EAAs 300g

Better Than BCAAs?
$28.00 (NZD)

Essential Amino Acids NZ

Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) are the nine amino acids that the body must obtain through diet and include the three Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs).

Studies have shown that EAAs may stimulate protein synthesis (and muscle growth and repair) better than BCAAs on their own.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and may be depleted from muscle in those who are undertaking intense training, are dieting, vegan, injured, or lead a busy and high stress lifestyle.

Therefore this product may be useful for those who fall into these categories as a component of muscle energy and recovery.

Studies have also shown EAAs to have an interactive effect when taken in conjunction with whey protein for anabolic muscle growth.

The amino acids in this product are vegan and free form, which means that they are very fast absorbing as they don’t need digesting.

EAAs vs BCAAs

BCAAs are the three branched chain amino acids (leucine, iso-leucine, and valine). They're a popular supplement and have been around for a while.

EAAs are a newer supplement and the difference is that EAAs contain all nine essential amino acids including the three branched chain amino acids.

The essential amino acids are leucine, iso-leucine, valine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, lysine, histidine, and threonine. As such, EAAs are considered a complete protein source. These amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be consumed from food.

So how does EAA stand up against BCAA?

There seems to be a consensus that EAAs may be more favourable as a pre and during exercise supplement for muscle energy and repair and BCAAs may be useful post exercise (as the levels of the three branched chain amino acids is higher).

Studies are indicating that BCAAs do a better job at stimulating protein synthesis and repair muscle when used in combination with the other essential amino acids. And, the synthesis response lasts longer.

This is where the EAAs fit in as EAAs contain both BCAAs and these essential amino acids.

Therefore, if choosing between EAA vs BCAA then the studies are leaning towards EAAs for muscle protein anabolism and we recommend EAAs.

What is the Best Essential Amino Acid Supplement

The best EAAs supplements are those that:

  • Contain all nine essential amino acids.
  • Are high in branched chain amino acid content, especially leucine.
  • Are affordable. You shouldn't have to pay more than $1 per serving (ours is $0.77).
  • Are flavoured well and are pleasant to drink. EAAs are simple enough to flavour and there's no reason for them to be sickly and/or sweet.
  • Are vegan. Vegan amino acids are just as effective as animal derived amino acids, so pick the more eco-friendly option.
  • Be wary of brands that try to add other ingredients to "enhance" the effects. Generally they're just trying to sell a point of difference.

Essential Amino Acids Food

Food sources of essential amino acids include:

Leucine: red meat, chicken, pork, nuts, seeds, soy.

Iso-Leucine: meats, eggs, fish, cheese, nuts, seeds, seaweed.

Valine: soy, cheese, fish, meats, vegetables.

Histidine: meats (beef, lamb, pork), chicken & turkey, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts & seeds, beans.

Lysine: quinoa, cheese & yoghurt, fish (flounder especially), beef and meats, soy, eggs, nuts & seeds.

Methionine: chicken, fish, eggs, red meat, milk, vegetables/nuts/beans/grains have smaller amounts.

Phenylalanine: soy, meat (beef & lamb), tuna, chicken & turkey, eggs, milk, beans, nuts & seeds (pumpkin).

Threonine: liver, gelatin, chicken, milk & cheese, shellfish, beef & pork, soy.

Tryptophan: fish, eggs, red meat, milk, yoghurt & cottage cheese, tofu, chicken & turkey, lentils & beans.

Essential Amino Acids Supplement

The following amino acids are the nine essential ones, and the role they play:

Leucine

Leucine is one of three branched chain amino acids and is primarily involved in muscle protein synthesis for muscle growth and recovery. It also contributes to the regulation of blood-sugar levels, growth hormone production and wound healing. It can be used to enhancing physical performance because it boosts stamina and endurance while delaying the deterioration of muscle tissues through the significant increase in the production of muscle proteins.

Isoleucine

Isoleucine is another of the three branched chain amino acids. It is known to support blood clotting at wound sites and assisting with muscle tissue repair. Isoleucine can also help to boost energy levels and improve stamina.

Valine

Valine is another branched chain amino acid - the building blocks of proteins produced by cells that are recorded in the genetic code of all living things. It's also involved with muscle growth and repair, as well as energy production.

Histidine

Histidine is involved in many bodily functions including tissue repair, immune system support, and building haemoglobin. It is a unique amino acid because it's adults can typically produce enough from other amino acids in the liver, but children need to obtain it from their diet.

Lysine

Lysine helps in the formation of collagen and elastin, and also helps to prevent it breaking down. Lysine assists with absorption of calcium by reducing the amount of calcium that's excreted in urine, which promotes the development of bones, nails, teeth, and hair. Lysine plays a role in energy, hormone, and enzyme production, as well as protein synthesis. It should be consumed by athletes who engage in physical activity.

Methionine

Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid which plays an important role in protein synthesis and function. As cellular proteins break down, methionine assists in the process of making new proteins. This is especially the case and relevant here in regards to exercise induced muscular hypertrophy. In other words, methionine is need for muscle growth and repair especially with strenuous physical exercise. It also plays an important role in detoxification and metabolism, and assists with the absorption of the key minerals selenium and zinc.

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is found in three forms - L-phenylalanine, D-phenylalanine, and DL-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is used by the body in the structure and functions of proteins and enzymes, and to make other amino acids such as tyrosine which plays a role in protein synthesis.

Threonine

Threonine is involved in the growth and development of skeletal muscles, intestines, and liver. It can help to build strong bones which can help in wound and injury recovery. It's also a key part of structural proteins such as collagen and elastin. Threonine also assists with the metabolism of fats and in the immune system by producing antibodies required for function.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is needed for general growth and development. It helps to maintain nitrogen balance and makes niacin (vitamin B3), and in turn the neurotransmitter serotonin which helps to regulate appetite, sleep, and mood.

 

Rated 4.23/5 Based on 66 customer reviews.

Place a Review on this product

Taste like ass but I feel great.
Review by: Anonymous on Fri, Oct 4, 2024 1:47 PM
Unflavored is great to add to any hydration product as an intra workout drink. Can't notice any difference in taste when I add this to a flavored hydration powder product or pre-workout product. I use one or two doses during every workout. Great value.
Review by: Chris on Thu, Oct 3, 2024 4:53 PM
Delivery super quick!!! Ordered about 10.30am and the next day at 1pm it was at my doorstep( I live in Franklin area) I purchased juicy peach based on reviews. And the taste is great 👍 if your water ratio is good it's not too sweet at all. Easy to drink. This is the first time trying an EAA supplement, it doesn't taste too weird at all for me. I will definitely buy here again if it gives me the results I'm after which is the stimulation of protein synthesis. Thank you NZ Protein!
Review by: T on Wed, Oct 2, 2024 1:53 PM
Always fast shipping and the products are always in great condition hope you carry all products we use in the future at the same reasonable price

Cheers lisa
Review by: Anonymous on Fri, Sep 6, 2024 1:00 PM
Unflavored -
I add it to broth, collagen broth, shakes, and at the end of stir-frys. It’s great.
Zero complaints. Will order again.
Review by: Cheryl on Sat, Aug 31, 2024 3:23 PM
Worst taste I ever feel. I try isolate whey which is good but EAA is not a good buy
Review by: Anonymous on Fri, Aug 30, 2024 1:47 PM
Hi,

No EEAs have the nicest taste (but I knew that to start with and it's less than I expected).

I purchased the unflavored option and added it to my Protein Shake which includes Whey isolate (vanilla), Creatine, HMB Powder & now the EEAs.

I have added some vanilla extract to the shake to mask that acidic taste out - works perfectly.

Have only been using it a short while so I can’t tell how effective it is yet.

Delivery was prompt and I will be trialing some more of your products going forward.

Always keen to buy NZ made where i can.
Review by: SEAN on Tue, Aug 13, 2024 12:19 PM
Not the best flavour 😕
Review by: Harley on Thu, Jul 11, 2024 1:10 PM
It's legit. Built muscle and improved mood. Taste is bitter but I want no artifical flavor. Recommend 100%
Review by: Anonymous on Mon, Jun 24, 2024 7:19 PM
Love the product but this flavourful isn't my favorite (orange)
Review by: Harley on Sun, May 19, 2024 2:29 PM
Awesome tasting, I always get the raspberry flavour. Keeps me fuelled for my physical job. Highly recommend!!
Review by: Tracee on Wed, May 1, 2024 1:27 PM
Excellent. Flavorless mixes well and still tastes great with other NZ products. Highly recommended. Will buy again.
Review by: Joseph on Thu, Apr 25, 2024 8:52 AM
I used to use BCAA but prefer EAAs. I have tried a few flavours but Juicy Peach is the best.
Review by: Anonymous on Wed, Mar 27, 2024 1:31 PM
This is quite possibly the most putrid supplement I've ever bought. I have a tendency to go unflavoured so I don't mix all those weird fake tastes in my shaker. at once The flavour is as close as it gets to cat urine, at this point I'd rather just mix my ammonia with my carbs and drink it. In all honesty, this is so foul I had to throw it down the drain after two shakes and can say with strong confidence that I will never buy this abomination ever again. When I doubt, try it for yourself and find out! NZPROTEIN REPLY: unflavoured EAAs are bitter but we do have flavoured options
Review by: Thomas on Tue, Mar 12, 2024 4:47 PM
Couldn’t tell you whether this impacted my recovery or not, but it certainly did make hydrating a lot tastier— and therefore easier :) I got the Juicy Peach flavour…put 2 scoops into 850mL of water, seemed like a good ratio and tasted great!
In my experience, there is no bitterness. That seems to only occur if you happen to taste some product residue (e.g. at the top of a drink bottle) which hasn’t mixed thoroughly with the water. Shake well and it tastes peachy as it should!
Review by: Kate on Thu, Mar 7, 2024 1:22 PM
Taste is not great compared to other brands, but ingredients and price cannot be beaten here. Order the unflavoured and mix with pre-workout or electrolytes, then you can switch it up whenever and there's no flavour fatigue
Review by: Sam on Thu, Feb 1, 2024 11:41 PM
The peach flavour is seriously gross. Reading the other reviews here, maybe they made a bad batch because some people love the peach and other people agree with me that it is totally foul. I gave two stars because of the performance of the EAA's - it gives me longer endurance for a strength session, which I appreciate!
Review by: Jess on Wed, Jan 31, 2024 12:09 PM
The peach flavour is delicious. Good value for money! Would recommend
Review by: Jess on Mon, Nov 20, 2023 6:48 PM
Love it! Pure and simple. Doesn't have aftertaste, like some other brands.
Review by: Anna on Sat, Nov 4, 2023 12:06 AM
Only been using it for a couple of weeks and it's hard to say if it makes any difference. Maybe have noticed less DOMS after a hard workout.
Review by: Philip on Thu, Nov 2, 2023 3:10 PM
Great flavour raspberry!
Review by: Kellie on Mon, Oct 23, 2023 2:29 PM
Its not my most favourite taste, but it does the job! The more water I mix with it, the better it tastes.
Review by: Shaz on Fri, Aug 11, 2023 12:07 PM
Couldn't even swallow the first sip. Not nice at all, sorry!
Review by: Anonymous on Wed, Aug 2, 2023 12:11 PM
The peach flavour has a bitter, horrible, after taste but I have tried nearly every single other one and they are all great, hence the 5 star review.
Good quality EEA's, reasonable price, no lumps mixing and nice flavours (except the peach)
Review by: Leif on Wed, Aug 2, 2023 12:07 PM
I was very pleasantly surprised by the energy boost the EAA powder gave me during an intense weights session! And afterwards I don't feel as drained. I am able to push harder and attempt more weight thanks to this simple solution. I am a vegetarian so maybe this is why it is so effective for me. Thank you NZ Protein for such an affordable source of EAA's :)
Review by: Tanya on Tue, Aug 1, 2023 6:40 AM
This is the second time trying the NZ Protein EAA's. I had some elbow pain for months, which was some kind of lingering tennis elbow issue from twisting forearm weight exercises. Also lingering shoulder and brachialis ticeps muscle pains. Also an old knee injury that was flaring up here and there for years. All these have gone since it seems, using the EAA's. I think taking the EEA's has also helped correct some muscle loss/wasting. I have also been focusing more on form and not doing what I was doing to cause these issues. I've noticed more strength, explosiveness and power in my lifts. This could be a result, or helped by being pain free. Also taking L Glutamine. Slight sulfur smell which I don't mind at all. Mixes easily.
Review by: JB on Fri, Jul 28, 2023 5:06 PM
This is my second purchase this EAA.the peach flavor tastes very good and gives me extra energy during workout.
Review by: Anonymous on Fri, Jul 21, 2023 7:53 AM
Have tried the peach BCAAs before which was epic, however this has a very bitter aftertaste and is quite unpleasant.
Review by: Anonymous on Thu, Jun 8, 2023 12:07 PM
This stuff is good. Mixes well and I have noticeable results from using it pre workout.
Review by: Nigel on Thu, Jun 8, 2023 12:06 PM
I bought the no flavour option. I think it would be better to get the ones that mask the flavour and smell.
Review by: Anonymous on Sat, Jun 3, 2023 12:56 PM
I really like the peach.
I have the 2 scoops in a litre of water or mixed in with collagen powder.
It mixes well and tastes nice.
I will repurchase.
Review by: Erin on Tue, May 23, 2023 9:42 PM
Trying something new (usually BCAAs) and I like it
Review by: MT on Thu, May 4, 2023 7:05 AM
This is literally the worst tasting product iv ever had if you like dishwasher soap chemicals go ahead won’t be buying anything from this company again no offer to return or replace ect
Review by: Connah on Tue, Apr 18, 2023 1:53 PM
This is extremely bitter! I could not have it with just water. Have to mix it into smoothie and try to hide the taste but it still comes through. I got the orange flavour.
Review by: Liis on Sun, Apr 16, 2023 8:25 AM
My favorite flavor, best value for money
Review by: Lance on Wed, Apr 12, 2023 6:17 AM
Great product, do notice when I don't use it.
Review by: Lisa on Sat, Dec 3, 2022 8:39 PM
I really liked the Rasberry flavoured product, but found the Pineapple one too bitter. Will definitely reorder the Rasberry and try another flavour, though!
Review by: Nicole on Fri, Nov 25, 2022 9:42 AM
Peach flavour is gross if you don’t put heaps of water with it. But, when I put a serving in my 950mL drink bottle it’s really delicious - so I suggest watering it down a lot.

Aside from that, I think that it works nicely! I don’t feel as fatigued during workouts - as a vegan bodybuilder. NZPROTEIN REPLY: it's made to go in a big drink bottle of water, glad you're finding it delicious!
Review by: Anonymous on Wed, Nov 23, 2022 3:36 PM
I can't speak for the results as its an interal product for cellular development etc but it has a very sharp biter taste under the tropical flavor.
Noticeable with double the amount of water.
Review by: Luke on Thu, Nov 10, 2022 2:53 PM
The cheapest eaas I’ve found and the peach flavour is the best that I’ve tried so far. Bonus for being plant based and nz made. Free shipping was the Cherry on top, will keep coming back and trying more from nz protein. Keep it up
Review by: Sam on Tue, Oct 4, 2022 4:57 PM
The product works great but the raspberry flavour is terrible. Very synthetic and too strong
Review by: John on Mon, Oct 3, 2022 1:06 PM
Never one to leave a below average review. I've been using your products for many years and they've all been good to simply amazing.

But the pineapple EAA is bitter and unpleasant. Hopefully this is a one-off.
Review by: Anonymous on Wed, Sep 21, 2022 1:22 PM
Froths when shaken, but settles down. Nice water flavourant, makes it eady to drink more water in the morning.
Review by: Odette on Wed, Sep 21, 2022 12:12 PM
Love this flavour. Very palatable and no yukky after taste like some other flavours can have.
Review by: Shirley on Mon, Sep 5, 2022 5:10 PM
I have been using EAA as part of my training and recovery for ultra running and wouldn't be without it. Huge difference in recovery speed. I purchased the unflavored option here as I prefer to keep my supps as clean as possible and some other brands I've had are just so strong. The unflavored has a slight eww taste BUT a few fruity water drops covers the taste so I can make it to suit me without any after tastes 👍 great value and I will definitely be a regular purchaser.
Review by: Amy on Thu, Sep 1, 2022 7:34 PM
Didn’t personally like this. I got the Orange Flavour, I found it too sweet for me. Over all it’s okay, maybe just add more water lol.
Review by: Anonymous on Tue, Aug 23, 2022 4:18 PM
enjoy this one very much thankyou
Review by: Anonymous on Fri, Jul 8, 2022 11:01 AM
Good product. After taste isn't all that pleasant.
Review by: Jon on Sun, May 15, 2022 1:08 PM
Affordable, essential part of my day, post or pre workout.
Love the grape flavour, and fast service.
Review by: James on Sat, May 14, 2022 4:19 PM
I got the grape flavour. It smelled great but tasted so bad it was completely undrinkable. Really really bitter.
Review by: Anonymous on Mon, Apr 25, 2022 5:23 PM
This is really good. It’s very easy to mix and dissolves quickly. I have the peach flavour and it is quite sweet but not overpowering.
Finding it really is helping during a workout and allowing me not not flatline.
Review by: Hayley on Wed, Mar 23, 2022 2:49 PM
Pretty effective and affordable ,get you keep going, not too sweet which is good .will recommend to others
Review by: Arv on Wed, Mar 16, 2022 2:15 PM
This stuff is a million times better than other eaas I've tried. Doesn't taste overly sweet, just perfect. I also like the unflavoured one so I can choose my own flavours 10/10
Review by: Anonymous on Thu, Feb 10, 2022 8:22 PM
Mixing this with a scoop of Gatorade or Powerade as an intra-workout drink has done wonders for me! Great product.
Review by: Judge on Mon, Jan 17, 2022 2:06 PM
Peach flavour is pleasant but a little sweet, a squeeze of lemon juice and it is just right
Review by: Anonymous on Mon, Oct 25, 2021 5:47 AM
Good
Review by: Fraser on Fri, Oct 15, 2021 10:45 AM
When before I buy this product I was struggling to finish my workouts, since I bought and try this eaa's supplement I have been smashing through my workouts 💪😡
Review by: James on Wed, Oct 6, 2021 10:21 PM
Awesome product and best value in the market. The juicy peach is a good flavour and will look to try the others.
Review by: Nic on Tue, Sep 28, 2021 6:28 AM
Great product,fantastic intra-workout option
Review by: Colin on Tue, Sep 21, 2021 11:13 AM
Great product.i take with my pre workout
Easy mixing.good quality.good price.will definitely keep purchasing this product
Review by: Anonymous on Tue, Sep 21, 2021 10:51 AM
Tastes good and completely dissolves easily in water
Review by: James on Tue, Sep 7, 2021 9:06 AM
Have tried a few EAA products over the last 12 months. I've found the better tasting products have smaller ratios of essential amino's, which limits their effectiveness. My preferred product had high concentration of EA's but the taste was very average. I buy my Whey Isolate through NZ Protein and was happy to see the new EAA offering given how much I enjoy the protein supplement. As it turns out, the EAA powder is the best I've tried - better tasting and the highest concentration of EAA's that I've used. Very impressed and would recommend highly.
Review by: Jamie on Thu, Aug 26, 2021 1:17 PM
Excellent product good taste and flavour (pineapple flavour )haven’t tried other flavours yet been using the same high end brand EAAs for while now..hate to say but this my new favourite.definitely will be buying a lot more in the up coming..highly recommend
Review by: Josh on Fri, Aug 20, 2021 12:04 PM
Tastes amazing and the price is good too. Doesnt taste sickly like some other brands do
Review by: Anonymous on Wed, Aug 4, 2021 3:44 PM
Great tasting but not overly sweet. Has supported big training sessions well👌
Review by: Ri on Tue, Aug 3, 2021 4:54 AM
Usually get BCAAs but thought I’d give this a shot, tastes amazing and feel good! I got the peach
Review by: Lauren on Sun, Aug 1, 2021 10:58 PM

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Click on a flavour to see the nutritional information.

Unflavoured

Serving size: 8g
Servings per pack: 37.5

Name Ave Quantity Per Serving Ave Quantity Per 100g
L-Leucine (BCAA) 3.75g 30g
L-Isoleucine (BCAA) 1.5g 12g
L-Valine (BCAA) 2.5g 20g
L-Tryptophan 0.35g 3g
L-Phenylalanine 0.35g 3g
L-Methionine 0.35g 3g
L-Lysine-Hydrochloride 1.75g 14g
L-Histidine 0.35g 3g
L-Threonine 1.5g 12g

Ingredients: Vegan Essential Amino Acids, Sunflower Lecithin.

Juicy Peach

Serving size: 8g (2 scoops)
Servings per pack: 37.5

Name Ave Quantity Per Serving Ave Quantity Per 100g
L-Leucine (BCAA) 3.3g 27g
L-Isoleucine (BCAA) 1.3g 10.8g
L-Valine (BCAA) 2.2g 18g
L-Tryptophan 0.3g 2.7g
L-Phenylalanine 0.3g 2.7g
L-Methionine 0.3g 2.7g
L-Lysine-Hydrochloride 1.5g 12.6g
L-Histidine 0.3g 2.7g
L-Threonine 1.3g 10.8g

Ingredients: Vegan Essential Amino Acids, Citric Acid, Natural Flavour, Sweetener (Sucralose), Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Colour (Beta-Carotene).

Orange

Serving size: 8g (2 scoops)
Servings per pack: 37.5

Name Ave Quantity Per Serving Ave Quantity Per 100g
L-Leucine (BCAA) 3.3g 27g
L-Isoleucine (BCAA) 1.3g 10.8g
L-Valine (BCAA) 2.2g 18g
L-Tryptophan 0.3g 2.7g
L-Phenylalanine 0.3g 2.7g
L-Methionine 0.3g 2.7g
L-Lysine-Hydrochloride 1.5g 12.6g
L-Histidine 0.3g 2.7g
L-Threonine 1.3g 10.8g

Ingredients: Vegan Essential Amino Acids, Flavour, Citric Acid, Sweetener (Sucralose), Natural Colour (Beta-Carotene), Sunflower Lecithin.

Pineapple Juice

Serving size: 8g (2 scoops)
Servings per pack: 37.5

Name Ave Quantity Per Serving Ave Quantity Per 100g
L-Leucine (BCAA) 3.3g 27g
L-Isoleucine (BCAA) 1.3g 10.8g
L-Valine (BCAA) 2.2g 18g
L-Trytophan 0.3g 2.7g
L-Phenylalanine 0.3g 2.7g
L-Methionine 0.3g 2.7g
L-Lysine 1.5g 12.6g
L-Histidine 0.3g 2.7g
L-Threonine 1.3g 10.8g

Ingredients: Vegan Essential Amino Acids, Citric Acid, Natural Flavour, Sweetener (Sucralose), Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Colour (Beta-Carotene).

Test Reports

Here at NZProtein we always strive to be the best at what we do. We invest heavily in research and development to have innovative products and the best flavours.

We stand firmly behind our products so we have commenced periodic batch testing of products by independent third party laboratories. These test reports will provide further evidence of the standards we adhere to.

Please note that we will not be able to test every flavour due to the costs - there are simply too many flavours and various batches manufactured. For example, in the NZ Whey alone we have over 20 flavours, so it is not practicable to test every flavour in every batch but we will periodically submit samples in various flavours for analysis.

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