8 Best Supplements for Bodybuilders in 2024

Whether it’s the nutritional benefits of protein, or the performance-boosting effects of creatine and pre-workout, a good supplement stack can make a huge difference in your training. In this article, we’ll be covering our picks for the best supplements for bodybuilders, covering all the essentials for any serious gym-goer. 

Choosing the right supplements can help give you a serious edge in your training, and make more progress than you would otherwise. While you shouldn’t expect a night-and-day difference when using supplements, they should still be treated as a valuable tool in your arsenal. Let’s get into it!

Top 8 Best Supplements for Bodybuilders Reviewed

1. TRANSPARENT LABS WHEY ISOLATE – Best Whey Protein Isolate
2. Naked Casein – Best Casein Protein
3. Kaged Creatine Monohydrate – Best Creatine Monohydrate
4. VEGAN PROTEIN By HUGE – Best Tasting Vegan Protein
5. BULK Pre-Workout – Best Formulated Pre-Workout
6. Protein Bars by Legion – Best Protein Bar
7. NutraBio Extreme Mass – Best for Hardgainer
8. PUMP SERUM – Best for Pumping

Product	Total	Rationale for Use	Taste	Nutrition Label Transparency	Third Party Testing	Value for Money
TRANSPARENT LABS	49	10	9.5	10	9.5	10
Naked	48.5	10	9.5	10	9	10
Kaged	48.5	10	8.5	10	10	10
HUGE	48	10	9.5	10	9	9.5
BULK	48	9.5	9.5	10	9.5	9.5
Legion	47.5	10	9	10	9.5	9
NutraBio	47	9.5	9.5	10	9	9
PUMP SERUM	46	9	9	10	9	9

Starting our list of the best gym supplements, arguably the most recognizable and most effective supplement for any bodybuilder will be a high-quality protein powder. While we’ll be covering several different options throughout our list, earning the top spot is Transparent Labs’ whey isolate for its outstanding formula.  

Let’s take a look at the macro breakdown. Each serving has 120-140 calories with a solid 28g of protein. The rest of the calories are made up of a modest 0-3g of carbs and 0-1g of fat. This makes it a diet-friendly option for those looking to maximize protein intake while limiting calories from carbs and fat. 

On top of this, the flavor variety on offer here is exceptional with 13 different options, so there’s sure to be something for everyone! Also, Transparent Labs makes all their products with no artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives in case buying “all-natural supplements is important to you! This product is also made with grass-fed milk, which is healthier than regular dairy.

In terms of price, it’s worth noting that this is more expensive than most of the other protein supplements on the market. Given the quality, however, we believe Transparent Labs is still more than worth it.

Taking the runner-up spot on our list of weightlifitng supplements is another protein powder. While whey will be the go-to for most people, you may want to consider Naked’s Casein protein as an alternative! 

Casein is a different dairy-based protein that is absorbed slower by the body. Although it typically has similar macros to whey, it may keep you satiated for longer, making it a good option for dieting. Because of its slow absorption, casein is also commonly marketed as a “before bed” supplement, but remember total protein intake is more important than protein timing. 

As mentioned, macros for casein will be similar to a whey isolate. Naked’s Casein has 110-150 calories with 26-27g of protein. It also contains 0g of fat and 0-6g of carbs depending on the flavor. Especially if you opt for the unflavored variety, this is a great dieting option.

One major downside to Naked’s protein compared to Transparent Labs is the lack of flavor variety. This Casein is only offered in 3 flavors compared to Transparent Labs’ 13. However, Naked has many of the similar upsides when it comes to quality including being made from high-quality dairy, and containing no unnecessary artificial filler ingredients.

Finally, Naked is known for their excellent value for money. If you’re looking for a great price on protein, this may be your best pick at only ~$1.05 per serving.

Moving on from protein powders for a moment, let’s take a look at a high-quality creatine supplement from Kaged, which is easily one of the best supplements for bodybuilders. While protein is great for hitting your nutritional goals, creatine is one of the best research-backed supplements for improving performance. Let’s take a closer look. 

If you’re unfamiliar with creatine, it has numerous benefits making it relatively unparalleled as a sports supplement. It has been shown to improve high-intensity exercise, increase lean body mass, reduce fatigue, and improve recovery. It’s a saturation-based supplement, so taking a daily dose of 3-5g for 2-4 weeks is necessary to begin seeing effects. From there, continue taking this same dose to maintain any effects.

Kaged offers a fairly standard creatine supplement, coming in at 5g per serving. With 100 servings per container, it should last you about 3 months with daily use – or even longer if you’re taking a smaller dose of 3g per day. 

In terms of price, despite its effectiveness creatine is one of the cheapest supplements you can buy. While Kaged isn’t the cheapest creatine supplement on the market, it still comes at an affordable price of only ~$0.35 per serving.

The third and final basic protein supplement we’ll be covering is also the first and only vegan-friendly protein we’ll be covering on our list. If you’re looking for a high-quality plant-based nutritional supplement, you can’t go wrong with Huge’s Vegan Protein. 

Before getting into the supplement, keep in mind that it’s important to find a plant-based protein that has a complete amino acid profile, like Huge does by combining peas, brown rice, fava beans and mung beans. Also, because plant-based protein is typically less bioavailable than whey, you may want to take a slightly larger serving size as well. 

For a vegan protein powder, Huge offers an exceptional macro breakdown. You can expect 105-122 calories and 20-21g of protein per serving. With only 1.5g of fat and 4g of carbs, this supplement is excellent for both bulking and cutting. There aren’t many vegan protein powders out there that are able to rival the macros of a dairy-based supplement like this one!

In terms of flavors, you have 5 unique options to choose from. It’s worth noting that compared to the options available from Transparent Labs and Naked, Huge does fall short in formula quality. Be aware that this product is packed full of artificial sweeteners and dyes in case you prefer to avoid these ingredients. 

Still, Huge offers decent value for money with this product at ~$1.80 per serving. While you can certainly find cheaper vegan protein supplements, they likely won’t have the solid macros and excellent flavors of Huge’s product.

Next up we have the second Transparent Labs supplement on our list. However, instead of another protein supplement, this is also the first pre-workout we’ll be covering. Let’s see why Transparent Labs’ Bulk Pre-Workout earned its spot on our list. 

First, in terms of caffeine, you’ll be getting a solid 200mg per serving, which should give a solid boost of stimulation even to those with fairly high caffeine tolerances. On top of this, you’ll be getting effective doses of the ingredients Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, and Betaine. 

8g of Citrulline Malate should help with exercise performance and endurance in both acute and chronic doses. 4g of Beta-Alanine will help reduce fatigue with chronic use. Finally, 2.5g of Betaine will help with improving force production, endurance, and recovery. 

Similar to their protein powder, Transparent Labs’ pre-workout comes in a wide variety of 12 flavors. It’s also made without any unnecessary artificial ingredients, staying true to Transparent Labs’ commitment to quality. 

Pre-workout supplements are a great way to boost your energy levels and improve your performance in the gym. While this supplement isn’t especially cheap at ~$1.67 per serving, we believe it still offers great value for the money.

Next on our list is the first and only protein bar supplement we’ll be covering from Legion. While you could argue that protein bars are more of a food than a supplement, they’re a great alternative to protein powders for those who want a convenient snack they can take on the go.

Keep in mind that protein bars are a higher-calorie option when compared to protein powder. Each bar has 250 calories with 20g of protein. The rest of the calories are made up of 11g of fat and 29g of carbs. The relatively high carb and fat content means they may be better suited to those bulking, rather than those looking to lose weight. 

There are 4 different flavor options to choose from giving you plenty of variety. Similar to Transparent Labs, Legion also doesn’t use any artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or dyes in any of its products, making this a great all-natural option. 

While these are a convenient small meal replacement, keep in mind that they’re also fairly expensive. You can expect to pay ~$3.33 per bar, making this one of the most expensive supplements on our list.

The next supplement on our list is the first and only mass gainer we’ll be covering from Nutrabio. If you’re unfamiliar with mass gainers, they’re protein supplements with significantly higher amounts of calories and carbs, meant to help to reach your protein and kcal daily goals. 

In terms of macros, each serving of Extreme Mass has 650 calories and 53g of protein. You can expect 6g of fat, and a solid 100g of carbs in each serving as well. As you can probably tell, supplements like this should only be reserved for those who struggle to get enough total calories throughout the day.

Unlike most standard protein powders, mass gainers will also typically have a solid micronutrient profile. With Nutrabio, you’ll be getting high doses of numerous vitamins and minerals, including B Vitamins, Vitamin D, and Magnesium. When bodybuilding, vitamins, and minerals can make a huge difference in performance, so it’s important to dial in your micronutrient intake!

In terms of flavor variety, NutraBio’s product is similarly limited to Naked’s Casein, only coming in 3 different options. Also, if you’re trying to avoid artificial sweeteners, Extreme Mass does contain some sucralose.

Finally, as you may expect from the high calorie and protein content, this is the most expensive product on our list at ~$3.67 per serving. However, if you’re truly struggling to gain weight, a high-quality weight gainer like this may make a great investment.

Finally, closing out our list of supplements for weight lifting is the second Huge Supplements product we’ll be covering. This is a non-stim pre-workout, or “Pump supplement”, meaning it contains the active ingredients of a pre-workout without any caffeine. Let’s take a closer look at Huge’s Pump Serum. 

Pump Serum contains many of the same active ingredients as Transparent Labs’ Bulk Pre-Workout without the added caffeine. You’ll be getting a solid 4g of L-Citrulline, and 1.5g of Betaine, although there isn’t any Beta-Alanine. 

Some additional active ingredients include Beet Root Extract and Pomegranate Extract which may both have minor effects on recovery and performance. Beet Root Extract in particular has been shown to increase NO production and improve exercise performance.

However, it may be difficult to time these effects as it takes about 2-3 hours after ingesting to produce these effects, whereas L-Citrulline and Betaine only need about an hour. With that being said, it’s still a great additional ingredient for recovery. 

There’s a solid, albeit slightly low amount of flavors to choose from with 4 different options. Like most of Huge’s supplements, you can also expect some artificial sweeteners in the formula in case this is something you’d prefer to avoid. 

Overall, while Bulk pre-workout will probably produce more significant effects, this is still a great option for a stim-free alternative. It also comes at a decently cheaper price than Bulk, with Pump Serum only costing ~$1.37 per serving.

What Are the Best Supplements for Bodybuilders?

Over this list, we covered 8 different supplement types that all serve different purposes. They can be split up into 2 core categories: nutrition-based supplements and performance-based supplements. 

The 5 nutrition-based supplements we covered are whey, casein, and plant-based protein, as well as protein bars and mass gainers; the 3 performance-based supplements we covered are creatine, pre-workout, and pump supplements. 

Below, we’ll be going into each of these supplements in more detail, so you can decide which are best for you!

1. Whey Protein Isolate

First, and arguably the most iconic sports supplement of them all is whey protein isolate. It’s affordable, offers great macros, and plenty of flavors to choose from, making this the go-to protein supplement for most people.

If you’re confused about the difference between whey isolates and concentrates – whey concentrates are filtered slightly less and will have more calories, carbs, and fats compared to whey protein isolate. This typically makes isolates more ideal for weight loss and people with lactose intolerance. 

Overall, when it comes to whey – or any other protein supplement for that matter – we recommend it for those who struggle to hit their daily protein goals. Especially when trying to lose weight while maintaining muscle mass, a protein supplement can make a huge difference.

• Tips for Use

Protein supplements are great as an easy meal replacement or as a convenient snack. Simply mix it with water or milk to make an easy instant protein shake. 

If you’re looking to maximize calorie intake, consider blending it with nut butter and bananas for an easy homemade mass gainer. When cutting, you can blend with frozen fruit for added flavor and micros without too many calories!

2. Casein Protein

Casein is very similar to whey as they’re both dairy-based protein powders. Casein is considered a “slow-release” protein, as it takes the body longer to fully absorb. As a result, it’s thought to be more satiating, potentially making it a better option than whey for those on a diet. 

Beyond these minor differences, Casein can largely be used interchangeably with whey. Consider trying both to see if you prefer one over the other! Also, mixing the 2 types of protein can be a good idea to get the benefits of both quick and slow release protein. 

• Tips for Use

Because casein is so similar to whey, see our tips above for some ideas on how to use casein! It’s worth noting that casein is often marketed as a “bedtime” protein because of its slow-release properties.

This is thought to help with recovery, as you will have a more sustained release of protein throughout the night. However, this is unlikely to make a major difference in recovery given sufficient protein intake throughout the day. 

3. Vegan Protein

Of course, the 2 protein options covered above are dairy-based, and as a result, are not vegan-friendly. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based options available that can rival the taste and macros of dairy-based shakes to help you hit your protein goals. It’s also important to make sure you’re buying a vegan protein with a complete amino acid profile, usually made of a mixture of different plant-based protein sources. 

• Tips for Use

Plant-based protein powders will virtually function the same as dairy-based options. Simply, mix with water or your favorite plant-based milk for an easy shake, and feel free to blend with other ingredients to make more nutritionally complete shakes. 

4. Protein bars

A super convenient alternative to protein shakes are protein bars. Easy to take on-the-go and have whenever, protein bars are also a great healthy alternative to other convenient snack foods like chocolate bars. 

• Tips for Use

Keep in mind that protein bars are typically higher in calories than protein shakes, so they may not be ideal for those looking to limit total calorie intake. On top of this, they usually aren’t nutritionally complete, so consider having them alongside micronutrient-dense foods like fresh fruit. However, protein bars are a great choice for an easy and convenient snack or meal.

5. Mass Gainer

Mass gainers are a type of protein supplement that typically maximizes carbohydrate content to boost total calories. While they’re not for everybody, if you consistently struggle to reach your daily kcal intake, the extra several hundred calories from a mass gainer may be exactly what you’re looking for.

• Tips for Use

The main issue with mass gainers is that you can easily rely on them instead of eating a diet largely consisting of healthier whole foods. We recommend limiting mass gainer intake and prioritizing whole foods in your diet. On the other hand, remember that mass gainers alone won’t help you gain weight if you’re not eating enough otherwise. 

With all this being said, mass gainers can be a valuable tool on days when you’re busy and struggling to hit your caloric goals. It’s just important to not become reliant on them and to only use them when necessary. 

6. Creatine

In our opinion, creatine is the most universal supplement on our list. There are very few bodybuilders who won’t benefit from the use of creatine. Creatine is affordable and well-researched. With benefits including improved recovery, increased lean body mass, and better high-intensity performance, what’s not to like?

• Tips for Use

Creatine is a saturation-based supplement, so you’ll need to take it every day consistently to see its effects. A dose of 3-5g a day is ideal. You should begin to notice effects after 2-4 weeks of use. Note that mixing with warm water may help with solubility!

Also, you should always use creatine monohydrate. While there are plenty of other forms available, they are typically more expensive, not as well-researched, and generally less effective than monohydrate. 

7. Pre-Workout

There are plenty of benefits to using pre-workout, from improved energy from caffeine to improved performance from active ingredients. The 3 main pre-workout ingredients we recommend looking for beyond caffeine are L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, and Betaine – all of which are included in our choice for a great pre-workout, Bulk by Transparent Labs

• Tips for Use

The main thing to be aware of when using pre-workout is when in the day you’re taking it. Keep in mind that caffeine can have a huge effect on sleep quality, so we don’t recommend taking caffeinated pre-workout within several hours before bed. 

Beyond that, it’s mainly about timing it for your workout. Caffeine takes about 15-30 minutes to kick in for optimal effects, while an ingredient like L-Citrulline or Betaine may take up to an hour. Overall, we recommend taking pre-workout between 30-60 minutes before the gym for optimal effects. 

8. Pump Supplements/Stim-Free Pre-Workout

Pump supplements are essentially the active ingredients in a pre-workout supplement without any of the caffeine. They’re ideal for those who are potentially sensitive to caffeine, or those who work out late at night. While they don’t have the same potent stimulation of a pre-workout, they can still help improve performance. 

• Tips for Use

Unlike stimulant-based pre-workouts, you don’t have to worry about when during the day you’re using a pump supplement. Also, because caffeine isn’t a concern, you will typically want to take them closer to 60 minutes before your workout to maximize the effectiveness of ingredients like Betaine and L-Citrulline. 

Is Bcaa Necessary for Bodybuilding?

As you may have noticed, there hasn’t been any mention of BCAAs on our list. While BCAAs may provide some benefit to vegans and vegetarians who don’t get enough total BCAAs through their diet, someone getting enough protein on an omnivorous diet will notice next to no benefits from BCAAs. Overall, for the vast majority of athletes, we recommend choosing a high-quality protein supplement over BCAAs.

FAQ

Which Supplements Are Best for Muscle-Building?

In our opinion, the 3 essential supplements for bodybuilding are a protein supplement suited to your needs, creatine, and pre-workout. This combo will help you meet your nutritional goals, as well as have better performance in the gym. Beyond these 3 most effective bodybuilding supplements, most other options will likely have a much smaller effect on your ability to build muscle. 

Do Pro-bodybuilders Take Supplements?

Yes, supplements bodybuilders take likely include protein powder, creatine, and pre-workout as part of their supplement stack. Just be aware that almost all pro-bodybuilders use performance-enhancing drugs to achieve a competitive physique, as well as dedicating much of their life to training and diet. 

It’s important to have realistic expectations for your training, and to always prioritize your health above all else. Remember that pro-bodybuilding physiques are mainly built on years of dedication as well as the use of PEDs. 

How Safe Is Creatine?

Creatine is widely considered to be one of the most well-researched and safe supplements available. If you’re concerned about potential health risks you can always consult with your doctor before beginning use. However, creatine appears to be 100% safe in the vast majority of people. 

Is Creatine Better Than Protein?

It depends on your goals. If you struggle to hit your protein goals consistently, protein supplementation will likely have a more significant effect on your training progress. However, if you already have your diet dialed in, creatine will be one of the best supplements you can take for improving performance and gaining lean body mass. 

Conclusion

If you’re training for bodybuilding, several supplements can make a key difference in your performance and ability to gain muscle. While everyone will have slightly different needs, the 3 supplements that will likely give you the best bang for your buck are protein powder, creatine, and pre-workout. 

Overall, our top pick for the best supplement for bodybuilders is TRANSPARENT LABS WHEY ISOLATE for its outstanding formula and exceptional macros. We hope these bodybuilder supplement reviews can help you make a more informed choice!

Do you have any recommendations for high-quality bodybuilding supplement brands? What’s your favorite product for bodybuilding? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Also read:

• Best Pump Supplement
• Best Cla Supplement
• Best Zinc and Magnesium Supplement
• Best Glucosamine Supplement
• Best Supplement Stacks
• Best Supplements for Athletes
• Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate Review
• Kaged Multivitamin Review
• Kaged Mindset Review

References:

1. Brad Heins, “Grass-Fed Cows Produce Healthier Milk” University of Minnesota Extension, https://extension.umn.edu/pasture-based-dairy/grass-fed-cows-produce-healthier-milk (Accessed Nov. 27, 2023)
2. Richard B. Kreider, et. al, “International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine,” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition volume 14, Article number: 18 (2017).
3. Adam M. Gonzales, et. al, “Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature.” J Strength Cond Res. 2020 May;34(5):1480-1495.
4. Arnold B. McGonigle,"EFFECTS OF BETA-ALANINE ON ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 8: Iss. 8, Article 67. (2020)
5. Jenna M. Apicella, “The Effect of Betaine Supplementation on Performance and Muscle Mechanisms,” Master's Theses. 109. (2011).