The 8 Best EAA Supplements to Buy | Nutritionist Recommended

This is our review of the best EAA supplement in . 

It can be tricky to zero in on the perfect diet when your goal is to lose weight and build muscle. You may have to restrict or avoid certain foods, resulting in the loss of essential amino acids. The answer to this dilemma? EAA supplements! The best essential amino acids supplement delivers high-quality protein without the bother of extra calories, carbs, or fats. 

With so many products flooding the market daily, choosing the right one can be challenging. That’s where I come in! With my experience as a nutritionist and a homeopath, I have created a list of the 8 best EAA supplements. Each supplement listed below is a star in its own right and can help you achieve your specific fitness goal.

My top pick is Primeval Labs EAA Max, for its all-inclusive EAA+BCAA formula and hydration complex. It also ensures a wholesome coverage for pre-, intra- and post-workout goals.

Best EAA Supplement – Overall	Primeval Labs EAA Max
Best EAA Supplement – Hydration & recovery	Nutrex Research EAA Hydration
Best EAA Supplement – Weight loss	Modern’s EAA+
Best EAA Supplement – Vegan	Plant Aminos Organic Essential Amino Acids
Best EAA Supplement – Budget	Solgar Essential Amino Complex
Best EAA Supplement – Taste	NutraBio Alpha EAA – All-Day Aminos
Best EAA Supplement – Premium formula	MuscleTech 100% Amino 2300 Essential Series
Best EAA Supplement – Maximum EAA load	Granite® Essential Aminos

8 Best EAA Supplements reviewed

Note: All nutritional facts mentioned below are for a single serving as mentioned on the product label.

Primeval Labs EAA Max – Best EAA Supplement (Overall)

Primeval Labs EAA Max is my top pick as it packs a combination of energy and hydration to keep you going throughout the day.

This product contains the entire EAA profile and a complete dose of BCAAs. It can be utilized as a pre-workout and intra-workout fuel to boost endurance and performance, enabling you to train harder and longer. Plus, it is phenomenal as a post-workout recovery drink to help muscles repair and recover.

A special mention for their per serving formula grammage. It has a lighter EAA load which means lesser chances of digestive upsets and side effects.

I also love that they have paid attention to hydration by adding electrolytes to their formula. It makes for the well-rounded, high-achieving supplement that we are looking for. 

Why we love it	What you need to consider
Has all 9 EAAs	May leave an unpleasant after-taste
2:1:1 formula of BCAAs
Electrolyte profile ensures hydration
Wide variety of flavors

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Most customers love the Primeval Labs EAA Max supplement. They strongly recommended its all-inclusive amino acid profile, intra-workout, muscle recovery values, and hydrating qualities. However, few customers have complained about the after-taste.

Nutrex Research EAA Hydration – Best EAA Supplement for Hydration & Recovery

If you are looking for a supplement that can help your tired muscles recover and build new muscle at the same time, look no further than Nutrex Research EAA Hydration. 

The 8g of essential amino acids has the potential to refuel your muscles faster and recover energy quickly. However, on the flip side, it could increase the likelihood of digestive discomfort till your body gets used to the formula.

The absolute highlight of this product has to be its innovatively formulated Hydration Complex. A hydration complex works fundamentally to replenish water lost during intense workouts. Nutrex has a potent combination of coconut water concentrate, AstraGin, Calci-K, and taurine. This will ensure all-day hydration, making it my favorite pick for the best hydration and recovery delivery system.

Why we love it	What you need to consider
Has all 9 EAAs	High EAA content needs getting used to
8 gm of EAA delivery for swifter recovery	Contains artificial flavors
Innovative 1.5 g Hydration Complex
Zero calories or sugars

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Most customers have given Nutrex Research EAA+ Hydration a thumbs-up. Strongly recommended for its hydration potential and muscle refueling capacity.

Modern’s EAA+ – Best EAA Supplement for Weight Loss

If you want a supplement that helps you build muscle but does not pile on even a single calorie, I highly recommend Modern’s EAA+. With zero carbs, sugar, or calories, this is the go-to product for anyone with a hawk’s eye on the weighing scale.

The 8g EAA delivery also makes for better workout performance and recovery. It also checks the box for anyone looking for a vegan-friendly supplement.

However, I do have to mention that their hydration complex is pretty average. If they can improve on this, Modern’s EAA+ can figure higher in the best EAA supplement bracket.

Why we love it	What you need to consider
Zero calories, carbs or sugars	Average hydration complex
No artificial colors	Bitter after-taste
Vegan-friendly

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Majority of the customers like Modern’s EAA+, and recommend it for its vegan-friendly qualities and zero-calorie contribution. However, there have been a few complaints about its bitter after-taste.

Plant Aminos Organic Essential Amino Acids – Best Vegan EAA Supplement

Plant Aminos Organic Essential Amino Acids is the answer for those who are sticklers to all things natural and yet want to focus on muscle-building goals. 

It has an interesting formula sourced from organic Spirulina & Chlorella, which is unique in itself because this product delivers 18 amino acids, including all 9 EAAs and 3 BCAAs. 

However, I recommend this product to only those people who are not into hardcore training and strength building. Its amino acid profile is less enduring than that of other supplements in the market since it does not match up to the recommended necessary intake.

This organic EAA supplement comes in the form of tablets, making it a great alternative to powders. However, a single serving size is 6 tables, which can be too much to consume. 

Why we love it	What you need to consider
Organically sourced, plant-based ingredients	Too many pills per serving
Vegan-friendly	May cause constipation
Easy to carry and consume

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Most customers have given Plant Aminos Organic Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) a thumbs-up and recommended it for its clean, naturally sourced EAAs and positive effect on mood.

Solgar Essential Amino Complex – Best Budget EAA Supplement

Solgar Essential Amino Complex is an incredible product for anyone who wants just what is in the name – EAAs. No added frills. No blends. Just a combination of EAAs to support muscle recovery and overall wellness.

What I really like about its formula is that it delivers the free form of the amino acids instead of the usual delivery mode of chained amino acids. This means while the body needs to break down the chains into simpler amino acids first to utilize them for muscles, the free form of AAs makes for better absorption and assimilation. 

The 90 servings container puts it among the most budget-friendly and clean EAA supplements on the market today. It is also vegan, and gluten and GMO-free. 

Why we love it	What you need to consider
Free-form EAAs for better absorption	No other added nutrients
Economically priced
Easy to carry and consume

Summary of Customer Reviews:

90% of customers have given Solgar Essential Amino Complex a thumbs-up. Recommended for its free form EAAs and pocket-friendly pricing. However, some customers reported a slight digestive disturbance after taking it.

NutraBio Alpha EAA All-Day Aminos – Best EAA Supplement (Taste)

You have to admit, taste plays a starring role in compliance towards a supplement as well as its rebuy value. NutraBio Alpha EAA All-Day Aminos is by far, the best tasting EAA supplement I have come across. It has unconventional, fun flavors like dragonfruit, cherry limeade, grape berry crush, strawberry lemon bomb, and New York punch.

Add to that a 6 g BCAA delivery per serving and an impressive hydration complex, and we have a winner. I have found this combination to be crucial for sustained muscle recovery and to significantly reduces soreness post-workout.

Why we love it	What you need to consider
Better than average EAA delivery	Does not dissolve well in water
Great taste
Interesting variety of flavors
No fillers

Summary of Customer Reviews:

88% of customers have given NutraBio Alpha EAA – All-Day Aminos a thumbs-up. It’s recommended for its efficiency in muscle recovery and tasty flavors.

MuscleTech 100% Amino 2300 Essential Series – Best EAA Supplement (Premium Formula)

The best part of MuscleTech 100% Amino 2300 Essential Series is the high-quality protein in their formula. It brings together whey protein concentrate, whey peptides, and pea protein isolate to deliver both essential and non-essential amino acids.

This EAA supplement pill gives a combination of free-form and bonded amino acids, which helps in better absorption in the gut to help optimize muscle performance, endurance, and strength. 

Though I am stoked that they are using select ingredients, it goes without saying that there are competitors in the market offering a better amino acid load as well as a provision for hydration.

Why we love it	What you need to consider
Ultra-premium formula	Big-sized pills that are hard to swallow
Fortified with whey protein concentrate and pea protein isolate	Contains carbs
Economically priced
Easy to carry and consume

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Majority of the customers have given MuscleTech 100% Amino 2300 Essential Series a thumbs-up. Recommended for its premium ingredients and competitive pricing.

Granite® Essential Aminos – Best EAA Supplement (Maximum EAA Load)

Granite® Essential Amino Acids delivers a massive 10g EAA load per serving with 7g of BCAA in the recommended 2:1:1 ratio. Such a rich amino acid profile can work volumes to promote muscle building and augment faster recovery, making it an excellent choice for those training for a major sports event.

Although they have included a healthy dose of electrolytes, a more robust hydration complex could have really done wonders to their promise of faster muscle recovery. Also, the product leaves a bad taste, which could be a significant deciding factor for re-purchase.

Why we love it	What you need to consider
Monster EAA delivery load	Poor taste
Suitable for people allergic to soy and gluten	Cost per serving on the higher side
High dose can cause digestion issues

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Granite EAA is a well-loved product, with most customers being impressed with the EAA load and vouch for its faster recovery capabilities.

What are EAAs?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein in our body. They lay the foundation for all forms of protein, hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals needed by the body. Amino acids help to build, repair and replace cells in the body.

While the body can directly produce some amino acids, there are some amino acids that cannot be prepared by the human body and need to be sourced from the diet. These are called Essential Amino Acids, and there are 9 EAAs in the body:

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine 
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan 
• Valine

Where are EAAs naturally found?

EAAs are available in both plant and animal foods. When a food contains all 9 EAAs, it is called a complete protein.

Animal foods containing complete proteins:

• Eggs
• Seafood
• Poultry
• Red meat
• Dairy

Plant foods containing complete proteins:

• Soy milk
• Tofu
• Chia seeds
• Quinoa

What are the benefits of EAAs?

EAAs are responsible for most of the essential functions of the body, including:

Muscle growth and recovery

EAAs are instrumental in optimum muscle growth, while the 3 BCAAs are specifically responsible for aiding muscle recovery post-exertion or workout.

Tissue growth and repair

Amino acids are the building blocks of the body. They play a crucial role in the growth of new tissue and repairing existing ones in the body.

Immune system regulation

EAAs play a significant role in producing antibodies and other protective chemicals in the body. They also contribute towards the production of lymphocytes, those cells in the body that help fight infection and promote healing.

Absorption of nutrients

The EAA, methionine, is known to play a key factor in helping the body absorb zinc, selenium, and other vital minerals during digestion. 

Energy production

Though not the primary source, in some situations when the body cannot produce enough energy from carbs and fats, amino acids are utilized to generate energy.

Who should use an EAA supplement?

• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to build muscle strength, quicken recovery, and remain energetic throughout the day
• People above the age of 40 years to tackle the steadily increasing protein breakdown that happens as you grow older
• Anyone who is recovering from an illness or injury to support tissue repair and immunity building
• People on a calorie-restricted diet who would not like to miss out on essential proteins

When is the best time to take an EAA supplement?

This entirely depends on your fitness goals. EAA supplements can be taken before, during, and after a workout. Discuss your needs with a nutritionist who will advise you on the best way forward with EAA supplements.

What is the difference between BCAA and EAA?

We often get this question. Most people think that BCAAs are absolutely different entities from EAAs. The truth is that BCAAs or Branched Chain Amino Acids are composed of 3 of the 9 EAAs, Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. 
The main difference between BCAAs and EAAs is:

BCAAs	EAAs
Promotes muscle recovery and muscle repair	Promotes muscle building and muscle strength
Prevent muscle soreness	Support hormonal balance
Increase endurance	Support immune function
May affect sleep cycle	Give better quality rest

What should you look for while buying an EAA supplement?

While the market is flooded with EAA supplements offering different formulae and blends, here’s a quick guide to help you choose the one that suits your goals:

Get all 9 EAAs

Go for a product that includes all EAAs within it. The more complete the profile, the better the benefits. I would urge you to read the Nutrition Table and compare the DV (Daily Value) mentioned with the nutrient’s RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). The DV must ideally be higher than the RDA.

2:1:1 BCAA ratio

Go for a product flaunting this in its formula. This ratio means that the amount of Leucine is twice as much as Isoleucine and Valine. This has been clinically researched to help in optimum muscle recovery and protection post-workout.

Clear-cut formulae

Skip products that mention a “blend of EAA”. A blend could mean just about anything. It may not even necessarily contain all EAAs in the correct quantity. Instead, look for a clear EAA-break-up in the nutrition table. The clarity in the amount of EAAs present helps you make an informed choice.

Clean ingredients

A lot of products add artificial sweeteners, colors, and fillers to their formula to enhance the taste, dissolvability, and general appearance of the product. But they serve no health purpose. So, read the fine print carefully. 

Zero sugar

I personally love products that have a zero-sugar and zero-carbs formula. They are healthier and don’t upset the daily calorie intake.

Price

Keep an eye on your budget. An expensive product does not necessarily mean it’s a better one. Instead, get a product that checks most of the boxes and is friendly to your pocket.

Final Words

If you are looking to up your muscle game and meet your nutrition goals, EAA supplements are a great way to go about it. While we are super-stoked by the virtues of Primeval Labs EAA Max and the benefits it could bring to you (complete EAA profile and optimum hydration), do go through our list of top supplements to see which one best fits your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are EAAs safe to consume?

EAAs are a great way of supplementing your energy and muscle-building goals without the unwanted extras of added sugars or calories. However, I recommend discussing your options with a nutritionist.

Are EAAs worth taking?

EAAs are an easy way to meet your daily protein needs and can help with muscle growth, repair, and recovery. Supplemented in the right amount and with a proper diet, EAAs are definitely worth making a part of your routine. But your primary concern should be consuming enough protein from your diet. Then, of course, you can supplement your protein intake by adding quality protein powders like the best low-sodium protein powder.

What would happen if I don’t take my EAA supplement daily?

There is no obvious downside if you forget to take your supplement sometimes. Just take your regular dose the next day.

Can I take EAAs on rest days?

Yes. EAAs taken on rest days promote better muscle growth and recovery and help protect them from breakdown after an intense workout.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting the consumption of any supplements. Always check the label before purchasing a product for potential allergic reactions.