How gross is unflavored BCAA powder?

squirrlt

Before I invest...I was hoping someone could tell me how bad is unflavored BCAA powder mixed in water, taste-wise? I don't do fake sugar and I can't stand the taste of stevia either. Do they even have a taste? Thought about swallowing capsules, but quickly realized that wouldn't be very cost effective.

Please, no sidetrack question/comments, ie, "why do you want to take them? Eat some lentils!" While I appreciate everyone's input and advice, the purpose of my post is to simply estimate the likelihood of this supplement making me gag. Thanks in advance!

neanderthin

Nasty is an understatement.

jacksonpt

neanderthin wrote: »

Nasty is an understatement.

Agreed. I learned the hard way that "unflavored" is not the same as "flavorless"... it just means they didn't add anything to improve the natural flavor.

monikker

They're very gross. I've downed then maybe twice with just water but was def gagging. It's probably worth the artificial sweetener in this case. I mix with a pre-workout powder.

squirrlt

OMG! I'm SO glad I asked! Thanks for the words of warning everybody. Do you think I could add some sugar or something, or would I have to add a ridiculous amount to hide the taste? Does it taste bitter, or like old cheese, or what? Define "nasty". I think I could eat dirt, but sour milk or rotting flesh or anything reminiscent of vomit or poo would be a deal breaker lol

Are the "flavored" ones pretty gross too?

monikker

If you're not fasting or anything, adding it to your fav juice or protein shake should cover it up well. It's bitter I guess, it's just very strong. Don't think anyone would ever say it tastes good or even ok. But yeah a lot of things will cover the taste. The flavored ones taste good but they are more expensive so I buy unflavored and mix it with something.

jacksonpt

squirrlt wrote: »

OMG! I'm SO glad I asked! Thanks for the words of warning everybody. Do you think I could add some sugar or something, or would I have to add a ridiculous amount to hide the taste? Does it taste bitter, or like old cheese, or what? Define "nasty". I think I could eat dirt, but sour milk or rotting flesh or anything reminiscent of vomit or poo would be a deal breaker lol

Are the "flavored" ones pretty gross too?

I've found the flavored ones to be much better, very easy to drink.

squirrlt

Thanks, maybe I'll get the smallest, cheapest unflavored powder and experiment with "additions" to hide the taste and go from there. Thanks everyone!!!

jacksonpt

I know Optimum Nutrition makes an unflavored BCAA. I also know they do sample sized packets of many of their products... perhaps see if they have a sample sized packet of their BCAA?

NaurielR

The taste of unflavored BCAA is sort of a combination of bitter and acidic. However, I've found that mixing it with a fruit flavored drink masks the taste pretty well. I usually mix it with crystal light. Something more acidic, like lemonade, masks the flavor the best. I don't think it will ever not have a weird taste to it (unless you dilute it in an ungodly amount of liquid) but after mixing it with crystal light it is bearable.

squirrlt

Ooo samples are a great idea, less risky!

squirrlt

@NaurielR‌ wow, that is great detail! I don't have lemonade, but pineapple juice is on hand, and pretty strong itself (I think it's pretty acidic?) That's #1 on my experimental mixlist now. Thanks!

NaurielR

Pineapple is definitely acidic. That's a great idea. I love pineapple!