Hey friend! Have you heard about the health-boosting powers of activated charcoal lately? As a wellness-minded shopper like yourself, I‘m sure you‘re interested in getting your hands on this versatile black powder. You likely have plenty of questions like—what exactly is activated charcoal? And where can I find it at popular stores like Walmart and Target?
Not to worry! I‘ve done the research for you and will provide a complete shopper‘s guide to finding activated charcoal at all your go-to retailers. I‘ll also give you the scoop on the many wellness benefits of activated charcoal, from whitening teeth to clearing skin. Time to learn everything you need to know to reap the powers of activated charcoal!
A Brief History of Activated Charcoal as a Health Remedy
According to medical journals, activated charcoal has been utilized in medicine for centuries. Back in the 1800s, activated charcoal was a popular antidote for poisons and was often used in gas masks. It has long been valued for its astounding absorptive properties. Recently, activated charcoal has resurged into the spotlight as a supplement for detoxification, digestive issues, beauty needs, and more!
In fact, a survey by Consumer Reports found that 14% of Americans currently take activated charcoal as a health supplement. And the global market for activated charcoal is projected to reach $5.3 billion by 2025, as reported by Market Data Forecast. With the wellness world abuzz over activated charcoal, it‘s no wonder you want get your supply!
Why Add Activated Charcoal to Your Wellness Routine?
But what exactly makes activated charcoal so beneficial? Activated charcoal possesses a porous structure that gives it an incredibly high surface area. Just one teaspoon of activated charcoal powder can contain the surface area of an entire football field! This allows it to effectively absorb and bind to toxins, gases, chemicals, cholesterol, and even some drugs.
According to a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology, activated charcoal has been proven to reduce drug concentrations of certain pharmaceuticals by up to 74% when taken simultaneously. Numerous studies also support the use of activated charcoal supplements to alleviate excessive gas and bloating.
In addition to internal cleansing, activated charcoal offers externally beauty benefits too. It can draw oils, dirt and impurities out of pores, making it a popular ingredient in facial masks. Activated charcoal can even whiten teeth thanks to its gritty texture that buffs away stains.
Now that you know the impressive benefits of activated charcoal, let‘s explore all the places you can find it!
Locating Activated Charcoal at Walmart Stores
Walmart offers a great selection of activated charcoal products at affordable prices. Here are some insider tips for navigating the aisles at your local Walmart to find activated charcoal:
Check the Vitamin and Supplement Aisle
This is the most obvious location to begin your search. At most Walmarts, you‘ll discover activated charcoal powders and capsule supplements along the vitamin and supplement aisles. Look near the sections for digestive health, detox/cleanse products, or dietary supplements for the charcoal selections.
Browse the Pharmacy Section
Don‘t forget to check the pharmacy department when hunting for activated charcoal. You may uncover additional charcoal supplements here, often shelved near anti-gas medications or digestion remedies.
Peer into the Beauty Department
Activated charcoal has become trendy for revitalizing skin and whitening teeth. That‘s why you may also spot charcoal beauty products like masks, soaps, and tooth polish along the cosmetics aisles at Walmart.
Let the Walmart App Be Your Guide
If you‘re still not having luck, the Walmart app can tell you exactly what aisle to find any product. Download the app, search for "activated charcoal", select your Walmart location, and the app will provide the aisle number if it‘s in stock. So easy!
Order Online for Delivery
You can also conveniently order activated charcoal products on Walmart.com for home delivery or in-store pickup. This ensures you get the charcoal you want without the aisle-hunt.
Compare the Top Products at Walmart
Once you make your way to the charcoal selections, here are some of my top recommended activated charcoal products at Walmart:
| Product | Type | Count | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viva Doria Coconut Charcoal Powder | Powder | 8 oz | $14.99 | 4.6 stars |
| Spring Valley Activated Charcoal Capsules | Capsules | 260 ct | $5.98 | 4.5 stars |
| Nature‘s Bounty Charcoal Capsules | Capsules | 90 ct | $8.98 | 4.3 stars |
| Nutricost Activated Charcoal Capsules | Capsules (gluten-free) | 120 ct | $12.99 | 4.6 stars |
| Airjoi Activated Charcoal Bags | Air purifying bags | 4 pk | $14.98 | 4.2 stars |
I like to buy the Viva Doria or Nutricost brands for high quality activated charcoal powder. And Spring Valley offers the best value if you want budget-friendly capsules. Check reviews and prices to choose what‘s right for you!
Activated Charcoal Uses Beyond Supplements
Activated charcoal has expanded far beyond being just a supplement! Two of my favorite uses are for whitening teeth and purifying skin.
For dazzling teeth, simply wet your toothbrush and dip into activated charcoal powder. Brush gently for 1-2 minutes, focusing on stained areas. Rinse thoroughly when done. Repeat 1-2 times per week. The charcoal acts as a gritty polish to buff away stains.
You can also mix activated charcoal powder with water or aloe to create a clarifying facial mask. Apply to face, leave on 5-10 minutes, then rinse off. The charcoal binds to dirt and oils to detoxify pores. I recommend doing this detox mask once or twice a week for cleaner skin.
When taken correctly, activated charcoal offers amazing health, beauty, and wellness benefits. Now let‘s explore where else you can locate it besides Walmart!
More Places to Buy Activated Charcoal
Nearly all major supermarkets and drugstores now stock activated charcoal due to rising consumer demand. Here‘s where to find it:
Target
Target has really expanded their natural health offerings. Head to the vitamin and supplements aisle to find both charcoal powders and capsules. The Up&Up brand activated charcoal capsules are a great value.
Kroger
At Kroger stores, check the vitamin and supplement section for activated charcoal capsules. I usually see their private label Kroger brand charcoal capsules which are very affordable.
Publix
Publix stocks activated charcoal in the vitamin aisle near the digestive health products. They carry capsule supplements from national brands like Nature‘s Truth and Solaray.
Whole Foods
As a health food leader, Whole Foods carries activated charcoal powders and capsules in the supplements section. Many options are organic and non-GMO verified. Expect to pay premium prices.
Safeway
Look for activated charcoal at Safeway near the nutritional supplements as well as the pharmacy department. Their house Signature Care brand capsules offer savings.
Costco
Head to the pharmacy department at Costco warehouse stores to find big jars of activated charcoal capsules for the best bang for your buck. Member pricing applies.
Rite Aid
Rite Aid positions activated charcoal in the vitamin aisle and digestion remedy sections. You‘ll find capsules from major supplement brands at average prices.
CVS
Check both the vitamin supplement and medicine aisles at CVS pharmacy stores for activated charcoal capsules and powders. Brands carried include Puritan‘s Pride and Nature‘s Bounty.
No matter where you shop, activated charcoal is almost guaranteed to be stocked in the vitamin/supplement section. If you still can‘t locate it, ask any store employee to point you toward the charcoal selections.
Which Type of Activated Charcoal Is Right for You?
Now that you know where to find it, let‘s quickly recap the different types of activated charcoal supplements:
-
Powder – The loose activated charcoal powder is versatile for using in recipes, face masks, tooth whitening, etc. It has a gritty, black color.
-
Capsules – Enclosed capsules make taking activated charcoal more convenient, especially on-the-go. Avoid opening capsules.
-
Tablets – Tablets provide an alternative form that‘s easy to swallow. However, they are less common than capsules or powders.
-
Gluten-Free – Check labels if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Gluten-free options are widely available.
-
Coconut Charcoal – Some brands use coconut shells, which produces a charcoal with lower ash content.
For supplement use, I suggest the powder or capsules for most people. If swallowing pills is an issue, try tablets. And always verify gluten-free if needed.
Using Activated Charcoal Safely
While activated charcoal offers many benefits, it‘s important to use it safely:
-
Start with lower doses of 500-1000 mg and increase gradually if needed.
-
Take 2 hours before or after medications, as charcoal absorbs them.
-
Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation issues.
-
Don‘t use daily long-term without doctor approval. 1 week max is recommended.
-
Avoid entirely if you have intestinal blockages or upcoming surgery.
It‘s wise to consult your physician before trying activated charcoal if you take prescription meds or have preexisting conditions. When used correctly, activated charcoal can be a valuable wellness boost!
Grab Your Supply of Activated Charcoal Today!
Thanks for sticking with me on this activated charcoal shopping guide! I hope you now feel equipped with insider knowledge on where to find activated charcoal at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and more. Just head to the vitamin aisle or pharmacy section to locate it.
With science backing its toxin-absorbing capabilities, activated charcoal can enhance your digestion, cleanse your skin, whiten your smile, and support overall health. Pick your preferred activated charcoal powder, capsules, or tablets. And remember to use safe dosages. Here‘s to the health perks of activated charcoal! Let me know if you have any other questions my friend. Happy shopping!
