EAA
Essential Amino Acids, or EAAs, are considered ‘essential’ as they cannot be made in the body so must be gained through the diet. There are nine essential amino acids; these include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
We offer a range of quality EAA supplements including Impact EAA, which contains all 9 essential amino acids and is suitable for vegans.
Shop EAA Supplements at Myprotein
Essential amino acids are the nine amino acids your body can't produce on its own — meaning they have to come from food or supplementation. EAA supplements bring all nine together in one convenient source, making them a practical addition to any training routine. Whether you're training hard or just looking to top up your daily intake, the EAA range covers everything from powders to tablets.
The range includes options for different preferences and goals — flavoured powders you can sip during a session, unflavoured options that blend into anything, and tablet formats for those who want something quick and portable. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass1, and as the building blocks of protein, getting a full profile of essential amino acids into your diet every day matters.
Who EAA Are For
EAA supplements are a natural fit for anyone who trains regularly and wants to make sure their amino acid intake is covered. Weightlifters, runners, cyclists, and team sport athletes all tend to include them in their daily routine — particularly on training days when demand is higher. They're also a useful option for people following plant-based diets, where getting a complete amino acid profile from food alone can take more planning.
That said, EAAs aren't exclusive to elite athletes. If you're physically active and simply want a flexible, straightforward way to top up your intake without always relying on whole food sources, EAA powder or tablets are worth considering. They fit easily into existing routines and require no preparation beyond mixing or swallowing.
When to Use EAA
Most people take EAAs around their training sessions — either shortly before, during, or immediately after a workout. Sipping an EAA powder during training is a popular approach, particularly for longer sessions where you want something easy on the stomach. Tablets are better suited to those who prefer to take them before or after rather than mid-session.
Timing outside of training also has its place. EAAs can be taken first thing in the morning or between meals — essentially any point in the day where your amino acid intake might be low. Consistency matters more than perfect timing, so finding a routine you'll actually stick to is the priority.
EAA Benefits
All Nine Essential Amino Acids in One
Unlike BCAAs, which only cover three of the nine essential amino acids, EAA supplements deliver the full set — including leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, histidine, and tryptophan. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass1. Getting all nine in a single supplement keeps things simple.
Flexible Formats to Suit Any Routine
The EAA range includes both powders and tablets, so there's something that works regardless of your lifestyle. Powders mix easily with water and are well suited to taking during a session. Tablets are portable and require no mixing — ideal for travel or a busy schedule.
Low Calorie, High Amino Acid Content
EAA supplements are typically low in calories, which makes them easy to fit around a nutrition plan without disrupting it. You get a concentrated amino acid source without the added carbohydrates or fats that come with whole food protein sources — useful when you want something targeted and efficient.
Informed Choice Certified Options Available
For those who compete or train under anti-doping guidelines, Informed Choice certified EAA options are available in the range. Informed Choice testing screens for banned substances, giving competitive athletes confidence in what they're taking.
Popular Picks
Impact EAA Tablets — Built for those who want all 9 essential amino acids in tablet form, with a 4:1:1 BCAA ratio and a faster absorption rate than whey — because free amino acids bypass digestion entirely.
Impact EAA — Informed Choice certified and loaded with all 9 essential amino acids including a 4:1:1 BCAA ratio, Impact EAA is the straightforward choice for those who don't want to compromise on quality or transparency.
Origin Intra-Workout — Formulated for training sessions that demand both fuel and amino acids, Origin Intra-Workout delivers 30g of fast-absorbing cyclic dextrin, 9g of essential amino acids with a 4:1:1 BCAA ratio, and magnesium, which contributes to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue.
FAQs
What are essential amino acids?
Essential amino acids (EAAs) are the nine amino acids the body cannot synthesise on its own — leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, histidine, and tryptophan. Because the body can't make them, they must come from dietary sources or supplementation. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass1.
What's the difference between EAA and BCAA supplements?
BCAAs contain just three essential amino acids — leucine, isoleucine, and valine. EAA supplements contain all nine essential amino acids, including the three BCAAs. If you're looking for a more complete amino acid profile in a single supplement, EAAs cover more ground than BCAAs alone.
What EAA supplements are available at Myprotein?
The range includes several formats to suit different preferences. Impact EAA comes as a powder and is Informed Choice certified, delivering all nine essential amino acids with a 4:1:1 BCAA ratio. Impact EAA Tablets offer the same complete amino acid profile in a convenient tablet format — no mixing required. For those who train longer sessions, Origin Intra-Workout combines 9g of essential amino acids with 30g of cyclic dextrin, a fast-absorbing carbohydrate source, making it well suited to use during exercise.
When is the best time to take EAA supplements?
EAA supplements are commonly taken before, during, or after training. Powder formats are particularly practical to sip during a session, while tablets tend to suit pre- or post-workout use. Outside of training windows, EAAs can also be taken in the morning or between meals — consistency across the day is generally more important than hitting a precise timing window.
Are EAA supplements suitable for plant-based diets?
EAA supplements can be a practical option for those following plant-based diets, where getting a complete amino acid profile from food alone requires more careful planning. Many plant protein sources are incomplete, meaning they don't contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts. EAA supplements provide the full set in one go, making them a straightforward addition to a plant-based routine.
What's the difference between EAA powder and EAA tablets?
EAA powder mixes with water and is easy to consume during or around a training session — it's also available in a range of flavours. EAA tablets deliver the same amino acid profile without any mixing, making them a better fit for those who want something portable and quick. The format you choose largely comes down to personal preference and how you like to supplement around your routine.
Are Myprotein EAA supplements Informed Choice certified?
Impact EAA powder carries Informed Choice certification, meaning it's been tested for banned substances by a third-party programme trusted by professional athletes and anti-doping bodies. If you compete or train under anti-doping regulations, choosing an Informed Choice certified product gives you an added layer of confidence in what you're taking.
Who developed Myprotein's EAA supplements?
Myprotein's EAA supplements are developed by Myprotein's expert nutritionists, who formulate each product with specific training contexts in mind — whether that's a straightforward amino acid top-up, an intra-workout formula, or a tablet for everyday convenience.
How do EAA supplements differ from protein powders?
Protein powders — like whey — deliver protein in its full form, which the body then breaks down into amino acids. EAA supplements provide those amino acids directly, without the additional calories that come with whole protein sources. Both contain amino acids and both can contribute to normal protein intake, but EAAs are a more targeted format with a lower calorie count per serving.
Can EAA supplements be used on rest days?
EAA supplements aren't limited to training days. Many people include them as part of their daily nutrition routine regardless of whether they're training, particularly when their diet might not consistently cover all nine essential amino acids from whole food alone. Amino acids form part of protein, and protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass1 — so daily intake is relevant beyond workout days too.
1. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.