If you’re looking for a helpful tool to bolster muscle growth and endurance levels in the gym, the best BCAA supplements can deliver thanks to their effectiveness in preventing muscle soreness. (1) Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy adds to those perks with a 100-milligram dosage of caffeine, giving you an added spark for better energy stores and focus mid-training. But how does this formulation actually stack up to the rest of the field? Well, that’s where we come in.
After testing over 25 different BCAA supplements using our supplement testing methodology protocols, we can identify where a certain product shines and where it leaves us wanting more. Amino Energy can be a good fit for athletes wanting extra amino acids in their regimen with a gentle zest of caffeine but may be energy overload for those already supplementing with a standalone pre-workout. In this Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy review, we’ll outline the entire formulation as well as provide insight from our experience with the supplement.
A combination BCAA and preworkout that could help with focus and endurance as well.
Medical disclaimer: 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 use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Main Takeaways
- While you get 5 grams of amino acids in each serving, the ratio is not disclosed given Optimum Nutrition’s use of a proprietary “Amino Blend.”
- There are 13 available flavors to choose from, and our tester notes that the great taste isn’t overly sweet as we’ve seen in other BCAA powders.
- You can purchase this supplement in 30- or 65-serving containers, although not all flavors are available in the larger tubs.
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Video Review
Watch as BarBend’s Nick English outlines this Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy’s benefits, drawbacks, taste, pricing, ingredients list, and more.
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Specs
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $0.77 |
| Serving Size | 9g (About 2 scoops) |
| BCAAs Per Serving | 5g |
| BCAA Ratio | Not listed |
| Available Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Blueberry Mojito, Citrus Spritz, Concord Grape, Fruit Fusion, Green Apple, Juicy Strawberry, Orange, Strawberry Lime, Tropical Sunrise, Watermelon, Wild Berry |
| Third-Party Testing | Informed Choice |
In each 9-gram serving of Amino Energy (which equates to roughly two scoops of powder), you can expect 5 grams of an “Amino Blend” containing both branched-chain amino acids and essential amino acids. While this BCAA dosage falls in the median of the 4 to 8 grams we’ve often found in other supplements, we do want to note that it’s not possible to determine the BCAA ratio given Optimum Nutrition’s use of a proprietary blend. Studies suggest a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine for optimal performance. (2)
[Related: BCAAs Vs. EAAs]
In addition to the Amino Blend, this Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy comes with 100 milligrams of caffeine per serving sourced from green coffee extract and green tea extract. This 100-milligram dosage isn’t nearly as much as you’d find in, say, some of the best pre-workout supplements, but it can be enough to get your motor up and running. For reference, your average cup of coffee carries roughly 95 milligrams of caffeine. (3)
Of course, though, you’ll need to be mindful of your caffeine tolerances and daily intake before consuming Amino Energy. Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, explains: “According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a generally safe amount of caffeine for healthy adults is 400 milligrams per day. Of course, caffeine impacts some individuals more than others, so be sure to think through your personal responses to the stimulant.”
It may be wise to opt for a caffeine-free BCAA powder if you’re already downing energy drinks, coffee, and pre-workout each day. This can be especially important if you’re trying to combine Amino Energy with some of the strongest pre-workouts out there before hitting the gym.
Other ingredient callouts for this BCAA powder include various emulsifiers and lubricants such as xanthan gum, soy and/or sunflower lecithin, and carrageenan. “These ingredients make Amino Energy very soluble and mixable, but they can lead to some GI distress in athletes with more sensitive stomachs,” notes our product tester, a certified personal trainer.
In terms of available flavors, Amino Energy has a vast assortment with 13 varieties to choose from. Our tester states that the flavors are sweet but tooth-rotting like other BCAAs out there. “I also want to call out the use of sucralose here,” they note. “While I didn’t have any issues with this artificial additive, I understand that some may try to avoid artificial sweeteners.”
Lastly, you can purchase Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy in two container sizes of 30 and 65 servings. This can help keep costs low with prices per serving starting at $0.77. However, we do note that not every flavor is available in every container size, meaning you may be confined to 30-serving tubs if your favorite taste isn’t part of the bulk size category.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy
While BCAA benefits can be helpful for those wanting to support muscle growth and training endurance, we understand that not every powder is right for every athlete. Below are a few camps we feel could benefit from Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy, as well as a few that may fare better with a different formulation.
Recommended for:
- Athletes looking to support muscle recovery and muscle growth with a tasty, easy-to-drink supplement
- Individuals wanting an extra spark of energy to go along with their BCAA consumption
- Those looking for a BCAA powder available in multiple flavors and tastes
Not Recommended for:
- Those wanting a concrete BCAA ratio rather than a proprietary blend of branched-chain and essential amino acids
- Athletes trying to avoid artificial sweeteners
- Caffeine-averse individuals or those already taking a pre-workout supplement before training
Our Experience Using Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy
We tested this Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy using the same protocol we’ve used for 25+ other BCAA supplements we’ve trialed over the years. We examine the fine details of the formulation, looking at all the listed ingredients across the range of available flavors. We also note how well this powder mixes in our favorite shaker bottles, and (of course) provide insight on the taste and flavor notes. We then rate this Optimum Nutrition offering in each category using a scale from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
Ingredients and Formulation
You can essentially break Amino Energy into two components — the “Energy Blend” composed of green coffee extract and green tea extract, and the “Amino Blend” containing the branched-chain and essential amino acids. This Amino Blend contains a fair amount of BCAAs and EAAs, including the following:
- Micronized taurine
- Micronized l-glutamine
- Micronized l-arginine
- Micronized l-leucine
- Beta-alanine
- Micronized l-citrulline
- Micronized l-isoleucine
- Micronized l-valine
- Micronized l-tyrosine
- Micronized l-histidine
- Micronized l-lysine hydrochloride
- Micronized l-phenylalanine
- Micronized l-threonine
- Micronized l-methionine
“While I appreciate the inclusion of virtually every amino acid — tryptophan is omitted — I do wish the dosages weren’t hidden behind a proprietary blend,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer.
We rate the formulation at 2 out of 5 as it can be assumed that none of the included amino acids are near their recommended dosages. For reference, the standard dosage of beta-alanine is between 2 and 5 grams daily. (4) If the entire proprietary blend is just 5 grams in total, there’s no room to include proper servings for each EAA.
[Related: Best Beta-Alanine]
As far as the Energy Blend is concerned, our tester compared the caffeine dosage to your typical cup of coffee. “It’s a gentle boost of energy that heightened my focus and served as a great pick me up, but I wouldn’t rely on this solely as a pre-workout. Even the best pre-workouts for beginners have more of an amp to them.”
Of course, though, it’s highly recommended that you calculate your total caffeine intake before using Amino Energy, especially if you already use a pre-workout supplement. Remember, the FDA recommends up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day — if your pre-workout already has between 150 and 200 milligrams, it could be overwhelming. (5)
[Related: How Much Caffeine is in Pre-Workout?]
Taste
While the proprietary amino acid blend is a bit of a letdown, Amino Energy redeems itself with its wide array of available flavors. Honestly, we aren’t surprised — we’ve dedicated an entire article to our favorite Optimum Nutrition flavors from the brand’s Gold Standard Whey Protein. Each taste is fruit-based, similar to other BCAA powders we’ve had in the past, but the sweetness is dialed down to that “just right” level regardless of which profile you choose.
“I trialed the Green Apple variety and it was perfect for my palate,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “It was tart enough to recognize the green apple notes yet not so sweet that I felt like my teeth were going to fall out.” As such, we score the taste at 4 out of 5.
We do want to point out, though, that Optimum Nutrition uses sucralose and other artificial sweeteners to create these appealing tastes. While the formulation contains zero sugar, those wanting to avoid artificial additives (or who experience GI distress from sucralose) may want to steer clear of this supplement.
Solubility
We also appreciated the easy-to-mix makeup of this BCAA powder. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scores Amino Energy at 4 out of 5, reporting no unwanted clumps or residue. “It honestly turns into a refreshing juice after just a few shakes,” they add.
Of course, Optimum Nutrition achieves stellar mixability through the use of different emulsifiers and lubricants such as xanthan gum, soy and/or sunflower lecithin, and others. These ingredients can lead to GI distress in some athletes, so be sure to take your personal sensitivities into consideration before mixing up a blend for yourself.
Price Per Serving
Amino Energy comes in well-below the average cost of other BCAA supplements with prices starting at $0.77 per serving rather than the average $1.41. This can be helpful for budget-minded athletes looking to keep expenses low, say, for another product like one of the best creatine supplements out there.
We rate the price per serving at 3.75 out of 5, too, given that Optimum Nutrition offers this BCAA supplement in two container sizes of 30 and 65 servings. This gives you room to buy in bulk if you’d rather not restock on a monthly basis. However, we have found that not every flavor is available in these larger containers, so you may be out of luck if your taste of choice is only available in 30-serving tubs.
[Related: BCAAs Vs. Creatine]
Third Party Testing
We rate Amino Energy at 4 out of 5 for third-party testing given its Informed Choice certification, meaning the formulation can be suitable for strength athletes needing to abide by strict regulations from their respective governing agencies. That said, Optimum Nutrition does not disclose whether this product is gluten- or allergen-free. If you’re an athlete with sensitivities to specific ingredients, be sure to read through the entire nutrition label prior to purchase.
What to Consider Before Buying Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy
While branched-chain amino acids can come directly from your diet — even high-protein fast food options — supplementing with them can be an effective way to improve counts for the sake of muscle growth and muscle recovery. Whether opting for Amino Energy or another profile, here are the factors we recommend considering when adding a BCAA supplement to your cart.
- Ingredient List: Included ingredients can vary from one BCAA supplement to the next. Be sure to look for ingredients that match your fitness goals. For example, if you’re looking for BCAA supplements with an added zest of energy, be sure that your formulation includes caffeine (like this one).
- BCAAs Per Serving: You should also look for BCAA supplements with an ample dose of, well, BCAAs. Many supplements feature between 4 and 8 grams of the amino acids. Additionally, you should also try and find a powder or capsule with the recommended 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine for the best potential effects on your performance. (2)
- Available Flavors: No supplement is worth its cost if you don’t enjoy the taste. Be sure to opt for a BCAA supplement that’s appealing to your palate. It can also be helpful to look for BCAA supplements with multiple available flavors in order to defend against flavor fatigue down the road.
- Price: The average price of BCAAs is $1.41 per serving, but you can find cheaper options on the market if you’re looking to save a little coin. Regardless of your budget, always ensure that your purchase can fit within your financial plan.
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Vs. Competitors
Much like the best protein powders — or any supplement, for that matter — Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy is not without competition in the BCAA category. Below are two comparable supplements we’ve tested before that stack up well to this caffeine-infused powder — Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine and 1st Phorm BCAAs.
| Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy | Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine | 1st Phorm BCAAs | |
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $0.77 | $1.33 | $1.12 |
| Serving Size | 9g (About 2 scoops) | 20.17g (1 scoop) | 11.7g (1 scoop) |
| BCAAs Per Serving | 5g | 8g | 7.5g |
| BCAA Ratio | Not listed | 2:1:1 | 1.75:1:1 |
| Available Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Blueberry Mojito, Citrus Spritz, Concord Grape, Fruit Fusion, Green Apple, Juicy Strawberry, Orange, Strawberry Lime, Tropical Sunrise, Watermelon, Wild Berry | Sour Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, and Blue Raspberry | Berry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple, Lemonade, Pineapple Mango, Strawberry Candy |
| Third-Party Testing | Informed Choice | Informed Choice | Not listed |
“The 2:1:1 ratio is backed by research and the added glutamine offers some additional benefits,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer, on Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine. In addition, this BCAA powder is third-party tested and provides 8 grams of amino acids per serving. That said, this is a more expensive formulation than Amino Energy, and there are fewer flavors to choose from.
In terms of BCAAs, 1st Phorm BCAAs can provide a higher dosage than Amino Energy as the listed servings of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and an additional “Amino Blend” total 9.2 grams as opposed to Optimum Nutrition’s 5 grams. However, both products still utilize proprietary blends, and the 1st Phorm offering is more expensive at $1.12 per serving.
Places to Buy Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy
You can purchase Amino Energy directly from Optimum Nutrition on the brand’s site. Additionally, this BCAA powder is available at select third-party retailers including Amazon, Target, Walgreens, and more.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
Optimum Nutrition has been a trusted sports nutrition brand for decades thanks to its wide range of best whey protein powders, creatine supplements, pre-workouts, and more. The brand is reachable through the support ticket link at the bottom right of the Optimum Nutrition online retail store, as well as by phone at 1-800-705-5226.
Amino Energy, specifically, has garnered positive reviews online. For example, this BCAA powder holds an average 4.6 out of 5 customer review rating on Amazon. “I recently picked up a tub of Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy in the Concord Grape flavor and let me just say — it has completely transformed my pre-workout routine. As someone who struggles to find energy before workouts without jumping off the deep end into stimulants, this product strikes the perfect balance,” notes one positive customer response.
Our Final Verdict on Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy
Optimum Nutrition’s Amino Energy BCAA powder can be a great product for those wanting extra amino acids in their system with an added jolt of caffeine. The 100 milligrams of the stimulant can also be worthwhile for intra-workout needs where energy stores are low. While the BCAA ratio cannot be confirmed due to the use of a proprietary “Amino Blend,” we still appreciate the presence of both EAAs and BCAAs within this formulation.
When shopping for BCAAs, you’ll want to make sure your ingredients list includes components related to your fitness goals. Additionally, it’s always wise to stick to supplements that fit within your budget. Provided you aren’t overloading on caffeine via energy drinks, morning coffees, and pre-workout supplements, Amino Energy could be the spark your supplement regimen has been missing.
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy FAQs
How long does it take for Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy to work?
The effects of BCAA supplements are relatively minor, so “feeling” this Optimum Nutrition offering work within your body may be asking too much of the product. However, the included caffeine can begin to elevate your energy and focus roughly 30 to 40 minutes post-consumption, per our tester, a certified personal trainer.
Is Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy a fat burner?
No, Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy is not a fat burner.
Is Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy a pre-workout?
While Amino Energy does contain 100 milligrams of caffeine sourced from green coffee extract and green tea extract, this product classifies more as a BCAA powder than a pre-workout.
How much does Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy cost?
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy is available in two container sizes with costs per serving beginning at $0.77.
References
- Salem, A., Trabelsi, K., Jahrami, H., AlRasheed, M. M., Boukhris, O., Puce, L., Bragazzi, N. L., Ammar, A., Glenn, J. M., & Chtourou, H. (2024). Branched-chain amino acids supplementation and Post-Exercise Recovery: An overview of Systematic Reviews. Journal of the American Nutrition Association, 43(4), 384–396. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38241335/
- Khemtong, C., Kuo, C.-H., Chen, C.-Y., Jaime, S. J., & Condello, G. (2021). Does branched-chain amino acids (bcaas) supplementation attenuate muscle damage markers and soreness after resistance exercise in trained males? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 13(6), 1880. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8230327/
- Bjarnadottir, A. (2023, February 7). How much caffeine in a cup of coffee? A detailed guide. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-caffeine-in-coffee
- Stellingwerff, T., Anwander, H., Egger, A., Buehler, T., Kreis, R., Decombaz, J., & Boesch, C. (2011). Effect of two β-alanine dosing protocols on muscle carnosine synthesis and washout. Amino Acids, 42(6), 2461–2472. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21847611/
- Commissioner, O. of the. (2024, August 28). Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
