Best Muscle Recovery Supplements (2023): 9 Products to Add to Your Post-Workout Routine

It’s a common sequence of events: you nail down your pre-workout ritual equipped with the best pre-workout powder to boost energy and blood flow to the muscles. You then crush all of your lifts with the help of the best workout playlist and anxiously await until you can do it all over again.

But did you know you can maximize your post-workout recovery in the meantime? Yep, there’s much truth to the catchphrase “Train hard, recover harder.”

So if you aren’t tending to your post-workout routine, look no further than these best muscle recovery supplements. (The best muscle recovery tools are also highly recommended).

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

We Train Hard, Recover Harder, And Review the Hardest

As a team of registered dietitians and certified sports nutritionists, we respect the process of training hard and recovering harder. And to enhance both, we are committed to reviewing products [the hardest] so you can take your athletic performance and recovery to the next level.

And when we say review, we mean realllyyy review. Just as we understand maximizing muscle recovery requires multiple components, we know that authentic and trustworthy reviews do as well. That’s why we review scientific studies, company websites, and product pages with a fine-tooth comb—oh, and we actually test out the products so we can provide first-hand experiences. 

Best Muscle Recovery Supplements 

• Best Whey Protein: Xwerks Grow
• Best Creatine: Legion Recharge
• Best Casein Protein: Muscle Feast Premium Whey Casein Blend
• Best BCAAs: Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
• Best Carb Drink: Jacked Factory Carb Surge
• Best Electrolyte Drink: Transparent Labs Hydrate v3
• Best Greens Powder: Athletic Greens AG1
• Best Multivitamin: Legion Triumph Multivitamin
• Best Sleep Aid: Transparent Labs Sleep Aid

Best Whey Protein: Xwerks Grow

Good for: Protein seekers looking for a pure whey protein isolate to maximize muscle gains and recovery 

Best Whey Protein

Xwerks Grow

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Natural, healthy, convenient, and tasty way to get protein
• Uses a microfiltration process to preserve critical biological nutrients in raw whey
• Removes unwanted fats and carbohydrates
• All flavors are naturally sweetened
• Nicely flavored, easily digested, and low-carb protein powder
• Promotes muscle growth and repair

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Keto-friendly
• Naturally sweetened
• Sourced from naturally raised grass-fed cows
• Tastes great
• Soy- and gluten-free
• Convenient

Cons

• Expensive

Bottom Line

Xwerks Grow whey protein isolate provides a solid blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in a whey protein isolate. It comes in a widely-loved range of flavors which are naturally sweetened, so they’re easily digested.

Xwerks Grow is a whey protein isolate powder sourced from naturally raised grass-fed cows from New Zealand, which is said to be one of the strictest countries in the world when it comes to dairy quality. This means you won’t have to worry about consuming hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides.

Compared to concentrates, whey protein isolates offer higher protein concentrates—typically offering a protein content of 90% or more—and Xwerks Grow provides about 28 grams of protein per one scoop serving. Due to its high protein purity, whey protein isolates are used widely in nutritional supplements and for good reason. 

Whey protein¹ and whey protein isolates are complete proteins because they provide all essential amino acids—the building blocks of protein—to help grow and recover muscles. It also provides the body with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to replenish depleted levels and build muscle mass following a workout. 

Whey protein is also an excellent source of the essential amino acid leucine, which plays a key role in protein synthesis and growth. Compared to soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate shows to provide 50% more leucine. 

Research¹ also suggests whey protein and whey protein isolates may assist in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Also, compared to casein-based proteins, which we’ll dig into shortly, whey isolates show to increase glutathione² that plays critical roles in tissue building and repair, immune function, and more. 

Due to its lower lactose content, whey protein isolates may be a better-tolerated protein source compared to other whey proteins if lactose-intolerant. Also because it’s an isolated protein, meaning it contains very little carbohydrate and fat, it’s a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet—but also please remember your body thrives on a balance of nutrients.

Xwerks Grow is also free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and coloring, as well as soy and gluten. All four flavors—including chocolate, peanut butter, strawberry, and vanilla—are naturally sweetened and flavored with ingredients like cocoa and vanilla beans. GGR performance editor and expert product tester Anthony O’Reilly is a huge fan of Xwerks Grow—he finds the chocolate flavor tastes like a “protein Yoo-hoo” and with 25 grams of protein per serving, plus 9 grams of fat and 1 gram of carbs, he really feels like he’s getting a lot for his buck.

Xwerks does cost almost $2.00 per serving, although you can save 5% using their subscribe and save option. They also offer free shipping, as well as a 100% money-back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied. 

Best Creatine: Legion Recharge

Good for: Those searching for high-quality recovery supplements actually supported by sound data 

Best Creatine

Legion Recharge

GGR Score: 4

Community Score: 1

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Product Highlights

• Nature-based post-workout drink designed to improve recovery and increase muscle growth
• Contains 5 grams of micronized creatine, 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate, 10.5 milligrams of corosolic acid
• Research-backed levels of ingredients
• Made in a cGMP, FDA-inspected, and NSF-certified facility
• Money-back guarantee

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great customer service
• Money-back guarantee
• Can view actual lab results
• All natural
• No added sugar

Cons

• Stevia flavor is too sweet for some
• Unflavored is actually sweetened

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an all-natural post-workout supplement that is made of research-backed ingredients, Recharge post-workout supplement is one worth considering. Its taste and positive impact on performance is appreciated by the vast majority of users.

Among the hundreds of dietary supplements, creatine is one of the few that actually has a glowing track record. And even out of the countless creatine supplements available, Legion Recharge ranks as one of the best creatine powders on the market based on obvious (and less obvious) factors.

We’ll start with the more obvious: Legion Recharge contains micronized creatine monohydrate—micronized means the creatine molecules have been sized down to enhance its absorption. It also provides the recommended 5 grams of creatine per serving, which research³ shows taking up to 5 grams of creatine daily is sufficient enough to exert greater strength and build lean muscle tissue.

Specific to recovery, creatine appears to positively influence recovery following bouts of intense and intermittent activities like HIIT workouts. Creatine supplementation may also reduce post-exercise inflammation—like easing muscle damage and soreness—and be an effective post-injury intervention. 

And now for the less obvious, but highly appreciated, factors: Legion Recharge also provides 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate⁴ that can protect against muscle soreness and improve muscle repair. It also contains 10.5 milligrams of corosolic acid⁵ to enhance post-workout nutrient absorption and ward off inflammation. 

Legion’s robust post-workout drink comes in four delicious flavors—like Fruit Punch and Strawberry Lemonade—but you can also get unflavored if you wish. All flavors are 100% naturally flavored and sweetened so you won’t find any added sugars, artificial food dyes, or “other chemical junk.” GGR senior editor and expert product tester Nicole Davis really likes Strawberry Lemonade Recharge, saying it’s sweet and tart—a good combo—plus does help with her post-workout muscle soreness.

We also truly appreciate that Legion supplements undergo third-party testing and you can even view the latest lab results of each product. Legion also relies heavily on evidence-based data, even referencing over 40 peer-reviewed scientific studies to support Recharge’s combination of ingredients and doses.

Best Casein Protein: Muscle Feast Premium Whey Casein Blend

Good for: Protein buffs on the hunt for a hybrid protein powder with slow and fast-digesting properties

Muscle Feast Premium Whey Casein Blend is a premium protein blend of whey isolate, hydrolyzed whey, and micellar casein. The proteins work together to help maximize protein synthesis and muscle growth while minimizing recovery times. 

While we’ve already examined whey protein powder, and because we’re celebrating Muscle Feast for the best casein protein, let’s chat about it. 

Like whey, casein is a protein found in milk but occurs in greater amounts (80% to be specific) and is considered to be a highly nutritious protein rich in amino acids. Casein exists in milk as micelles—which have been separated from skim milk and whey—that consist of casein molecules, calcium, inorganic phosphate, and citrate ions.

Unlike whey, casein is slowly digested and absorbed and namely also known as the “slow protein.” This allows for a sustained increase in amino acids (for about 7 hours!), in turn prolonging muscle protein synthesis.

Due to its slow digestion and absorption, casein is often recommended before bed to promote an anabolic environment. In fact, research published in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise⁶ found consuming casein protein right before sleep is effectively digested and absorbed and improves post-exercise overnight recovery. A more recent 2022 study⁷ shows that pre-sleep casein accelerates functional recovery in professional soccer players, which could make it a practical recovery supplement following exercise.

Beyond the function of the ingredients, Muscle Feast is committed to and proud of providing a natural protein blend sourced from pasture-raised, well-treated, grass-fed cows. Also rest easy knowing the premium protein is free of fillers, added sugars, and artificial sweeteners while being certified gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher. 

Muscle Feast’s protein comes in two- (34 servings) and five-pound (87 servings) options as well to best meet your protein needs. You can also choose to “Subscribe & Save” for 10% off your routine orders—all based on your schedule.

Overall, Muscle Feast suggests their blend is “best for individuals who want to reap the benefits from having multiple sources of protein included in one powder.” And a “casein point” as to why this is our top pick: we also recommend diet diversity! 

Best BCAAs: Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine

Good for: Fitness fanatics looking to fine-tune their athletic performance and recovery

Best BCAAs

Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Available in 5 flavors, BCAA Glutamine supports post-workout recovery and a reduction of muscle breakdwon
• No artificial colors, sweeteners, or coloring
• Sweetened with Stevia
• Each serving has 5 active ingredients designed to promote protein synthesis, reduce muscle fatigue, improve post-workout muscle growth, and enhance performance
• Ingredients include vitamin C, fermented vegan BCAA 2:1:1 (L-leucine, L-valine, and L-isoleucine), and glutamine

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Transparent ingredient list
• 5 flavor options
• Uses fermented vegan BCAAs
• Gluten-free and non-GMO
• No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
• 60-day money-back assurance

Cons

• Expensive
• Contains Stevia, which can cause digestive issues
• Taste is not appreciated by all

Bottom Line

If Stevia does not cause you any stomach issues, Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine is a well-formulated supplement worth considering.

Transparent Labs BCAAs was created to be one of the best BCAA supplements on the market and they sure do deliver. So much so we even detailed a comprehensive Transparent Labs BCAAs review filled with a few 5 stars—and it’s not every day we hand those out! 

The branched-chain amino acids⁸ (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—are building blocks of protein and are mostly metabolized in skeletal muscle. BCAAs act as an energy source during exercise, promote an anabolic environment, and impact L-glutamine metabolism (we’ll get to this in a sec). The amino acids may also improve the speed of recovery of fatigued skeletal muscle. 

Specific to Transparent Labs BCAAs, we’ll first point out that the BCAA supplement offers 8 grams of BCAA 2:1:1—this is the ideal ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Specifically, the BCAA supplement provides 4 grams of leucine (and 2 grams each of isoleucine and valine), and research⁹ shows about 3 to 4 grams of leucine per serving can maximize protein synthesis.

In addition to BCAAs potentially spurring glutamine metabolism, the BCAA supplement also provides us with 5 grams of glutamine. While a non-essential amino acid, glutamine becomes conditionally essential during times of illness, infection, and stress like following an intense workout. The amino acid may bolster immune, intestinal, brain, and nerve health, along with aiding in athletic recovery. 

You’ll also be taking in 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C¹⁰, which may aid in muscle recovery thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The BCAA supplement also provides 1 gram of coconut water to enhance hydration and the recovery process. 

Transparent Labs BCAA powder comes in four hydrating flavors—like Blue Raspberry and Sour Green Apple—that are all naturally flavored and sweetened with stevia. Also like all Transparent Labs products, the BCAA supplement is free of artificial sweeteners, coloring, and preservatives. And although it gets great customer reviews, our tester, GGR Senior Editor Nicole Davis, didn’t care for the Strawberry Lemonade flavor that she ordered. 

Best Carb Drink: Jacked Factory Carb Surge

Good for: Intense and endurance exercisers needing to quickly replenish glycogen stores on the go

Best Carb Drink

Jacked Factory Carb Surge

GGR Score: 3.75

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Product Highlights

• Pea starch and Cluster Dextrin carb powder supplement 
• Manufactured in the USA 
• No fillers or dyes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP-certified facility
• 100% hassle-free money-back guarantee
• Vegan

Cons

• Limited reviews
• Only 2 flavors available
• Customers complained it doesn’t mix well

Bottom Line

Jacked Factory Carb Surge helps to provide energy for workouts but didn’t mix well according to customer reviews.

And no, we aren’t talking about carb drinks that double as sugar bombs (looking at you, soda…). But we are talking about the properly formulated Jacked Factory Carb Surge that can help enhance your athletic performance and recovery by providing 23 grams of clean, complex carbs from Carb10® Pea Starch and Cluster Dextrin—without the use of refined, ultra-processed sugar. 

Before and as you exercise, especially during an intense workout or endurance events, your body relies on carbohydrates as its main source of energy. Without readily available carbs, your body will start tapping into glycogen—the storage form of glucose in muscles—for energy.

Following a workout, carb drinks can help replenish muscle glycogen. Not only does this help avoid muscle breakdown, but allows you to enhance your recovery. 

Now you might be wondering, “Can’t I just eat a sugary cookie?” Well, you could, but you risk spiking blood sugar levels, and Jacked Factory’s carb drink minimizes such risks thanks to its use of Carb10® Pea Starch and Cluster Dextrin. 

Unlike sugar that elicits insulin and blood sugar spikes, Carb10® Pea Starch provides a slow and controlled glycemic response to supply steady energy. A review published in the British Journal of Nutrition¹¹ tells us that amylose—a component of starch—in peas is what contributes to its lower glycemic index and reduced starch digestibility.

Cluster Dextrin®—also known as highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD)—is a relatively new carb source that has gained popularity in the sports nutrition world. In fact, according to a 2021 review¹², HBCD is claimed as the “gold standard” of recovery and performance drinks. The review further adds HBCD may increase performance and endurance compared to other carb sources like maltodextrin and glucose. (GGR staff writer and expert product tester Lauren Strong says Carb Surge definitely gives her more energy for morning workouts as opposed to the fasted state that she normally works out in.)

Carb Surge is also said to be easier to digest and friendlier on the stomach, which is ideal while you’re training. It’s also prepared with no fillers or dyes, although it does contain artificial flavors and the artificial sweetener sucralose. Lauren thinks Peach Mango is a bit too sweet for her liking, but diluting it with more water helps. 

And like all Jacked Factory products, Carb Surge is manufactured in a cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) Certified Facility based in the U.S. Because supplements are not tightly regulated, cGMPs provide a formal system that helps assure identity, strength, quality, and purity of products. 

Best Electrolyte Drink: Transparent Labs Hydrate v3

Good for: Those looking to elevate their hydration status to optimize performance and recovery

Because of its commitment to high-quality and intentional ingredients, Transparent Labs lands on our list once again as the best electrolyte drink. Electrolytes are electrical producers in the body that help maintain fluid balance, prevent muscle cramps, regulate blood pressure, and so much more. 

Truly, proper hydration is vital for health and during all points of training, recovery included. And this concept isn’t new, as earlier research¹³ emphasizes that rapidly and completely restoring fluid balance is an essential part of the recovery process—especially in hot and humid conditions when sweat loss tends to be greater. 

Successfully restoring fluid balance requires consuming moderately high levels of sodium, the most important electrolyte to maintain fluid balance while being the main electrolyte lost in sweat. Transparent Labs electrolyte drink provides 500 milligrams of sodium, and the American College of Sports Medicine¹⁴ (ACSM) recommends consuming 500 to 700 milligrams of sodium if exercise lasts longer than one hour.

While the other electrolytes in the powder—like potassium, magnesium, and calcium—aren’t lost in sweat as much as sodium, they still promote fluid and electrolyte balance. Transparent Labs Hydrate v3 also provides taurine—an amino acid especially abundant in skeletal muscle—and research¹⁵ shows taurine may enhance exercise performance and alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress for optimal recovery. 

Also to promote proper recovery, it’s wise to avoid or limit sports drinks filled with low-quality sugars and artificial ingredients that could promote inflammation. Luckily, Transparent Labs Hydrate formula is free of artificial sweeteners, coloring, and preservatives and is instead naturally sweetened, flavored, and colored with stevia extract, beetroot powder, and beta-carotene.

GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly is partial to the fruit punch flavor, which he likens to Hawaiian Punch, and says “I’ve tried this for pre-workouts and post-workouts and in both instances I’ve noticed increased hydration. As a pre-workout it’s a great way to increase muscle endurance.”

Best Greens Powder: Athletic Greens AG1

Good for: Nutrition and fitness warriors who want to take their health and recovery to the next level

Best Greens Powder

Athletic Greens AG1

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Contains 75 minerals and nutrients in one serving
• Available in travel pouches and bundle and save options
• Said to support gut health with prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally occuring enzymes
• Supports immunity with key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms
• Magnesium is added to boost energy
• May aid in recovery as it features superfood complex with adaptogens and antioxidants

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Backed by notable health experts
• Transparent and detailed ingredient list
• 75 vitamins and minerals

Cons

• Expensive
• Some reviewers dislike the taste

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a greens powder with a unique blend of minerals, nutrients, power greens, enzymes, and probiotics and you're willing to spend some money, Athletic Greens may be a good choice for you.

Let’s first emphasize that by no means should you skimp out on your daily fruits and veggies. But if you do fall shy of the daily five, or just want more micronutrients as a supplemental insurance policy, Athletic Greens AG1 might just be for you. 

Brought into the fitness world as Athletic Greens and recently rebranded as AG1, the powdered green supplement continues to be rooted in science. AG1’s Scientific Advisor is also the one and only Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford School of Medicine, so the grass is already green—and it might just get a bit greener.

(And, no, we aren’t talking about the green Benjamins that AG1 costs. However, we do recognize its higher price point and have already covered that in our Athletic Greens review.)

While the amount of ingredients on the label is impressive, it’s likewise overwhelming. I mean, when’s the last time you were welcomed with 75 ingredients on a Supplement Facts label?

Overwhelm aside, one scoop serving of AG1 provides 50 calories and 2 grams each of protein and fiber. Digging into the wide array of micronutrients, you’ll essentially be sipping what a multivitamin supplies but with more bells and whistles.

Fortunately, AG1 packages the nutrients into four tidy categories to help us break down their functions:

1. Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex
2. Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidants Complex
3. Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex
4. Dairy-Free Probiotics Complex

The official AG1 website also helps you understand more about the functions and benefits of the carefully selected ingredients, letting us know that they provide whole-body benefits. More specifically, the ingredients support gut and cardiovascular health, bolster the immune system, enhance nutrient absorption, and help you adapt to stress. 

The manufacturing process of AG1 is tightly regulated in NSF GMP-registered facilities and all packs are 100% traceable. It’s also NSF Certified for Sport®, which verifies the product does not contain unsafe levels of contaminants, prohibited substances, or masking agents.

Again, Athletic Greens AG1, or any of the best greens powders for that matter, should replace wholesome fruits and veggies. AG1 can, however, be a great supplement to a balanced diet. GGR Senior Editor Nicole Davis and her husband have both taken AG1, and while her husband swears by it, Nicole didn’t seem to notice any immediate effects after a month of use. She did, however, appreciate the peace of mind knowing that she was getting a bunch of nutrients in at once.

Best Multivitamin: Legion Triumph Multivitamin

Good for: Men and women who want a nutrient insurance policy for their balanced diets

Best Multivitamin

Legion Triumph

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Can be purchased in a male or female dosage
• Contains clinically effective doses 
• Made in the USA 
• NSF-certified, FDA-inspected and cGMP-compliant facilities 
• Lab tested for purity
• Legion provides access to clinical studies

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Direct access to peer-reviewed studies
• All-natural ingredients
• Different ingredients for men and women
• No additives
• Users report improved mood and overall well-being

Cons

• One serving is 8 capsules
• Reports of the capsules smelling bad

Bottom Line

Legion Triumph is a multivitamin made with 100% natural ingredients and formulated with clinically effective doses of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as 10 well-researched ingredients documented to improve overall physical and mental health, athletic performance, and mood.

Legion Triumph Multivitamin is a sports multivitamin that captures just how we feel about supplements and multivitamins. While it won’t transform and turbocharge your overall health, it will “plug in nutritional holes in your diet.” What this means is that it can help as a nutrient insurance policy to supplement a wholesome diet, not take the place of one. 

Now that that caveat is outta the way, let’s dive deeper into the Legion’s high-quality multivitamin. First, know that there are two Legion Triumph options: a men’s and women’s option to target both genders’ unique nutrient needs and enhance athletic performance, mood, and overall health. 

The men’s multivitamin contains 21 essential vitamins and minerals in clinically effective doses, including those that are often overlooked and under-dosed. These include vitamins K1, K2, and D, as well as zinc, magnesium, iodine, and chromium.

Let’s look at Legion’s inclusion of both vitamins K1 and K2¹⁶ as an example. While both forms of vitamin K are beneficial, vitamin K1 is most helpful for blood clotting and vitamin K2 has more pronounced roles in heart, bone, and really overall health. Despite the emerging benefits of vitamin K2, it shows to be under-consumed but supplying in high doses via supplementation could help consumers reach the required daily intake and improve their health.

The women’s multivitamin provides 22 essential vitamins and minerals, including those in the men’s, but with the addition of iron after cross-referencing the supplement labels. While iron is still an important mineral for men, women require more iron to support their menstruation cycles and childbearing years. Don’t worry, we still have rounded up the best iron supplements suitable for all! 

Vitamin and minerals aside, both men’s and women’s multivitamins offer other beneficial ingredients—like alpha-lipoic acid¹⁷, olive leaf extract¹⁸, and lutein¹⁹—to enhance the antioxidant profile and improve heart, bone, and brain health. 

Each also provides unique ingredients to support their hormone health and sex drive. For example, Legion’s women’s multivitamin contains vitex agnus-castus²⁰ that can help reduce menstrual side effects while the men’s multivitamin provides pumpkin seed extract²¹ to support prostate health. 

In terms of muscle recovery, each nutrient offers unique roles—like vitamin C¹⁰ to fight inflammation and zinc²² to repair muscle tissue. But providing the body with adequate amounts of all nutrients helps it function and recover at its best (and that’s truly when the most magic happens)!

“I take this at night, and I think the magnesium and zinc blend helps my sleep,” says GGR staff writer and tester Lauren Strong. “Other than that I didn’t notice much, but I did reduce my serving size by half because I’m supposed to take eight pills!” Yes, one serving size for each the men’s and women’s multivitamins is eight pills—yowza. 

Being a Legion product, and if your curiosity is piqued like ours, you can sift through the data with ease on their main product page. There you’ll quickly find the research Legion uses to support the selection of each natural ingredient used and learn Triumph does not contain “chemical junk,” including artificial and synthetic substances. 

Also like all Legion products, Legion Triumph is made in the U.S. in NSF-certified, FDA-inspected, and cGMP-compliant facilities. This means you’ll receive a lab-tested product for potency and purity—you can even view the latest lab results on the product page.

Best Sleep Aid: Transparent Labs Sleep Aid

Good for: Tossers and turners who struggle to get adequate sleep each night

Best Sleep Aid

Transparent Labs Sleep Aid

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Formulated to improve sleep and recovery
• Claims to be non-habit forming
• No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Aids in recovery and sleep
• Transparent list of ingredients
• Vegan
• Easy to swallow

Cons

• May have laxative effect

Bottom Line

Formulated to be non-habit forming, Transparent Labs Sleep Aid combines vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc, glycine, l-theanine, tart cherry powder, rutaecarpine, and melatonin to improve recovery and promote restful sleep.

It’s well-known that sleep is absolutely critical in the recovery process, as it’s a time when the body does most of its muscle-building and recovery. Unfortunately, while the Sleep Foundation recommends at least sleeping seven hours per night, about 35% of U.S. adults in the U.S. report sleeping less than that. 

Let’s welcome Transparent Labs once again! And what better way to wind down our list than with their sleep aid that’s designed to help you repair, recover, and grow while you’re resting?

Transparent Labs Sleep Aid claims itself to be non-habit-forming while containing clinical doses of sleep-inducing ingredients. And unlike other sleep aids, it’s formulated so you feel rested rather than feeling groggy or hungover the next morning but let’s get cozy with the ingredients.

Tester and GGR Staff Writer Lauren Strong said she did feel a bit groggy after taking this, but attributes that to the amount of melatonin in a serving. “I was out like a light, which I now realize is because there’s 3 milligrams of melatonin in each serving!”

The sleep aid contains more familiar science-backed ingredients related to sleep duration and quality, including melatonin, magnesium²³, and theanine²⁴. Glycine²⁵ also not only shows to improve subjective sleep quality but lessens daytime sleepiness and improves cognition. 

Within the capsules, you’ll also be welcomed with VitaCherry®—a tart cherry powder—and rutaecarpine—an alkaloid, which is a naturally occurring organic compound found in plants. Tart cherries contain the sleep compound melatonin, while rutaecarpine²⁶ may mitigate the effects of caffeine that could inhibit sleep onset and quality. 

And sound like a broken record one final time, as a Transparent Labs product, the sleep aid contains no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives. It’s also vegan-friendly and packaged in a vegetable hypromellose capsule²⁷ for controlled release and to enhance solubility. 

Other Muscle Recovery Supplements We Researched

Proper muscle recovery takes a village—you need adequate protein, a good night’s rest, and the list goes on. Needless to say, there are also other great post-workout supplements that we have researched and approve of like:

• Vega Sport Premium Protein: Great-tasting, plant-based protein option 
• Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey Protein: Budget-friendly with 15+ flavor options
• Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Single Serving Packets: On-the-go, single-serving packets in 10+ flavors

• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Protein: Provides collagen to enhance tissue production and repair
• Onnit Total Human: Multivitamins in individual packets
• Wiley’s Finest Peak Omega-3 Fatty Acid Liquid: One of the best fish oil supplements to reduce muscle soreness and promote recovery
• Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules: high-quality creatine packaged in tidy capsules
• Kaged Muscle BCAA: Plant-based, unflavored BCAAs

How We Picked and Tested the Best Muscle Recovery Supplements

We picked and tested the best muscle recovery supplements just as we do any other product: based on objective data sprinkled with personal experiences we encountered. Yep, we actually do try out our selections! Here’s what we are explicitly evaluating: 

• Supplement function: As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into proper muscle recovery—nutrition, hydration, and beyond. We did our best to capture recovery at its essence and matched it with a respective function like a good night’s rest with the best sleep aid. 

• Formulation: Is the supplement formula based on sound data? Are the ingredients supplied in effective doses? We first look at the data and then personally trial whether or not the product elicited any noticeable changes.
  
• Testing: Is the supplement party third-party tested? What other certifications and verifications—like Certified Gluten-Free and USDA Organic—has it undergone? Because supplements are not tightly regulated, tested products help consumers know they are handled at a high standard. 

• Brand integrity: We’re honest in our reviews and value brands who do the same. That said, we also address whether or not the brand at hand is transparent with their formulations, easily accessible to contact, responsive to consumer feedback, and truly committed to providing the best of the best. 

Benefits of Muscle Recovery Supplements

The benefits of muscle recovery supplements obviously support muscle recovery, but let’s review the specifics:

• Delay muscle fatigue
• Aid in tissue and muscle repair 
• Speed up recovery time 
• Rebuild muscle breakdown and promotes muscle protein synthesis 
• Lessen delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
• Reduce the risk of injuries
• Replenish glycogen 
• Show to be safe with little to no side effects (although we always recommend consulting with your doctor before taking any supplement)

And that’s really just scratching the surface, as the benefits of the supplements we selected go beyond muscle recovery. For instance, whey and casein protein may also benefit body composition goals, sleep aids can enhance sleep quality and cognition, etc. 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Muscle Recovery Supplements

There’s a lot that goes into optimizing your muscle recovery, so what exactly should you be looking for? Allow us to guide you in your search!

Consider Your Unique Recovery Needs 

Before you evaluate any specific product, first assess where your recovery might fall short and select the product(s) that could benefit you the most. What we mean by this is let’s say you already get great sleep. So, perhaps a sleep aid isn’t your most beneficial investment. But if you fall short on your daily protein targets from high-protein foods, purchasing a protein supplement is [very likely] worth the spend. 

Factor Your Preferences

Of course, we stand by these muscle recovery supplements but they might not accommodate your personal preferences in some areas. These include factors like intake method and available flavor options. 

For instance, while a great product, Transparent Labs Hydrate v3 formula is only available in Tropical Punch flavor—and you’re not going to be as likely to drink if you don’t enjoy a Tropical Punch flavor. And if you venture outside of our top picks, don’t skip over the next couple of steps!

Review the Supplement Label and Packaging

It’s on the inside that matters most and reviewing the product specs can give you great insight into what’s in it. Analyze the product like a GGR expert tester by looking out for:

• Third-party testing to help validate the probiotic’s safety, purity, and quality. 
• Verifications that are important to you, including being gluten-free, vegan, and kosher-friendly. 
• Informed Sport or NSF logos, especially if you’re an athlete, to ensure the product is free of banned substances. 

Evaluate the Brand

In addition to reviewing the product of interest, evaluate the brand behind it. Doing so is helpful for gaining a deeper understanding of the brand’s standards and reputation, specifically helping you decide if you’re willing to support them. Beneficial areas to examine include: 

• Return policies and if they offer them, including a 100% money-back guarantee 
• Customer reviews on the company’s main webpage and on third-party seller sites (such as Amazon) if applicable 
• Easily accessible customer service, or at least a contact form you can fill out 

Luckily, with endless info readily available at our fingertips, it’s not a huge challenge to learn about the reputation and integrity of a brand. Taking the extra step, in our humble opinion, is always worth it!

FAQs About Muscle Recovery Supplements

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

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Sydney Lappe, R.D.

Sydney Lappe is a St. Louis-based Registered Dietitian with 6+ years of nutrition editing and writing experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed undergrad work in psychology. While fitness wasn’t in Sydney’s routine growing up, it quickly became a large part of her daily life while studying the facets of health and nutrition. Also managing chronic pain, she has come to fully realize movement is a special gift to never take for granted and hopes to inspire others to invest in their physical, mental, and emotional wellness while they can. Including her passion for all things health, Sydney enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being active in various capacities, drinking bottomless cups of coffee, eating a hearty bowl of oatmeal, and letting her creativity roam through writing and graphic design.

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