Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA 5000
by Optimum Nutrition
"The gold standard BCAA powder — 5g of 2:1:1 leucine-isoleucine-valine for muscle recovery"
Overview
Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA 5000 provides 5g of branched-chain amino acids in the research-backed 2:1:1 ratio (2.5g leucine, 1.25g isoleucine, 1.25g valine) per serving. BCAAs are the three essential amino acids most critical for muscle protein synthesis, with leucine being the primary trigger for the mTOR pathway. The 'instantized' process improves mixability in water. While the value of standalone BCAA supplementation has been debated (since whey protein already contains BCAAs), they remain popular for fasted training, intra-workout sipping, and between-meal amino acid support.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| L-Leucine | 2500 mg |
| L-Isoleucine | 1250 mg |
| L-Valine | 1250 mg |
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- 5g BCAAs in 2:1:1 ratio
- Instantized for easy mixing
- 60 servings per container
- Optimum Nutrition quality
- 12,000+ Amazon reviews
What Could Be Better
- Unflavored (bitter amino acid taste)
- BCAAs debated if already consuming whey
- No EAAs (only 3 of 9 essential aminos)
- Powder doesn't dissolve perfectly
Who Is This For?
Best For
- Fasted training support
- Intra-workout amino acid sipping
- Those who train before eating
- Muscle recovery between meals
Not Ideal For
- Those already consuming adequate whey protein
- Those wanting all 9 EAAs
- Taste-sensitive consumers
Our Verdict
ON BCAA 5000 is the reliable BCAA powder from the most trusted name in sports nutrition. The 2:1:1 ratio and instantized process are solid. The real question is whether you need standalone BCAAs if you're already consuming whey protein — for fasted training, the answer is yes.