Hi, I’m Amber!
I'm a Doctor with a passion for nutrition and healthy lifestyles. After years of schooling, I'm committed to cut through fancy marketing and find a Calming Magnesium Glycinate powder that actually works!
I went on a journey to find the best electrolytes powder in the market for my family. I applied a methodological approach and found the product that wins on the most important factors: taste, health benefits, ingredients and price.
Sometimes supplement brands are not very transparent and the most important information is hard to find. Read on to see how I scored the products I tried, discover the details behind each score and learn from how I found these hidden nuances — so you don't have to!
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In a perfect world, we'd all be getting the deep, restorative sleep and natural calm our bodies need to function at their best. However, for some - like me! - stress and racing thoughts make winding down feel impossible; for others - like my partner! - let's just say achieving that peaceful evening routine has been an ongoing struggle (often leading to late-night scrolling and poor sleep quality).
Studies show that magnesium deficiency affects up to 80% of the population. Magnesium glycinate supplements were specifically developed to help restore this crucial mineral in its most absorbable form, supporting natural relaxation and helping our minds transition from the chaos of daily life to peaceful rest.
Contrary to popular belief, magnesium supplements aren't just for people with diagnosed deficiencies. Instead, they're something most stress-prone, sleep-struggling adults should consider taking daily to feel their calmest, most centered selves.
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Firstly, I wanted to make sure I tested all of the leading magnesium glycinate calming powders out there, but I also wanted to be fair in my process, so I used the criteria below:
I purchased and carefully tested 15 products (in the picture above) that passed this test and would then go through the process below:
Firstly, I wanted to make sure I tested all of the leading electrolytes powders out there, but I also wanted to be fair in my process, so I used the criteria below:
I purchased and carefully tested 11 products (in the picture above) that passed this test and would then go through the process below:
Ingredient Quality
Health Benefits (Effectiveness)
Taste & Mixability
Price Per Serving
Texture
Additional Benefits
I wanted my magnesium glycinate supplement to have the right ingredients from the best sources. My goal was to start thinking about sleep and stress management in a more preventive (vs reactive way). I didn't want to take something because of fancy marketing, but make sure I was getting what my body needs for natural calm and restorative sleep.
However, the best magnesium powder is the one you'll actually take every evening, and if it doesn't taste good, the likelihood of that happening decreases. At least I knew I wouldn't stand a chance with my partner. Taste is a crucial factor!
I also wanted to make sure the powder was easy to make and I was comparing prices in the most effective way possible (per serving).
So, here are the nitty gritty conclusions I made during my experiment and I'll give more information on the magnesium glycinate powder I ended up choosing. Dive in and feel free to leave any comments of your own if you've tried any of these brands!
There's a lot of BS surrounding magnesium supplements & calming aids so it's hard to cut through the noise. I spent hours researching and speaking with sleep and stress specialists & doctors to determine what actually matters. I'll share what I learned below and hopefully this helps you too!
Let's start with what magnesium glycinate is and why your body needs it.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that's involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and is vital to many key functions. Some of these functions include muscle relaxation (reducing tension), nervous system regulation (calming the mind), neurotransmitter production (supporting mood) and sleep cycle regulation (promoting deep rest). Your body loses valuable magnesium through a variety of daily activities including chronic stress, poor sleep, caffeinated beverages and processed foods.
What about magnesium glycinate specifically? Well, magnesium glycinate -- where magnesium is bound to the amino acid glycine -- is described by health experts as the most bioavailable and gentle form of magnesium. The glycine component itself has calming properties, making this combination particularly effective for stress relief and sleep support.
According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 80% of Americans are magnesium deficient. To combat this widespread issue, magnesium glycinate supplements started being endorsed by multiple sleep doctors and wellness practitioners as essential complements to a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Michael Breus, a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, has high regard for magnesium glycinate stating, "Magnesium glycinate is an immediate support system for vital relaxation functions that are put under constant demand in our high-stress lives—and under extra pressure when we can't unwind naturally."
★ Overall Rating
My ABSOLUTE favorite! Nectar Essential Daily Calm checked all of my boxes: ️
(1) Ingredients and Health Benefits: Nectar's research backed formula, organic ingredients and calming profile are what make this product really special. Nectar is the only magnesium powder we tested that is made with organic fruit and has no artificial ingredients. The product is sugar free, zero calorie and actually good for you. Finally, Nectar's formula includes a number of calming compounds not found in many of the other products we tested.
(2) Taste: Nectar actually tastes really good. It's fresh, refreshing and it dissolves really well in water. We tried all six flavors and it was the only Magnesium powder that wasn’t overpowering and that we could stand drinking throughout the entire day.
(3) Price: Shockingly - even with the highest quality ingredient profile - Nectar was the best value of all magnesium powders we tested. At under $1.00 per serving, it was significantly cheaper than other major brands including Nello, Nature Vitality Calm, and Pure Encapsulations.
★ What I love ️
OK, did I say already how good this actually tastes? It was by far the best tasting product I tried. I would even categorize five of the six flavors as delicious (I'm not a fan of orange generally). The freshness of the organic fruit comes across in its taste and smell. Taste wasn't as much of a priority for me (as ingredients and calming benefits were) but if you're seriously considering making a habit out of it, this has to be a pleasant drink. So, for those who want to think of their stress management in a more preventive (vs reactive) way and have optimal calm levels, Nectar is what I recommend after my research and tasting journey. I felt really great after taking it daily for 30 days: more relaxed, centered, and peaceful in my evenings!
★ What could be better
We didn’t have any major items Nectar could improve on. Ideally, we’d like to see a couple more flavors introduced over the next year (since we’re drinking it daily). Also, this product only sells online and it can run out quickly. As of now, the product is currently available on Amazon and the Nectar website!
★ Description
Our lives are more stressful than ever. That's why we created Nectar - a clean calming magnesium mix designed to be taken daily. Made with no sugar, fillers, or artificial ingredients, Nectar provides the perfect balance of magnesium glycinate and calming compounds to support your body's natural relaxation response. With stress management checked off your to-do list, you'll have more peace to focus on the important things in life.
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★ Ingredients
Nectar Calm was formulated by a team of Doctors and Nutritionists to be the healthiest Magnesium and Adaptogen product available. Every ingredient plays a functional role and Nectar Calm contains only what you need in the highest grade form possible. Nectar is Sugar Free & Zero calorie with a clean ingredient profile. The product is flavored with organic fruit for transparency and taste, unlike many competitors that use "Natural" flavors where brands can hide ingredients under blanket terms.
One aspect of Nectar that stood out is that the product contains 100mg of high-quality Magnesium Glycinate per serving. Nectar's magnesium glycinate helps reduce stress and promotes quality sleep without causing daytime fatigue, making it ideal for daily use. Many competitors use cheaper forms of Magnesium which can cause stomach and digestive issues and aren't as absorbable.
Nectar is one of the only products that contains Organic KSM-66 Ashwagandha - a clinically studied adaptogen that supports adrenal function & energy levels without stimulant effects. KSM-66 is considered the gold standard form of ashwagandha for managing cortisol levels and stress response.
Finally, Nectar contains L-Theanine which enhances focus & attention while promoting a calm state of mind, plus Vitamin D to promote mood balance & cognitive function. The formula also includes electrolytes like Himalayan Pink Salt and Potassium Citrate for hydration support.
★ What I love ️
The Absorption Company focuses on unique ingredients a couple different ingredients not found in some of the other Calm Powders I tested. The watermelon lemonade flavor is refreshing and not too sweet, which makes it pleasant to drink in the evening. The product does work - many users report feeling calm within 30 minutes, which is impressive for a natural supplement.
★ What could be better
For the price point ($24 for just 7 servings - over $3 per serving), this is significantly more expensive than Nectar Calm's under $1 per serving. While they tout superior absorption, they include 3 grams of sugar in each serving, which isn't ideal for those avoiding sugar entirely. The ingredient list includes some unique compounds like Sabroxy and Zembrin that sound impressive but lack the extensive research backing of more established ingredients. Customer reviews are mixed on taste, with some finding it too strong or artificially flavored. The serving size is also quite large at 16oz of water, making it less convenient than smaller servings.
★ Description
Experience enhanced relaxation with The Absorption Company Calm Drink Mix featuring Watermelon Lemonade flavor. This premium formula combines magnesium, Sensoril Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, and Vitamin D with cutting-edge absorption technology for up to 5x better bioavailability. Each serving supports cortisol regulation and mood balance for both men and women. Simply mix one stick with 16oz of cold water for a delicious way to destress and unwind!
★ What I love ️
Nello has decent brand recognition from TikTok and the raspberry lemonade flavor is pleasant enough. Supercalm has one of the more attractive ingredient panels at first glance — it includes magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, ashwagandha, and a few B vitamins, all of which are known to support stress reduction. The blend is non-drowsy and caffeine-free, and it comes in convenient stick packs, which is a plus for portability.
★ What could be better
At $39.95 for 20 servings ($2.00 per serving), Nello costs double what Nectar charges. While the L-theanine dosage is impressively high, some users might find 400mg too stimulating. The brand leans heavily on social media marketing, which likely drives up cost. It also uses both erythritol and stevia, resulting in a taste that’s overly sweet with a lingering aftertaste. The magnesium dose is on the lower side, and the 8oz serving size offers less hydration benefit compared to higher-volume options. For the price, it’s hard to justify the compromises in taste, function, and formula strength.
★ Description
Nello's SuperCalm supports you in effortlessly enjoying relaxation and focus anytime, anywhere. Savor the vibrant flavors of raspberry lemonade in convenient, on the go packets or the multi-serving canister while promoting your body's vitality and equilibrium.
★ What I love ️
Natural Vitality Calm has been around for many years and has a large fan base. Their product has very simple ingredients and is the most basic form of the drink mix calming powders. I liked that there are no additional sketchy ingredients and that the price is reasonable. Calm has a variety of flavors which is a plus.
★ What could be better
This product was developed in the 1980s — long before we had solid research around optimal calming ingredients. As a result, it uses outdated forms like magnesium carbonate, which is harder on the stomach and significantly less bioavailable than magnesium glycinate. The flavor also has a distinctly artificial taste due to cheaper “natural flavors” instead of real fruit ingredients. There are no adaptogens or amino acids like L-theanine or ashwagandha, and it lacks the depth and effectiveness of more modern formulas. Overall, it’s a legacy product that feels behind the curve.
★ Description
Since 1982, Natural Vitality has been providing mood support supplements powered by magnesium. Whether you’re looking to support your mood and mind, or just improve your Monday, our supplements are built for your mental wellbeing.
★ What I love ️
U Relax keeps things simple, which can be appealing if you're looking for a no-frills calming option. It uses Magnesium Glycinate and L-Theanine — two ingredients with solid research behind them — and avoids artificial dyes or sweeteners. The individual packets are convenient for travel or occasional use, and the light flavor is easy to sip, especially compared to more medicinal-tasting powders.
★ What could be better
While the ingredients are decent, the formula feels underpowered compared to more comprehensive blends. It’s missing key adaptogens like Ashwagandha, and the calming effect is mild — better suited for light stress than deeper nervous system support. The flavor is subtle to the point of bland, and there’s limited transparency around sourcing or clinical testing. On top of that, the price is surprisingly high given the simplicity of the formula.
★ Description
Our naturally soothing formula promotes deep relaxation, calms your nerves, & brightens your mood. Made with delicious fruit flavors for life’s everyday stressors. Just add 1 packet to 6 ounces of cold water and feel your stress slowly slip away…
★ What I love ️
Magnesi-Om has a strong following, and it’s easy to see why — the branding is sleek, and the product includes three forms of magnesium (including glycinate) plus L-Theanine, which is a well-researched combo for relaxation. It’s vegan, mixes easily, and is free from artificial dyes or preservatives. It’s a solid option if you’re already plugged into the Moon Juice ecosystem.
★ What could be better
For a product that markets itself as premium, the experience falls short. The flavor is overly sweet and artificial-tasting, with citric acid and “natural flavors” that don’t match the clean-label branding. It lacks adaptogens and doesn’t deliver a particularly strong calming effect. It also comes in a tub — not single-serve sticks — which isn’t ideal for portability. And at over $2 per serving, it’s one of the most expensive options on the market.
★ Description
Magnesi-Om is a magnesium powder supplement that contains 3 bioavailable forms of Magnesium plus L-Theanine to help restore cellular balance for relaxation, brain health, and regularity. Chelated Magnesium Gluconate and Acetyl Taurinate support muscle relaxation and cognitive function, while Magnesium Citrate supports regular bowel movements. L-Theanine promotes alpha‑wave activity in the brain, shown to encourage a focused calm. Our natural magnesium powder supplement instantly dissolves in water.
★ What I love ️
Venture Pal Calm offers a solid combination of magnesium glycinate and L-theanine, two well-studied ingredients for relaxation. It’s sugar-free, caffeine-free, and comes in stick packs, which makes it convenient for travel or tossing in a gym bag. The formula is relatively clean and doesn’t include any unnecessary fillers or stimulants.
★ What could be better
This is more of a bulk supplement than a thoughtfully designed calming product. There’s no adaptogenic support, no functional add-ons like ashwagandha or B vitamins, and the taste is bland and slightly chalky. While it does use magnesium glycinate, the dosage is low, and the overall calming effect is mild. There’s also little transparency around sourcing, testing, or ingredient quality, and the packaging feels cheap compared to other options.
★ Description
Venture Pal prioritizes your wellness with scientifically proven ingredients. Formulated to reduce stress and cortisol levels, this magnesium supplement helps maintain mental focus and a balanced mood, offering powerful relaxation in a convenient, tasty mix.
★ What I love ️
Recess Mood has some of the best branding in the category — the packaging is eye-catching, and the flavors are more interesting than most. The formula includes magnesium L-threonate (a unique form of magnesium that may support cognitive relaxation), along with L-theanine and a small dose of lemon balm. It’s shelf-stable, ready-to-drink, and available in cans — which is convenient if you want something you can just crack open and sip.
★ What could be better
Despite the hype, the formula is very underdosed — with only about 50mg of magnesium per can, it’s not enough to make a meaningful difference for most people. It’s also expensive, costing over $3 per serving, and doesn’t come in powdered or travel-friendly formats. The calming effect is minimal, and the product feels more like a sparkling beverage with wellness branding than a true functional supplement. It also includes “natural flavors”, which some users find off-putting.
★ Description
Recess Mood powder is a travel-friendly calming drink mix made with magnesium L-threonate, L-theanine, and lemon balm. It’s sugar-free, lightly flavored, and designed to take the edge off during the day. While the branding is strong and the format is convenient, the formula is underpowered, the taste is artificial, and the overall calming effect is subtle — making it a better fit for light stress than serious nervous system support.
★ What I love ️
Magna takes a modern approach to stress relief, combining magnesium glycinate with L-theanine, GABA, and ashwagandha — a strong foundation of calming ingredients. It’s sugar-free, caffeine-free, and comes in slim stick packs, making it convenient to take anytime, anywhere. The formula is non-drowsy, and the light, berry-inspired flavor is pleasant without being overly sweet.
★ What could be better
While the ingredient list looks impressive, the doses are mostly proprietary — you can’t tell how much of each active you're actually getting. That makes it hard to trust its true effectiveness. The product also uses “natural flavors” and stevia, which leave a slightly artificial taste. Despite the minimal packaging, it's still priced at a premium — and without transparent testing or detailed sourcing, it’s tough to justify the cost over more proven options.
★ Description
Magna is a powdered calming supplement designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation without sedation. It features a solid combo of magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, GABA, and ashwagandha, but relies on proprietary blends that hide exact dosages. While it’s easy to use and tastes decent, the lack of transparency and relatively high price make it harder to recommend over cleaner, more effective options.
★ What I love ️
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate is a clean, highly respected capsule supplement. It uses magnesium glycinate, one of the most bioavailable and gentle forms of magnesium for calming the nervous system. The brand is known for its purity — no artificial fillers, allergens, or unnecessary additives. If you’re just looking to increase your magnesium intake in capsule form, this is one of the safest, most reputable choices available.
★ What could be better
This isn’t a powder or drink mix, so it lacks the hydration, ritual, and fast-acting experience you get with products like Nectar. There are no supporting ingredients — no L-theanine, no adaptogens, no B vitamins — just magnesium. You also have to take 1–4 capsules per day, which can be inconvenient for some users. Despite the simplicity, it’s priced at a premium, and may not offer the full calming experience people are looking for in a mood-support product.
★ Description
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate is a high-purity capsule supplement designed to support relaxation, muscle function, and overall wellness. It's well-tolerated and effective for magnesium replenishment, especially for sensitive stomachs. However, it’s not a comprehensive calming formula — and if you're looking for fast-acting stress relief or a drinkable experience, this isn’t it.
★ What I love ️
BioEmblem offers a well-rounded magnesium capsule that includes three forms: magnesium glycinate, malate, and taurate — all known for their high absorption and gentle effects on the digestive system. The formula is clean, vegan, non-GMO, and free from common allergens. It’s a solid choice for someone looking to support sleep, muscle recovery, and mood in capsule form without unnecessary fillers.
★ What could be better
Like most capsule products, it lacks the instant calming ritual and hydration benefits you get from powders. There are no additional calming ingredients like L-theanine, ashwagandha, or lemon balm — just magnesium. You also need to take 2 capsules per serving, which may be a drawback for those trying to simplify their supplement routine. While the blend is good for general wellness, it's not formulated specifically for fast-acting stress or cortisol support. And at over $1 per serving, it’s not the most cost-effective magnesium-only option either.
★ Description
BioEmblem Triple Magnesium Complex is a capsule-based supplement featuring magnesium glycinate, malate, and taurate. It’s formulated to support relaxation, muscle recovery, and cardiovascular health with well-absorbed forms of magnesium. While it’s a clean and well-made product, it’s better suited for long-term nutritional support than for immediate stress relief — and lacks the added ingredients and sensory experience offered by top-tier calming powders.
So to recap, I was looking for a magnesium powder because life gets stressful sometimes and I wanted to make sure I did my best to stay optimally calm and centered. To be honest, I didn't go into this thinking I'd fall in love with any of them, let alone start a subscription and create a new evening ritual.
Nectar Essential Daily Calm checked all of my boxes. It has a wide range of high quality nutritious ingredients with multiple health benefits, from energy to focus to recovery, it actually tastes delicious (light and refreshing) and has the best price.
Their ingredient list is as transparent as it can be, front and centered on their site and packaging. The product contains 4 key calming compounds that our body needs to manage stress in the best way possible and is flavored with organic ingredients. Nectar also checks the box for all the main allergies with a nut, gluten, dairy, caffeine and sugar-free product.
Overall I'm thrilled that I found a magnesium powder that is effective and tastes good. I hope you found this review helpful and that you also find your daily magnesium supplement that can help make sure you're getting the calm you need every day!