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No shake. No digestion. Nine essential aminos.

Bare Aminos

Name: Bare Aminos
Rating: 4.56 (517 reviews)

Rated4.6 out of 5, 517 reviews

· R599

60-day money-back guaranteeMade in Durban · ships in 2–4 working daysCard or instant EFTFree delivery over R1,250

Build a box: any 4 items, save 20%

Improve recoveryBuild and repair muscleNothing to digest first

9 of 9 EAA2 g leucine~20 kcalMixes clear0 g sugarVegan friendlyNo proprietary blend

What is it?

Bare Aminos is the nine essential amino acids, the ones your body cannot make, in free form, measured into a single sachet. 5,000 mg a serve with 2,000 mg of leucine, about 20 calories, no sugar.

Tear it into 300–500 ml of water, stir, and it mixes clear. Thirty sachets to a box, in Mixed Berry, Mango Orange and Peach Ice Tea.

Bare Aminos is the nine essential amino acids, the ones your body cannot make, in free form, measured into a single scoop. 5,000 mg a serve with 2,000 mg of leucine, about 20 calories, no sugar.

One level scoop into 300–500 ml of water, stir, and it mixes clear. Thirty servings to a tub, in Mixed Berry, Mango Orange and Peach Ice Tea.

How does it work?

Muscle repairs itself from amino acids. Leucine is the signal that switches repair on; the other eight essentials are the material it builds with. Bare Aminos gives both at once.

Because the amino acids are already free-form, there is nothing to digest first, which is why it is taken straight after training (Ferrando et al., 2023).

Who is it for?

Over 40: when protein doesn't land the way it used to.
Endurance athletes: after the long run, the long ride, the second session.
In a calorie deficit: the building blocks for about 20 calories.
A smaller appetite, including on a GLP-1: the essentials without a full meal.
Anyone who can't face another shake to hit a protein target.

Bare Aminos vs whey

	Bare Aminos	Whey shake
What it is	The 9 essential aminos, free-form	Whole milk protein, essential and non-essential
Digestion	None needed	Digested first, then absorbed
Leucine	2,000 mg	~2,500 mg per 25 g scoop
Calories	~20	~120–150
Mixes	Clear, in water	Milky, needs a shaker
Carry it	One sachet in a pocket	Tub, scoop, shaker

Not a replacement for protein in your diet. Use whey for a meal; use Bare Aminos for the targeted top-up after training. Whey figures are typical values and vary by brand.

Purchase Options:

What's actually in it, and why.

Six things worth knowing before you buy. Tap the + on any card for the detail.

9 of 9The nine you can't makeYour body builds eleven amino acids itself. These nine it can't.

2,000 mgLeucine is the signalThe amino acid muscle reads as "food has arrived, start building".

Leucine is the signal

Leucine is both a building block and a switch. Enough of it in the blood is what tells the machinery to start assembling, and the other eight are what it builds with. A signal with nothing behind it builds nothing.

At rest, stimulation of MPS occurs at relatively small dosages (1.5–3.0 g) and seems to plateau at around 15–18 g. — ISSN position stand, 2023

0Steps of digestionFree-form aminos are already broken down. A shake isn't.

Steps of digestion

A shake is whole protein your body still has to break down. This is nine essential aminos already in free form, 5,000 mg in total, so there's no digestion step, it's about 20 calories and it mixes clear. It's a top-up alongside your food, not a meal replacement.

Free-form EAA ingestion stimulates MPS more than an equivalent amount of intact protein. — ISSN position stand, 2023

40+The threshold movedWith age it takes more leucine to switch muscle building on.

The threshold moved

Researchers call it anabolic resistance: with age, muscle becomes less sensitive to a given amount of amino acid. Nothing is broken; the amount it takes to switch building on has moved up. That's why 2 g of every 5,000 mg serving is leucine, 40% of it, so meeting a higher threshold doesn't mean eating more.

…aging requires a greater proportion of leucine to overcome the reduced muscle sensitivity known as 'anabolic resistance'. — ISSN position stand, 2023, conclusion 8

~20Calories a serveThe essentials without a meal's worth of calories.

1–3 wksWhat reviewers reportReviewers who mention timing put the change at one to three weeks, mostly in recovery.

What reviewers report

Those are individual experiences from Judge.me reviews, not a promise; the quotes are in "What people notice" below. What aminos don't do: they don't replace protein in your diet, build muscle without training, burn fat, or treat anything. They help muscle repair after work you've already done.

First time using this product and can feel the difference after two weeks and definitely when I drink it before my workouts, more energy during workouts and my muscle recovery is great post workout!! — Adri Beyers, Judge.me review, 2024-05-16

Quotes on cards 2–4 are from the International Society of Sports Nutrition's 2023 position stand on essential amino acid supplementation (Ferrando, Wolfe et al., JISSN 20(1)). They describe essential amino acids as a category; the ISSN has not tested or endorsed Bare Aminos, and Bare Aminos has not itself been the subject of a clinical trial. The quote on card 6 is a customer's Judge.me review, unedited.

How to take it.

1 Tear 1–2 sachetsScoop 1–2 servings
Each sachet is 5,000 mg of the nine essential aminos. Take one, or two on bigger training days.Each level scoop is 5,000 mg of the nine essential aminos. Take one, or two on bigger training days.
2 Into 300–500 ml cold water
Stir or shake for a few seconds. It mixes clear, never chalky.
3 Around your training
During, straight after, or first thing on training days. On rest days, whenever suits.

What people notice, and when.

In customers' own words, unedited, from Judge.me reviews; the timing is theirs, not ours. Everyone's different; these are individual experiences, not promises.

Over a weekI have been using the berry amino acids for over a week. I take one scoop prior to work out and one during my work out. I have noticed my energy has improved and I am able to go longer without stopping and use heavier weights. Thank you for this amazing product.Bronrod
12 daysI am following a mild winter exercise programme together on your product.I am 62 years old and I am only 12days on your product.I can feel a difference on a quicker recovery of my muscle and a big difference on muscle mass and strength,although I am not on such a tough training programme.Kobie S., 62
After two weeksFirst time using this product and can feel the difference after two weeks and definitely when I drink it before my workouts, more energy during workouts and my muscle recovery is great post workout!!Adri Beyers
First ComradesThe product really assisted me in my preparation trainings for my first comrades marathon and I finished the race my first time at 56yrs 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️Nonhlahla N., 56

Studies worth knowing about.

The research behind essential amino acids. Tap the + for what each study found and the full reference.

Position stand · JISSN2023The position standThe International Society of Sports Nutrition's review of the research on EAA supplements.

The position stand

A panel of researchers reviewed the evidence on essential amino acid supplements and published ten conclusions, including that small doses raise muscle protein synthesis, that free-form EAAs do so more than the same amount of intact protein, and that older muscle needs a higher share of leucine.

Ferrando AA, Wolfe RR, et al. ISSN Position Stand: Effects of essential amino acid supplementation on exercise and performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2023;20(1):2263409.

Randomised trial · JISSN2026Training plus EAAs, in women 65+A 12-week randomised trial in 96 older women.

Training plus EAAs, in women 65+

Women over 65 were split into four groups: no change, resistance training only, a daily EAA supplement only, or both. After 12 weeks, training plus EAAs improved measures of muscle and fitness more than either training or EAAs alone.

Jeong D, Valentine RJ, et al. Combined resistance exercise and essential amino acid intake enhance follistatin/myostatin ratio and muscle fitness in older women: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2026;23(1):2646626.

Clinical study · Am J Physiol40%The leucine share mattersWhy 2 g of every 5 g serving is leucine.

The leucine share matters

In older adults, an EAA blend with about 40% leucine stimulated muscle protein synthesis where a lower-leucine blend did not; in younger adults both blends worked. Bare Aminos is 40% leucine.

Katsanos CS, Kobayashi H, et al. A high proportion of leucine is required for optimal stimulation of the rate of muscle protein synthesis by essential amino acids in the elderly. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006;291(2):E381–E387.

Clinical study · JISSN+EAAs on top of proteinWhat happens when EAAs are added to a whey drink.

EAAs on top of protein

A small 2020 study measured how the body used protein after an EAA-plus-whey drink compared with a whey-only drink, and found a larger short-term response to the EAA blend. Small and short, but it's why we call Bare Aminos a top-up to the protein you already eat.

Park S, Church DD, et al. Anabolic response to essential amino acid plus whey protein composition is greater than whey protein alone in young healthy adults. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020;17(1):9.

These studies are about essential amino acids as a category, not Bare Aminos itself, which has not been the subject of a clinical trial. Results describe the groups studied and won't be the same for everyone.

The whole label.

No proprietary blend. Every amino acid and every milligram is on the box, the same as it is here.

Five grams of essential amino acids a sachet, two of them leucine. About twenty calories. It mixes clear; the flavoured packs taste like a light cordial.Five grams of essential amino acids a serving, two of them leucine. About twenty calories. It mixes clear; the flavoured tubs taste like a light cordial.

Where it's made →

Per sachetPer scoop

Essential amino acids 5,000 mg

L-Leucine 2,000 mg

L-Lysine 845 mg

L-Isoleucine 600 mg

L-Valine 600 mg

L-Threonine 400 mg

L-Phenylalanine 300 mg

L-Methionine 150 mg

L-Histidine 100 mg

L-Tryptophan 5 mg

Energy ~20 kcal

What's in it.

L-Leucine 2,000 mg

The amino acid that signals muscle protein synthesis to start. It is the reason the dose is the headline: two grams is the amount the research uses.

L-Lysine 845 mg

An essential amino acid your body cannot make; part of the material repair is built from.

L-Isoleucine 600 mg

One of the three branched-chain amino acids, alongside leucine and valine.

L-Valine 600 mg

The third branched-chain amino acid, in the proportion the formula is built on.

L-Threonine 400 mg

Essential amino acid; one of the nine that has to come from food or a supplement.

L-Phenylalanine 300 mg

Essential amino acid, included so the profile is complete.

L-Methionine 150 mg

Essential amino acid, part of a complete profile.

L-Histidine 100 mg

The last of the nine essentials needed for a complete profile.

L-Tryptophan 5 mg

Present in trace amounts so all nine essentials are on the label. We make no claim for it at this dose.

Flavour, sweetener and acid on the box

Flavour, sweetener and acid are listed on the box in full. No sugar, no colourants.

Mixed Berry, Mango Orange: Citric acid, flavourant, anti-caking agent, natural sweeteners (stevia & erythritol). Peach Ice Tea: Citric acid, flavourant, rooibos extract, anti-caking agent, non-nutritive sweetener (sucralose). Manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy and gluten.

Why free-form.

Protein has to be digested before any of it reaches muscle. Free-form essential amino acids skip that step.

The signal and the material

Muscle protein synthesis switches on when leucine in the blood crosses a threshold. Repair then needs all nine essential amino acids present to build from. A serving carries both: the leucine signal and the other eight.¹

What changes around forty

The threshold rises with age, so the same meal does less.

What aminos don't do

They don't replace protein, build muscle without training, burn fat or treat anything. They help muscle repair after work you have already done.

¹ Ferrando AA et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: essential amino acid supplementation on exercise and performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2023;20(1).

Made in Durban.

A certificate of analysis is available on request for every batch.

3030 sachets a box, 110 × 42 mm eachservings a tub, one level scoop each

60 days money-back guarantee

CoA certificate of analysis on request, every batch

Questions, answered.

What does it taste like?

Three flavours, Mixed Berry, Mango Orange and Peach Ice Tea, all with 0 g sugar, and it mixes clear. In one customer's words: "Love the flavor. No artificial sweetness taste to it…" (Luchelle W.)

Does it contain caffeine?

No. Bare Aminos is caffeine-free, so it works morning or night.

Will it break my fast?

Honestly, yes, if you're fasting strictly. A serving is about 20 calories and the aminos are absorbed straight away, which is the whole point of them. On time-restricted eating most people take it with the first meal or after training.

Can I take it with creatine or protein?

Yes. They do different jobs. Creatine is a daily 5 g habit, protein is food, and Bare Aminos is the amino top-up on top of what you already eat. Plenty of people take all three on training days.

Is it safe to take every day?

It's nine amino acids found in everyday food, at a 5,000 mg serve. The ISSN position stand (Ferrando et al., 2023) notes that the safe upper limit of essential amino acid intake easily accommodates supplementation. That is about the category, not you specifically.

Can I take it if I'm pregnant or on medication?

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a medical condition or taking prescribed medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before adding any supplement.

How does the subscription work?

A new tub or box arrives every month at R599. Every subscription order comes with free Pure Electrolytes and free shipping, and every order includes 5 free Carb Fuel sachets. Skip a month, pause or cancel anytime from your account.

Prefer not to subscribe? Choose One-time purchase.

What if it's not for me?

You're covered by our 60-day money-back guarantee. Get in touch at hello@bareayr.co.za and we'll sort it out.

Try it for 60 days.

If Bare Aminos isn't for you, tell us within 60 days and you get your money back. Ships from Durban in 2–4 working days, anywhere in South Africa.

In their own words.

4.6 average from 517 Judge.me reviews · unedited

★★★★★ Great product, im 60 years old and it help me a lot to put on some muscle.Ryk Ellis60

★★★★★ Absolutely love these bare aminos. It minimises post workout soreness. I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to make progress with training and muscle recovery.Coleen d.

★★★★★ Hi Sam I am 53yrs old and been running for the past 20 yrs…..I have never seen and felt anything like I do now that I have started using your product ,it's the best ,thank you so much 🙏🏻Nonhlahla N.53

★★★★★ I love these amino acids🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 They help a lot with my CrossFit workouts and recovery. Been taking them for over a month now and just love them. I take them before I train as well as during my training.Bronwyn R.CrossFit

★★★★★ Excellent product! Used it for over a year now everyday and its doing amazing things for my body and recovery!BRAD N.

★★★★★ Absolutely love it!!! Makes me feel stronger in the gym, i have a clear head, focus is amazing, energy is fantastic, would love another tub!!Johnathan Lawrence

Read all reviews

5 stars: 398 (77%)
4 stars: 62 (12%)
3 stars: 24 (5%)
2 stars: 13 (3%)
1 star: 20 (4%)

Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

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I keep ordering more

I love this product! This packaging allows me to have a few in my handbag, my car, my gym back and right next to my desk for ease! This product has a great taste, not too sweet. Its perfect for every day... I haven't gotten tired of this flavor yet like so many other products and flavors

Creatine and Peach Ice Tea Aminos 💖

I always use the creatine and the peach ice tea flavour aminos in the beautiful bottle - I honestly use Bare Nutrition daily to feel my best and just like I have that extra spark for a physical lifestyle

Creatine and Peach Ice Tea Aminos 💖

Bare Amino

Great product, im 60 years old and it help me a lot to put on some muscle.

Bare Amino

Great product, im 60 years old and it help me a lot to put on some muscle.

Tastes amazing!

I have tried a few brands and by far this brand tastes the best. Its so easy to have straight after a workout and really quenched your thirst. I train 5-6 times a week and I feel like fresh and ready for my next session after this drink! You really can't go wrong with their products!

Tastes amazing!

Excellent Nutrition

I use this for my Triathlon and Gravel Cycling endurance training and races. Always struggled with cramps due to extreme sweating but this now got me covered.
Love this product.

Excellent Nutrition

I use this for my Triathlon and Gravel Cycling endurance training and races. Always struggled with cramps due to extreme sweating but this now got me covered.
Love this product.

8mile ocean swim

Still bit earlier to really tell however in the above 8 mile ocean swim this week end I felt good, no cramping and recovery is reasonable given I'm 79 this year so things looking great for continued use of yr product

Excellent product! Used it for over a year now everyday and its doing amazing things for my body and recovery!

Excellent product! Used it for over a year now everyday and its doing amazing things for my body and recovery!

It changed my stamina and helps me with my OMAD journey

I love these amino acids🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
They help a lot with my CrossFit workouts and recovery.
Been taking them for over a month now and just love them.
I take them before I train as well as during my training.

I have been using the berry amino acids for over a week. I take one scoop prior to work out and one during my work out.
I have noticed my energy has improved and I am able to go longer without stopping and use heavier weights.
Thank you for this amazing product.

Fantastic addition to my vitamin regime! More energy, weight loss and all round healthier!

Fantastic addition to my vitamin regime! More energy, weight loss and all round healthier!

Hi Sam I am 53yrs old and been running for the past 20 yrs…..I have never seen and felt anything like I do now that I have started using your product ,it’s the best ,thank you so much 🙏🏻

Hi Sam I am 53yrs old and been running for the past 20 yrs…..I have never seen and felt anything like I do now that I have started using your product ,it’s the best ,thank you so much 🙏🏻