BCAA
Branched-chain amino acids, also known as BCAAs, are the building block of new muscle — making them an essential addition to your training. BCAAs can’t be produced by your body and must come from your diet, and that’s where we come in.
So, whether you’re looking to lose weight, tone-up, or build muscle, our BCAA supplements can help you achieve your goals. Explore our range below, with plenty of refreshing fruity flavours to choose from.
If you’re still not sure which choice is best for you, check out our best BCAA supplements.
Explore our range of BCAAs to find the right supplement for you. Our supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, perfect for when you are on the go.
Shop BCAA at Myprotein
BCAA supplements deliver the three branched-chain amino acids — leucine, isoleucine, and valine — in a convenient, fast-mixing format. These are essential amino acids, meaning the body can't produce them on its own, so they have to come from food or supplementation. A BCAA supplement cuts straight to the point, giving you a concentrated dose of all three without needing to factor in a full meal.
Impact BCAA 2:1:1 is formulated in the classic 2:1:1 ratio, the most widely researched BCAA ratio, delivering leucine, isoleucine, and valine in that precise proportion. Whether you prefer powder you can mix into a drink, the format is straightforward and built for everyday use around your training.
Who BCAAs Are For
BCAA supplements are a staple for anyone putting in consistent work at the gym. Weightlifters, bodybuilders, and resistance trainers are the core audience — these are people already prioritising protein intake who want to add a focused amino acid source to their routine. If you're training hard and want to make sure leucine, isoleucine, and valine are in good supply, BCAAs fit neatly into that gap.
They're also popular with endurance athletes and those who train in a fasted state. Runners, cyclists, and HIIT enthusiasts often reach for BCAAs before or during longer sessions. If you're eating in a calorie deficit or keeping carbs low, a BCAA powder gives you something purposeful to sip on during training without disrupting your approach.
When to Use BCAA
Most people take BCAAs either before or during training. Pre-workout, they sit well on an empty stomach — especially useful if you're training first thing in the morning without a meal beforehand. During a session, sipping on a BCAA drink is a common approach for those doing longer or more intense workouts. The powder format makes this easy — mix a serving with water and take it with you.
Post-workout is another popular window, used alongside or between whole-food protein sources. Some people also take BCAAs between meals as a way of keeping their amino acid intake consistent throughout the day. There's no single correct timing — it comes down to your schedule, your training style, and how BCAAs fit within your broader nutrition plan.
BCAA Benefits
Three Essential Amino Acids in One
BCAAs — leucine, isoleucine, and valine — are three of the nine essential amino acids, meaning they must come from your diet or supplementation. Impact BCAA 2:1:1 provides all three in a 2:1:1 ratio, the most studied BCAA ratio available. BCAAs are essential amino acids that form part of the protein the body uses, and protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.1
A Pure, Focused Formula
Unlike protein powders or pre-workouts that blend multiple ingredients, a BCAA supplement keeps things simple. You know exactly what you're getting — leucine, isoleucine, and valine — with no extras to work around. That makes it straightforward to stack with the rest of your supplement routine without doubling up on ingredients.
Versatile Powder Format
BCAA powder mixes easily with water and comes in a range of flavours, making it something you can actually look forward to drinking. It's light on the stomach, which matters when you're training on an empty stomach or keeping your pre-session nutrition minimal. The powder format also means flexible dosing — easy to adjust based on your serving preference.
Developed by Nutrition Experts
Impact BCAA 2:1:1 is developed by Myprotein's expert nutritionists, drawing on years of formulation experience to deliver a product that meets the standards serious athletes expect. The 2:1:1 leucine-to-isoleucine-to-valine ratio is grounded in established research, making it a trusted choice across the training community.
Popular Picks
Impact BCAA 2:1:1 — A straightforward BCAA formula delivering leucine, isoleucine, and valine in a 2:1:1 ratio, making it a versatile pick whatever sport or training goal you're working towards.
FAQs
What are BCAAs?
BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, are a group of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They're called "essential" because the body can't produce them independently — they need to come from food or a BCAA supplement. The term "branched-chain" refers to their molecular structure. BCAAs are among the most widely used amino acid supplements in sport and fitness, taken by everyone from recreational gym-goers to competitive athletes.
What is the 2:1:1 ratio in BCAA supplements?
The 2:1:1 ratio in a BCAA supplement refers to the proportion of leucine to isoleucine to valine — two parts leucine for every one part isoleucine and one part valine. Impact BCAA 2:1:1 uses this exact ratio, which is the most extensively studied formulation in BCAA research. Leucine is typically the focal amino acid in this ratio, and the 2:1:1 balance reflects how these three BCAAs are naturally found in dietary protein sources.
What's the difference between BCAAs and protein powder?
Protein powder provides a full spectrum of amino acids derived from a complete protein source, such as whey or plant protein, and typically delivers a meaningful amount of protein per serving. A BCAA supplement is much more focused — it delivers only leucine, isoleucine, and valine, with minimal calories or additional macronutrients. BCAAs are often used alongside protein powder rather than in place of it, slotting into different parts of the day or training session depending on your routine.
When should I take a BCAA supplement?
BCAA supplements are most commonly taken before, during, or after training. Pre-workout and intra-workout are particularly popular windows — the powder mixes easily with water and is light enough to drink while exercising. Some people also use BCAAs between meals to keep their amino acid intake consistent across the day. The right timing really depends on your training schedule and how BCAAs fit within your overall nutrition approach.
How do I take BCAA powder?
Mix one serving of BCAA powder with water and consume before, during, or after your workout. The exact serving size will be listed on the product label — it's worth sticking to the recommended amount and adjusting only once you've established it as part of your routine. BCAA powder is designed to dissolve quickly, making it practical to prepare at home or take to the gym.
Are BCAAs suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
It depends on the specific product and how the BCAAs are sourced. Some BCAA supplements use amino acids derived from plant-based fermentation, while others may use animal-derived sources. Always check the product label or description to confirm whether the formula is suitable for your dietary preferences. Myprotein lists ingredient sourcing and dietary suitability clearly on each product page.
Can I take BCAAs on rest days?
Many people do take BCAA supplements on rest days, typically as part of maintaining a consistent daily amino acid intake from their diet and supplementation combined. There's no fixed rule — it comes down to your individual nutrition goals and how your overall protein and amino acid intake looks across the week. BCAAs are not exclusively a training-day product, and plenty of athletes include them daily.
Who developed the BCAA supplements at Myprotein?
Impact BCAA 2:1:1 is developed by Myprotein's expert nutritionists, who formulate each product to meet the standards expected by serious athletes and everyday gym-goers alike. The 2:1:1 leucine-to-isoleucine-to-valine ratio is a deliberate formulation choice, grounded in widely studied BCAA research, to deliver a product that's both straightforward and purposeful.
What does BCAA stand for?
BCAA stands for branched-chain amino acids. The name comes from the molecular structure of these amino acids — leucine, isoleucine, and valine — which feature a branched side chain. They make up a significant portion of the essential amino acids found in muscle protein, and they can't be synthesised by the body, making dietary or supplemental intake necessary. BCAA supplements are a direct, concentrated way to ensure all three are present in your daily intake.
Is Impact BCAA 2:1:1 the right BCAA supplement for me?
If you're looking for a pure, unfussy BCAA supplement built around the classic 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, Impact BCAA 2:1:1 is a solid choice. It's been formulated by Myprotein's nutrition experts, comes in powder form for easy mixing, and delivers only the three essential branched-chain amino acids without unnecessary additions. It works well alongside a broader supplement stack or as a standalone amino acid source around training.
1. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.