Buying psyllium: our advice for choosing the right one (2025)

Best organic psyllium: our review

We have tested different brands and recommend amoseeds’ organic blond psyllium (read our review of the brand).

Its purity level is maximal (99%) and regular external tests guarantee the absence of ethylene oxide, a harmful pesticide banned in Europe that may be present in other brands.

We recommend (and consume) amseeds’ superfoods because its founders source directly from local organic cooperatives. They therefore offer very high-quality products, at lower prices.

Use the promo code “DARWIN” when placing your order to get 5% off (and up to 25% when buying the same product multiple times).

What are the benefits of psyllium?

A prebiotic food

The psyllium (Plantago ovata) or « Indian plantain » is a plant native to Asia. After its summer flowering, it produces tiny seeds.

Like chia seeds or basil seeds, they are covered with a plant substance called mucilage. This can contain up to 30 % fiber! That is what makes it so interesting for digestive and intestinal health.

Its fibers help relieve many ailments : constipation, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, or even irritable bowel syndrome.

They improve stool consistency, support bowel transit, and reduce inflammation.

Psyllium is one of the prebiotic foods. Its polysaccharides (complex sugars) feed the microbiota and promote the growth of good bacteria. It is therefore ideal for maintaining a healthy and balanced gut flora.

A weight-loss ally

Once in the stomach, soluble fibers swell and turn into a viscous gel on contact with water. As shown by this study, they exert an appetite-suppressing effect by increasing the feeling of satiety.

Psyllium also has the advantage of being low in calories (about 39 kcal per 100 g). That’s why it can be useful for maintaining weight or supporting weight loss.

Where to buy psyllium?

Health food stores

This product is easy to find in organic stores, at Naturalia or Biocoop. It is generally offered there in powder or capsule form, without pesticide residues, non-GMO and non-irradiated.

Pharmacies and parapharmacies

You will often find it in the “phytotherapy” section of pharmacies and parapharmacies. It is available in capsules or powder. It is sometimes combined with other foods such as sprouted flaxseed, which contributes to good microbiota health.

Specialized brick-and-mortar stores

Visit retailers of dietary supplements, health food stores and herbalists. These shops often sell it in capsules or powder.

Specialized online stores and e-commerce sites

Favor online organic stores, such as Kazidomi or La Fourche, which offer organic, high-quality psyllium.

Also consider checking the websites of retailers, such as amoseeds, laboratories, and dietary supplement brands.

Producers

The Plantago ovata is mainly cultivated in India and Pakistan. It is also found in Egypt and Afghanistan. Support small producers by choosing a fair trade product.

In what form ?

In capsules

The capsules contain psyllium powder. They are convenient and easy to take. Choose this format if the pure powder is too difficult for you to swallow or if you don’t like its taste or texture.

Powder form

After harvest, the seeds are stripped of their protective coating (husk). Thousands of husks are collected, sorted, washed and dried to form a coarse powder.

It has a fairly mild taste and a smell of wheat or wood shavings.

This powder mixes easily with liquids (water, fruit juices…), can be added to applesauce or smoothies. In cooking, it also helps thicken sauces, soups and broths, and make bread…

What criteria should you consider ?

Variety

Blond psyllium, also called “ispaghul“, is the variety richest in mucilage. It should therefore be preferred. It must not be confused with brown or black psyllium (Plantago afra), which originates from the Mediterranean and contains fewer fibers.

Cultivation method

Choose psyllium grown in organic agriculture, free of pesticide residues. This is especially important because it is the seed husk that is consumed.

Composition

Choose natural capsules, without additives or preservatives. Also favor  vegetable capsules. The powder itself must be pure and made of 100 % husk powder.

Origin

India and Pakistan are the world’s main producers. The regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, in the northwest and center of India, produce high-quality psyllium because they are far from sources of pollution.

Price

Expect about €10 for 120 organic capsules.

The powder costs around €10 for 200 g.

To summarize

To be sure you’re choosing quality psyllium, check:

1. The variety : choose blond psyllium, also called “ispaghul”;
2. Growing method : prefer organic farming ;
3. Composition : choose a product without additives and without preservatives. The powder should be pure and 100% natural ;
4. Geographical origin : choose psyllium grown in India or Pakistan ;
5. Price : expect about €10 for 120 organic capsules. It should be between €5 and €10 for 200 g of organic powder.

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