Are you on the market for a vegan BCAA product that you can incorporate into your workout routine, without having to deal with any of the guilt associated with using animal products? If so, there are a few options out there, but finding them can be a challenge!
Cellucor BCAA is unfortunately not certified as vegan and does not specify which of its ingredients have been derived from animals and which have been derived from plants. A lot of people like Cellucor products, but you need to be cautious of their BCAA because there’s nothing to tell you if it is vegan.
We’ll use this article to find out more about whether Cellucor BCAA could be suitable for vegans, and what you need to be aware of. We will also look at its list of ingredients, and explore which ones are likely to be problematic.
Is Cellucor BCAA Vegan-Friendly?
Unfortunately, many BCAAs use animal products to get the branched-chain amino acids that they provide. This is traditionally how BCAAs were made, and even today, many contain things like fur, feathers, hair, etc. This sadly makes them unsuitable for vegans, which is frustrating, because BCAAs can be derived from plants.
Some of Cellucor’s products are thought to be vegan, but they are not certified as such – and the same goes for their BCAA supplement. It’s possible that the ingredients are derived from plants, but buyers have no way of knowing this because no information is offered on the product label.
The ingredients list includes things like:
- Chloride
- Glutamine
- Instantized L-Leucine
- Instantized L-Valine
- Instantized L-Isoleucine
- Phosphorus
- Taurine
- Sodium
- Citric Acid
- Sunflower Lecithin
- Natural Flavors
- Acesulfame Potassium
- L-Tyrosine
- L-Lysine HCI
- L-Alanine
- L-Phenylalanine
- Malic Acid
- Sucralose
- FD;C Red #40
A few ingredients on that list may ring alarm bells for vegans, including things like taurine, which is often derived from animal products. However, many of these ingredients can either be synthesized or derived from plants, so this makes it difficult to determine whether Cellucor BCAA is vegan.
One ingredient that is worth noting is the Red #40, which is commonly avoided by vegans. It is a synthetic product that doesn’t contain any animal derivatives in itself, but it is tested on animals. That means that a lot of vegans don’t want to consume it – and therefore Cellucor BCAA is not suitable for most vegans, even if its other ingredients are okay.
Which BCAAs Are Vegan?
Fortunately, there are some great alternatives to Cellucor’s BCAA if you’re vegan. Even though many BCAAs still use animal products, there are some excellent brands that use entirely synthesized or plant-based ingredients. They’ll let you enjoy your workout without any guilt.
For example, you might want to try the Vegan BCAA Powder from Protein Works, which contains only plant-based amino acids and comes in three different flavors (one plain). This is an excellent product that is highly rated, and as the name suggests, it’s totally suitable for vegans. Some people also think that fermented BCAAs are more effective, which is another great reason to choose this product.
You might also want to try Nuun BCAA, which is 100 percent vegan. Their BCAAs all come from fermented corn, so you know you’re consuming something safe, and the product has not been harmful to animals in any way. This makes it a popular supplement for many vegans.
Alternatively, try Kaged Muscle’s BCAA, which is unflavored and can be added to anything. That means you can mix it with any pre-workout supplement or protein supplement, making sure you get everything you need at once. It’s perfect if you struggle with flavored supplements, and it’s fairly affordable.
Do Vegan BCAAs Cost More?
The price difference between vegan BCAAs and animal-derived BCAAs has narrowed significantly in recent years, as more people move toward vegan products and become aware of the importance of BCAAs.
A vegan BCAA will often be more expensive, because they often require a somewhat complex fermentation process, and many of them incorporate organic ingredients. However, you can source reasonably inexpensive vegan BCAAs, and many of these products are better for your health because they lean toward natural flavorings and colors.
They tend to be worth the extra cost – and for many people, having a guilt-free product that does not involve animal exploitation is a must. If you’re struggling with the cost of the BCAAs, consider buying in bulk to take advantage of cost savings.
Conclusion
Cellucor BCAA is not certified as vegan, and it contains Red #40, which is known for being tested on animals. You should avoid this product, as it may also contain other animal-derived ingredients, and there is no way to tell without contacting the manufacturer for more information about their sources. Even if you do this, those sources could change in the future
.Editor’s note: The content on this website is meant to be informative, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The content of our articles is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always best to speak with your doctor or a certified medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, diet, exercise routine, or trying a new supplement.
