In this blog post, we will recommend the best vegan protein powders with BCAAs, and explain what BCAAs are and why they are important.
In this article, you will find:
- What Are BCAAs? The Benefits Explained
- Are BCAAs and Creatine the Same?
- The Top 3 Vegan Protein Powders With BCAAs
- The Bottom Line: Making a Decision
1. What Are BCAAs? The Benefits Explained
BCAA stands for “branched-chain amino acids”.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and BCAA supplements are designed to increase your intake of three specific amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
These amino acids are essential, meaning that your body cannot produce them on its own. As a result, you must obtain them through your diet or through supplementation.
BCAA supplements are often marketed to people who exercise regularly, as they may help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and promote muscle growth. In addition, they may also help to reduce fatigue and improve recovery from exercise.
2. Are BCAAs and Creatine the Same?
BCAAs and creatine are two popular supplements that are often taken by people who are looking to improve their athletic performance.
Both BCAAs and creatine are amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. However, they have different effects on the body.
BCAAs are used by the body to build muscle, while creatine is used to help produce energy.
Creatine is also known to help increase muscle mass, but it does not have the same muscle-building effect as BCAAs.
Another difference is that while creatine is produced naturally in the body and stored in muscle cells, BCAAs are essential amino acids, which means they need to be consumed via diet or supplementation.
Creatine is most commonly used in short-burst activities such as sprinting or weightlifting, while BCAAs are more commonly used in endurance activities such as long-distance running or cycling.
In terms of safety, both BCAAs and creatine have been shown to be safe when used in recommended dosages. However, some people may experience side effects like stomach pain or cramping when taking either supplement.
Overall, BCAAs and creatine are two safe and effective supplements that can be used to improve athletic performance.
You May Also Like: Is Creatine Allowed in College Sports? (NCAA bans)
3. The Top 3 Vegan Protein Powders With BCAAs
If you purchase something through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay in any way. Thank you for supporting our website!
3.1. Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein
Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is a high-quality, organic protein powder that is made from a blend of pea protein, and bean protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs. These protein sources also provide a total of 5.5g of BCAAs per portion. The powder is free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, making it a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and natural protein powder. It is also vegan and certified organic by the USDA.
Ingredients:
Organic Performance Protein Blend: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sprouted Navy Bean, Organic Sprouted Lentil Bean, Organic Sprouted Garbanzo Bean, Organic Cranberry Protein (seed); Organic Flavor Blend: Organic Vanilla Flavors, Organic Stevia Extract (leaf), Sea Salt, Organic Recovery Blend: Organic Apple (fruit pulp), Organic Tart Cherry (fruit), Organic Turmeric (root), Organic Blueberry (fruit), Organic Lycium barbarum L. (Goji Berry fruit); 2 Billion CFU Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 (at the time of expiration).
You May Also Like: The Best Vegan Protein Powders With Creatine
Highlights:
- BCAAs: 5.5g per 42g portion (13% BCAAs)
- Protein: 30g per 42g portion (71% protein)
- Carbohydrates: 7g per 42g portion (17% carbs)
- 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and thousands of reviews
3.2. Vivo Life Perform Vegan Protein Powder
Vivo Life is a UK-based company that makes vegan-friendly protein powders and other supplements. Their ‘Perform’ line includes 6g of BCAAs in every portion, totaling a high concentration of 15% of BCAAs. This makes it one of the highest quality BCAA products available on the market today. In addition to being vegan-friendly, Vivo Life’s protein powders are also non-GMO, soy-free, and dairy-free. They are also free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors.
Ingredients (Acai and Blueberry Flavor):
Bio-Fermented Yellow Pea Protein, Cold Pressed Hemp Protein, Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Freeze Dried Acai Berry, Freeze Dried Blueberries, Freeze Dried Beetroot Powder, Turmeric Extract, 95% Curcuminoids, Ginger Extract, Papain, Peppermint Leaf, Fennel Seed, Natural Blueberry Flavour, Konjac Fibre, Stevia Extract, Pink Himalayan Salt.
Highlights:
- BCAAs: 6g per 28g portion (15% BCAAs)
- Protein: 25g per 38g portion (66% protein)
- Carbohydrates: 4.2g per 38g portion (11% carbs)
- 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon and hundreds of reviews
3.3. PlantFusion Vegan Protein Powder
PlantFusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder is made from a blend of pea protein, artichoke protein, and quinoa, providing a complete amino acid profile that is perfect for vegans or vegetarians. The BCAA amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are seen directly on the ingredient list, totaling 4 grams of BCAAs per portion of this supplement.
Ingredients:
Pea Protein Isolate, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Glutamine, Artichoke Powder, Organic Sprouted Amaranth Powder, Organic Sprouted Quinoa Powder, Whole Algae Protein, Alpha Galactosidase, Bromelain, Natural Flavor, Stevia Extract Powder (Reb A), Organic Tapioca Powder, Silica, Guar Gum Powder, Lucuma Powder, Monk Fruit Extract Powder, Yacon Powder.
Highlights:
- BCAAs: 4g per 30g portion (13.3% BCAAs)
- Protein: 21g per 30g portion (70% protein)
- Carbohydrates: 2g per 30g portion (6.7% carbs)
- 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon and thousands of reviews
4. The Bottom Line: Making a Decision
If you purchase something through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay in any way. Thank you for supporting our website!
Vivo Life Perform Vegan Protein Powder is the best overall option for someone looking for a vegan protein powder with the highest concentration of BCAAs, getting to 15% of the portion.
Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is a great option for those looking for a vegan protein that is made with all organic ingredients and with a high concentration of BCAAs.
PlantFusion Vegan Protein Powder is another excellent option for a protein with a high concentration of BCAAs and some organic ingredients.