BCAA
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 at Myprotein
BCAAs — branched chain amino acids — include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, three of the nine essential amino acids your body can't produce on its own. These amino acids are fundamental building blocks of protein, and protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.1
Whether you're training for strength, endurance, or general fitness, our BCAA range offers flexible formats to fit your routine. From convenient tablets to refreshing flavoured powders, there's a BCAA option designed for how you train.
Who BCAAs Are For
BCAAs suit anyone following a structured training programme, from gym regulars to competitive athletes. They're particularly popular with those who train frequently or follow plant-based diets, where getting adequate essential amino acids from food alone can be more challenging.
If you're looking to add essential amino acids to your supplement stack, BCAAs offer a straightforward way to do it. They work well alongside protein shakes, pre-workouts, or as a standalone addition to your training routine.
When to Use BCAAs
Many people take BCAAs around their training sessions — before, during, or after workouts. Tablets offer grab-and-go convenience, while powders mix easily into water for sipping throughout your session. The timing depends entirely on your personal preference and training schedule.
Some athletes include BCAAs between meals or first thing in the morning, particularly during phases of calorie restriction. There's no single "right" time — it's about what fits your routine and goals.
BCAA Benefits
Essential Amino Acids
BCAAs provide leucine, isoleucine, and valine — three essential amino acids that form part of complete protein. Since protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass,1 getting adequate essential amino acids is fundamental for anyone training regularly.
Convenient Dosing Formats
Our BCAA range includes tablets for quick, no-prep convenience and powders in refreshing flavours like Lemon Iced Tea and Yuzu Green Tea. Choose the format that works best for your lifestyle and taste preferences.
Standard 2:1:1 Ratio
Our BCAA 2:1:1 products deliver the classic ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. This widely-used formulation provides these three essential amino acids in proportions favoured by athletes across all training disciplines.
Flexible Supplementation
BCAAs work seamlessly alongside your existing supplements. Take them with your protein shake, pre-workout, or on their own during training. They're designed to slot into whatever supplementation approach you're already following.
Popular Picks
Need BCAAs on the go? Essential BCAA Tablets combines Japanese yuzu citrus with green tea notes for a refreshing twist on standard BCAA flavours. A distinctive option for those who want something different.
FAQs
What are BCAAs?
BCAAs are branched chain amino acids — specifically leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These three compounds are essential amino acids, meaning your body cannot produce them and must obtain them through diet or supplementation. They're called "branched chain" due to their molecular structure, which features a branching side chain.
BCAAs form part of complete protein, and protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.1 All nine essential amino acids, including the three BCAAs, are required for your body to build complete proteins.
How do BCAAs differ from regular protein powder?
Protein powder provides all the essential and non-essential amino acids needed to form complete proteins. BCAA supplements contain only leucine, isoleucine, and valine — three of the nine essential amino acids.
Many people use both: protein powder as their primary protein source to support muscle mass,1 and BCAAs as an additional supplement around training. They serve different purposes in a comprehensive nutrition strategy.
What does the 2:1:1 ratio mean?
The 2:1:1 ratio refers to the proportion of leucine to isoleucine to valine in the supplement. For every 2 parts leucine, there's 1 part isoleucine and 1 part valine. This is the most common BCAA formulation and reflects the ratio many athletes prefer.
Leucine is typically present in the highest amount because it's the most abundant BCAA in complete proteins. The 2:1:1 ratio maintains this natural proportion found in protein-rich foods.
Should I choose BCAA tablets or powder?
It depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Tablets are grab-and-go convenient — you can take them anywhere without mixing or measuring. They're ideal if you're travelling, short on time, or simply prefer not dealing with powders.
Powders offer flexibility in dosing and flavour options. Many people enjoy sipping a flavoured BCAA drink during their workout. If you prefer a refreshing beverage during training, powders like Lemon Iced Tea or Yuzu Green Tea might suit you better.
When should I take BCAA supplements?
There's no single "best" time — it depends on your routine and goals. Many people take BCAAs before or during training, while others prefer them afterwards or between meals. The timing is less important than ensuring you're getting adequate essential amino acids overall.
Some athletes find BCAAs convenient during early-morning sessions or while training fasted, whilst others use them as part of their intra-workout drink. Experiment to find what works best for your schedule.
Can I take BCAAs alongside other supplements?
Yes, BCAAs work alongside most other supplements. They're commonly combined with protein powder, pre-workout formulas, creatine, or multivitamins as part of a broader supplementation strategy.
Since BCAAs are simply three of the essential amino acids found in complete proteins, they integrate easily into existing supplement routines. Just ensure you're accounting for your total protein intake from all sources to meet your goals.
Are BCAAs suitable for plant-based diets?
Our BCAA products are suitable for vegetarians and many are vegan-friendly — check individual product pages for specific dietary information. Plant-based eaters sometimes find BCAA supplementation helpful since some plant proteins don't contain all essential amino acids in optimal ratios.
If you're following a plant-based diet, combining BCAA supplementation with varied protein sources can help ensure you're getting adequate essential amino acids to support your training.
What's the difference between Essential and Impact BCAA ranges?
Both ranges deliver the three branched chain amino acids in a 2:1:1 ratio. Essential BCAA is available in both tablet and flavoured powder formats, offering convenient options whether you want grab-and-go tablets or a refreshing drink.
Impact BCAA 2:1:1 comes as an unflavoured powder, making it versatile for mixing into other drinks or shakes. Choose based on whether you prefer flavoured drinks, unflavoured versatility, or tablet convenience.
Who developed Myprotein's BCAA supplements?
Myprotein's BCAA range was developed by our expert nutritionists, who formulate products based on the latest sports nutrition research and athlete feedback. Our team focuses on creating effective, high-quality supplements that fit into real training routines.
Every product is manufactured to rigorous quality standards, with many items in our range holding third-party certifications. We're committed to providing transparent, reliable supplementation for athletes at every level.
How much BCAA should I take per serving?
Typical BCAA servings range from 5g to 10g, depending on the product and your individual needs. Our product labels provide clear serving size guidance — simply follow the recommended amount or adjust based on your total daily amino acid requirements.
Your ideal intake depends on factors like your training volume, overall protein consumption, and dietary preferences. Start with the suggested serving and adjust as needed to fit your nutrition plan.
1. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.