Quick List - Top Amino Acid Drink
Glanbia Performance Nutrition, Inc.
A Good Intra-Workout Drink
Katie Drakeford, MA, RD, CSP, LD, CLC, is a Registered Dietitian with over 12 years of experience serving all ages across the lifespan, from critically ill neonates to aging populations. She holds a board certification in pediatric nutrition and serves as a subject matter expert on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics pediatric exam committee. She attended the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where she received a Master’s in Dietetics and completed her Dietetic Internship.
With over a decade of weightlifting experience, Christopher Heffner is an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoys starting his day with a good workout. He also has a background in engineering and business, bringing a unique blend of technical knowledge and practicality to his endeavors.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
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Some brands bolster their formulas with complementary ingredients like glutamine or creatine, which might align with your goals or be redundant depending on your supplement routine.
BCAAs are typically less expensive, but EAAs may benefit those who struggle to consume adequate amounts of complete proteins.
Essential amino acids (EAAs) are indispensable; your body cannot synthesize them. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), a subset of EAAs, are particularly potent for muscle protein synthesis and fatigue reduction. A comprehensive amino acid drink will feature all nine EAAs with a robust BCAA profile. This synergistic approach ensures optimal recovery and sustained energy levels. Aim for a product with a well-balanced ratio of EAAs and a leucine-rich BCAA blend.
Some drinks will include electrolytes, which play a role in maintaining fluid balance and supporting muscle and nerve function.
Hydration is more than mere water intake. Electrolytes, like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, are crucial for proper fluid levels and nerve function. During exercise, you lose these minerals through sweat, potentially leading to dehydration and muscle cramps. An amino acid drink fortified with electrolytes replenishes these losses, ensuring optimal hydration and performance.
Electrolyte powders are another way to support hydration and recovery.
Third-party testing helps demonstrate purity, potency, efficacy, and that the product is free from harmful contaminants.
The supplement industry is not uniformly regulated. Third-party testing, like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Sport, ensures the product is free from banned substances and accurately reflects its label. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification signifies adherence to quality control standards. These certifications lend credibility and ensure you consume a safe and effective product.
Individually packed servings are convenient, especially if on the go; however, they cost more and create more waste.
Packaging impacts convenience and practicality. Consider your lifestyle. Individually packaged servings are ideal for travel or busy schedules. They eliminate the need for measuring and ensure consistent dosing. This convenience can be particularly valuable for athletes who require on-the-spot replenishment. On the other hand, larger containers offer flexibility and cost savings. You can adjust the dosage to suit your amino needs and flavor preferences.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EAAs | BCAAs | Electrolytes for Hydration | Sugar/Sweetener Free | Third-Party Tested | Packaging Type | Servings Per Container | Container Size | |||||
1 | Glanbia Performance Nutrition, Inc. Optimum Nutrition|ESSENTIAL AMIN.O. ENERGY Plus Hydration | ![]() | A Good Intra-Workout Drink | unknown | 5g | unknown | Resealable Container | 30 Servings | 285g | |||
2 | BodyHealth.com LLC PerfectAmino | ![]() | Blend of EAAs and BCAAs | 5g | unknown | unknown | unknown | Resealable Container | 60 Servings | 458g | ||
3 | Nutrabolt Xtend| Original BCAA Powder | ![]() | 7g of BCAAs and 0g of Sugar | 2.5g | 7g | Yes | Resealable Container | 30 Servings | 405g | |||
4 | Honey Badger LLC BCAA Performance Hydration | ![]() | Vegan and Keto-Friendly | unknown | 5g | unknown | Resealable Container | 30 Servings | 240g | |||
5 | AdvoCare Spark Vitamin & Amino Acid Supplement | ![]() | Aminos and an Assortment of Vitamins | unknown | 0.940g | unknown | Individual Packets | 14 Servings | 98g | |||
6 | Game Time Supplements LLC RSP Nutrition|AminoLean Recovery | ![]() | Aminos, Hydration, and Immunity Support | unknown | 5g | unknown | Resealable Container | 30 Servings | 255g | |||
7 | Nutrabolt Cellucor|Alpha Amino | ![]() | Recovery Between Sets and After Your Workout | 3.75g | 5g | unknown | Resealable Container | 30 Servings | 381g | |||
8 | ZOA Energy Zero Sugar Energy Drink, Mango Splash | ![]() | An Energy Drink With More Than Just Energy | unknown | unknown | unknown | Cans | 1 Serving | 12 fl oz | |||
9 | Sport Formula, Inc. Multivitamin Powder | ![]() | 2g of EAAs and BCAAs | unknown | 2g | unknown | Resealable Container | 30 Servings | unknown | |||
10 | Naked Nutrition Naked BCAAs | ![]() | Pure Aminos | 5g | unknown | Resealable Container | 100 Servings | 500g |
EAAs | unknown |
---|---|
BCAAs | 5g |
Electrolytes for Hydration |
This blend offers both energy and hydration. Optimum Nutrition delivers BCAAs designed to support muscle recovery, synthesis, and electrolytes to replenish those lost during exercise. The inclusion of caffeine, derived from natural sources, provides a sustained boost of mental clarity and physical energy without the jittery sensation often associated with synthetic stimulants.
Guide Quote: I’ve used Amino Energy to stay hydrated while working out. While it may not give the same energy boost as pre-workout, it did help maintain my energy levels between sets. Also, I particularly like the grape flavor.
Packaging Type | Resealable Container |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 30 Servings |
Container Size | 285g |
EAAs | 5g |
---|---|
BCAAs | unknown |
Electrolytes for Hydration | unknown |
PerfectAmino Powder boasts a proprietary blend of branch chain and essential amino acids designed for optimal protein synthesis. This formulation is intended to be highly bioavailable, meaning the body can efficiently absorb and utilize these amino acids for tissue repair and growth. This rapid absorption makes it particularly beneficial for individuals seeking immediate recovery support or those with digestive sensitivities. The powder is free of fillers and artificial additives, emphasizing a clean and pure approach to amino acid supplementation. It is an ideal choice for those prioritizing ingredient transparency and efficacy. BodyHealth opted for natural sweeteners and a lemon-lime flavor.
Packaging Type | Resealable Container |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 60 Servings |
Container Size | 458g |
EAAs | 2.5g |
---|---|
BCAAs | 7g |
Electrolytes for Hydration |
Packaging Type | Resealable Container |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 30 Servings |
Container Size | 405g |
EAAs | unknown |
---|---|
BCAAs | 5g |
Electrolytes for Hydration |
Packaging Type | Resealable Container |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 30 Servings |
Container Size | 240g |
EAAs | unknown |
---|---|
BCAAs | 0.940g |
Electrolytes for Hydration |
Packaging Type | Individual Packets |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 14 Servings |
Container Size | 98g |
EAAs | unknown |
---|---|
BCAAs | 5g |
Electrolytes for Hydration |
Packaging Type | Resealable Container |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 30 Servings |
Container Size | 255g |
EAAs | 3.75g |
---|---|
BCAAs | 5g |
Electrolytes for Hydration |
Packaging Type | Resealable Container |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 30 Servings |
Container Size | 381g |
EAAs | unknown |
---|---|
BCAAs | unknown |
Electrolytes for Hydration |
Packaging Type | Cans |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 1 Serving |
Container Size | 12 fl oz |
EAAs | unknown |
---|---|
BCAAs | 2g |
Electrolytes for Hydration |
Packaging Type | Resealable Container |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 30 Servings |
Container Size | unknown |
EAAs | |
---|---|
BCAAs | 5g |
Electrolytes for Hydration |
Packaging Type | Resealable Container |
---|---|
Servings Per Container | 100 Servings |
Container Size | 500g |
Data on the tolerable upper limit for amino acids is lacking. Dosing will depend on the specific amino acids and the user's health conditions.
People with conditions like diabetes, liver disease, and ALS should avoid supplementation.
Check out these other must-haves to keep you in peak performance.
No. 1: Glanbia Performance Nutrition, Inc.|Optimum Nutrition|ESSENTIAL AMIN.O. ENERGY Plus Hydration
No. 2: BodyHealth.com LLC|PerfectAmino
No. 3: Nutrabolt|Xtend| Original BCAA Powder
No. 4: Honey Badger LLC|BCAA Performance Hydration
No. 5: AdvoCare|Spark Vitamin & Amino Acid Supplement
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