Due to the considerable hype generated by the weight loss and diet pill industry about hoodia diet pills, it is quite difficult to judge the quality of a product by looking at their high-gloss websites. One online commentator claims that between 60%-80% of all hoodia weight loss products are not what they claim, ranging from not entirely pure through to not even remotely close. You can read more about why you need to find quality hoodia diet pill reviews.
There are six checks to prove that a company is selling pure Hoodia Gordonii appetite suppressant, and they should display all six certificates on their website.
Any company that imports Hoodia Gordonii to the USA from South Africa must have – and should display – three official government certificates. The first CITES certificate is an authorisation to deal in an endangered species (such as Hoodia Gordonii). Do not deal with any company that does not display their CITES certificate prominently on their website.
The second certificate is a “Phytosanitary” permit issued by the government of South Africa permitting the dealer to remove the product from South Africa.
The third certificate is issued by the US Dept of Agriculture (and simply known as the USDA certificate) to permit the dealer to import the product into the USA. If the manufacturer claims to directly import Hoodia Gordonii from South Africa then they should be displaying both of these certificates on their website.
Independent Testing
With the increasing numbers of suspect sellers of hoodia online, most reputable manufacturers regularly submit their products to a well known independent testing facility which has the authority to certify genuine hoodia products. While there are four recognised labs that can do the testing, most companies seem to present certificates from Alkemist Labs in California.
There are three different tests to ensure the sample is what it claims to be, and unless you are a chemist yourself you don’t need to know much about them. They are known as HPTLC, HPLC and MM-DPD, with HPTLC being the most important. At the very least you should be able to see an HPTLC certificate, if not all three.
If the company does not display results certificates from an independent testing facility, do not buy from them. Needless to say, all of the companies reviewed here have passed those tests.
Finally, as a matter of good customer service you should expect that the company offers a toll free information line that will also handle orders (if you prefer the phone to buying online) and a clear refund policy if you’re not happy with the product.
To allow cost comparison the ‘value for money’ has been calculated based on a 3000mg daily dose, which is a fairly typical amount as advised by the manufacturers. Every person is different and will have to make their own choice as to daily dose, but by making this estimate you can now compare apples with apples. Obviously the value improves significantly when you increase the order size. For comparison purposes the price here is the single item cost, and includes the stated shipping fee.
Desert Burn Hoodia
Overall – Highly recommended (10/10)
A pioneer of the US hoodia manufacturing industry, Desert Burn were the first to produce a 750mg capsule, and the first to produce a 1000mg tablet. Importing directly from South Africa, they display all three govt certificates and all three independent testing certificates, giving the highest possible confidence that you are buying genuine pure hoodia diet pills. They have a highly polished website with the largest product range and upfront discount coupon offer, as well as over four years in business.
Pros:
- Independent Testing, complies with all three accepted tests
- All three required import/export certificates
- Trials conducted over several years by Doctor Joseph Varallo, with proven success
- In business over four years
- Largest dose, 750mg capsule or 1000mg tablet
- Large product range with several options incl. Hoodia tea and coffee
- $10 coupon available for new customers – listen to the intro, or enter NEWCUST
- Toll Free Number for support or orders
- Email advice when your order ships (if you provide a valid email address)
- Full 30 day refund policy (on unopened containers)
- Lowest quoted shipping for US $5(USPS Priority Ground), ships within 24 hrs, except Sunday
Cons:
- Does not ship International (USA only)
- Large tablets may not suit some people, however they offer several other options
Value for money (based on a single order, including shipping)
Based on an initial 3000 milligram daily dose (=4×750mg capsule)
60 caps=15 days, $45=> $3 per day

Hoodoba
Overall – Highly Recommended (9/10)
Hoodoba offers hoodia in sizes up to 750mg, with several options of 400mg for those who don’t need or want the largest size. They are the best option for customers outside the USA and also offer a liquid hoodia product. Hoodoba complies with 5/6 trust indicators, but has not displayed the South African Phytosanitary certificate on their website. Their range is not as great as Desert Burn and their daily ‘value for money’ doesn’t seem quite as good either.
Pro
- Independent Testing, complies with all three accepted tests
- CITES and USDA import/export certificates
- Ships outside USA
- In business over 2 years
- 750mg available, with 400mg alternative
- Offers a liquid alternative
- Toll Free Number for support or orders
- Full 30 day refund policy (on unopened containers)
Cons
- Does not display South African Phytosanitary certificate
- $10 shipping USPS standard ground service
Value for money (based on a single order, including shipping)
Based on an initial 3000 milligram daily dose (=4×750mg capsule)
60 caps=15 days, $70=> $4.65 per day
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