Top 10 BCAA Supplements for 2021 – Best Branch Chain Amino Acids
If you’re here, you’re probably looking for the best bcaa product for your money.
In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about BCAAs from what they are to their extensive list of benefits. We’ll also cover BCAA supplements from a scientific perspective looking into their side effects and what you should look for when shopping for them.
What to Look for in a Good BCAA Supplement
When it comes to choosing good supplements, it can be kind of difficult for beginners. Mainly due to the large volume of products available on the market these days. It seems like everyone is in the supplement business these days! Well don’t worry, we’re here to help.
You’ve already taken the first step into properly researching BCAA products by reading this article. Now lets look at some things that set the top bcaa supplements apart from the others.
- Ingredients
- Amount of BCAAs and other amino acids
- Company recognition
- Value for your money
- Taste/Flavor selection
- User feedback
- Professional feedback
So with out further ado, lets get to our list of the 10 best bcaa supplements to buy this year.
Helpful Sources
BCAA Supplements List
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#1 – Transparent Labs CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine
TransparentLabs has created a unique blend of BCAAs and Glutamine with their new CoreSeries line of supplements. Not only do you get a big dose of daily BCAAs, you get a solid serving of glutamine as well. Much like the other products by TransparentLabs, CS BCAA Glutamine is dye free, has no fillers and no harmful additions.
- 8g BCAAs/serving (2:1:1)
- 5g glutamine/serving
- 5mg coconut water powder
Supplement Facts Label
#2 – Optimum Nutrition PRO BCAA
If you are looking for a solid and cost-effective bulk BCAA powder then you really can’t go too far astray with Optimum Nutrition PRO BCAA, which is available in both flavoured and unflavoured varieties depending on your preferences.
Highlights
- 8g of BCAA per serving.
- Flavored (three flavors) and unflavored powder.
- Cost effective alternative.
- Replaces ON BCAA 5000 on our list because of its superior build
- Available in three tasty fruity flavours
- Trusted Brand specializing in highest quality supplements
Ingredients
L-Leucine, L-Valine L-Isoleucine (2:1:1), l-glutamine, phytoblend, grape seed extract, red wine grape extract, citrus bioflavonoids, citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid.
Bottom Line
Optimum Nutrition PRO BCAA might not be fancy or have a unique Leucine, Valine, Iso-Leucine ratio but its proven formula offers premium quality effects. The blend is infused with glutamine and electrolytes.
This is definitely the BCAA product of choice for any athlete or bodybuilder who is working on a tight budget and doesn’t want to spend too much money on fancy formulas with gimmicky ingredients, but still wants a solid product from a very trusted source.
#3 – Cellucor COR-Performance Beta-BCAA
This product offers premium quality value at a reasonable price and is packed with several additional benefits including Beta Alanine.
COR-Performance Beta-BCAA by Cellucor offers fantastic value for money which rivals even some of the more basic BCAA powders on the market, with the added benefit.
Highlights
- 5g of BCAA per serving.
- Contains Citrulline Malate
- Includes Beta Alanine
- Three delicious flavors.
- Available in packages containing 30 servings
Ingredients
L-Leucine (2.5g), L-Isoleucine (1.25g), L-Valine (1.25g) (2:1:1), citrulline malate, beta alanine, and a-hydroxyisocaproic acid.
#4 – BPI Sports Best BCAA
Best BCAA makes use of a unique bonding process that unites the three BCAAs together leading to more complete absorption and utilization of these essential amino acids.
Highlights
- 5g BCAA per serving (2:1:1 ratio)
- Unique process of bonding of three BCAAs, which facilitates absorption
- Simple and highly effective formula
- Also includes Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- Available in seven superb flavours
- Available in sample size packages containing just seven servings for first-time users
- Brought to you by one of the most popular supplement manufacturers on the market
Ingredients
Bottom Line
Overall, Best BCAA is a good supplement for those looking for a simple and high quality product to boost up BCAA levels.
#5 – MusclePharm BCAA 3:1:2
BCAA 3:1:2 is one of the powerful BCAA supplement made by MusclePharm. This simple product provides an instant way to get a large dose of the branched chain amino acids your body needs to get after exercising. It comes in the convenience of a capsule, so you won’t have to add it to your ever-growing series of supplement drinks and shakes which require time to be prepared according to one’s taste.
Highlights
- Can be used during workout or after exercise.
- Comes in capsule form – easy to use.
- No sweeteners present.
- Affordable.
- Provides an unambiguous 6 g of BCAA per serving
- BCAA are offered in a ratio of 3:1:2 in favour of Leucine
- Available in packages containing 30 servings
Ingredients
Bottom Line
MusclePharm BCAA 3:1:2 is a useful product for those looking for a simple, way to increase daily BCAA consumption. It comes in capsules, which is convenient to use, although the serving size is a full 8 capsules which can be a disadvantage. It’s a great BCAA product.
#6 – BSN Amino X
Amino X is a powerful supplement made by BSN. It is the first instantized effervescent amino acid supplement available in the market. Amino X takes post-workout nutrition to a whole new level in nutritional supplementation. This powdered supplement mixes well, providing a 10g serving of micronized amino acids in each scoop. Instantized effervescent formula mixes instantly.
This is another BCAA supplement that provides a range of amino acids bound together in a proprietary blend. Once again we have a fantastic BCAA product which has been praised by countless athletes and bodybuilders.
Highlights
- 10g of amino acids in each serving.
- Absorbs rapidly in the body
- Available in five fantastic flavours
- Available in packages containing 30 and 70 servings
- Includes BCAA, Citrulline, Taurine, and more
- Manufactured by one of the world’s leading supplement brands
Ingredients
10g anabolic amino acid interfusion, consisting of Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine, Alanine, Taurine, and Citrulline.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a cheap bulk BCAA powder then this probably isn’t going to be the one for you, but if you want something that tastes great and does what it says on the label then you won’t be disappointed.
#7 – Gaspari Nutritions BCAA
Gaspari Nutrition’s BCAA are Leucine-heavy capsules that offer clinically suggested quantities of amino acids.
Highlights
- 6g of BCAA per serving.
- Unique 4:1:1 ratio.
- Leucine-heavy capsules for maximum muscle protein synthe
- Also contains Vitamin B6 for additional health benefits
- Offers a 4:1:1 BCAA ratio in favour of Leucine
- Available in packages containing 180 capsules
- Enjoy the convenience of not having to use free-flowing powders
Ingredients
L-Leucine (4000mg), L-Valine (1000mg), L-Isoleucine (1000mg) (4:1:1), dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, dextrose, soy lecithin, and sodium citrate.
#8 – Dymatize BCAA Complex 2200
Though Dymatize BCAA Complex 2200 capsules may not be as powerful as others out there, they get the job done. These easy to swallow capsules are simple to manage and adding them to your protein intake won’t require a ton of extra work.
Highlights
- 2200mg of BCAA per serving.
- Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Riboflavin
- Easy to use.
- Provides 2200 mg of BCAA per serving
- Contains Vitamin C
- Also includes Riboflavin and Vitamin B6
- Available in packages containing 200 and 400 capsules
- Provides the convenience of time-released capsules
Ingredients
L-Leucine (1100mg), L-Valine (550mg), L-Isoleucine (550mg) (2:1:1), microcrystalline cellulose, and dicalcium phosphate.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a BCAA capsule that’s on the lower end of the potency scale then Dymatize BCAA Complex 2200 has you covered.
#9 – Infinite Labs BCAA Caps
BCAA Caps by Infinite Labs are an ideal option for those of you who prefer to have their BCAA blend tightly packed into a capsule. This product is extremely convenient and suitable for anyone who wants to add amino acids to their protein intake.
Highlights
- 3g of BCAA per serving.
- Easy to carry/take.
- Contains nothing but high-purity branch-chained amino acids
- Offers the added convenience of easy-to-swallow capsules
- No need to waste time with messy powders
- Available in bottles containing 240 capsules
Ingredients
L-Leucine (1500mg), L-Valine (750mg), L-Isoleucine (750mg) (2:1:1), gelatin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and titanium dioxide.
Bottom Line
Anyone who’s tired of BCAA powders and wants to switch to a more convenient alternative should try Infinite Labs BCAA Caps. You’ll get the same amount of amino acids in a more expedient packing – that too at a great price.
#10 – EVLUTION NUTRITION: BCAA 5000
Evlution Nutrition: BCAA 5000 is made from the finest BCAAs and consists of a proven 2:1:1 ratio of Leucine to Isoleucine to Valine.
Ingredients
L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine (2:1:1), gelatin, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.
BCAA Supplements Guide
Good nutrition is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and identifying accelerators for building muscles becomes essential in its planning.
The most basic key factors to a healthy life include regular exercise and a healthy diet. There are also other factors such as taking energy supplements — especially BCAAs that can assist your self-improvement journey and of course, keep you motivated throughout it.
Being fit and healthy apply to both men and women equally. In both cases, it’s a change in the state of mind that’s preemptive to putting any well thought out plan into action. Women carry more, difficult-to-shed fat as compared to men which means that they have to work harder to reduce it in addition to adding BCAA supplements to their diet.
What Are BCAAs?
BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) are distinct from other amino acids in that they are essential nutrients that the body obtains from proteins. The term branched chain refers to their molecular structure. These amino acids are essential to us which simply means that we must obtain them from our diet.
The amino acids included in this group are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine and they are present prominently in skeletal muscles.
- Whey, milk, and soy proteins.
- Beef, chicken, fish, and eggs.
- Baked beans.
- Whole wheat.
- Brown rice.
- Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews.
Branch-chained amino acids or BCAA are well known throughout the sports and bodybuilding community for their ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
Always speak with a medical professional or doctor before taking any supplements. Always read the product label for instructions and directions.
Taking BCAA Supplements
BCAAs offer unique benefits and are worth using as one’s supplement regime. Next question is how much is the right dose?
BCAAs can serve best when taken before, during and after exercise.
If you’re aiming at building muscle mass then consider taking a dose of BCAAs first thing upon waking up in morning to decrease skeletal muscle breakdown after a whole night on an empty stomach.
One of the best times to take bcaas is right after a workout or heavy exercise. This is the time your body is in need of nutrients the most and will abosrb BCAAs at a quicker rate.