Best Intra-Workout Supplements (2026)

Intra-workout supplements are designed to be consumed during training to sustain energy, enhance endurance, reduce muscle breakdown, and keep you hydrated through intense sessions. The best formulas combine branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) or essential amino acids (EAAs) with electrolytes, citrulline, and performance-enhancing compounds to help you push harder and recover faster between sets.

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Ingredient	Form	Best For	Rating
Evlution Nutrition EAA2000 Capsules	EAAs + BCAAs	Capsules	Best EAA Capsules	9.2/10
Xtend Original BCAA Powder	7g BCAAs + Electrolytes + Citrulline	Powder	Best Overall	9.5/10
Evlution Nutrition EAA Energy Powder	EAAs + BCAAs + Caffeine	Powder	Best EAA with Energy	9.0/10
Xtend EAA + BCAA Powder	10g EAAs per 2 Servings	Powder	Best Full-Spectrum Aminos	9.3/10
Snap Supplements BCAA Powder	5g BCAAs (2:1:1 Ratio)	Powder	Best Vegan BCAA	8.7/10
Amino Slim BCAA Weight Loss Drink	BCAAs + L-Glutamine	Powder	Best for Weight Management	8.5/10
Nutricost EAA Powder	8g EAAs per Serving	Powder	Best Budget EAA	8.8/10

1. Xtend Original BCAA Powder – Best Overall

Xtend Original is the best-selling BCAA supplement in the world and the gold standard for intra-workout supplementation, combining 7g of BCAAs with electrolytes and citrulline malate in a zero-calorie formula.

Each serving delivers 7g of BCAAs in the clinically studied 2:1:1 ratio (3.5g leucine, 1.75g isoleucine, 1.75g valine), plus 2.5g of L-glutamine, 1g of citrulline malate, and a 1,140mg electrolyte blend of sodium citrate, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride. The formula also includes vitamin B6. Xtend is NSF Contents Tested and Informed-Choice Certified, making it safe for competitive athletes. Available in over 15 flavors with zero calories, sugar, or carbs.

• Pros:
• 7g BCAAs per serving — above the industry standard of 5g
• NSF and Informed-Choice certified for banned substance testing
• Includes citrulline malate and electrolytes for comprehensive intra-workout support

• Cons:
• Contains artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium)
• Some flavors can be overly sweet if not diluted enough

Best for: Serious lifters and athletes who want a proven, comprehensive intra-workout formula with third-party testing

2. Evlution Nutrition EAA2000 Capsules – Best EAA Capsules

For those who prefer capsules over powder during training, EVL’s EAA2000 delivers a full spectrum of essential amino acids in a convenient, no-mixing-required format.

Evlution Nutrition’s EAA capsules provide all nine essential amino acids including BCAAs for complete muscle-building and recovery support. The capsule format makes this ideal for gym-goers who don’t want to carry a shaker bottle or deal with mixing powder between sets. EVL is a well-established sports nutrition brand with a full line of workout products designed to work synergistically.

• Pros:
• Convenient capsule format — no mixing required
• Full essential amino acid profile including BCAAs
• Easy to combine with other intra-workout drinks

• Cons:
• Multiple capsules per serving
• Doesn’t include electrolytes or hydration support

Best for: Gym-goers who prefer capsules or want to add EAAs alongside their existing hydration drink

3. Xtend EAA + BCAA Powder – Best Full-Spectrum Aminos

Xtend’s EAA formula builds on the trusted Original by adding all nine essential amino acids for a complete protein source that supports both muscle growth and recovery during training.

This formula delivers 10g of EAAs per two servings, including a full BCAA profile plus the remaining six essential amino acids your body can’t produce on its own. The sugar-free, zero-calorie formula maintains Xtend’s reputation for great-tasting flavors while providing a more comprehensive amino acid profile than BCAAs alone. Research suggests that EAAs may be more effective than BCAAs alone for stimulating muscle protein synthesis, as they provide all the building blocks needed.

• Pros:
• Complete essential amino acid profile for superior muscle protein synthesis
• Zero sugar, calories, and carbs
• Trusted Xtend brand quality and flavor systems

• Cons:
• Full EAA dose requires two servings
• Higher price point than basic BCAA formulas

Best for: Advanced athletes who want the most comprehensive amino acid support during training

4. Evlution Nutrition EAA Energy Powder – Best EAA with Energy

EVL’s EAA Energy combines essential amino acids with natural caffeine and B vitamins for those who need both muscle support and an energy boost to power through long training sessions.

This dual-purpose formula provides EAAs for muscle building and recovery alongside a caffeine-based energy blend for sustained focus and intensity. The powder format mixes easily and comes in multiple flavors. For those who train in the afternoon or evening and need a pick-me-up without taking a full pre-workout supplement, this bridges the gap between aminos and energy.

• Pros:
• Combines EAAs with energy-boosting caffeine
• Eliminates the need for separate amino and energy supplements
• Good flavor options with easy mixing

• Cons:
• Caffeine content makes it unsuitable for evening workouts for some
• May overlap with pre-workout if stacking supplements

Best for: Lifters who want both amino acid support and an energy boost in a single intra-workout drink

5. Snap Supplements BCAA Powder – Best Vegan BCAA

Snap Supplements delivers 5g of plant-based, vegan BCAAs in the proven 2:1:1 ratio with clean ingredients and no artificial additives.

Each serving provides 5g of vegan branched-chain amino acids with leucine, isoleucine, and valine in the research-backed 2:1:1 ratio. The formula is designed with clean, plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian athletes. Snap Supplements is committed to transparent labeling and GMP-compliant manufacturing.

• Pros:
• 100% vegan and plant-based BCAA source
• Clean ingredient profile with no artificial additives
• Proven 2:1:1 BCAA ratio

• Cons:
• 5g BCAA dose is lower than some competitors offering 7g
• Fewer flavor options than major brands

Best for: Vegan athletes and plant-based lifters who want clean intra-workout amino acid support

6. Amino Slim BCAA Weight Loss Drink – Best for Weight Management

Amino Slim is a unique intra-workout formula that combines BCAAs with ingredients designed to support both muscle preservation and weight management goals during training.

This formula blends vegan amino acids with L-glutamine and additional weight management-supporting compounds in a low-calorie powder. It’s specifically designed for those in a caloric deficit who want to maintain muscle mass while training to lose fat. The BCAA component helps prevent muscle breakdown during intense sessions, while the supporting ingredients target metabolism and body composition goals.

• Pros:
• Dual-purpose: muscle preservation and weight management support
• Vegan amino acid sources
• Low calorie formula suitable for cutting phases

• Cons:
• Lower overall BCAA dose than performance-focused formulas
• Weight management claims require consistent training and diet

Best for: Individuals in a fat-loss phase who want intra-workout amino acid support while managing weight

7. Nutricost EAA Powder – Best Budget EAA

Nutricost delivers 8g of essential amino acids per serving at one of the lowest price points in the EAA category, with third-party testing and NSF-certified manufacturing.

Each serving provides 8g of EAAs including instantized BCAAs in the 2:1:1 ratio (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine) along with L-Lysine HCl, L-Threonine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Histidine, L-Tryptophan, and L-Methionine. Every batch is tested by independent, ISO-accredited laboratories. Manufactured in an NSF-Certified, GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility. Available in unflavored and flavored options. For more amino acid options, check our guide to the best EAA supplements.

• Pros:
• 8g EAAs per serving at an excellent price point
• Third-party tested by ISO-accredited labs
• NSF-certified manufacturing facility

• Cons:
• Unflavored version has a bitter taste
• No electrolytes or additional performance ingredients

Best for: Budget-conscious athletes who want a pure, tested EAA supplement without paying for extras

How to Choose the Best Intra-Workout Supplement

The most critical decision is choosing between BCAAs and EAAs. BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine) have been the traditional intra-workout choice, but research increasingly supports EAAs as more effective for stimulating muscle protein synthesis since they provide all nine essential amino acids the body needs. If you’re already consuming sufficient protein around your workouts, BCAAs are adequate. If your overall protein intake is moderate, EAAs provide more comprehensive support.

Look for electrolyte content if hydration is a priority. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium help replace minerals lost through sweat and prevent cramping during extended sessions. Products like Xtend include meaningful electrolyte doses, while pure amino acid products typically don’t — you may need to add a separate hydration supplement or electrolyte mix.

Powder format is generally preferred for intra-workout use since it can be sipped continuously during training, allowing for steady amino acid delivery. Capsules work well for those who want simplicity or who already have a hydration drink they prefer. Consider whether you want added caffeine — useful for long afternoon sessions but potentially disruptive if you train in the evening.

Third-party testing (NSF, Informed-Choice, Informed-Sport) matters significantly for competitive athletes subject to drug testing. Brands like Xtend and Nutricost invest in these certifications. For recreational athletes, GMP compliance and transparent labeling are the minimum quality markers to look for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an intra-workout supplement and what does it do?

An intra-workout supplement is consumed during exercise to sustain performance, delay fatigue, prevent muscle breakdown, and support hydration. Most contain amino acids (BCAAs or EAAs), electrolytes, and sometimes performance boosters like citrulline malate or caffeine. They help maintain an anabolic environment during training so muscles have immediate access to recovery nutrients.

How much should I consume during a workout?

Most products recommend one scoop (typically providing 5-10g of amino acids) mixed in 10-16 oz of water, sipped throughout your training session. For sessions exceeding 90 minutes, a second serving may be beneficial. Aim for a minimum of 5g BCAAs or 8g EAAs per training session for meaningful results.

When should I start drinking my intra-workout?

Begin sipping your intra-workout drink about 10-15 minutes into your session and continue drinking steadily throughout. Some athletes start sipping during their warm-up. The goal is continuous amino acid and electrolyte delivery rather than consuming it all at once.

Are there side effects of intra-workout supplements?

Intra-workout supplements are generally well-tolerated. Some people experience mild stomach discomfort if they consume too much liquid during intense exercise. Products containing beta-alanine may cause temporary tingling (paresthesia), which is harmless. Those containing caffeine may cause jitters or disrupted sleep if taken too late in the day.

Can I combine an intra-workout with a pre-workout?

Yes, they serve complementary purposes. Pre-workouts typically focus on energy, focus, and initial performance boost, while intra-workouts sustain performance and begin the recovery process. Just watch for overlapping caffeine content if both products contain stimulants, and ensure total caffeine stays within your comfortable range (typically under 400mg daily).

Do I still need an intra-workout if I eat before training?

A pre-workout meal provides energy and some amino acids, but intra-workout supplements deliver amino acids directly during the window when muscles are most actively breaking down and rebuilding. They’re most beneficial during sessions lasting 60+ minutes, high-volume training, or when training in a fasted or semi-fasted state.

Related Articles

• Best Pre-Workout Supplements
• Best Post-Workout Recovery Supplements
• Best EAA Supplements