Using supplements is a common practice among gym goers and workout enthusiasts. The right supplement can increase the efficiency of a workout by many folds. Most people are familiar with pre-workout and post-workout supplements and their effectiveness. But the less-discussed intra-workout supplements are equally effective at helping you reach your ideal body. What exactly are intra-workout supplements? Intra-workout supplements are a mixture of nutrients that are consumed mid-workout to replenish your energy and speed up muscle repair.
Why Should You Use Intra-Workout Supplements?
Consuming intra-workout supplements keep your body hydrated and helps maintain high energy level throughout the workout. As a result, you are able to reach your rep count every set and thus have a more effective workout session. Moreover, BCAA based intra-workout supplements speed up muscle recovery which results in faster gains.
A good intra-workout supplement can greatly improve your gains make your exercises more effective. But intra-workout supplements come in many various types to suit your specific needs. Here is a list of our favorites with an analysis of why it’s on this list.
Our Top 10 Intra-Workout Powder, Drink And Capsules For You And Your Family Are:
[wptb id=775]Intra-workout supplements are sold in various forms and flavors. There are powders which you can mix with water or milk, ready-made drinks and even capsules that you can swallow. These supplements also serve various purposes depending on their type. Branch-chained amino acids or BCAA help muscles heal quickly after exercises. As a result, more muscle can be gained in a shorter amount of time. Carbohydrate-based supplements replenish energy during workout. So you can work out for a longer period of time without risking muscle damage. There are also some intra-workout supplements that primarily focus on providing essential amino acids or EAA. These supplements aim to improve the overall quality of your workout and help you get those gains faster.
Our list has been compiled keeping all these benefits in mind. Moreover, we have taken special care to list out possible side effects of each product. Now let’s take an in-depth look at each of the product on the list.
Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA Capsules
Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA Capsules are branch-chained amino acid capsules that energize you during workout by quickly enabling protein synthesis in your body. As a result, your muscles are quickly healed and you gain mass much faster. These capsules contain an appropriate ratio of amino acids; which is 2:1:1 of leucine to isoleucine to valine.
Highlights:
- 1000 mg of BCAA per serving
- 2 capsules per serving
- Contains 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine
- Speeds up muscle recovery
- Available in 60, 200 or 400 capsule containers
- Keto friendly
Who Makes It?
Optimum Nutrition is a nutrition company formed in 1986. For over 30 years they have been producing high-quality supplements in their state-of-the-art facilities all over the USA. They have products for every category to cater to your every need which are sold in nearly 10,000 retail stores in over 70 country. Their reach and experience make them one of the most reliable names in the industry.
Pros:
- 1000 mg of BCAA per serving
- Fast muscle recovery
- Accelerates gains
- Keto-friendly
Cons:
- Not vegan or halal certified
Kaged Muscle IN-KAGED Intra Workout Drink
Kaged Muscle IN-KAGED Intra Workout Drink is an intra-workout drink which is sold in a powder form. It contains BCAA along with CarnoSyn beta-alanine that allow you to workout longer and harder. Moreover, it boosts muscle recovery allowing you to get faster gains. It is also available in Cherry Lemonade and Watermelon flavors.
Highlights:
- Allows you to workout longer and harder
- Quick muscle recovery
- Available in 2 different flavors
- Vegan
- No artificial flavoring
Who Makes It?
Kaged Muscle is a supplement brand that is quite popular among gym-goers and workout enthusiasts. They are partnered with many high-end brands from which they source their raw ingredients. As a result, they have gained a high level of trust. All their products are also verified by third-parties. Considering all these, Kaged Muscle is one of the most reliable brands to choose from.
Pros:
- More effective workout
- More gains
- Vegan
- No artificial flavoring
- Quality checked by third-party
Cons:
- No GMO certification
TRU BCAA
TRU BCAA is a plant-based BCAA powdered drink. This BCAA is a high quality and fully natural vegan drink. It is very effective at muscle recovery and it comes in 3 different flavors. Additionally, this product is free from sugar, sweeteners, artificial color and has zero calories. For anyone looking for a high-end vegan BCAA, this is the best bet.
Highlights:
- 5g BCAA per serving in 2:1:1 ratio
- Increases workout efficiency
- Quick muscle recovery
- Multiple flavor options
- Vegan and soy-free
- Gluten-free and sugar-free
- Low calorie
- Non-GMO
Who Makes It?
Tru Supplements are a vegan supplement company that prioritizes quality above all. Their team of nutritional experts is the first to formulate every TRU Supplements product. Then they are researched and manufactured in their state-of-the-art facility in compliance with accredited cGMP guidelines. Lastly, each product is checked according to strict quality control procedures. These steps are taken to ensure you get the best natural supplements you can use and enjoy.
Pros:
- 5g of BCAA per serving
- Efficient workout and quick recovery
- Vegan and soy-free
- Gluten-free and sugar-free
- Low calorie
- Non-GMO
Cons:
- Flavor may not be appealing to everyone
10X Athletic BCAA
10x Athletic BCAA is a vegan and sugar-free BCAA powdered drink which can be found in a variety of flavors. What makes this product stand out is that it is a proper 2:1:1 BCAA but made completely vegan-friendly. A common complain among users of vegan BCAA is that they don’t like the taste. The 10x Athletic BCAA have been reviewed to be one of the best tasting drinks in the market and they give you multiple flavors to choose from.
Highlights:
- Contains 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine
- More effective workouts
- Quick muscle recovery
- Multiple flavor options
- Vegan and soy-free
- Gluten-free and sugar-free
- Low calorie
- Added glutamine
Who Makes It?
10x Athletic are a US-based vegan protein company. They are the most popular producers of vegan proteins in the USA and UK. Their products are known to be of very high-quality and great tasting. Their facilities are all NSF and GMP certified. Due to their reputation and quality-assurance, they are placed very highly in our list.
Pros:
- Increases workout efficiency
- Heals muscles faster
- Vegan and soy-free
- Gluten-free and sugar-free
- Low calorie
- Added glutamine
- Quality checked by third-party
Cons:
- No GMO certification
Kion Aminos
Kion Aminos is an essential amino (EAA) blend that is sold in both tablet and powder forms. These supplements can be used as both a dietary supplement or an exercise booster. As a general all-purpose amino supplement, it quickens your muscle recovery. This allows you to see results faster and workout harder.
Highlights:
- Contains 8 essential amino acids
- Available as both tablet and powdered drink
- Speeds up muscle recovery
- 100% natural
- Sugar-free
- Low-calorie
Who Makes It?
Kion is a protein brand that sells various types of protein-based supplements and snacks. From protein pills to energy bars, they have it all. Kion blends ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology to design their products which have been research-proven. For quality protein synthesis Kion’s products are highly recommended.
Pros:
- Contains EAA
- Fast muscle recovery
- 100% natural
- Sugar-free
- Low-calorie
Cons:
- No vegan, halal or kosher certification
Cellucor Alpha Amino EAA & BCAA Powder
Cellucor Alpha Amino EAA & BCAA Powder is a protein powdered drink containing 14 different amino acids. Containing EAA, BCAA and electrolytes, this is the perfect drink to rehydrate you during your workout. Not only will you be able to continue working out for a longer period of time, but you will also be gaining more muscle due to the quicker muscle recovery provided by the EAA.
Highlights:
- 5g BCAA and 3.7g EAA per serving
- 1.75g electrolytes per serving
- 14 different amino acids
- 30 servings per container
- 4 different flavors
- Zero calories and zero carbs
- Sugar-free
Who Makes It?
Cellucor is a dietary and workout supplement brand. They are especially well-known for their pre-workout supplements. Their other supplements are of equally high quality. As one of the leading supplement brands in America, it is no surprise they make it to our list.
| Pros | Cons |
| Contains BCAA, EAA and electrolytesRehydrates body during workoutSpeeds up muscle recoveryZero caloriesZero carbsSugar-free | No vegan, halal or kosher certification |
CYTOSPORT CYTOCARB Maltodextrin Powder
CYTOSPORT CYTOCARB Maltodextrin Powder is a complex carbohydrate powdered drink. This product is the definition of purity. The only ingredient used here is pure Maltodextrin. With no added color, flavor or any sort of filler; you can be sure that you are getting the purest form of carbohydrate booster for your workout. This product will help you go the extra mile in your sessions and greatly improve your results.
Highlights:
- 52g of complex carbohydrate per container
- Reenergizes body during workout
- Pure complex carbs
- No added flavor or sweetener
- Gluten-free and soy-free
- Vegan
Who Makes It?
CytoSport, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is one of the most respected and known sports nutrition and functional beverage firms in the USA. They ‘re a trusted partner with storied athletic college programs, world-class professional athletes, and fitness facilities for the elite. In 2014 they were listed by Fast Company as one of the top 10 most creative fitness companies in the world. CytoSport, Inc. was also listed by Forbes magazine as one of the 2013 most creative consumer goods companies (specifically the MUSCLE MILK ® brand) by CircleUp25.
Pros:
- Replenishes your energy during workout
- Pure complex carbohydrate
- No added flavor or sweetener
- Gluten-free and soy-free
- Vegan
Cons:
- No GMO certification
Animal Juiced Aminos
Animal Juiced Aminos is a protein blend made up of both BCAA and EAA. Sold in a powdered drink form, Animal Juiced Aminos focuses on muscle recovery over everything else. Moreover, this product is caffeine-free. It is also manufactured in a cGMP facility to ensure the highest quality.
Highlights:
- 6g BCAA and EAA per serving
- Improves hydration and endurance
- 3 different flavors
- Caffeine-free
- Manufactured in cGMP facility
Who Makes It?
Animal is a family company formed in 1983. They specialize in making bodybuilding supplements. For over 30 years they have continued to provide their customers with high quality supplements. Animal takes pride in the quality of their products. Due to their continuous reliability, they find a spot in our list.
Pros:
- 6g BCAA and EAA per serving
- Improves hydration and endurance
- Speeds up muscle gain
- Creatine-free
- Caffeine-free
- Quality assured
Cons:
- No vegan, halal or kosher certificationContains so
Vitargo – Premier Carbohydrate Fuel
Vitargo – Premier Carbohydrate Fuel is a carbohydrate booster drink. It replenishes your energy during workout and allows you to go the extra mile in your sessions. Moreover, it makes sure you can still have energy left in the tank to go on about your day after working out. In fact, you might have enough energy to train more than once daily.
Highlights:
- Provides 23% more maximal endurance
- Can be stacked with other supplements
- Available in 3 different flavors
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
Who Makes It?
Vitargo is a nutrition company based in the USA. At Vitargo, all of their safety statements are backed up by peer-reviewed research, not just on ingredients, in humans on their actually product. They check every batch of Vitargo to make sure every athlete consumes it is clean and healthy. It is a brand which has been trusted for more than a decade by Olympians and professional athletes to weekend warriors and youth athletes.
Pros:
- Up to 23% increase in endurance
- Stackable with other supplements
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
Cons:
- Might not be suitable for diabetic patients
NutraBio Super Carb
NutraBio Super Carb is another carbohydrate booster. This booster is available as an unflavored carbohydrate drink and also in 4 different fruity flavors. It contains Dextrin as its complex carbohydrate. So it can provide long lasting energy that will allow you to push yourself during your workouts. It also contains an electrolyte blend that helps prevent cramping from intense training.
Highlights:
- Contains Dextrin
- Provides long lasting energy
- Accelerates gains
- Provides electrolytes
- Sugar-free
- Available in unflavored or flavored options
- Third-party tested
Who Makes It?
Founded in 1996, NutaBio is a nutrition supplement company that aims to provide products without fillers. In other words, their products contain no unnecessary ingredients and are highly pure. All their products use researched formulas and are manufactured in FDA-registered facilities. As a result, their manufacturing process is highly transparent and reliable.
Pros:
- Contains Dextrin
- Provides long lasting energy
- Accelerates gains
- Sugar-free
- Prevents cramping
- Quality-assured
Cons:
- No vegan, non-GMO, halal or kosher certification
Benefits Of Intra-Workout Supplements
Intra-workout supplements are used to replenish energy during a workout. They also improve muscle recovery which results in more energy and faster gains. They also keep you hydrated throughout the session. As a result, they prevent cramps and other similar injuries. Due to the increased energy, intra-workout supplements help a great deal in reducing fatigue. So you can go on with your everyday life after working out without worrying about being too tired. All in all, intra-workout supplements are a great option for faster gains and avoiding injuries.
How To Take Intra-Workout Supplements?
Intra-workout supplements are sold in various forms. The most common form is the powdered drink. The recommended amount of powder is mixed in water, juice or milk and consumed throughout the workout. Some powders can be stacked. So it is possible to mix carbohydrate boosters and BCAA in the same drink. Besides this there are also pre-mixed drinks and capsules. Capsules can be useful for people who don’t like the hassle of drinking while working out.
Who Can Take Intra-Workout Supplements?
Most adults can take intra-workout supplements as there is usually no side-effect at all. Bodybuilding supplements should not be consumed by children since their bodies are still developing. Carbohydrate boosters can cause insomnia in people with sensitive sleeping habits. Also, diabetic patients should consult with physicians before using carbohydrate boosters. Moreover, it is always suggested that you consult your nutrition specialist or physician before starting supplementation if you are pregnant or have any outstanding health conditions.
How To Pick A Good Intra-Workout Supplement?
Due to the various types of intra-workout supplements it can be a hassle to decide which one is right for you. So here is a list of things to consider before picking an intra-workout supplement:
Ingredients: There are mainly three types of intra-workout supplement; BCAA, carbohydrate booster and EAA. Make sure you are selecting the supplement that contains the ingredients you need. Again, not all supplements are vegan or gluten-free. Even the same type of product may contain different ingredients. So it is important to know what the product you are choosing is made up off.
Brand reputation: It is always a good idea to go with brands that have earned a certain level of trust. That way you know you are always getting the highest quality product. Most websites provide a customer review system to evaluate their products. So it is important to look at these certifications and reviews before you chose a product.
Value for money: Some products may charge you more for benefits that you don’t need. When buying a product, you must first understand what exactly you need. It is always a good idea to compare the products and chose the one that offers you everything you are looking for at the most reasonable price.
Taste/User convenience: Some people prefer unflavored drinks while some prefer a certain flavor. Some may enjoy drinks while others may prefer capsules. Its best to trust your gut on this case and just chose the one that feels right for you.
FAQs
Q. Are intra-workout supplements safe during pregnancy?
A: It is recommended that you do not workout while being pregnant. So by extension, it is discouraged to take intra-workout supplements during pregnancy. But if you still plan on doing so, it is advised you speak to a physician first.
Q. When should I take intra-workout supplements?
A: The purpose of an intra-workout supplement is to keep your energy level high throughout the workout. So it is taken whenever you start feeling worn out during an exercise.
Q: What are the side effects of consuming intra-workout supplements?
A: There are no major side effect of consuming intra-workout supplements. Sometimes generation of excess energy may result in insomnia. Also, diabetic people should avoid carbohydrate boosters due to low insulin production.
Q: Are intra-workout supplements safe for children?
A: Children should not be given any supplements as their body is still developing. If necessary, it is advised that you contact a physician beforehand.
