Powder and capsules are the two most common forms of consuming kratom. While both forms have the same content, certain factors can influence your choice or preferences. For example, if you want to avoid kratom’s strong taste, go with capsules. If you want a quicker onset or faster results, powder is often the better option. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the difference between kratom powder and capsules to help you make the most informed choice.
Kratom powder means taking kratom in its raw form. The leaves are harvested, dried, and processed into a fine powder. For the capsule form, the powdered kratom is packed inside a small gel or veggie shell for easy swallowing.
Naturally, kratom has a slightly bitter taste. For some people, the flavor is tolerable, while for others, they struggle to ingest kratom powder in its raw form.
If you are taking kratom powder, then you may already be fine with the taste, though you may decide to mix the powder with drinks to mask it.
For capsules, you don’t have to deal with kratom’s taste because the capsules hide the bitter flavor of raw kratom.
Even though we are dealing with the same product, their mode of delivery may affect the onset time and duration. Kratom powder is simple: you take it, it gets into your stomach, breaks down, and releases its alkaloids. For capsules, the process is the same except that the gel or veggie shell must dissolve before releasing the content inside.
The time it takes for the capsule to dissolve and release its content may result in a slightly delayed onset time compared to the raw powder. But this may be what some users want, especially those seeking a more gradual experience with kratom. “Slow and steady” is the right term to use for the effects of a kratom capsule. Kratom powder may kick in faster, but the faster absorption rate may also mean the effect fades out slightly quicker.
While powder offers faster onset, it requires some preparation before consumption, except if you decide to go the toss-and-wash route. To make tea, you need to boil water, and to mix with other beverages, you will need a cup and a spoon to stir before taking it. On the other hand, you don’t need any preparation to take capsules. You just swallow and wait for the effects to set in.
Dosage is a key factor in kratom because knowing the exact amount needed for a specific effect and measuring that same amount is key to enjoying kratom. Capsules are easier to dose because each one contains a fixed, measured amount of kratom. So if you need to take 3 grams and each capsule is measured at 0.5 grams, you will need 6 capsules. This makes measuring pretty straightforward. Dosing with powder is less precise since you have to measure it yourself with a spoon or invest in a digital milligram scale.
Kratom powder is sensitive to air, light, and moisture. If it’s not sealed tightly, it can lose freshness faster. Storing it in airtight bags or jars helps keep it stable. Capsules, on the other hand, offer built-in protection. The capsule shell shields the powder from direct exposure, making it easier to keep fresh for longer. For people who don’t want to fuss with special storage, capsules can be the more convenient option.
In terms of pricing, powder is less expensive, and you even get a better deal from most vendors if you are buying capsules in bulk. Capsules are more expensive because the vendor needs to factor in the extra costs of processing, encapsulation, and packaging. You can decide to go DIY by buying empty capsules and filling them with raw powder. While DIY is less expensive than the pre-filled capsules, you will need to spend time and effort to fill them. So powder is the cheapest option, DIY is the middle ground, while pre-made capsules are the most expensive choice. You’ll be spending more per gram with capsules, but the convenience may make some users overlook the cost.
The potency of kratom mainly depends on its quality, but the form can influence how you feel it. Powder often hits faster because it’s absorbed right away, especially if mixed into beverages or tea. Capsules take longer since the shell must dissolve first. Some users say powder feels slightly stronger for this reason. Capsules, though, often provide a slower and more gradual effect, which some find smoother and easier on the stomach.
Both kratom powder and capsules have situations they are best suited for, which is why both forms are popular and widely available.
In the real sense, neither form is better than the other. It all boils down to individual preferences and the situation you find yourself in. Many kratom users prefer to have both forms on hand because they can be better suited to different cases. For example, if you want to mix with drinks like lemon or orange juice, kratom powder is often the better option. If you are planning to make tea with kratom, the powder form is also often the better choice. But for travelling, convenience, and easy dosing, capsules are often preferred
So one form is not superior to the other, but if you have to start with only one, you should make a decision based on your personal preferences. Whichever one you choose, always make sure you use kratom responsibly and know its risks.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.
Are you 21 years of age or older?
Account
Cart
Questions? 
Login/Register
View Cart