Do Banana Drops work for weight loss? What the science says

If you’ve seen the phrase “banana drops” trending on social media, you’ve probably heard bold weight loss claims, like “melt fat fast,” “boost metabolism,” or “balance hormones naturally.” But what are they, and do they really work for weight loss? 

When people search for banana drops, they aren’t looking for a type of drop, but rather a specific product named Banana Drops. And, despite the fruit-inspired name, banana drops don’t contain any banana ingredients or even a fruit extract. Instead, the product is a blend of herbal botanicals strongly marketed to support metabolism, circulation, and healthy weight management.

So what’s actually in them? We’ll go through what this product really is, what’s in it, how it’s marketed, and whether it can deliver on its claims. Plus, we’ll get insight from Dr. Karen Mann, Noom’s Medical Director, and give you tips on spotting a questionable online weight loss product.

What are banana drops?

Again, despite the fruit-inspired name, banana drops don’t contain any banana ingredients or even a fruit extract. Instead, the product is a blend of herbal botanicals strongly marketed as a weight loss, metabolism-boosting supplement.

The company behind them describes the drops as a “bespoke formula” designed to “eviscerate stubborn fat” and “transform your body into full fat-burning mode.” And honestly, this is your first clue that these probably won’t live up to the hype. 

“Bold claims for simple, herbal products are usually a sign to approach with caution,” says Dr. Mann. “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”. 

Let’s take a closer look at the product:  

What’s in banana drops?

The formula is marketed as 100% natural, easy to use, and free from side effects. The company claims it’s one of the few supplements to address metabolism, cravings, and gut health simultaneously. Interestingly, the company has a study about bananas and their resistant starch helping with weight loss linked to their website, but there is nothing banana-like in the product.

What is in it? The original website says the drops contain a “proprietary blend” of six key ingredients that is designed to help you lose weight fast with a few drops. Let’s take a closer look at what they are:

• Horse chestnut: The tree’s shiny brown seeds are used in herbal treatments to help promote circulation and antioxidant protection by improving vein health and reducing inflammation, thanks to the active compound aescin found in the seed extract. The raw seeds are toxic and should never be eaten unprocessed.
• Hawthorn root:  A flowering shrub or tree in the rose family, hawthorn has been traditionally used to support heart health and healthy blood sugar levels, with some evidence suggesting cardiovascular benefits—but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
  Grape seed extract: Made from the seeds of wine grapes, this supplement is rich in antioxidants and may help regulate lipid metabolism, though more research is needed to confirm these potential metabolic benefits.
• Stone root: A perennial plant in the mint family, stone root has traditionally been used as a natural diuretic to support kidney and urinary health, though scientific evidence for its effectiveness remains limited.
• Motherwort:  An herb traditionally used to promote stress balance and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, though more clinical research is needed to fully validate its therapeutic effects.
• Gotu kola: A plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, gotu kola contains powerful antioxidants that may help reduce body fat accumulation and support healthy circulation, though more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Other ingredients: Banana Drops also contain water, vegetable glycerin, natural flavor, malic acid, and sucralose.

A new formula from the brand, called KeySlim, which claims to be even more effective than the original, also includes:

• Gymnema leaf: Gymnema may help support balanced blood sugar levels by reducing how much sugar the body absorbs and slightly dulling sweet taste perception. Early findings are promising, but more high-quality human research is needed to confirm these effects.
• Capsicum annuum fruit: Derived from chili peppers, this extract contains capsaicin, a compound that may help support metabolism and circulation. Research suggests it could benefit certain cardiovascular risk factors, such as elevated blood sugar and blood pressure, though results vary depending on dose and formulation. 

“Neither (of these ingredients) should be considered a substitute for established lifestyle interventions, and their use should be approached with caution due to limited long-term safety data,” says Dr. Mann.

How do you take Banana Drops?

To use Banana Drops, shake the bottle thoroughly before each dose. Take one to two full droppers per day, either directly under the tongue or mixed into your preferred drink. For optimal results, use consistently as part of your daily routine for at least three to six months.

Are Banana Drops safe?

Banana Drops appear low-risk for most healthy adults when taken as directed. But as with any supplement, none of the ingredients are regulated by the FDA. Here are some things to consider:

• Not FDA-approved: Like all dietary supplements, Banana Drops are not evaluated or approved by the FDA before being sold. This means the FDA does not verify the product’s claims, safety, or effectiveness prior to it reaching consumers. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring product quality and accurate labeling.
• Potential interactions: Hawthorn can interact negatively with heart medications like Digoxin and calcium channel blockers, and horse chestnut can interact with medications for blood clotting. And since the blend is “proprietary,” there’s no way of knowing how much of any ingredient is in the drops. 
• Liver considerations: Gotu Kola may affect liver enzymes in rare cases. This means that, for some individuals, long-term or excessive use could place added strain on the liver.
• Pregnancy caution: Motherwort may stimulate uterine activity and should be avoided. The company states that this product isn’t for pregnant women.

If you’re taking prescription medications or managing chronic conditions, talk with a healthcare provider before use.

Do Banana Drops help you lose weight?

The short answer is probably not. 

There’s no evidence that any herbal blend can “melt fat, ”change body composition, or help you lose weight on its own. But here’s why we also wouldn’t suggest you go out and buy this product:

No studies to verify

Currently, no peer-reviewed studies have evaluated Banana Drops specifically for weight loss or metabolic health. The ingredients are generally considered safe in typical doses, but the product’s overall claims are not scientifically verified. 

“Despite the claims, there’s no evidence that Banana Drops can melt fat or transform metabolism,” Dr. Mann clarifies. “At best, they might offer minimal support—but no supplement can substitute for the fundamentals of healthy eating, regular exercise, and consistency.”

Pressure to buy large amounts via a “sale”

According to the official website for Banana Drops, the current pricing is as follows:

• 1-bottle: $69 (regularly $99). 
• 3-bottle bundle: $177 (works out to $59 per bottle) when purchasing the 3-pack. 
• 6-bottle “Best Value” bundle: $294 (about $49 per bottle), with a claimed savings of $300 off the original price. 

The site emphasizes that purchasing the larger bulk option (six bottles) offers the greatest per-bottle savings and highlights this as the “best value” for users planning consistent use over several months. Of course, then if the product doesn’t work, you’re stuck with a bunch of bottles, but the company states that any bottles can be returned for a full refund if you are not completely satisfied. 

Customer complaints online

Consumer reviews are mixed and tough to verify for authenticity. Some people note improved energy, while others report no visible change. Many reviews note that the money-back guarantee is difficult (if not impossible) to get.

How to evaluate weight loss supplements 

Before trying any supplement that promises to “burn fat” or “boost metabolism,” here’s a quick checklist to separate smart choices from hype:

1. Check for clinical studies – Look for research on the specific product, not just its ingredients. Banana Drops currently have no published trials; the ingredients contain connections to health improvements, but nothing definitive. The Banana Drops website links out to studies on the ingredients, but that doesn’t prove anything about how they’ll work for you or whether they are safe.
   Scrutinize claims – If you see bold phrases that sound too good to be true, like  “eviscerates fat” or “effortless transformation,” they probably are. 
2. Review transparency – Reliable companies provide ingredient amounts, not just “proprietary blends.”
   Look for third-party testing – Quality supplements often list lab verification or certifications for purity and safety.
3. Search for reviews online – A trending product is likely to have real reviews from people who can give a glimpse into whether the product works and if the company is legitimate. Don’t just go by the reviews on their site.
4. Consult a professional – Talk to a registered dietitian or physician before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medication.

The bottom line: Banana drops aren’t a weight loss shortcut

Banana Drops promise a plant-based formula that aligns with today’s demand for “natural” wellness products and a quick fix. Their ingredients are generally safe, with some caveats, but the claims of rapid fat burning or major metabolic transformation aren’t backed by clinical research. Sound familiar? The gelatin trick for weight loss and the Himalayan salt trick also promise easy weight loss with everyday ingredients. 

If you choose to try Banana Drops, or any of these other tricks, do so as part of a broader, sustainable plan that includes balanced nutrition, regular movement, and adequate rest. Be alert for any side effects and get medical attention if something doesn’t feel right.

Looking for more guidance and tips? Download the Noom app today on iOS & Android. You’ll get personalized guidance, daily tips, and more to help you reach your goals and feel your best.