Best BCAA Supplements (2025) | BarBend (2025)

4.4

Why We Like It

With an outstanding formulation and numerous flavor options available, Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine earns our top pick for the best BCAA supplement. We love that this product is made without artificial flavors, dyes, and sweeteners.

According to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, this formula contains the ideal BCAA ratio.“The 2:1:1 ratio is backed by research and the added glutamine offers some additional benefits,”she says, rating the formulation a 4.5 out of 5.“While stevia is fine for most, some can’t tolerate it or don’t like the taste, which is good to keep in mind.”

Each single scoop serving offers a whopping 8 grams of BCAAs. Transparent Labs also added coconut water powder, which is rich in electrolytes for hydration, and a high 5,000-milligram dose of l-glutamine to potentially reduce muscle soreness following a workout (making it one of thebest glutaminesupplements, as well). (12) This supplement also packs over 1,000% of your daily vitamin C needs to support a strong immune system. (16)

A 30-serving tub costs around $39.99, which equates to roughly $1.33 per serving. This cost is more expensive than many other products you’ll find on this list. One reason the cost is so high, we assume, is because Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine is third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures you can trust that what’s on the label is what you’ll find in the actual formulation.

Regarding taste, our testers and other verified reviewers have mixed opinions. Our certified health coach tried the Strawberry Lemonade and rated it a 3 out of 5. “I found an initial taste that was bitter, and this particular flavor had a funky aftertaste,”she notes. Some tastier options for athletes may be Cellucor Alpha Amino and Nutricost BCAA.

Transparent Labs dissolves exceptionally well in water, with our tester reporting no issues.“There weren’t any leftover powder clumps, it completely dissolved,”she says, giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 for solubility.

Good for:Those wanting a robust formulation that’s third-party tested and free of artificial additives.

4.5

Why We Like It

It’s not necessary to spend tons of money on supplements each month, especially for athletes with a tight budget. If you’re searching for an affordable BCAA supplement that won’t break the bank, our team recommends Nutricost BCAA Powder. This product starts at roughly $0.25 per serving, earning a 5 out of 5 rating for overall value. For additional discounts, you can subscribe to recurring deliveries.

“These BCAAs score a 4 out of 5 for their formulation,”Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, says.“They have a clinically dosed ratio ofleucine,isoleucine, andvaline, but they also contain artificial ingredients likesucralose, which may cause GI upset.”We also note that Nutricost BCAAs arejustBCAAs, so don’t expect any added compounds to support weight loss, boosted energy or other goals.

After taking this product three times per week, and mixing it with water, our expert product tester Kate Meier, CPT, didn’t notice any immediate effects. However, she didn’t experience any negative effects, either.

“I tried theunflavoredoption and it wasn’t completely flavorless,”Meier said.“However, I’d still rate the flavor a 5 out of 5 because it mixes so well with other drinks. When you mix it with some of thebest pre-workout supplementsor a sports drink, it completely masks theBCAA powder.”

We really liked the product’s solubility, too, rating this category a solid 5 out of 5. Meier mixed this product in both a shaker cup as well as with a common glass and spoon.“Either way that I mixed, the water was a little murky and there were some small grains in the texture,” she said.“But in just a minute or two, it completely dissolved.”Of course, though, for those less enthused about having a shaker bottle handy for proper supplementation, we recommend looking at Crazy Muscle BCAA Pills.

Good for:Individuals looking for a budget-friendly BCAA powder with costs per serving starting below $0.30.

4

Why We Like It

If you’re an active individual — especially one who breaks a serious sweat on a routine basis — then you need to prioritize hydration. Luckily, Snap Supplements BCAAs contain several ingredients that support this, including key ingredients typically found in some of thebest electrolyte drinks.

In addition to 5 grams of a vegan BCAA blend delivered in a 2:1:1 ratio of l-leucine, l-isoleucine, and l-valine, the formulation includes 215 milligrams of sodium and 205 milligrams of potassium alongside a proprietary hydration and antioxidant blend made with coconut water powder and pomegranate berry extract. We also like that the formulation includes an essential amino acid (EAA) blend, as well as a nitric oxide booster blend.“This NO booster blend is a unique touch, and I do feel it can help with improving my workout endurance over time,”notes our product tester, a certified personal trainer.

Overall, the formulation earns 4 out of 5 stars. We do lower the rating, though, given that Snap Supplements BCAAs do feature multiple proprietary blends which doesn’t lend itself to concise dosages for listed ingredients.

Available in two flavors (Pomegranate Watermelon and Peach Mango), Snap Supplements BCAAs aren’t exactly budget-friendly. If you order through the company’s website, a 30-serving container costs about $33, putting the price-per-serving at just over $1. However, you can save 15% by signing up for a subscription that will deliver this product to your door every month, every two months, or every three months.

Compared to other BCAAs on this list, it’s definitely more expensive, leading to a price score of just 2.5 out of 5. Other, more budget-friendly BCAAs include Nutricost BCAAs and Cellucor Alpha Amino, among others.

Lastly, Snap Supplements BCAAs aren’t third-party tested, so we do have some questions regarding the label accuracy, especially when considering the inclusion of proprietary blends. Accordingly, we rate this powder at 1 out of 5 for the category.

Good for:Athletes wanting some added hydration benefits with their BCAAs of choice.

4

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a BCAA supplement with minimal ingredients and a super simple formulation, Jacked Factory’s BCAA powder is it. It contains BCAAs and nothing more.

This unflavored BCAA product is truly undetectable, though you can also choose from a few flavor options, as well, depending on current stocks. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, tried the Blue Raspberry flavor and was sold.“It’s a pleasant mixture of sweet and tart that isn’t too strong,”he says, giving flavor a perfect 5 out of 5 score.

“This supplement dissolved super easily,”according to our tester, a certified nutrition coach, who gave the solubility a 5 out of 5.“There was no grittiness and I didn’t see much clumping. Though, it did settle a bit because I didn’t have mybest shaker bottlereadily available for trials.”

After thoroughly evaluating the ingredients, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN gave Jacked Factory a 5 out of 5 for formulation.“There are no unnecessary ingredients, and the ratio ofl-leucinetol-isoleucinetol-valineis backed by science,”she said. (18)

Our testers didn’t experience any adverse side-effects, either, which is a major plus. However, we do wish this product were third-party tested. After digging through Jacked Factory’s website, it doesn’t appear the brand’s BCAA powder has undergone any testing from a lab or third party for quality and safety. For that extra seal of approval, we recommend sticking to a BCAA supplement like Momentous Vital Aminos or Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine.

Our team loved the price point for this product, too. One 30-serving container is affordable, at a price of $19.99 (which is about $0.66 per serving), earning a 5 out of 5 for price per serving. Additionally, you can subscribe to recurring shipments and get 15% off and free shipping.

Good for:Those wanting an unflavored BCAA powder to add to other supplements and blends already featuring a tasteful makeup.

4.4

Why We Like It

To be clear, men and women don’t have different needs when it comes to BCAAs. If paired with a healthy diet, BCAAs may be great dietary supplement additions to any athlete’s existing regimen for their potential to minimize fatigueand help maintain lean muscle mass. (17) For women, they could provide some potential benefits during menopause and post-menopause, as well.

But for adults who want a budget-friendly BCAA supplement with multiple flavor options, we recommend you give Promix Nutrition BCAAs a shot. Our team gave the flavor a 5 out of 5 rating. You can choose from five different options (more than most other products) and there’s even an Unflavored pick for those who prefer to mix their BCAAs with other products like thebest greens powders, creatine, protein powders, and more.

Having used Promix BCAAs in the past, I do believe the taste is on-point, and the solubility is effective enough that it doesn’t throw off my day. However, the bagged nature of the packaging can lead to some unwanted spills across my countertops, more so than I’ve experienced with tubbed powders and capsules. I rate the convenience at 4 out of 5, accordingly, and suggest sticking with a tub of BCAAs like Nutricost BCAAs or Jacked Factory BCAAs if clean-up is a less-than-favorable step in your blending process.

We’re big fans of Promix’s formulation, too, giving it a 4 out of 5 rating. We like the vegan-friendly, natural ingredients list — there are zero artificial sweeteners or colorings here. However, other formulas do include some additional micronutrients. Here, you do get 100% of your daily vitamin C, although this is the lone vitamin listed across the supplement facts.

When it comes to cost, we’re pretty happy with the budget-friendly price point. This product costs $32, which is only about $1.07 per serving. However, you can subscribe to recurring purchases every 30 days and save 10%.

Good for:Women looking for a simple BCAA supplement with enjoyable flavors and an approachable price tag.

3.5

Why We Like It

There are many upsides to taking your BCAAs in pill form. Like thebest creatine gummies, they’re easy to take with you to the gym or on the road, which is convenient if you’re going for extended periods between meals. For a no-fuss BCAA capsule, Crazy Muscle’s BCAA Pills are our top choice.

This supplement features 1 gram of BCAAs per pill (3 grams per serving) in the ideal 2:1:1 ratio of l-leucine to l-isoleucine to l-valine. (18) However, these contain less BCAAs than most other BCAA supplements.

“Compared to other supplements on the market, Crazy Muscle’s BCAA pills provide fewer grams of BCAAs per serving,”according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, who gave the formulation a 3.5 out of 5.“Plus, there are no added ingredients for additional performance perks like caffeine for energy orelectrolytesforhydration.”

Since pills don’t require any mixing, we rated convenience a 4 out of 5. However, you do need to take three per serving, which can be tedious, according to our testers.

“These are pretty large pills — they are about the size of a quarter and are thick,”one of our testers says, giving the swallow-ability a 3 out of 5.“One serving is three pills and I had to take them separately, which I don’t love. They also leave white chalkiness on my hands.”Athletes who have a hard time swallowing pills may want to try something else. If you’d prefer a powdered BCAA supplement, we recommend the likes of Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine and Momentous Vital Aminos, among others.

These are a budget-friendly pick, though. One 80-serving bottle costs $19.80, which is only about $0.25 per serving. Most other BCAA supplements are at least $1 per serving, earning this one a 5 out of 5 for cost. We also appreciate that they’re available on Amazon Prime. However, third-party testing gets a 1 out of 5, since there are no certifying lab results to speak of with this BCAA capsule.

Good for:People that prefer to supplement their BCAAs in a pill or capsule format.

Why We Like It

BCAA supplements aren’t necessarily gender-specific, but if you want a supplement with BCAAs that can support you through a workout, Transparent Labs Intra could be a good fit. Our tester, a triathlete and a certified sports nutrition coach, used Intra on multiple occasions.

“While I can’t say this enhanced my performance specifically, I can say that the inclusion ofelectrolytesandessential amino acidsis exactly what I look for in aworkout supplement,”they said.

Offering the ideal 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs, this intra-workout supplement is ideal for those wanting amino acids along with other ingredients that are proven to reduce muscle fatigue, improve endurance, support muscle growth, and promote endurance. (17)(18)

“TL Intra gets a 4.25 out of 5,”according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN.“It is packed with powerful ingredients, but some compounds are patented and don’t share the breakdown of ingredients included.”She also likes that the formula contains all nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are those that the body doesn’t make on its own, so we have to consume them through food or supplements. (19)

There are two flavors of Intra: Strawberry Lemonade and Blue Raspberry. Our tester awarded Blue Raspberry a 4 out of 5 for taste, stating that it’s almost too sweet. “I recommend mixing it with more water than the instructions indicate,”she adds. “When I did that, the flavor wasn’t quite so strong, and I enjoyed it more.”

Furthermore, our tester also noted that the solubility is alright, as long as you shake before drinking. If you don’t shake between sips, the powder tends to settle toward the bottom. We rate the Intra at 3 out of 5 for the category and recommend powders like Nutricost BCAA or Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine for better blending protocols.

Intra costs around $1.50 per serving, which earns it a 3-out-of-5 rating from our testers. That said, though, you can utilizeTransparent Labs discount codesfor better deals or use the brand’s ‘Subscribe & Save’ service for lower purchase totals and free shipping on repeat orders.

Good for:Athletes wanting a quality intra-workout supplement to help bolster endurance and sustain hydration levels.

4

Why We Like It

If you’re focused on muscle growth, it’s crucial to eat enough calories and protein throughout the day. When it comes to supplements like thebest creatine supplementsand BCAAs, you might want something that supports athletic performance and offers quality ingredients. Momentous Vital Aminos contains a scientifically-backed dosage of all nine essential amino acids, which are key for building, maintaining, and repairing lean muscle mass. (19)

“This product is great for me since I primarily eat a vegetarian diet and I’m trying to keep my body in top shape for volleyball and climbing,”says our tester, certified personal trainer Rosie Borchert.

As an additional benefit, Momentous Vital Aminos include l-tyrosine, which has been shown to improve cognitive flexibility and enhance your ability to switch between tasks without losing focus. (1)

BCAAs are known to support muscle recovery, but they can also help increase muscle growth. The BCAA leucine, for example, is key for building muscle as it stimulates muscle protein synthesis. (4)(17) What’s more, there’s an added dose of calcium, potassium, and sodium to help maintain hydration. However, the ingredient doses are lacking.

“This formula gets a 2.5 out of 5 in my book,”Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, says.“The lack of research gives me pause, and to top it off, the amount of each ingredient really leaves you wanting more. Adding small portions of a few specific foods can give you more than you get in this formulation — and at a lower cost.”

This product only comes in Tropical Punch. However, our tester really likes the taste, giving the flavor a 5 out of 5 rating.“Mixed with a glass of water, the flavor is really light and refreshing,”says Borchert. For flavor hounds, though, it may be best to opt for the likes of Nutricost BCAAs or 1st Phorm BCAAs for a larger variety of available tastes.

A 30-serving bag of Momentous Vital Aminos costs around $45.95, which is about $1.53 per serving. Unfortunately, this is one of the most expensive products on our list, earning a 3 out of 5 for cost.

Good for:People focused on building muscle that want to supplement with BCAAs.

4

Why We Like It

Any dietary supplement you plan to drink daily should taste refreshing — why do you think we’ve previously rated thebest tasting protein powders? Where flavor is concerned, we recommend Cellucor Alpha Amino as the best tasting BCAA supplement..

Alpha Amino is available in Watermelon, Icy Blue Razz, and Fruit Punch flavors. Our tester tried the Fruit Punch flavor, rating it a 4 out of 5 for taste.“It reminds me of Kool-Aid. It’s very sweet, maybe too sweet for my liking,”they say. However, Nick English,BarBendwriter, disagrees. He says the taste is“refreshing”in his full review of this product.“I recommend using one scoop in 1.5 cups of water for the best taste,”he adds.

Cellucor Alpha Amino packs 5 grams of BCAAs in the desired 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine. It also contains electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to support hydration and muscle function.

There are three proprietary blends in Alpha Amino, including the Hydration Blend. Inside that blend you’ll find betaine, which has been shown to help maintain cellular hydration. The blend also features coconut water powder, which contains five electrolytes (magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus).

While the included ingredients may be beneficial, if you prefer an all-natural formulation (like Naked Nutrition Naked BCAAs), this product might not be the best fit. Alpha Amino contains artificial ingredients including sucralose and red food dye. We also don’t love that this product contains proprietary blends and isn’t third-party tested.“I rate the formulation at 4 out of 5, though, since there are so many potential performance benefits if the proprietary blends are portioned correctly,”adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD.

“I used a shaker cup to mix it up and the texture felt very smooth,”says our tester, who gave solubility a 4.5 out of 5.“There was a little powder that would settle to the bottom, but with a little shake, it would mix right back in.”

Alpha Amino’s cost is less than $1 per serving. The brand does offer a ‘Subscribe & Save’ service, though, with discounted totals depending on your repeat order frequency.

Good for:Individuals valuing taste as a premium factor in their BCAA supplement selection.

Why We Like It

Navigating avegan diet for athletescan be difficult at times when trying to gather certain supplements. For those interested in BCAAs, we recommend Naked Nutrition Naked BCAAs. Not only is it Certified Vegan, but it’s also gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of any artificial sweeteners, colors, and fillers.

Our tester, a certified health coach, said that this unflavored powder isn’t completely unflavored. “If it’s mixed with water, you’ll notice a slightly bitter taste,”she said, giving it a 4 out of 5 on taste. “I preferred mixing it into my smoothie.”You can purchase Cherry Lime or Strawberry Lemonade varieties, but the cost is higher given that these flavored options are only available in 34-serving containers. For reference, Unflavored Naked BCAAs are sold in 100-serving containers with costs per serving starting at $0.35. For less variability between order sizes, you can check out Nutricost BCAAs or 1st Phorm BCAAs.

We prioritize BCAAs that come in that recommended 2:1:1 ratio, and Naked Nutrition does just that with this supplement. That breakdown is 2.5 grams of l-leucine, 1.25 grams of l-isoleucine, and 1.25 grams of l-valine. (18)“Naked Nutrition BCAAs get a 4.75 out of 5 for its simple formulation,”according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN.“You get a science-backed dose of BCAAs without unnecessary fluff.”

While our tester isn’t sure if they felt any effects from this product —“I might have been a little less sore after some cardio days than I normally am,”they say — this budget cost makes it an easier investment to try out the waters for yourself. You can even subscribe and save another 10%. Given the budget-friendly cost, we gave this one an easy 5 out of 5 in the price category.

Good for:Plant-based athletes wanting a Certified Vegan BCAA supplement.

Why We Like It

Whether you’re a rookie marathoner or a professional triathlete, a BCAAs supplement with added electrolytes can be ideal to support endurance exercise. (20) 1st Phorm BCAAs is packed with amino acids, electrolytes, and vitamins proven to benefit athletes.

Our tester, Kate Meier, is an experienced marathoner who used 1st Phorm BCAAs following several runs. “I didn’t experience any negativeside effects,”she says. “I drank these during my post-run stretching sessions, and I felt great afterward.”

1st Phorm offers 7.5 grams of BCAAs in this product, alongside proprietary blends that contain aminos and electrolytes. Electrolytes like sodium and potassium may ease the effects of post-workout soreness, which is common amongst endurance athletes, yet more research is needed to illustrate this potential benefit. (21)

“1st Phorm BCAAs score a 4 out of 5 for formulation with deductions for the proprietary blends,”according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN.“Additionally, the BCAA ratio falls just short of that 2:1:1 ratio forleucine,isoleucine, andvaline.”If you’re looking for that ideal metric, we recommend looking at Cellucor Alpha Amino or Crazy Muscle BCAA Pills, among others included in this round-up.

Meier tried the Blue Raspberry flavor (one of six available options) and gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. “I would compare this to blue Kool-Aid,”she says.

Another reason we like this for athletes is because it is third-party tested. We feel we can trust that what’s on the label is what’s in the container.

At around $1.12 per serving, 1st Phorm BCAAs falls in the middle of the road when it comes to pricing — we rate it at a modest 3 out of 5. There is a subscription option, but unlike most other brands, you don’t actually save money if you subscribe. Still, though, if your workout routine is loaded with plenty ofmuscular endurance exercises, this powder may be worth your consideration.

Good for:Endurance athletes wanting to support their training with a flavorfulBCAA powder.

3.75

Why We Like It

One of the most established benefits of BCAA supplements is their ability to support efficient muscle recovery. (4)(17)(19) If you’re looking to make this a priority within your regimen, we recommend Essential BCAA 2:1:1 Powder from MyProtein. This formulation packs in 4 grams of branched-chain amino acids per three-scoop serving in an ideal 2:1:1 ratio for muscle protein synthesis and easier recuperation post-training.

As a certified nutrition coach, I appreciate the clear supplement facts on the back of the packaging — you can quickly digest what’s included in the makeup. However, I rate the formulation at 3.75 out of 5 given the presence of sucralose in a majority of the flavored options.“Sucralosecan cause GI distress in some athletes, so it may be best to steer clear,”notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist andBarBendexpert reviewer. More natural, synthetic-free options include Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine and Momentous Vital Aminos.

As far as taste is concerned, we score MyProtein Essential BCAA at 4 out of 5 given the range of flavor options available, including an Unflavored pick that can be added to pre-workout or even some of thebest post-workout supplementswithout altering the flavor profile excessively. I’ve previously had the Peach Rings option, too, and do admire the accuracy of the flavor titles — it tastes like one of my favorite gummy treats. While some may find this BCAA powder to be excessively sweet given the sucralose content, I do feel that many would enjoy the makeup, overall.

MyProtein Essential BCAA is available in multiple container sizes with costs starting at roughly $0.73 per serving. I always try to seek out supplements available in multiple tub (in this case, bag) sizes, as it opens the door for bulk orders at a lower price point. As such, we rate the value at 4 out of 5. A word of caution, though — bagged containers, while efficient and space-saving, can lead to some mess when digging out your servings.

Good for:Individuals with dedicated recovery regimens for improved muscle retention and fewer bouts of muscle soreness.

4.5

Why We Like It

Athletes can take BCAAs before, during, or after training to help bolster muscle protein synthesis. If you fall in the crowd of pre-training consumers, it can be wise to mix your BCAA supps with a prominent pre-workout to reap the energetic, endurance-laden perks of both dietary supplements. In our opinion, BCAA Lean Energy from EVLution Nutrition serves as a high-quality blend designed to help provide plenty of sparks to carry your energy and recovery levels to new heights.

In addition to the 5 grams of BCAAs, BCAA Lean Energy features 110 milligrams of a “Natural Energizers” blend which includes natural caffeine from coffee beans and green tea extract. Kate Meier,BarBendeditorial team member and certified personal trainer, notes that the caffeine hit is a nice touch that can definitely give you a pleasant boost for training.“I equate this to my morning cup of coffee. It’s not overpowering where I feel scatter-brained, but still provides a much-appreciated jolt.”

The “Natural Energizers” blend is, however, a proprietary blend, meaning there’s some questions surrounding actual dosages of included ingredients. For that reason we gave the formulation a 4 out of 5. For those who want full transparency across their BCAA’s supplement facts, consider Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine or Momentous Vital Aminos.

Of course, caffeine-tolerant individuals may need a bit more of a kick. For these needs, we recommend pairing a standalone BCAA powder to some of thestrongest pre-workoutswe’ve tested. Be mindful, though, that the recommended daily allowance for caffeine is up to 400 milligrams — you should avoid consuming more than this metric between all your consumed beverages. (24)

We score this EVLution Nutrition offering at 5 out of 5 for side effects, too, given Meier’s reported experience with the powder.“I didn’t have any unwanted distress, and the energy seemed to burn efficiently throughout my entire training session,”she adds.“This powder earns a 5 out of 5, too in solubility — no issues pre-consumption or post-consumption!”

BCAA Lean Energy is available in 30-serving containers across four available flavors. Per our math, costs per serving begin at roughly $0.83, depending on your chosen taste, placing it around the average of other BCAA powders. Overall, we rate the value at 4 out of 5. Naturally, though, the value does drop if you’re less enthusiastic about a caffeine-enriched BCAA supplement.

Good for:People that tend to mix their BCAA supplements with pre-workout — this all-in-one powder has already done the blending.