5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a compound your body can use to make serotonin. It is commonly sold for mood and sleep support, often in the 50-200 mg range.
The main shopping tradeoff is form: the cheapest 5-HTP products can be dramatically cheaper than familiar capsule bottles, but the cheapest route usually means bulk powder and milligram-scale measuring. Powders can bring the monthly cost way down, while capsules are easier to take consistently and easier to dose without extra tools. The tables below use 200 mg/day as a consistent comparison point so powders, capsules, tablets, softgels, and gummies can be compared on the same monthly-cost basis.
Prices as of June 3, 2026. Prices update daily; this page updates monthly. For current prices and full interactive filters, see the 5-HTP compare page.
| Rank | Brand | Product | Form | Cost per month | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BulkSupplements | BulkSupplements.com 5-HTP Powder - 5-Hydroxytryptophan, 5 H… | Powder | $1.00 | $82.97 |
| 2 | Nutricost | Nutricost 5-HTP Powder 25 Grams (300mg Per Serving) - Glute… | Powder | $3.84 | $15.95 |
| Rank | Brand | Product | Form | Cost per month | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BulkSupplements | BulkSupplements.com 5-HTP Capsules - 5-Hydroxytryptophan, 5… | Capsules | $2.13 | $25.97 |
| 2 | FITO MEDIC'S | Fito Medics 5-HTP Supplement 400 mg – 120 Capsules – Mood &… | Capsules | $3.50 | $13.99 |
| 3 | Amazing Nutrition | Amazing Formulas 5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan) Supplement \… | Capsules | $4.00 | $15.99 |
| 4 | Best Naturals | Best Naturals 5-HTP 200 mg 120 Vegetarian Capsules | Capsules | $4.25 | $16.99 |
| 5 | BioWisdom Nutraceuticals | 5htp 400mg Capsules Per Vegetarian Pill Extra-Strength Max… | Capsules | $4.42 | $17.69 |
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1) Decide whether the powder savings are worth the measuring burden. The lowest-cost 5-HTP options are bulk powders, and the cost difference can be huge. The catch is practical: 5-HTP powder is measured in hundreds of milligrams, not scoops, and some powder labels explicitly tell buyers to use an accurate milligram scale. If you do not want to measure tiny servings carefully, a capsule may be the better product even when the monthly cost is higher.
2) Use the Supplement Facts panel, not the front label, for the real amount. The cleanest 5-HTP labels state a direct amount such as "5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) ... 100 mg" or "5-Hydroxytryptophan ... 200 mg." That is the number to compare. Bottle-count claims like "120 capsules" or "60 day supply" only help after you check serving size and servings per container.
3) Be cautious with percent language around 5-HTP. Some labels mention Griffonia simplicifolia, the seed extract source commonly used for 5-HTP. That source language is normal. What needs closer reading is a label that puts a percentage next to the 5-HTP line, such as "10%" plus a milligram amount. If the label does not make clear whether the listed milligrams are actual 5-HTP or a broader extract amount, choose a clearer label or treat the product as harder to compare.
4) Watch for add-ons that turn a simple 5-HTP product into a stack. Some products include vitamin B6, SAMe, calcium, calming herbs, or other mood/sleep ingredients. Extras are not automatically bad, but they change what you are buying. If your goal is simply 5-HTP, compare the 5-HTP amount and monthly cost first, then decide whether the extra ingredients are worth the premium. If your goal is sleep specifically, it may also be worth comparing products built around Melatonin or L-Theanine.
5) Check whether the serving is one capsule or two. A 200 mg product may deliver that amount in one capsule, two capsules, or a powder serving. That affects convenience, bottle life, and how quickly you go through the product. The rankings account for servings per container, but the label tells you what the daily routine actually looks like.
6) Treat quality signals as tie-breakers after the label is clear. Once two products have clear 5-HTP amounts and similar monthly costs, then look at basics like GMP language, third-party testing claims, capsule type, allergen statements, and simpler formulas. Those signals can help separate close options, but they should not distract from unclear active-ingredient labeling.
Evidence for 5-HTP is emerging. There is human research for mood- and sleep-related outcomes, but much of it is older, relatively small, or mixed. Typical product and study doses often sit around 100-300 mg/day. The 200 mg/day benchmark here is a price-comparison dose, not a claim that 200 mg/day is the best dose for everyone.
The main safety issue is serotonin. If you take antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs), migraine medications, other serotonergic drugs, or multiple serotonin-support supplements, talk with a clinician before using 5-HTP. Avoid stacking 5-HTP with other serotonin-focused products without guidance. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a complex medical history, or are under medical supervision for mental health, get individualized advice before adding it.