How gross is unflavored BCAA powder?

squirrlt
squirrlt Posts: 106 Member
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
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!

Replies

  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,286 Member
    Nasty is an understatement.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    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
    monikker Posts: 322 Member
    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
    squirrlt Posts: 106 Member
    edited March 2015
    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
    monikker Posts: 322 Member
    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
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    edited March 2015
    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
    squirrlt Posts: 106 Member
    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
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    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
    NaurielR Posts: 426 Member
    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
    squirrlt Posts: 106 Member
    edited March 2015
    Ooo samples are a great idea, less risky!
  • squirrlt
    squirrlt Posts: 106 Member
    @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
    NaurielR Posts: 426 Member
    Pineapple is definitely acidic. That's a great idea. I love pineapple!
This discussion has been closed.