Last Updated: Monday 26th October 2026

What Are BCAAs?

BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, are three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. They're called "branched-chain" because of the branched shape of their chemical structure. BCAAs are 3 of the 9 essential amino acids the body can't make, so they need to come from food, such as meat, dairy and eggs, or from a supplement.

BCAA supplements provide these three amino acids in a measured serve, most often as a flavoured BCAA powder you mix with water and sip while training. At Nutrition Warehouse, we stock BCAA supplements from Genetix Nutrition, Xtend, EHP Labs, Optimum Nutrition, ATP Science and more. They're part of our full amino acid supplements range. Want to see which ones customers rate highest? Check out our Top 10 Amino Acids.

BCAA Ratios Explained

BCAA products list a ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine. Here's how the common ratios compare:

Formulas vary by product, so always check the label for the grams of each amino acid per serve.

BCAAs vs EAAs: What's the Difference?

BCAAs contain 3 essential amino acids. EAA supplements contain all 9 essential amino acids, including the 3 BCAAs. Choose a BCAA if you specifically want leucine, isoleucine and valine, or an EAA if you want all 9 in one serve. Some products, such as Beyond BCAA by EHP Labs, combine both.

Shop BCAAs by Type

• Flavoured BCAA powder: the most popular type, made to mix with water and sip during training. Many are sold as intra-workout drinks.
• Unflavoured BCAA powder: pure BCAAs you can add to a protein shake or other drink, such as 100% Pure BCAA by Genetix Nutrition Essentials.
• BCAAs with added ingredients: formulas that add electrolytes, glutamine or citrulline. Browse our amino blends for more.
• Vegan BCAAs: plant-based, fermented BCAAs, such as BCAA 2:1:1 by ATP Science.

How to Choose the Right BCAA Supplement

1. BCAAs per serve: most BCAA powders in our range provide around 5–8g of BCAAs per serve, so compare the grams in a full serve.
2. Ratio: 2:1:1 is the most common, while higher-leucine ratios such as 8:1:1 are also available.
3. Added ingredients: check for electrolytes, glutamine, citrulline or caffeine, especially if you already take a pre-workout.
4. Flavour or unflavoured: flavoured to drink on its own, or unflavoured to add to other drinks.
5. Dietary needs: check the label if you need a vegan or sugar-free BCAA.
6. Testing: if you compete in tested sport, look for a product that's batch tested for banned substances.
7. Cost per serve: compare the number of serves per tub, not just the price.

How to Take BCAAs

Always follow the serving size and directions on your product label. Most BCAA powders are mixed with water and sipped before, during or after training, or through the day. If your BCAA contains caffeine, count it alongside any pre-workout, coffee or energy drinks you have that day. BCAA supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet. If you have a medical condition or take medication, speak to your healthcare professional before use.

Shop Popular BCAA Supplements

• Xtend Original by Xtend: 7g BCAAs (2:1:1) per scoop with glutamine, citrulline malate and electrolytes, sugar free
• Beyond BCAA by EHP Labs: BCAAs and EAAs in a flavoured powder, 60 serves
• 100% Pure BCAA by Genetix Nutrition Essentials: unflavoured BCAA powder in 100g and 250g sizes
• BCAA Boost by Optimum Nutrition: zero calories, zero sugar and caffeine free, 30 serves
• BCAA 2:1:1 by ATP Science: vegan-friendly fermented BCAAs, 5g per serve, sugar free

Browse the full range above to compare every flavour and tub size.

Looking for Tested BCAAs?

If you compete in drug-tested sport, choose a product that's been batch tested for banned substances, such as Active BCAA by Rule 1 Proteins (Informed Choice certified) or Amino+ by ATP Science (HASTA certified). You can also browse all HASTA certified supplements.

Other Amino Acids

• Glutamine: often found alongside BCAAs, or sold on its own as an unflavoured powder
• Single amino acids: citrulline, beta-alanine, taurine and more

What to Pair with BCAAs

• Protein powder: an easy way to add protein to your day
• Pre-workout: check both labels for caffeine and shared ingredients such as citrulline
• Hydration formulas: electrolyte drinks for long sessions
• Creatine: unflavoured creatine can be mixed into your BCAA drink

Why Buy BCAAs from Nutrition Warehouse?

• BCAA supplements from trusted brands, all in one place
• Expert advice in-store and online across 120+ locations
• Click & Collect available same day
• SameDaySupps delivery in select metro areas
• Free shipping over $150
• Best Price Guarantee: we'll beat any competitor by $1 and throw in a free shaker
• 5 Scoop Guarantee: try up to five scoops and return it if you're not satisfied