Refueling after a workout session is important for muscle recovery, and supplements can speed up recovery. Hence, the best post-workout supplement brands are essential to every fitness enthusiast’s life.
In this article, we will review the best supplements that you can take after a workout session. We will keep all these reviews completely unbiased and mention the pros and cons of each product to help you pick the right option.
Moreover, we will share some valuable tips to help you use the supplements effectively. So, without any further delay, let’s look at the supplements we have chosen for you.
Our Top Picks Of The Best Post Workout Supplements
Overall Best Post Workout Supplement, Editor’s Choice
CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine is manufactured by Transparent Labs and is an effective supplement. This product is designed to help stimulate protein synthesis, improve immune function, reduce fatigue, improve glucose metabolism, reduce muscle damage and help build muscle strength to help you gain better.
You can take it after a workout to increase post-workout lean muscle growth; however, it can also serve as an intra-workout supplement.
It’s a reasonably priced product; you will get 30 servings in each container. Each 19.65 g serving offers 8g BCAA, 5 g L-Glutamine, and 1 g coconut water powder. You will also get 2 g of carbohydrates and 1,535 mg of Vitamin C per serving.
It is available in five flavor variants, and all of them are equally popular among customers. Bundle packs are also available for customers, and you can save money by buying a combo pack of 2 or 3 containers. The company offers fast shipping, and all orders are shipped in just one business day.
You can take it with water, juice, or a protein shake, and you should take it every day to get the best results. This supplement is safe to use, as it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or illegal drugs. Athletes who are concerned about drug use can also take it with confidence.
Highlights
Several studies suggest that the best BCAA ratio is 2:1:1, and this product offers the same ratio. You will get 4 g L-Leucine, 2 g L-Isoleucine, and 2 g L-Valine in each serving.
This product doesn’t contain any unnecessary fillers, colored dyes, or harmful additives, which makes it safe to use. Moreover, it doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners and is a gluten-free product. The company offers complete transparency to customers, and all the ingredients are mentioned clearly on the label.
It’s an effective product, and it offers multiple benefits. It can help build lean muscle mass, improve immune function, and reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.
- Affordable price
- Available in multiple flavor variants
- No illegal drugs
- 8g BCAA and 5g Glutamine per serving
Only available through their official website
Most Popular Post Workout Supplement For Muscle Gain
If you want to build muscle and gain weight efficiently, ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is the right post workout protein powder. It is manufactured by Transparent Labs, and you will likely find its price tag appealing.
This post workout mass gainer contains high-quality ingredients and can help you meet your daily nutritional requirements. Like the other products the company offers, it comes with a clean and transparent label, and you can check all the required details before purchasing.
Each tub offers 15 servings; you must take two scoops per serving. In each serving, you will get 760-790 calories, 13-14 g fat, 53 g whey protein isolate, and 109-114 g carbohydrates (the numbers will vary depending on your flavor). It also contains creatine monohydrate, which is an added benefit.
It is available in two flavor variants, both offering a natural and appealing taste. As a regular user, you can save money by buying a combo pack of 2 or 3 tubs. You can take it after a workout or use it as a meal replacement shake.
You can take it with water or mix it with milk to add more calories to your shake. However, if you take it after training, you should use water, as milk can slow digestion.
Highlights
Stevia and monk fruit are used as sweeteners, and this product doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners. Moreover, it is gluten-free and doesn’t contain harmful additives like artificial preservatives.
It contains high-quality whey protein concentrate, which has a rich amino-acid profile. Whey protein concentrate has great effects on muscle repair, and it can also help you build strength.
Athletes commonly use creatine to gain lean muscle mass and boost performance. It turns ADP (adenosine diphosphate) back into ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to give energy to cells. It can also help draw water into muscle cells and make them look bigger.
- Premium quality ingredients
- Naturally sweetened
- 53g protein and 109-114 g carbohydrates per serving
- Fairly priced
- Fast shipping
Only two flavor variants are available.
Highly Recommended Post-Workout Supplement For Endurance
Among post workout supplement choices, Controlled Labs is a well-known name in the supplement industry, and all its products offer quality. The same is true with Purple Wraath, which can be a great addition to your supplement stack.
This post workout nutrition can help you build and maintain muscle mass, and you can use it during both cutting and bulking cycles. Mix it with water before, during, or after your training session. It mixes easily with water, and you won’t see any lumps in the drink.
In each serving of 12.8 g, you will get 7 g PurplEAA Complex, 2.7 g PurplEndurance Complex, 10 mg Vitamin B6, and 67 mg Potassium. The PurplEAA Complex contains L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine, L-Lysine, L-Threonine, L-Arginine, L-Histidine, L-Methionine, and L-Phenylalanine, and the PurplEndurance Complex contains Beta-Alanine, Citrulline Malate, Betaine Anhydrous, and Ginger. This powerful, fast-acting formula can help you deal with issues such as muscle soreness and fatigue.
Some ingredients in this product can promote live health, boost metabolism, enhance digestion function, and boost energy production. It isn’t the cheapest supplement available, but if we look at its ingredients and its benefits, it’s worth the investment.
Highlights
This product can be your perfect workout partner, offering multiple benefits. If you use it as an intra-workout supplement, it will help you focus, and it will also boost your stamina. On the other hand, taking it after training will help in the muscle repair process.
Purple Wraath is available in 9 different flavor variants, and you can easily find a suitable option. You will also get an option to choose from three different size variants, and you can pick the option that suits your needs. If you are a regular user and want to save money, go for the 90-serving pack.
Many supplements on the market contain maltodextrin, but this isn’t the case with Purple Wraath. It’s a maltodextrin-free product, and it doesn’t contain any unnecessary fillers. Moreover, it is caffeine-free, so you can go for it even if you work out in the evening or at night.
- Good mixability
- Contains BCAAs and EAAs
- Amazing taste
- Makes intense workout easy
- Available in different flavor and size variants
It might be expensive for some individuals.
Best Effective Post Workout Supplement For Carbs
Recharge is a post-workout supplement, and it is designed to promote muscle growth and recovery and reduce soreness. It is a 100% natural product and doesn’t contain harmful or banned chemicals, so you won’t have to worry about unwanted side effects while consuming it.
When we talk about taste, this product does an amazing job and is available in four flavor variants. You can also go for the unflavored variant; however, it doesn’t taste as good as other options.
Recharge is affordable, and you can save money by opting for a subscription plan. 30, 60, and 90-day subscription plans are available; however, you can also make a one-time purchase. Two sizes of 30 and 60 servings are available, and the larger variant is more cost-effective.
Each 8.91 g serving of Recharge contains 5 g micronized creatine, 2.1 g L-carnitine L-tartrate, and 10.8 mg Corosolic Acid. It does an outstanding job in the field of mixability. Overall, it’s an effective product; you can go for it without thinking twice.
Highlights
Every ingredient in Recharge is lab tested. The product doesn’t contain heavy metals, microbes, allergens, or other contaminants. Tests for potency are also conducted.
The company hasn’t added useless ingredients to the product to attract customers. Every ingredient in the supplement is backed by scientific research and offers the benefits mentioned on the label.
You will get a 100% money-back guarantee on the supplement, which means you can make a worry-free purchase. If you don’t like Recharge, you can contact the company and request a refund.
- Promotes muscle growth and strength gain
- Reduces muscle soreness and damage from tough workout
- Fairly priced
- Naturally sweetened
The unflavored variant doesn’t taste too good.
Best Post Workout BCAAs
Xtend Original BCAA powder is a popular post-workout supplement that blends essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to support muscle recovery and enhance workout performance. With a focus on quality and effectiveness, Xtend Original BCAA powder has gained recognition among fitness enthusiasts and athletes.
Each Xtend Original BCAA powder serving contains a scientifically researched ratio of 2:1:1 BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids stimulate protein synthesis, reduce muscle breakdown, and promote muscle growth.
In addition to BCAAs, Xtend Original BCAA powder is fortified with electrolytes to replenish lost minerals during intense workouts and support proper hydration. This ensures that your body stays adequately fueled and hydrated for optimal performance.
With its high-quality ingredients and commitment to performance, this BCAA supplements is a trusted choice for individuals looking to maximize their workout results, promote muscle recovery, and maintain optimal hydration levels. It is a reliable post-workout supplement to help you achieve your fitness goals effectively and efficiently.
Highlights
Xtend Original BCAA powder provides a scientifically researched 2:1:1 ratio of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) to promote muscle protein synthesis and promote muscle recovery.
Xtend Original BCAA powder includes essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to replenish minerals lost during workouts, ensuring proper hydration and optimal muscle function.
Enjoy the convenience of Xtend Original BCAA powder’s tasty flavors and easy mixability, making it a satisfying and refreshing post-workout drink that fuels your body effectively.
- Vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and caffeine-free
- Easy to swallow
- Supports muscle growth
- Safe and useful ingredients
Individual results may vary.
How We Chose The Best Post-Workout Supplements?
We compared hundreds of supplements available on the market and chose the ones that stood out in the crowd. We checked the ingredients in all these supplements to ensure they didn’t contain harmful chemicals or unnecessary fillers. We also kept an eye on the price tags of supplements while comparing different options.
All the products on our list are reasonably priced and worth the investment. We found these supplements suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Additionally, we checked details like shipping and return policies while narrowing down our options.
Regarding post workout supplements, your chosen ingredients should align with your needs and goals. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Protein is a popular post-workout ingredient as it supports muscle recovery and growth. Additional protein supplementation may not be necessary if your daily protein intake is already sufficient through your regular diet.
Electrolytes benefit individuals who sweat greatly during workouts or train in hot and humid environments. These ingredients help with rehydration and replenishing essential minerals lost through sweat.
Carbohydrates are important for athletes who engage in multiple daily training sessions, providing the necessary fuel for energy replenishment. However, those aiming for weight loss may want to avoid extra carbohydrate intake to manage calorie consumption.
To ensure the desired benefits, choosing post-workout supplements with effective dosages of their ingredients is crucial. Refer to the “Types of Post-Workout Ingredients” section to understand the clinically recommended dosages and the amounts to look for in your supplements.
Post-workout supplements are available in different forms, such as powders, capsules, bars, and ready-to-drink products. The form you choose is a matter of personal preference as long as it contains the necessary ingredients in effective dosages.
While not mandatory, reputable supplement companies often subject their products to third-party testing by independent laboratories. This ensures compliance with quality and safety standards. Third-party testing verifies the purity, potency, and accuracy of the supplement’s ingredient label while identifying potential contaminants or harmful substances. Look for certifications from respected organizations like NSF International, Informed Sport, USP, or LabDoor, which indicate rigorous testing and adherence to high-quality standards.
Benefits Of Post-Workout Supplements
You can work out every day in the gym, but you won’t get the desired results if your body starves after the session. You can eat protein-rich foods after working out, but they take time to digest. However, the nutrients will quickly absorb if you consume a protein supplement. It will speed up the post workout recovery process and make it easy for you to achieve your fitness goals.
Some supplements also increase protein synthesis in the body; you can add them to your stack. By using the right supplements, you can provide all the required nutrients to your body to gain muscle mass.
Muscle soreness and fatigue are two of the most common issues people face after a workout. These issues are more common for beginners; however, experienced players can also face them. Muscle soreness post workout can affect your day-to-day life, and fatigue can lead to a lack of motivation for working out. You can eliminate these issues by adding a supplement to your daily routine.
Protein, BCAA, and Glutamine supplements can help repair torn muscles during weightlifting. They will also reduce muscle fatigue, and you won’t have to miss your workout sessions. Some supplements also hydrate the muscles and improve the physical performance of individuals.
As mentioned above, you can eat protein-rich foods after a workout session. However, your food item will also offer carbohydrates and fat, and your overall calorie intake will also increase. If you want to lose weight, you will have to limit your calorie intake, and you can easily achieve this goal by introducing supplements to your daily routine.
Generally, supplements contain fewer calories than food items and can help you gain muscle mass without gaining fat mass. However, things are different when we talk about mass/weight gainers. They can help you increase your calorie intake while gaining weight. In short, you can get the desired nutrients and number of calories by using the right supplement.
Supplements are easy to consume, and you can consume them even if you aren’t feeling hungry. You will just have to mix the powder in water or milk and consume it. When we talk about pills, things become even more simple.
If you go to the gym directly from the office, you won’t have to carry a pre-cooked meal if you have a supplement. You will just have to carry your shaker and supplement. You can save a lot of time and effort by using supplements if you have a busy schedule.
Muscle recovery is the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about post-workout supplements. These products play an important role in the recovery process; however, it doesn’t mean they don’t offer other health benefits.
Some supplements improve immune function, boost metabolism, and accelerate fat loss. Some supplements also have ingredients that aid nutrient absorption and promote liver health. You will also feel energetic after consuming such products.
A lot of people don’t eat a balanced and nutrition-rich diet. We need protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients every day, and it’s not easy to get all the nutrients from a natural diet.
To get everything in the right amount, you will have to make the right calculations, and you will also have to follow a strict routine. Also, your body may be unable to absorb all the nutrients in the food items you eat. A supplement can make it easy to handle your daily nutritional needs.
You can enjoy all these benefits by investing in a high-quality supplement. You can reach new heights if you use the right supplements, follow a healthy diet plan, and work out daily.
Types Of Ingredients In Post-Workout Supplements
Understanding the different types of post-workout ingredients and their benefits allows you to choose supplements that align with your specific fitness goals and needs.
Protein is a widely used ingredient in post-workout supplements due to its crucial role to boost muscle growth and repair. Consuming enough protein through regular dietary sources alone can be challenging, making protein supplements like bars, shakes, and powders a convenient option.
These supplements are especially beneficial when there’s a significant time gap between your workout and your next meal, helping you meet your protein requirements effectively.
Creatine is a popular supplement known for enhancing strength and muscle development. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving athletic performance, increasing muscle size, strength, and endurance.
While post-workout supplementation with creatine is not essential, it is often included in post-workout supplements for added convenience. The recommended daily dosage of creatine is typically between three and five grams, depending on body weight.
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are frequently used as post-workout supplements. However, research suggests that taking BCAAs alone may not effectively promote muscle repair and recovery.
For optimal results, it’s recommended to consume BCAAs alongside the other essential amino acids. This supplementation may benefit individuals following plant-based diets, as animal proteins generally contain higher BCAAs.
L-glutamine, a conditionally essential amino acid, is a proven supplement for muscle recovery process and reducing exercise-induced muscle damage. Athletes or individuals engaged in prolonged exercise sessions can benefit from glutamine supplementation at a daily dose of five grams.
BioPerine, derived from black pepper fruit, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial post-workout. However, its primary inclusion in post-workout supplements enhances the absorption and bioavailability of other active ingredients, thereby increasing their effectiveness.
Betaine, found in various foods, has been associated with improved body composition, muscle size, endurance, and power output. A dosage of 2.5 grams per day has shown positive effects in studies.
Dextrin, a complex carbohydrate, is a fuel source during training, enhancing endurance and reducing the stress hormone response induced by intense exercise. Post-workout helps restore muscle glycogen stores, making it beneficial for individuals who engage in multiple daily training sessions.
L-carnitine is useful for improving body composition by promoting the conversion of excess body fat into energy. Studies have shown that a daily dosage of two grams of L-carnitine can lead to modest reductions in body weight compared to a placebo.
Post-workout supplements often include beneficial mineral electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium. These electrolytes help restore optimal fluid balance and hydration levels, essential after intense exercise.
FAQs Related To Post-Workout Supplements
Post-workout supplements benefit individuals involved in high-intensity physical activity, including athletes and bodybuilders, as they aid in recovering and replenishing energy stores.
The timing of great post workout supplement depends on their specific ingredients. As the name suggests, post-workout supplements are designed to be taken after a workout to support recovery.
Avoiding high-fat and processed foods after a workout is generally recommended, as they can cause inflammation and hinder recovery. Instead, focus on consuming a balanced ratio of carbohydrates and protein to replenish glycogen stores and aid in muscle repair.
Most post workout supplements contain protein and is recommended for individuals aiming to build muscle mass and repair muscle tissue post workouts. Protein powders with all nine essential amino acids support recovery and muscle growth.
Protein supplements are useful for building muscle mass and can aid in weight loss by promoting satiety and increasing calorie expenditure. Additionally, specific ingredients like L-carnitine have been shown to assist in fat loss and may be found in certain post-workout supplements.
Conclusion: What Is The Best After Workout Muscle Builder?
We hope you liked this article and that we were able to help you find the best post-workout supplements according to your needs. You can buy all the products we have reviewed in this article; however, if you have a fixed budget, you can buy the ones you need most.
Our most recommended supplement will be CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine, followed by Performance Lab Post. You can also choose the other supplements, as we have only targeted the best ones on the market.
While making a decision, you should consider the factors we have discussed. If you are interested, you can also look for pre-workout supplements for muscle gain.
The right supplements will help you in your journey, but you must use them effectively. If you follow the tips we have shared, you can make full use of your supplements. But you shouldn’t expect overnight results, as unrealistic expectations can demotivate you. You must put in the effort and stay consistent to achieve your goals.
