Kratom chewable tablets come in two kinds, and the label often doesn’t say which. One is pressed leaf. The other is extract.
That difference sets how strong the tablet is and whether it’s even legal to sell.
Leaf tablets and extract tablets
A 2026 review of kratom products found native leaf has the lowest total alkaloid content, 2 to 5% by weight. Extracts can have 5 to 50 times as much. The review also notes a rise in edibles, resins and isolates since 2021 (Aly and Grundmann, 2026).
| Format | What it is | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Plain-leaf tablet | Pressed kratom leaf powder | Lowest alkaloid content per gram |
| Extract tablet | Concentrated kratom alkaloids | 5 to 50 times the alkaloids of leaf, and a higher risk of dependence and overdose |
| 7-OH tablet | Concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine | See the next section |
A tablet looks the same either way. Don’t judge strength by tablet count.
7-OH tablets are a different problem
FDA lists tablets, gummies, drink mixes and shots among the forms of 7-OH products. It says 7-OH is not lawful as a dietary supplement or when added to conventional foods. It calls them potent opioid products that have not been proven safe or effective for any use.
FDA has received reports of addiction, seizures and withdrawal symptoms with 7-OH products, and it has sent warning letters to companies selling them. Its advice is to avoid them.
7-OH occurs in trace amounts in kratom leaf. A tablet that contains much more than that is a 7-OH product.
What to check before you buy
- A lab report for your lot. The lot number on the report should match the lot number on the package. An independent lab should have measured the alkaloids, including 7-OH, and tested for heavy metals and microbes.
- A label that says what it is. It should name the serving size, the alkaloid amount per tablet, and whether the tablet is leaf or extract.
The Cleveland Clinic review warns that commercial kratom products can be contaminated, adulterated or high in 7-OH (Modesto-Lowe et al., 2026). FDA has documented Salmonella and heavy metals in some products too. A lab report is the only way to see what you’re getting.
One brand that sells chewable tablets
Kraken Kratom lists three chewable tablet products: Kraken 100 Chewable Tea Tablets, Zenith Chewable Kratom Tablet Pack and Ultra Enhanced Indo Chewable Tea Tablets. The site says its products are GMP compliant and has a page on lab testing. Read the lab report for the lot you plan to buy, and check whether “enhanced” means extract.
Risks
Kratom can cause dependence and withdrawal. FDA lists liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder among its safety concerns, and it has documented neonatal abstinence syndrome in babies born to mothers who used kratom.
In lab tests, kratom alkaloids inhibited some cytochrome P450 enzymes, which clear many medicines from the body. That points to a risk of interactions with other drugs (Todd et al., 2020). Ask a pharmacist before you combine kratom with any medicine, alcohol or sedative.
Is it legal?
FDA says kratom is not lawfully marketed as a drug, dietary supplement or food additive. Some states and cities also ban or restrict it, and the rules keep changing. Check your local law before you order.
See our guide to the best kratom vendors for more.
This content is for information only. It isn’t medical advice. Talk to a healthcare provider before you use kratom.
Questions
What’s the difference between leaf and extract tablets?
Leaf tablets are pressed kratom leaf powder. Extract tablets are made from concentrated alkaloids and can carry 5 to 50 times as much.
How do I check a tablet’s purity?
Match the lot number on the package to an independent lab report. The report should show the alkaloid amounts, heavy metals and microbes.
Are 7-OH tablets legal?
FDA says 7-OH is not lawful as a dietary supplement or in conventional foods. It advises you to avoid 7-OH products.