BCAA supplements are vital for athletes and bodybuilders, especially on intense workout days, boosting both physical performance and mental health.
As a personal trainer, I've tested various products with clients and colleagues at Total Shape. While some BCAAs didn't meet expectations, we found several excellent ones that truly deliver results.
With so many choices available, how do you find the one that offers the right dosage and quality to support your fitness goals effectively?
Keep reading and discover which supplements can help you achieve your fitness goals.
The Best Amino Acid Supplements
- Best Overall Amino Acid Supplement: Transparent Labs
- Cheapest Amino Acid Supplement: Life Extension
- Best Amino Acid Supplement for Skin and Hair Health: Double Wood
- Best Tasting Amino Acid Supplement: Jacked Factory
- Best Amino Acid Supplement for Bodybuilders: Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
- Best Vegan-Friendly Amino Acid Supplement: Thorne Amino Complex
- Best Amino Acid Supplement for Energy Boost: XTEND Original BCAA Powder
- Best Amino Acid Supplement for Muscle Recovery: Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA
- Best Unflavored Amino Acid Supplement: Naked BCAAs Amino Acids Powder
Our Top Products (July 2024)
1 - Transparent Labs - BCAA Glutamine (Best Overall)
- Price per serving : $1.33
- Key ingredients : BCAAs, L-glutamine, Vitamin C
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The BCAA powder has the recommended ratio for protein synthesis
- Added L-glutamine has shown positive results with users regarding recovery times
- Great selection of tasty flavors that mix easily in a shaker
Cons
- Free shipping is only available for orders over $150
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes seeking muscle recovery
- Individuals wanting great flavors
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for free shipping on small orders
Final Verdict
Transparent Labs offers an excellent BCAA with added glutamine for muscle recovery and great taste. It is ideal for serious athletes looking for quality.
Transparent Labs' BCAA supplement is unique for its added L-glutamine, known to aid muscle recovery and reduce muscle wasting, as WebMD highlights [1].
I've used this supplement for years, seeing consistent muscle growth and less muscle soreness post-workout.
My research revealed that its 2:1:1 Leucine:Isoleucine:Valine ratio is ideal for muscle protein synthesis, backed by studies on Research Gate [2].
Plus, it's got great flavors and mixes well with cold water, making for a refreshing drink, as many users note.
2 - Double Wood Supplements Essential Amino Acids (Best for Skin and Hair Health)
- Price per serving : $0.83
- Key ingredients : All nine essential amino acids
- Form : Capsules
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Contains all nine essential amino acids to kickstart protein synthesis
- The capsules are easy to swallow
- Many positive comments that it seems to help reduce fatigue
Cons
- The capsules contain gelatin and won't suit all diets
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- People needing all nine essential amino acids
- Those looking to improve skin and hair health
Who is it not for?
- Vegans and vegetarians (contains gelatin)
Final Verdict
Double Wood provides a comprehensive amino acid profile that supports both fitness and skin/hair health. However, it's not suitable for vegans.
I've personally tried Double Wood Essential Amino Acids supplement, initially aiming for better pumps and endurance, which it delivered.
Surprisingly, it also noticeably improved my skin elasticity and hair strength.
My test group reported similar gains in endurance and skin and hair health.
The small, easy-to-swallow capsules are a plus, but vegans and vegetarians should note they contain gelatin.
3 - Jacked Factory BCAA Supplement Powder (Best Tasting)
- Price per serving : $0.60
- Key ingredients : BCAAs, Fermented BCAAs
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides a higher than average dose of BCAAs in each scoop
- Based on fermented BCAAs that may be absorbed faster
- Many positive comments online about the taste and texture
Cons
- The unflavored version does not taste good with just water
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing higher doses of BCAAs
- People who prioritize taste
Who is it not for?
- Those who prefer unflavored supplements
Final Verdict
Jacked Factory offers a tasty and effective BCAA supplement, ideal for reducing muscle soreness. Avoid the unflavored version if taste is a concern.
Jacked Factory is a top pick for me, especially their flavored supplements which taste great post-workout.
Their formula, with 6g of amino acids, effectively reduced my muscle soreness.
They claim fermented BCAAs are superior, though I haven't found scientific backing for this.
While the flavors appear natural, some suggest steering clear of their unflavored option.
4 - Life Extension Branched Chain Amino Acids (Cheapest Option)
- Price per serving : $0.35
- Key ingredients : BCAAs
- Form : Capsules
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It comes in a capsule form, making it more convenient for taking on the go
- It's easy to split the dosage before and after exercising
- Certified gluten-free and non-GMO make it a clean and simple BCAA supplementation
Cons
- It doesn't provide a high enough dose for performance athletes
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- People who need convenient BCAA capsules
- Those on a gluten-free diet
Who is it not for?
- High-performance athletes needing higher doses
Final Verdict
Life Extension is a convenient and clean BCAA supplement, perfect for those on-the-go. The dosage may be too low for high-performance athletes.
I've found Life Extension Branched Chain Amino Acids supplement an ideal option for people who need to take BCAA supplements while they are on the go like me. See, it comes in small capsules. You won't need to mix it up before you hit the gym, and it's easier to carry around.
Users have also said that splitting the 4 capsule dose before and after training seemed to provide a boost of energy and faster recovery.
Just keep in mind that the dosage is lower than the above options.
5 - Huge Supplements Huge BCAA (Best for Bodybuilders)
- Price per serving : $1.20
- Key ingredients : BCAAs, L-glutamine
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides a large dose of glutamine that seems to work well for faster recovery
- The BCAA powder mixes very easily with water leaving no clumps
- A broad range of other essential amino acids seems to trigger protein synthesis better
Cons
- It contains some sucralose that some people find too sweet and artificial
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Bodybuilders needing high doses of BCAAs and glutamine
- Those who want easy mixing powders
Who is it not for?
- Individuals sensitive to artificial sweeteners
Final Verdict
Huge Supplements delivers a powerful BCAA and glutamine combo for bodybuilders. Some may find it too sweet due to sucralose.
This is a BCAA Supplement that we found a lot of bodybuilders recommending because it has 8g of BCAAs and 5g of glutamine.
As a result, this shouldn't just help with faster training recovery but also reduce muscle fatigue during training.
I also liked that it mixes fast and easily with water, so you don't end up with a clumpy mess, and most of the powder stuck to your shaker.
6 - Thorne Amino Complex (Best Vegan-Friendly)
- Price per serving : $1.38
- Key ingredients : EAAs
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It contains 11 different amino acids for broader muscle support
- Uses only natural flavors for a more pleasant taste
- One of the few certified vegan-friendly options
Cons
- High-performance athletes and bodybuilders probably need a higher dose
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Vegans needing a broad amino acid supplement
- Those preferring natural flavors
Who is it not for?
- High-performance athletes needing higher doses
Final Verdict
Thorne Amino Complex is a vegan-friendly option with natural flavors and a good amino profile. High-performance athletes may need to take more than one scoop.
Having tried this BCAA powder in the trial period myself, I found that it truly offers all the essential amino acids for optimum muscle recovery.
And unlike other BCAA supplements, this one is certified vegan with plant ingredients only.
One thing that stood out for me was that the natural lemon flavor was not too bitter. And because there are no artificial sweeteners, you also don't get an awful aftertaste.
Just make sure you're aware of the lower dose than average, as bodybuilders will probably need to take more than one scoop.
7 - XTEND Original BCAA Powder (Best for Energy Boost)
- Price per serving : $0.70
- Key ingredients : BCAAs, L-citrulline, Vitamin B6
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Added L-citrulline should help provide some better pumps
- Contains some added vitamin B to support energy levels
- Positive comments online about the flavors being tasty
Cons
- Contains some artificial ingredients for color and flavor
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes needing an energy boost and better pumps
- Those looking for tasty flavors
Who is it not for?
- People avoiding artificial ingredients
Final Verdict
XTEND provides added L-citrulline and vitamin B for energy, with positive flavor reviews. It contains some artificial ingredients.
This is another one of the BCAA supplements that performance athletes tend to buy as it doesn't just have a high branched-chain amino acid dose but also delivers glutamine and citrulline.
My clients’ experience has been that they get better pumps during training and the amino acid profile helped them bulk up more muscle mass.
I just wish they stopped using artificial ingredients as they really aren't needed.
8 - Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA Capsules (Best for Muscle Recovery)
- Price per serving : $0.15
- Key ingredients : BCAAs
- Form : Capsules
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes in a large tub with 400 capsules for serious bulking phases
- The small capsules make it very easy to adjust the dosage to personal needs
- Users from many different sports have said they felt much less muscle pain
Cons
- It contains some gelatin making it unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Bodybuilders needing adjustable dosage BCAA capsules
- Those buying in bulk
Who is it not for?
- Vegans and vegetarians (contains gelatin)
Final Verdict
Optimum Nutrition offers a versatile BCAA supplement in a large tub, ideal for serious trainers. It is not suitable for vegans due to gelatin.
This Optimum Nutrition BCAA Supplement is another one based on capsules, and the super-sized tub is ideal for bodybuilders who need to take large doses and tailor those to daily needs.
I would also agree with the many comments online that once I found my ideal dosage, my muscles didn't seem anywhere near as sore after training.
Just keep in mind that the Optimum Nutrition capsules contain gelatin, and as a vegan, you'd have to pick a different product.
9 - Naked BCAAs Amino Acids Powder (Best Unflavored)
- Price per serving : $0.18
- Key ingredients : BCAAs
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It's a pure branched-chain amino acid powder with no unnecessary additives
- Comes in a large enough tub to cover 100 standard servings
- The unflavored powder is ideal for mixing with other drinks or smoothies
Cons
- It would be great to have some more flavor options available
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those wanting a pure BCAA supplement
- People looking for large quantities
Who is it not for?
- Individuals wanting flavored options
Final Verdict
Naked BCAAs provides a clean, additive-free supplement ideal for mixing with other drinks. It lacks flavor options, which some might prefer.
The final one of our best amino acid supplements is this Naked BCAA powder.
While it might not have the strongest dose or the largest amino acid range, the company has created a clean and pure supplement with only BCAAs and no additives.
I also liked that it comes as a large tub with 100 servings, as that would be enough for several months of bulking.
The one thing I'd like to see, though, is a few more flavor options to make it a bit more interesting.
10 - The Aminoco - Perform
- Supplement Facts: Calories: 10, Carbs: 2g, Fat: 0g, Type: EAA, Dosage: 3.8g
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Claims to provide a scientifically tested combination of essential amino acids
- May provide better physical performance when taken as a pre-workout supplement
- The added caffeine seems to help you stay focused and motivated for longer
- It comes with good subscription discounts for a competitive price
Cons
- It would be nice to have more flavor options
Top of our list of best amino acid supplements is this one from Aminoco.
The unique thing I noticed was the added L-citrulline and creatine which lack in certain products, seem to help to boost my performance at the gym.
Caffeine should also keep you motivated and focused on training.
And because it has a good ratio of BCAAs and all the amino acids needed for muscle growth, many users have commented that muscle soreness didn't last as long as normal.
How We Tested the Best Amino Acid Supplements
In our quest to identify the top amino acid supplements, we streamlined our testing process to focus on four key criteria:
- Amino acid profile. Our primary focus was on the types and amounts of amino acids in each supplement, emphasizing essential amino acids crucial for the body.
- Digestibility and side effects. We assessed how easily each supplement was digested and noted any common side effects reported by users or identified through expert consultations.
- Flavor and palatability. The taste of each supplement was a significant factor, as a pleasant flavor can encourage regular use, which is essential for effectiveness.
- Cost-effectiveness. Price per serving was compared to ensure that our recommended supplements offer a good balance of cost, quality, and effectiveness.
BCAA Supplements Buyer's Guide
There are several things we researched for all of the above BCAA supplements. And to make sure you get the right product for your needs, these are things to focus on.
Check For Essential Amino Acids
Make sure your pre-workout has the three key branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Taking these right after training can speed up recovery by boosting muscle protein synthesis, as Science Direct studies show [3].
Also, look for supplements with a wider range of amino acids, covering all nine essential ones needed in your diet. They're crucial for muscle development post-resistance training.
Simply put, the more of these amino acids listed on the label, the better your recovery is likely to be.
“Proteins are composed of amino acids, some of which your body can synthesize and others not. The nine you need yet cannot synthesize, and thus need to ingest, are called essential amino acids (EAAs).”
- Kamal Patel, Co-founder of Examine.com
Compare The Dosage
Always check the dosage on BCAA supplement labels. Some cheaper options may skimp on essential amino acids, not meeting the needs of performance athletes with rigorous exercise routines.
Look for a BCAA product with a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which is key for preventing muscle breakdown and aiding recovery.
Tailor your BCAA choice to your personal needs, considering your activity level, age, and health conditions to ensure the supplement aligns with your body's requirements.
A handy tip: jot down the dosages of potential products and calculate their cost per gram for a value comparison.
More on that shortly.
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Choose A Supplement Form
When choosing a BCAA supplement, decide between powder or capsule form. Both are effective; it's more about your preference or convenience.
I keep both at home. Capsules are great for on-the-go, especially when rushing to the gym. But, I prefer powder in my morning pre-workout smoothie – it's a good reminder to take it and kickstarts my day.
If you're someone who forgets pills, go for the powder form to ensure you get those BCAA benefits.
Find Out What The Flavor And Texture Are Like
Even the best BCAA powders can disappoint in flavor and texture. Some taste overly artificial or too sweet, while others don't mix well, creating clumps and leaving residue in the shaker. It's surprising how many fitness supplements miss the mark on texture and flavor.
Our top-recommended BCAA supplements mix smoothly and avoid that artificial candy taste. Be mindful of flavorings when choosing.
Avoid Artificial Ingredients
To find the best amino acid supplements, scrutinize the nutrition label for all ingredients. Some brands sneak in artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors in hard-to-spot sections.
The International Journal of Molecular Sciences associates these additives with gut issues, potentially causing cramps, bloating, and weight gain [4].
Aim for purity in your product, with minimal additives like stearic acid for binding.
“Artificial sweeteners can potentially turn healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome into harmful microbes and potentially cause serious health issues such as blood poisoning”
- Sara Rigby, PA Science, Writer at sciencefocus.com
Confirm If There Are Carbs And Sugar
During our testing and research, we found several products that had a lot of sugar and carbs. These are typically added to make a BCAA supplement taste great, but they really don't belong in a health and fitness supplement.
All of our best BCAA supplements contain just a few grams of carbs and no added sugar, which is particularly important for anyone on the ketogenic diet.
Those unnecessary carbs can also mess with your weight management for the average athlete and bodybuilder, so it's best to stay away from them.
Don't Let Price Be A Deciding Factor
Basing your choice solely on price could end up costing you more. Remember to note the dosage of branched-chain amino acids and other ingredients.
Multiply the grams per dose by the number of scoops or capsules. Then, divide the product's price by the total grams of BCAAs in the container to get the price per gram.
This calculation puts you in a better spot to identify which product is more cost-effective.
FAQs
Should You Take Amino Acids Every Day?
You should take certain amino acids every day if you’re not getting enough of them from food. You might struggle to get all the essential amino acids through your diet, which could cause skeletal muscle wasting problems.
Do Amino Acids Affect the Kidneys?
Yes, amino acids affect the kidneys. If you don't get enough of the essential ones, it can lead to kidney problems. Taking the right BCAA supplement may help you prevent that.
Can You Take Amino Acids if You Don’t Work Out?
You can take amino acids even if you don't work out. BCAA capsules or powder supplements don't just help you build muscle; they also help prevent muscle mass loss due to chronic diseases.
Can You Gain Weight with Amino Acids?
No, amino acids don't make you gain weight. When combined with a tough workout routine, they will help build up more muscle mass, and the resulting weight gain would be from the added muscles, not fat.
Which Amino Acid Supplement Should You Choose?
After extensive testing and research with my team, we unanimously agree that Transparent Labs BCAA tops our list of amino acid supplements.
Its standout formula, enriched with BCAAs, L-citrulline, and creatine, has consistently aided in our muscle-building phases. We've experienced noticeable gains in strength, endurance, and focus during workouts.
Its superior ingredient quality and effectiveness set it apart in our trials, making it our go-to recommendation for those seeking effective amino acid supplementation.
Our #1 Recommendation
Transparent Labs - BCAA Glutamine (Best Overall)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- The BCAA powder has the recommended ratio for protein synthesis
- Added L-glutamine has shown positive results with users regarding recovery times
- Great selection of tasty flavors that mix easily in a shaker
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of July
- Free shipping is only available for orders over $150
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