Red vs. green vs. white kratom: what the colors mean
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
The colors name the vein of the kratom leaf. People generally describe white as the most energizing, red as the most relaxing, and green as somewhere in between. Brands blend and label differently, so treat the color as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Where the colors come from
Kratom leaves have veins running through them that range from white to green to red. The color is usually linked to how mature the leaf is when it's picked and how it's dried afterward. Research on how much the colors actually differ is thin; most of what's known comes from how people describe them.
The colors at a glance
| Color | How people describe it | When people drink it |
|---|---|---|
| White | Bright, alert, focused | Daytime; as a coffee swap |
| Green | Upbeat and even, not wired | Afternoon, social plans |
| Red | Calm and easygoing | Evening, winding down |
Red vs. green kratom
This is the most common comparison. Red is the evening color: people reach for it the way they'd reach for a beer after work. Green sits in the middle, more upbeat than red and less intense than white, which is why people who want something social often start there.
Green vs. white kratom
If you want energy, white is the one people usually point to. Green is the gentler option for people who find white too much.
What about gold, yellow and "maeng da"?
Gold and yellow are usually drying variations or blends rather than a separate vein color. Maeng da is a strain name, not a color, and it's sold in red, green and white versions.
Colors in canned drinks
Canned kratom drinks usually name the color on the label. Botanical Brewing Co. sells one flavor per color, plus a blend:
| Color | Can | Price |
|---|---|---|
| White | Island Breeze | from $36 |
| Green | Tiki Apple | from $36 |
| Red | Blueberry Lemonade | from $36 |
| All three, double strength | Green Cat 5 | from $56 |
Which color should you try first?
Pick by time of day: white or green before dinner, red after. If you can't decide, a variety pack lets you try each one.
Related: What is kratom? · What does kratom taste like? · Kratom vs. alcohol