Average UK pill strength was double the common adult dose in 2025

The average strength of ecstasy pills in the UK was around double the common adult dose of MDMA in 2025, testing figures from The Loop have revealed.

The harm reduction charity shared the statistics as part of its 2025 In Numbers report, which detailed its findings across the 1,254 substances it has tested across the UK in the last 12 months.

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The Loop revealed that the average strength of MDMA in ecstasy pills was 195mg - nearly twice the common adult dosage, which is between 80mg - 120mg. The organisation claims that out of 430 MDMA pills it tested, over 97% were above 100mg, 40% were above 200mg, while 2.7% contained over 300mg of MDMA.

Of its samples, there were 824 powders and crystals, of which 29% were cocaine, 30% were MDMA, and 31% were ketamine. Other substances found within the samples The Loop tested included 2C-B, amphetamines, and tusi — which it claims mostly contained MDMA, ketamine, caffeine and pink dye.

Worryingly, The Loop also discovered traces of cathinones such as 3-CMC and 4-CMC in some of its samples, stimulant substances which are often cut with MDMA but can increase the likelihood of adverse side effects.

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The Loop also found instances of baby formula, flour, paracetamol, creatine and sugar in its testing.

All 1,254 samples were tested for nitazenes, potent synthetic opioids that have been connected to several drug-related deaths in the UK. Thankfully, none were found to contain the group of substances.

For more information on The Loop, click here.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter