Best CLA Supplements (2026)

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in beef and dairy that has gained popularity as a body composition supplement. Research suggests CLA may support modest reductions in body fat while helping preserve lean muscle mass, making it a staple for fitness enthusiasts and dieters. The best CLA supplements are derived from non-GMO safflower oil and standardized to high concentrations of active CLA isomers.

Quick Comparison

Product	CLA per Serving	Form	Best For	Rating
Sports Research CLA 1250mg (95%)	1,188 mg	Softgels	Best Overall	9.5/10
NatureWise CLA 1300	1,235 mg	Softgels	Best Value	9.3/10
Bronson CLA 3000	2,250 mg	Softgels	Most Potent	9.2/10
BulkSupplements CLA 2000mg	1,560 mg	Softgels	Best Budget	9.1/10
NOW Foods CLA 800mg	2,400 mg (3 softgels)	Softgels	Best Trusted Brand	9.0/10
Zazzee High Potency CLA 3600	2,520 mg	Softgels	Best High-Dose	9.2/10
Pure Encapsulations CLA 1000mg	780 mg	Softgels	Best Premium	9.0/10

1. Zazzee High Potency CLA 3600 – Best High-Dose

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Zazzee’s CLA 3600 delivers one of the highest per-serving CLA concentrations available, providing 2,520 mg of active conjugated linoleic acid from non-GMO safflower oil in a convenient three-softgel serving.

Each serving (3 softgels) provides 3,600 mg of safflower oil standardized to 70% CLA, yielding 2,520 mg of active conjugated linoleic acid. The formula uses non-GMO safflower oil and contains no artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives. Each bottle contains 180 softgels for a 60-day supply. Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP-certified facility and third-party tested for purity and potency.

• Pros:
• High-potency formula with 2,520 mg active CLA per serving
• Non-GMO safflower oil source with no artificial additives
• Made in the USA with third-party testing

• Cons:
• Requires 3 softgels per serving
• Lower CLA concentration percentage (70%) than some competitors

Best for: Users who want a high-dose CLA supplement from a reputable brand with transparent testing

2. Sports Research CLA 1250mg (95%) – Best Overall

Sports Research delivers the highest CLA purity on the market at 95% active conjugated linoleic acid per softgel, meaning you get more active compound per capsule than virtually any competitor.

Each 1,250 mg softgel provides 1,188 mg of active CLA at a 95% standardization from non-GMO safflower oil. This is a one-softgel-per-day formula, making it the most convenient option on this list. The product is cGMP compliant, manufactured in the USA, IGEN non-GMO tested, and third-party verified. It’s also soy-free and gluten-free. Sports Research has a strong reputation for clean, simple supplement formulations. 90 softgels per bottle for a 3-month supply.

• Pros:
• Industry-leading 95% CLA purity — maximum active compound per softgel
• Just one softgel per day — simplest dosing on this list
• Third-party tested and IGEN non-GMO verified

• Cons:
• Lower total CLA per serving compared to multi-softgel formulas
• Contains gelatin (not suitable for vegans)

Best for: Anyone who wants the purest CLA supplement with simple one-a-day dosing and rigorous third-party testing

3. NatureWise CLA 1300 – Best Value

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NatureWise CLA 1300 combines a high 95% active CLA concentration with a 180-count bottle at an affordable price point, offering outstanding long-term value for consistent supplementation.

Each softgel contains 1,300 mg of safflower oil standardized to 95% CLA, providing approximately 1,235 mg of active conjugated linoleic acid. NatureWise uses non-GMO safflower oil and keeps the formula stimulant-free with no artificial additives. The 180-softgel bottle lasts up to 6 months with one-per-day dosing, making the per-serving cost exceptionally low. Gluten-free and non-GMO. Manufactured in the USA under GMP standards.

• Pros:
• 180-count bottle at an affordable price — up to 6 months supply
• 95% CLA purity matches premium competitors
• Stimulant-free and non-GMO

• Cons:
• Contains gelatin — not vegan-friendly
• Some users report softgels are larger than expected

Best for: Budget-conscious users who want high-purity CLA in a long-lasting supply

4. Bronson CLA 3000 – Most Potent

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Bronson CLA 3000 delivers an extra-high-potency 2,250 mg of active CLA per two-softgel serving, backed by clinical research and manufactured under strict pharmaceutical-grade standards.

Each serving (2 softgels) provides 3,000 mg of safflower oil standardized to 75% CLA, yielding 2,250 mg of active conjugated linoleic acid. Bronson has been manufacturing supplements since 1960 and produces all products in their own GMP-certified facility in the USA. The formula is non-stimulating, non-GMO, soy-free, and free from artificial additives. 120 softgels per bottle for a 60-day supply. Clinically studied ingredient doses referenced on the label.

• Pros:
• Extra-high potency with 2,250 mg active CLA per serving
• 60+ years of manufacturing experience with in-house production
• Non-stimulating formula suitable for any time of day

• Cons:
• Two softgels per serving required
• 75% CLA standardization is lower than 95% competitors

Best for: Users who want maximum CLA dosage per serving from a legacy supplement brand

5. NOW Foods CLA 800mg – Best Trusted Brand

NOW Foods brings its decades-long reputation for quality supplements to CLA, delivering 800 mg of CLA per softgel from non-GMO safflower oil with comprehensive quality certifications.

Each softgel provides 800 mg of CLA derived from non-GMO safflower oil, with a recommended serving of 3 softgels daily for a total of 2,400 mg active CLA. NOW Foods is A-rated and GMP-certified with in-house ISO/IEC accredited laboratories for stability, potency, and formulation testing. The product is kosher, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, corn-free, and soy-free. 180 softgels per bottle for a 60-day supply at the recommended 3-per-day dosage. Family-owned and operated since 1968.

• Pros:
• A-rated GMP certification with in-house ISO-accredited testing labs
• Free from 8 major allergens — excellent for sensitive users
• Established, trusted brand with over 55 years in the industry

• Cons:
• Requires 3 softgels per serving for full dosage
• Lower CLA per individual softgel than concentrated competitors

Best for: Quality-conscious consumers who trust established brands with rigorous in-house testing standards

6. BulkSupplements CLA 2000mg – Best Budget

BulkSupplements delivers a straightforward, no-frills CLA supplement at one of the lowest per-serving costs on the market, backed by third-party testing and cGMP manufacturing.

Each serving (2 softgels) provides 2,000 mg of CLA complex standardized to 78% conjugated linoleic acid, yielding approximately 1,560 mg of active CLA. The formula also includes small amounts of avocado oil and olive oil. BulkSupplements is known for clean, minimalist formulations without unnecessary additives. 300 softgels per bottle for a 150-day supply, making it one of the longest-lasting CLA supplements available. Third-party tested for compliance and manufactured under cGMP standards. Dairy-free, soy-free, and sugar-free.

• Pros:
• 300-count bottle — 150-day supply at an ultra-low per-serving cost
• Third-party tested and cGMP manufactured
• Clean formula with no dairy, soy, or sugar

• Cons:
• 78% CLA concentration is lower than 95% premium options
• Minimal branding and packaging — no-frills presentation

Best for: Cost-conscious buyers who want a bulk supply of CLA with reliable quality standards

7. Pure Encapsulations CLA 1000mg – Best Premium

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Pure Encapsulations is a practitioner-trusted brand that delivers pharmaceutical-grade CLA in a hypoallergenic formula, making it the top choice for users with sensitivities or those who follow healthcare provider recommendations.

Each softgel provides 1,000 mg of CLA from safflower oil, standardized to 78% active conjugated linoleic acid (approximately 780 mg per softgel). Pure Encapsulations is known for its rigorous quality standards, with every product free from unnecessary additives, GMOs, and common allergens. The brand is frequently recommended by healthcare practitioners and used in clinical settings. 180 softgels per bottle. Manufactured under strict quality standards with third-party verification.

• Pros:
• Practitioner-trusted, pharmaceutical-grade quality
• Hypoallergenic formula — free from common allergens and additives
• Clean, simple ingredient list with no fillers

• Cons:
• Premium price significantly higher than standard CLA supplements
• 78% CLA standardization — lower active CLA per softgel than 95% options

Best for: Users who prioritize pharmaceutical-grade quality and hypoallergenic formulations, or those taking CLA on a practitioner’s recommendation

8. Horbaach CLA 2000mg – Best High-Count

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Horbaach delivers maximum value with a 300-count bottle of high-potency CLA softgels at an aggressively low price point, providing nearly 5 months of supplementation per bottle.

Each softgel provides 2,000 mg of CLA from safflower oil in a maximum-potency formulation. The formula is non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from artificial flavors. With 300 softgels per bottle at a one-per-day serving, this is one of the longest-lasting CLA supplements available. Horbaach manufactures in a GMP-compliant facility and provides laboratory-tested products. The brand offers a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to supplementation.

• Pros:
• 300 softgels per bottle — nearly 10 months at one per day
• Maximum potency 2,000 mg per single softgel
• Non-GMO and gluten-free at a very affordable price

• Cons:
• CLA percentage standardization not prominently disclosed
• Less well-known brand compared to established competitors

Best for: Users who want a long-lasting supply of high-potency CLA at the lowest possible cost per softgel

How to Choose the Best CLA Supplement

The most important factor when selecting a CLA supplement is the active CLA concentration. Look for products standardized to 80–95% conjugated linoleic acid — the higher the percentage, the more active compound you get per softgel. Products with lower standardization (50–70%) require more softgels to reach effective dosages. Most CLA supplements are derived from safflower oil, which is the preferred source for high-purity CLA production.

Clinical research on CLA typically uses dosages between 1,800–6,000 mg of active CLA per day, with most studies showing modest body composition benefits at 3,000–4,000 mg daily. For general supplementation, 1,000–2,000 mg per day is a reasonable starting point. Higher doses don’t necessarily produce proportionally greater results and may increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects.

CLA supplements come exclusively in softgel form since CLA is a fat-soluble compound. Take CLA with meals containing some dietary fat for optimal absorption. Consistency matters more than timing — benefits from CLA supplementation are cumulative and typically require 6–12 weeks of daily use to become noticeable.

Look for GMP-certified manufacturing, non-GMO safflower oil, and third-party testing. Avoid products with excessive fillers, artificial additives, or those that don’t clearly disclose the CLA concentration percentage on the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CLA and what does it do?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid found primarily in beef and dairy products. As a supplement, CLA may help reduce body fat by influencing enzymes involved in fat metabolism, potentially improving the ratio of lean muscle to body fat over time. It works through non-stimulatory mechanisms, meaning it doesn’t increase heart rate or cause jitters like caffeine-based fat burners.

How much CLA should I take daily?

Most clinical studies use dosages between 1,800–4,000 mg of active CLA daily. A common effective dose is 3,000–3,400 mg per day, divided across two or three servings with meals. Start with a lower dose (1,000–1,500 mg) and increase gradually to assess tolerance, as some people experience mild digestive discomfort at higher doses.

When is the best time to take CLA?

CLA should be taken with meals that contain dietary fat to enhance absorption. Many users split their dose between morning and evening meals. Since CLA is stimulant-free, it can be taken at any time of day without affecting sleep quality. Consistency is more important than precise timing.

Are there any side effects of CLA?

CLA is generally well-tolerated, but some users may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms including bloating, gas, nausea, or loose stools — particularly at higher doses. These effects typically diminish with continued use. Some research has raised concerns about CLA’s potential effects on insulin sensitivity at very high doses, so individuals with metabolic conditions should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.

Can CLA help with weight loss?

Research suggests CLA may produce modest reductions in body fat (approximately 0.2–0.5 lbs per week more than placebo) when combined with a consistent exercise program and balanced diet. CLA is not a dramatic weight loss supplement but may help improve body composition over time, particularly when used alongside resistance training. It works best as a complement to diet and exercise, not a replacement.

How long does it take for CLA to work?

Most studies showing meaningful body composition changes with CLA supplementation lasted 8–12 weeks. Noticeable differences in body composition typically require at least 6 weeks of consistent daily use. CLA is a slow-acting supplement that works through metabolic pathways rather than providing immediate effects.