Best Vegan BCAA Supplements (Organic Brands)

BCAA, short for ‘branched chain amino acid’ is a term collectively used for a group of three essential amino acids namely leucine, isoleucine and valine. The intake of these amino acids is recommended for people that lack ‘complete protein’ in their diet.

As vegans, our food choices are known to be sources of ‘incomplete protein’. This simply means that the protein amounted from vegan food options lacks some amino acids and hence has an incomplete ‘amino acid profile’.

Now, it is only natural for vegans to think of supplementing with synthetic BCAAs to make up for the evident lack of these three essential amino acids in their diet. However, like the majority of the mainstream products, synthetic BCAAs aren’t synthesized in a way that we’d deem ‘ethical’.

Most supplement companies source their BCAAs from keratin, a compound extracted from animal hair, feathers and hooves. If you were to consume a BCAA supplement without prior scrutiny, you’d sure be compromising with your values and a dedicated vegan.

Coming back to the matter at hand, is there any vegan BCAA supplement brand? Or can you find a plant based BCAA amidst the hoard of non-vegan alternatives? I’m delighted to answer these questions on a positive note. Yes! there are indeed plant-based organic BCAA alternatives available.

Being synthesized from fermented vegetables, these vegan BCAA powders align with the core concept of veganism where no animal is even minutely harmed in its making. This article lists down the best vegan BCAA brands for you to consider the next time you’re looking to supplement with these essential building blocks.

What are BCAAs?

BCAAs are a group of three distinctive essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce but are integral in critical bodily functions including muscle protein synthesis, blood sugar regulation, production of growth hormones and more.

The ‘leucine, isoleucine and valine’ trio is distinguished amongst other essential amino acids because of their unique branched molecular structure. These three EAAs are also different from the other six due to their higher influence in stimulating muscle hypertrophy. This is why, BCAA supplements are renowned in the fitness and bodybuilding community.

Meat, poultry, fish and dairy being the richest sources of BCAAs, vegans are in a greater need of supplementing with organic BCAA supplements. Below is a comprehensive list of completely plant-based vegan BCAAs that are 100% cruelty-free.

Recommended:

• Best Sources of Leucine for Vegans
• Vegan Foods High In Isoleucine
• Best Sources of Valine for Vegans

Are BCAAs Vegan?

Embarking on the vegan lifestyle keeps you from consuming certain products. Specifically, the ones that are either directly derived from animals or harm/hurt animals at any stage of their production.

However, this noble concern may seemingly deprive you of certain nutrients that your body needs. Thanks to the scientific development that we have today, there can be found vegan-friendly alternatives to almost all foods and supplements out there. Have a look at the best vegan BCAA supplements here –

Best 100% Vegan BCAA Supplements

1. SnapSupplements BCAA Powder – Pomegranate Watermelon

To add to the package, the amino acid supplement has a well-balanced 2:1:1 proportion of ethically sourced BCAAs. Besides, it contains a nitric acid booster blend that may aid in focus and concentration while you work out.

The blend also contains electrolytes from coconut water powder and pomegranate berry extract; thoughtful to counter lost electrolytes owing to profuse sweating while working out.

The non-GMO composition of this vegan BCAA supplement promises aid in muscle protein synthesis, reduced post workout soreness and replenishes lost electrolytes during your workouts. Did I mention the great taste? Pretty much checks all the boxes that I’d personally look for in my vegan BCAA.

2. PerformanceLab Vegan BCAA Capsules

As discussed, this BCAA supplement comes as 00-sized capsules, the shell being made from vegan-friendly pullulan (fermented tapioca). The outer shell displays a yet another inherent virtue to watch out for. Pullulan is naturally infused with prebiotic fibers that act as nourishment for the existing ‘healthy-gut-bacteria’, thereby improving overall nutrient absorption.

Apart from these notable upsides, the supplement incorporates all the inherent benefits of genuine plant-derived branched-chain amino acids. For context, supplementing with these vegan BCAA capsules would directly translate to augmented athletic endurance, reduced muscle soreness and shielding against muscular atrophy.

While a thoughtful intake of ‘complete’ protein in one’s diet would naturally bring about these effects, people with limited protein options to choose from might very well benefit from such a formulation.

3. NAKED Nutrition Naked BCAAs Amino Acid Powder

The composition of this BCAA supplement is again, in lines with the scientific evidence. Each 5gm serving of this vegan BCAA powder comprised of 2.5 gms of l-leucine, 1.25 gms of l-isoleucine and 1.25 gms of l-valine. Meaning, it complies with the universally accepted 2:1:1 ration of EAAs.

Further, the supplement being free of gluten, preservatives, artificial sweeteners or colors, there shouldn’t be concerns of potential allergies either. Adding this cost-effective amino acid supplement to your routine would help you perform better in the gym, and recover better while you rest.

Totally recommended for vegans and vegetarians that can’t include a broad assortment of protein sources in their diet but are still looking to make optimal muscle gains.

4. Truth Nutrition Vegan BCAA Protein Powder

Heavily acclaimed for its great taste, exceptional mixability and most of all, the evident reduction in muscle soreness post intense workouts, the powdered supplement ranks among the very few enjoyable yet effective ones on the market today.

The formula complies with the science-backed 2:1:1 proportion of the 3 concerned EAAs and therefore brings about noticeable positive effects in a short time. As you’d expect from any vegan BCAA supplement, better training endurance, improved muscle protein synthesis and efficient post-workout recovery are the top selling points of this all-natural plant-based essential amino acid supplement.

5. Genius Brand BCAA Powder Focus and Energy

6. Clean Machine BCAA

The loss of water and electrolytes should ideally be almost instantaneously replenished in order to avoid any potential negative effects on performance. Having an electrolyte-infused Vegan BCAA to sip on could be just the right solution.

The Clean BCAA aces in this virtue, being formulated with an ideal 2:1:1 BCAA composition in addition to coconut water powder. The coconut water included in its profile accounts for replenishment of lost electrolytes while the BCAA composition enhances endurance, improves post-wrokout recovery and helps you reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

The BCAAs included in this supplement are 100% derived from fermented non-GMO corn. Meaning, this formulation is free from dairy, soy, gluten and other preservatives. An additional highlight with this plant-based vegan BCAA is that it offers a 100% money-back guarantee if for some reason, you don’t find it quite to your liking. Win-win, it is!

7. Kaged Muscle’s BCAA

Kaged Muscle BCAA powder also works magically to reduce muscle tension from your body after intense muscle-building workout sessions to help you stay energized throughout the day. Increasing muscle endurance and helping with soreness are the primary selling points for this product.

What Are the Benefits of BCAAs?

Branched-chain amino acids, also known as BCAAs, are important nutrients that create building blocks for muscle growth appreciating the vital protein synthesis. Apart from helping in building muscles, BCAAs also benefit your body in many ways. These are –

1. Weight Loss Effect

Among the three amino acids, leucine helps in increasing fat oxidation. Thus, it helps in weight loss. A good quality BCAA supplement stimulates weight loss to burn the unwanted fat and thereby promotes a better body composition. The fat loss effects of a vegan BCAA supplement would however be best observed when combined with a well-tailored vegan bodybuilding meal plan.

2. Improves Workout Sessions

BCAA supplements draw a great impact on your workout sessions. It burns fat and makes the muscle recovery process quicker so that you feel more energized during strenuous workouts. Many athletes consider taking a BCAA supplement before or after their workout sessions.

An appropriate dose of a creatine supplement any time of the day, further gives you an edge with regards to your workout performance. Add a vegan pre workout to the equation and you have yourself the trinity to kill your workout sessions. I have specifically reviewed some pre-workout supplements that caught my attention at some point. Here’s the list –

• Genius Pre-workout Review
• Gamma Labs G-Fuel Pre-workout Review
• Gnar Pump Pre-workout Review
• StrongGirl Pre-workout Review
• Motiv8 Burn Pre-workout Review

3. Reduces Muscle Soreness

BCAA supplements evidently reduce muscle soreness which you get after long intense workout sessions. Your body usually takes much time to repair the damage. But a BCAA supplement repairs the damage faster and relieves the soreness and tiredness which you get after doing an intense muscle building workout.

Also, you’re most likely to feel less fatigue and more energized the next day. To further augment this effect and take your strength training to new levels, supplementing with a vegan creatine powder is something you may want to consider.

What Makes Vegan BCAAs Different

The main source of non-vegan BCAAs is Keratin. Now, two of the raw ingredients which are used to produce this keratin are – duck feathers and human hair!

But, the manufacturing process of vegan BCAA supplements does not resemble any of the squeamish ingredients. The method of making plant-based BCAA supplements is known as microbial fermentation which takes several days and the raw ingredients used in this method are glucose, corn or soy.

Many vegetarian BCAA supplements include dairy. So, an amino-acid supplement which is made out of plant-based ingredients and is completely GMO-free,dairy -free and gluten-free, can be called a perfect vegan BCAA supplement.

Related: Vegan Mass Gainers

How to Choose the Best Vegan BCAAs

There are many things which you have to keep in mind when you are in search of a plant-based organic BCAA powder. After going through the ingredient-list, when you don’t find any non-vegan elements, you heave a sigh of relief out of utter satisfaction.

But, vegan ingredients are not the only thing you should look for before buying any supplement. There are many things which can cause trouble if not taken seriously before purchasing. So always consider these factors below in order to choose the perfect BCAA supplement for you –

1. Brand

Brand plays an important role in selecting any product. A brand which is known to make genuine and high-quality products, will always attract consumers. Many a time’s vegans get betrayed by brands that are not clear about their ingredients or the manufacturing process. So, we should stay away from those self-proclaimed ‘best vegan’ brands and trust our eyes and ears more.

2. Taste

Though it seems quite childish, taste is an important factor in choosing any amino acid supplement. Because we can’t keep shoving down any drink which has a terrible taste. Flavor plays a vital part especially in the case of supplements which we have to take very often.

So try not to neglect this factor and always see what other customers are saying about the taste of a particular supplement if you can. This greatly applies to protein powders too. It’s not everyday that you’ll get your hands on a good tasting portein powder. If you know the struggle, you may want to use my guide to find vegan protein powders that taste good.

3. Price

There are some brands which make over-priced products claiming to incorporate better ingredients than other brands. But you should always do the math on how much you are spending compared to how many servings you get before investing in an amino acid supplement.

Wrapping Up

A vegan BCAA supplement enhances the growth of muscle mass and stimulates protein synthesis in your body. It’s best to incorporate an amino acid supplement in your diet if you want to be lean or muscular or even if you are trying to lose weight.

The whole article might seem quite long but it’s necessary to research about every kind of supplement before consuming it to avoid causing any potential harm to your health. Because your health is your most valuable possession and it cannot be handled carelessly at any cost.