The Best Supplements for Bodybuilding

Bodybuilders are known to train hard and diet intensely. To gain a lot of muscle mass, they lift weights often. Then, to reveal a chiseled, ripped physique, bodybuilders usually count their macros to a T and/or eat a low-carb diet. With the intense training splits and rigorous dieting comes the need for next-level supplementation.

To support their in-gym performance and recover, bodybuilders most likely need an array of different supplements. For example, a joint support supplement may help to keep bodybuilders safe while lifting heavy weights often. And to recover, a sleep aid can help them get the seven to nine hours of Z’s they need while whey protein feeds growing muscles. Not sure where to start? No worries — we rounded up the best supplements for bodybuilding to help you on your journey. 

Best Bodybuilding Supplements

• Best Pre-Workout: Huge Supplements Wrecked
• Best Pre-Workout Without Caffeine: Legion Pulse Pre-Workout (No Caffeine)
• Best Whey Isolate: Onnit Grass Fed Whey Isolate
• Best Intra-Workout: Kaged In-Kaged Intra Workout
• Best Multivitamin: Huge Supplements Huge Multivitamin
• Best Sleep Aid: Transparent Labs Sleep Aid
• Best Beta-Alanine: Swolverine CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine 
• Best Creatine: Huge Supplements Creatine
• Best Non-Melatonin Sleep Aid: Nested Naturals Luna Melatonin-Free Sleep Aid
• Best Essential Amino: Huge Supplements BCAA

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. None of these supplements are meant to treat or cure any disease. If you feel you may be deficient in a particular nutrient or nutrients, please seek out a medical professional.

Best Pre-Workout

A good pre-workout powder can facilitate better pumps and provide you with the energy you need to kick butt in the gym.

Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout

This product contains the usual pre-workout players — caffeine, beta-alanine, and l-citrulline, which may help with better blood flow and performance (1). The addition of black pepper extract in this formula is a positive as it has been known to enhance the absorption of ingredients it’s paired with. That said, those who are sensitive to caffeine should be warned: This supp contains 350 milligrams of caffeine per serving. This formula comes in four flavors — Raspberry Mojito, Bomb Popsicle, Rainbow Burst, and Peach Rings, and comes in at $2.50 per serving, making it a more expensive option.

Huge Supplements Wrecked

Huge Supplements Wrecked

This product packs 18 ingredients at high doses, including 9,000mg of citrulline malate, 3,200mg of beta alanine, 350mg of caffeine, and 2,000mg of betaine anhydrous. Plus, you’ll find 1,000mg of tyrosine and 100mg of Himalayan pink sea salt, as well.

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Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout

•  Bodybuilders will appreciate the addition of l-citrulline here, which may have an impact on better blood flow for pumps, and could help you build mass.

• Morning gym-goers who need a high dose of caffeine will appreciate the combined dosage of 350 milligrams added to this formula via caffeine anhydrous and caffeine malate.
• Those who want a pre-workout that contains black pepper extract, which may help facilitate better absorption of other ingredients will be happy to see this in the formula. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout

• People who can’t take or don’t want caffeine should avoid this supplement due to its high content of 350 mg. 
• Anyone on a budget might want to consider a different option as this rings in at $2.50 per serving. 

Best Pre-Workout Without Caffeine

If you train late or can’t tolerate stimulants like caffeine, there are still pre-workout options for you. Some formulas — like this one — lean on focus-enhancing and pump-inducing ingredients instead of stimulants.

Legion Pulse Pre-Workout (No Caffeine)

To make up for the lack of stimulant-induced energy, Legion’s Pulse Pre-Workout contains ingredients that promote blood flow for pumps, like beta-alanine and citrulline, the latter of which can also help with muscle retention (2). If you’re an early bird and want the caffeine energy boost, this non-stim formula is likely not for you. 

However, if you’re looking for a blend of citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine that can help keep you focused and build muscle throughout your workout, Legion Pulse Pre-Workout (without caffeine — the option you select at checkout) may be a great pick. Plus, it comes in four tasty flavors — Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Tropical Punch, and Blue Raspberry. Be mindful that the caffeine and caffeine-free pre-workout is listed on the same page, and you’ll have to select caffeine-free in order to see those choices.

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Legion Pulse Preworkout

Legion Pulse Preworkout

This pre-workout supplement can come with or without caffeine and in 16 different flavors. Each serving provides 350 milligrams of L-theanine and eight grams of citrulline, which may facilitate better pumps. 

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Who Should Buy Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

• Bodybuilders who are looking to retain muscle mass during their cutting phase will appreciate the addition of l-citrulline in this blend.
• People who don’t want stimulants in their pre-workout will like that this blend comes caffeine-free.
• Anyone who likes to switch up their flavors will like that there are four to choose from here — Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Blue Raspberry, and Fruit Punch.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

• People who train early in the morning and may want a pre-workout with a caffeine-based formula.
• If you’re looking for a line up of unique flavors or an unflavored option, this may not be the best choice for you, as it only has four flavors in the line up.

Best Whey Isolate

A whey isolate protein is better for bodybuilders because it’s filtered more thoroughly and contains fewer grams of carbs and fat. So you get all of the protein with next to none of the extra fats and carbohydrates. 

Onnit Grass Fed Whey Isolate

Bodybuilders know that protein supplementation is their best friend when it comes to making gains, hitting macros, and staying full when your other macronutrients get cut. Onnit’s Grass Fed Whey Isolate protein comes with 20 grams of protein per scoop, and 110 calories or 120 calories depending on if you pick Vanilla or Mexican Chocolate, respectively. 

There’s minimal fat with two grams in each flavor, and fairly low carbs at three grams in Vanilla and five grams in Mexican Chocolate. The whey is sourced from grass-fed cows, so this is a high quality product. But at $60 for 30 servings (or $2 per serving), you’re definitely paying a pretty penny for the macro-profile and grass-fed whey isolate, which is the purest form of whey on the market. 

Onnit$0027s Grass-Fed Whey Isolate

Onnit$0027s Grass-Fed Whey Isolate

A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It$0027s also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.

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Who Should Buy Onnit Grass Fed Whey Isolate

• Bodybuilders who want mainly protein, and few carbs or fat.
• Folks who care about where their protein powder is sourced from — this formula contains protein from grass fed New Zealand cows.
• If you’re specifically looking for a whey isolate, this powder has you covered.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Grass Fed Whey Isolate

• Anyone who prefers more creative flavors won’t find them here — the two offerings for this whey isolate are Vanilla and Mexican Chocolate.
• Bodybuilders who need the most amount of protein possible may find others on the market with higher protein content per scoop.

Best Intra-Workout

Long, rigorous training sessions can deplete your body of energy. That’s why lifters who work out intensely for over an hour may benefit from drinking an intra-workout supplement. Intra-workout nutrition has actually been shown to make a workout seem easier to lifters. (1)

Kaged In-Kaged Intra-Workout

In-Kaged’s formula offers blends of ingredients that focus on muscle building, pump, and energy. It contains five grams of BCAAs, which can help with muscle retention. It also has three grams of citrulline, which may help with pumps during your workout. And it also provides one gram of tyrosine, which can help with focus. On top of all of that, you’ll find caffeine, beta-alanine, taurine, and even coconut water powder, which may help with intra-workout hydration. 

However, this supplement is low in carbs. As you exercise your carbohydrates are depleted, which is why some intra-workout supplements will provide a dose of carbs for replenishment — this intra-workout only contains two grams of carbs, which is nothing significant. If this isn’t an ingredient you’re keen on though, In-Kaged comes in three delicious flavors — Blue Raspberry, Cherry Lemonade, and Watermelon — all of which contain no artificial colors or flavors.

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Kaged Muscle In-Kaged Intra-Workout

Kaged Muscle In-Kaged Intra-Workout

Looking to put on size? The increased blood flow and focus you get from In-Kaged allows you to work harder in the gym for more muscle. Plus, it can help keep you hydrated as you exercise. 

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Who Should Buy Kaged In-Kaged Intra-Workout

• Lifters who train intensely for long periods of time and need an energy boost in the middle of their workout will like that this supplement is best sipped mid training session. 
• Folks who want a low calorie intra-workout. This supplement is only 10 calories per serving. 
• Anyone who wants potential help with focus, muscle retention, and pumps will like the formula here. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged In-Kaged Intra-Workout

• Lifters who are looking for a carb supplement in their intra-workout will need to look elsewhere. 
• People who don’t necessarily train at a high intensity often or for long periods of time may not need an intra-workout.
• If you’re trying to avoid caffeine, you can find intra-workout supps without this ingredient.

Best Multivitamin

If you are looking for a supplement that may help fill in the gaps in your diet, a multivitamin can help. While it’s important to eat a diet of whole foods first and foremost, a multivitamin may be able to fill in a few nutritional gaps while also supporting a lifter’s body for rigorous workouts.

Huge Supplements Huge Multivitamin

Let’s get the con out of the way first: A serving of this supplement is four capsules. That’s a lot compared to some multivitamins that only require one or two capsules for a full dose. But if you can deal, we like this multi because it provides one of the most robust ingredients lists we’ve seen. It contains over 30 vitamins and minerals, including zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C, all of which can be helpful in reducing inflammation after tough bodybuilding workouts. Huge Supplements also provides calcium for joint health and B vitamins, which can help with energy. If you’re looking for a multivitamin that can pair particularly well with your training, we think you’ve found one of the best options.

Huge Supplements Huge Multi

Huge Supplements Huge Multi

This supplement packs 100 percent to 41,667 percent of the eight essential B vitamins into one dose. Plus, Huge Supplements includes over 30 essential vitamins and minerals overall, like vitamin K1, K2, and D, and zinc, magnesium, iodine, and calcium.

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Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge Multivitamin

• Bodybuilders who train hard and heavy and would benefit from a joint supplement — you’ll like the calcium here.
• Folks looking for ingredients that can help fight inflammation may appreciate the zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C in this supplement. 
• Anyone who wants a robust ingredients list. This multivitamin contains over 30 vitamins and minerals, which is higher than the market average. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Huge Multivitamin 

• People who don’t want to take a large four-pill dose should look elsewhere. 
• Non-bodybuilders who may not need such a comprehensive multivitamin formula. 

Best Sleep Aid 

Sleep is vital — to your performance, your mental health, and your survival. It’s been referred to as a magic pill for athletes, and a study on Stanford Basketball players proved that more sleep undoubtedly improved their performance. (3) If you have trouble falling asleep, that’s a problem, but there are supplements designed to lure into a slumber. 

Transparent Labs Sleep Aid

One three-pill serving offers up 3 milligrams of melatonin, a hormone your body produces that regulates your sleep cycle. Taking extra melatonin has been shown to help those with sleep difficulties. (4) This sleep aid also comes with tart cherry, which contains melatonin and tryptophan, another sleep-helper. Also, zinc and magnesium, two ingredients in Transparent Labs formula, have been shown to improve sleep when paired with melatonin considerably. (5) Though, for some, melatonin can cause headaches and daytime sleepiness. 

Transparent Labs Sleep Aid

Transparent Labs Sleep Aid

A solid night$0027s sleep is essential for your recovery and to optimize performance in the gym. Transparent Labs sleep time formula offers up tried-and-true ingredients such as melatonin and zinc and a couple of extras like tart cherry and vitamin B6. The end result: great sleep without that groggy feeling.

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Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Sleep Aid

• People who have trouble getting to sleep regularly. 
• Those who want a multi-ingredient sleep aid.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Sleep Aid

• Folks who aren’t comfortable or don’t like swallowing multiple pills.
• People who may not handle melatonin well. 

Best Beta-Alanine

Supplementing with beta-alanine has been linked to a significant uptick in training performance compared to lifters who didn’t take it, potentially allowing athletes to work harder for longer. (6) If you’re a seasoned gym-goer who needs to push past plateaus, beta-alanine may be able to help you do just that.

Swolverine Carnosyn Beta-Alanine

This is a single-ingredient supplement, so there’s not a whole lot to look for other than dosage. That said, typically beta-alanine doses across the market range from 1.6g to 5g, and Swolverine provides a 5g dose, putting it on the higher end of the market. In addition to that, this product comes with 100 servings per container, making the cost around $0.60 per serving, which is a great deal.

This is also an unflavored powder, so it’s easy to add to another flavored beverage or smoothie without altering the taste. And if you want to save 15 percent per container, you can subscribe to have your product delivered before you run out next. It’s worth noting that beta-alanine can cause a tingling sensation in your skin, which isn’t inherently dangerous, but some people may not like the feeling.

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Swolverine Carnosyn Beta-Alanine