BulkSupplementscom BCAA 2:1:1 Powder - Branched Chain Amino Acids, BCAA Supplement, BCAAs Amino Acids Powder - Unflavored & Gluten Free, 1000mg per Serving, 500g (1.1 lbs) (Pack of 1)

I think it's best if I give a quick rundown of my past BCAA experience before grading this. I have been using this for a couple of weeks after switching from Aminocore BCAA, which is made by ALLMAX Nutrition. There is an ingredient in that product called Alpha K.I.C., which is supposed to help with fatigue, but I didn't personally notice any difference from the other BCAA brand I've taken in the past (Optimum BCAA, Cellucor BCAA, USP Labs Modern BCAA, and Scivation Xtend). In fact, I almost felt queasy when I took it, so I wanted to make a change. Now on to the actual review:First, I have seen some reviews complain about the taste. Yes, BCAAs in their natural form do not taste very good. The fact that these have that taste is a good thing, because the taste is pure BCAAs, and not a bunch of fillers and artificial ingredients. As someone who lives their life with a Paleo/Primal mindset, I don't want all of the artificial ingredients that come with flavored BCAA products. Now, you can easily mask this taste by adding it to juice, but I usually just mix with water and drink it down. QUICK TIP: BCAA powder will mix better in warm water than if you use cold water. I usually drink it with room temperature water so that I'm not left with a foamy mess on top.As far as performance goes, I would rate this as good as the other BCAA product I've taken; probably better than the Aminocore. There are no miracles in a bottle. This is a supplement, and should be treated as just that. With that said, I do work out fasted, and this does help me get through my workouts without hitting a wall. I'm sure the black coffee before hand helps, but the BCAA will help give your body some form of fuel, and they really help prevent crashing, dizziness, and stomach aches.In terms of value, I think this is where it hits the mark. Do you see a fancy plastic tub with superstar athletes on it? Is there a flashy metallic label anywhere? Have you read about this brand in a muscle magazine, or seen their products advertised on the internet? No to all of those questions, right? Good. That means you aren't paying for the marketing, and you're paying for the product. BulkSupplements relies on their product to sell without all of the fluff and marketing. Looking at the reviews, I think they do a very good job of it. I take 10 grams of BCAA's either before I train or when I wake up on non-training days. If my math is correct, I'm getting 50 servings for $30. Most other BCAA's will cost you $25 - $30 for 30 servings, so there is definite value here.Next, I want to hit on the fact that this product is manufactured in China. If you don't want to purchase this product because of that reason, I respect that, but please keep in mind that over two-thirds of the BCAAs consumed in the U.S. come from China. If you question the larger supplement companies on where they manufacture their BCAAs, don't expect an open and honest response like one reviewer received. Now if you are able to find a U.S. supplier, be prepared to pay a premium price. Even then you most likely won't be supplied with reports showing where they derive the BCAAs from. I have conducted research in this area, and the difference between China and U.S. manufactured BCAAs is marginal. As I mentioned, this a supplement. The majority of your BCCA consumption should come from high quality grass-fed meats, eggs, and quality protein sources. For a weight-loss or training aid, you can't go wrong with this product.Finally, I like what this company is doing. They're offering people supplements at a fair price, and are backing it with honest customer service. The product description isn't telling you that you'll "get ripped", "lose massive amounts of fat", or providing any other ridiculous claims. It only states information that I've seen backed up by a lot of research, and I like that honesty in a supplement world filled with false claims that over promise results.

I really like this company and all their products I tried so far, and I have tried quite a few!Great quality in a non-flashy, sturdy bag that has a zip-lock. All products have very little or no smell from I could tell and more importantly, they all mixed really well with my drinks. The one that smelled kinda bad was Agmatine.Now, back to BCAA. I didn't know anything about this product but after buying some of their other products they sent me an e-mail asking me to pick a product to receive as a free sample (free shipping too) and all they asked was a review of it! How cool is that?So, after some browsing the list of their products and some online research, I decided on trying the BCAA. They sent me a 100gr bag! First week I didn't get a chance to consume it properly, then started using the suggested 1500mg but once a day. I felt slightly better after workouts but nothing significant. Then I wised up and started using 2-3 times a day, at least one 30-45 minutes before workouts and one about an hour after. Wow, even after only 2 workouts the result was impressive. On non-workout days, I still consume at least one dose but ideally and normally 2 doses. I will increase it to 3 on workout days as suggested on the package.It is, after all, what you are supposed to do, experiment on your own, but, prudently! The smarter and safer way is to start your dose on the small side. For instance, if recommended dosage is 1000mg (1gr) 3 times a day, start with 250mg or 500mg once or twice a day and observe your body's reaction for a few days and see if you notice the expected/anticipated changes or not. If not or very small, then increase the dosage and times, simple as that.I was so impressed with the product that I just ordered another 250g bag. I typically order bigger amounts so I can have a stash of the same supplements at home as well as at work (I hit the Gym right after work) which ensures that I get to take them at the suggested intervals. Along with Glutamine and AAKG, BCAA become a must for me. I have no post-workout soreness and I noticed I can last quite a bit longer in the gym just by taking the above 3. I am 43 and after a solid 60-90 minute workout, I have no problem riding my motorcycle back home. I still feel energetic and alert. Even if I get less than ideal hours of sleep, I noticed I was feeling peppier, sharper, and I am far from a morning person!Remember to consult your doctor beforehand if you have any doubts, or if you experience any issues after taking any kind of supplement. So far, no issues with any of the supplements from this vendor, very impressed with the company, their prices, their customer service and of course, their products.Highly recommended!My pre-workout stack (occasionally changing as it is an ongoing discovery):1500mg L-Glutamine1500mg AAKG1500mg BCAA500mg-750mg Beta Alanine2000mg L-Arginine2000mg L-Carnitine1000mg-2000mg Creatine+ occasionally:750mg Agmatine - currently experimenting withI don't really lift heavy or push myself like I did when I was in my 20s but once in a blue moon, if I feel like pushing the old muscles a bit further, then I increase the AAKG, Beta Alanine, Creatine by 1000mg-1500mg more, and also add 1000mg L-Citrulline Malate plus 25mg-30mg of Dendrobium, which I got for testing.Post workout:1500mg-3000mg L-Glutamine1500mg AAKG1500mg BCAAThe only issues I encounter were:Once by accident, I took about 2000mg of Beta Alanine with the rest of the list. It was late in the afternoon and I turned into Hulk, yes I had way more power and felt good but I was a little too wired and made it very hard to fall asleep.Creatine may cause slight bloating or stomach discomfort, especially if taking with water on an empty stomach. too much of it can actually cause bowel movement in some cases but nothing sudden or extreme. I always mix Creatine with a low carb drink and eat a non-citrus fruit like a banana right before.I also take Acetyl L-Carnitine which actually does everything regular L-Carnitine does but it also hits the brain so it is awesome in the mornings, before breakfast but not so wise to take it later in the day.Anyhow, I yapped a bit too much and perhaps digress a tad too, if indeed so, please forgive me!Cheers,SMA