Best Supplements for Muscle Growth 2024: Protein, Carb Powder, Mass Gainer, and More

Building muscle is one of the most common fitness goals I hear as a certified personal trainer. It’s also one of the most difficult goals to achieve, largely because packing on pounds of muscle tissue is a painfully slow process. Lots of people give up on it before they see the results they’re looking for. 

Muscle hypertrophy also requires a bit of fine-tuning when it comes to your diet. You’ll need to eat more in general and consume more protein, among other things. Having the right supplement stack isn’t a golden ticket to muscle mass land, but it can certainly help. Here, we round up the best supplements for muscle growth and explain how each one can benefit your journey. 

Our expert product testers are comprised of certified nutrition coaches, personal trainers, weightlifting coaches, and athletes who get stoked over fitness and nutrition minutia.

We analyzed each muscle growth supplement to ensure it contains research-backed ingredients and doses, key certifications such as third-party testing, and brand credibility before testing them for at least a month to check their effectiveness, taste, and side effects.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

11 Best Supplements for Muscle Growth in 2023

• Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs BULK
• Best Protein Powder for Muscle Growth:  XWERKS Grow
• Best Essential Amino Acid Supplement for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs CoreSeries Intra EAA
• Best BCAAs for Muscle Growth: Huge Supplements BCAAs
• Best Bodybuilding Supplement for Muscle Growth: Jacked Factory Build XT
• Best Creatine for Muscle Growth: Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate
• Best Carb Supplement for Muscle Growth: JYM Post JYM Fast-Digesting Carbs
• Best Mass Gainer for Muscle Growth: Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer
• Best Plant-Based Protein for Muscle Growth: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Carnitine Supplement for Muscle Growth: Kaged L-Carnitine
• Best HMB Supplement for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs HMB + Creatine

Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs BULK

Good for: People who want a little extra muscle-building oomph in their pre-workout 

Best Pre-Workout

Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• Formulated to help support muscle gain 
• 20 grams of research-based active ingredients per serving 
• 8 flavor variations are available

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Transparent ingredient list
• No artificial sweetener or color
• Moderate dose of caffeine
• 8 flavor options
• 60-day money-back assurance

Cons

• No creatine
• Some users report it tastes bad

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs’ BULK supplement is attractive to those whose primary focus is split between potential muscle gain and a pre-workout pump. While the taste is questionable, the product works well for most users.

Pre-workout constitutes less of a direct factor in muscle growth and more of an instigator: It won’t spark a reduction in body fat or aid in muscle recovery, but it can help you push out more reps in the weight room and improve your overall exercise performance.  

Pre-workout supplements can contain any number of ingredients, from scary amounts of stimulants to vasodilators like the nitric oxide booster L-arginine to who knows what else—so we love Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout because the formulation is simple. 

As Krissy Kendall, Ph.D., wrote in our guide to the best pre-workout, Transparent Labs BULK is “a product that contains research-backed ingredients to enhance strength, stamina, focus, and energy, and could be suitable for bodybuilders or those just looking to pack on muscle.”

Dr. Kendall loves that BULK contains the research-backed dosages of many ingredients, including citrulline malate at 6 grams per serving, which is shown to improve performance and ease temporary post-workout muscle soreness¹. 

BULK also contains beta-alanine at 4 grams per serving, the science-backed dose shown to support increased muscle endurance². One thing to note: Beta-alanine, especially in high doses, can have a side effect of paresthesia, which is the harmless but very strange sensation of tingling in the lips and limbs. 

The one thing that could make this supplement better is the inclusion of creatine, but you could always take creatine separately. 

Nicole tested this product and says, “Blue Raspberry was tasty, and it mixed well. I experienced significant tingling and only took half a serving, so there’s something to be said of that mega dose of beta-alanine.”

Our Transparent Labs BULK review takes a deep dive into this pre-workout for muscle gain.

Best Protein Powder for Muscle Growth: XWERKS Grow

Good for: People looking for a high-quality, grass-fed whey protein powder 

Best Protein Powder

XWERKS Grow

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Natural, healthy, convenient, and tasty way to get protein
• Uses a microfiltration process to preserve critical biological nutrients in raw whey
• Removes unwanted fats and carbohydrates
• All flavors are naturally sweetened
• Nicely flavored, easily digested, and low-carb protein powder
• Promotes muscle growth and repair

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Keto-friendly
• Naturally sweetened
• Sourced from naturally raised grass-fed cows
• Has a smooth and creamy taste
• Soy- and gluten-free
• Convenient

Cons

• Expensive

Bottom Line

XWERKS Grow whey protein isolate provides a solid blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in a whey protein isolate. Our testers have said this is one of the best-tasting protein powders they've tried, and they've had more than 100.

Protein powder is probably the most well-known supplement when it comes to the pursuit of muscle gain. It’s commonly used in all strength training disciplines, but especially in the bodybuilding community. Research tells us that whey protein powder is one of the best muscle-building supplements available. 

Protein shakes, such as XWERKS Grow, support muscle protein synthesis³, the process by which your body builds new muscle tissue. Post-workout protein shakes are also known to aid in muscle recovery after resistance training. 

A high-protein diet can also assist with weight loss goals and positive changes to body composition, specifically helping to maintain more lean body mass. Of course, whole food protein sources are best, but when you’re trying to pack on lean muscle, any source of protein helps. 

We love XWERKS Grow because it tastes great in all of the available flavors and has 25 grams of microfiltered protein per serving. The protein comes from whey protein isolate, which is one of the purest forms of whey available. XWERKS Grow contains something most other powders don’t: alpha lactalbumin, a protein found in human breast milk that’s needed for growth⁴.

It’s also free of dyes, fillers, and artificial flavors. Plus, the chocolate flavor tastes like a Yoohoo, which is enough to make XWERKS Grow a go-to protein powder for GGR product tester Anthony O’Reilly. 

Best Essential Amino Acid Supplement for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs CoreSeries Intra EAA

Good for: People looking for a boost of essential amino acids and a tasty intra-workout drink

Best Essential Amino Acids

Transparent Labs CoreSeries Intra EAAs

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Delivers a balanced ratio of essential amino acids (EAA) designed to reduce muscle breakdown when training
• Contains naturally occurring electrolytes from added coconut water powder
• Each 18.7-gram scoop provides 6,700 milligrams of EAA, 2,000 milligrams of citrulline malate 2:1 ratio, 2,000 milligrams of taurine, 1,250 milligrams of BetaPure betaine anhydrous, 1,000 milligrams of coconut water powder, 150 milligrams of ElevATP, and 50 milligrams of AstraGin

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sweet taste
• Good mixability
• Added electrolytes
• Users report feeling more energized
• Contains several clinically studied ingredients
• Uses clinical doses

Cons

• Expensive
• Settles after mixing
• Some clumps present after mixing

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs CoreSeries IntraWorkout Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) offers a balanced ratio of easily digestible EAAs formulated to reduce muscle breakdown and encourage muscle growth.

Essential amino acids are those that your body cannot produce on its own, so you have to get them from food or supplements. There are 20 amino acids required for human health, and nine are essential. Those are: 

1. Histidine
2. Isoleucine
3. Leucine
4. Lysine
5. Methionine
6. Phenylalanine
7. Threonine
8. Tryptophan
9. Valine

Transparent Labs CoreSeries IntraEAA contains L-lysine, L-threonine, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine, L-tryptophan, and L-methionine; and covers leucine, isoleucine, and valine in the 2:1:1 BCAA blend. 

Other notable ingredients include ElevATP, a patented nutraceutical made of “ancient peat” (fossilized plants) and apple skin. This combo is said to increase production of ATP⁵ (adenosine triphosphate), which is a major driver of muscle contraction⁶ in the human body. 

This supplement also contains AstraGin®, a compound that exhibits antioxidant effects⁷ and is claimed to increase absorption of nutrients, including amino acids. The betaine anhydrous is supposed to increase muscle strength and power, but the jury is still out, according to a 2017 systematic review⁸.

Coconut water powder provides a nice heaping of electrolytes for hydration and healthy muscle function, while citrulline malate is included for its purported effect on nitric oxide production⁹ and taurine appears for its potential benefits on muscle contraction and oxygen uptake.¹⁰

I got the Blue Raspberry flavor. Like other Transparent Labs supplements I’ve tried, this flavor turned out to be too sweet for me unless I mix it with more than the recommended amount of water. It has a bit of a tart aftertaste, which I actually really liked. Overall, I’d continue to drink this as my intra-workout supplement.

As for solubility, this stuff dissolves fine initially but it does settle if left alone. Either drink it quickly or give your bottle a quick shake before each swig.

Best BCAAs for Muscle Growth: Huge Supplements BCAAs

Good for: A BCAA supplement with all 9 essential amino acids 

Best BCAAs

Huge BCAA

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• One scoop contains 15 grams of amino acids including an impressive 8 g of BCAAs
• Can be taken before, during, or after a workout and is easily stacked with your favorite pre or post-workout supplement
• Made in a GMP facility
• Available in 4 flavors 
• Formulated to improve protein synthesis, and support muscle recovery and muscle growth for better overall performance
• Key ingredients include calcium, potassium, sodium, BCAAs (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine), L-glutamine, coconut water powder, L-lysine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine HCL, and L-methionine

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tastes good
• High levels of quality BCAAs
• Mixes well
• Can be stacked with other drinks

Cons

• Not so much a negative, but since this product does taste good, many consumers would appreciate a greater variety of flavors
• Expensive at $1.59 per serving
• Sweetened with sucralose

Bottom Line

As one of the better-tasting BCAA supplement powders on the market, Huge BCAA may be a good choice if you place a premium on taste and quality ingredients.

Branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs, include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, three essential amino acids with particular chemical structures. They are known to have protein anabolic properties¹¹, which means they’re important in your body’s ability to build and repair muscle tissue. 

There are tons of BCAA supplements out there, but Huge Supplements BCAAs are the best for explicit muscle growth goals because they contain not just the three BCAAs, but also the other six essential amino acids. 

And, as Dr. Bob Iafelice explained in our guide to the best BCAAs, “Only a complete protein composed of all nine essential amino acids will maximize muscle protein synthesis³ and subsequent muscle gains.”

BCAA supplements have indeed been shown to accelerate muscle recovery¹², but other research reveals that you’re probably already getting enough¹³ if you’re eating the recommended 1 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. 

If you’re going to take one, though, we recommend Huge because of its nutrient profile and fun flavors. Nicole tested the Kiwi Blueberry flavor and was glad that she didn’t find it overly sweet and “definitely got the kiwi taste.” The powder also dissolves well, she says.

Best Bodybuilding Supplement for Muscle Growth: Jacked Factory Build XT

Good for: Trainees who are looking to pump out as many reps as possible in the weight room

Best for Bodybuilding

Jacked Factory Build XT

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Stim-free
• Helps support muscle gain and improved strength
• $0.99 per serving
• Clinically-backed ingredients and doses

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Helps support muscle growth
• No stimulants
• Research-backed ingredients and doses
• Less than $1 per serving

Cons

• Some customers say they only saw modest improvements
• No third-party testing

Bottom Line

A stim-free supplement that contains ingredients linked to increased muscle mass and strength.

Build XT contains a number of compounds and ingredients that have been backed by scientific research to help you perform more reps in the weight room, which leads to more muscle. In fact, the formulation is so on point that supplements expert and professional nutritionist Dr. Bob Iafelice said he was considering taking it for himself.

“Interesting stim-free combo,” Iafelice says. “Seems like a scaled down version of PerformElite,” referring to a popular stim-free pre-workout.

RELATED: Best stim-free pre-workout

We can tell just by looking at it, along with Dr. Iafelice’s endorsement, that it’s a worthy muscle-building supplement. The main star is Peak O2, a blend of mushrooms that supports increased training intensity and duration¹⁴—in other words, you can work harder for longer.

Jacob Penner, GGR product tester and USA Weightlifting Level -2 coach, has tried Build XT. “There is a bit of an herbal taste to these,” he says. He felt the nootropic effects quickly; as far as muscle growth, he will continue to test this product and will report back.

This might not be the best product if you need that caffeine boost to get you going, but since these are offered in capsule form it’s easy to stack them with the pre-workout of your choice.

Best Creatine for Muscle Growth: Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate

Good for: A trainee whose main goal is to increase muscle size

Best Creatine

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Powder creatine monohydrate supplement 
• 5 g of creatine per serving 
• Improved strength and muscle growth 
• May help prevent injuries
• Supports cognitive and bone health

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 15%
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Manufactured in cGMP-compliant facility
• Affordable at under $0.40 per serving
• Unflavored variety has 1 ingredient, micronized creatine monohydrate

Cons

• Some flavors sold out
• Flavored versions contain sucralose which may cause stomach upset
• Mixed reviews on mixability
• Mixed reviews on taste

Bottom Line

Nutricost Creatine Powder contains 5 grams of creatine per serving and is available in both flavored and unflavored varieties. Nutricost shares that their creatine supplement can help with muscle building and strength, injury prevention, and cognitive and bone health. This supplement has mixed reviews on taste and mixability.

Creatine supplements are among the most studied dietary supplements across scientific literature as a whole. Benefits of creatine include increased power output¹⁵, the ability to repeat sprints at near-maximal effort¹⁶, increased maximal muscle strength¹⁷, and increased muscle mass¹⁸, according to Krissy Kendall, Ph.D., who reviewed our guide to the best creatine. 

GGR Performance Editor and expert product tester Anthony O’Reilly tried this creatine supplement and said that he really appreciated the fact that he didn’t experience bloat after taking this creatine, which he has experienced with other products. He gave it a 5 out of 5 as far as effects are concerned. 

GGR Editor and certified nutrition coach Frieda Johnson has been using creatine for several years, and says her experience taking it was in line with her typical experience of taking five grams of creatine monohydrate in the past. Frieda said, “I had no interruption in positive benefits after swapping this in” 

The five-gram dosage of this creatine is proven to be a clinically effective dose¹⁹. You can purchase 71, 76, 100, or 200 five-gram servings. Creatine is one of the more effective workout supplements that you can add to your routine which is one reason that we recommend it. GGR rated Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate a 5 out of 5 for its budget-friendly price. 

While this creatine supplement contains only creatine monohydrate, you can easily stack it with other supplements that are beneficial for muscle growth . The unflavored option and low cost make it easy to experiment. There is even a 60-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you. 

While we tested the unflavored option, there are also three flavors available at a slightly higher price and also contain a few additional ingredients such as sweeteners, natural flavors, and coloring. 

Best Carb Supplement for Muscle Growth: JYM Post JYM Fast-Digesting Carbs

Good for: Quickly replenishing muscle glycogen after a tough workout

Best Carb Supplement

JYM Supplement Science Post JYM Dextrose Carbs

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Dextrose carb powder 
• Post workout supplement 
• Available in 5 flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in multiple flavors
• Affordable at less than $1 per serving
• Subscribe and save 15%
• Pure dextrose; a fast absorbing carb

Cons

• Designed only for post-workout consumption
• Don’t take if pregnant or nursing
• Limited reviews

Bottom Line

Post JYM Dextrose Carbs are an affordable supplement with positive reviews for those looking to help improve muscle recovery, growth, and strength following workouts.

Carbohydrate supplements are pretty straightforward. They consist primarily of quick-digesting carbohydrates and, when it comes to muscle growth, can serve two distinct purposes. 

Post-workout carb powders like Post JYM intend to accelerate glycogen replenishment and enhance nutrient transport so your tired muscles can more quickly recover and rebuild. Indeed, consuming high-glycemic carbohydrates²⁰ soon after a workout has been linked to both of those benefits.

In the endurance world, carb powders are often consumed before and during training to prolong work capacity and stave off fatigue and hunger. That might prove useful if you plan on a long, high-volume session in the weight room. 

JYM Post JYM Dextrose Fast-Digesting Carbs consists of dextrose, citric acid, malic acid, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and food dye. Dextrose, a simple sugar chemically identical to glucose, is the key and primary ingredient here.

“The flavor wasn’t great, as it didn’t taste like much, just sweetness,” Nicole says. She tried the Blue Arctic Freeze flavor. “I would’ve preferred something more flavorful.” The consistency, however, is great: It mixes well and is thin, Nicole says. 

Best Mass Gainer for Muscle Growth: Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer

Good for: Those who need more calories and protein without a bunch of junky ingredients

Best Mass Gainer

Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer combines all-natural, high-quality ingredients to provide a supplement that effectively aides lean muscle growth
• Compared to other weight gainer, this one is low-calorie and low-fat
• Available in six flavors sweetened with sucralose and Stevia
• Each serving provides approximately 560 calories, 30 grams of protein, 99 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of fat

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Mixes well
• Taste
• Clean ingredients
• Low-calorie compared to other weight gainers
• Low-fat
• Affordable
• 6 flavors

Cons

• Contains sucralose
• Lower protein content

Bottom Line

Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer is an affordable mass-building supplement made from clean macronutrient sources with a lower calorie count than most weight gainers.

When you’re trying to pack on muscle, it’s ideal to consume more energy than you burn²¹—human bodies are crazy awesome, but they’re not magical, and they can’t create new tissue out of nothing. Mass gainer supplements can be quite helpful in this regard, as they’re an avenue for increased caloric intake and they’re easy to time smartly around your workouts. 

In our guide to the best mass gainer, GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly selected Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer as the best for bodybuilding for a few reasons. For one, it has a 1:3.3 protein-to-carb ratio, which is great for “lean bulking,” or attempting to put on as much muscle and as little fat as simultaneously possible. 

Additionally, this mass gainer only includes 4 grams of added sugar, which is on the very low side for mass gainers. We would’ve liked to see a more potent micronutrient blend in this powder, but we’re happy with the 30 grams of protein from whey and casein. 

This supplement is also tested for banned substances, so it’s safe for athletes to take. 

Nicole tested Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer and was pleased to report that it mixed well into a smooth, creamy texture with no gritty clumps. She liked the Chocolate Fudge flavor and said it reminded her of hot cocoa. 

Best Plant-Based Protein for Muscle Growth: KOS Organic Plant Protein

Good for: Those seeking vegan sources of protein to supplement their diets

Best Plant-Based Protein

KOS Vegan Protein Powder

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein powder 
• USDA-certified organic, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO
• Digestive support via DigeSEB to help maximize absorption

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Manufactured in the USA
• Superfood-infused
• 20 g protein per serving
• Chocolate flavor is rich
• Enhanced with digestive support enzymes
• Under $1.50 per serving

Cons

• Customers say it has a gritty/chalky flavor
• Some users reported protein gave them stomach issues
• Reports of strong sweetness and bad aftertaste

Bottom Line

KOS is a vegan protein with a lot of positive reviews, but a number of people experienced stomach issues using this protein powder.

Typically, plant-based protein doesn’t offer a complete protein, so you wouldn’t find it on a list of products ideal for muscle growth. However, KOS, which has established itself as a reputable supplements brand, offers all nine essential amino acids in its Organic Plant Protein by using a protein blend of:

• Pea protein
• Pumpkin seed protein
• Quinoa protein
• Flaxseed protein                    
• Chai seed protein

Not only is the protein complete, but you get 20 grams of it in every 160-calorie serving, along with 9 grams of carbs and 7 grams of healthy fat (for the chocolate flavor). We also love that KOS Organic Plant Protein contains a digestive enzyme complex to help sensitive tummies digest the nutrients in this powder.

Many people shy away from plant-based protein due to taste. However, I tested this protein powder myself and found it to be one of the best vegan protein powders I tried. It’s sweetened with stevia extract and monk fruit, meaning there’s no icky aftertaste from artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame. I tried the chocolate flavor and found it to be quite rich, actually, and not so earthy like other plant-based proteins. I gave it a 3.5 out of 5 for taste.

For a vegan protein powder, KOS Organic Plant Protein scored pretty highly for texture, too, earning 3.75 out of 5 points. It’s certainly not whey protein smooth, but it’s not as clumpy or grainy as other vegan proteins I have tried.

Read more in our in-depth KOS vegan protein review. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a more portable plant-based protein supplement, we recommend checking out our No Cow protein bar review.

Best Carnitine Supplement for Muscle Growth: Kaged L-Carnitine

Good for: Increased metabolism and accelerated muscle recovery

Best Carnitine

Kaged L Carnitine

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• 500 milligrams of patented and pure l-carnitine per capsule
• L-carnitine is reported to bring fatty acids to mitochondria of the cell where it is burned as fuel
• Designed to reduce recovery time and muscle soreness
• L-carnitine is a nonessential amino acid

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Third-party tested
• Non-GMO
• Vegan
• Reports of reduced recovery time and soreness post-workouts
• Convenient capsules
• No flavor

Cons

• Some users experienced rashes
• Some reports of anxiety when taking
• Can cause upset stomach

Bottom Line

Kaged l-carnitine provides 500 milligrams of l-carnitine per capsule and is designed to decrease muscle soreness and metabolic stress.

It’s not often that you can feel the effects of a supplement soon after you start taking it (with the exception of pre-workout, that is.) But GGR performance editor and product tester Anthony O’Reilly, who’s also a NASM-certified nutrition coach, says without hesitation: “I can tell you that this thing works!” 

L-carnitine plays a “pivotal role in fatty acid oxidation and energy metabolism³²“.  It may also mitigate muscle damage³³ after strenuous workouts. 

“I felt an increase in my metabolism on the days I took this,” Anthony says, “but there were some days it left me feeling a bit nauseous. There’s 500 milligrams (5 grams) per serving, so I’d recommend this for bigger people.” If you’re a petite person, consider halving the serving size. 

“I’d also recommend taking it shortly before a meal to reduce any potential side effects,” Anthony cautions.

Anthony likes that you only need to take one capsule, as some brands have you take two or more. There’s also 250 servings per container, “which is a big plus in this economy,” Anthony says. 

Best HMB Supplement for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

Good for: Creatine with a kick 

Best HMB

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

GGR Score: 4.85

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Product Highlights

• Uses research-backed doses 
• Available in 10 fruit flavors as well as an unflavored option
• Free from artificial sweeteners, colored dyes, fillers, and harmful additives

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10+ flavors, 1 unflavored option
• Includes B-Hydroxy B-Methylbutyrate (HMB)
• 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
• Contains no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, dyes, or fillers

Cons

• No stimulant (for those looking for pre-workout boost)

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB puts a unique twist on the more traditional creatine monohydrate by adding HMB to more effectively build strength, stamina and recovery.

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB puts a unique spin on a traditional creatine supplement. Not only does each serving contain the clinical creatine dosage of 5 grams, but one serving also has 1.5 grams of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). 

As Dr. Kendall explains in our guide to the best creatine, “HMB is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine, which helps to prevent the breakdown of muscle protein and can help speed up the recovery process from strenuous exercise.”

HMB has also been studied for its effects on body composition. Some studies show that HMB supplementation may increase fat-free mass (muscle) and reduce body fat.³⁴ However, a more recent meta-analysis³⁵ found the relationship to be unclear. 

Regardless, we have to give props to Transparent Labs for creating this supplement with the clinically-backed dosages of various ingredients. 

I got the Peach Mango flavor and there’s something admittedly weird about it. The flavor itself is good and strong enough, but I think the BioPerine, which is a derivative of black pepper, is altering the taste. (BioPerine is a compound that increases the bioavailability³⁶ of nutrients when taken together.)

When you smell it, it smells spicy in a weird way. It’s kind of off-putting. When mixed, it tastes a bit bitter unless mixed with more than the recommended amount of water. 

Other Muscle Growth Supplements We Researched

Our team has personally tested more than 200 supplements for our nutrition guides. Product testers on our teams have pantries full of protein powder, BCAAs, EAAs, creatine, pre-workout, carb powders, electrolyte powders, sports drinks, and much more. 

We consistently research and test products from the best brands in the industry, including Optimum Nutrition, Transparent Labs, XWERKS, Cira, Onnit, Bulk Supplements, Huge Supplements, Cellucor, Legion Athletics, GAT, Ghost, and others. 

We have complete guides to various supplements where you can learn more about the different products we’ve tested: 

• Best Protein Powder 
• Best Pre-Workout 
• Best BCAAs 

How We Picked and Tested the Best Supplements for Muscle Growth

Since our team has such an extensive history in fitness and wellness, we always start with our personal experience. We consider what supplements we’ve used in the past and which ones we continue to use, recounting the various brands we’ve tried. 

We then research online for more products in a given category to expand our knowledge of what’s available. Using our personal experience and research, we create shortlists of products that we then order and test ourselves. 

After testing—as in, actually using and consuming—the supplements, we write detailed notes in our product database, where we can collaborate with others on the team to paint a complete picture of the products we test. 

Here’s a deeper look into the individual factors we ask our certified personal trainers and nutrition coaches to look at when testing muscle growth supplements.

RELATED: GGR supplement testing methodology

Ingredients

We analyze the ingredients and nutrition information side of supplement containers to see that they contain research-backed ingredients with effective dosages. That means making sure pre-workout supplements have at least 200 milligrams of caffeine and protein powder has at least 20 grams of good-quality protein. We also consider whether artificial ingredients are used or if any extras could potentially cause harm.

Third-Party Testing and Certifications

Since dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA, having an independent third-party lab verify that what’s on the label is what’s in the muscle growth supplement is super important, especially for athletes. You should look for an Informed Choice or National Sports Foundation (NSF) certification if this is a concern for you.

Depending on your individual health needs and preferences, you might also want to look for certifications that show the supplement is organic, dairy-free, or grass-fed. There are also certifications for animal welfare, meaning the supplement company has promised to care for all livestock used in processing the product. Anyone who follows a kosher or Halal diet should look for these certifications, too.

Transparency also plays a part in this—does the company provide a certificate of analysis, not use proprietary blends, and generally seem very upfront about what’s used in their supplement and why?

Side Effects

Our testers looked at whether any of the supplements caused any adverse side effects like nausea or disrupted sleep cycles. There are a lot of supplements that can cause health issues and we’d never suggest such a product—consider us your human guinea pig.

Taste

While taste is subjective, we took our testers’ opinions into consideration along with that of online customer reviewers.

Benefits of Muscle Growth Supplements

Not to state the obvious, but muscle growth supplements will—or should—help you build muscle. They’re not a magic formula that will increase your muscle mass in the absence of a nutritious diet and hard work in the weight room, but they can certainly act as a support beam. 

For example, a mass gainer supplement can help you stay in a caloric surplus when you find it difficult to eat enough calories from solid food. Protein powder can boost your daily protein intake by a very substantial 20 to 30 grams. 

Carbohydrate powders provide your body with quick, easily digestible energy so you can work out harder for longer. Likewise, the caffeine in pre-workout can improve exercise performance and reduce your perception of fatigue. 

Other supplements, like amino acids, have more minute ways of benefiting muscle growth. For example, according to the National Institutes of Health fact sheet³⁷, citrulline is thought to indirectly “increase blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to exercising muscles and speed up the removal of waste products that cause muscle fatigue.”

Bear in mind that weight training with progressive overload and eating in a caloric surplus is the primary formula for muscle growth. 

Dosing and Interactions 

All of the products covered in this guide to the best supplements for muscle growth are considered generally safe for consumption. However, food-drug interactions³⁸ and supplement-drug interactions are common. In many cases, the interaction is simply that consuming the supplement reduces the efficacy of the drug by altering bioavailability.

To recap, here’s a brief summary of each type of product and any watch-outs you should be aware of.

• Protein is a macronutrient essential for human life and healthy tissue, including muscle. Protein powders are generally safe to consume, but check for any allergens. 
• Creatine may interact³⁹ with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, caffeine, diuretics, and medications that affect the kidneys. 
• BCAAs and EAAs are amino acids, which are the compounds that make up proteins. Supplements may contain allergens, but otherwise are generally safe to consume. However, BCAA supplements may interact⁴⁰ with some diabetes medications and medications that treat the central nervous system.
• Pre-workout contains stimulants, including caffeine. Check the amount of caffeine and other stimulants before taking pre-workout to ensure you can tolerate it. Also, caffeine interacts with many drugs⁴¹ and can cause medications to remain in your body for longer. If you take any medication, check with your doctor before taking pre-workout. 
• Carbohydrate supplements are generally safe to consume. People who have diabetes should check with their doctor before taking carbohydrate supplements. Check for allergens. 
• Mass gainers generally contain a mix of carbs, proteins, fats, and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and are generally safe to consume. Check for stimulants and allergens. 
• Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation is thought to be safe and may actually be more effective when taken in combination with other supplements (including creatine⁴², vitamin D,⁴³ arginine, and glutamine⁴⁴). However, a lot of studies around HMB have been on niche populations. 
• Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning your body produces it on its own. There are no known negative drug interactions, but some research shows that beta-alanine may interact positively with creatine⁴⁵ and sodium bicarbonate⁴⁶ in regard to physical performance. 
• Carnitine interacts with pivalate-conjugated antibiotics^,47 which are often used to treat urinary tract infections. It may also interact with anticonvulsants. Talk to your doctor before supplementing with carnitine if you take either class of medication. 
• Citrulline has not been heavily studied, and knowledge of its interaction with other drugs and supplements remains unclear.³¹

Third-Party Testing

One of the most important things to consider when shopping for supplements is third-party testing and verification. There are a few verification marks you can look for in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a supplement. 

• National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Verification: The NSF evaluates products and manufacturers for safety and risk. 
• NSF Certified for Sport Mark: This arm of the NSF verifies that products are free from banned substances in sport and safe for athletes to consume.
• US Pharmacopeia (USP) Verification Mark: The USP analyzes products to ensure that they actually include what’s on the label and do not contain contaminants, among other things.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certification: This program is part of the FDA and ensures that products are made in compliance with sanitary and safety best practices.

If you have any dietary restrictions, you may also want to check for third-party verification for the following: 

• Vegan
• Vegetarian
• Non-GMO
• Gluten-free
• Lactose-free
• Paleo-friendly 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Supplements for Muscle Growth

Here, learn about some important factors for choosing your supplement stack.

Third-Party Testing 

As covered above, third-party testing is really important. It’s not necessary that a product have all four of the mentioned verifications (NSF, NSF Certified for Sport, USP, and GMP), but at least one shows that the company is doing its due diligence for the consumer. 

Not having a certification doesn’t necessarily mean that a product is bad, but we encourage consumers to do additional research if there is an apparent lack of third-party verification. 

Dietary Preferences and Restrictions 

If you follow a specific diet, make sure to check the ingredients labels on products to check for allergens and other ingredients you want to avoid. If you see something called a “proprietary blend,” it might be worth chatting with customer support to see if you can find out what’s in it. If a company won’t disclose, we recommend choosing a different product. 

Sweeteners 

Manufacturers use a variety of sweeteners to make their products taste better. Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and sugar alcohols like erythritol can cause digestive problems for some people. Natural alternative sweeteners like monk fruit extract and stevia are common in supplements, too. 

Stimulants 

If you are sensitive to stimulants like caffeine, do yourself a favor and read the entirety of the supplements facts label to find out how much caffeine is in the product per serving. 

Macronutrient Profiles

When you’re trying to build muscle, macronutrients are important. For a protein powder, you want at least 20 grams of protein per serving with minimal carbohydrates and fats. Conversely, a carbohydrate powder should contain mostly carbs and minimal protein and fat. Mass gainers should have a balance of all three. Supplements like amino acids generally have negligible macro amounts, but check for sugar content.

FAQs About the Best Supplements for Muscle Growth

Finally, here are some frequently asked questions about using supplements to aid in hypertrophy.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

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Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC

Amanda is a content writer and journalist with extensive experience in the health, fitness, lifestyle, and nutrition niches. Before joining Garage Gym Reviews, she worked as an independent writer for various brands and outlets.Her work has appeared in national and global digital publications, including Health.com and Shape.com (Meredith Corporation), CNET (Red Ventures, formerly ViacomCBS), LIVESTRONG (Leaf Group), Verywell Fit and The Balance (DotDash), SlickDeals (Goldman Sachs/Hearst), Health Journal, and more.Now, Amanda brings her expertise in fitness to the GGR team by testing equipment and writing authentic, honest reviews on everything you might need to stock your home gym.

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