BCAA Drinks
Explore our range of BCAAs to find the right supplement for you. Our supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, perfect for when you are on the go.
Shop BCAA Drinks at Myprotein
BCAAs � branched-chain amino acids � include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These three essential amino acids make up around a third of muscle protein, which is why you'll find them in training bags everywhere from local gyms to professional sports facilities.
BCAA drinks deliver these amino acids in ready-to-mix powder form or convenient ready-to-drink formats. Mix a scoop into your water bottle before heading to the gym, or grab a pre-made drink when you're short on time. Available in tablet form too for those who prefer that option.
Who BCAA Drinks Are For
Anyone training regularly can make use of BCAA drinks. Weightlifters and bodybuilders have used them for decades as part of their supplement stack. Endurance athletes often turn to them during long training sessions, while team sport players appreciate the convenience between games or practice sessions.
These drinks fit naturally into plant-based diets too. Since BCAAs are essential amino acids your body can't produce on its own, they need to come from your diet or supplements. Whether you're training for strength, endurance, or just staying active, having BCAAs on hand gives you a straightforward way to add these amino acids to your routine.
When to Use BCAA Drinks
Most people mix up BCAA drinks during training sessions � sipping between sets or during cardio work. The powder dissolves quickly in water, giving you a flavoured drink that's easy to consume while you exercise. Some prefer taking them first thing in the morning, particularly when training fasted.
Ready-to-drink options work well when you're travelling or don't have access to a shaker. Keep a few in your gym bag or car for those days when you need to head straight from work to the weights room. Tablets offer another grab-and-go option when mixing drinks isn't practical.
BCAA Drinks Benefits
Essential Amino Acid Content
Each serving provides leucine, isoleucine, and valine in specific ratios � commonly 2:1:1 or 4:1:1. These ratios indicate the proportion of leucine to the other two BCAAs, with leucine typically taking the lead due to its prominence in muscle tissue.
Convenient During Training
BCAA drinks mix easily and taste refreshing, making them simple to consume during workouts. No need to force down pills mid-session or wait until afterwards. Just shake and sip as you go.
Flexible Formats
Choose from powders you can flavour-match to your preferences, ready-mixed drinks for ultimate convenience, or tablets when you want minimal fuss. Stack them with other supplements or use them standalone � they work either way.
Vegan-Friendly Options
Many BCAA products use plant-based fermentation processes, making them suitable for vegan athletes. Check individual product details to confirm, but you'll find plenty of options that fit plant-based lifestyles.
Popular Picks
Need something simple to start? Essential BCAA Tablets deliver leucine, isoleucine, and valine in a no-fuss tablet format. Take them with water whenever suits your schedule � before training, during, or after.
Looking for a higher leucine ratio? BCAA 4:1:1 Tablets provide four parts leucine to one part each of isoleucine and valine. Another tablet option for those who prefer swallowing to mixing.
Prefer powder you can sip during sets? Impact BCAA 2:1:1 mixes into a refreshing drink with a 2:1:1 amino acid ratio. Available in multiple flavours to keep things interesting.
Want something ready to drink with added caffeine? Impact BCAA Energy Drink combines BCAAs with caffeine in a grab-and-go can. Zero preparation needed � just open and consume.
After a 4:1:1 ratio in powder form? Essential BCAA 4:1:1 Powder gives you higher leucine content in a mixable format. One scoop, add water, shake, and you're sorted.
FAQs
What exactly are BCAA drinks?
BCAA drinks contain the three branched-chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These essential amino acids make up roughly a third of muscle protein and must come from your diet since your body can't manufacture them. The drinks typically come as powders you mix with water, ready-to-drink cans, or tablets you swallow.
How do BCAA ratios like 2:1:1 and 4:1:1 differ?
The numbers indicate the ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine. A 2:1:1 ratio means two parts leucine for every one part of the other two BCAAs. A 4:1:1 ratio provides four parts leucine to one part each of isoleucine and valine.
Leucine typically takes the higher proportion because it's the most abundant BCAA in muscle tissue. Choose based on personal preference � both ratios deliver all three essential amino acids.
What's the difference between BCAA drinks and protein shakes?
Protein shakes contain all essential and non-essential amino acids from complete protein sources like whey or plant proteins. BCAA drinks contain only the three branched-chain amino acids in isolated form.
Many people use protein shakes as meal supplements or post-workout nutrition, while BCAA drinks are typically consumed during training sessions. You can use both � they serve different purposes in a supplement routine.
When should I drink BCAA supplements?
Most people consume them during workouts, sipping between sets or throughout cardio sessions. The drinks are light and easy to consume while exercising, unlike heavier protein shakes that some find uncomfortable during training.
Some athletes take them first thing in the morning, particularly when training before eating. Others use them throughout the day as a low-calorie flavoured drink. Experiment to find what works with your schedule and training style.
Can I take BCAA drinks if I'm vegan?
Yes, many BCAA products use fermentation processes with plant-based sources, making them suitable for vegan diets. The amino acids themselves are chemically identical whether derived from animal or plant sources.
Check individual product labels to confirm vegan status. Most powder and tablet formulations at Myprotein use vegan-friendly production methods.
How much BCAA should I take per serving?
Typical servings range from 5g to 10g of total BCAAs. Product labels specify the exact amount per scoop or tablet, along with the breakdown of individual amino acids.
Start with the recommended serving size on your chosen product. You can adjust based on your training intensity and overall protein intake, but the suggested serving provides a solid baseline.
Can I mix BCAA drinks with other supplements?
BCAAs stack well with most supplements. Many people combine them with pre-workouts, creatine, or electrolytes in the same drink. The amino acids won't interfere with other ingredients.
Avoid mixing them with protein shakes during training though � that combination can feel heavy. Save your protein shake for after your session and keep BCAAs for sipping during exercise.
Who develops Myprotein's BCAA formulations?
Myprotein's expert nutritionists develop all BCAA products, working with sports scientists to create formulations that meet the needs of athletes and active individuals. Each product goes through quality testing to ensure it delivers the amino acid content stated on the label.
Do BCAA drinks contain calories?
Pure BCAA powders and tablets contain minimal calories � typically around 20 calories per 5g serving from the amino acids themselves. Flavoured versions may contain slightly more depending on the flavouring system used.
Ready-to-drink versions vary more widely. Check the nutritional panel on specific products if you're tracking calorie intake closely. Most remain low-calorie compared to protein shakes or meal replacements.
What flavours are available in BCAA drinks?
Powder formats come in numerous flavours � from fruit options like berry and tropical to more refreshing choices like lemon and lime. Ready-to-drink cans offer fewer flavour options but provide grab-and-go convenience.
Unflavoured powders exist too if you prefer adding BCAAs to other drinks or simply want them in plain water. Tablets have no flavour since you swallow them whole rather than mixing them into drinks.