Workout supplements aren’t limited to pre-workouts and protein shakes, although those do get a lot of attention in the fitness industry. You’ll also find more targeted supplements, like creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). In this article, we’re focusing on the Amino product offered by the popular and widely recognizable sports nutrition brand, Ghost.
Ghost Amino is part amino acid powder, part electrolyte powder. It’s marketed on Amazon as an “intra-workout for hydration and recovery” and described on the packaging as a “performance thirst quencher” that can support hydration during exercise, sport, partying, or any time of day. Intra-workout supplements are designed to be taken during a workout and are rapidly absorbed to provide benefits during exercise.
In this Ghost Amino review, we’re sharing our firsthand experience with this supplement and taking a look at the science to see if the formulation is worthy of being added to your fitness and wellness routine.
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. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Diving in to Every Hydration Supplement We Find
Our expert product testers are fitness and nutrition pros who are obsessed with finding the latest and greatest workout supplements on the market. Testers include certified personal trainers, competitive athletes, CrossFit-L1 trainers, registered dietitian nutritionists, and more. We cut through the marketing jargon and dive into the science behind supplement ingredients and dosages to help determine if they perform as promised.
Our testers add aminos and hydration powders into their daily routines and report back on the shopping experience, taste, performance and recovery benefits, and side effects. To date, our testers have tried almost 20 amino supplements similar to Ghost Amino.
Ghost Amino
Ghost Amino
Product Highlights
- Vegan-friendly, soy-free, gluten-free
- 10 g of essential amino acids and branch chain aminos per serving
- Coconut water, taurine, and aquamin for hydration
- 40 servings per container
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zero proprietary blends
- Essential amino acids
- 40 servings per container
Cons
- Artificial flavors and sweeteners
- Contains tree nuts (coconut)
Bottom Line
Ghost Amino is a workout supplement which supplies athletes with amino acids as well as electrolytes and hydration. One serving has 10 grams of essential amino acids and branched chain amino acids. Additionally, Ghost Amino has coconut water to help with hydration.
A Quick Look at Ghost Amino
Ghost is one of the more popular sports nutrition brands out there. The company was founded by a professional bodybuilder and a pilot in 2016. They’re known for inclusive marketing and fun product flavors. Ghost is also committed to doing good and partners with several charitable organizations, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, One Tree Planted, and K9 for Warriors. We like knowing the companies we support spread the love!
The Ghost product line includes apparel, pre-workouts, whey protein, vegan protein, thermogenics, greens powders, and a line of supplements designed for the needs of gamers. Ghost Amino is a powdered supplement that contains essential amino acids (EAAs), BCAAs, and several ingredients to support hydration. It contains fewer BCAAs than the Ghost BCAA powder, but the BCAA powder doesn’t contain EAAs or the hydration ingredients.
RELATED: Ghost Whey Protein Review
Before You Buy
- You’ll get more servings per tub by using 1 scoop, but some people prefer the taste of 2 scoops.
- Ghost Amino contains artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors.
- It’s pricey, but you can save 25% by purchasing on subscription on the Ghost website. They also have a loyalty program that can earn you rewards.
Is Ghost Amino Worth It?
Ghost sticks to their motto of “be seen” and uses full transparency on the Ghost Amino labels. The exact amount of each ingredient per serving is provided without any sneaky proprietary blends. The Amino formula does contain artificial colors and flavors and is sweetened with sucralose and Ace K, so it may not be the best choice for folks who prefer all-natural products.
If you’re looking for a tasty, sugar-free drink alternative to sports and energy drinks, Ghost Amino could be a good choice. Some buyers have noted this product has helped them cut back on soda and juice consumption. It costs $1 per serving, however, so drinking more than one serving per day might not be budget-friendly.
Great for:
- Anyone looking for an alternative to sports drinks
- Those who need gluten-free and soy-free supplements
- Vegetarians and vegans
Not recommended for:
- Clean eaters
- Those who prefer third-party tested supplements
- Anyone who already has an amino and/or electrolyte supplement they like
Ghost Amino Specs
| Price per serving | $1 |
| Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Mango, Welch’s Grape, Sour Green Apple, Sonic Cherry Limeade, Sonic Ocean Water |
| Key Ingredients | EAAs (L-Threonine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Lysine, L-Methionine, L-Histidine, L-Tryptophan), BCAAs (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine), Taurine, Raw Coconut Water Powder, Aquamin, AstraGin |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop (9.9 grams) |
| Other Ingredients | Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Tartaric Acid, Sucralose, Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, Silicon Dioxide, Calcium Silicate, Acesulfame Potassium, Artificial Colors |
| Sweetener | Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium |
| Third-Party Tested | No |
Experience Using Ghost Amino
GGR performance editor and certified nutrition coach Anthony O’Reilly gave this product 5 stars for both taste and mixability. As for benefits, he says he “definitely felt more hydrated after drinking this, but other than that, not much to report in terms of effects.”
Even if results vary, Anthony was sold on this product based on taste alone. “I like the taste, so I’d buy it again just for that,” he says.
Price Per Serving
Each tub of Ghost Amino retails for $39.99 and contains 40 one-scoop servings, which is $1 per scoop. Most electrolyte powders used for hydration cost between 50 cents and $1.50 per serving, so Ghost Amino is definitely mid-range. Not all electrolyte powders contain amino acids, so that definitely sets this product apart.
You should know that some people, our tester included, preferred the taste of this product when they mixed two scoops into water. If you prefer a stronger taste, you’ll only get 20 servings per tub, which brings the price to $2 per serving—pretty pricey as far as workout supplements go.
You can save an extra 25% off the retail price by purchasing through the Ghost website. Depending on what, if any, promos Ghost is running, you may be able to save more money per order than buying from another retailer. Ghost Amino is available on Amazon and a Prime account will score you free shipping, plus Amazon’s Subscribe & Save option will bring down the cost. We recommend shopping around to find the best deal.
RELATED: Best BCAA for Women
Formulation
Let’s review the key ingredient profile of Ghost Amino:
EAAs
There are nine essential amino acids that humans can not produce on their own. Ghost Amino contains all nine EAAs, making it a “complete” protein.
The amino acid content in this product is split into two groups on the Supplement Facts label. Under EAAs you’ll find six amino acids: threonine, phenylalanine, lysine, methionine, histidine, and tryptophan. The remaining three amino acids are branched-chain amino acids and listed under BCAAs.
RELATED: EAAs vs BCAAs
Amino acids are—you’ve heard this before—the “blocks” from which your muscles are built.
Essential amino acids are necessary for good health, but they’re essential to grow muscle, build strength, and support the maintenance of lean mass.
Each scoop of Ghost Amino contains 2.75 grams of EAAs and provides the exact amount of each amino acid on the label. This amount won’t make or break your gains—it’s more worthwhile to focus on total daily dietary protein intake1.
BCAAs
BCAAs refer to the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs stimulate muscle growth2, delay muscle fatigue during exercise, support fat loss, and enhance post-workout recovery.
Leucine is considered the most important of the BCAAs for muscle health. There are no official dosing guidelines for BCAAs for exercise, but researchers have found the best ratio for BCAAs is important. Taking BCAAs in a ratio of 2 parts leucine to 1 part each isoleucine and valine is often recommended. Doses of 2 to 10 grams of total BCAAs per day have been associated with workout recovery benefits3.
Each scoop of Ghost Amino contains 2.25 grams of BCAAs and provides the exact amount of each on the label. It primarily contains leucine, delivering 1,500 milligrams of leucine per scoop compared to 375 milligrams each of isoleucine and valine.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that plays a role in electrolyte balance. It’s also been linked to enhanced performance, including delayed muscle fatigue, boosted strength and power, and better recovery. Doses of 1 to 3 grams4 a day appear to offer the most benefit. Ghost Amino contains 1 gram of taurine per scoop.
Raw Coconut Water Powder
Each scoop of Ghost Amino contains 500 milligrams of powdered coconut water. Coconut water is considered hydrating because of its electrolyte content. Coconut water contains sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Coconut water5 appears to hydrate as well as plain water and carbohydrate-containing sports drinks.
Aquamin
Aquamin is a mineral complex sourced from seaweed. Consider this an electrolyte ingredient. Aquamin6 contains calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals. Calcium and magnesium are electrolytes involved in regulating hydration. Each scoop of Ghost Amino contains 250 milligrams of Aquamin, but the exact content of each mineral in the complex is unknown.
RELATED: Best Magnesium Supplement
AstraGin
AstraGin7 is a patented blend of astragalus and ginger root. Both are ingredients used in traditional wellness practices to support nutrient absorption and digestive health. It’s added to supplements to increase absorption of key ingredients.
Taste and Solubility
Ghost Amino is available in 6 flavors:
- Blue Raspberry
- Mango
- Welch’s Grape (like the jelly)
- Sour Green Apple
- Sonic Cherry Limeade
- Sonic Ocean Water
The Sonic flavors are meant to taste like popular drinks available at the fast food establishment. Cherry Limeade is self-explanatory and Ocean Water is a coconut and lime-flavored drink.
Our tester, Anthony, tried Ghost Amino in the Sonic Cherry Limeade flavor and gave it a 5 out of 5 rating for both taste and solubility. He says, “I actually bought a Sonic Cherry Limeade and drank it alongside this, and it’s pretty close to the original.”
Some buyers like the taste of two scoops better than one. Anthony tried the Cherry Limeade both ways and preferred the stronger flavor of two scoops. He notes the extra scoop dissolved just as well as a single scoop.
Side Effects
There are no significant side effects to note for Ghost Amino. Because this product contains coconut water powder, it may not be appropriate for individuals who are sensitive or allergic to coconut.
It’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to ensure the ingredients and dosages are safe and appropriate for your needs.
Third-Party Testing
Ghost does not currently use independent third-party testing for their products. That’s a bummer, since third-party testing is the gold standard for ensuring you’re getting a high-quality product. If you compete at a professional level and are subject to screenings and drug tests, certified third-party tested products are critical for the safety and purity of ingredients.
Comparison to Ghost BCAA
If you’re looking to add BCAAs to your regimen, you might be trying to decide between Ghost Amino and Ghost BCAA. While Ghost Amino is more of a hydration supplement with added amino acids, Ghost BCAA is a straight BCAA supplement. The only key ingredients in Ghost BCAA are the branched-chain amino acids. Both products contain AstraGin to support optimal absorption.
Because BCAA doesn’t contain any other key ingredients, it contains more BCAAs per serving than Amino—7 grams versus 2.25 grams. BCAA benefits include muscle growth, fat loss, and speedier workout recovery. If your primary goal is hydration, Amino is your best bet. If you’re prioritizing muscle growth and recovery, the higher dose of BCAAs in the BCAA product will appeal.
Both products are available in six flavors, so you have plenty of options. BCAA is slightly less expensive at 93 cents per scoop versus Amino at $1 per scoop.
Ghost BCAA
Ghost BCAA
Product Highlights
- 7 g BCAA per serving
- 2:1:1 BCAA ratio
- Candy-like flavors
- Transparent label
- Formulated with Astragin
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free from soy, gluten, and sugar
- BCAAs may help muscle recovery
Cons
- Contains sucralose
- Almost $2.00 per serving
- Ultra-sweet tasting
Bottom Line
Ghost BCAAs have candy-like flavors that some reviewers appreciate and some say are too sweet. Either way, it’s formulated with Astragin, which may help improve your body’s ability to absorb key amino acids, proteins, and glucose.
| Ghost Amino | Ghost BCAA | |
| Price per serving | $1 | 93 cents |
| BCAAs per serving | 2.25 grams | 7 grams |
| Other key ingredients | Essential Amino Acids, Taurine, Raw Coconut Water Powder, AstraGin | AstraGin |
| Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Mango, Grape, Sour Green Apple, Cherry Limeade, Ocean Water | Lemon Crush, Kiwi Strawberry, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Redberry |
| Third-party tested? | No | No |
Customer Experience
Unopened Ghost products are eligible for return within 15 days of delivery. Ghost only accepts returns purchased directly from the Ghost website. If you buy Ghost Amino from a third-party retailer, your order will be subject to that retailer’s return policy.
The return policy only applies to items bought at regular price. If you order Ghost Amino on sale or with a discount code, you can’t return it. You can contact Ghost’s customer support team on weekdays by email at support@ghostlifestyle.com to initiate a return.
Ghost offers a loyalty program that lets you earn points redeemable for products. Points are earned with each order, referrals, posting on social media, and more.
Ordering Ghost Amino
Ghost Amino is available through the Ghost website, Amazon, Walmart, and supplement retailers like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe. The exact ordering process will depend on which retailer you use.
Purchasing on the Ghost site is quick and easy and we recommend starting there since they often have promo codes and a rewards program. If you like little extras, you may be stoked to find a free pin included with each order.
On the Ghost site, simply choose your flavor and select whether you want to make a one-time purchase or sign up for Ghost’s subscribe and save program. You’ll save 25% off the retail price of Ghost Amino with the subscription. Then, just add your selection to your cart and check out.
Ghost charges $7.99 for standard shipping. Depending on sales and free shipping offers, you may find it’s more cost effective to order from another retailer.
Customer Reviews
There are no customer reviews on the Ghost website, but Ghost Amino has a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating based on close to 600 Amazon reviews and 158 GNC reviews.
Most customers rave about the taste of Ghost Amino. One Amazon reviewer notes, “All the flavors are memorable, with most being sour tasting.” A GNC customer wrote the flavor is “so delicious, it’s worth the extra money.”
Of course, flavor preference and strength are highly individual. One Amazon reviewer found “a whole scoop is way strong-tasting” and prefers a half-scoop mixed into 26 ounces of water for a more mild flavor. Some shoppers note some of the Amino flavors have a weird aftertaste.
As for benefits, several customers feel recovery is faster thanks to Ghost Amino. An Amazon shopper writes “I had gone on an 8-mile, 4,000-foot elevation gain hike one day and I was still VERY sore days later. A friend recommended BCAA so I ordered this. The next day I felt fine, zero pain.”
Final Verdict of Our Ghost Amino Review
Ghost Amino is a good choice if you’re looking for a product that supports hydration and muscle growth and repair thanks to the addition of both essential and branched-chain amino acids. However, if you’re on a budget, the $1 per scoop price may be a turnoff. You can find hydration products for less, although not all formulas contain amino acids to support muscle growth and recovery.
- Each serving of Ghost Amino provides 2.75 grams of EAAs and 2.25 grams of BCAAs.
- Ghost Amino also contains taurine, powdered coconut water, and aquamin to support hydration.
- Like other Ghost products, this supplement is most loved for its flavor and ease of use.
- This product lacks third-party testing and certification and contains artificial ingredients, so it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
RELATED: Best Supplements for Muscle Growth
Full Rating
Ghost Amino
Ghost Amino is a workout supplement which supplies athletes with amino acids as well as electrolytes and hydration. One serving has 10 grams of essential amino acids and branched chain amino acids. Additionally, Ghost Amino has coconut water to help with hydration.
Product Brand: Ghost
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 39.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
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Ghost Amino Review: FAQs
What does Ghost Amino do?
Ghost Amino contains amino acids to support muscle function, growth, and repair, as well as key ingredients to support hydration. It can be used during exercise to replace lost electrolytes and water or post-workout to support recovery.
What’s the difference between Ghost Amino and BCAA?
Ghost Amino is a hydration and amino supplement that contains both essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. Ghost BCAA is a straight branched-chain amino acid supplement. Amino contains 2.25 grams of BCAAs per scoop and BCAA contains 7 grams of BCAAs per scoop.
Both products are vegan friendly and can be taken during a workout or any time of day. Amino is designed to support hydration, electrolyte replacement, and muscle health. BCAA is designed to support muscle growth and repair and lacks hydrating ingredients.
Do amino supplements actually work?
There’s evidence that essential and branched-chain amino acids support muscle growth and more rapid repair after exercise. The benefits apply whether you source those amino acids from food or amino supplements.
Amino acids are naturally found in a variety of foods. You may be able to consume enough amino acids directly from your diet to support muscle health and gains. If you don’t like tracking protein intake or prefer knowing you’re taking a set amount of aminos per day, an amino supplement may be right for you.
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.
References
- Carbone JW, Pasiakos SM. Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1136. Published 2019 May 22. doi:10.3390/nu11051136
- Mann G, Mora S, Madu G, Adegoke OAJ. Branched-chain Amino Acids: Catabolism in Skeletal Muscle and Implications for Muscle and Whole-body Metabolism. Front Physiol. 2021;12:702826. Published 2021 Jul 20. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.702826
- Arroyo-Cerezo A, Cerrillo I, Ortega Á, Fernández-Pachón MS. Intake of branched chain amino acids favors post-exercise muscle recovery and may improve muscle function: optimal dosage regimens and consumption conditions. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2021;61(11):1478-1489. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.21.11843-2
- Kurtz JA, VanDusseldorp TA, Doyle JA, Otis JS. Taurine in sports and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):39. Published 2021 May 26. doi:10.1186/s12970-021-00438-0
- Kalman DS, Feldman S, Krieger DR, Bloomer RJ. Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012;9(1):1. Published 2012 Jan 18. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-9-1
- Aslam MN, McClintock SD, Jawad-Makki MAH, et al. A Multi-Mineral Intervention to Modulate Colonic Mucosal Protein Profile: Results from a 90-Day Trial in Human Subjects. Nutrients. 2021;13(3):939. Published 2021 Mar 14. doi:10.3390/nu13030939
- AstraGin. NuLivScience. Available at: https://nulivscience.com/ingredients/astragin/
