Both Benefiber and Metamucil are simply digestive fiber that when taken with plenty of water should soften stool. They're both fine if you're looking for mild relief, but if you want a more serious cleanse you are better looking elsewhere.
- Generally we recommend Slam Dump for this, it leas with Senna Leaves, which are a better option than the Wheat Fiber in Benefiber or the Psyllium Husk in Metamucil for short term usage. Aside from that it has Cape Aloe, Senna Leaves, Cascara Sagrada, Cayenne and Fennel Seed, it's not recommended for use beyond 3 months, if you're looking to deal with an immediate issue, or a cleanse this is a better option. However, you're looking for an option to take daily then we'll get onto the breakdown.
Side By Side Benefits of Pros and Cons Benefiber vs Metamucil
When comparing the two, the real key differences are that Psyllium Husk, they key ingredient in Metamucil will likely offer more appetite suppression alongside the stool softening, but also comes with a higher risk of bloating and gastric distress. It's also a bit unpleasant in texture if you're not taking it in an encapsulated form.
Generally when it comes to psyllium, it is better to take it the gel or liquid form, if you don't you do need to make sure that you drink plenty of water with it, at least a pint.
As for Benefiber, the only real downside is it's less potent and being made from wheat is unsuitable for celiacs.
| Feature | Benefiber | Metamucil |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredient | Wheat dextrin | Psyllium husk |
| Fiber Type | Soluble fiber only | Combination of soluble and insoluble fiber, can get gummies now as well, although they're not very good. |
| Texture | Smooth, dissolves completely in water or soft foods | Forms a gel-like texture when mixed with liquids |
| Flavor | Tasteless, can blend into any drink or soft food without changing flavor | Available in multiple flavors, though the thick texture may not appeal to everyone |
| Key Benefits | - Easily dissolvable in hot or cold drinks - Flavor-neutral, versatile for mixing into food and drinks - Gentle on the digestive system |
- Dual fiber action provides comprehensive digestive support - Thickening effect aids in appetite control - Supports heart health by lowering cholesterol |
| Drawbacks | - Only soluble fiber; lacks the benefits of insoluble fiber - Derived from wheat, may not be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities |
- Thick, gel-like texture may not suit everyone’s taste - Potential for bloating or gas, especially for those new to high-fiber diets |
| Best For | Individuals seeking a versatile, gentle fiber option for daily use without changing taste or texture | People looking for digestive support and appetite control with a fuller fiber profile |
| Suitability for Gluten-Free | Generally gluten-free but derived from wheat | Naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivity |
The dosing in metamucil's gummies are on the low side to be particularly effective so we don't recommend them, there are better fiber gummies available.
Price Comparison
Metamucil is slightly worse value than Benefiber, but there's not much in it, we're talking 125 servings of Benefiber vs 114 of Metamucil with Benefiber being $1 cheaper than Metamucil at $22.99.
Digestive Health Benefits
Both Benefiber and Metamucil support digestive health, but they do so in slightly different ways:
- Benefiber: Primarily beneficial for those looking to gently increase their fiber intake without strong gastrointestinal effects.
- Metamucil: Often used for promoting a feeling of fullness, reducing cholesterol, and providing comprehensive digestive support, making it ideal for individuals who want heart and digestive health benefits.
Customer Experiences
Both are pretty similar coming in at 4.7* on Amazon. Interestingly they both seem to have a relatively high percentage of fake reviews, but even accounting for those they both seem to be in the high 4* range with the main complaints being gas and bloating side effects which are common when people first add fiber supplements to their diet.
Conclusion: Metamucil vs Benefiber
Both Benefiber and Metamucil are effective fiber supplements with unique advantages. Benefiber is a good choice for those seeking a mild, versatile option, while Metamucil offers additional digestive and heart-health benefits due to its psyllium content.
That said if you're looking for more immediate effects we recommend Slam Dump, and you can read our review here.