Different Types of Kratom: Colors, Strains, and How to Choose

Kratom has been part of Southeast Asian tradition for centuries, but in the U.S. and Europe, it’s only in the past two decades that it has become a household name. Newcomers are often surprised by the numerous varieties that exist. You’ll see online kratom products labeled by:

• Color (red, green, white, yellow/gold)

• Strain name (Maeng Da, Bali, Borneo, Malay, Thai, Sumatra)

• Form (powders, kratom capsules, extracts, gummies, shots)

Understanding the different types of kratom strains is super helpful when you're shopping for kratom. You can compare the different types and pick the one that suits your needs. But sorting through this terminology can feel like learning a new language.

What does “red” actually mean? Is “Bali” really from Bali? And how is a kratom shot different from capsules or tea?

We're here to help. In this guide, we'll cover what the different types of kratom mean and what this means when you get ready to buy kratom. The goal is not to push one type over another, but to help you navigate the options responsibly and confidently.

Kratom “Types” at a Glance (Quick Chart)

*Based on consumer reports, not medical evidence. Experiences vary.

This table is a quick snapshot. In the sections that follow, we’ll unpack what colors mean, how strain names evolved, and how form factors can affect your experience.

Understanding Different Types of Kratom Strains

Even experienced kratom users may stumble over the different types of kratom, simply because there are so many. To avoid any confusion when you're shopping for kratom, it's best to know a little about the strains, uses, and effects. 

What Are the Different Types of Kratom?

We all know how kratom can help us be more comfortable, feel good, and soar through stressful days with ease. But each kratom product says something different on the label. How do we know we're using the right one? And what does all of it mean?

Kratom comes in several color varieties depending on the hue of the central leaf veins. Each type has unique properties, making them suitable for different needs.

• Red Vein Kratom: Red vein kratom strains are known for their calming and soothing effects. Red kratom is a popular choice for relaxation, stress relief, and promoting better sleep. Many people use it to manage discomfort and unwind after a long day.

• White Vein Kratom: White kratom has the most stimulating properties. White kratom is a popular choice for a boost in focus, jitter-free energy levels, more motivation, and improved mental clarity. Often used as a coffee replacement or alternative.  

• Green Vein Kratom: Green kratom strikes a balance between red and white kratom,    offering mild energy and enhancing mood. Because it's not too overly stimulating or sedating, green kratom appeals for everyday use. 

Other color variations of kratom, like yellow kratom or gold kratom, are usually blends of the three main types of kratom: red, green, and white.

How Kratom Strains Are Classified

Besides color venation, kratom strains are also classified by their region of origin or given an industry name. Processing and drying methods are also important in kratom typing.

• Vein Color: The three main types (red, green, and white vein kratom) are distinguished by the color of the central vein in the leaves. This color reflects differences in alkaloid composition.

• Region of Origin: Kratom strains like  Malay, Borneo, Sumatra, and Thai Kratom often denote where they were cultivated. Different climates and soil conditions contribute to the variations in potency and effects.

• Processing Methods: After harvesting, kratom leaves undergo different drying and fermentation processes to further refine a strain's properties. Some strains, like Maeng Da or enhanced kratom varieties, are specially processed to increase potency.

What Do Kratom Colors Mean?

When people talk about types of kratom, colors come up first. Red, green, and white are the core categories, with yellow and gold added later. These aren’t separate plant species. They’re the result of leaf maturity, drying methods, and vendor conventions.

At the heart of the strain colors are the alkaloid profiles that provide their distinct effects. Learn more about kratom alkaloids and how they affect your experience.

Red, Green, and White Vein Kratom Strains

The red, green, and white strains are the naturally occurring kratom strains. They can vary widely depending on the region where they are grown. That said, each color venation has a specific “personality” that kratom enthusiasts enjoy learning about. 

Below are the kratom colors explained in simple terms. These make it easier to see how vein type influences strength, duration, and overall experience.

Red Kratom Strains

You may have heard the industry saying “red is for bed”. Like indica is to cannabis, red kratom is the more relaxing version of kratom. It’s great for evenings or late-day relaxing. The 7-hydroxymitragynine content is a little higher for the reds. This translates to a higher level of calm assistance, well-being support, or general discomfort relief, a common reason people turn to kratom.  

Red kratom is harvested from mature leaves with red-tinted veins. Farmers often dry these leaves longer, either indoors or in direct sunlight. Some strains are fermented to capture their alkaloid profiles. 

White Kratom Strains

In the plant world there are families of plant species that share common traits. This makes kratom and coffee cousins, sharing familial traits like a plant-based energy boost. The whites are the kratom strains that carry this energetic spin, likely due to higher mitragynine content. A minor alkaloid, corynantheidine, may also play a role.  

Recommended Read: Difference Between Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine 

White veins typically occur in younger leaves that are dried quickly, often indoors. Fans of the white veins enjoy it most for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon clarity boost.  

Green Kratom Strains

You’ll hear “green is in between,” which captures only a partial description of the green veins. Yes, energetically they can fall between the whites and reds, but some green strains can feel more uplifting than some white strains. Sampling the different white and green stains can help you pick out the strains that best suit your energy support needs. 

Many consumers consider it the “middle ground,” not as heavy as red, not as brisk as white—some report calm clarity or a balanced effect.

Green veins are rarer on the trees, but attention to the drying process can develop these unique strains. Greens are usually picked earlier and dried under partial sunlight. 

Yellow and Gold Kratom

Yellow and gold strains don’t grow naturally on the tree. So, where do they come from?

Yellow and gold kratom represent the dedication and creativity of kratom farmers. Post-harvest techniques shape the hue of the powders and their nuanced effects. Combining strains can also produce innovative blends. Yellow and gold strains are often described as mellow. These easy-going options are popular with beginners and moderate users who want a slow-roll effect from their kratom.

Yellow kratom, or golden kratom, is a beautiful example of the complexity and versatility of the kratom plant. Each vendor may approach exact methods differently, but the resulting blends have a paler hue. Some vendors sun-dry red or white leaves longer, while others ferment leaves in bags or blend multiple colors together.

ACS Laboratory is one of the few labs that analyze and publish information about kratom strains. They term yellow and gold kratom as "processing outcomes" rather than "botanical categories". As you'd expect, these strains have different alkaloid profiles.

Where the Names Come From

For kratom shoppers, the colors can guide expectations, but they are not hard science. Trustworthy vendors provide lab results that show alkaloid percentages. This information is more important than the actual color names given the strains. 

Once you understand colors, the next layer is strain names. Maeng Da, Bali, Thai, Malay, Borneo, and Sumatra are some of the most common. At first glance, they sound like distinct subspecies or regions. The truth is more complicated.

• Maeng Da: Originally Thai slang for “pimp grade,” this label has become shorthand for “strong kratom.” Vendors use it for higher-alkaloid batches, regardless of actual origin.

• Bali: Once associated with kratom exported through Bali, Indonesia. Today, many “Bali” strains don’t come from the island at all. The name stuck as marketing shorthand.

• Borneo: Refers to kratom sourced from the island of Borneo, though quality and alkaloid content vary.

• Malay: Suggests Malaysian sourcing; often marketed as smoother or longer-lasting.

• Thai: Historically tied to kratom from Thailand, but Thai kratom faced legal restrictions for decades. Now “Thai” is more of a style than a guarantee of origin.

• Sumatra: Linked to Indonesia’s Sumatra island; can appear as red, green, or white Sumatra, with varied profiles.

If you’re a fan of Maeng Da kratom for its strength, you may also enjoy Kava + Kratom shots, which are designed for strength, stability, and balance.

Why the Variation Matters

Scientific reviews, such as a 2023 MDPI review, show that alkaloid content can vary significantly between batches. This even happens within the same color variations. The label “red” doesn’t guarantee a consistent chemical profile, nor does “Bali” represent a standardized alkaloid profile. Vendor conventions can help shoppers compare, but they aren’t regulated standards. 

That’s why lab testing (COAs) is critical. It's the most reliable way to see the lab-tested alkaloid content and batch transparency. Reliable vendors are happy to display their COAs for consumers.

While the strain names and colors are guides, your best source of “experience” information is to read consumer reviews and sample the different types of kratom—like our 150mg kratom kava shot!

Why the Variation Matters

Scientific reviews, such as a 2023 MDPI review, show that alkaloid content can vary significantly between batches. This even happens within the same color variations. The label “red” doesn’t guarantee a consistent chemical profile, nor does “Bali” represent a standardized alkaloid profile. Vendor conventions can help shoppers compare, but they aren’t regulated standards. 

That’s why lab testing (COAs) is critical. It's the most reliable way to see the lab-tested alkaloid content and batch transparency. Reliable vendors are happy to display their COAs for consumers.

While the strain names and colors are guides, your best source of “experience” information is to read consumer reviews and sample the different types of kratom—like our 150mg kratom kava shot!

 

Forms of Kratom (How the Type You Choose Gets Delivered)

Kratom products differ not only by color or strain but also by form factor, which changes taste, convenience, and potency.

• Powder – The most traditional form, ground from dried leaves. Versatile and affordable, but bitter. Discover more details about the recently trending 7-hydroxymitragynine powder here.  

• Capsules – Pre-measured powder in easy-to-swallow shells. Portable and taste-free, but slower to absorb. For more details on dosing, check out how many kratom capsules to take. 

• Extracts & Enhanced Powders – Concentrated versions of kratom with stronger alkaloid content. Best for experienced users. Always check mitragynine content and COAs. Learn more about two of the most popular kratom products, Understanding Kratom Extract vs Powder: A Usage & Dosage Guide 

• Shots & Tablets – Convenient, pre-dosed options made with kratom extract. Real Botanicals’ shots and 7-OH tablets deliver potency without the mess or guesswork. See our online guide to the best kratom shots. 

• Gummies – Flavored chewables that mask bitterness. Potency varies, so lab testing is critical.

How to Pick the Right Type (Beginner-Friendly Flow)

If you’re new to kratom, the variety can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple framework to narrow it down:

1. Decide on your general goal.

• For winding down, many people start with reds.

• For balance, greens are a common entry point.

• For stimulation support or focus, whites are often the best choice.

• For curiosity or variety, yellows and golds can be a popular choice.
  
  

2. Match it to your schedule.

• Morning: white or green.

• Afternoon: green or yellow.

• Evening: red.
  
  

3. Pick your format.

• Powder or capsules for versatility.

• Extracts or enhanced powders for stronger options.

• Gummies or shots for convenience.

Finally, apply the principle: start low, go slow. Kratom experiences are personal, influenced by body chemistry, product quality, and serving size. Begin with smaller amounts, observe your response, and adjust gradually.

For a full guide on kratom dosing, read our comprehensive guide: Real Kratom Dosing, a Guide on How to Take Kratom.

 

Kratom Types vs. Safety and Quality

Cheap and poorly made kratom blurs the nuances of effects. They may also carry more side effects that dull your experience. To get the best experiences with the kratom you use, it’s important to buy smart.

Kratom quality controls ensure you receive a more reliable strain quality:  

• Third-Party Lab Testing (COAs). This confirms the product contains what it claims and is free from contaminants. A trustworthy brand publishes COAs for every batch.

• GMP Certification. Manufacturing in a GMP-certified facility ensures cleanliness, consistency, and compliance with industry standards.

• Transparent Labeling. Labels should clearly state the amount of alkaloids per serving, list ingredients, and include batch or lot numbers.

• Sourcing Practices. Sustainable harvesting and ethical supply chains contribute to both quality and consumer safety.

For more information about kratom safety and quality control, see the NIDA on kratom and the American Kratom Association.

Different Types of Kratom Strain FAQs

What are the main types of kratom?

Red, green, and white are the core categories. Yellow and gold are typically created through drying or fermentation. Post-harvest outcomes for all strains can vary by vendor.

Do regional kratom names guarantee effects?

No. Labels like “Bali” or “Maeng Da” are marketing shorthand, not scientific guarantees. Potency and alkaloid content vary.

What’s the best kratom type for beginners?

Many start with green kratom, often described as balanced. More important than color is choosing lab-tested kratom and starting small. Beginners may find more dosing control with powders or shots than with capsules. Kratom extract products, however, may be too intense for beginner kratom users.

Is kratom legal everywhere?

No. Laws vary by state and country. Check Real Botanicals’ guide to kratom legality by state for up-to-date details.

Final Thoughts

The phrase “different types of kratom” covers several overlapping ideas. It includes vein colors, vendor strain names, and product forms. Each layer helps shoppers make sense of the market, but none of them guarantees an effect.

The most reliable way to choose is to:

• Learn what each color generally represents.

• Understand that strain names are conventions, not categories.

• Select a form factor that fits your lifestyle.

• Prioritize quality by looking for lab-tested, GMP-certified products with transparent labeling.

• Use our guide to the best kratom brands.  

By combining curiosity with responsibility, you can explore kratom in a way that is both informed and safe. Real Botanicals supports that journey. 

We make it easy to explore the different types of lab-tested kratom for safer, more reliable results. All Real Botanicals kratom products are backed by lab results, clear labeling, and educational resources you can trust.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about supplements, medications, and testing requirements.