Creator verdict: RecommendsThorne Amino Complex
Head-to-head · BCAAs & EAAs
Thorne Amino Complex vs Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Which should you buy in 2026? FR Scores, specs, prices and 7 independent video reviews, side by side.
FR Score 8.4 out of 10, Great
All nine EAAs, a 2:1:1 BCAA core, and NSF Certified for Sport, sweetened with stevia.
Typical price · 30-scoop container, Berry or Lemon (~$1.73 per scoop)
FR Score 8.2 out of 10, Great
8 g of fermented BCAAs and 5 g of glutamine, stevia-sweetened with no dyes or sucralose.
Typical price · 30-serving tub direct (~$1.33/serving)
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The quick verdict
Thorne Amino Complex edges ahead with an FR Score of 8.4 vs 8.2, winning on formula & dosing and quality & transparency. It’s our Best Overall, while BCAA Glutamine is our Best Clean-Label Pick. BCAA Glutamine is the cheaper pick by about $12.01.
Choose Amino Complex if…
- All nine essential amino acids with a 2:1:1 BCAA core
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Zero sugar; stevia-sweetened with fruit and vegetable juice color
Choose BCAA Glutamine if…
- 8 g BCAAs plus 5 g glutamine per scoop
- Stevia-sweetened with no artificial sweeteners or dyes
- Informed Choice seal; brand says every batch is lab-tested
Scores
Score breakdown
Each criterion scored 0–10 by our methodology. The winner of each row is highlighted.
CriterionAmino ComplexBCAA Glutamine
FR Score (overall)
Formula & Dosing
Quality & Transparency
Taste & Mixability
Value per Serving
Typical price
Video reviews
Specs
Specs side by side
| Spec | Amino Complex | BCAA Glutamine |
|---|---|---|
| Serving size | 1 scoop (7.6 g) | 1 scoop (~20 g) |
| Total amino acids | ~4 g (11 amino acids) | — |
| Essential amino acids | ~3.8 g (all 9) | — |
| Leucine | 1.25 g | — |
| BCAAs | 2.5 g (2:1:1) | 8 g (2:1:1) |
| Sugar | 0 g | — |
| Sweetener | Stevia (Reb A) | Stevia |
| Third-party certification | NSF Certified for Sport | — |
| Servings | 30 per container | 30 per tub |
| Flavors | Berry, Lemon | — |
| L-glutamine | — | 5 g |
| Vitamin C | — | 1,500 mg |
| Coconut water powder | — | 1 g |
| Testing | — | Informed Choice; third-party batch testing |
| Mix with | — | 10-12 oz cold water |
Amino Complex: pros & cons
- All nine essential amino acids with a 2:1:1 BCAA core
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Zero sugar; stevia-sweetened with fruit and vegetable juice color
- Every amino acid dose is disclosed
- About 3.8 g of EAAs per scoop is a modest dose
- $52 for 30 scoops, roughly $1.73 each
- Label carries a California Prop 65 warning for lead
BCAA Glutamine: pros & cons
- 8 g BCAAs plus 5 g glutamine per scoop
- Stevia-sweetened with no artificial sweeteners or dyes
- Informed Choice seal; brand says every batch is lab-tested
- Vegan, fermented BCAAs; gluten-free and non-GMO
- About $1.33 per serving
- Still a BCAA-only formula, not complete EAAs
- Brand's two-a-day suggestion doubles cost and totals 3,000 mg vitamin C
On video
What reviewers say
Creator verdict: RecommendsThorne Amino Complex
Creator verdict: MixedTransparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Creator verdict: RecommendsTransparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Amino Complex vs BCAA Glutamine: FAQ
Is Thorne Amino Complex better than Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine?
Thorne Amino Complex scores higher overall (8.4 vs 8.2 out of 10), winning on formula & dosing and quality & transparency. BCAA Glutamine still has the edge on taste & mixability and value per serving.
Which is cheaper, Amino Complex or BCAA Glutamine?
At typical prices, Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine costs about $12.01 less ($52 vs $39.99). Sizes and deals vary, so check the current price at the retailer.
Which has more video reviews?
We’ve cataloged 4 independent video reviews of Amino Complex and 3 of BCAA Glutamine. Both products’ pages list every review with the creator’s verdict.