6 Best Post Workout Supplements For Faster Muscle Growth

Post-workout supplements are essential in the world of fitness and bodybuilding. Refueling your muscles after every workout session is necessary to enhance muscle recovery. While there are many options on the market, not all are safe and reliable.

To help you save some time and energy, we have compiled a list of the best post-workout supplements that speak quality and ensure excellent results. Let’s dig in!

Our Top Post Workout Supplements Review

1. Performance Lab Recover

Performance lab is one of the well-known brands in the industry for improving the lifestyle of its customers. The Recover post-workout supplement from the company is made with the right combination of protein and carbohydrates, Beta-Alanine, vitamins, and amino acids for quick and adequate post-workout nutrition.

It is packed with two main ingredients; KarboLyn and Oryzatein. Derived from corn, rice, and potato, KarboLyn is the most prominent ingredient that tends to last longer than any other carbohydrate available on the market. It is fast-absorbing and replenishes the glycogen levels quickly.

Oryzatein is clinically proven effective for increasing lean mass. This whole-grain rice protein contains an appropriate concentration of all nine essential amino acids. According to Performance lab, this protein builds muscle with leucine that absorbs 30% faster.

Recover also includes vegan ingredients like organic coconut palm sugar, organic coconut water, organic vanilla bean, Himalayan Pink Salt, and Organic Monk Fruit.

The best thing is that it can be used by various people with different lifestyles and diet preferences alike. The taste is great, plus it can be easily prepared with water. There are no added preservatives, flavors, and sweeteners, making it 100% natural.

Being non-GMO, it is completely clean and also caffeine-free. It is specially designed to improve your recovery after a workout and boost your athletic performance during workouts. The company also offers a 30-day refund guarantee in case you don't like Recover.

2. Transparent Lab Post Workout Supplement

Transparent Lab Post provides a 5000 mg dose of L-Glutamine per serving with an additional 2500 mg dose of Betaine Anhydrous. It is highly recommended by the company for increasing strength, power output, muscle size, as well as growth hormone production.

L-Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid that plays a vital role in protein synthesis. This ingredient allows muscle growth while preventing the breakdown of valuable protein to keep your muscles in good shape.

Betaine Anhydrous reduces fatigue after a workout, allowing you to work harder for increased protein synthesis and muscle growth.

Other main ingredients include La-carnitine L-Tartrate and Beta-Alanine.

La-carnitine L-Tartrate improves the body's overall performance by helping fat burn and decreasing fatigue.

Beta-Alanine maintains the carnosine levels in the body to stabilize your pH levels. This helps in the formation of healthy proteins while delaying fatigue during the training session (1).  

It is worth mentioning that Post has , which is known to reduce muscle soreness. In fact, Transparent Lab uses VitaCherry, a more concentrated form of tart cherry powder rich in antioxidants and anthocyanin.

Astragin allows increased absorption of essential nutrients like creatine, omega-3s, and amino acids.  

This supplement is available in orange and black cherry flavors. It is suitable for anyone who wants a little extra help retaining muscle. There are no added preservatives, plus you can find certificates of analysis on the company’s website for verification.

3. Jacked Factory Growth Surge

Get impressive results from your workout with this Jackery Factory Growth Surge. What makes this supplement worthwhile is the high doses of creatine monohydrate and betaine. The combination of fluffy ingredients helps with power, endurance, strength, as well as muscle growth.

Creatine is fast-absorbing and, therefore, quickly replenishes the lost energy.

I-carnitine increases recovery rates while reducing tissue inflammation. Also, it helps in fast loss if you want to put off some weight.

This formula is suitable for athletes who want additional strength, quick recovery, and boosted muscle gain. It comes in multiple fruity flavors, including wolfberry, black cherry, strawberry lemonade, watermelon, cherry limeade, fruit punch, and blue raspberry. You can also go for the unflavored option.  

Made in the USA, this product is scientifically tested, and each ingredient is meant to improve muscle mass growth and workout recovery. It is 100% clean and made with high-quality materials to ensure reliability.

Jacked Factory also offers a money-back guarantee on this Growth Surge to enhance the confidence of the customers. Overall, this product is best for fast recoveries and post-workout energy boosts.

4. Naked Recovery

Naked Nutrition is well-known for its range of protein-based supplements. The Naked Recovery is specially designed to support and improve muscle recovery. It helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue.

This supplement comprises six adaptogenic mushrooms, including Lion's mane, cordyceps, turkey tail, shiitake, king trumpet, and reishi, enhancing post-workout recovery and performance. The added lemon balm improves mood and brain function. It provides quality sleep, which is vital for the recovery process. Also, this extract improves alertness and focus while reducing the effects of stress.

The use of adaptogen powder reduces physical stress and enhances overall health (2). Another primary ingredient is the tart cherry powder, which prevents muscle soreness and loss of strength after a workout session. This helps in quick recovery so you can achieve your fitness goals faster.

There are no additives and artificial flavors in this supplement. It is a GMO-free and certified Gluten-free product.  Also, the use of only natural ingredients makes the Naked Recovery safe to consume on a daily basis. It mixes easily with the water to prepare a drink.

Manufactured with high-end ingredients, this supplement is safe to take for the majority of people, no matter their diet preferences. There are no side effects, allowing you to reach your health and fitness goals easily.

5. BSN Amino X Muscle Recovery & Endurance Powder

Next in line is this premium supplement from BSN. This pose workout supplement uses a combination of essential amino acids to replenish the lost energy after a workout. It contains BCCAs, Branch Chain Amino Acids, leucine, isoleucine, and Valine.

These amino acids have an active role in tissue regeneration, protein synthesis, and metabolism. Also, these are important for the stimulation of certain hormones as well as supporting the immune system.

This supplement is available in multiple flavors to choose from. The most common include fruit punch, grape, strawberry, and blue raspberry. It comes in two sizes, with 25 and 30 servings, respectively. Each flavor is refreshing with versatile nutritional support.

The best thing about this product is its suitability for all workout regimes. It can be used by people with various diet preferences and routines. Also, the fine powder can be easily mixed with water to make a drink without any lumpy texture. Simply mix one scoop of the supplement with six ounces of water to prepare a tasty drink.

Consuming this supplement post-workout may inhibit muscle breakdown while improving the overall strength and recovery rates.

6. Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer

You must be familiar with the Crazy Nutrition name in the fitness world. This brand is known for manufacturing quality and nutritional products for its customers over the years. As the name suggests, this Mass Gainer is highly recommended for increasing muscle without accumulating fat during a workout.

Made from entirely natural substances, this supplement is entirely natural. All the ingredients are derived from food sources. The formula has a 2:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. This composition allows a person to feel full without adding a lot of calories.

Some prominent ingredients include gluten-free oat flour that contains a mixture of carbohydrates for muscle mass development, sweet potato flour for providing critical minerals and vitamins, and creatine monohydrate to improve strength and muscle recovery. The formula also has DigeZyme, which is the blend of five distinct enzymes to help with bloating issues (3), and Crab 10 to enhance consumers' digestive capacities.

There are no additives and fillers in this supplement. It can be used as a meal alternative to control your calories during the workout. It comes in two flavors, chocolate, and vanilla, to choose. It mixes smoothly with water, and the package has enough quantity to last for three months. Also, there is a 60-day money-back guarantee on the product from the manufacturer

Buying Guide

The availability of an infinite number of post-workout supplements on the market can make the final pick overwhelming. There are different products from various brands, each having its own highlights. It is essential to take a particular set of features and factors into consideration before making the purchase so you can get an ideal deal.

Brand

When it comes to purchasing post-workout supplements, you must go with the well-reputed and trustworthy brands. A reliable brand guarantees quality production of the supplements that are safe to consume on a regular basis.

Not all brands offer the same level of quality. Some of them may use cheaper ingredients than others to reduce the overall production cost. Such products will do more harm than good to the user.

Make sure to do your research beforehand and purchase a supplement from a reputed brand only. They have quality certificates on their websites and mention all the ingredients without hiding any details.

Lifestyle

It is important to take into account the way you want to approach your nutritional requirements. If you are conscious about calories, go for a zero-calorie option from any good brand. Those with a busy lifestyle who do not have enough time to prepare their meals should grab a mass gainer. This will provide the body with the extra calories needed to gain a few pounds.

The market is filled with a plethora of options to suit certain lifestyles and workout regimes. You can easily find something to achieve your particular fitness goals.

Requirements

Before purchasing a supplement, you must have a clear understanding of your nutritional requirements. There is no point in getting a product that does serve your needs. You should be clear that each supplement out there is manufactured to play a specific role.

While you can typically take protein supplements and BCAAs-rich supplements irrespective of your fitness goals, things are not the same when it comes to fat burners and mass gainers.

You don’t need a mass gainer if you are trying to shed a few pounds. Likewise, it is of no use to invest in a fat burner when you want to gain weight. Make sure to be clear about your goals and requirements to get the right supplements.  

Ingredients

Make sure to carefully read the label and all details on it before purchasing the supplement. You can find the list of the ingredients for a particular website on the label as well as the product's official website. You must know what you are consuming to avoid health risks. Some people are allergic to certain ingredients, and consuming them can be harmful.

Also, it is recommended to get a filler-free supplement as fillers may interfere with the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients from the supplement. Getting supplements with fillers won’t provide desirable results.

Regarding BCAA supplements, check the ratio of essential amino acids. The recommended ratio for leucine, isoleucine, and Valine is 2:1:1. Also, it is vital to check the source of ingredients, especially if you are a vegan.

The plant-based supplements are generally suitable for people with all kinds of diet and workout regimes. If you want a protein-rich supplement, whey protein packs the right combination of amino acids that helps you gain muscle mass and strength.

Some of the essential ingredients in the post-workout supplements are as follows.

L-Glutamine

Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid and is primarily found in the muscles and plasma. It plays a vital role in synthesizing protein that helps you gain mass (5).

Beta-Alanine

Beta-Alanine is one of the most common ingredients found in workout supplements. Products rich in beta-alanine are great for increasing lean mass and cellular carnosine levels (6). It helps you rebuild the muscles after the training session. Beta-alanine is also involved in the formation of healthy proteins (7).

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is a crucial amino acid used in the transportation of fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. It helps in fat loss and ensures muscle recovery (8).

Creatine

Creatine is a common post-work supplement ingredient that increases the fat-free mass in the body (9). Almost all reputed supplements on the market contain creatine monohydrate. It enhances lean body mass, strength, and muscle recovery.

Flavor

Flavor can be an important factor when it comes to drinks. A bad-tasting supplement powder will not offer a pleasant experience drinking after an intense workout session. You might end up getting bored after consuming the drink after some time.

There are different brands on the market that are now offering their products in multiple flavors to choose from. The fruity flavors or chocolate flavors are pretty popular among others. The nutritional profile of the supplement may vary depending on the flavor you choose, so make sure to check the details. Also, don’t get a supplement that is too sweet.

Supplements also have an unflavored option. There are no added sweeteners, making them a healthier option for the consumers. Also, unflavored supplements are cheaper than flavored ones, so that you can save some money.

Authenticity and Reliability

While the market is packed with fake products, the authenticity of the supplement is an important factor to consider. Consuming fake supplements can cause side effects, which can deteriorate your health. Also, they won't provide desired results and do more harm than use.

It is better to purchase the supplement from the official website of the product rather than getting it from online retail stores. This way, you can be assured of the authenticity and reliability of the supplement.

Manufacturers also offer a unique code for the customers to check if the product is real or fake.

Customer support and Return Policy

The customer support and return policy may vary depending on the brand you choose for the supplement. You must do your research before the purchase for a hassle-free shopping experience.

Some brands provide fast shipping, so you don't have to wait long for your supplement. Others may offer a money-back guarantee to enhance the confidence of the customers. The supplements with a money-back guarantee can be returned for money in case you are unsatisfied.

Also, check the information about the return policy on the supplement's official website. If you get a damaged or wrong supplement, the return policy allows you to exchange it without any issue.

Number of Servings

Not all supplements offer the same number of servings. Depending on the quantity and packaging, the serving number may vary. While some supplements can be served only 10 times, others have 120 servings. These details are mentioned on the supplement label, so you should carefully check them before buying the product.

A supplement with 110 servings can be consumed for 110 days if you drink it once a day. The supplements with a dosage of two tablets per day will last for almost a month. You should do the calculations while checking the details to get the best deal.

Manufacturers also offer bigger variants of the supplements that allow you to save a couple of bucks. Also, sometimes there are significant discounts on the combo packs. Try to grab those combos if you have the budget.

Price

Since you will be consuming supplements on a daily basis, you must consider the budget as it is not a long-term investment. You have to purchase a new jar after a particular time. So, it is better to compare the prices of multiple supplements before getting one. However, it is always recommended to compromise on quantity for a few bucks. Cheaper supplements have poor quality and won't offer the desired results after consumption.

How To Consume A Supplement Effectively?

Drink at the right time

As the name suggests, post-workout supplements should be consumed after intense workout sessions. You can drink it anytime within 30 minutes after the session. The ingredients in the supplement will help recover energy while reducing muscle breakdown.

Protein shakes can be consumed two to three times per day, depending on your routine. BCCAs supplements are best consumed in the morning or after the training (10).

Choose your supplements carefully

There are various kinds of supplements so that you can use multiple of them according to your requirements. You may have pre-workout, post-workout, and intra-workout supplements in your stack.

However, it is essential to add the right supplements to the collection as nutrients compete for absorption. So, make sure not to consume all supplements together.

Don’t replace food with supplements

While supplements are formulated to meet your nutritional needs, they are not alternatives to food. You need to understand that supplements are not designed to replace food and can’t fulfill all the nutritional requirements. These are just add-ons, and consuming them without following a healthy diet plan would do no use. A healthy diet and adequate supplement usage go hand-in-hand to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Take recommended dosage

Make sure to consume only the recommended dosage. Exceeding the dose won’t do any benefit, and overdosing every day can lead to serious side effects. Also, it is a waste of money, so you should be careful with the dosage of the supplement.

Be consistent

You can’t expect to achieve your fitness goals overnight. You must be consistent and consume your supplements daily with a balanced diet and regular workout.

FAQ

Are supplements safe to consume?

Not all supplements available on the market are safe to consume daily. You are recommended to go for a reputable and reliable brand. Check the details of all ingredients and don’t purchase the supplement if you are allergic to any mentioned ingredients. Also, follow the dosage instructions and use directions.

Should I consume supplements daily?

Yes, supplements are add-ons to your regular diet. You can take the recommended dosage of supplements on a daily basis. Make sure not to consume them in excess quantities.

Do supplements make you gain weight?

There are different types of supplements on the market. Not all of them are designed to make you gain weight. Some are mass gainers, while others can be used to shed a few pounds.  If you are trying to gain weight, you should pick a post-workout supplement with many carbohydrates, sugar, and calories.

Conclusion

This brings us to the end of the best post-workout supplements. Hopefully, this article helped you find the best supplements for your nutritional and workout needs. The right supplement will help you build strength and endurance and achieve your training goals. Make sure to consider all essential factors before purchasing to avoid any regret in the future.

Good Luck!

Scientific References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585553/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/ 
3. http://beta.rodpub.com/public/uploads/73210digezyme.pdf
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23782948/
5. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajpendo.1996.271.4.e748 
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10659307/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1137521/ 
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17313301/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10449017/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212987/