Supplements can provide an assist for those looking to pack on some muscle. However, the number of supplements designed to help you earn that jacked physique goes well beyond the best protein powders. The best supplements for muscle growth encompass a number of different categories, from pre-workouts and creatine to BCAAs and beyond. The key is in determining which are right for your goals, and which products work best with your current training and nutrition regimens.
Naturally, it can be difficult to wade through hundreds of dietary supplements across different categories to determine which capsule or powder works best for your in-gym progress. To help you make your decision, we’ve compiled our notes from years of hands-on experience with supplements and consulted with our in-house experts to compile a list of our favorite supplements for muscle growth. Get your lifting playlist primed up — we’re going to make some gains with this round-up.
The Best Supplements for Muscle Growth in 2024
- Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs BULK
- Best Protein Powder for Muscle Growth: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
- Best Carb Supplement for Muscle Growth: Nutricost Maltodextrin
- Best Testosterone Booster for Muscle Growth: Testofuel Testosterone Booster
- Best Creatine for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
- Best Beta-Alanine for Muscle Growth: Nutricost Beta-Alanine
- Best Multivitamin for Muscle Growth: Legion Triumph
- Best BCAAs for Muscle Growth: Momentous Vital Aminos
- Best Mass Gainer for Muscle Growth: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.
Best Supplements for Muscle Growth Video Review
Tag along with Nick English as he breaks down our top picks for the best muscle-building supplements on the market in 2024.
Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs BULK
Transparent Labs BULK contains all-natural ingredients and big doses of L-citrulline malate and beta-alanine to promote muscle gain for your next workout. Transparent Labs is also offering 25% off sitewide from November 28 through December 3, and all orders over $150 will receive a free gift bundle including a gym bag, shaker bottle, and free samples of popular products.
Specs
- Supplement Type: Pre-workout
- Price Per Serving: $1.67
- Key Ingredients: 8,000mg citrulline malate, 2,500mg betaine, 4,000mg beta-alanine, 300mg alpha-GPC, 200mg caffeine
- Available Flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi, Piña Colada, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Peach Mango, Sour Grape, Watermelon, Watermelon Peach, Cherry Splash, Blueberry Pomegranate, Tropical Punch
A good start to your training sessions can go a long way in promoting muscle growth. As such, one of the best pre-workout supplements can be an excellent addition to your regimen if increased strength is your main goal. For our money, Transparent Labs BULK hits all the right notes thanks to well-dosed ingredients, an enjoyable flavor profile, and excellent solubility that takes little effort to mix before a hard-nosed lifting session.
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian and our expert reviewer, appreciates the robust formulation that includes key doses of common pre-workout ingredients, stating: “Transparent Labs BULK packs in the citrulline malate with 8 grams per serving, which is on the upper end of what research has shown beneficial to exercise performance. Same with the beta-alanine — you get 4 grams per serving. Talk about bang for your buck.”
We do caution, though, that the 4 grams of beta-alanine can lead to a tingling sensation underneath your skin. (1) While this is sometimes welcomed by athletes, we understand that the experience may be too much to bear for some, especially those new to taking pre-workout.
In terms of taste, our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored this pre-workout powder at 5 out of 5. “I tested the classic Blue Raspberry flavor and really liked it. The powder wasn’t overly sweet, which was a plus for me, as I tend to forgo sugary beverages,” they state.
Additionally, our tester rated the overall effects at 5 out of 5, claiming this pre-workout delivered an enhanced sense of focus that could be great for dialing in on your strength goals. Plus, the 200 milligrams of caffeine — half of the recommended daily limit — didn’t lead to any unwanted crashes post-workout. (24)
If you are more tolerant of caffeine and want a harder-hitting punch of energy before your session, the strongest pre-workouts can deliver upwards of 400 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
Lastly, this Transparent Labs offering is a go-to for our muscle-bound aspirations thanks to the litany of flavors available. With 12 tastes to choose from, you can stay energized for months without worrying about flavor burnout.
Why Are Pre-Workouts Good for Muscle Growth?
While pre-workouts may not directly affect hypertrophy, they may facilitate muscle growth indirectly by helping you push through harder, more intense workouts. Beta-alanine, betaine, and citrulline are all supplements that may come in a pre-workout supplement (or can be taken alone). Consider what pre-workout supplements would most benefit your training and read up on different ingredient descriptions.
Read our full Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout Review.
Best Protein Powder for Muscle Growth: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
Dig into this easily digesting grass-fed whey isolate that provides 25 grams of protein with each lean 110 calorie scoop. It comes in three tasty flavors at a cost-effective price making it a solid choice for nearly anyone.
Specs
- Supplement Type: Whey protein isolate
- Price Per Serving: Starting at $0.93
- Key Ingredients: 25g grass-fed whey protein isolate, 1g sucralose, 10mg stevia extract
- Available Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Blueberry Muffin, Cinnamon French Toast, Unflavored, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Vanilla, Peanut Butter
Protein shakes and powders can be great muscle-building supplements thanks to their effect on muscle protein synthesis. (26) If your body is well-fueled with protein, your muscles can be better equipped to grow and prosper as you train them each day. Authentic ISO from Jacked Factory is one of the best whey protein powders we’ve tested, its lean formulation helps to limit the carb and fat counts per serving while still retaining an abundance of the essential amino acid.
The formulation of this whey protein isolate packs 25 grams of protein per dose, along with up to 4 grams of carbs and up to 1.5 grams of fat. This can be an excellent makeup— which Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian, rates a 4.25 out of 5 — for athletes wanting a protein source that allows them to focus on protein counts over other macros.
Bourgeois also appreciates the flavor variety featured in this whey protein powder. “If you’re prone to getting bored with your protein powder flavors, you’ll likely be excited about Jacked Factory’s dessert-inspired options,” she says. There are nine different flavors to choose from, and our tester, a certified personal trainer, scores the taste at 4 out of 5.
“I tried the Vanilla offering. It was very true to the taste — almost too sweet for my palate. However, I can easily see why athletes regularly turn to this powder for their protein intake,” they add.
Your chosen flavor will also influence your calories per serving — between 110 and 140 per dose. While this may be too few calories for athletes in a bulking phase, it can be enough to keep you satiated in between whole-food meals.
In terms of price, this Jacked Factory offering sits in the middle of most protein powders, available for $1.33 per serving. On average, you can expect to find high-quality protein for costs between $1 and $1.75. Be mindful, though, that Authentic ISO is sweetened with sucralose and stevia. Studies have shown that these sweetening agents can cause GI distress. (25) If you’re prone to upset stomachs after ingesting protein shakes, you may want to look for a cleaner protein formulation.
Finally, we worked with an accredited, third-party lab to test more than 150 protein powders for accuracy and purity. Jacked Factory landed in the top 50% overall, earning a C. See our results below.
Why Is Protein Powder Good for Muscle Growth?
A staple supplement for bodybuilders and casual gymgoers, protein is one of the three macronutrients and is most helpful for hypertrophy. Whether you choose between whey isolate, concentrate, or other protein forms, studies have shown that supplementing with protein powders can lead to more muscle thickness. (19)
When we put our bodies through resistance training, our muscle fibers tear. It takes the right building materials (like protein), to repair and strengthen these fibers. Protein powder is a quick, easy way to ensure you hit your daily protein counts, even when you don’t have solid foods available.
Best Carb Supplement for Muscle Growth: Nutricost Maltodextrin
A very inexpensive carb supplement that's all natural, non-GMO, and third party tested. Nutricost Maltodextrin comes in three different purchasing options: 2lbs, 4lbs, and 8lbs.
Specs
- Supplement Type: Carbohydrates
- Price Per Serving: $0.16
- Key Ingredients: Maltodextrin
- Available Flavors: N/A
Carbs can be helpful for maintaining a slow-burning energy store for training and can also be beneficial for post-workout recovery. Rather than trying to down an entire loaf of bread each day, though, carb supplements like Nutricost Maltodextrin can be quick, simple solutions to hitting this macro count. We think it’s one of the best carb supplements because of its worthwhile dosage of maltodextrin.
We also like Nutricost’s simple formula. This product only has one ingredient: maltodextrin. Our team likes that there are no unwanted fillers or artificial sweeteners. However, we had to give the formula a 4 out of 5 rating, as we do wish it were third-party tested.
We’d be remiss, though, if we didn’t call out the price of this carb supplement. At a mere $0.16 per serving, this product definitely earned a 5 out of 5 rating for value. You can even subscribe to recurring deliveries and save 20%.
Why Are Carb Supplements Good for Muscle Growth?
Carb powder is another supplement best used either intra-workout or post-workout, depending on your needs. During a workout, carb supps may help provide sustained energy. After training, this supplement can help refuel your depleted muscles. Glycogen (the form of stored carbohydrates in our bodies) is an important metabolic fuel to keep your body from using muscle instead of glycogen stores for energy. (20)
Best Testosterone Booster for Muscle Growth: Testofuel Testosterone Booster
Testofuel uses an up-to-date formula with large doses of each included ingredient to help optimize your muscle growth. All-natural ingredients such as d-aspartic acid, vitamin D, and oyster extract help to support your body’s natural production of testosterone and muscle, making this product a great choice for those looking to pack on some gains.
Specs
- Supplement Type: Testosterone booster
- Price Per Serving: $2
- Key Ingredients: 2,000mg D-aspartic acid, 100mg ginseng, 180mg maca root, 100mg oyster extract, 50mg fenugreek, 4,000 IU vitamin D3, 18mcg vitamin K2, 70mg magnesium, 10mg zinc, 8mg boron
- Available Flavors: N/A
Disclaimer: Please note that supplementing with a testosterone booster can make serious changes to your hormonal levels. Younger athletes still in their reproductive years could become reliant on the supplement, potentially resulting in low-T levels once a regimen has stopped. These supplements are also not designed for transmasculine athletes: please consult a trans-affirming medical professional if you are looking for access to hormone replacement therapy. Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any testosterone booster protocol.
Testosterone is a hormone that plays a major role in several functions in the body. Notably, it has a positive correlation with boosting skeletal muscle hypertrophy. In other words: more muscle, better strength, and increased power. (12) We think Testofuel is one of the best testosterone boosters because of the 11 ingredients in its formulation that can provide the potential for better muscle growth.
They include 4,000IU of vitamin D3, which can aid in testosterone production; 2,000 milligrams of D-aspartic acid, which has been shown to increase testosterone levels naturally in the body; and oyster extract, which can promote testosterone synthesis in the body. (13)(14)(15)
This heavy-hitting lineup of ingredients can potentially stimulate testosterone production, leading to more net muscle growth over time. Testofuel has three buying options — the most expensive comes out to $2 per serving. If you opt to buy the 2 or 3-month supply, you’ll score a better price tag and some freebies, such as a month’s worth of Testofuel, an extra test booster, a video guide, a nutrition book, and free shipping worldwide to go with it. As such, we rate the value at 4 out of 5.
Testosterone can potentially boost skeletal musculature, which may help you on your journey to gain mass. If you’re looking to level up your muscle growth by boosting testosterone, the ingredients in this formula may be just what you’ve been looking for.
Why Are Testosterone Boosters Good for Muscle Growth?
Testosterone plays a heavy role in your body’s ability to produce lean muscle mass. (29) As we age, though, bioavailable levels of the helpful hormone can begin to drop by 2 or 3 percent each year. (30) In order to combat this drop, testosterone boosters can be a great way to help ensure your body has a stockpile of the required androgen hormone for muscle protein synthesis. Older athletes can also benefit from testosterone supplements in other ways, such as increased libido, improved mood, and boosted energy levels.
[Related: Do Testosterone Supplements Actually Work?]
Best Creatine for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
This top-tier creatine supplement from Transparent Labs incorporates HMB to possibly increase strength and preserve muscle more than taking either supplement alone. This is a high-quality product that comes unflavored, or in a variety of tasty flavors. Transparent Labs is also offering 25% off sitewide from November 28 through December 3, and all orders over $150 will receive a free gift bundle including a gym bag, shaker bottle, and free samples of popular products.
Specs
- Supplement Type: Creatine monohydrate
- Price Per Serving: Starting at $1.50
- Key Ingredients: 5,000mg creatine monohydrate, 1,500mg β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), 5mg BioPerine, 12.5mcg vitamin D3
- Available Flavors: Unflavored, Blue Raspberry, Sour Grape, Tropical Punch, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Orange, Hawaiian Splash, Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemonade
Creatine may just be one of the most widely-studied supplements on the market given its significant influence on energy production, lean muscle mass, cognitive improvements, and more. (3) As such, adding creatine to your regimen for the sake of muscle growth can be a no-brainer, especially if you’re adding Creatine HMB from Transparent Labs to the mix.
Not only does this powder, one of the best creatine supplements we’ve tested, come equipped with 5 grams of creatine monohydrate — a recommended dosage for athletic performance — but there are also 1.5 grams of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB). (32) This metabolite of leucine has been shown to help promote better recovery by limiting muscle breakdown. (31) “Plus, I like that this creatine formula contains 5 milligrams of BioPerine to help increase bioavailability,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian and our expert reviewer, who scores the formulation at 4.5 out of 5.
We also appreciate Creatine HMB for its wide array of available flavors. Yes, there is an unflavored option that can be easily added to other supplement concoctions throughout your day, but our tester, a certified personal trainer, finds the flavored options to be just as enjoyable. “I tried the Black Cherry variety, and while my mixture was slightly watered down, I think many athletes would appreciate the more subtle taste notes,” they say. We score Creatine HMB at 4 out of 5 for taste.
As palate-pleasing as this powder is, though, we do recommend paying close attention to your mixing procedure. We score this Transparent Labs offering at 3.5 out of 5 for solubility because of a repeated case of clumps and residue. You will likely need to blend this powder vigorously (or mix with a countertop blender) before consumption in order to alleviate these “floatie” leftovers.
Creatine HMB is on the more expensive side of the category, with prices starting at $1.50 per serving. Other creatines can typically cost around 50 cents per dose. However, we do like that the brand offers 30- and 60-serving containers. Yes, the price is somewhat steep, but at least you can be well-stocked for multiple weeks without having to worry about repeat orders.
Why Is Creatine Good for Muscle Growth?
Creatine is a supplement that has been shown to promote statistically significant increases in strength, fat-free mass in the body, and performance for high-intensity training. (4) These reasons alone make it, along with protein, one of the most popular workout supplements on the market. Creatine, when taken as directed, may increase strength, allowing you to lift heavier weights. It may also boost endurance, leading to longer and harder workouts — which in turn, may promote muscle growth.
Read our full Transparent Labs Creatine HMB Review.
Best Beta-Alanine for Muscle Growth: Nutricost Beta-Alanine
Nutricost's beta alanine supplement offers a clean formula with zero added ingredients or unwanted sweeteners. You can also subscribe and save 20%.
Specs
- Supplement Type: Beta-alanine
- Price Per Serving: $0.10
- Key Ingredients: Beta-alanine
- Available Flavors: None
Found in even the best natural pre-workout supplements, beta-alanine is a supplement that increases the carnosine in your muscles, which can help minimize muscle fatigue, promoting better recovery.
Our favorite, among the many on the market, is Nutricost Beta-Alanine. Nutricost keeps their formula pretty simple, earning a 4 out of 5 rating in this category. The only ingredient in this product is beta-alanine with no added fillers or sweeteners. Plus, it’s even third-party tested.
However, our team does wish there were a few flavor options. This beta-alanine supplement only comes unflavored, so we recommend mixing it with your favorite sports drink or an electrolyte powder.
After comparing this product to others, we gave the value a 5 out of 5 rating, given it’s approachable price point. One 167-serving container costs $16.97, which is only about $0.10 per serving. But you can subscribe to recurring deliveries and save 20%.
Why is beta-alanine good for muscle growth?
Beta-alanine may help enhance high-intensity exercise. (35) This supplement increases your muscles’ carnosine concentrations, which can help reduce muscle fatigue and may help promote improved performance.
[Related: Best Beta-Alanine Supplements for Purity, Pre-Workout, and More]
Best Multivitamin for Muscle Growth: Legion Triumph
This supplement has separate options for men and women and packs over a dozen vitamins and minerals. Each eight-capsule serving contains 500 milligrams of ashwagandha, 30 milligrams of zinc.
Specs
- Supplement Type: Multivitamin
- Price Per Serving: $1.16
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A (450mcg), C (90mg), D (50mcg), E (17mg), K (500mcg), B2 (20mg), B6 (15mg), B12 (600mcg), 50mg calcium, 30mg zinc, 225mcg iodine, 52mcg potassium
- Available Flavors: N/A
Your body needs proper vitamin and mineral counts to perform even the most basic of tasks, and growing muscle is no different. As such, adding one of the best multivitamins to your regimen can be a simple yet effective way to bolster your resistance training and nutrition plan. We really like Legion Triumph as a trustworthy companion for muscle gain and general health and wellness.
“Legion Triumph covers many of your vitamin and mineral needs in full, all sourced from natural ingredients like grape seed, olive, and marigold extracts,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, who gave the formula a 4.5 out of 5 rating. “You even get other impressive compounds, like ashwagandha, in research-backed doses.”
One such ingredient is vitamin B12 — an essential mineral responsible for delivering oxygen to your muscles. (34) The 600-microgram serving is 25,000% of your daily value, so you can rest assured that your body is well-equipped to give your gains the O2 it needs throughout the day.
Additionally, our tester rates these capsules at 5 out of 5 for sizing but a 2 out of 5 for convenience. “The pills aren’t too big or anything — they’re smaller than a quarter,” our tester said. “But you have to take eight capsules per serving, which is definitely a hassle.”
Why Are Multivitamins Good for Muscle Growth?
Multivitamins can serve as a catch-all to help support your muscle cells and overall health. The litany of micronutrients and vitamins contained in their formulations can address any potential deficiencies you have, lending to potential energy increases and more efficient muscle protein synthesis. Additionally, the minerals often contained in multivitamins like calcium, iron, and magnesium can be helpful when it comes to muscle recovery.
Best BCAAs for Muscle Growth: Momentous Vital Aminos
This supplement blends nine essential amino acids to help build strength and improve your performance. One bag costs $44.95 and comes in a tropical punch flavor.
Specs
- Supplement Type: BCAA
- Price Per Serving: $1.49
- Key Ingredients: 2,500mg L-leucine, 725mg L-lysine HCI, 625mg L-isoleucine, 625mg L-valine, 525mg L-arginine, 470mg alpha ketoglutaric acid, 375mg L-threonine, 350mg L-phenylalanine, 300mg L-histidine HCI, 150mg L-cystine, 50mg L-methionine, 30mg L-tyrosine, 20mg L-tryptophan
- Available Flavors: Tropical Punch
The best BCAA supplements are another great supplement for training thanks to their influence on hydration and muscle recovery. (10) However, if you’re looking to fuel your muscle growth, it may be beneficial to opt for a formulation with higher counts of l-leucine — a vital amino acid that studies show can positively influence lean muscle mass gain. (33) With 2,500 milligrams of l-leucine per scoop, Momentous’ Vital Aminos is our go-to BCAA powder for stacking on strength.
In addition to the l-leucine, this supplement features all nine essential amino acids for a well-rounded makeup. “Our bodies can’t make essential amino acids, so we have to get them through our diet,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer and a registered dietitian. “While you can get them from a variety of foods, Vital Aminos makes it easy. Get all nine in one scoop. It’s also Informed Sport certified!”
While the certifications are nice, and we appreciate the BCAAs and EAAs in one scoop, we do wish that the flavor roster was longer than the lone Tropical Punch offering. We rate the flavor at 2 out of 5, as the taste practically needs to be its own standalone beverage — you run the risk of cross-blending too many flavors if you’re looking to add Vital Aminos to your pre-workout or intra-workout concoctions.
Additionally, we score the price at 3 out of 5 given its higher $1.49 cost per serving. Other BCAA supplements can typically cost below $1.25, with some even totaling below $0.50.
However, we do appreciate that Momentous offers a subscription service that could potentially save you some coin. You choose your preferred delivery cadence, and the price per serving drops to $1.19.
Lastly, Bourgeois does caution that while the 4:1:1 ratio of L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine may be beneficial for muscle growth, the jury is still out on its effectiveness for all athletes. “While more might be better for some, this increased ratio of BCAAs isn’t well-researched, giving me pause on the formula,” she notes.
Why Are BCAAs Good for Muscle Growth?
BCAAs may help maximize potential muscle growth benefits. As three of the nine essential amino acids, BCAAS are fairly eclectic, as they may help benefit recovery and mental focus for tough training. (7) You can take this supplement at just about any point before, after, or during your workout.
[Related: BCAAs Vs. EAAs]
Best Mass Gainer for Muscle Growth: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
This mass gainer is packed with calories and is among the best-tasting mass gainer products we've tried. You can get it in chocolate or vanilla flavors.
Specs
- Supplement Type: Mass gainer
- Price Per Serving: $4.50
- Key Ingredients: Whey protein concentrate, gluten-free oat flour, maltodextrin, milk protein concentrate, MCT oil powder, sucralose, DigeZyme enzyme complex
- Available Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
If we’re talking mass and muscle, the best mass gainers can be prime selections for your daily routine. These calorie-rich powders can help you maintain a calorie surplus for weight gain while also delivering key doses of macronutrients, most notably protein. With up to 488 calories and up to 31.8 grams of protein per serving, we’re impressed by Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer.
While this powder is only available in Chocolate or Vanilla flavors, the breakdown of the formulation is what keeps us coming back for more. In addition to the aforementioned calorie and protein counts, Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer also features DigeZyme — a trademarked enzyme complex that can help with digestion. This enzyme complex can be especially beneficial given the presence of lactose in the formulation — which we rated at 3 out of 5 — that can lead to some unwanted stomach rumblings and GI distress.
In terms of solubility, we strongly recommend using a countertop blender. Our tester, a Level-2 USA Weightlifting coach, scores the solubility at 2 out of 5, stating, “The instructions say to add 4 scoops to a blender bottle with up to 16 ounces of water. I don’t see how you can’t create anything but a paste with those guidelines. I tried this supplement in a motorized blender, though, and it was much easier to take down.”
We also attribute the rough mixing capabilities to the presence of gluten-free oat flour in the formulation. This can be great for extra calories and carbs throughout the day, but it can cake up a blender ball rather easily.
Finally, this mass gainer can be a great pick for those in a bulking phase, but the extra calories may be unwanted if you’re solely focused on putting on lean muscle mass. For those situations, a less-dense whey or plant-based protein may be the ticket of choice. If you are, however, trying to stay in a calorie surplus as you grow your muscles via nutrition and training, this can be an excellent option for your regimen.
Why Are Mass Gainers Good for Muscle Growth?
Given the higher macro counts and calories than other protein powders available, mass gainer supplements can be high-quality solutions for athletes wanting to put on some size in addition to their muscle mass. Additionally, some mass gainers can contain vitamins and minerals in varying amounts for a promoted sense of wellness overall. However, they aren’t a great option for those looking to keep a lean physique as they strengthen their frame. You’d likely be better off with a whey- or plant-based protein if this is your preferred trajectory in fitness.
[Related: Mass Gainer Pros and Cons]
How We Tested and Chose the Best Supplements for Muscle Growth
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best supplements for muscle growth available today, we’ve tested hundreds of different profiles across different supplement categories, using the BarBend supplement testing methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.
- Supplement Type: We looked for products spanning different categories to help athletes find the ideal picks to help bolster their in-gym performance. This round-up includes supplements that focus on pre-, intra-, and post-workout assistance when it comes to packing on muscle. To cast as wide a net as possible, we also broke down how each supplement category could be beneficial for individuals looking to add some musculature to their frame.
- Price: We realize that not everyone is working with the same budget, and have included a wide range of prices on this list. Rest assured, though, that we think even the highest price tags we placed on this list are worth the cost.
- Accuracy and Transparency: We looked for prominent, trustworthy formulations that were backed by clinical research and/or certified by independent labs. Additionally, we conducted our own investigations into each pick to further our confidence in adding a product to this round-up.
- Personal Experience: In addition to the background research, we also looked to spend as much time as possible with the products included in this guide to determine key factors outside what’s included on a label. While some of the results from these muscle-boosting supplements can’t be seen in short trial periods, we did look at how they influenced our training in the meantime, too.
- Dosage: We looked at each ingredient across these supplements to ensure the dosages were in line with the recommended daily intake. On the opposite side of the coin, we also looked to ensure that dosages weren’t beyond the maximum servings, especially if an ingredient is less tolerable by the masses. We also tried our best to steer clear of proprietary blends. These mixtures of multiple ingredients tend to have less transparency than standalone measurements, allowing brands to hide their actual serving sizes and potentially leave you underserved in the process.
[Related: Supplement Ingredients to Look For]
Benefits of Supplements for Muscle Growth
The vast majority of supplements are targeted at either improving muscle growth or supporting weight loss. If you’re looking to build lean mass, a few muscle growth supplements may help. The supplements on this list can help improve recovery, fill nutritional gaps in your diet, and potentially improve your workout performance.
- Improved Recovery: Your results are only as good as your recovery. When your body recovers, it repairs damaged muscle tissue, leaving stronger muscles behind. There are countless ways to potentially enhance recovery, supplementation included. Picking up a high-quality whey protein or carb supplement can help refuel your muscles, promoting overall recovery and, therefore, performance.
- Diet Supplementation: You can hit it hard in the gym every day, but if your nutrition and diet aren’t on point, then you’re probably not seeing the right results. Supplements like creatine, protein powder, carbs, and BCAAs, among others, may be the key to unlocking hidden gains. When life is particularly busy, and you need a quick refuel after a workout, supplements can help.
- Better Workouts: Adding a pre-workout (or another training-focused supplement) to your routine can be a great way to potentially push harder and longer at the gym. Supplements for muscle growth, like creatine, betaine, beta-alanine, carnitine, and pre-workout, may be the thing to help you push out a few last reps.
What to Consider Before Buying Supplements for Muscle Growth
Adding supplements to your stack to bulk up and pack on muscle can be intimidating with so many options on the market, and so many factors to consider. Before you dive into your search, here are a few things to mull over.
Your Fitness Goals
No supplement can magically build stronger muscles without consistent resistance training and nutrition. That being said, if muscle growth is your main goal, it’s important to ask what you lack in your daily lineup to achieve as much growth as possible. If you fail to hit your protein goals, a protein powder is a must-have. If you want better focus as you lift to strengthen your muscle-mind connection, you may want to try beta-alanine.
It’s important to remember that each person may respond differently to individual products. Do your own research, check in with your healthcare provider, and think about what gaps you may need to fill in order to make the most of your training and daily diet.
Ingredients
Each product on this list has a different ingredient list, and it’s important to pay close attention to each individual component. As we all have different allergies, pre-existing conditions, and personal preferences, it’s always best to thoroughly read the label before you buy.
Supplement Type
We created a list that suits various goals for different folks — bodybuilders, athletes, gym-goers, and your average joe looking to gain more muscle. We picked a several types of supplements, including pre-workout, intra-workout, and post-workout options.
Price
Supplement prices can vary dramatically depending on what you’re looking for. The ingredient list in these supplements varies and their price tags will vary as well. We chose supplements that fit BarBend’s integrity and that we felt were worth their price tag based on their ingredient list, dosage, and supplement type.
A supplement with a stacked ingredient list will likely show up at a higher price point, while simpler supplements that have fewer ingredients usually sport a lower price tag.
Supplements for Muscle Growth FAQs
Do I need to take all of these supplements for muscle growth if I want to build muscle?
The short answer here is no. You don’t need to take any supplements to see muscle growth; however, if you’re looking to get the most out of your training, it can be extremely beneficial to add supplements to your daily routine. Creatine, for example, is a widely researched and well-regarded supplement that is proven to help promote muscle gains. (2) It isn’t necessary to see results, but it can be a helpful tool. It’s also important to note that you likely won’t see muscle gain without the addition of resistance training and a healthy diet of whole foods, even if you’re taking the right supplements.
How do you use muscle-building supplements effectively?
The way to maximize the potential gains you’ll receive from any supplement, muscle-building products included, is to take them consistently in the recommended doses. Companies put a lot of effort into figuring out how much of an ingredient people should take for the most effect, so it’s usually best to follow the instructions and stay on track with taking your supps consistently for the most effectiveness.
What is the best supplement for muscle growth?
There are countless supplements on the market intended to support muscle growth, but sometimes a simple approach might be the most effective. For example, we’re big fans of Transparent Labs BULK pre-workout, as it has a variety of well-dosed ingredients that may aid in muscle gain. It contains a large 8,000-milligram dose of citrulline in order to help support blood flow and recovery. (1) Each scoop also has caffeine for energy and ingredients that can potentially help with focus, like alpha-GPC and taurine.
What muscle building supplement works the fastest?
There is no magic formula that will transport you directly to your goal, but there are certainly supplements whose effects you will notice more quickly than others, like the best pump pre-workouts. Pre-workout is an excellent example since you will usually feel the effects within 30 minutes of taking it. You may be able to push harder, have more energy, and achieve improved pumps right away. Other supps, like protein powders or creatine, work over time and you may not notice results for a few weeks.
Are these supplements for muscle growth safe to take?
All the supplements that we have on our lists here at BarBend have been researched for the integrity and effectiveness of their formulations. It is important to remember that every person is different and the effects of each supplement may vary person to person. However, it is extremely important to always refer to your doctor or a medical professional when adding new supplements to your routine — especially if you have any prior conditions or health concerns.
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