We Tested the Olly Combat Cravings Supplement—Here's Everything You Need to Know

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When it comes to health, there is no replacement for consistent exercise and mindful eating. Not only do these habits support well-being, but they’re also recommended by doctors as the best ways to lose weight. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, supplements like Olly Combat Cravings can help support your goals in the short-term.

Olly Combat Cravings is an appetite suppressant that is meant to reduce hunger, which can support diet and fitness goals. Olly claims that its unique formula helps curb appetite while supporting metabolism, maintaining blood sugar levels and boosting energy.

For this review, I spent a month testing one bottle (a 30-day supply) of Olly Combat Cravings. Prior to taking this supplement, I had pretty consistent hunger levels, which I’ll discuss more below. Below, you’ll find the details of my testing experience, along with information on the ingredients used in this supplement. I’ll also share expert advice from a dietitian, who evaluated this supplement for potential benefits and side effects. 

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

If you have a history of eating disorders, disordered eating or any underlying health conditions it is important to discuss your weight loss goals with a doctor first. Always consult with a medical professional before starting a new diet, exercise routine and/or weight loss program to ensure it’s right for you.

Olly Combat Cravings At a Glance

• First ingredient is chromium picolinate, which studies show reduces appetite
• Caffeinated by 50 milligrams of green tea extract
• Ginger extract helps suppress hunger 
• Goji berry extract maintains stable glucose levels
• Less than $20 per bottle

What We Liked:

• Made with four ingredients that are research-backed to reduce hunger
• No synthetic flavors or colors
• Gluten-free
• Vegan
• More affordable than similar alternatives
• Olly is a Certified B Corporation

What to Consider:

• Titanium dioxide is a food additive banned by the European Union
• Malodextrin can worsen irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Chron‘s disease symptoms
• Not safe for those with very severe nut, shellfish, wheat, soy, egg or fish allergies

Olly Combat Cravings Claims

Olly claims that its Combat Cravings supplement “helps keep you in control of food cravings while supporting your metabolism, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and boosting energy.” Olly also promotes its four main ingredients on the bottle. Of chromium, it says: “A clinically studied dose of this trace mineral helps curb food cravings and supports a healthy metabolism for women.” It says green tea “has been traditionally used to boost energy levels.” It cites goji berry as a “superfood used for centuries to help maintain a steady flow of energy.” And it says ginger is “one of the most cherished plants in Ayurvedic medicine” that “supports metabolism.”

My Experience Testing Olly Combat Cravings

I tested one bottle (30 pills) of Olly Combat Cravings supplements over the course of one month. I took it each day except one day about halfway through the month, as I wanted to test how I would feel without the supplement in my system after taking it for a while.

During the first couple of days taking Olly Combat Craving, I felt slightly nauseous. This resulted in me not wanting to eat anything, so I really couldn’t tell if the supplement was reducing my cravings or just making me feel slightly ill. During those first two days, I knew I wasn’t consuming a healthy number of calories—as a moderately active woman I need about 1,800 per day, according to the National Institute on Aging.

By the third day of taking Olly, I was no longer feeling the nausea that prevented me from wanting to eat, but I still had a reduced appetite. Prior to taking the supplement, I would always have a snack around 3 or 4 p.m., when I’d have moderate to intense hunger pangs, but while taking Combat Cravings I didn’t find myself wanting one. I also didn’t feel starving by dinner time, which I would typically feel, particularly if I hadn’t had a mid-afternoon snack.

About two weeks into taking Combat Cravings I took one day off to see if I noticed a difference in my hunger levels. I felt about the same on the day I didn’t take the supplement, but I’ll also note that by about two weeks in, my appetite was stronger than it was during the first days of taking it. It felt like the supplement was less effective as time went on—perhaps my body was getting used to it. Not to say that it stopped working, but by the end of the month, I did not feel like it was reducing my appetite as much as it had earlier on. 

Related Post: Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Review

Quality of Ingredients

Chromium (from Chromax Chromium Picolinate)

Though the exact role of chromium in the body is not known, the National Institutes of Health reports that it “might play a role in carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism by potentiating insulin action.” Olly Combat Cravings contains 1000 mcg of chromium, which is 2,857 percent of your Daily Value. Adults need between 20 and 35 micrograms of chromium per day, but doses of up to 1,000 micrograms of chromium are generally considered safe.

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that chromium picolinate (the form used in this supplement) may help manage food cravings and boost mood, and those who participated in the study lost body fat.

“The National Institutes of Health states that the evidence for weight loss benefits of chromium supplements is limited. This doesn't make it a ‘miracle’ element; it's merely a piece of a larger puzzle that includes diet, exercise and overall lifestyle,” says Evelina Sabonaityte, M.D., dietitian and clinical nutritionist:

Important note: Chromium should not be used in place of professional healthcare. If you are struggling with weight loss, talk to your doctor.

Green Tea Extract

The green tea extract in Olly Combat Cravings is sourced from green tea leaves. Green tea naturally has caffeine, and since this supplement uses a small amount of green tea extract (50 milligrams), there is a low level of caffeine in these pills. Studies have shown that green tea extract can have a number of health benefits, including improving blood sugar levels and gut health. 

Goji Berry Juice Powder

This supplement contains 50 mg of goji berry juice powder. Goji berries are a tropical fruit native to East Asia and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Goji berries are high in antioxidants including vitamin C, which reduce free radicals in the body that can lead to cancer. And some research shows that goji berries can help reduce LDL cholesterol and waist circumference.

Ginger Extract

Olly Combat Cravings is made with 50 milligrams of ginger extract (from ginger root) per serving. Ginger is another plant that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It also has antioxidant properties, and has been shown to have anti-aging benefits. A 2020 study found that ginger helped prevent weight gain by regulating lipid metabolism.

Other ingredients

Olly Combat Cravings also contains microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide and sorbitol. Microcrystalline cellulose is a binder made from wood pulp that is generally considered safe, and hypromellose is an ingredient often used to make supplement capsules and is also regarded as safe. Maltodextrin is a filler ingredient made from processed rice, corn, wheat or potato. Some studies show that maltodextrin can have a negative impact on the intestines, particularly for those with intestinal health conditions. Magnesium stearate is another filler ingredient, but it’s considered safe. Titanium dioxide is also a filler. Though it is still used in the U.S., as of 2021, the European Food Safety Authority says it is not a safe food additive. Sorbitol is an additive used to help retain moisture or sweeten. It is considered safe by the FDA.

Olly Combat Cravings Side Effects

The one side effect I experienced while taking Olly Combat Cravings was nausea. I’ll note that I only really experienced nausea in the first few days of taking the supplement, and by the end of the first week, it had almost completely gone away. Some reviewers on Amazon mentioned that they got headaches from taking Olly Combat Cravings, but also stated that the headaches were mild. However, the vast majority of Amazon reviewers said they experienced no side effects, and many said they’d gotten jittery or anxious from other appetite suppressants.

Consumers should practice caution when taking chromium supplements. “Excessive chromium can lead to issues like kidney damage and can interact with medications like antacids, corticosteroids and beta-blockers. Notably, the risk increases if you’re taking several supplements or medications that contain chromium, as it accumulates in the body,” Sabonaityte says.

Related Post: Olly Vitamins Review

Olly Combat Cravings Cost

Compared to other similar appetite suppressants on the market today, Olly is quite affordable. Olly Combat Cravings is available for purchase on Olly’s website, where it’s sold for $19.99 for one bottle, or $16.99 (a 15 percent saving) if you sign up for a monthly subscription. At the time of writing, Olly Combat Cravings is also available for purchase on Amazon for $17.29 a bottle. A serving is one pill, and with 30 pills per bottle, each serving costs about $0.58.

Who Should Use Olly Combat Cravings

Olly Combat Cravings is a good choice for most people who are looking to dampen hunger pangs. But to make sure it’s right for you, speak to your doctor.

“If you're considering Olly Combat Cravings or a similar supplement, your first step should be a discussion with a healthcare provider who can evaluate its suitability based on your medical history and current medications,” Sabonaityte says. “From there, you can consider adding it as a part of a comprehensive approach to weight management that also includes a sensible diet and regular exercise.”

Who Should Not Use Olly Combat Cravings

Olly states that this supplement is not to be used by pregnant or lactating people or children. Olly also advises those who have medical conditions or take medication to consult with their doctor prior to taking this pill. Those who have a history of kidney problems should not take it, as high doses of chromium have been linked to renal disease.

Anyone looking for a very clean supplement may want to look elsewhere, as some of the filler ingredients, like maltodextrin and titanium dioxide, have been shown to have negative health effects. Lastly, those who have very sensitive allergies should avoid this supplement, as it was produced in a facility with products that may contain soy, shellfish, fish, eggs, nuts and wheat.

What Customers Are Saying About Olly Combat Cravings

Olly Combat Cravings is sold on Olly’s website, Amazon, Target and a number of other online retailers. Reviews on these sites are mainly positive, with the supplement getting 3.9/5 stars on Olly, 3.7/5 stars on Amazon and 3.8/5 stars at Target.

Reviewers on these sites were impressed that they found their hunger reduced and felt less inclined to snack. They were also pleased by the lack of jitters they felt. Some users found that their appetite was the same, and a few reviews mentioned experiencing headaches from taking this supplement. But overall, the majority of customers said Olly Combat Cravings was at least somewhat effective.

About Olly

Olly is a vitamin and supplement brand that was founded by Eric Ryan in 2013. Ryan previously co-founded another successful brand, the green cleaning product company Method, in 2000. Olly’s parent company is Unilever, a U.K.-based consumer goods company that has brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Dove and Seventh Generation under its umbrella.

Olly’s mission is to “make nutrition easy to understand, so you can pursue good health without compromise,” according to the brand’s website. Olly produces a number of vitamins and supplements, including multivitamins, probiotics and prebiotics, sleep supplements and beauty supplements. The majority of Olly products are made in the U.S., but a few products are produced in Colombia (see list here). Olly is a Certified B Corporation, which means it adheres to strict social and environmental standards. All Olly products are third-party tested, and are not tested on animals. And all Olly products except for Beat the Bloat are certified gluten-free.

Olly vs. HUM Nutrition

HUM Nutrition makes a product that is similar to Olly Combat Cravings called Counter Cravings. Counter Cravings is formulated to boost metabolism, reduce cravings and stabilize blood sugar. It’s made with the same form of chromium as Combat Cravings, but has a lower dose (500 micrograms compared to Olly’s 1,000 micrograms). Counter Cravings contains five other ingredients: 15 milligrams of brown seaweed, 200 milligrams of L-theanine, 1.5 milligrams of fucoxanthin, 250 milligrams of Coleus forskohlii powder and 25 milligrams of forskolin. According to HUM, these ingredients help support a healthy body weight.

At the time of writing, HUM Counter Cravings costs $50 per bottle and contains 60 servings per bottle, meaning it costs $0.83 per serving, which is more expensive than Combat Cravings, which is about $0.58 per serving.

Olly Combat Cravings FAQs

Does Olly Combat Cravings help you lose weight?

Many online reviewers commented that they lost weight while taking Olly Combat Cravings. However, it’s important to note that everyone’s body is different, and what works for some may not work for others. Supplements are not a long-term solution for weight loss and are not to be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.

Is Olly Combat Cravings safe?

Olly Combat Cravings is safe for most consumers. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements. “I can't stress this enough: self-supplementing without professional guidance can be risky. Not only is the evidence for chromium's effectiveness limited, but it's also essential to check if adding this supplement to your regimen could interact negatively with any existing medications or conditions you may have,” Sabonaityte says.

How many Olly Combat Cravings can I take per day?

Olly states on the back of the bottle of Combat Cravings that a serving is one capsule. You should not take more than one pill per day. Overconsumption of chromium has been linked to kidney problems.

What’s the best time to take Olly Combat Cravings?

Olly doesn’t recommend a specific time to take Combat Cravings—it simply instructs users to take one capsule per day with water. Since it contains some caffeine, it’s better to take it earlier in the day, so that it doesn’t interfere with your sleep. Personally, I took each pill in the morning before I had anything to eat, and I found that method to be successful.

Takeaway: Is Olly Combat Cravings Worth It?

In my opinion, Olly Combat Cravings is worth trying. A bottle costs less than $20, which is cheaper than other similar appetite suppressants on the market today. I found my hunger reduced, and the side effects I experienced—some nausea—were mild. I’d recommend this product to most consumers, but of course, consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.