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Once a niche athletic supplement, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have exploded in popularity as a means to potentially improve muscle retention, fat loss, endurance, and focus during workouts. Today, hundreds of different BCAAs on the market include stimulants, adaptogens, micronutrients, and extracts to make them stand out from the crowd. Our goal here is to help you find the best BCAA supplements for muscle gain, keto dieters, weight loss, and a lot more.
It’s not uncommon to see BCAAs packaged with other supplements, like pre-workout, whey protein, caffeine, glutamine, taurine, beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and other ingredients that may benefit workout performance. In this article, we’ve taken the BCAAs, the extra components, the price, and the taste into account when deciding the best BCAA supplements for any of your goals.
Best BCAA Supplements
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.
Best BCAA Supplements Video Review
Be sure to check out our best BCAAs video for a more in-depth look at this supplement. BarBend’s Nick English takes you on a journey by breaking down our favorite BCAA supplements on the market.
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Best BCAA Powder Overall
Our top pick is a BCAA formula with a solid blend of BCAAs that’s effectively dosed without any of the fluff, making it a great option for most customers who want to add more amino acids to their supplement regimen.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Though simple, this blend contains the ideal 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine and valine, and contains 4,000mg total of BCAAs. For those who already have a solidified regimen and may just be looking for a simple BCAA blend, this product is just that.
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Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
It contains 2,000mg of leucine, 1,000mg of isoleucine, and 1,000mg of valine with a small additional dose of glutamine, vitamin B6, sodium, and potassium. Swolverine comes in just one flavor — Lemon Lime — which uses both natural and artificial flavors and sweeteners. You can expect to pay around $0.85 per serving for this BCAA supp, which is a fairly affordable price tag.
One Serving of Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Those who are looking for a simple and effective BCAA supplement with a 2:1:1 ratio — this product contains the proper dosages without any added fluff.
People who aren’t looking for a pre-workout blend as this blend relies mainly on BCAAs.
Folks who want glutamine as well, to potentially help with workout recovery.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Folks who want just BCAAs. Though this supplement mainly focuses on BCAAs, you will find small doses of glutamine and other vitamins and minerals.
Anyone who wants a wider variety of flavors to choose from — this powder only has one.
If you’re looking for a BCAA supplement to add to your growing regimen, this one is one of our favorites — it has a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine and valine, and comes with a solid dose of glutamine and vitamin B6, as well.
Best for Muscle Growth
If muscle growth is your goal, then your primary concern should be eating enough calories and macronutrients throughout the day. (Here’s a macro calculator for that.) But when it comes to BCAAs, you might want something that supports in-gym performance and offers optimal BCAA ingredients.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
If you’re working to build muscle in the gym, you’re likely keyed in on a lot of helpful energy-boosting and muscle-building supplements — like protein powder and pre-workout — already. Huge Supplements Huge BCAA contains a high dose of amino acids at 15 grams, which includes 8g of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
You’ll also find a 5g dose of glutamine, which can help build muscle tissue, as well as coconut water powder for workout hydration. This product comes in Kiwi Blueberry, Bomb Popsicle, Watermelon Lemonade, and Sour Grape flavor choices. This BCAA product is a bit more expensive than some of the other picks at about $1.60 per serving. If you’re avoiding artificial ingredients, you’ll want to note that all four flavors include both artificial and natural ingredients, and are sweetened with sucralose.
Scooping Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Bodybuilders or anyone looking to gain muscle. This formula facilitates that goal better than other picks on this list due to its inclusion of glutamine and high dose of BCAAs.
Athletes looking for workout hydration will appreciate the coconut water powder here.
Lifters who want multiple flavors to choose from will appreciate that there are four here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Anyone looking for a supplement with a ton of extra vitamins — other pre-workout options might be more appealing.
People who are avoiding artificial ingredients will want to steer clear of this product.
Those on a budget may want to opt for one of the less expensive options on our list.
Not overly complicated, but appealing to many, Huge Supplements has made a BCAA supplement that gets a lot of points for its dose of glutamine that can help support muscle growth even further.
Best BCAAs for Weight Loss
Many take BCAAs to help preserve muscle when in a caloric deficit, and some products — like this one — even add extras like glutamine, which can help with recovery when you’re going hard in the gym.
Disclaimer: Please note that none of these products describe themselves as weight loss supplements and should not be taken as such. Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any weight loss protocol.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 powder is a great addition if you’re working hard toward weight loss. Along with a respected ratio of 2:1:1 of leucine to isoleucine to valine, this product includes glutamine, which may help you recover better when you’re working hard to burn fat. While there are no ingredients here that can specifically help with weight loss, this is a lean formula that can make sure you have everything you need to help you work toward your lean muscle goals.
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Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
This product is only available in a Lemon Lime flavor, and it is sweetened with sucralose. It has a price tag of about $0.85 per serving, which is a pretty reasonable price for a BCAA product. One of the major perks is that this BCAA formula contains over 100 percent of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B6.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
If you’re absolutely committed to losing weight, your calories are in control, and you’d like all the help you can get, it’s possible that this lean formula that includes a solid dose of BCAAs and glutamine can help you with lean muscle growth.
Anyone who is hoping to get some micronutrients from this formula will appreciate it contains 100 percent of your RDI for B6.
Folks who like Lemon Lime flavors will like this blend.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Those who just want BCAAs without any additional ingredients.
Athletes who are looking for ingredients that specifically help with fat loss can find other BCAA supplements to support them.
If you want a variety of flavors to choose from, you won’t find that here.
Weight loss is all about your calories, not your supplements — but Swolverine has put together an impressive BCAA supplement that may be more helpful for weight loss than others, thanks to its lean formula, solid dose of BCAAs, and glutamine.
Best BCAA for Workouts
BCAAs can be key in making the most of your workouts. Not only does this supp contain a high dose of BCAAs, but it also includes electrolytes to help keep you hydrated throughout your training.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge supplements Huge BCAA is ideal if you’re looking for a supplement that offers a high dose of BCAAs at a 2:1:1 ratio. Huge Supplements Huge BCAA contains 8,000mg of BCAAs, which is one of the highest numbers we’ve seen. In addition, you’ll find calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder to potentially help keep you hydrated throughout your workouts, as well.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
You can take this supplement before, during, or after your workouts, and it comes in four flavors — Kiwi Blueberry, Bomb Popsicle, Watermelon Lemonade, and Sour Grape. You can expect to pay around $1.60 per serving, which is higher than others on our list, but for the insane dose of BCAAs, it might be worth it.
Huge Supplements BCAA
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
For those who are looking for a high dose of BCAAs to supplement their workout routine, this supp has 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Anyone who wants coconut water powder included in their supplement for added hydration throughout their workout.
If you are looking for BCAAs you can take before, during, or after your workout, you’ll like this product.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Folks who want a product that is just BCAAs will want to look elsewhere.
If you want your BCAAs included within a larger post-workout or pre-workout supplement, this blend is not for you.
Those on a budget may want to choose a less expensive formula as this costs $1.60 per serving.
Athletes who need to perform at high levels can benefit from this dialed-in BCAA formula, which can help you build muscle and remain hydrated throughout your workout.
Best Total BCAA Blend
This pick not only contains BCAAs, but it has three blends of ingredients working toward power, performance, and support for tough workouts to build out a full package.
Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Onnit’s formula contains three blends, one of which focuses on BCAAs, but all of which can help you crush big workouts. There’s a Power Blend with longjack, which is a plant that can help provide the fuel you need for muscle contractions. The Performance Blend contains the BCAAs, as well as glutamine and beta-alanine, which can all help you perform better at the gym. Then there’s the Support Blend with resveratrol, which can help you get through tough workouts.
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Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Onnit contains a Power Blend with longjack, which can help fuel muscle contractions, a Performance Blend with BCAAs, glutamine and beta-alanine, which can help boost performance during exercise, and a Support Blend with resveratrol that can help you push through during tough training.
One of the best parts about this product is that Onnit breaks down each blend, along with the other ingredients — like vitamin B6 and black pepper extract — on their site, so there’s no question as to what each ingredient can help you with. Plus, it comes in a tasty Strawberry Lemonade or Pink Grapefruit flavor. This is definitely one of our more expensive picks at $2.00, and although it is fairly stacked, it is a proprietary blend. Proprietary blends do not disclose the individual amount of each ingredient, but rather the full amount of all the ingredients combined.
Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Who Should Buy Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Anyone looking for a BCAA supplement that contains other pre-workout ingredients to build out a full performance package.
Folks who like to know what each ingredient’s purpose is in their supplement — Onnit explains each one on its website.
People who value great absorption and are looking for a product with black pepper fruit extract to help with that.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Athletes who are looking for a basic BCAA supplement — this is more of an all-inclusive pre-workout blend that contains BCAAs.
Those who want to know exactly how many BCAAs they’re getting in their supp — this product’s BCAAs are listed in a blend, so they don’t have an exact dosage.
Buyers on a budget. This is a pretty expensive BCAA supplement at $2.00 a serving because of all the extra ingredients you’re getting.
If you don’t mind blends, this product is a great combination of BCAAs and other performance-enhancing ingredients that can act as a full pre-workout supplement.
Read our full review of Onnit Total Strength + Performance.
Best Protein Powder with BCAAs
Many whey protein powders already contain BCAAs, which means you may not need an additional supplement if you’re already taking a protein powder. This whey isolate contains a particularly solid dose of BCAAs, on top of its overall lean formula.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Protein powders, especially high-quality whey isolates, have naturally occurring BCAAs in them. Swolverine’s whey protein isolate has around 5.5g of BCAAs per serving, which comes from 26g of whey protein. While this may be lower than some standalone BCAA supplements, it’s still a solid amount, and if you consider the additional amino acids you get from 26g of protein, that’s a substantial potential stimulus for muscle recovery.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
Aside from including a solid dose of BCAAs from the protein content, Swolverine also includes 10mg of digestive enzymes per serving, which may help to break down the larger protein molecules into smaller amino acids for better digestion and absorption. In total, you’ll get 110 calories per serving from half a gram of fat, one gram of carbs, and 26g of protein to help keep your muscles fed. Swolverine keeps the carbs low while still using natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit extract. You can buy this powder in Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
One Serving of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Athletes who want a protein powder that may be easier to digest thanks to the inclusion of digestive enzymes.
Folks who want lean protein that can provide a high proportion of BCAAs. Whey isolates (like this one) specifically tend to have a higher ratio of BCAAs.
If you’re looking for a naturally sweetened BCAA product without a bunch of added carbs or fats you’ll appreciate that this is almost entirely protein.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
There are higher doses of BCAAs on the market if you’re after the highest dose you can find.
If you’re bulking, this lean protein powder may not be the best option for you since it only has 110 calories.
Athletes who just want a plain BCAA supplement will need to look at other options on this list as this is a comprehensive protein powder.
A serving of Swolverine’s whey isolate contains 26g of protein, which provides approximately 5.5g of BCAAs, and remains otherwise lean with just half a gram of fat and one gram of carbs. The added digestive enzymes can potentially help break down the larger protein molecules into smaller amino acids more efficiently, as well, which can help with the effectiveness of the BCAAs.
Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate.
Best BCAA Pre-Workout
While some may be looking for a straightforward BCAA supplement, others may want to just combine their BCAAs and their pre-workout. This pre-workout contains a solid dose of BCAAs to help consolidate your supplement stash.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Pre-Kaged is one of the most versatile BCAA supplements on this list as it’s not a dedicated BCAA supplement, but rather a pre-workout supplement that contains BCAAs. Though BCAAs are less common in pre-workouts, this one has a solid dose of fermented BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, all of which can help with muscle growth, fatigue, and recovery.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
This pre-workout supplement comes in a 20-serving tub and provides L-Citrulline, L-Leucine, and L-Valine, to name a few, per 20-calorie scoop. There are seven flavors available including Grape, Fruit Punch, and Krisp Apple.
This product also contains caffeine (274mg), beta-alanine, citrulline, betaine, and creatine, which make for a variety of potentially energy-boosting and workout-enhancing ingredients. Plus, there’s a good amount of taurine and tyrosine that may help with focus throughout your workout (as tyrosine has been suggested to improve cognitive control in highly demanding situations). (1) Pre-Kaged is available in Pink Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Krisp Apple, Grape, Orange Krush, Cherry Bomb, and Berry Blast flavors, all of which will cost about $2.25 per serving.
One Serving of Kaged Pre-Kaged
Who Should Buy Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Athletes who prefer to take their BCAAs in a pre-workout blend.
Folks who want a blend of potentially energy-boosting and muscle-building ingredients to knock out a number of supplements in one go.
Anyone who prefers to take their BCAAs before their workout — rather than during or after their workout — will like this pre.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Those who are on a budget — this product is a little more expensive than some of the others on this list.
Folks who prefer an unflavored option or to take pills rather than a powder will want to look elsewhere.
Anyone who wants to take a more straightforward blend of BCAAs without the added pre-workout ingredients.
Though this product is on the pricier end of the spectrum, it’s because you’re getting a wide range of ingredients in this mix. Along with a blend of fermented BCAAs, you’re also getting pre-workout ingredients, so you won’t have to take both a pre-workout and BCAAs separately.
Read our full review of Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout.
Best BCAA for Men
For men working to build muscle, a dose of BCAAs may help you pump longer and harder. This particular supplement provides eight grams of BCAAs and a dose of coconut water powder for hydration.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
While many of BCAAs’ properties revolve around recovery, they can also help increase muscle growth. The amino acid leucine is particularly key for building muscle as it can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and since amino acids can be depleted as you exercise, it’s important to make sure you replenish as you go. Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout. It’s worth noting that this supplement only comes in two flavors — Kiwi Blueberry and Bomb Popsicle — though, so if you’re looking for flavor variety, you will not find it here.
One Serving of Huge Supplements BCAA
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Men who want a BCAA supplement they can take before, during and/or after their workout to make sure they are replenishing lost amino acids.
Anyone who’s going hard at the gym and is looking for an increase in energy and endurance, as well as a decrease in fatigue.
Athletes who are concerned about dehydration and want a BCAA supplement with coconut water powder to help stay hydrated.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Buyers who want a variety of flavors to choose from — this product only comes in Kiwi Blueberry and Bomb Popsicle.
Anyone who would prefer a BCAA supplement that’s just BCAAs — this product contains additional ingredients to supplement its leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Though BCAAs can be taken pre-workout, they can also be a part of a balanced intra-workout or post-workout supplement to potentially help with muscle growth, endurance, and energy. This supplement provides a solid dose of leucine, as well as other supplements (like electrolytes) for a well-rounded beverage that can be taken before, during, or after exercise.
Best Tasting BCAA
If you’re trying to sneak more BCAAs into your diet, it’s important that the vehicle you’re using to sneak them in actually tastes good. This product is one of the best-tasting BCAA blends we’ve tried.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine comes in five tasty flavors — Sour Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, and Orange. No matter which flavor you choose, this BCAA powder is entirely naturally flavored and sweetened. Transparent Labs dissolves well into water, and is intended to be sipped on during your workout as an intra-workout supplement.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine for Taste
This glutamine supplement is gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial preservatives. Each container provides 30 servings that contain 5000 milligrams of L-Glutamine and 1,535 milligrams of Vitamin C.
In addition to 8g of BCAAs, you’ll find 5g of glutamine and 1g of coconut water powder, which may help with even more muscle gain and hydration, respectively. Transparent Labs BCAA glutamine is a bit pricey, but the taste is worth it in our opinion.
One Serving of Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
For those who prioritize taste, this is a great tasting BCAA supplement to add to your regimen.
Anyone who prefers to take their BCAA supplement while they are working out to potentially help build muscle at the gym. This is an intra-workout supplement.
If you’re looking for additional glutamine or coconut water powder, you will like this formula.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Those who just want BCAAs without any additional ingredients may be able to find a better option out there.
Anyone on a tight budget — this is one of the more expensive products per serving.
Though this supplement may be a bit pricier than some of the other options on this list, its five flavors are great tasting, and each dose can help provide hydration, as well as potential muscle growth via BCAAs.
Best BCAA for Women
If paired with a healthy diet, BCAAs can be a great addition to an athlete’s supplement stash for their potential to minimize fatigue and help maintain lean muscle gains made in the gym. Plus, they may even have some potential benefits for menopausal and postmenopausal women.
Xwerks Motion
While many of BCAAs’ properties revolve around recovery, they can also help increase muscle growth. Many women take BCAAs to help aid in muscle retention and keeping muscle on during hormonal fluctuations due to menstrual cycles or menopause. On top of three grams of a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs, Motion also includes a solid dose of 25 grams of Cluster Dextrin™. Cluster Dextrin™ is a trademarked version of carbohydrates that can be easily and quickly digested, which may help provide fuel and energy for lifting and recovery more quickly than other carbs.
Xwerks Motion
Xwerks contains three grams of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, magnesium, and sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout.
In addition to the aminos and carbs, there’s an added dose of 80mg of calcium, 35mg of magnesium, and 34mg of sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout. The price is rather middle of the road at about $49.00 for a 30-serving container with each serving costing around $1.63. It’s worth noting that this supplement only comes in two flavors — Raspberry Lemonade or Watermelon — though, so if you’re looking for flavor variety, you will not find it here.
Who Should Buy Xwerks Motion
Women who are looking for some more energy and endurance in the gym — the extra dose of 25 grams of carbs here may help.
Menopausal or postmenopausal women may be able to put on more muscle mass and recover quicker with the dose of BCAAs and carbs in this supp.
Athletes who have trouble with digestion and absorption. The Cluster Dextrin™ in this formula can mix and digest quickly without bloating.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Xwerks Motion
Buyers who want a variety of flavors to choose from — this product only comes in Raspberry Lemonade or Watermelon.
Anyone who would prefer a BCAA supplement they should take as a pre-workout. This is more of an intra-workout or post-workout supplement.
Those who are on a budget can find a cheaper option — though Motion still isn’t necessarily the most expensive BCAA on the market.
Though BCAAs can be taken pre-workout, they can also be a part of a balanced intra-workout or post-workout supplement (as they are here) to potentially help with muscle retention, endurance, and energy. Women may especially benefit from this product thanks to its solid dose of BCAAs and easy-to-digest carbs.
Best BCAAs for Electrolytes
While many BCAAs include micronutrients — like vitamin C — in addition to the BCAAs, this pick includes electrolytes to help promote optimal hydration.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder is a blend of four grams of BCAAs in an optimal 2:1:1 ratio. But along with these BCAAs, this formula is also infused with electrolytes like potassium and sodium that can help with hydration, potentially leading to better athletic performance and endurance.
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Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
It comes in Lemon Lime, and mixes seamlessly with water for easy digestion during your workout. Plus, Swolverine contains glutamine, which can help you build muscle more effectively.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Athletes who prioritize hydration and want electrolytes infused into their BCAA supplement.
Anyone looking for glutamine in their BCAA supplement will appreciate that this product contains 1,000mg.
People who prefer a powder supplement over a pill supplement.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Athletes who would prefer a BCAA supplement with added vitamins will want to look for a product with a more robust ingredient list — this product only contains a dose of vitamin B6 while many other BCAA supplements contain a wider variety of additional vitamins.
Folks who prefer a pill supplement over a powder one can find high quality BCAAs in pill form out there, as well.
Anyone who wants more than one flavor to choose from — this supp only comes in Lemon Lime.
If you’re looking to add some electrolytes to your BCAA supplement for a boost of hydration, this product’s sodium and potassium can do just that. Plus, it comes in a delicious Lemon Lime flavor that can keep you hooked and consistent with your supplementation.
Best Vegan BCAAs
For plant-based eaters, it’s important to know that what you’re taking is free of any and all animal products — this is a solid vegan BCAA supplement.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Transparent Labs doesn’t use any animal products, or artificial coloring or sweeteners in their BCAA formula. They offer complete transparency on their label, so you know exactly what you’re getting in each scoop. This formula comes with a huge dose of 8,000mg of BCAAs per serving. With a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine and valine, and a high 5,000mg dose of glutamine, these BCAAs may help boost muscle growth and assist with muscle fatigue and recovery.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine for Vegans
This glutamine supplement is gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial preservatives. Each container provides 30 servings that contain 5000 milligrams of L-Glutamine and 1,535 milligrams of Vitamin C.
This supp also boasts over 1,000 percent of your daily vitamin C needs and includes 1,000mg of coconut water, which may help with hydration. This product comes in Orange, Sour Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, and Blue Raspberry flavors, and will cost you about $1.30 per serving.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Athletes looking for a quality vegan BCAA supplement — this one has a 5,000mg dose of glutamine and 8,000mg of a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Lifters who want a supplement without artificial sweeteners or colors. Transparent Labs’ formula has none of these extras.
Anyone who wants a high dose of vitamin C will be pleased that this has 1,670 percent of your RDI.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
People who want to take their BCAAs within a pre-workout — this product is just a straightforward BCAA supplement.
Those who prefer to take their BCAAs in pill form as this is a powder product.
Those who doesn’t like the five flavor options will have to look elsewhere.
Transparent Labs has made a high-quality BCAA supplement that contains a solid dose of glutamine, as well as a good blend of 8,000mg of leucine, isoleucine, and valine — the fact that it happens to be vegan-friendly is a bonus.
Best BCAAs for Endurance Athletes
If you’re an endurance athlete, you may be wondering what type of supplementation will help you crush your workouts and improve your recovery. The good news is that a solid dose of BCAAs may help you unlock new potential in your sport, and while most supplements contain just the amino acids, this has some extras, like carbs and electrolytes.
Xwerks Motion
Motion stands out as a BCAA supplement thanks to a solid dose of three grams of a 2:1:1 ratio of branched-chain amino acids coupled with 25 grams of Cluster Dextrin™ — a carbohydrate supp that can help with quick and easy digestion without causing bloating. The last thing you want when undertaking an endurance workout is to feel bloated and sluggish. The BCAAs included might help with reducing muscle damage and improving recovery through muscle protein synthesis. (3)
Xwerks Motion
Xwerks contains three grams of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, magnesium, and sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout.
In addition to the carbs and BCAAs provided, Xwerks Motion may help prevent dehydration during long endurance workouts where you lose a lot of sweat from the electrolytes provided. Each serving provides 80mg of calcium, 35mg of magnesium, and 34mg of sodium. Pick up a tub for about $49.00 ($1.63) per serving in either Raspberry Lemonade or Watermelon flavor.
Who Should Buy Xwerks Motion
People who want a solid dose of BCAAs to potentially fuel muscle repair and get them back to their sport sooner.
Endurance athletes who want some easily digestible carbs to potentially help keep them going during long sessions.
Those who want a fairly simple BCAA supp without too many frills or extra ingredients will like this simple, but well-dosed, ingredient list.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Xwerks Motion
People who want a more robust list of ingredients may want to opt for a pre-workout with BCAAs included in the lineup.
Anyone who wants more than two flavor options to choose from will want to look elsewhere.
If you’re on a strict budget, you can find a cheaper option available despite this being fairly reasonably priced.
BCAAs may be beneficial for those who are endurance athletes as supplementing with BCAAs offers the potential to reduce muscle damage and breakdown after long bouts of exercise. Xwerks Motion goes above and beyond with 25 grams of carbs to potentially aid in replacing burned fuel and electrolytes to help with hydration.
Best BCAA Pills
There are a lot of benefits to taking your BCAAs in pill form instead. For one, you can take them with you to the gym or on the road, which is great if you’re going for long periods between meals. For a no-nonsense BCAA pill, Optimum Nutrition BCAA pills are our go-tos.
Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
Though some people choose to stay away from pills because they may not be as easily digested as a powdered mixture, they’re likely a more convenient option to get your BCAAs in than powder. Optimum Nutrition has been a mainstay in the supplement industry for decades, putting out consistently high-quality, straightforward products — and their BCAA pills are no different.
Optimum Nutrition BCAA Capsules
If you want plain BCAAs but can't stomach their notorious taste, Optimum Nutrition's capsules are the perfect alternative. You'll get 500mg of leucine, 250mg of isoleucine, and 250mg of valine per two-capsule serving.
The only ingredients you’ll find here are the BCAAs, of which each two-capsule serving provides 500mg of l-leucine, 250mg of l-isoleucine, and 250mg of l-valine. Other than that, it’s just the capsule ingredients (which do include gelatin, so this supplement is not vegan-friendly). These 2:1:1 caps are very competitively priced, especially when you opt to buy a bottle with 400 pills (which contains 200 servings in it). You also have the choice to buy a bottle of 60 or 200 pills. Since these are capsules, if you want to vary the amount taken to be more or less depending on how hard your workout is, you can with ease.
Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
Who Should Buy Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
Folks who are on the go often. If you’re on a lengthy trip, and airplane meals or truck stop snacks aren’t giving you the leucine you need, having BCAA pills in your backpack can be handy.
Anyone who doesn’t like carrying a shaker bottle around. No need to mix anything or carry around a bulky shaker cup with these pills.
Anyone who wants to avoid the artificial sweeteners that can be so common in these products. All you’re getting here is BCAAs and a gelatin capsule.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
People who are looking to consume some other ingredients to help with recovery or muscle building may want to look at more robust products on this list.
Anyone who doesn’t want to take six pills at a time for a three-gram dose (or more to reach a 10-gram dose).
If you’re vegan, you’ll need to find a different option as these capsules do contain gelatin (which is an animal product).
Capsules are a handy way to get your BCAAs in on the go without a shaker bottle. Plus, everything is precisely measured out to make dosage easier to vary up or down, depending on your needs at the moment. When you don’t feel like chugging sweetened water, this is a fast, cheap, and convenient way to spike your amino acid intake. These BCAA pills from Optimum Nutrition are about as straightforward as they come, and we like them that way.
Read our full review of Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills.
Best BCAA for Keto
Ketogenic diets are ultra low-carb and often relatively low in protein, so many supplements with branched-chain amino acids can help you retain muscle while following a keto diet.
Cellucor Alpha Amino
Cellucor Alpha Amino is our top choice for people on a ketogenic diet. It has very few calories and no carbs, so there’s little risk of it kicking you out of ketosis. It’s also pretty high in magnesium, sodium, and potassium — minerals that are usually recommended as important supplements for people following the high-fat diet.
Cellucor Alpha Amino
With zero grams of sugar, this is an ideal formula for anyone on the low-carb, high-fat keto diet. It also packs 750mg of creatine HCL for improved in-gym performance.
This product contains five grams of BCAAs in the desired 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine. It is available in Watermelon, Icy Blue Razz, and Fruit Punch flavors, all of which will cost you about $1.00 per serving. If you opt to subscribe and save, you’ll save a significant amount and pay about $0.60 per serving. It’s also worth noting that this formula contains artificial ingredients, including sucralose and red food dye, for those who actively avoid any of those ingredients.
One Serving of Cellucor Alpha Amino
Who Should Buy Cellucor Alpha Amino
If you’re on a keto diet, this product won’t take you out of ketosis.
The extra electrolytes here may make it a useful supplement for those who want help with hydration.
Alpha Amino happens to be soy-free, so it’s a solid choice if you’re avoiding soy.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Cellucor Alpha Amino
Those who prefer an unflavored amino acid supplement will have to look elsewhere.
Anyone hoping for a pill will want to check out other options on the market.
Those avoiding artificial flavoring and dye.
BCAAs are particularly popular among those limiting their protein intake. If you’re finding your high-fat meals lacking in protein, BCAAs might be a good addition to your diet.
Read our full review of Cellucor Alpha Amino.
When Should I Take BCAAs?
It’s best to take BCAAs before or during your workout, depending on which kind you are using. BCAAs are a great supplement to potentially help build muscle through muscle protein synthesis. Many BCAAs come in a pre-workout blend, some come in an intra-workout blend, and most general BCAA supplements will instruct you to consume them 20 to 30 minutes prior to working out. A few BCAA supplements will say that you can take them before, during, or after a workout, but as far as basic BCAA supplements go, they’re probably most effective if you take them pre-workout. (2)
BCAAs can come in an intra-workout blend, and these blends are meant to be consumed specifically during exercise. For anyone who’s going hard at the gym, intra-workout BCAAs may be helpful in warding off fatigue. (3)
What Are the Benefits of BCAAs?
You might have heard that amino acids are the building blocks of protein, but they’re not all alike. The three proteinogenic branched-chain amino acids (meaning BCAAs that are incorporated into proteins during translation) are leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
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Some evidence suggests that supplementing with pure BCAAs can positively affect workouts, mainly if you’re working out on an empty stomach, or if you haven’t eaten much protein throughout the day. This is because they may promote muscle protein synthesis, and by preventing a serum decline in BCAAs (which occurs during exercise), they can help prevent fatigue. (4)(5)(6) They’ve even been linked to increased fat loss and quicker reaction times. (7)
Note that if your priority is building muscle mass, you still need to eat enough calories and protein, get enough sleep, eat the right micronutrients, and so on. Nonetheless, on days when you haven’t been hitting every macronutrient goal, many athletes find BCAAs useful.
How We Chose the Best BCAAs
There are several elements we looked at — and dozens of products — to land on this list of the best BCAAs.
Image via Shutterstock/MDV Edwards
Here’s the list we referenced as we assessed these supplements’ efficacy.
Amino Acid Ratio
The standard formulation for these products is two or three grams of leucine for every gram of isoleucine and valine (2:1:1). Although some products have many times more leucine, this hasn’t been shown to be more successful than the “standard” ratios. We looked for products with this standard 2:1:1 ratio when formulating this list.
Ergogenic Effects
In addition to BCAAs, many products include ergogenic aids or ingredients linked to improved performance. These can include citrulline (related to improved circulation), beta-alanine (endurance), and caffeine (explosive power). We’ve included picks on this list that incorporate these ingredients, as well as picks that don’t. With the variety of options, those who are avoiding certain ingredients, like caffeine, shouldn’t have a problem finding a pick that works for them.
Lipolytic Effect
Some of the BCAA products we highlighted include ingredients that may exert lipolytic or “fat-burning” effects. These include conjugated linoleic acid, green tea extract, and evodiamine. Fat loss is almost entirely about how many calories you burn in a day. Still, some limited research has suggested ingredients like these can help break down fatty acids, particularly during exercise. We’ve included BCAAs both with and without these ingredients on this list to suit the variety of needs customers may have.
Micronutrients
Many BCAAs include extra Vitamin B6, which may help with muscle retention and which the body appears to lose during intense exercise. Some BCAAs have other B vitamins in addition to more micronutrients — like Vitamin C, which may help to limit oxidative damage during exercise, and sodium, which may help with hydration. If you’re keen on having added micronutrients in your BCAA supplement, we have plenty of options for you on this list. And if you’d rather skip the added vitamins and minerals, and pay a little less for your BCAAs, you’ll also find those products on this list.
How Much Do BCAAs Cost?
BCAAs can be a fairly expensive individual supplement. Container prices range from $20 to $50, but in order to know exactly how much you are getting for your money, you’ll want to look at the cost per serving of each product. To do so, you should weigh the overall cost against the number of servings in each container. You’ll likely find that BCAAs go for anywhere between $0.43 and $3.00 per serving — on average, BCAA supplements cost about $1.41 per serving.
Best BCAA Powder Overal
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
$49.99
$0.85 per serving
Best BCAAs for Muscle Growth
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
$39.99
$1.60 per serving
Best BCAAs for Weight Loss
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
$49.99
$0.85 per serving
Best BCAAs for Workouts
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
$39.99
$1.60 per serving
Best total BCAA Blend
Onnit Total Strength + Performance Blend
$60.00
$2.00 per serving
Best Protein Powder with BCAAs
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
$62.99
$2.09 per serving
Best Pre-Workout with BCAAs
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
$44.99
$2.25 per serving
Best BCAA for Men
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
$39.99
$1.60 per serving
Best Tasting BCAAs
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
$39.99
$1.33 per serving
Best BCAAs for Women
Xwerks Motion
$49.00
$1.63 per serving
Best BCAAs with Electrolytes
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
$49.99
$0.85 per serving
Best Vegan BCAAs
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
$39.99
$1.33 per serving
Best BCAAs for Endurance Athletes
Xwerks Motion
$49.00
$1.63 per serving
Best BCAA Pills
Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
$12.99
$0.43 per serving (for 60 pills)
Best BCAAs for Keto
Cellucor Alpha Amino
$27.99
$0.93 per serving
The price of your BCAAs will go up depending on the ingredients you’re getting and how convenient the supplement is to take. For example, some picks are likely more expensive because the BCAAs come in the form of a pre-workout, which contains a number of other energy-boosting ingredients. BCAA supplements often come with vitamins and minerals mixed in as well, and these blends will be more expensive than basic blends that are mainly just BCAAs.
What to Consider Before Buying BCAAs
Before adding a BCAA supplement to your lineup, you may want to consider a few big factors. As BCAAs are pretty versatile, you may want to consider ingredients, dosages, formulation, price, calories, and the necessity of BCAAs before making your selection. We detail each of these more below.
Ingredient List
This is a major consideration because the ingredient lists on BCAA supps can be unique and versatile. You’ll want to think about what you’re looking for in a BCAA supplement and what you hope the outcome of taking one will be. If you’re looking strictly for BCAAs, you may want to opt for a simpler formulation and ingredient list. If you’re looking for BCAAs to be a part of your supplement, but not the entirety of it, you may want to choose a supp that has a solid dose of BCAAs while also including other ingredients, like glutamine or some pre-workout favorites, like citrulline.
Dosages
You’ll also want to consider what dose of BCAAs makes the most sense. The recommended breakdown for BCAAs is a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine for best potential effect. Although many supplements on the market have 4,000mg in total of BCAAs you will find some supplements on this list that contain 8,000mg, as well. Depending on what your needs are, you may want to opt for a higher amount of BCAAs for effectiveness or potential recovery benefits.
Formulation
Are you looking for straight BCAAs or do you want something more robust? The formulation of your BCAAs will be a really important thing to consider as the product can be so versatile and delivered in a plethora of ways. BCAAs are commonly found in pre-workout supplements or within a protein powder, but it is really up to you as to how you want to include them in your lineup. Some people prefer to take straight BCAAs as an additional supplement in their stack, while some prefer to find them wrapped up in another supplement, so they can cut down on the number of supps they’re taking.
You’ll also want to consider whether you want a flavored powder, unflavored powder, or a pill formulation. Some people enjoy the taste of fruity supplements, while some prefer pills for easier dosing and for a mess-free on-the-go supplement for the gym or while traveling. There is no wrong answer, just the answer that best suits your lifestyle.
Price
Many supplements can be really helpful additions to your supplement lineup and may help you achieve your goals more efficiently, but they shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Your budget will be a major consideration when you’re picking out your perfect BCAA supplement. This list ranges from BCAA supplements that are under a dollar per serving to some that are over two dollars per serving. Since BCAAs are so versatile in their supplement formulation, the prices will be a reflection of that. If you want a simpler BCAA, you’ll probably pay less per serving than you would for a robust pre-workout formula or a protein powder that includes BCAAs.
You’ll also want to consider bulk buy options that may save you a few extra dollars, or subscribe and save opportunities that many supplement companies offer. They usually offer a pretty distinct discount when you choose to subscribe and save and it will be reflected in each of your orders as they ship out.
Calories Are King
Many take supplements like BCAAs and fat burners because they hear they help with weight loss and muscle gain. BCAAs may help you retain muscle, but it’s essential to keep in mind that losing weight only happens if you’re in a caloric deficit. BCAAs can help with energy levels and potentially make it easier and more productive to work out on an empty stomach — but your total calories will be what makes or breaks your fat loss and muscle gain. All in all, to reap the most benefit from your BCAAs, make sure your daily nutrition and caloric intake is on track first and foremost.
BCAAs Aren’t Necessary
BCAAs are not necessary if you have sufficient protein intake. Still, they’re often used as supplements to boost muscle protein synthesis between meals, or enhance performance and retain muscle when exercising on an empty stomach. If you’re eating macro-friendly meals throughout the day, these supplements may not be as necessary. Consider your diet in full before deciding if a BCAA supplement is right for you.
What’s In Your BCAAs?
We know that supplements, particularly ones like these, can involve a lot of jargon and be tough to understand for the average person.
Image via Shutterstock/Casimiro PT
Let’s break down what you’re most likely to see on your ingredients label, starting with the three branched-chain amino acids.
Leucine
Perhaps the most highly prized of all the amino acids, leucine has the closest link with boosting muscle protein synthesis, which occurs when protein in your body helps to repair the muscles damaged during exercise. While your total calories are essential for muscle growth and muscle retention, muscle protein synthesis is a vital part of the puzzle. (8)
Isoleucine
Used in the biosynthesis of proteins, this branched-chain amino acid may help prevent muscle breakdown, and promote fat burning. (9)
Valine
Another BCAA, valine, has some links to endurance and focus. Interestingly, if you have difficulty digesting it, and there’s more of it in the blood, this could actually be a sign of insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes and other conditions. (10) (11)
Then there are these other amino acids that aren’t BCAAs, but often accompany them in supplements:
Glutamine
A conditionally essential amino acid (remember amino acids are building blocks of protein), glutamine is enormously popular in supplements because it has some links to muscle gain. However, most research has only seen this among people whose bodies are in trauma, like victims of burns or stab wounds — it hasn’t translated to gains for gymgoers. (12)
Beta-Alanine
A ubiquitous addition to pre-workouts, one-and-a-half to four grams of this stuff has shown to improve endurance and possibly hypertrophy. It’s possible that it also has some anti-aging effects, as it can increase the amount of carnosine (an antioxidant) in the body. (13)
Citrulline Malate
An amino acid that’s prevalent in watermelons (along with legumes and organ meats), citrulline appears to improve nitric oxide metabolism, which can lead to better circulation and blood flow. In workouts, this can translate to better endurance and power output. It’s also a common ingredient in erectile dysfunction supplements. (14)
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
This amino acid may reduce muscle damage caused by high-intensity exercise. It also has links to longevity, as it may improve mitochondrial function, and it could help retain lean muscle mass and enhance aerobic output. (15)
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may reduce cell damage that occurs during exercise. It’s a powerful antioxidant, which can be helpful for immune support. (16)
B Vitamins
The eight B vitamins may help increase one’s energy without jitters or unwanted sleep loss. They may also help with brain function and cell health. (2)
Final Word
We tried dozens of branched-chain amino acid supplements when putting together this list — weighing price, taste, ingredients, and effectiveness along with many other factors. Plenty of people have different ideas about what constitutes a “high quality” supplement, but we think we’ve put together the most comprehensive guide to aid in picking the perfect BCAA supplement to match your goals.
FAQs
What are BCAAs?It stands for branched chain amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and the branched chain amino acids are those most closely associated with muscle protein synthesis, the process by which protein is produced to repair and retain muscle.
How much do BCAAs cost?The short answer here is that it depends. Our list of BCAA supplements ranges in price between $0.43 and $3.00 per serving, and has an average cost of $1.41 per serving. There is a wide range here, and depending on your needs and what you’re looking for, you should be able to find a BCAA supp that matches your needs and your budget.
Do I need to take BCAAs?Probably not, so long as you’re eating plenty of protein and calories throughout your day. If that’s the case, taking extra BCAAs around a workout probably won’t serve much extra benefit. Where BCAAs appear to have the most use is when the athlete is exercising on an empty stomach, isn’t eating much quality protein with a meal, or wants to retain their muscle during a fast or during a long period without protein. If you fall into those categories, BCAAs may be useful.
What is the best BCAA supplement?While there are a vast array of BCAA supplements that are great, our favorite is the Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder. It contains 4,000mg of a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio, as well as the addition of vitamin B6, sodium, and potassium. It also comes in a delicious Lemon Lime flavor, and only costs $0.85 per serving, which is well below our average price per serving.
References
Steenbergen L, Sellaro R, Hommel B, Colzato LS. Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility: evidence from proactive vs. reactive control during task switching performance. Neuropsychologia. 2015 Mar;69:50-5. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.01.022. Epub 2015 Jan 16. PMID: 25598314.
Kennedy D. O. (2016). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy–A Review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8020068
AbuMoh’d, M. F., Matalqah, L., & Al-Abdulla, Z. (2020). Effects of Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) Intake on Muscular and Central Fatigue During an Incremental Exercise. Journal of human kinetics, 72, 69–78. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2019-0099
Zheng L, et al. Effects of Supplementation of Branched-Chain Amino Acids to Reduced-Protein Diet on Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis and Degradation in the Fed and Fasted States in a Piglet Model. Nutrients. 2016 Dec 28;9(1).
Matthews DE, et al. Observations of branched-chain amino acid administration in humans. J Nutr. 2005 Jun;135(6 Suppl):1580S-4S.
Blomstrand E, et al. Administration of branched-chain amino acids during sustained exercise–effects on performance and on plasma concentration of some amino acids. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1991;63(2):83-8.
Wi?nik P, et al. The effect of branched chain amino acids on psychomotor performance during treadmill exercise of changing intensity simulating a soccer game. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2011 Dec;36(6):856-62.
Mero A. Leucine supplementation and intensive training. Sports Med. 1999 Jun;27(6):347-58. doi: 10.2165/00007256-199927060-00001. PMID: 10418071.
Du Y, Meng Q, Zhang Q, Guo F. Isoleucine or valine deprivation stimulates fat loss via increasing energy expenditure and regulating lipid metabolism in WAT. Amino Acids. 2012 Aug;43(2):725-34. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1123-8. Epub 2011 Oct 21. PMID: 22016194.
Tsuda Y, Iwasawa K, Yamaguchi M. Acute supplementation of valine reduces fatigue during swimming exercise in rats. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2018 May;82(5):856-861. doi: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1438168. Epub 2018 Feb 23. PMID: 29475409.
Bloomgarden Z. Diabetes and branched-chain amino acids: What is the link? J Diabetes. 2018 May;10(5):350-352. doi: 10.1111/1753-0407.12645. Epub 2018 Feb 13. PMID: 29369529.
Gleeson M. Dosing and efficacy of glutamine supplementation in human exercise and sport training. J Nutr. 2008 Oct;138(10):2045S-2049S. doi: 10.1093/jn/138.10.2045S. PMID: 18806122.
Huerta Ojeda Á, Tapia Cerda C, Poblete Salvatierra MF, Barahona-Fuentes G, Jorquera Aguilera C. Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Physical Performance in Aerobic-Anaerobic Transition Zones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 19;12(9):2490. doi: 10.3390/nu12092490. PMID: 32824885; PMCID: PMC7551186.
Pérez-Guisado J, Jakeman PM. Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 May;24(5):1215-22. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cb28e0. PMID: 20386132.
Fielding, R., Riede, L., Lugo, J. P., & Bellamine, A. (2018). l-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise. Nutrients, 10(3), 349. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10030349
Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID: PMC5707683.
Once a niche athletic supplement, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have exploded in popularity as a means to potentially improve muscle retention, fat loss, endurance, and focus during workouts. Today, hundreds of different BCAAs on the market include stimulants, adaptogens, micronutrients, and extracts to make them stand out from the crowd. Our goal here is to help you find the best BCAA supplements for muscle gain, keto dieters, weight loss, and a lot more.
It’s not uncommon to see BCAAs packaged with other supplements, like pre-workout, whey protein, caffeine, glutamine, taurine, beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and other ingredients that may benefit workout performance. In this article, we’ve taken the BCAAs, the extra components, the price, and the taste into account when deciding the best BCAA supplements for any of your goals.
Best BCAA Supplements
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.
Best BCAA Supplements Video Review
Be sure to check out our best BCAAs video for a more in-depth look at this supplement. BarBend’s Nick English takes you on a journey by breaking down our favorite BCAA supplements on the market.
Best BCAA Powder Overall
Our top pick is a BCAA formula with a solid blend of BCAAs that’s effectively dosed without any of the fluff, making it a great option for most customers who want to add more amino acids to their supplement regimen.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Though simple, this blend contains the ideal 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine and valine, and contains 4,000mg total of BCAAs. For those who already have a solidified regimen and may just be looking for a simple BCAA blend, this product is just that.
10% Off
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
It contains 2,000mg of leucine, 1,000mg of isoleucine, and 1,000mg of valine with a small additional dose of glutamine, vitamin B6, sodium, and potassium. Swolverine comes in just one flavor — Lemon Lime — which uses both natural and artificial flavors and sweeteners. You can expect to pay around $0.85 per serving for this BCAA supp, which is a fairly affordable price tag.
One Serving of Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Best for Muscle Growth
If muscle growth is your goal, then your primary concern should be eating enough calories and macronutrients throughout the day. (Here’s a macro calculator for that.) But when it comes to BCAAs, you might want something that supports in-gym performance and offers optimal BCAA ingredients.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
If you’re working to build muscle in the gym, you’re likely keyed in on a lot of helpful energy-boosting and muscle-building supplements — like protein powder and pre-workout — already. Huge Supplements Huge BCAA contains a high dose of amino acids at 15 grams, which includes 8g of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
You’ll also find a 5g dose of glutamine, which can help build muscle tissue, as well as coconut water powder for workout hydration. This product comes in Kiwi Blueberry, Bomb Popsicle, Watermelon Lemonade, and Sour Grape flavor choices. This BCAA product is a bit more expensive than some of the other picks at about $1.60 per serving. If you’re avoiding artificial ingredients, you’ll want to note that all four flavors include both artificial and natural ingredients, and are sweetened with sucralose.
Scooping Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Best BCAAs for Weight Loss
Many take BCAAs to help preserve muscle when in a caloric deficit, and some products — like this one — even add extras like glutamine, which can help with recovery when you’re going hard in the gym.
Disclaimer: Please note that none of these products describe themselves as weight loss supplements and should not be taken as such. Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any weight loss protocol.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 powder is a great addition if you’re working hard toward weight loss. Along with a respected ratio of 2:1:1 of leucine to isoleucine to valine, this product includes glutamine, which may help you recover better when you’re working hard to burn fat. While there are no ingredients here that can specifically help with weight loss, this is a lean formula that can make sure you have everything you need to help you work toward your lean muscle goals.
10% Off
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
This product is only available in a Lemon Lime flavor, and it is sweetened with sucralose. It has a price tag of about $0.85 per serving, which is a pretty reasonable price for a BCAA product. One of the major perks is that this BCAA formula contains over 100 percent of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B6.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Best BCAA for Workouts
BCAAs can be key in making the most of your workouts. Not only does this supp contain a high dose of BCAAs, but it also includes electrolytes to help keep you hydrated throughout your training.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge supplements Huge BCAA is ideal if you’re looking for a supplement that offers a high dose of BCAAs at a 2:1:1 ratio. Huge Supplements Huge BCAA contains 8,000mg of BCAAs, which is one of the highest numbers we’ve seen. In addition, you’ll find calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder to potentially help keep you hydrated throughout your workouts, as well.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
You can take this supplement before, during, or after your workouts, and it comes in four flavors — Kiwi Blueberry, Bomb Popsicle, Watermelon Lemonade, and Sour Grape. You can expect to pay around $1.60 per serving, which is higher than others on our list, but for the insane dose of BCAAs, it might be worth it.
Huge Supplements BCAA
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Best Total BCAA Blend
This pick not only contains BCAAs, but it has three blends of ingredients working toward power, performance, and support for tough workouts to build out a full package.
Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Onnit’s formula contains three blends, one of which focuses on BCAAs, but all of which can help you crush big workouts. There’s a Power Blend with longjack, which is a plant that can help provide the fuel you need for muscle contractions. The Performance Blend contains the BCAAs, as well as glutamine and beta-alanine, which can all help you perform better at the gym. Then there’s the Support Blend with resveratrol, which can help you get through tough workouts.
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Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Onnit contains a Power Blend with longjack, which can help fuel muscle contractions, a Performance Blend with BCAAs, glutamine and beta-alanine, which can help boost performance during exercise, and a Support Blend with resveratrol that can help you push through during tough training.
One of the best parts about this product is that Onnit breaks down each blend, along with the other ingredients — like vitamin B6 and black pepper extract — on their site, so there’s no question as to what each ingredient can help you with. Plus, it comes in a tasty Strawberry Lemonade or Pink Grapefruit flavor. This is definitely one of our more expensive picks at $2.00, and although it is fairly stacked, it is a proprietary blend. Proprietary blends do not disclose the individual amount of each ingredient, but rather the full amount of all the ingredients combined.
Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Who Should Buy Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Read our full review of Onnit Total Strength + Performance.
Best Protein Powder with BCAAs
Many whey protein powders already contain BCAAs, which means you may not need an additional supplement if you’re already taking a protein powder. This whey isolate contains a particularly solid dose of BCAAs, on top of its overall lean formula.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Protein powders, especially high-quality whey isolates, have naturally occurring BCAAs in them. Swolverine’s whey protein isolate has around 5.5g of BCAAs per serving, which comes from 26g of whey protein. While this may be lower than some standalone BCAA supplements, it’s still a solid amount, and if you consider the additional amino acids you get from 26g of protein, that’s a substantial potential stimulus for muscle recovery.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
Aside from including a solid dose of BCAAs from the protein content, Swolverine also includes 10mg of digestive enzymes per serving, which may help to break down the larger protein molecules into smaller amino acids for better digestion and absorption. In total, you’ll get 110 calories per serving from half a gram of fat, one gram of carbs, and 26g of protein to help keep your muscles fed. Swolverine keeps the carbs low while still using natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit extract. You can buy this powder in Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
One Serving of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate.
Best BCAA Pre-Workout
While some may be looking for a straightforward BCAA supplement, others may want to just combine their BCAAs and their pre-workout. This pre-workout contains a solid dose of BCAAs to help consolidate your supplement stash.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Pre-Kaged is one of the most versatile BCAA supplements on this list as it’s not a dedicated BCAA supplement, but rather a pre-workout supplement that contains BCAAs. Though BCAAs are less common in pre-workouts, this one has a solid dose of fermented BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, all of which can help with muscle growth, fatigue, and recovery.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
This pre-workout supplement comes in a 20-serving tub and provides L-Citrulline, L-Leucine, and L-Valine, to name a few, per 20-calorie scoop. There are seven flavors available including Grape, Fruit Punch, and Krisp Apple.
This product also contains caffeine (274mg), beta-alanine, citrulline, betaine, and creatine, which make for a variety of potentially energy-boosting and workout-enhancing ingredients. Plus, there’s a good amount of taurine and tyrosine that may help with focus throughout your workout (as tyrosine has been suggested to improve cognitive control in highly demanding situations). (1) Pre-Kaged is available in Pink Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Krisp Apple, Grape, Orange Krush, Cherry Bomb, and Berry Blast flavors, all of which will cost about $2.25 per serving.
One Serving of Kaged Pre-Kaged
Who Should Buy Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Read our full review of Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout.
Best BCAA for Men
For men working to build muscle, a dose of BCAAs may help you pump longer and harder. This particular supplement provides eight grams of BCAAs and a dose of coconut water powder for hydration.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
While many of BCAAs’ properties revolve around recovery, they can also help increase muscle growth. The amino acid leucine is particularly key for building muscle as it can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and since amino acids can be depleted as you exercise, it’s important to make sure you replenish as you go. Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout. It’s worth noting that this supplement only comes in two flavors — Kiwi Blueberry and Bomb Popsicle — though, so if you’re looking for flavor variety, you will not find it here.
One Serving of Huge Supplements BCAA
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Best Tasting BCAA
If you’re trying to sneak more BCAAs into your diet, it’s important that the vehicle you’re using to sneak them in actually tastes good. This product is one of the best-tasting BCAA blends we’ve tried.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine comes in five tasty flavors — Sour Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, and Orange. No matter which flavor you choose, this BCAA powder is entirely naturally flavored and sweetened. Transparent Labs dissolves well into water, and is intended to be sipped on during your workout as an intra-workout supplement.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine for Taste
This glutamine supplement is gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial preservatives. Each container provides 30 servings that contain 5000 milligrams of L-Glutamine and 1,535 milligrams of Vitamin C.
In addition to 8g of BCAAs, you’ll find 5g of glutamine and 1g of coconut water powder, which may help with even more muscle gain and hydration, respectively. Transparent Labs BCAA glutamine is a bit pricey, but the taste is worth it in our opinion.
One Serving of Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Best BCAA for Women
If paired with a healthy diet, BCAAs can be a great addition to an athlete’s supplement stash for their potential to minimize fatigue and help maintain lean muscle gains made in the gym. Plus, they may even have some potential benefits for menopausal and postmenopausal women.
Xwerks Motion
While many of BCAAs’ properties revolve around recovery, they can also help increase muscle growth. Many women take BCAAs to help aid in muscle retention and keeping muscle on during hormonal fluctuations due to menstrual cycles or menopause. On top of three grams of a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs, Motion also includes a solid dose of 25 grams of Cluster Dextrin™. Cluster Dextrin™ is a trademarked version of carbohydrates that can be easily and quickly digested, which may help provide fuel and energy for lifting and recovery more quickly than other carbs.
Xwerks Motion
Xwerks contains three grams of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, magnesium, and sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout.
In addition to the aminos and carbs, there’s an added dose of 80mg of calcium, 35mg of magnesium, and 34mg of sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout. The price is rather middle of the road at about $49.00 for a 30-serving container with each serving costing around $1.63. It’s worth noting that this supplement only comes in two flavors — Raspberry Lemonade or Watermelon — though, so if you’re looking for flavor variety, you will not find it here.
Who Should Buy Xwerks Motion
It’s not uncommon to see BCAAs packaged with other supplements, like pre-workout, whey protein, caffeine, glutamine, taurine, beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and other ingredients that may benefit workout performance. In this article, we’ve taken the BCAAs, the extra components, the price, and the taste into account when deciding the best BCAA supplements for any of your goals.
Best BCAA Supplements
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.
Best BCAA Supplements Video Review
Be sure to check out our best BCAAs video for a more in-depth look at this supplement. BarBend’s Nick English takes you on a journey by breaking down our favorite BCAA supplements on the market.
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Best BCAA Powder Overall
Our top pick is a BCAA formula with a solid blend of BCAAs that’s effectively dosed without any of the fluff, making it a great option for most customers who want to add more amino acids to their supplement regimen.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Though simple, this blend contains the ideal 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine and valine, and contains 4,000mg total of BCAAs. For those who already have a solidified regimen and may just be looking for a simple BCAA blend, this product is just that.
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Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
It contains 2,000mg of leucine, 1,000mg of isoleucine, and 1,000mg of valine with a small additional dose of glutamine, vitamin B6, sodium, and potassium. Swolverine comes in just one flavor — Lemon Lime — which uses both natural and artificial flavors and sweeteners. You can expect to pay around $0.85 per serving for this BCAA supp, which is a fairly affordable price tag.
One Serving of Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Those who are looking for a simple and effective BCAA supplement with a 2:1:1 ratio — this product contains the proper dosages without any added fluff.
People who aren’t looking for a pre-workout blend as this blend relies mainly on BCAAs.
Folks who want glutamine as well, to potentially help with workout recovery.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Folks who want just BCAAs. Though this supplement mainly focuses on BCAAs, you will find small doses of glutamine and other vitamins and minerals.
Anyone who wants a wider variety of flavors to choose from — this powder only has one.
If you’re looking for a BCAA supplement to add to your growing regimen, this one is one of our favorites — it has a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine and valine, and comes with a solid dose of glutamine and vitamin B6, as well.
Best for Muscle Growth
If muscle growth is your goal, then your primary concern should be eating enough calories and macronutrients throughout the day. (Here’s a macro calculator for that.) But when it comes to BCAAs, you might want something that supports in-gym performance and offers optimal BCAA ingredients.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
If you’re working to build muscle in the gym, you’re likely keyed in on a lot of helpful energy-boosting and muscle-building supplements — like protein powder and pre-workout — already. Huge Supplements Huge BCAA contains a high dose of amino acids at 15 grams, which includes 8g of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
You’ll also find a 5g dose of glutamine, which can help build muscle tissue, as well as coconut water powder for workout hydration. This product comes in Kiwi Blueberry, Bomb Popsicle, Watermelon Lemonade, and Sour Grape flavor choices. This BCAA product is a bit more expensive than some of the other picks at about $1.60 per serving. If you’re avoiding artificial ingredients, you’ll want to note that all four flavors include both artificial and natural ingredients, and are sweetened with sucralose.
Scooping Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Bodybuilders or anyone looking to gain muscle. This formula facilitates that goal better than other picks on this list due to its inclusion of glutamine and high dose of BCAAs.
Athletes looking for workout hydration will appreciate the coconut water powder here.
Lifters who want multiple flavors to choose from will appreciate that there are four here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Anyone looking for a supplement with a ton of extra vitamins — other pre-workout options might be more appealing.
People who are avoiding artificial ingredients will want to steer clear of this product.
Those on a budget may want to opt for one of the less expensive options on our list.
Not overly complicated, but appealing to many, Huge Supplements has made a BCAA supplement that gets a lot of points for its dose of glutamine that can help support muscle growth even further.
Best BCAAs for Weight Loss
Many take BCAAs to help preserve muscle when in a caloric deficit, and some products — like this one — even add extras like glutamine, which can help with recovery when you’re going hard in the gym.
Disclaimer: Please note that none of these products describe themselves as weight loss supplements and should not be taken as such. Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any weight loss protocol.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 powder is a great addition if you’re working hard toward weight loss. Along with a respected ratio of 2:1:1 of leucine to isoleucine to valine, this product includes glutamine, which may help you recover better when you’re working hard to burn fat. While there are no ingredients here that can specifically help with weight loss, this is a lean formula that can make sure you have everything you need to help you work toward your lean muscle goals.
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Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
This product is only available in a Lemon Lime flavor, and it is sweetened with sucralose. It has a price tag of about $0.85 per serving, which is a pretty reasonable price for a BCAA product. One of the major perks is that this BCAA formula contains over 100 percent of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B6.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
If you’re absolutely committed to losing weight, your calories are in control, and you’d like all the help you can get, it’s possible that this lean formula that includes a solid dose of BCAAs and glutamine can help you with lean muscle growth.
Anyone who is hoping to get some micronutrients from this formula will appreciate it contains 100 percent of your RDI for B6.
Folks who like Lemon Lime flavors will like this blend.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Those who just want BCAAs without any additional ingredients.
Athletes who are looking for ingredients that specifically help with fat loss can find other BCAA supplements to support them.
If you want a variety of flavors to choose from, you won’t find that here.
Weight loss is all about your calories, not your supplements — but Swolverine has put together an impressive BCAA supplement that may be more helpful for weight loss than others, thanks to its lean formula, solid dose of BCAAs, and glutamine.
Best BCAA for Workouts
BCAAs can be key in making the most of your workouts. Not only does this supp contain a high dose of BCAAs, but it also includes electrolytes to help keep you hydrated throughout your training.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge supplements Huge BCAA is ideal if you’re looking for a supplement that offers a high dose of BCAAs at a 2:1:1 ratio. Huge Supplements Huge BCAA contains 8,000mg of BCAAs, which is one of the highest numbers we’ve seen. In addition, you’ll find calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder to potentially help keep you hydrated throughout your workouts, as well.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
You can take this supplement before, during, or after your workouts, and it comes in four flavors — Kiwi Blueberry, Bomb Popsicle, Watermelon Lemonade, and Sour Grape. You can expect to pay around $1.60 per serving, which is higher than others on our list, but for the insane dose of BCAAs, it might be worth it.
Huge Supplements BCAA
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
For those who are looking for a high dose of BCAAs to supplement their workout routine, this supp has 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Anyone who wants coconut water powder included in their supplement for added hydration throughout their workout.
If you are looking for BCAAs you can take before, during, or after your workout, you’ll like this product.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Folks who want a product that is just BCAAs will want to look elsewhere.
If you want your BCAAs included within a larger post-workout or pre-workout supplement, this blend is not for you.
Those on a budget may want to choose a less expensive formula as this costs $1.60 per serving.
Athletes who need to perform at high levels can benefit from this dialed-in BCAA formula, which can help you build muscle and remain hydrated throughout your workout.
Best Total BCAA Blend
This pick not only contains BCAAs, but it has three blends of ingredients working toward power, performance, and support for tough workouts to build out a full package.
Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Onnit’s formula contains three blends, one of which focuses on BCAAs, but all of which can help you crush big workouts. There’s a Power Blend with longjack, which is a plant that can help provide the fuel you need for muscle contractions. The Performance Blend contains the BCAAs, as well as glutamine and beta-alanine, which can all help you perform better at the gym. Then there’s the Support Blend with resveratrol, which can help you get through tough workouts.
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Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Onnit contains a Power Blend with longjack, which can help fuel muscle contractions, a Performance Blend with BCAAs, glutamine and beta-alanine, which can help boost performance during exercise, and a Support Blend with resveratrol that can help you push through during tough training.
One of the best parts about this product is that Onnit breaks down each blend, along with the other ingredients — like vitamin B6 and black pepper extract — on their site, so there’s no question as to what each ingredient can help you with. Plus, it comes in a tasty Strawberry Lemonade or Pink Grapefruit flavor. This is definitely one of our more expensive picks at $2.00, and although it is fairly stacked, it is a proprietary blend. Proprietary blends do not disclose the individual amount of each ingredient, but rather the full amount of all the ingredients combined.
Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Who Should Buy Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Anyone looking for a BCAA supplement that contains other pre-workout ingredients to build out a full performance package.
Folks who like to know what each ingredient’s purpose is in their supplement — Onnit explains each one on its website.
People who value great absorption and are looking for a product with black pepper fruit extract to help with that.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Athletes who are looking for a basic BCAA supplement — this is more of an all-inclusive pre-workout blend that contains BCAAs.
Those who want to know exactly how many BCAAs they’re getting in their supp — this product’s BCAAs are listed in a blend, so they don’t have an exact dosage.
Buyers on a budget. This is a pretty expensive BCAA supplement at $2.00 a serving because of all the extra ingredients you’re getting.
If you don’t mind blends, this product is a great combination of BCAAs and other performance-enhancing ingredients that can act as a full pre-workout supplement.
Read our full review of Onnit Total Strength + Performance.
Best Protein Powder with BCAAs
Many whey protein powders already contain BCAAs, which means you may not need an additional supplement if you’re already taking a protein powder. This whey isolate contains a particularly solid dose of BCAAs, on top of its overall lean formula.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Protein powders, especially high-quality whey isolates, have naturally occurring BCAAs in them. Swolverine’s whey protein isolate has around 5.5g of BCAAs per serving, which comes from 26g of whey protein. While this may be lower than some standalone BCAA supplements, it’s still a solid amount, and if you consider the additional amino acids you get from 26g of protein, that’s a substantial potential stimulus for muscle recovery.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
Aside from including a solid dose of BCAAs from the protein content, Swolverine also includes 10mg of digestive enzymes per serving, which may help to break down the larger protein molecules into smaller amino acids for better digestion and absorption. In total, you’ll get 110 calories per serving from half a gram of fat, one gram of carbs, and 26g of protein to help keep your muscles fed. Swolverine keeps the carbs low while still using natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit extract. You can buy this powder in Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
One Serving of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Athletes who want a protein powder that may be easier to digest thanks to the inclusion of digestive enzymes.
Folks who want lean protein that can provide a high proportion of BCAAs. Whey isolates (like this one) specifically tend to have a higher ratio of BCAAs.
If you’re looking for a naturally sweetened BCAA product without a bunch of added carbs or fats you’ll appreciate that this is almost entirely protein.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
There are higher doses of BCAAs on the market if you’re after the highest dose you can find.
If you’re bulking, this lean protein powder may not be the best option for you since it only has 110 calories.
Athletes who just want a plain BCAA supplement will need to look at other options on this list as this is a comprehensive protein powder.
A serving of Swolverine’s whey isolate contains 26g of protein, which provides approximately 5.5g of BCAAs, and remains otherwise lean with just half a gram of fat and one gram of carbs. The added digestive enzymes can potentially help break down the larger protein molecules into smaller amino acids more efficiently, as well, which can help with the effectiveness of the BCAAs.
Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate.
Best BCAA Pre-Workout
While some may be looking for a straightforward BCAA supplement, others may want to just combine their BCAAs and their pre-workout. This pre-workout contains a solid dose of BCAAs to help consolidate your supplement stash.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Pre-Kaged is one of the most versatile BCAA supplements on this list as it’s not a dedicated BCAA supplement, but rather a pre-workout supplement that contains BCAAs. Though BCAAs are less common in pre-workouts, this one has a solid dose of fermented BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, all of which can help with muscle growth, fatigue, and recovery.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
This pre-workout supplement comes in a 20-serving tub and provides L-Citrulline, L-Leucine, and L-Valine, to name a few, per 20-calorie scoop. There are seven flavors available including Grape, Fruit Punch, and Krisp Apple.
This product also contains caffeine (274mg), beta-alanine, citrulline, betaine, and creatine, which make for a variety of potentially energy-boosting and workout-enhancing ingredients. Plus, there’s a good amount of taurine and tyrosine that may help with focus throughout your workout (as tyrosine has been suggested to improve cognitive control in highly demanding situations). (1) Pre-Kaged is available in Pink Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Krisp Apple, Grape, Orange Krush, Cherry Bomb, and Berry Blast flavors, all of which will cost about $2.25 per serving.
One Serving of Kaged Pre-Kaged
Who Should Buy Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Athletes who prefer to take their BCAAs in a pre-workout blend.
Folks who want a blend of potentially energy-boosting and muscle-building ingredients to knock out a number of supplements in one go.
Anyone who prefers to take their BCAAs before their workout — rather than during or after their workout — will like this pre.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Those who are on a budget — this product is a little more expensive than some of the others on this list.
Folks who prefer an unflavored option or to take pills rather than a powder will want to look elsewhere.
Anyone who wants to take a more straightforward blend of BCAAs without the added pre-workout ingredients.
Though this product is on the pricier end of the spectrum, it’s because you’re getting a wide range of ingredients in this mix. Along with a blend of fermented BCAAs, you’re also getting pre-workout ingredients, so you won’t have to take both a pre-workout and BCAAs separately.
Read our full review of Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout.
Best BCAA for Men
For men working to build muscle, a dose of BCAAs may help you pump longer and harder. This particular supplement provides eight grams of BCAAs and a dose of coconut water powder for hydration.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
While many of BCAAs’ properties revolve around recovery, they can also help increase muscle growth. The amino acid leucine is particularly key for building muscle as it can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and since amino acids can be depleted as you exercise, it’s important to make sure you replenish as you go. Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout. It’s worth noting that this supplement only comes in two flavors — Kiwi Blueberry and Bomb Popsicle — though, so if you’re looking for flavor variety, you will not find it here.
One Serving of Huge Supplements BCAA
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Men who want a BCAA supplement they can take before, during and/or after their workout to make sure they are replenishing lost amino acids.
Anyone who’s going hard at the gym and is looking for an increase in energy and endurance, as well as a decrease in fatigue.
Athletes who are concerned about dehydration and want a BCAA supplement with coconut water powder to help stay hydrated.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Buyers who want a variety of flavors to choose from — this product only comes in Kiwi Blueberry and Bomb Popsicle.
Anyone who would prefer a BCAA supplement that’s just BCAAs — this product contains additional ingredients to supplement its leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Though BCAAs can be taken pre-workout, they can also be a part of a balanced intra-workout or post-workout supplement to potentially help with muscle growth, endurance, and energy. This supplement provides a solid dose of leucine, as well as other supplements (like electrolytes) for a well-rounded beverage that can be taken before, during, or after exercise.
Best Tasting BCAA
If you’re trying to sneak more BCAAs into your diet, it’s important that the vehicle you’re using to sneak them in actually tastes good. This product is one of the best-tasting BCAA blends we’ve tried.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine comes in five tasty flavors — Sour Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, and Orange. No matter which flavor you choose, this BCAA powder is entirely naturally flavored and sweetened. Transparent Labs dissolves well into water, and is intended to be sipped on during your workout as an intra-workout supplement.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine for Taste
This glutamine supplement is gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial preservatives. Each container provides 30 servings that contain 5000 milligrams of L-Glutamine and 1,535 milligrams of Vitamin C.
In addition to 8g of BCAAs, you’ll find 5g of glutamine and 1g of coconut water powder, which may help with even more muscle gain and hydration, respectively. Transparent Labs BCAA glutamine is a bit pricey, but the taste is worth it in our opinion.
One Serving of Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
For those who prioritize taste, this is a great tasting BCAA supplement to add to your regimen.
Anyone who prefers to take their BCAA supplement while they are working out to potentially help build muscle at the gym. This is an intra-workout supplement.
If you’re looking for additional glutamine or coconut water powder, you will like this formula.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Those who just want BCAAs without any additional ingredients may be able to find a better option out there.
Anyone on a tight budget — this is one of the more expensive products per serving.
Though this supplement may be a bit pricier than some of the other options on this list, its five flavors are great tasting, and each dose can help provide hydration, as well as potential muscle growth via BCAAs.
Best BCAA for Women
If paired with a healthy diet, BCAAs can be a great addition to an athlete’s supplement stash for their potential to minimize fatigue and help maintain lean muscle gains made in the gym. Plus, they may even have some potential benefits for menopausal and postmenopausal women.
Xwerks Motion
While many of BCAAs’ properties revolve around recovery, they can also help increase muscle growth. Many women take BCAAs to help aid in muscle retention and keeping muscle on during hormonal fluctuations due to menstrual cycles or menopause. On top of three grams of a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs, Motion also includes a solid dose of 25 grams of Cluster Dextrin™. Cluster Dextrin™ is a trademarked version of carbohydrates that can be easily and quickly digested, which may help provide fuel and energy for lifting and recovery more quickly than other carbs.
Xwerks Motion
Xwerks contains three grams of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, magnesium, and sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout.
In addition to the aminos and carbs, there’s an added dose of 80mg of calcium, 35mg of magnesium, and 34mg of sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout. The price is rather middle of the road at about $49.00 for a 30-serving container with each serving costing around $1.63. It’s worth noting that this supplement only comes in two flavors — Raspberry Lemonade or Watermelon — though, so if you’re looking for flavor variety, you will not find it here.
Who Should Buy Xwerks Motion
Women who are looking for some more energy and endurance in the gym — the extra dose of 25 grams of carbs here may help.
Menopausal or postmenopausal women may be able to put on more muscle mass and recover quicker with the dose of BCAAs and carbs in this supp.
Athletes who have trouble with digestion and absorption. The Cluster Dextrin™ in this formula can mix and digest quickly without bloating.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Xwerks Motion
Buyers who want a variety of flavors to choose from — this product only comes in Raspberry Lemonade or Watermelon.
Anyone who would prefer a BCAA supplement they should take as a pre-workout. This is more of an intra-workout or post-workout supplement.
Those who are on a budget can find a cheaper option — though Motion still isn’t necessarily the most expensive BCAA on the market.
Though BCAAs can be taken pre-workout, they can also be a part of a balanced intra-workout or post-workout supplement (as they are here) to potentially help with muscle retention, endurance, and energy. Women may especially benefit from this product thanks to its solid dose of BCAAs and easy-to-digest carbs.
Best BCAAs for Electrolytes
While many BCAAs include micronutrients — like vitamin C — in addition to the BCAAs, this pick includes electrolytes to help promote optimal hydration.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder is a blend of four grams of BCAAs in an optimal 2:1:1 ratio. But along with these BCAAs, this formula is also infused with electrolytes like potassium and sodium that can help with hydration, potentially leading to better athletic performance and endurance.
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Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
It comes in Lemon Lime, and mixes seamlessly with water for easy digestion during your workout. Plus, Swolverine contains glutamine, which can help you build muscle more effectively.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Athletes who prioritize hydration and want electrolytes infused into their BCAA supplement.
Anyone looking for glutamine in their BCAA supplement will appreciate that this product contains 1,000mg.
People who prefer a powder supplement over a pill supplement.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Athletes who would prefer a BCAA supplement with added vitamins will want to look for a product with a more robust ingredient list — this product only contains a dose of vitamin B6 while many other BCAA supplements contain a wider variety of additional vitamins.
Folks who prefer a pill supplement over a powder one can find high quality BCAAs in pill form out there, as well.
Anyone who wants more than one flavor to choose from — this supp only comes in Lemon Lime.
If you’re looking to add some electrolytes to your BCAA supplement for a boost of hydration, this product’s sodium and potassium can do just that. Plus, it comes in a delicious Lemon Lime flavor that can keep you hooked and consistent with your supplementation.
Best Vegan BCAAs
For plant-based eaters, it’s important to know that what you’re taking is free of any and all animal products — this is a solid vegan BCAA supplement.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Transparent Labs doesn’t use any animal products, or artificial coloring or sweeteners in their BCAA formula. They offer complete transparency on their label, so you know exactly what you’re getting in each scoop. This formula comes with a huge dose of 8,000mg of BCAAs per serving. With a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine and valine, and a high 5,000mg dose of glutamine, these BCAAs may help boost muscle growth and assist with muscle fatigue and recovery.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine for Vegans
This glutamine supplement is gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial preservatives. Each container provides 30 servings that contain 5000 milligrams of L-Glutamine and 1,535 milligrams of Vitamin C.
This supp also boasts over 1,000 percent of your daily vitamin C needs and includes 1,000mg of coconut water, which may help with hydration. This product comes in Orange, Sour Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, and Blue Raspberry flavors, and will cost you about $1.30 per serving.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Athletes looking for a quality vegan BCAA supplement — this one has a 5,000mg dose of glutamine and 8,000mg of a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Lifters who want a supplement without artificial sweeteners or colors. Transparent Labs’ formula has none of these extras.
Anyone who wants a high dose of vitamin C will be pleased that this has 1,670 percent of your RDI.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
People who want to take their BCAAs within a pre-workout — this product is just a straightforward BCAA supplement.
Those who prefer to take their BCAAs in pill form as this is a powder product.
Those who doesn’t like the five flavor options will have to look elsewhere.
Transparent Labs has made a high-quality BCAA supplement that contains a solid dose of glutamine, as well as a good blend of 8,000mg of leucine, isoleucine, and valine — the fact that it happens to be vegan-friendly is a bonus.
Best BCAAs for Endurance Athletes
If you’re an endurance athlete, you may be wondering what type of supplementation will help you crush your workouts and improve your recovery. The good news is that a solid dose of BCAAs may help you unlock new potential in your sport, and while most supplements contain just the amino acids, this has some extras, like carbs and electrolytes.
Xwerks Motion
Motion stands out as a BCAA supplement thanks to a solid dose of three grams of a 2:1:1 ratio of branched-chain amino acids coupled with 25 grams of Cluster Dextrin™ — a carbohydrate supp that can help with quick and easy digestion without causing bloating. The last thing you want when undertaking an endurance workout is to feel bloated and sluggish. The BCAAs included might help with reducing muscle damage and improving recovery through muscle protein synthesis. (3)
Xwerks Motion
Xwerks contains three grams of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, magnesium, and sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout.
In addition to the carbs and BCAAs provided, Xwerks Motion may help prevent dehydration during long endurance workouts where you lose a lot of sweat from the electrolytes provided. Each serving provides 80mg of calcium, 35mg of magnesium, and 34mg of sodium. Pick up a tub for about $49.00 ($1.63) per serving in either Raspberry Lemonade or Watermelon flavor.
Who Should Buy Xwerks Motion
People who want a solid dose of BCAAs to potentially fuel muscle repair and get them back to their sport sooner.
Endurance athletes who want some easily digestible carbs to potentially help keep them going during long sessions.
Those who want a fairly simple BCAA supp without too many frills or extra ingredients will like this simple, but well-dosed, ingredient list.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Xwerks Motion
People who want a more robust list of ingredients may want to opt for a pre-workout with BCAAs included in the lineup.
Anyone who wants more than two flavor options to choose from will want to look elsewhere.
If you’re on a strict budget, you can find a cheaper option available despite this being fairly reasonably priced.
BCAAs may be beneficial for those who are endurance athletes as supplementing with BCAAs offers the potential to reduce muscle damage and breakdown after long bouts of exercise. Xwerks Motion goes above and beyond with 25 grams of carbs to potentially aid in replacing burned fuel and electrolytes to help with hydration.
Best BCAA Pills
There are a lot of benefits to taking your BCAAs in pill form instead. For one, you can take them with you to the gym or on the road, which is great if you’re going for long periods between meals. For a no-nonsense BCAA pill, Optimum Nutrition BCAA pills are our go-tos.
Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
Though some people choose to stay away from pills because they may not be as easily digested as a powdered mixture, they’re likely a more convenient option to get your BCAAs in than powder. Optimum Nutrition has been a mainstay in the supplement industry for decades, putting out consistently high-quality, straightforward products — and their BCAA pills are no different.
Optimum Nutrition BCAA Capsules
If you want plain BCAAs but can't stomach their notorious taste, Optimum Nutrition's capsules are the perfect alternative. You'll get 500mg of leucine, 250mg of isoleucine, and 250mg of valine per two-capsule serving.
The only ingredients you’ll find here are the BCAAs, of which each two-capsule serving provides 500mg of l-leucine, 250mg of l-isoleucine, and 250mg of l-valine. Other than that, it’s just the capsule ingredients (which do include gelatin, so this supplement is not vegan-friendly). These 2:1:1 caps are very competitively priced, especially when you opt to buy a bottle with 400 pills (which contains 200 servings in it). You also have the choice to buy a bottle of 60 or 200 pills. Since these are capsules, if you want to vary the amount taken to be more or less depending on how hard your workout is, you can with ease.
Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
Who Should Buy Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
Folks who are on the go often. If you’re on a lengthy trip, and airplane meals or truck stop snacks aren’t giving you the leucine you need, having BCAA pills in your backpack can be handy.
Anyone who doesn’t like carrying a shaker bottle around. No need to mix anything or carry around a bulky shaker cup with these pills.
Anyone who wants to avoid the artificial sweeteners that can be so common in these products. All you’re getting here is BCAAs and a gelatin capsule.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
People who are looking to consume some other ingredients to help with recovery or muscle building may want to look at more robust products on this list.
Anyone who doesn’t want to take six pills at a time for a three-gram dose (or more to reach a 10-gram dose).
If you’re vegan, you’ll need to find a different option as these capsules do contain gelatin (which is an animal product).
Capsules are a handy way to get your BCAAs in on the go without a shaker bottle. Plus, everything is precisely measured out to make dosage easier to vary up or down, depending on your needs at the moment. When you don’t feel like chugging sweetened water, this is a fast, cheap, and convenient way to spike your amino acid intake. These BCAA pills from Optimum Nutrition are about as straightforward as they come, and we like them that way.
Read our full review of Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills.
Best BCAA for Keto
Ketogenic diets are ultra low-carb and often relatively low in protein, so many supplements with branched-chain amino acids can help you retain muscle while following a keto diet.
Cellucor Alpha Amino
Cellucor Alpha Amino is our top choice for people on a ketogenic diet. It has very few calories and no carbs, so there’s little risk of it kicking you out of ketosis. It’s also pretty high in magnesium, sodium, and potassium — minerals that are usually recommended as important supplements for people following the high-fat diet.
Cellucor Alpha Amino
With zero grams of sugar, this is an ideal formula for anyone on the low-carb, high-fat keto diet. It also packs 750mg of creatine HCL for improved in-gym performance.
This product contains five grams of BCAAs in the desired 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine. It is available in Watermelon, Icy Blue Razz, and Fruit Punch flavors, all of which will cost you about $1.00 per serving. If you opt to subscribe and save, you’ll save a significant amount and pay about $0.60 per serving. It’s also worth noting that this formula contains artificial ingredients, including sucralose and red food dye, for those who actively avoid any of those ingredients.
One Serving of Cellucor Alpha Amino
Who Should Buy Cellucor Alpha Amino
If you’re on a keto diet, this product won’t take you out of ketosis.
The extra electrolytes here may make it a useful supplement for those who want help with hydration.
Alpha Amino happens to be soy-free, so it’s a solid choice if you’re avoiding soy.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Cellucor Alpha Amino
Those who prefer an unflavored amino acid supplement will have to look elsewhere.
Anyone hoping for a pill will want to check out other options on the market.
Those avoiding artificial flavoring and dye.
BCAAs are particularly popular among those limiting their protein intake. If you’re finding your high-fat meals lacking in protein, BCAAs might be a good addition to your diet.
Read our full review of Cellucor Alpha Amino.
When Should I Take BCAAs?
It’s best to take BCAAs before or during your workout, depending on which kind you are using. BCAAs are a great supplement to potentially help build muscle through muscle protein synthesis. Many BCAAs come in a pre-workout blend, some come in an intra-workout blend, and most general BCAA supplements will instruct you to consume them 20 to 30 minutes prior to working out. A few BCAA supplements will say that you can take them before, during, or after a workout, but as far as basic BCAA supplements go, they’re probably most effective if you take them pre-workout. (2)
BCAAs can come in an intra-workout blend, and these blends are meant to be consumed specifically during exercise. For anyone who’s going hard at the gym, intra-workout BCAAs may be helpful in warding off fatigue. (3)
What Are the Benefits of BCAAs?
You might have heard that amino acids are the building blocks of protein, but they’re not all alike. The three proteinogenic branched-chain amino acids (meaning BCAAs that are incorporated into proteins during translation) are leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
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Some evidence suggests that supplementing with pure BCAAs can positively affect workouts, mainly if you’re working out on an empty stomach, or if you haven’t eaten much protein throughout the day. This is because they may promote muscle protein synthesis, and by preventing a serum decline in BCAAs (which occurs during exercise), they can help prevent fatigue. (4)(5)(6) They’ve even been linked to increased fat loss and quicker reaction times. (7)
Note that if your priority is building muscle mass, you still need to eat enough calories and protein, get enough sleep, eat the right micronutrients, and so on. Nonetheless, on days when you haven’t been hitting every macronutrient goal, many athletes find BCAAs useful.
How We Chose the Best BCAAs
There are several elements we looked at — and dozens of products — to land on this list of the best BCAAs.
Image via Shutterstock/MDV Edwards
Here’s the list we referenced as we assessed these supplements’ efficacy.
Amino Acid Ratio
The standard formulation for these products is two or three grams of leucine for every gram of isoleucine and valine (2:1:1). Although some products have many times more leucine, this hasn’t been shown to be more successful than the “standard” ratios. We looked for products with this standard 2:1:1 ratio when formulating this list.
Ergogenic Effects
In addition to BCAAs, many products include ergogenic aids or ingredients linked to improved performance. These can include citrulline (related to improved circulation), beta-alanine (endurance), and caffeine (explosive power). We’ve included picks on this list that incorporate these ingredients, as well as picks that don’t. With the variety of options, those who are avoiding certain ingredients, like caffeine, shouldn’t have a problem finding a pick that works for them.
Lipolytic Effect
Some of the BCAA products we highlighted include ingredients that may exert lipolytic or “fat-burning” effects. These include conjugated linoleic acid, green tea extract, and evodiamine. Fat loss is almost entirely about how many calories you burn in a day. Still, some limited research has suggested ingredients like these can help break down fatty acids, particularly during exercise. We’ve included BCAAs both with and without these ingredients on this list to suit the variety of needs customers may have.
Micronutrients
Many BCAAs include extra Vitamin B6, which may help with muscle retention and which the body appears to lose during intense exercise. Some BCAAs have other B vitamins in addition to more micronutrients — like Vitamin C, which may help to limit oxidative damage during exercise, and sodium, which may help with hydration. If you’re keen on having added micronutrients in your BCAA supplement, we have plenty of options for you on this list. And if you’d rather skip the added vitamins and minerals, and pay a little less for your BCAAs, you’ll also find those products on this list.
How Much Do BCAAs Cost?
BCAAs can be a fairly expensive individual supplement. Container prices range from $20 to $50, but in order to know exactly how much you are getting for your money, you’ll want to look at the cost per serving of each product. To do so, you should weigh the overall cost against the number of servings in each container. You’ll likely find that BCAAs go for anywhere between $0.43 and $3.00 per serving — on average, BCAA supplements cost about $1.41 per serving.
Best BCAA Powder Overal
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
$49.99
$0.85 per serving
Best BCAAs for Muscle Growth
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
$39.99
$1.60 per serving
Best BCAAs for Weight Loss
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
$49.99
$0.85 per serving
Best BCAAs for Workouts
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
$39.99
$1.60 per serving
Best total BCAA Blend
Onnit Total Strength + Performance Blend
$60.00
$2.00 per serving
Best Protein Powder with BCAAs
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
$62.99
$2.09 per serving
Best Pre-Workout with BCAAs
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
$44.99
$2.25 per serving
Best BCAA for Men
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
$39.99
$1.60 per serving
Best Tasting BCAAs
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
$39.99
$1.33 per serving
Best BCAAs for Women
Xwerks Motion
$49.00
$1.63 per serving
Best BCAAs with Electrolytes
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
$49.99
$0.85 per serving
Best Vegan BCAAs
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
$39.99
$1.33 per serving
Best BCAAs for Endurance Athletes
Xwerks Motion
$49.00
$1.63 per serving
Best BCAA Pills
Optimum Nutrition BCAA Pills
$12.99
$0.43 per serving (for 60 pills)
Best BCAAs for Keto
Cellucor Alpha Amino
$27.99
$0.93 per serving
The price of your BCAAs will go up depending on the ingredients you’re getting and how convenient the supplement is to take. For example, some picks are likely more expensive because the BCAAs come in the form of a pre-workout, which contains a number of other energy-boosting ingredients. BCAA supplements often come with vitamins and minerals mixed in as well, and these blends will be more expensive than basic blends that are mainly just BCAAs.
What to Consider Before Buying BCAAs
Before adding a BCAA supplement to your lineup, you may want to consider a few big factors. As BCAAs are pretty versatile, you may want to consider ingredients, dosages, formulation, price, calories, and the necessity of BCAAs before making your selection. We detail each of these more below.
Ingredient List
This is a major consideration because the ingredient lists on BCAA supps can be unique and versatile. You’ll want to think about what you’re looking for in a BCAA supplement and what you hope the outcome of taking one will be. If you’re looking strictly for BCAAs, you may want to opt for a simpler formulation and ingredient list. If you’re looking for BCAAs to be a part of your supplement, but not the entirety of it, you may want to choose a supp that has a solid dose of BCAAs while also including other ingredients, like glutamine or some pre-workout favorites, like citrulline.
Dosages
You’ll also want to consider what dose of BCAAs makes the most sense. The recommended breakdown for BCAAs is a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine for best potential effect. Although many supplements on the market have 4,000mg in total of BCAAs you will find some supplements on this list that contain 8,000mg, as well. Depending on what your needs are, you may want to opt for a higher amount of BCAAs for effectiveness or potential recovery benefits.
Formulation
Are you looking for straight BCAAs or do you want something more robust? The formulation of your BCAAs will be a really important thing to consider as the product can be so versatile and delivered in a plethora of ways. BCAAs are commonly found in pre-workout supplements or within a protein powder, but it is really up to you as to how you want to include them in your lineup. Some people prefer to take straight BCAAs as an additional supplement in their stack, while some prefer to find them wrapped up in another supplement, so they can cut down on the number of supps they’re taking.
You’ll also want to consider whether you want a flavored powder, unflavored powder, or a pill formulation. Some people enjoy the taste of fruity supplements, while some prefer pills for easier dosing and for a mess-free on-the-go supplement for the gym or while traveling. There is no wrong answer, just the answer that best suits your lifestyle.
Price
Many supplements can be really helpful additions to your supplement lineup and may help you achieve your goals more efficiently, but they shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Your budget will be a major consideration when you’re picking out your perfect BCAA supplement. This list ranges from BCAA supplements that are under a dollar per serving to some that are over two dollars per serving. Since BCAAs are so versatile in their supplement formulation, the prices will be a reflection of that. If you want a simpler BCAA, you’ll probably pay less per serving than you would for a robust pre-workout formula or a protein powder that includes BCAAs.
You’ll also want to consider bulk buy options that may save you a few extra dollars, or subscribe and save opportunities that many supplement companies offer. They usually offer a pretty distinct discount when you choose to subscribe and save and it will be reflected in each of your orders as they ship out.
Calories Are King
Many take supplements like BCAAs and fat burners because they hear they help with weight loss and muscle gain. BCAAs may help you retain muscle, but it’s essential to keep in mind that losing weight only happens if you’re in a caloric deficit. BCAAs can help with energy levels and potentially make it easier and more productive to work out on an empty stomach — but your total calories will be what makes or breaks your fat loss and muscle gain. All in all, to reap the most benefit from your BCAAs, make sure your daily nutrition and caloric intake is on track first and foremost.
BCAAs Aren’t Necessary
BCAAs are not necessary if you have sufficient protein intake. Still, they’re often used as supplements to boost muscle protein synthesis between meals, or enhance performance and retain muscle when exercising on an empty stomach. If you’re eating macro-friendly meals throughout the day, these supplements may not be as necessary. Consider your diet in full before deciding if a BCAA supplement is right for you.
What’s In Your BCAAs?
We know that supplements, particularly ones like these, can involve a lot of jargon and be tough to understand for the average person.
Image via Shutterstock/Casimiro PT
Let’s break down what you’re most likely to see on your ingredients label, starting with the three branched-chain amino acids.
Leucine
Perhaps the most highly prized of all the amino acids, leucine has the closest link with boosting muscle protein synthesis, which occurs when protein in your body helps to repair the muscles damaged during exercise. While your total calories are essential for muscle growth and muscle retention, muscle protein synthesis is a vital part of the puzzle. (8)
Isoleucine
Used in the biosynthesis of proteins, this branched-chain amino acid may help prevent muscle breakdown, and promote fat burning. (9)
Valine
Another BCAA, valine, has some links to endurance and focus. Interestingly, if you have difficulty digesting it, and there’s more of it in the blood, this could actually be a sign of insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes and other conditions. (10) (11)
Then there are these other amino acids that aren’t BCAAs, but often accompany them in supplements:
Glutamine
A conditionally essential amino acid (remember amino acids are building blocks of protein), glutamine is enormously popular in supplements because it has some links to muscle gain. However, most research has only seen this among people whose bodies are in trauma, like victims of burns or stab wounds — it hasn’t translated to gains for gymgoers. (12)
Beta-Alanine
A ubiquitous addition to pre-workouts, one-and-a-half to four grams of this stuff has shown to improve endurance and possibly hypertrophy. It’s possible that it also has some anti-aging effects, as it can increase the amount of carnosine (an antioxidant) in the body. (13)
Citrulline Malate
An amino acid that’s prevalent in watermelons (along with legumes and organ meats), citrulline appears to improve nitric oxide metabolism, which can lead to better circulation and blood flow. In workouts, this can translate to better endurance and power output. It’s also a common ingredient in erectile dysfunction supplements. (14)
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
This amino acid may reduce muscle damage caused by high-intensity exercise. It also has links to longevity, as it may improve mitochondrial function, and it could help retain lean muscle mass and enhance aerobic output. (15)
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may reduce cell damage that occurs during exercise. It’s a powerful antioxidant, which can be helpful for immune support. (16)
B Vitamins
The eight B vitamins may help increase one’s energy without jitters or unwanted sleep loss. They may also help with brain function and cell health. (2)
Final Word
We tried dozens of branched-chain amino acid supplements when putting together this list — weighing price, taste, ingredients, and effectiveness along with many other factors. Plenty of people have different ideas about what constitutes a “high quality” supplement, but we think we’ve put together the most comprehensive guide to aid in picking the perfect BCAA supplement to match your goals.
FAQs
What are BCAAs?It stands for branched chain amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and the branched chain amino acids are those most closely associated with muscle protein synthesis, the process by which protein is produced to repair and retain muscle.
How much do BCAAs cost?The short answer here is that it depends. Our list of BCAA supplements ranges in price between $0.43 and $3.00 per serving, and has an average cost of $1.41 per serving. There is a wide range here, and depending on your needs and what you’re looking for, you should be able to find a BCAA supp that matches your needs and your budget.
Do I need to take BCAAs?Probably not, so long as you’re eating plenty of protein and calories throughout your day. If that’s the case, taking extra BCAAs around a workout probably won’t serve much extra benefit. Where BCAAs appear to have the most use is when the athlete is exercising on an empty stomach, isn’t eating much quality protein with a meal, or wants to retain their muscle during a fast or during a long period without protein. If you fall into those categories, BCAAs may be useful.
What is the best BCAA supplement?While there are a vast array of BCAA supplements that are great, our favorite is the Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder. It contains 4,000mg of a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio, as well as the addition of vitamin B6, sodium, and potassium. It also comes in a delicious Lemon Lime flavor, and only costs $0.85 per serving, which is well below our average price per serving.
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Once a niche athletic supplement, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have exploded in popularity as a means to potentially improve muscle retention, fat loss, endurance, and focus during workouts. Today, hundreds of different BCAAs on the market include stimulants, adaptogens, micronutrients, and extracts to make them stand out from the crowd. Our goal here is to help you find the best BCAA supplements for muscle gain, keto dieters, weight loss, and a lot more.
It’s not uncommon to see BCAAs packaged with other supplements, like pre-workout, whey protein, caffeine, glutamine, taurine, beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and other ingredients that may benefit workout performance. In this article, we’ve taken the BCAAs, the extra components, the price, and the taste into account when deciding the best BCAA supplements for any of your goals.
Best BCAA Supplements
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.
Best BCAA Supplements Video Review
Be sure to check out our best BCAAs video for a more in-depth look at this supplement. BarBend’s Nick English takes you on a journey by breaking down our favorite BCAA supplements on the market.
Best BCAA Powder Overall
Our top pick is a BCAA formula with a solid blend of BCAAs that’s effectively dosed without any of the fluff, making it a great option for most customers who want to add more amino acids to their supplement regimen.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Though simple, this blend contains the ideal 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine and valine, and contains 4,000mg total of BCAAs. For those who already have a solidified regimen and may just be looking for a simple BCAA blend, this product is just that.
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Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
It contains 2,000mg of leucine, 1,000mg of isoleucine, and 1,000mg of valine with a small additional dose of glutamine, vitamin B6, sodium, and potassium. Swolverine comes in just one flavor — Lemon Lime — which uses both natural and artificial flavors and sweeteners. You can expect to pay around $0.85 per serving for this BCAA supp, which is a fairly affordable price tag.
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
- Those who are looking for a simple and effective BCAA supplement with a 2:1:1 ratio — this product contains the proper dosages without any added fluff.
- People who aren’t looking for a pre-workout blend as this blend relies mainly on BCAAs.
- Folks who want glutamine as well, to potentially help with workout recovery.
- Folks who want just BCAAs. Though this supplement mainly focuses on BCAAs, you will find small doses of glutamine and other vitamins and minerals.
- Anyone who wants a wider variety of flavors to choose from — this powder only has one.
Best for Muscle Growth
If muscle growth is your goal, then your primary concern should be eating enough calories and macronutrients throughout the day. (Here’s a macro calculator for that.) But when it comes to BCAAs, you might want something that supports in-gym performance and offers optimal BCAA ingredients.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
If you’re working to build muscle in the gym, you’re likely keyed in on a lot of helpful energy-boosting and muscle-building supplements — like protein powder and pre-workout — already. Huge Supplements Huge BCAA contains a high dose of amino acids at 15 grams, which includes 8g of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
You’ll also find a 5g dose of glutamine, which can help build muscle tissue, as well as coconut water powder for workout hydration. This product comes in Kiwi Blueberry, Bomb Popsicle, Watermelon Lemonade, and Sour Grape flavor choices. This BCAA product is a bit more expensive than some of the other picks at about $1.60 per serving. If you’re avoiding artificial ingredients, you’ll want to note that all four flavors include both artificial and natural ingredients, and are sweetened with sucralose.
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
- Bodybuilders or anyone looking to gain muscle. This formula facilitates that goal better than other picks on this list due to its inclusion of glutamine and high dose of BCAAs.
- Athletes looking for workout hydration will appreciate the coconut water powder here.
- Lifters who want multiple flavors to choose from will appreciate that there are four here.
- Anyone looking for a supplement with a ton of extra vitamins — other pre-workout options might be more appealing.
- People who are avoiding artificial ingredients will want to steer clear of this product.
- Those on a budget may want to opt for one of the less expensive options on our list.
Best BCAAs for Weight Loss
Many take BCAAs to help preserve muscle when in a caloric deficit, and some products — like this one — even add extras like glutamine, which can help with recovery when you’re going hard in the gym.
Disclaimer: Please note that none of these products describe themselves as weight loss supplements and should not be taken as such. Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any weight loss protocol.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 powder is a great addition if you’re working hard toward weight loss. Along with a respected ratio of 2:1:1 of leucine to isoleucine to valine, this product includes glutamine, which may help you recover better when you’re working hard to burn fat. While there are no ingredients here that can specifically help with weight loss, this is a lean formula that can make sure you have everything you need to help you work toward your lean muscle goals.
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Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder packs leuicine, isoleucine, and valine, which can help increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue, and promote fat oxidation during fasted exercise. It comes in a tangy Lemon Lime flavor.
This product is only available in a Lemon Lime flavor, and it is sweetened with sucralose. It has a price tag of about $0.85 per serving, which is a pretty reasonable price for a BCAA product. One of the major perks is that this BCAA formula contains over 100 percent of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B6.
Who Should Buy Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 Powder
- If you’re absolutely committed to losing weight, your calories are in control, and you’d like all the help you can get, it’s possible that this lean formula that includes a solid dose of BCAAs and glutamine can help you with lean muscle growth.
- Anyone who is hoping to get some micronutrients from this formula will appreciate it contains 100 percent of your RDI for B6.
- Folks who like Lemon Lime flavors will like this blend.
- Those who just want BCAAs without any additional ingredients.
- Athletes who are looking for ingredients that specifically help with fat loss can find other BCAA supplements to support them.
- If you want a variety of flavors to choose from, you won’t find that here.
Best BCAA for Workouts
BCAAs can be key in making the most of your workouts. Not only does this supp contain a high dose of BCAAs, but it also includes electrolytes to help keep you hydrated throughout your training.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge supplements Huge BCAA is ideal if you’re looking for a supplement that offers a high dose of BCAAs at a 2:1:1 ratio. Huge Supplements Huge BCAA contains 8,000mg of BCAAs, which is one of the highest numbers we’ve seen. In addition, you’ll find calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder to potentially help keep you hydrated throughout your workouts, as well.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
You can take this supplement before, during, or after your workouts, and it comes in four flavors — Kiwi Blueberry, Bomb Popsicle, Watermelon Lemonade, and Sour Grape. You can expect to pay around $1.60 per serving, which is higher than others on our list, but for the insane dose of BCAAs, it might be worth it.
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
- For those who are looking for a high dose of BCAAs to supplement their workout routine, this supp has 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
- Anyone who wants coconut water powder included in their supplement for added hydration throughout their workout.
- If you are looking for BCAAs you can take before, during, or after your workout, you’ll like this product.
- Folks who want a product that is just BCAAs will want to look elsewhere.
- If you want your BCAAs included within a larger post-workout or pre-workout supplement, this blend is not for you.
- Those on a budget may want to choose a less expensive formula as this costs $1.60 per serving.
Best Total BCAA Blend
This pick not only contains BCAAs, but it has three blends of ingredients working toward power, performance, and support for tough workouts to build out a full package.
Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Onnit’s formula contains three blends, one of which focuses on BCAAs, but all of which can help you crush big workouts. There’s a Power Blend with longjack, which is a plant that can help provide the fuel you need for muscle contractions. The Performance Blend contains the BCAAs, as well as glutamine and beta-alanine, which can all help you perform better at the gym. Then there’s the Support Blend with resveratrol, which can help you get through tough workouts.
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Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Onnit contains a Power Blend with longjack, which can help fuel muscle contractions, a Performance Blend with BCAAs, glutamine and beta-alanine, which can help boost performance during exercise, and a Support Blend with resveratrol that can help you push through during tough training.
One of the best parts about this product is that Onnit breaks down each blend, along with the other ingredients — like vitamin B6 and black pepper extract — on their site, so there’s no question as to what each ingredient can help you with. Plus, it comes in a tasty Strawberry Lemonade or Pink Grapefruit flavor. This is definitely one of our more expensive picks at $2.00, and although it is fairly stacked, it is a proprietary blend. Proprietary blends do not disclose the individual amount of each ingredient, but rather the full amount of all the ingredients combined.
Who Should Buy Onnit Total Strength + Performance
- Anyone looking for a BCAA supplement that contains other pre-workout ingredients to build out a full performance package.
- Folks who like to know what each ingredient’s purpose is in their supplement — Onnit explains each one on its website.
- People who value great absorption and are looking for a product with black pepper fruit extract to help with that.
- Athletes who are looking for a basic BCAA supplement — this is more of an all-inclusive pre-workout blend that contains BCAAs.
- Those who want to know exactly how many BCAAs they’re getting in their supp — this product’s BCAAs are listed in a blend, so they don’t have an exact dosage.
- Buyers on a budget. This is a pretty expensive BCAA supplement at $2.00 a serving because of all the extra ingredients you’re getting.
Read our full review of Onnit Total Strength + Performance.
Best Protein Powder with BCAAs
Many whey protein powders already contain BCAAs, which means you may not need an additional supplement if you’re already taking a protein powder. This whey isolate contains a particularly solid dose of BCAAs, on top of its overall lean formula.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Protein powders, especially high-quality whey isolates, have naturally occurring BCAAs in them. Swolverine’s whey protein isolate has around 5.5g of BCAAs per serving, which comes from 26g of whey protein. While this may be lower than some standalone BCAA supplements, it’s still a solid amount, and if you consider the additional amino acids you get from 26g of protein, that’s a substantial potential stimulus for muscle recovery.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
Aside from including a solid dose of BCAAs from the protein content, Swolverine also includes 10mg of digestive enzymes per serving, which may help to break down the larger protein molecules into smaller amino acids for better digestion and absorption. In total, you’ll get 110 calories per serving from half a gram of fat, one gram of carbs, and 26g of protein to help keep your muscles fed. Swolverine keeps the carbs low while still using natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit extract. You can buy this powder in Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
- Athletes who want a protein powder that may be easier to digest thanks to the inclusion of digestive enzymes.
- Folks who want lean protein that can provide a high proportion of BCAAs. Whey isolates (like this one) specifically tend to have a higher ratio of BCAAs.
- If you’re looking for a naturally sweetened BCAA product without a bunch of added carbs or fats you’ll appreciate that this is almost entirely protein.
- There are higher doses of BCAAs on the market if you’re after the highest dose you can find.
- If you’re bulking, this lean protein powder may not be the best option for you since it only has 110 calories.
- Athletes who just want a plain BCAA supplement will need to look at other options on this list as this is a comprehensive protein powder.
Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate.
Best BCAA Pre-Workout
While some may be looking for a straightforward BCAA supplement, others may want to just combine their BCAAs and their pre-workout. This pre-workout contains a solid dose of BCAAs to help consolidate your supplement stash.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Pre-Kaged is one of the most versatile BCAA supplements on this list as it’s not a dedicated BCAA supplement, but rather a pre-workout supplement that contains BCAAs. Though BCAAs are less common in pre-workouts, this one has a solid dose of fermented BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, all of which can help with muscle growth, fatigue, and recovery.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
This pre-workout supplement comes in a 20-serving tub and provides L-Citrulline, L-Leucine, and L-Valine, to name a few, per 20-calorie scoop. There are seven flavors available including Grape, Fruit Punch, and Krisp Apple.
This product also contains caffeine (274mg), beta-alanine, citrulline, betaine, and creatine, which make for a variety of potentially energy-boosting and workout-enhancing ingredients. Plus, there’s a good amount of taurine and tyrosine that may help with focus throughout your workout (as tyrosine has been suggested to improve cognitive control in highly demanding situations). (1) Pre-Kaged is available in Pink Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Krisp Apple, Grape, Orange Krush, Cherry Bomb, and Berry Blast flavors, all of which will cost about $2.25 per serving.
Who Should Buy Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
- Athletes who prefer to take their BCAAs in a pre-workout blend.
- Folks who want a blend of potentially energy-boosting and muscle-building ingredients to knock out a number of supplements in one go.
- Anyone who prefers to take their BCAAs before their workout — rather than during or after their workout — will like this pre.
- Those who are on a budget — this product is a little more expensive than some of the others on this list.
- Folks who prefer an unflavored option or to take pills rather than a powder will want to look elsewhere.
- Anyone who wants to take a more straightforward blend of BCAAs without the added pre-workout ingredients.
Read our full review of Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout.
Best BCAA for Men
For men working to build muscle, a dose of BCAAs may help you pump longer and harder. This particular supplement provides eight grams of BCAAs and a dose of coconut water powder for hydration.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
While many of BCAAs’ properties revolve around recovery, they can also help increase muscle growth. The amino acid leucine is particularly key for building muscle as it can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and since amino acids can be depleted as you exercise, it’s important to make sure you replenish as you go. Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
Huge Supplements contains 8,000mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. This supp also includes an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for a potential boost in hydration.
Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as coconut water powder for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout. It’s worth noting that this supplement only comes in two flavors — Kiwi Blueberry and Bomb Popsicle — though, so if you’re looking for flavor variety, you will not find it here.
Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge BCAA
- Men who want a BCAA supplement they can take before, during and/or after their workout to make sure they are replenishing lost amino acids.
- Anyone who’s going hard at the gym and is looking for an increase in energy and endurance, as well as a decrease in fatigue.
- Athletes who are concerned about dehydration and want a BCAA supplement with coconut water powder to help stay hydrated.
- Buyers who want a variety of flavors to choose from — this product only comes in Kiwi Blueberry and Bomb Popsicle.
- Anyone who would prefer a BCAA supplement that’s just BCAAs — this product contains additional ingredients to supplement its leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Best Tasting BCAA
If you’re trying to sneak more BCAAs into your diet, it’s important that the vehicle you’re using to sneak them in actually tastes good. This product is one of the best-tasting BCAA blends we’ve tried.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine comes in five tasty flavors — Sour Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, and Orange. No matter which flavor you choose, this BCAA powder is entirely naturally flavored and sweetened. Transparent Labs dissolves well into water, and is intended to be sipped on during your workout as an intra-workout supplement.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine for Taste
This glutamine supplement is gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial preservatives. Each container provides 30 servings that contain 5000 milligrams of L-Glutamine and 1,535 milligrams of Vitamin C.
In addition to 8g of BCAAs, you’ll find 5g of glutamine and 1g of coconut water powder, which may help with even more muscle gain and hydration, respectively. Transparent Labs BCAA glutamine is a bit pricey, but the taste is worth it in our opinion.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
- For those who prioritize taste, this is a great tasting BCAA supplement to add to your regimen.
- Anyone who prefers to take their BCAA supplement while they are working out to potentially help build muscle at the gym. This is an intra-workout supplement.
- If you’re looking for additional glutamine or coconut water powder, you will like this formula.
- Those who just want BCAAs without any additional ingredients may be able to find a better option out there.
- Anyone on a tight budget — this is one of the more expensive products per serving.
Best BCAA for Women
If paired with a healthy diet, BCAAs can be a great addition to an athlete’s supplement stash for their potential to minimize fatigue and help maintain lean muscle gains made in the gym. Plus, they may even have some potential benefits for menopausal and postmenopausal women.
Xwerks Motion
While many of BCAAs’ properties revolve around recovery, they can also help increase muscle growth. Many women take BCAAs to help aid in muscle retention and keeping muscle on during hormonal fluctuations due to menstrual cycles or menopause. On top of three grams of a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs, Motion also includes a solid dose of 25 grams of Cluster Dextrin™. Cluster Dextrin™ is a trademarked version of carbohydrates that can be easily and quickly digested, which may help provide fuel and energy for lifting and recovery more quickly than other carbs.
Xwerks Motion
Xwerks contains three grams of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Plus, there’s an added dose of calcium, magnesium, and sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout.
In addition to the aminos and carbs, there’s an added dose of 80mg of calcium, 35mg of magnesium, and 34mg of sodium for hydration to make sure you’re hitting all your marks during and after your workout. The price is rather middle of the road at about $49.00 for a 30-serving container with each serving costing around $1.63. It’s worth noting that this supplement only comes in two flavors — Raspberry Lemonade or Watermelon — though, so if you’re looking for flavor variety, you will not find it here.
Who Should Buy Xwerks Motion
- Women who are looking for some more energy and endurance in the gym — the extra dose of 25 grams of carbs here may help.
- Menopausal or postmenopausal women may be able to put on more muscle mass and recover quicker with the dose of BCAAs and carbs in this supp.
- Athletes who have trouble with digestion and absorption. The Cluster Dextrin™ in this formula can mix and digest quickly without bloating.
- Buyers who want a variety of flavors...
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