5 Best EAA Supplements To Boost Muscle Growth 2024

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD

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Transparent Labs Intra

Transparent Labs Intra

  • Also contains instantized BCAAs
  • Free from artificial colors, fillers, and sweeteners
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Gluten-free and vegan-friendly

Jacked Factory EAA Surge

Jacked Factory EAA Surge

  • Vegan-friendly
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Available in five delicious flavors
  • 6.7 grams (g) of EAA per serving

kaged amino synergy

Kaged Muscle Amino Synergy + Caffein

  • Subscribe and save option
  • Gluten-free and vegan-friendly
  • Third-party tested

Amino acids are often called protein building blocks, which are crucial for muscle protein synthesis and muscle repair. There are 20 amino acids[1] in total, many of which our bodies can produce on their own. 

However, we must get the other nine amino acids from dietary sources. These are called essential amino acids[2] (EAAs), and they include

  • Leucine 
  • Isoleucine
  • Valine
  • Tryptophan
  • Lysine
  • Methionine
  • Histidine
  • Threonine
  • Phenylalanine

These critical amino acids play a vital role in your health and can be a very influential factor in reaching your fitness goals. Many people rely on essential amino acid supplements to meet their needs, especially those who aim to build muscle. They can be helpful on their own or a beneficial addition to your stack of supplements

This article will closely review five of the best EAA supplements available on the market today to help you research the options and decide which might be the best amino acid supplement for you. 

Best EAAs Supplements For Muscle Gains In (March. 2024)

What Are EAA Supplements?

You might turn to an essential amino acid supplement if you want to boost your amino acid intake. EAA supplements are a combination of the nine different essential amino acids the body cannot produce on its own. The resulting amino acid blend can play an influential role in lean muscle growth and muscle recovery. 

They can be found in pill or powder form and typically provide very few to no calories per serving. Some EAA supplements also contain nonessential amino acids[3] such as citrulline malate, L-glutamine, and tyrosine.

The fitness industry is divided when it comes to the subject of EAAs. Some believe a well-balanced diet can provide you with the nine essential amino acids you need. In contrast, others see the benefit of a concentrated essential amino acid supplement when following a calorie-restricted diet. 

The EAA supplement’s efficacy depends on your individualized training plan and nutritional intake. Adding an EAA supplement to your fitness routine is said to help increase protein synthesis and create a positive protein balance that results in muscle development, but it’s important to remember that all bodies respond to supplements differently.

Benefits Of EAA Supplements

Athletes of all types and all levels rely on the purported benefits of essential amino acids to improve their strength and endurance. EAA supplements can provide several different benefits, especially for those looking to increase their protein intake without increasing their daily calories.

Most EAA supplements have minimal ingredients, keeping their nutritional value focused on their protein content. However, some also contain additional ingredients that offer their own benefits. 

Essential amino acid supplements are said to increase muscle protein synthesis, which can help promote muscle growth and recovery. They can also play a role in weight gain or weight loss, depending on other factors of your wellness routine.

5 Best EAAs Supplements For Muscle Gains In 2024

Transparent Labs Intra

Transparent Labs offers premium essential amino acids in their product, Intra. One scoop mixed with water after a hard-hitting workout can help support muscle recovery in multiple ways. 

  • Also contains instantized BCAAs
  • Free from artificial colors, fillers, and sweeteners
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Gluten-free and vegan-friendly
  • Only comes in two flavors
  • Contains tree nuts

Each serving of Transparent Labs Intra contains 6.7 g of essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). 

Furthermore, this intra-workout supplement includes an electrolyte blend, citrulline malate, L-tyrosine, and coconut water powder to support hydration status, blood flow, and mental focus while you train. 

It is gluten-free and vegan-friendly and does not have artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or colorings. 

This intra-workout supplement features a specific ratio of all nine amino acids, including a 2:1:1 vegan BCAAs. Unfortunately, it is only available in two flavors, and it is not safe for those with a tree nut allergy. 

To take Intra as a dietary supplement, mix one scoop of the protein powder with 16 to 20 ounces of water after a workout. 

If you are not satisfied with the EAA supplement for any reason, Transparent Labs offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Jacked Factory EAA Surge

Jacked Factory’s EAA Surge is considered an intra-workout supplement that provides athletes of all levels a boost of essential amino acids. It can be taken during your scheduled workout or in the morning on your rest days.

  • Vegan-friendly
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Available in five delicious flavors
  • 6.7 grams (g) of EAA per serving
  • Cost per serving

When it comes to essential amino acids, Jacked Factory’s EAA Surge is said to help boost performance levels by maximizing muscle mass potential.

Its proprietary amino acid blend, Amino9, contains a clinically proven ratio of all nine essential amino acids, L-Taurine, and coconut water powder. In addition, it does not contain any filler or dyes and is manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility.

EAA Surge is available in five delicious flavors, all of which are considered vegan-friendly. It can be purchased in two different size packages with the larger option at a relatively reduced cost. Of course, the more you buy, the more you save. You can also subscribe to monthly deliveries for additional savings. 

However, if you’re unhappy with the product, they offer a 100% hassle-free money-back guarantee. 

Kaged Muscle Amino Synergy + Caffeine

Each serving of Kaged Muscle’s Amino Synergy + Caffeine contains 3.6 g of amino acids and 124 g of PurCaf organic caffeine. The vegan-friendly sources help promote muscle protein synthesis.

  • Subscribe and save option
  • Gluten-free and vegan-friendly
  • Third-party tested
  • Limited to one flavor choice
  • Requires two servings per day

The recommended serving is one scoop twice daily with 3.6 g of amino acids per serving. To take this intra-workout supplement, mix one scoop of the essential amino acids in 8-12 ounces of water. It provides all the essential amino acids from plant-based sources, and it is third-party tested. 

Whether you’re looking to build muscle, increase your endurance, or improve muscle recovery, this EAA supplement can help you reach your goals. It also contains coconut water powder for an additional hydration boost. In addition, this supplement is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. 

Unfortunately, it is only available in one flavor, which is inconvenient; but you have the convenient option to subscribe and save for additional savings. Their proprietary blends are also 100% guaranteed if you are not satisfied with their results.

Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy

Each serving of Optimum Nutrition’s Essential Amino Energy provides 5 g of EAAs to support muscle recovery. With 15 flavors and four serving options to choose from, you are bound to find one that works for your routine and to your liking.

  • 15 flavors to choose from 
  • Cost-effective
  • Can be taken anytime
  • Contains 100mg of caffeine per serving 
  • Contains artificial colors, soy, and sucralose

Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy comes in 15 different flavors and can be purchased in 4 different sizes. It is advertised as an anytime energy and muscle recovery protein supplement. It aims to support your energy, mental focus, and muscle repair. 

Each serving provides 5 g of amino acids and 100 mg of caffeine, sourced from coffee beans and green tea extract. 

To take the amino acid supplement, mix two scoops with 10 to 12 ounces of cold water when you wake in the morning, before your workout, or anytime you need a “pick-me-up.” It is not appropriate for those with soy intolerance, and it should be noted that it also contains artificial colors and sucralose.

NutraBio Alpha EAA

Alpha EAA was designed with all-day mental focus, improved muscle recovery, and adequate hydration in mind. It aims to improve muscle performance with 8.2 g of EAAs, including 6 g of BCAAs per serving. 

  • 8.2 g of EAAs with 6 g of BCAAs per serving
  • Non-stimulating 
  • Available in seven flavors
  • Not vegan-friendly (contains honey)
  • Contains tree nuts

NutraBio’s Alpha EAA is said to help improve brain function, enhance mental acuity and memory, balance cortisol levels, and support your power output through muscle contractions. Each serving provides 8.2 grams of its full spectrum EAA-BCAA matrix. 

However, it is not appropriate for those who have a tree nut allergy, and it is also noted to contain phenylalanine[4]

This intra-workout supplement is available in seven different flavors. It is a stim-free supplement with added focus and hydration components as well. To help improve brain function, Alpha EAA contains Ashwagandha KSM-66 and three nootropics, including Alpha-GPC, VitaCholine, and Huperzine A.

EAAs vs BCAAs: What’s The Difference?

Both BCAA and EAA supplements have gained momentum in the fitness industry due to their purported muscle-building benefits. However, while they both provide amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own, their chemical structures differ. In short, all BCAAs are EAAs, but not all EAAs are BCAAs. 

Branched-chain amino acids[5] are technically a smaller subsection of essential amino acids, containing just three amino acids. However, BCAAs have a branched-chain structure that changes how your body processes them. 

The essential amino acids found in BCAAs include L-leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Their chemical structure allows them to be broken down in the muscle instead of the liver, making them a popular part of many pre-workout supplements. 

BCAAs can be found in many protein powders, including several pre-workout supplements. You might even find a BCAA supplement with free-form amino acids. 

However, research[6] indicates that BCAAs alone do not maximize muscle protein synthesis more than protein containing all nine essential amino acids. So, if you want to optimize your supplement routine, science seems to favor EAA supplementation over BCAAs alone.  

How To Choose The Best EAA Supplements

Finding the best essential amino supplement for your individualized needs can depend on several different factors. The concentrated essential amino acids can help you reach optimal protein synthesis, but additional ingredients may have other effects as well. 

For example, some of the best EAA supplements even contain nonessential amino acids such as citrulline malate and L-glutamine for added protein. 

If you prefer a stim-free supplement, you may want to avoid EAA supplements with caffeine from sources such as green coffee bean extract. If your fitness or health goal is to lose weight, you may look for an EAA supplement without additional ingredients or calories. 

Of course, the best essential amino acid supplements can only provide health benefits if taken consistently. So, the best EAA supplement is one you can take accordingly. 

Your medical doctor or registered dietitian nutritionist can help you navigate the many available choices and choose the EAA supplement or proprietary blends that best fit your individualized needs.

How To Take EAA Supplements

Many companies recommend taking EAA supplements as an intra-workout or post-workout supplement. This is because EAA supplements can be very influential when your body is in muscle-building mode. 

Preparing your EAA supplement is as simple as thoroughly mixing the powder with water or as directed in the product’s instructions. 

If it is a rest day without any exercise plans, you may choose to take your EAA supplement in the morning after waking up or in the afternoon if you need a boost of nutrition. However, no matter your choice, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the product.

Pay attention to how your body responds to the supplement and adjust your serving size or timing of intake accordingly. Your primary medical doctor or a registered dietitian nutritionist can guide you on the efficacy of your supplement intake and help you get the most out of your fitness routine.

Final Thought

Amino acids play a vital role in your body’s muscle protein synthesis and help prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue. While our bodies can produce many of the amino acids we need, we must consume the nine essential amino acids required for multiple bodily functions. 

You can meet your needs through whole foods alone, but amino acid supplements can be very helpful for those who have increased needs due to training demands. 

Most essential amino acid supplements prioritize specially selected amino acids our bodies cannot produce, but some also provide an electrolyte blend, caffeine, or branched-chain amino acids. 

Finding the best essential amino acid supplement for your needs depends on your training demand and dietary intake. Attempt to meet most of your nutritional needs via your well-balanced diet, and rely on EAA products as supplements.

As you would with any new dietary supplement, talk with your doctor or registered dietitian before adding an EAA supplement to your wellness routine. Whether you decide to take a BCAA, EAA, or other protein powders, it is important to make sure it fits into your individual needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand is best for EAA?

Many brands offer a quality EAA supplement. Finding the best essential amino acid brand will depend on your individual needs and training demands. Some factors to consider when deciding between the best EAA supplements include ingredients, serving size, amino acids per serving, and cost.

Are EAA supplements worth it?

An EAA supplement can be a beneficial addition to your wellness routine if you have increased needs due to training demands or have difficulty meeting your needs through whole foods alone. EAA supplements can help build muscle, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent muscle breakdown. It’s very important in muscle recovery from workouts.

Which EAA is best for muscle growth?

All of the essential amino acids play a pivotal role in building lean muscle, but leucine[7] and L-leucine have been studied[8] extensively for their influence on muscle tissue. If you have questions about including an EAA supplement in your routine to help develop muscle gains, talk with your doctor or registered dietitian.

Should I take BCAA or EAA?

BCAA and EAA protein supplements each offer their own benefits. BCAA supplements are more readily absorbed in the muscle, whereas EAA supplements pass through the liver. BCAAs contain three essential amino acids, but EAA supplements contain all nine. Research suggests that BCAAs do not offer more muscle-building properties than essential amino acids.


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  1. Lopez, M.J. and Mohiuddin, S.S. (2022). Biochemistry, Essential Amino Acids. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557845/#:~:text=Of%20these%2020%20amino%20acids,Phenylalanine
  2. Lopez MJ;Mohiuddin SS (2022). Biochemistry, Essential Amino Acids. [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32496725/
  3. Kohlmeier, M. (2003). Proline. Nutrient Metabolism, [online] pp.404–412. doi:10.1016/b978-012417762-8.50063-6.
  4. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Phenylalanine in diet soda: Is it harmful? [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/phenylalanine/faq-20058361
  5. Wolfe, R.R. (2017). Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 14(1). doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0184-9.
  6. Santos, C. de S. and Nascimento, F.E.L. (2019). Isolated branched-chain amino acid intake and muscle protein synthesis in humans: a biochemical review. Einstein (São Paulo), [online] 17(3). doi:10.31744/einstein_journal/2019rb4898.
  7. PubChem (2022). Leucine. [online] @pubchem. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Leucine
  8. Drummond, M.J. and Rasmussen, B.B. (2008). Leucine-enriched nutrients and the regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin signalling and human skeletal muscle protein synthesis. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, [online] 11(3), pp.222–226. doi:10.1097/mco.0b013e3282fa17fb.‌
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois

Medically reviewed by:

Michael DiLeo

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a background in fitness and athletics. She has worked as a dietitian in the clinical setting for the past seven years, helping a wide variety of patients navigate their health through nutrition. She finds joy in sharing her passions through her freelance writing career with the hopes of helping people embrace their health and live their lives to the fullest.

Medically reviewed by:

Michael DiLeo

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