Top Pick
- Contains all nine EAAs.
- BCAAs included in a 2:1:1 formula.
- Contains electrolytes.
Working out on a tough diet is pretty restricting. Oftentimes, if you’re looking to build (or maintain) muscle effectively, you’ll have to cut an awful lot out of your diet. For example, red meat is full of saturated fats and is often associated with fat gain and heart disease—not ideal if you’re looking to build muscle.
That said, some amino acids you attain from consuming red meat are essential for muscle gain and recovery, and can’t otherwise be obtained within the body. So how can you maintain muscle growth without consuming these in your diet?
This article on the best essential amino acids (EAAs) supplements on the market has the solution. We’ll be discussing the ins-and-outs of EAAs and why they’re useful, as well as giving you a tour of our favorite five.
The Best Essential Amino Acids (EAAS) Supplements—Top Five
So that’s the main scoop, but now onto the main event.
1. Granite EAAs.
Founded by the late John Meadow, Granite is one of the most trusted brands in the fitness and bodybuilding world.
It was designed to be the most comprehensive Amino Acid supplement for men and women.
Granite Supplements EAAs also incorporate BCAAs, which reduce muscle breakdown and post-exercise soreness and damage.
It contains electrolytes which scientifically formulated for rapid rehydration. Granite Supplements EAAs deliver the perfect balance of electrolytes so you can rehydrate quickly, no matter how hard you work out.
- Serving Facts
- Calories: 5.
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram.
- Magnesium: 70 mg.
- Sodium: 410 mg.
- Potassium: 97 mg.
- BCAA matrix: 7 grams.
- ECAAs: 10.5 grams.
- Pros
- BCAAs included in a 2:1:1 formula.
- High quantity of electrolytes to keep you hydrated.
- Contains a full spectrum of the 9 EAAs.
- Comes in a number of tasty flavors.
- Vegan.
- Made in the US.
- Cons
- Only 30 servings per container.
- A bit price but it is the best on the market.
2. Animal Juiced Aminos.
Animal Pak is an iconic brand that made its first appearance in 1983. A monumental day for the industry as the pack form had not yet been done, it has stood the test of time and has been a staple in gym bags of athletes around the globe for over 30 years.
Animal Juiced Aminos is a versatile powder that can be used pre-, intra-, post-, or even sipped on over the course of the day allowing for the steady intake of critical anabolic nutrients. This steady stream of high octane, juiced-up aminos coursing through your veins is sure to support the most rigorous, balls-out battles with the iron.
It contains efficacious doses of the most critical anabolic amino acids—BCAAs and EAAs, gassed up by the inclusion of premium, prized, patented complementary amino compounds, delicious, refreshing taste allowing for ease of use… All with no unnecessary fillers or frills. Just the basics, instantized for easy mixing, delivered raw and uncut from the name you’ve trusted since 1983. That’s Animal Juiced Aminos.
- Serving Facts
- Anabolic BCAA & EAA Matrix: 6 grams.
- Juiced AA Performance Blend with Sustamine: 4 grams.
- Pros
- Contains L-Glutamin to support digestion.
- Contains Citrulline Malate for a better pump at the gym.
- Contains L-Carnitine Tartrate for better hormonal balance as well as pump at the gym.
- Contains all nine EAAs.
- Comes in 3 tasty flavors.
- Cons
- Only 30 servings per container.
- Does not contain electrolytes.
3. Primeval Labs EAA Max
The Primeval Labs EAA supplement powder is a great option to remain hydrated throughout the day due to the electrolyte blend. Out of the nine essential amino acids, this product contains all of them, providing a full spectrum to fuel your body with what it can’t produce. This is actually the only product out of our five to do this, which means it’s really up there with the best of the best.
What’s more, the array of delicious and fruity flavors makes this a fabulous addition to your workout routine. With this one, you can rest assured your body is getting everything it needs for optimum muscle recovery.
- Serving Facts
- Calories: 10.
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams (1 percent of daily allowance).
- Magnesium: 17 mg.
- Potassium: 52 mg.
- BCAA matrix: 5 grams.
- ECAAs: 820 mg.
- Pros
- BCAAs included in a 2:1:1 formula.
- Quantities of ingredients specified.
- Keeps you hydrated.
- Contains all nine EAAs.
- Comes in a number of tasty flavors.
- Cons
- Only 30 servings per container.
- Contains artificial sweetener.
4. Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy
The Optimum Nutrition essential amino acids powder contains an amino blend to help with muscle recovery, and an energy blend to boost focus and energy in the gym. With ingredients such as l-glutamine, l-arginine, and taurine, which are all essential amino acids, these form together to produce the correct stuff to help curb soreness post-gym.
The energy blend, including great ingredients such as caffeine, green coffee bean extract, and green tea extract, not only boosts energy, but actually aids in weight loss. This is ideal for anyone looking to build lean muscle in the gym, as the fat should melt away as your muscles grow.
Coming in a number of interesting and delicious flavors, like watermelon, blue raspberry, and blueberry mojito, this one seems to have it all. Simply mix with water and drink—or freeze to create really delicious supplement ice pops!
- Serving Facts
- Calories: 5.
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram (<1 percent of daily allowance).
- Amino Blend: 5 grams.
- Energy Blend: 160 mg.
- Pros
- Includes 65 servings per container.
- Not only does it aid muscle recovery, it also boosts energy in the gym.
- Ideal to be taken any time of day, depending on your needs.
- Only a small amount of calories per serving.
- Loads of delicious, unique flavors to choose from.
- No sugar, and almost no carbs.
- Cons
- Includes two proprietary blends, so exact quantities of ingredients are unknown.
5. Solgar – Essential Amino Complex
Solgar is a fantastic option for anyone who wishes to know exactly what they’re putting into their body—no proprietary blends in sight. With a simple blend of specially selected amino acids, including BCAAs, this product provides you with the amino acids your body can’t always produce for muscle recovery.
As we’ve already mentioned, most amino acids, including essential amino acids, will come in a chain, which needs to be broken up to then be reformed into the chains necessary for muscle recovery. That said, this option is different, as the amino acids come free form, which means they’re not attached together in chains. This means your body will absorb them for their uses quicker than ever.
- Serving Facts
- L-Histidine: 75 mg.
- L-Lysine: 75 mg.
- L-Methionine: 75 mg.
- L-Threonine: 75 mg.
- L-Phenylalanine: 75 mg.
- L-Leucine: 75 mg.
- L-Isoleucine: 75 mg.
- L-Valine: 75 mg.
- Pros
- Includes BCAAs.
- Values of all ingredients specified.
- Absorbs into the body quickly.
- Suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-free and kosher.
- Contain no sugar or sweetener.
- Contains a whopping 90 servings per bottle.
- Cons
- BCAA ratio not in the usual effective ratio of 2:1:1.
- Lower amounts of L-Leucine. Need at least 4 capsules per serving.
6. MuscleTech Essential Series Platinum Amino Plus Energy
Number four is another option for the best essential amino acids supplements which includes numerous free-form amino acids for optimum absorption. These include BCAAs, alongside other amino acids like l-arginine, l-citrulline, l-lysine, and l-glutamine, which all have a number of helpful properties.
With the addition of coconut water, which is known for its hydrating properties, you’ll be set to take on the toughest workouts. What’s more, the inclusion of an energy blend, which includes caffeine and green tea extract, your body will be ready for almost anything.
- Serving Facts
- Calories: 30.
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams.
- BCAA Matrix: 5 grams.
- Cell-Volumizing and Recovery Complex: 2.2 grams.
- Electrolyte Blend: 300 mg.
- Energy Enhancer: 125 mg.
- Pros
- Includes BCAAs.
- All quantities of ingredients visible.
- No sugars or carbs.
- Low in calories.
- Comes in a number of flavors.
- Absorbs easily into the body.
- Cons
- BCAAs are in a 3:1:1 ratio, instead of the usual 2:1:1 ratio.
- Only 30 servings per container.
7. FundAminos by PureClean Performance
Our final option for the best essential amino acids (EAAs) supplements is made using a number of proprietary blends for different purposes.
What we like most about this option is the packet instructions, which tell you exactly how much of the product to take, and when in the day, for specific purposes. So if you fancy better athletic performance, more energy and strength, or better recovery, this a versatile, multi-purpose choice.
- Serving Facts
- Calories: 5.
- EAA Blend, including BCAAs: 5 grams.
- Botanical Recovery Blend: 315 mg.
- Organic Superberry Blend: 250 mg.
- Pros
- Low in calories.
- Suitable for vegans.
- Non-GMO.
- Absorbs really well.
- No fillers or additives.
- Cons
- Made using proprietary blends.
- Not everyone enjoys the taste.
Informational guide to EAAs Supplements
What Are Essential Amino Acids (EAAS) Supplements?
There are 20 amino acids which your body uses for a variety of reasons. That said, there are some which simply can’t be synthesized or produced naturally in the body, and these are called essential amino acids. There are nine of these EAAs, which are as follows:
- L-leucine.
- L-isoleucine.
- L-valine.
- L-threonine.
- L-histidine.
- L-methionine.
- L-tryptophan.
- L-lysine.
- L-phenylalanine.
As they can’t be produced in the body naturally, humans must consume them via the protein from our diets, like red meats, and the like. However, as we’ve already seen, sometimes our exercise regime can restrict the food we can consume, so we need another way to attain these EEAs.
This is where the best essential amino acids supplements come in handy, as they provide you with otherwise unattainable amino acids.
Why Are Essential Amino Acids Supplements Useful?
The question is, why are EAAs so important for us to consume?
Well, after working out your muscles can become damaged and sore and need to be repaired in order to grow. This is where essential amino acids come in, as they’re utilized in the building of proteins in the body, also known as protein synthesis.
These essential amino acids form together to create proteins that are necessary for the building and repairing your muscles. Without them, you’d be completely stumped in your muscle gaining progress.
The Benefits of Essential Amino Acids Supplements
Breaking it down to the bare essentials, what is it that essential amino acids (EAAs) do for us? Below are the four main benefits:
- Help to build muscle.
- Aid with muscle recovery and soreness.
- Help to reduce signs of aging in the skin.
- Great to aid weight loss.
It really is amazing what these little guys can do for us.
What to Look for in the Best Essential Amino Acids (EAAS) Supplements
Now you know why EAAs are important, but how can you know what to look out for in the best essential amino acids supplements? We’ve got all the important details.
Contains BCAAs—EAAs vs BCAAs
BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, and are also on the list of EAAs. They’re a little different to the other six EEAs as they have numerous branched chains—the building blocks of protein—in comparison to EAAs. Usually found in a 2:1:1 ratio, they’re known for their muscle recovery properties, so we love to see them involved in the mix.
Includes Most of the EAAs
We’ve already discussed what EAAs are, and which nine amino acids come into this list (including the three BCAAs). That said, although some do, most of the best essential amino acids supplements don’t include all nine EAAs, which is a surprise. Otherwise, most will include between six to eight.
Either way, you’ll be adding in those important amino acids for muscle recovery more than anyone not consuming EAA supplements.
No Added Sugar or Carbs
Working out is all about getting rid of that extra body fat to make way for those muscle gains. That said, if you’re adding unnecessary sugar and carbs to your diet, you can’t expect to keep off those extra pounds. This is why it’s wise to avoid sugar and carbs in your gym supplements, so the best essential amino acids (EAAs) supplements should avoid these.
Conclusion
Our favorite option for the best essential amino acids (EAAs) supplements has to be Granite. When it comes to muscle recovery, this one is ideal, as it has a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio, with all nine EAAs included in the mix, as well as electrolytes to keep you hydrated.
Every ingredient quantity is made visible to the consumer, and each ingredient is tailored for a specific purpose. So it’s not just muscle recovery that’s honored, it’s also hydration, energy levels, and athletic performance.
To top it off, the choice of eight delicious flavors makes this a real winner in our eyes for the best essential amino acids (EAAs) supplements.
