is in place. Here are the ways that a fat burner can help decrease your body fat and potentially aid in weight loss.
Thermogenesis
We’ve tossed this word around a few times in the article, so let’s dig into this a bit. By definition, “Thermogenesis is the dissipation of energy through the production of heat and occurs in specialized tissues including brown adipose tissue [fat] and skeletal muscle,” according to Science Direct. More simply put: Your body burns more calories — extracted from fat and muscle — to warm up. (3)
And because working out in a walk-in freezer is both weird and not feasible, most fat-burning supps include ingredients (cayenne pepper extract and caffeine, to name two) that raise your body’s temperature while at rest. Because consuming fewer calories is the goal, inducing thermogenesis can help you lose more weight.
Lipolysis
Lipolysis is the breakdown (or oxidation) of fat cells in the body. Some supplements can improve your body’s ability to oxidize fat specifically. In fact, one study showed that caffeine and green tea extract may enhance fat metabolism, improve endurance, and enhance fat oxidation in athletes. (4)
Appetite Suppression
Fat burners sometimes include ingredients that can curb your hunger pangs. Fenugreek, green tea extract, and 5-HTP — some of these should sound familiar — have been shown to make you feel less hungry. This is particularly helpful since eating fewer calories than you burn can cause your stomach to grumble.
When Should Men Take A Fat Burner?
Since your metabolism slows overnight as you sleep, taking a fat burner on an empty stomach, 30 min before you eat breakfast in the morning can help increase your metabolism to start the day. You can also take your fat burner about 30 minutes before your workout as fat burners contain a lot of ingredients that can help supply energy (like caffeine). However, these times are simply suggested — there’s no right or wrong time to take a fat burner. (5)(6)
How We Chose The Best Men’s Fat Burners
Fat burners are a relatively straightforward product. They contain a handful of ingredients aimed towards increasing thermogenesis and lipolysis while also suppressing appetite and increasing energy and focus — all to aid your diet.
We focused on three main areas: ingredients — namely, the quality and quantity — how much the product costs, and then the serving size.
Ingredients
We dive into this a bit more below, but there’s a shortlist of fat-burning ingredients linked to fat loss and thermogenesis. The supps on this list all contain at least one scientifically-backed supplement that is shown to aid in either thermogenesis or lipolysis.
Also, seeing as these picks are for men, we identified three ingredients that have been linked to increased testosterone production. Testosterone is the hormone that helps build muscle and bone mass, and it’s especially prominent in men. We elaborate on those three ingredients below and ensure that each of our picks contain at least one.
Price
The fat burners on this list vary in price, but we made sure that there’s an option for all budgets. Equally as important, we ensure that “affordable” and “cheap” aren’t synonymous. Even our lower-priced picks offer solid ingredients.
Serving Size
Some fat burners require that you take multiple pills two times a day. We’ll admit that there’s a pick or two on this list with a heftier serving size. But we also selected brands that offer a more modest dose for the pill-averse.
How Much Do Fat Burners Cost?
It’s important to compare the cost of the container as a whole against the number of servings per container to see what you are actually getting for your money. As fat burners are fairly inexpensive, this number will usually come out somewhere between $0.50 and $1.00 per serving (though some more robust fat burners may cost around $2.00 per serving). The average price per serving is $1.32, which gives you a rough idea of what may be a more or less expensive options versus what the average cost is.
Best Fat Burner for Men Overall | Jacked Factory Burn XT | $34.99
$1.17 per serving |
Best Fat Burner for the Money | Swolverine Therm | $34.99
$0.38 per serving |
Fastest Working Fat Burner for Men | Kaged Clean Burn Powder | $49.99
$1.67 per serving |
Best Belly Fat Burner for Men | PhenQ | $69.99
$1.17 per serving |
Best Pre-Workout Fat Burner for Men | Transparent Labs LEAN | $49.95
$1.66 per serving |
Best Thermogenic Fat Burner for Men | Swolverine Therm | $34.99
$0.38 per serving |
Best Fat Burner for Men’s Bodybuilding | Transparent Labs Recomp | $54.99
$0.92 per serving |
Best Natural Fat Burner for Men | Legion Phoenix Fat Burner | $49.99
$1.66 per serving |
Best Stim-Free Fat Burner for Men | Transparent Labs Stim-Free Fat Burner | $54.99 49.99
$0.91 per serving |
Best Premium Fat Burner | PhenQ | $69.99
$1.17 per serving |
Best Fat Burner Powder for Men | Jacked Factory Burn XT Powder | $26.99
$0.90 per serving |
The more robust the ingredients list on your fat burner, the more expensive it’s going to be. Most fat burners include fat burning ingredients like cayenne pepper extract, caffeine, and green tea extract, but more expensive products may also include extras like DMAE or HMB, which can improve mood and help you build and retain muscle respectively.
3 Fat Burning Ingredients That May Increase Testosterone
The next time you scan an ingredient label, these ingredients should catch your eye if you’re looking to burn fat and build muscle. While other ingredients can support energy and reduce stress, which may aid your fat loss efforts, these three ingredients have a decent amount of research backing their fat burning efficacy, as well.
They also have links to supporting testosterone production, the primary hormone involved in muscle-building.
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)
CLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that is found mainly in dairy. It’s a popular weight loss supplement that has a decent amount of studies backing its fat loss properties (5). A lesser-known benefit of CLA may be it’s ability to synthesize testosterone. One 2013 study showed that mice who took CLA experienced a higher amount of free plasma testosterone. When the mice trained (endurance-style training), the mice taking CLA saw a greater uptick in testosterone biosynthesis. (7)
Caffeine
Caffeine’s fat-burning effects are quite proven. One study shows that caffeine increased the subject’s metabolic rate for three hours after ingestion. Coffee, the study says, has a strong effect, too. It was concluded that coffee and caffeine stimulates one’s metabolic rate and fat oxidation. (8)
As far as testosterone production is concerned, a study in the Journal of Nutrition showed a link between caffeine consumption in men (via coffee) and increased testosterone levels. (9)
Chili Pepper Extract (Capsaicin)
A review of capsaicin studies derived from chili has shown that eating could reduce energy intake by 74 calories. The thought is the extract creates a desire for more carbohydrate-rich food, not fatty foods, which tend to be twice as calorically dense as carbs at nine calories per gram. (10) Another study says that chili activates adipose tissue, or fat, and facilitates weight loss. (11)
A 2013 study on mice, had a control group eat a standard diet while the others ate some with capsacian. The capsacian group showed an increase in serum testosterone levels, which indicates that spicy food derived from chilis may up your testosterone levels. (12)
What to Consider Before Buying a Men’s Fat Burner
Your personal goals come first and foremost when it comes to deciding which supplement will suit you best. You’ll want to weigh the types of ingredients in your fat burner, as well as when you’ll be taking your supplement, and pricing before buying.
Ingredients
Most fat burners contain ingredients that help with lipolysis, thermogenesis, or appetite suppression. And while many will include ingredients that can help with all three, some products may lean heavily on one of these three fat burning processes. It’s important to consider which of these processes may suit you best before deciding on a fat burning supplement.
In addition, you’ll also want to take note of proprietary blends. While we can’t say there is anything inherently wrong with them, we like to steer clear of them just because you don’t know exactly what you’re getting in your product if it just lists a proprietary blend. In short, make sure you know the ingredients you want, as well as their proper dosages before choosing your fat burner.
Timing
Some people like to take their fat burner right when they wake up to jumpstart their metabolism, but others may prefer to take it right before a workout. If you are in the latter group, you’ll want to consider when you workout before choosing your fat burner. Many fat burners contain caffeine, and if you’re working out late at night, this may not suit you best — stim-free fat burners could be better for your exercise regimen.
Price
While most fat burners will include cayenne pepper, caffeine, and green tea, others may also include extras like HMB or DMAE that can help with things outside of fat burn. If you’re willing to spend a little extra money, you can snag one of these products with a more robust ingredient list. If you’re sticking to a budget, just look for the products with basic fat burning ingredients, no extras.
Final Word
It’s important to prioritize a healthy diet and exercise regimen first, but once you have those things under control, fat burners can provide extra help. If you’re trying to stay in a caloric deficit, fat burners may be able to help suppress your appetite. They may also help increase your metabolism and burn a little extra fat. Before you buy any fat burning supplement, talk to your doctor to see if this supplement could be right for you. If you get the green light, decide on your ingredients and price point and let this list help you sift through the rest.
FAQs
Are fat burners safe?
Fat burners, like all dietary supplements, aren’t approved by the FDA. That said, these supplements are merely just a combination of standard ingredients mixed together into a pill. Do not ever exceed the serving size, as many fat burners include stimulants which can negatively impact your health and even cause harm.
If I take a fat burner, then can I ease up on my diet?
No. Nope. Definitely not. Sorry. Even the ingredients above that have been shown to elicit a calorie-burn eliminate, like, 70 calories at most. That’s one Oreo. This isn’t to say you can’t ever ease up on your diet, or cheat, or increase your food intake when you’re in a strength-gaining phase — but you can (and should) do these things whether you’re taking a fat burner or not. Taking a fat burner is no excuse to eat or train differently.
Are fat burners expensive?
The short answer here is not necessarily. As far as supplements run, fat burners tend to be less expensive than other types of supplements, like pre-workouts or protein powders. The list here contains a range from around $0.30 to over $2.00 with an average price of $1.32 per serving. Rest assured there will be a fat burning supplement for men within your budget range.
References
- Hui Zhang, Yibo Tang, Ying Zhang, Shuofeng Zhang, Jing Qu, Xu Wang, Ran Kong, Chunchao Han, Zhenquan Liu, “Fucoxanthin: A Promising Medicinal and Nutritional Ingredient”, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2015, Article ID 723515, 10 pages, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/723515
- Mullur R, Liu YY, Brent GA. Thyroid hormone regulation of metabolism. Physiol Rev. 2014;94(2):355-382. doi:10.1152/physrev.00030.2013
- Thermogenesis. Thermogenesis – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/thermogenesis
- Kim J, Park J, Lim K. Nutrition Supplements to Stimulate Lipolysis: A Review in Relation to Endurance Exercise Capacity. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2016;62(3):141-61. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.62.141. PMID: 27465721.
- Boyett JC, Giersch GE, Womack CJ, Saunders MJ, Hughey CA, Daley HM, Luden ND. Time of Day and Training Status Both Impact the Efficacy of Caffeine for Short Duration Cycling Performance. Nutrients. 2016 Oct 14;8(10):639. doi: 10.3390/nu8100639. PMID: 27754419; PMCID: PMC5084026.
- Tinsley, G. M., Urbina, S., Mullins, J., Outlaw, J., Hayward, S., Stone, M., Foster, C., Wilborn, C., & Taylor, L. (2017). Influence of A Thermogenic Dietary Supplement on Safety Markers, Body Composition, Energy Expenditure, Muscular Performance and Hormone Concentrations: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial. Journal of sports science & medicine, 16(4), 459–467.
- Barone R, Macaluso F, Catanese P, et al. Endurance exercise and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation up-regulate CYP17A1 and stimulate testosterone biosynthesis. PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e79686. Published 2013 Nov 5.
- Acheson KJ, Zahorska-Markiewicz B, Pittet P, Anantharaman K, Jéquier E. Caffeine and coffee: their influence on metabolic rate and substrate utilization in normal weight and obese individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 May;33(5):989-97. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/33.5.989. PMID: 7369170.
- Wedick NM, Mantzoros CS, Ding EL, et al. The effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on sex hormone-binding globulin and endogenous sex hormone levels: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr J. 2012;11:86. Published 2012 Oct 19. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-11-86
- Whiting, S, Derbyshire, E, Tiwari, BK. Capsaicinoids and capsinoids. A potential role for weight management? A systematic review of the evidence. Appetite. 2012;59(2):341-348. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2012.05.015
- Sharon Varghese, Peter Kubatka, Luis Rodrigo, Katarina Gazdikova, Martin Caprnda, Julia Fedotova, Anthony Zulli, Peter Kruzliak & Dietrich Büsselberg(2017) Chili pepper as a body weight-loss food, International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 68:4, 392-401, DOI: 1080/09637486.2016.1258044
- Ilhan T, Erdost H. Effects of capsaicin on testis ghrelin expression in mice. Biotech Histochem. 2013 Jan;88(1):10-8. doi: 10.3109/10520295.2012.724083. Epub 2012 Sep 27. PMID: 23013364.