It’s the battle between the mega-giant nootropic brand Neuriva and a lesser-known brand, NooCube. Both are non-stimulant brain supplements. However, Neuriva is available at your local grocery store.
Does that make Neuriva more legitimate? Here’s my verdict.
Quick Verdict
Noocube is hands down the better nootropic. It’s a great product, capable of delivering comprehensive brain enhancements, and one of the better nootropics on the market.
At the same time, Neuriva has only two active ingredients, one of which has no independent scientific backing whatsoever. The product has seen controversy for false claims, and in my opinion, it’s not worth the money as it doesn’t provide any benefits.
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Noocube |
| Dosage | NooCube |
| Short-Term Effects | Noocube |
| Long Term Effects | NooCube |
| Third-Party Testing | Noocube |
| Clinical Research | NooCube |
| Side Effects | NooCube |
| User Reviews | Neuriva |
| Price | Neuriva |
Winner
NooCube is my #1 non-stimulant nootropic choice because of the range of ingredients in the formulation and the mental sharpness I’ve felt using it.
Neuriva conducted it’s own studies to validate its product but is skewed heavily with bias. Further, the short ingredients list holds nothing to NooCube.
What Is Noocube?
NooCube is an all-encompassing nootropic supplement intended for daily use that reduces brain fatigue and improves memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
Appropriate for athletes, students, and working professionals, the all-natural, twelve-component supplement has the capacity to promote comprehensive, long-term cognitive development.
While most of the effects appear gradually over time with consistent daily usage, others, including improved mood and reduced anxiety, can be noticed even after a few days.
You can read my full breakdown in my NooCube review.
What Is Neuriva?
Neuriva is one of the most popular nootropic brain-boosting supplements, available at large grocery stores like Walmart and Target.
Neuriva is marketed as a brain performance supplement, and it has garnered attention for its simple but bold claims of enhancing cognitive abilities.
The product is specifically intended for people looking to boost their memory and mental clarity as they age.
Reckitt, the parent company of Neuriva, develops and sells a wide range of well-known health and nutrition products. Some names you might recognize include Durex, Dettol, and Mucinex.
You can read my full breakdown in my Neuriva review.
Noocube vs. Neuriva Main Differences
Benefits
The promised benefits of Noocube are diverse and span the whole spectrum of cognitive performance. Specifically, the product can enhance focus, problem-solving skills, memory, and mental alertness.
Other benefits promised by Noocube are eye protection from screen-related fatigue and reduced brain fog and fatigue, making the product very attractive for people working on computers.
Neuriva targets mostly older adults and advertises the product as a brain health supplement. The main goal is to increase the levels of BDNF, which is critical for the survival, growth, and maintenance of brain cells. Additionally, the product promises improvements in memory and learning ability.
Ingredients
Noocube has a list of 12 ingredients that work synergistically to enhance the brain in different ways and make it work better.
Neuriva has only two active ingredients, and one of them is suspicious as a nootropic, to say the least.
I will start the comparison with Noocube’s ingredients as it’s the better product. This is the latest 3.0 version of the formula, which is a small but important upgrade over the previous versions, and it changed some of the source materials to remove allergens.
L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, is a potent antioxidant incorporated in practically all nootropics due to its good effect on stress relief [1] and improved verbal fluency and executive function [2].
The suggested dose is 200 mg. While Noocube has 100 mg, which is not optimal, L-theanine is known to work well with other substances.
The second cornerstone nootropic component is L-tyrosine, which is proven to improve mind flexibility and multitasking [3]. Noocube contains 250 mg of L-Tyrosine, which is around the norm for nootropics.
The third potent ingredient is the ayurvedic herb Bacopa monnieri. It has been proven to improve verbal learning, memory acquisition, and delayed recall by helping brain receptors process information [4].
Huperzine A is a substance linked with potentially assisting recovery from brain injuries and enhancing brain function in Alzheimer’s disease patients [8,9].
Cat’s claw is commonly found in nootropic formulations, as is in Noocube, due to time-honored traditions that employ it to improve cognitive function. However, there is no clinical research proving these advantages.
Lutemax 2020 is a substance in Noocube that receives much attention on the official website. It is a combination of three carotenoids said to boost attention and verbal memory while also promoting eye health.
According to a study published in the Journal of Aging Research, older men and women who maintained normal cognitive strength in their later years had higher levels of the three said carotenoids in the parts of the brain responsible for information processing.
However, studies about Lutemax 2020 are inconclusive, and some of the promises may be unfounded.
Panax ginseng is a well-researched ingredient in Noocube and has been historically used to reduce stress. Recent research shows multiple cognitive advantages, such as improved working memory and faster recall. [5,6,7].
The current version of the formula now contains Choline Bitartrate as an additional ingredient. Recent studies show enhanced memory in older adults and patients with neurological disorders but not in healthy individuals. [10].
Other speculative compounds with potential but no certain results in Noocube are Resveratrol and Pterostilbene Cat’s Claw.
Neuriva claims to achieve all of the advertised outcomes with just two components. The first ingredient is coffee fruit extract. Coffee fruit grows on the same plant as coffee beans, and the extract is utilized as a nootropic and marketed as Neurofactor.
Studies reveal improvements in reaction times and may improve decision-making accuracy and increased levels of BDNF, which is crucial for brain function [11,12].
While the trials show great potential, there is an essential flaw: they were done and analyzed solely by the firm that manufactures the coffee berry extract. For me, this is a possible big-time bias.
The other active component of Neuriva is phosphatidylserine. Unlike coffee extract, Phosphatidylserine is a well-studied nootropic substance that improves cognition in older adults and people with neurological illnesses [12,13].
Neuriva is available in three versions: Original, Plus, and Ultra. The difference lies in the quantity of each ingredient.
The Original has 100 mg of coffee fruit extract, the Plus contains 200 mg, and the Ultra includes an additional component called Alpinia Galanga, which is just as unsupported as Neurofactor.
Stimulant vs. Non-stimulant
Both Noocube and Mind Lab Pro are classified as non-stimulant nootropics, which means they do not contain caffeine or other stimulant substances that enhance energy and focus immediately.
Neuriva contains coffee fruit extract, but don’t let the name let you think this is a stimulant. The coffee fruit contains only 0.4-1% caffeine, which is negligible. For one dose of Neuriva, you will be taking 1 mg of caffeine.
Short vs. Long-Term Effects
The optimal effects of non-stimulant nootropics are felt only after consistent use.
Manufacturers usually advise customers to take the pills for 3 months to gauge the full scope of the product for them.
My experience shows that the first more noticeable effects come in the second week, and around a month in, you get a pretty good idea of whether the nootropic is working. This is why I conduct 4-week tests before I do a review.
Nootropics aim to deliver sustained benefits for productivity over time, even though there is potential for immediate enhancements in focus and stress relief.
The manufacturer of Neuriva recommends users take it for 30 days and undergo a brain health test in an app before and after to assess their development.
I haven’t had much success with Neuriva, but I appreciate this approach because it’s similar to one of my favorite nootropics, Braini, and gives you a more measurable effectiveness metric.
Clinical Research
Noocube contains 12 clinically researched ingredients, and I have shared some relevant ones in this review’s ingredients section.
Not all of them are thoroughly proven, but even the more speculative ones have been studied to a degree and show solid promise for brain-enhancing properties.
Currently, there aren’t any studies done on the complete Noocube formula.
Neuriva has complete formula studies, but there is a major flaw. All of them were paid for, conducted, and analyzed by corporations that manufacture the individual substances, making me doubt the accuracy of the research.
Neuriva has been accused of falsely marketing its product as scientifically proven to increase brain ability. As an agreement on the case, the company has agreed to update all labels and marketing pieces and to remove the term “clinically proven.”
Side Effects
There aren’t any officially reported side effects from the two supplements. I also haven’t experienced any issues with either during my trials.
A small percentage of people can encounter light headaches or stomach problems with Noocube due to sensitivity to some ingredients.
I have also found quite a few Neuriva reviews on Amazon, where users complain about feeling light-headed or tired, so keep that in mind if you decide to try the product out (which, if you are guided by my review alone, won’t ever do).
User Reviews
There are only two categories where Neuriva beats Noocube- user review transparency and price. Since Neuriva is on Amazon, you get access to all reviews, and there is a ton of them.
To be more precise, there are around 30,000 at the time of writing this. And what I find shocking is the 4.2/5 score, meaning thousands of people are happy with their purchase.
I can only attribute this to a placebo.
Noocube, on the other hand, does not provide many reviews, and the ones accessible praise the product. So, there is no way to determine the actual user experience with the product, and you will have to consult with reviews such as this one or hope to find some personal opinions on Reddit.
Price
| Product | Original / 1 Bottle | Plus / 3 Bottles | Ultra / 5 Bottles |
|---|---|---|---|
| NooCube | $64.99 / 30 servings ($1.95/ serving) | $129.99 / 90 servings ($1.44/serving) | $194.99 / 150 servings ($1.30/serving) |
| Neuriva | $26.31 / 28 servings ($0.94/serving) | $29.52 / 30 servings ($0.98/serving) | $49.86 / 45 servings ($1.44/serving w/ subscription) |
My Experience With Noocube And Neuriva
My experience with Noocube has been great and utterly unremarkable with Neuriva.
Noocube, just like all non-stimulant nootropics, doesn’t bring immediate results. However, once I started the second week of my 4-week test, I experienced a noticeable improvement in my ability to focus on the work at hand, and my urge to distract myself with meaningless entertainment was much lower.
In the third week, I started to feel more energized throughout the day, and my afternoon brain fog induced by staring at the screen was all but gone, which was a big thing for me.
Nothing of the sort happened in my test period of Neuriva. I was highly skeptical of the product, which I admit likely has some effect on the perceived results, but nothing happened in the 30 days I took it. And I constantly evaluate my conditions for possible changes.
Should You Choose Noocube Or Neuriva?
Some reviews and recommendations are easy to make, and this is one of them. Always choose Noocube if you want to have brain benefits.
The only areas where Neuriva surpasses Noocube are availability in big stores and cheaper prices. But when there is no effect, these two become meaningless.
Noocube is one of the best-formulated nootropics on the market. It boasts a well-formulated list of 12 clinically tested and mostly proven ingredients that can go a long way toward delivering cognitive enhancement if you give it enough time.
Winner
NooCube Brain Productivity
A non-stimulant nootropic with a comprehensive formulation for smooth energy and long-term brain health.
CHECK CURRENT DEALSSecond Option
Neuriva
A readily available nootropic supplement at your local grocery store but lacks brain boosting benefits.
CHECK CURRENT DEALSReferences
- Hidese, S., Ogawa, S., Ota, M., Ishida, I., Yasukawa, Z., Ozeki, M., & Kunugi, H. (2019). Effects of L-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 11(10), 2362.
- Williams, J. L., Everett, J. M., D’Cunha, N. M., Sergi, D., Georgousopoulou, E. N., Keegan, R. J., … & Naumovski, N. (2020). The effects of green tea amino acid L-theanine consumption on the ability to manage stress and anxiety levels: A systematic review. Plant foods for human nutrition, 75, 12-23.
- Steenbergen, L., Sellaro, R., Hommel, B., & Colzato, L. S. (2015). Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility: evidence from proactive vs. reactive control during task switching performance. Neuropsychologia, 69, 50-55.
- Morgan, A., & Stevens, J. (2010). Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 16(7), 753-759.
- Park, K. C., Jin, H., Zheng, R., Kim, S., Lee, S. E., Kim, B. H., & Yim, S. V. (2019). Cognition enhancing effect of panax ginseng in Korean volunteers with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Translational and Clinical Pharmacology, 27(3), 92-97.
- Kennedy, D. O., Reay, J. L., & Scholey, A. B. (2007). Effects of 8 weeks administration of Korean Panax ginseng extract on the mood and cognitive performance of healthy individuals. Journal of Ginseng Research, 31(1), 34.
- Kennedy, D. O., & Scholey, A. B. (2003). Ginseng: potential for the enhancement of cognitive performance and mood. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 75(3), 687-700.
- Li, J., Wu, H. M., Zhou, R. L., Liu, G. J., & Dong, B. R. (2008). Huperzine A for Alzheimer’s disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).
- Mei, Z., Zheng, P., Tan, X., Wang, Y., & Situ, B. (2017). Huperzine A alleviates neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and improves cognitive function after repetitive traumatic brain injury. Metabolic Brain Disease, 32, 1861-1869.
- Lippelt DP, van der Kint S, van Herk K, Naber M (2016) No Acute Effects of Choline Bitartrate Food Supplements on Memory in Healthy, Young, Human Adults. PLoS ONE 11(6): e0157714. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0157714
- Reyes-Izquierdo, T., Nemzer, B., Shu, C., Huynh, L., Argumedo, R., Keller, R., & Pietrzkowski, Z. (2013). Modulatory effect of coffee fruit extract on plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy subjects. British Journal of Nutrition, 110(3), 420-425.
- Robinson, J. L., Hunter, J. M., Reyes-Izquierdo, T., Argumedo, R., Brizuela-Bastien, J., Keller, R., & Pietrzkowski, Z. J. (2020). Cognitive short-and long-term effects of coffee cherry extract in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, 27(6), 918-934.
- Kang, E. Y., Cui, F., Kim, H. K., Nawaz, H., Kang, S., Kim, H., … & Go, G. W. (2022). Effect of phosphatidylserine on cognitive function in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ????????, 54(1), 52-58.
- Ma, X., Li, X., Wang, W., Zhang, M., Yang, B., & Miao, Z. (2022). Phosphatidylserine, inflammation, and central nervous system diseases. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14, 975176.
Affiliate Disclosure:
The links provided may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase the recommended product. This support allows our research and editorial team to continue providing high-quality recommendations. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising initiative, we are able to earn advertising fees through providing links to products on Amazon.com. Please rest assured that we only recommend high-quality products.
