Here are 5 Plant-Based Options Worth Trying
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Consuming adequate branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) is critical, especially if you’re athletic and prioritize your recovery.
BCAAs are the three essential amino acids–valine, leucine, and isoleucine–that deliver key sources of muscle energy. Research supports the use of BCAA supplementation for inhibiting muscle protein breakdown, which in turn, supports muscle recovery.[1]
These amino acids also play a vital role in enhancing muscle growth and strength as well as decreasing muscle soreness while speeding up recovery time.[2] In short, the importance of BCAAs can’t be overstated.
However, not all BCAA powders and supplements are created equally. Many consumers (including non-vegans) choose plant-based BCAAs and for good reasons.
Are Vegan BCAAs Better Than Animal-Based?
Well, they’re definitely cleaner.
Most BCAA powders are derived from animal-based sources like bird feathers, animal fur, human hair (yuck!), and keratin, which is a protein found in skin and nails.
The production process for these animal-derived BCAA supplements involves breaking down these animal sources through harsh chemicals or using extremely high heat treatments to extract the amino acids.
Vegan BCAA powders are primarily made from fermented plant-based sources, with corn being one of the most common sources. Soy is another source that’s naturally rich in amino acids, but soy presents allergy and dietary concerns in some people.
Most vegan BCAA supplements use natural fermentation processing to extract the amino acids. Not only does this eliminate unnecessary chemicals and harsh treatments, but it increases the product’s bioavailability and absorption.
My verdict: vegan BCAAs are most certainly cleaner and arguably superior to animal-based options.
Keep in mind, that I’m talking specifically about BCAA powder supplements. Branched-chain amino acids are found in all types of foods we eat, including plants like hemp, soy, and select seeds like quinoa. Consuming a variety is key, as certain plants contain higher amounts of certain amino acids.
Many vegan protein powders are equipped with ample amounts of BCAAs. For instance, Garden of Life Sport Protein has one of the highest concentrations with 5.5 grams of BCAAs per serving, sourced from a protein blend made of pea, various legumes, and cranberry seed.
5 Best Vegan BCAA Supplements That I Recommend
Having researched and tried numerous vegan BCAA powders, I’ve narrowed my favorites down to these supplements worth trying.
Kaged BCAA 2:1:1
Kaged BCAA 2:1:1 is a high-potency and ultra-clean choice that packs 5 grams of plant-based BCAAs. One container contains a whopping 72 servings, providing the best bang for your buck.
The 2:1:1 blend delivers 2.5 grams of leucine, 1.25 grams of isoleucine, and 1.25 grams of valine. As with all Kaged products, you can expect a high-performance vegan BCAA powder that’s quality-driven for results.
In addition to being naturally fermented and plant-based, what I like about Kaged BCAA 2:1:1 is its minimal makeup. It’s an unflavored powder that’s free from fillers, flavors, citric acids, sweeteners, or other unnecessary ingredients. Just BCAAs.
If you’re looking for an unflavored BCAA powder that’s pure and plant-based, this product from Kaged is worth trying. It mixes easily into liquid and provides a transparent addition to my electrolyte drink mix for long bike rides.
Gnarly BCAAs
Gnarly Nutrition makes a vegan BCAA powder with a caffeinated option, providing an energy-boosting choice before and during workouts.
One serving contains 5 grams of vegan BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio, providing 2.5 grams of leucine, 1.25 grams of isoleucine, and 1.25 grams of valine. In addition to being sweetened with stevia leaf extract, other notable ingredients include natural flavors, citric flavors, and beetroot juice.
Gnarly Nutrition is a lesser-known brand that makes premium quality products. It’s used by world-class athletes and is NSF Certified for Sport.
MRM Reload BCAA+G Powder
As a big fan of MRM Nutrition products, Reload BCAA+G is a powerful option that promotes muscle recovery, reduces soreness and fatigue, and supports lean muscle mass and strength.
A two-scoop serving of Reload BCAA+G provides 3 grams of leucine, 1 gram of isoleucine, and 1 gram of valine, packing 5 total grams of BCAAs plus 1 gram of glutamine.
This high-quality vegan BCAA powder is sweetened using stevia leaf and monk fruit extract, two naturally derived sources. It also contains beetroot powder, which can improve athletic performance by delivering more oxygen to the muscles while also aiding in recovery.
With 26 servings in a 330-gram tub, MRM Reload BCAA+G is a great value for $20. It’s a plant-based BCAA powder that I use regularly and highly recommend.
Truth Nutrition Vegan BCAA Powder
The Truth Nutrition Vegan BCAA Powder provides a 2:1:1 ratio with 5 grams of BCAAs per serving. As a fast-acting blend, it’s designed to be used before, during, and after workouts.
Branded as a true vegan BCAA powder, this product from Truth Nutrition is a natural fermented supplement made from US-grown, non-GMO corn. The natural fermentation process ensures optimum purity, making it ideal for individuals seeking a clean, plant-based BCAA supplement.
With no sugar or insulin-spiking sugar alcohols, it’s truly ketogenic and diabetic-friendly. It’s available in four unique flavors; pink lemonade being my favorite.
Truth’s Vegan BCAA Powder is free from artificial flavors or sweeteners, using stevia leaf for flavor. It’s proudly produced in the US and third-party lab tested for purity and potency.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 delivers 2 grams of leucine, 1 gram of isoleucine, and 1 gram of valine per scoop, providing 4 grams of BCAAs and 1 gram of glutamine for enhanced recovery.
The product also includes electrolytes to help normalize muscle contraction and function during high-intensity exercise. Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 is made from US-grown, non-GMO, naturally fermented corn, making it vegan-friendly.
Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 contains sucralose, which is a notorious artificial sweetener that may not be suitable for some individuals.
Plant-based BCAAs for the Win
If you’re serious about your recovery, BCAA powder offers one of the best supplements next to a quality protein powder. It can used before, during, and after training, and it can fast-track your recovery for stronger gains and reduced muscle soreness.
Animal-based BCAAs often carry a higher risk of contaminants and rely on harsh chemicals in their extraction. Their use of feathers, fur, and hair makes them a questionable product with serious sourcing concerns.
Plant-based BCAAs are a no-brainer. Cleanly sourced and produced from non-GMO ingredients, most vegan BCAA powders do not involve the use of toxins, acids, pesticides, or chemicals, making them a pure, environmentally friendly option.
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About the Author
This article was written by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at VeganProteinPowder.reviews. Tyler is an experienced writer in the health and athletic space who has tried hundreds of different plant-based nutritional products and writes about his favorites here on this blog. See Tyler’s full author bio and find him on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. Or visit TylerTafelsky.com to learn more about what he’s up to.
Scientific References
- Negro M, Giardina S, Marzani B, Marzatico F. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2008 Sep;48(3):347-51. PMID: 18974721.
- Martinho DV, Nobari H, Faria A, Field A, Duarte D, Sarmento H. Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2022 Sep 27;14(19):4002. doi: 10.3390/nu14194002. PMID: 36235655; PMCID: PMC9571679.