Compare BCAA and EAA supplements by their declared essential amino acid profile, leucine-isoleucine-valine ratio, total amino acid weight per recommended portion, added electrolytes or ingredients, and like-for-like price.
What is the difference between BCAAs and EAAs?
Essential amino acids (EAAs) are nine amino acids the body cannot synthesize on its own. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine and valine—are three specific EAAs. BCAA formulas supply those three, while full-spectrum EAA supplements supply all nine essential amino acids.
What to check on an amino acid label?
- Ratio: common BCAA ratios are 2:1:1 or 4:1:1 (leucine to isoleucine to valine).
- Declared active amount: check the grams of actual amino acids per scoop, not just total scoop weight.
- Flavour and sweeteners: check sweetener declarations and allergen disclosures for cross-contamination.
Read more on food information rules in our Editorial Standards.
Compare amino acid products in our shop
Prices include Irish VAT.
Sources used for this guide
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers — ingredient presentation and mandatory food particulars.
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland: distance selling guidance — online food supplement information standards.
- European Commission: EU Register of nutrition and health claims — official reference register.
