We chose Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine as the best BCAA powder because, in addition to containing 8 g of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio (the highest dose of any BCAA supplement we reviewed), it also contains 5 g of L-glutamine (an amino acid), 1.5 g of vitamin C and 1 g of coconut water powder. This sets it apart from powders that contain only BCAAs, as L-glutamine may improve recovery and reduce muscle soreness (however, according to a small study of 16 participants, this effect may be greater in men than in women).

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 Additionally, a meta-analysis examining the effects of glutamine supplementation found that it was associated with significant weight loss.

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We also love this product because it’s Informed Choice certified. These products are tested monthly on an undisclosed schedule to ensure they’re free of contaminants and banned substances.

Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine comes in four flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Blue Raspberry, and Sour Green Apple. While there’s no unflavored option, the variety of flavors should appeal to a wide range of taste preferences. It’s sweetened naturally with stevia, so those avoiding artificial sweeteners can use it, and it’s free of artificial colors.

Since it contains coconut (a type of tree nut), this product is not suitable for people with a tree nut allergy. But it’s gluten-free, and the BCAAs come from fermented microbial cultures, making it a vegan-friendly product that people with many different dietary needs can use.

This supplement was the priciest one on our list, at $1.33 per serving, but we feel that because it was also the supplement with the highest BCAA content on our list (at 8 g of BCAAs per serving), it’s worth the additional cost.