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The Best BCAA Supplements
If you want to take your workout results to the next level while reducing fatigue and muscle soreness, a quality BCAA supplement should be top on your list.
Your workouts may have plateaued, but there’s hope. There’s a supplement you can take that supports muscle building and recovery, reduces fatigue, and contributes to muscle healing after a workout.
BCAA can help transform your workout life from flatlined to productive.
But what is BCAA, and is it safe? There’s good news.
BCAA uses naturally occurring proteins in the right combinations, so it’s safe and bioavailable.
We’ve got a list of top BCAA supplements on our list, and we’ve answered your burning questions below.
Let’s get started.
Best Overall
Branched-chain amino acids designed to speed up repair and recovery by reducing muscle damage and increasing oxygen-carrying capacity
Best for Women
LadyBoss Recover uses a proprietary blend of amino acids and electrolytes to give your body what it craves.
Best for Men
Uses three essential amino acids in a 2:1:1 ratio: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BulkSupplements sources the amino acids from corn, so the ingredients are free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten and additives.
Best for Athletes
includes essential branched-chain amino acids, which science has proven to help with post-workout recovery. They also work together to decrease muscle fatigue by maximizing oxygen use.
Best for Post-Workouts
Supplements like Swolverine BCAA help you work out harder and longer using essential branched-chain amino acids.
Best for Inflammation
Promix BCAA comes as a protein powder that you can mix with water for a quick pre-workout drink to boost your energy and reduce fatigue.
Best Tasting
Both Keto and Paleo friendly that offers the perfect combo of ingredients and low carbs.
Best for Vegans
Highest pharmaceutical grade, fastest dissolving, and rapidly absorbed Branch Chain Amino Acids available.
What are Branched Chain Amino Acids?
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) are three essential amino acids — named for their unique side branch structure — that your body uses to build muscle.
Your body cannot make them, unlike other types of proteins, so you must get them from outside sources.
Their official names are leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
What are the Benefits of BCAAs?
There are some essential benefits of BCAAs both for workouts and general health:
Consuming BCAA helps ensure that your body receives the essential amino acids it needs to keep muscles healthy.
If you’re already taking protein supplements, these may be unnecessary, but BCAA could be a targeted way to get the supplementation you need for muscle recovery.
As far as weight loss, observational studies show some connection between the supplement and weight loss, but the strongest connection is merely preventative.
Initial results show that people who consume it may have a 30% lower chance of becoming overweight.
BCAA supplements frequently have no added flavors or sugars, unlike some full-spectrum protein powders.
They’re simple and straightforward, hitting your bloodstream within 20 minutes or so, unlike eating protein-rich foods.
(Use our quick navigator below to find the best BCAA supplement that best suites your needs)
These are our top picks for best BCAA supplements. They offer quality formulations and reliable results.
Some of them address a specific dietary need as well, such as vegan, keto, or paleo.
Starting a BCAA supplement regimen may help you with a variety of health needs.
Transparent Labs BCAA
100% formula transparency and a potent recovery matrix.
Transparent Labs created CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine to help aid recovery and build muscle using a proven combination of Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Glutamine.
It contains no artificial coloring, sweeteners, or preservatives and is both gluten and GMO-free.
It uses fermented vegan BCAAS and contains 14 grams of BCAA per serving. Coconut extract helps rebuild hydration after workouts.
It’s an excellent all-around supplement for workouts.
Pros
Cons
LadyBoss Recover
Premium total body post-workout support for women powered by science.
LadyBoss Recover is a BCAA recovery supplement that uses a blend of four BCAAS — L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-Valine, and L-Glutamine.
It features a watermelon flavor to help mask BCAA’s traditionally gross taste and uses a proprietary electrolyte blend to reduce dehydration.
It’s fat-free and sugar-free and contains 30 servings in the container.
Since it’s formulated especially for women, it’s a good way for women to fill in nutritional gaps and reach weight goals.
Pros
Cons
Bulk Supplements BCAA
Great affordable option for men that want a clean & pure BCAA powder.
Bulk Supplements BCAA powder offers a 2:1:1 ratio of three major BCAA chains — leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Each is derived from corn, and it’s free of sugar, dairy, soy, yeast, gluten, and artificial additives.
The powder mixes into the water and contains 1500 mg per serving. It doesn’t leave grit or chunks in your drink, making it easier to consume than some other powder forms.
Pros
Cons
Performance Lab BCAA
Versatile performance + muscle booster in convenient capsules.
Performance Lab BCAA uses the optimal ratio of BCAAs with fermented vegan ingredients in a convenient capsule form. If you’ve tried powders and can’t quite stomach the taste, this is the way to go.
They’re also free of common allergens — soy and gluten included — plus no artificial sweeteners, no GMOs, and no caffeine.
The convenient capsule requires more servings but can be a reliable alternative to sticky, gritty powders while ensuring you get all your daily dosages.
Pros
Cons
Swolverine BCAA
A synergistic combination of BCCAs, Electrolytes, and L-Glutamine designed to help provide intra-workout hydration, fight fatigue, and optimize recovery.
Swolverine BCAA uses a complex chain of BCAAs, L-Glutamine, and electrolytes to help with muscle recovery and aid in performance.
It maximizes hydration, so you leave your workouts feeling better and contains a 2:1:1 ratio of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine.
It has a slight lemon-lime flavor and mixes pretty well with your drink.
It contains 6.5 grams per serving. The combination of supplements is an excellent way to get your daily hydration and BCAA needs.
Pros
Cons
Promix BCAA
The perfect intra-workout refresher to sip during training. Give your body the building blocks it needs to stimulate protein synthesis and decrease muscular breakdown.
Promix BCAA powder comes in a variety of flavors and mixes well with eight ounces of water.
It comes in both single-use packets and bulk powder form, plus a reliable combination of BCAAs with no chemical bleaching, hormones, or additives.
It uses natural flavors and sweeteners to produce its flavors and is helpful for those who need variety in flavors.
It’s an excellent all-purpose source.
Pros
Cons
K Nutri BCAA
Both Keto and Paleo friendly that offers the perfect combo of ingredients and low carbs.
K Nutri BCAA + Collagen blend uses BCAA and collagen to help recovery and improve your hair, skin, and nails.
Grass-fed collagen is a quality source, while a blend of electrolytes keeps you refreshed before and after a workout.
It’s keto, paleo, and low carb friendly, plus an optimum 2:1:1 blend of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine.
If you’ve struggled to find a BCAA supplement that fits your dietary needs, this could be a good option.
Pros
Cons
Naked BCAA's
Highest pharmaceutical grade, fastest dissolving, and rapidly absorbed Branch Chain Amino Acids available.
The Naked BCAA supplement is a certified vegan supplement containing a 2:1:1 combination of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine.
It also uses no artificial sweeteners, soy, gluten, or GMO ingredients.
The fine powder mixes well, and the supplement has a surprisingly mild taste compared to some BCAA supplements.
If you’ve been turned off but other (non-flavored) powders, this could be a suitable option.
Pros
Cons
Ingredients to Watch Out For
Not all BCAA supplements are created equally. Always check the ingredients on the supplement you’ve chosen, and never consume anything you don’t recognize.
BCAA should have the ratio listed on the back and the ingredients where the amino acids originate.
Never take any supplement laced with steroids or ephedrine.
Check up on the company itself to make sure they follow FDA regulations closely.
It’s also best to avoid even safe supplements such as Creatine or anything touting fat-burning properties.
The best way to get nutrients is through a balanced, healthy diet and simple supplementation can help you reach your goals faster.
Pregnant and breastfeeding consumers should definitely consult a health practitioner before beginning supplementation.
There are no studies showing ill-effects, but it’s best to be on the safe side.
If you’ve been taking BCAA before pregnancy, your practitioner may allow you to continue.
Always get supplements from a reputable company, such as those we’ve listed.
The world of supplements is full of risky ingredients and unregulated claims, so start with a company that carries a reputable product.
Professional note: It’s essential that you halt your BCAA dosing before you have any form of surgery in order to reduce the risks of post-surgical complications.
FAQ’s
Let’s address any questions you may have about using this supplement for your health and workout needs.
BCAA supplements ensure that you’re receiving these essential amino acids. They’re great for workout aids, but if you’re vegan or allergic to foods containing BCAA, they can fill in the gaps.
The manufacturer will have recommendations based on dosage, but generally speaking, taking one before a workout will help reduce fatigue, and taking it after will aid in recovery.
Also, taking them in both instances may be equally as effective with long term muscle building and energy.
It’s essential to take supplements in the proper dosage. BCAA supplements can interfere with blood sugar levels, cause fatigue in large doses, and cause stomach issues like nausea.
If you’re dehydrated, it could also contribute to headaches and loss of coordination.
Studies examining the connection are inconclusive. While observational studies do point to some weight loss benefit, it’s best to focus on the preventative effects rather than helping with weight loss after.
Both types of supplements seem to have the same effect, but you may have to take more pills to receive the same dosage.
It’s a personal preference, in all honesty, and depends on taste, consistency, and ability to swallow a pill.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to take BCAA supplements can help you fill in gaps in your diet and ensure that you receive these essential amino acids.
BCAA can help aid in muscle recovery and jumpstart your workouts after you’ve reached a plateau.
You should always discuss with your health provider before starting any supplement and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully to get the right dosage.
While BCAA is generally considered safe to take regularly, you shouldn’t overdose, or you could experience some ill side-effects.
BCAA can help transform your workouts and could help you see the muscle results you’ve been wanting.
Give this supplement a chance, and you could finally get your footing on your health journey.
Our top pick: Transparent Lab BCAA
Transparent Labs BCAA
100% formula transparency and a potent recovery matrix.
