Table of Contents
*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Innovations in sports science have made great strides in the recent decade, and because of that, achieving your ultimate fitness dream has never been easier and more affordable. We are talking about a new crop of muscle building supplements that work effectively to prolong fitness stamina, increase muscle pumps, and support muscle recovery, so you can reach your goals faster.
In the following guide, we reviewed 10 game-changing muscle building supplements on the market today. Read on to find out our pick of the best supplement you should consider trying right now. You do not want to miss this!
Muscle Building Supplements FAQ
1. What Are Muscle Building Supplements?
Muscle building supplements are a type of dietary supplements designed for promoting muscle mass and are typically used by bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
2. What Do Muscle Building Supplements Do?
Generally speaking, muscle building supplements feature muscle-size enhancing ingredients such as whey protein and amino acids for promoting muscle recovery.
3. How Do Muscle Building Supplements Work?
Muscle building supplements vary in their specific targeted use and formulas, but their goal is to boost muscle gain, enhance fitness endurance, and promote muscle recovery after workouts. Muscle building supplements could come in a variety of forms, including pre-workout supplements for increasing stamina and muscle pumps, post-workout supplements for supporting muscle growth and recovery, and cardiovascular and joints-focused supplements for enhancing blood flow and supporting joint health.
4. Where Can You Buy Muscle Building Supplements?
You can buy muscle building supplements at your local nutritional supplements store or online at Amazon.com.
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Use. We were mainly concerned with the muscle building supplements’ functionality, versatility, taste, mixability, and ease of use.
Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)
Muscle building supplements range in price from around $10 to $50. The higher-priced products generally contain all natural ingredients and have no preservatives added in the formulas. In addition, protein powders, particularly those enhanced with extra protein properties and other muscle gain focused ingredients, are pricier than pre-workout supplements and standalone supplements such as creatine and beta-alanine.
What We Reviewed
- PROTEINSERIES 100% GRASS-FED WHEY PROTEIN
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard BCAA
- STRENGTHSERIES CREATINE HMB
- OPTIMUM NUTRITION L-Glutamine
- OPTIMUM NUTRITION Pro Gainer Weight Gainer
- Evolution Nutrition Omega-3 Fish Oil
- OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% Micellar Casein
- Nitric Oxide Supplement
- Universal Nutrition GH Max GH Support Supplement
- Zhou Nutrition Beta-Alanine
PROTEINSERIES 100% GRASS-FED WHEY PROTEIN
Features
The Proteinseries 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein is sourced from American-fed cows. Containing the industry’s highest protein-by-weight ratios of around 88%, this protein powder is not like other bodybuilding supplements on the market. It contains about 28 grams of protein in each serving. What’s more, this protein is all natural; there are no artificial sweeteners, gluten, preservatives, or food dyes. This protein is also completely vegan, as it is sourced from 100% grass-fed, American-grown cows. Finally, each serving packs 120 calories, no fat, and only one gram of carbohydrates.
Price
This product can be around $90.
How to Use
For use before or after a workout, or in between meals.
Pros
- Great for gaining muscle
- No fillers; all natural
- Mixes well
- Great tasting
Cons
- Caused stomachache for some users
- Bad packaging
- Pricey
[amazon link=”B01AWOVQXI” title=”Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard BCAA” /]
[amazon box=”B01AWOVQXI”]
Features
The Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard BCAA is designed to promote muscle recovery after an intense workout. Featuring 5 grams of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, valine, and isoleucine, this post-workout supplement delivers lost electrolytes and prevents an excessive breakdown of muscle tissues. In addition, this supplement also contains 250 milligrams of Wellmune, a nutritional source for supporting a healthy immune system. What’s more, each serving also contains 200 milligrams of pure rhodiola extract for endurance support and 220 milligrams of electrolytes for performance sustenance. The best part is, unlike other bodybuilding supplements on the market, this one contains no sugar and only 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $10.
How to Use
For use during or after the workout.
Pros
- Improves endurance
- No sugar content
- Promotes muscle recovery
- Mixes well
Cons
- Caused bloating in some users
- Some users did not like the taste
- Caused energy crashes for some users
STRENGTHSERIES CREATINE HMB
Features
The StrengthSeries Creating HMB is designed for improving strength, maximizing endurance, reducing body fat, and preventing muscle loss. This specially formulated creatine is unlike other muscle supplements available today. It contains no artificial sweeteners, no gluten and GMO, no preservatives, and most of all, no artificial coloring. Each serving (9.9 grams) contains 5,000 mg of Creapure Creatine Monohydrate, 2,000 mg of HMB, or Hydroxy Methylbutyrate, and 5 mg of BioPerine, also known commonly as Black Pepper Extract.
Price
This product can be around $35.
How to Use
For use after workouts. On non-workout days, take in the morning for recovery.
Pros
- No added fillers and artificial ingredients
- Great tasting
- Effective in improving endurance
- Mixes well
Cons
- Slow shipping speed
- Bad packaging
[amazon link=”B002DYIZCQ” title=”OPTIMUM NUTRITION L-Glutamine” /]
[amazon box=”B002DYIZCQ”]
Features
The Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine is designed for restoring amino acids to support muscle recovery after workouts. Containing 1000 mg of L-Glutamine in each serving, this supplement helps prevent lean muscle loss by boating the amino acid counts in the body. Similar to other leading muscle building supplements, this supplement plays a significant role in the development of muscle proteins. What happens during intense workouts is that glutamine levels become depleted. So the goal of this supplement is to replenish the body with much needed glutamine before muscle loss becomes irreversible.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $10.
How to Use
For use after workouts.
Pros
- Mixes well
- Great for muscle recovery
- Eliminates sugar cravings
- Effective for maintaining muscle mass
Cons
- Did not taste well for some users
- Gave some users skin breakouts
- Capsules too big for some users
[amazon link=”B0015R3A1S” title=”OPTIMUM NUTRITION Pro Gainer Weight Gainer” /]
[amazon box=”B0015R3A1S”]
Features
The Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer Weight Gainer is a top-quality product on par with other leading muscle building supplements. It features a whopping 660 calories per serving to help you achieve more muscle gains. What’s more, each serving also contains 60 grams of protein blend for supporting muscle growth and 85 grams of carbohydrates for muscle recovery and energy restoration. In addition, a collective 32 vitamins and minerals are also packed into each serving for boosting overall health. Finally, this supplement only contains 7 grams of sugar or less per serving.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $40.
How to Use
Use after workout or in between meals.
Pros
- Great for gaining muscles
- Promotes muscle recovery
- Mixes well
- Great tasting
Cons
- Caused breakouts for some users
- Bad packaging
- Pricey
[amazon link=”B0131WKFSK” title=”Evolution Nutrition Omega-3 Fish Oil” /]
[amazon box=”B0131WKFSK”]
Features
The Evolution Nutrition Omega-3 Fish Oil contains 100% highly purified triple strength fish oil for promoting cardiovascular wellness and health. This product stands out among other muscle building supplements. It features 1250 mg of Nordic sourced Omega-3 fish oil and triple strength high EPA/DHA for supporting cognitive health, in addition to, cell production. For bodybuilders, this translates to improved cardiovascular function for even the most intense workouts. What’s more, this supplement also supports joint health. Finally, this supplement is coated with citrus flavored that makes it easy to swallow.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $10.
How to Use
Use twice a day.
Pros
- Does not cause burps
- Does not leave a bad aftertaste
- Easy to digest
- Affordable
- Promotes cardiovascular health
Cons
- Caused stomachache for some users
- Caused breakouts for some users
[amazon link=”B002DYJ0M0″ title=”OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% Micellar Casein” /]
[amazon box=”B002DYJ0M0″]
Features
The Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Micellar Casein is highly effective protein powder designed for promoting overnight muscle recovery. Like other leading muscle building supplements, this protein powder contains nutrients to support muscle rebuilding and stave off feelings of hunger. Loaded with 24 grams of slow-digesting protein in each serving, this protein powder also contains 5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs and calcium for supporting joint health. What’s more, this supplement also contains 5 grams of glutamine and glutamic acid for even greater muscle recovery support.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $40.
How to Use
Use before or after a workout, or as a meal replacement.
Pros
- Prevents muscle soreness
- Slow digesting protein
- Easy to digest
- Suppresses appetite
- Great as a meal replacement
Cons
- Does not mix well for some users
- Clumpy for some users
- Some users did not like the taste
- Pricey
[amazon link=”B072LB6YLD” title=”Zhou Nutrition Nitric Oxide Supplement” /]
[amazon box=”B072LB6YLD”]
Features
The Zhou Nutrition Nitric Oxide Supplement is designed for increasing muscle pumps and maximizing energy and stamina level for intense workouts. As a leading brand in the muscle building supplements industry, Zhou Nutrition created this supplement to help users get more out of their workouts by promoting vascularity and blood flow during workouts. Each serving contains substantial amounts of L-Artinine, AAKG, and Citrulline Malate, as well as, beetroot for an all around powerful pre-workout booster. What’s more, this unique muscle building formula is completely GMO-free and is suitable for users of all fitness levels.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $25.
How to Use
For use before workouts.
Pros
- Boosts energy level and pumps
- Improved blood flow
- Easy to use
- Non-GMO formula
Cons
- Did not work for some users
- Caused breakouts for some users
- Caused high blood pressure in some users
[amazon link=”B002LLTWH8″ title=”Universal Nutrition GH Max GH Support Supplement” /]
[amazon box=”B002LLTWH8″]
Features
The Universal Nutrition GH Max GH Support Supplement features a high-quality blend of secretagogues, vitamins, and other minerals. Designed to improve nitrogen retention and promote protein synthesis, this supplement is suitable for use by users of any fitness levels. It is also designed to slow down or prevent protein breakdown. Featuring a 2:1 ratio of arginine to ornithine, unseen in other muscle building supplements, this supplement is the go-to option for bodybuilders looking to enhance their workouts.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $25.
How to Use
For use before workouts and immediately before bedtime. On non-workout days, for use in the morning, afternoon, and before bedtime.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Promotes better sleep
- Promotes greater focus during workouts
- Increases energy level
Cons
- Caused high blood pressure in some users
- Caused stomachache in some users
- Difficult to swallow for some users
[amazon link=”B00EIO4I7A” title=”Bulk Supplements Beta-Alanine” /]
[amazon box=”B00EIO4I7A”]
Features
The Bulk Supplements Beta-Alanine is designed for promoting recovery and enhancing fitness endurance. This clean supplement features no fillers and is lab tested for a purity guarantee not commonly found for other muscle building supplements. Each product is factory sealed to preserve its freshness. What’s more, this supplement also helps to reduce fatigue and improve energy levels and training volume. Each serving contains 500 mg of beta alanine for promoting optimal performance.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $15.
How to Use
For use before workouts.
Pros
- Mixes well
- Great packaging
- Promotes muscle pump and energy level
- Easy to use; no taste
- Mixes well
Cons
- Produced tingling feeling in some users
- Caused headaches in some users
- Did not work for some users
Comparison
[amazon box=”B01AWOVQXI, B002DYIZCQ, B0015R3A1S, B0131WKFSK, B002DYJ0M0, B072LB6YLD, B002LLTWH8, B00EIO4I7A” template=”table”]
The Verdict
After reviewing all 10 products based on the five parameters, we present our verdict. For the best muscle building supplement, you should consider trying: The Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer Weight Gainer. In terms of functionality, this supplement contains more than 600 calories per serving, as well as 60 grams of protein blend for supporting muscle growth. It also contains 85 grams of carbohydrates for restoring energy levels and to promote muscle recovery. It is also versatile; simply take before and after the workout or as a meal replacement for serious muscle gains.
