Trying to build muscle while balancing cardio and strength training?
Your training program is just one part of the equation—what you put into your body matters just as much. The right supplements can supercharge your results by supporting recovery, boosting energy, and enhancing muscle growth.
Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to break through a plateau, we’ve rounded up 5 highly rated, best-selling supplements for muscle gain—tested and trusted by thousands.
At Balanced Living, we make supplement shopping easier by focusing on what truly works. This guide is perfect to pair with our Cardio vs Strength Training Guide for Maximum Gains and help you make smarter choices for your fitness goals.
How We Chose the Best Muscle Gain Supplements
To create this list, we analyzed dozens of top-rated products based on:
- Customer reviews and repeat sales
- Ingredient quality and dosage
- Brand trust and reputation
- Affordability and value for money
- Form (capsule, powder, etc.) and ease of use
Each product below is selected to support your strength goals—whether you’re focused on power, endurance, or lean muscle growth.
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey – Double Rich Chocolate (5 lbs)
- Price: $112.97
- Rating: 4.6 / 5 (Based on 31,050 reviews)
- Over 1,000 units in the last 30 days
Description:
Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey is a trusted name in the world of sports nutrition. Powered by 24 grams of high-quality protein per serving and 5.5 grams of BCAAs, it supports muscle growth, endurance, and faster post-workout recovery. The key ingredient—whey protein isolate (WPI)—ensures you get maximum protein content with minimal fat and carbs.
This premium formula is banned substance tested, gluten-free, and free from artificial growth hormones, making it a safe and effective choice for athletes and fitness lovers.
With a legacy of trust since 1988 and a presence in over 90 countries, Optimum Nutrition is a name that speaks for itself.
How to Use
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (30.4g)
- Mix with: 6–8 fl oz of cold water, milk, or your preferred beverage
- Directions: Stir, shake, or blend for about 30 seconds until fully dissolved
Recommended Timing:
Post-Workout: Consume 30–60 minutes after exercise
Anytime Snack: Can also be used between meals to support your protein intake
- Pros:
- High-quality Whey Protein Isolate as the primary source
- Contains 24g protein & 5.5g BCAAs per serving
- Helps in muscle building and recovery
- Trusted by athletes worldwide since 1988
- Gluten-free and banned substance tested
- Mixes well and tastes great
- Cons:
- Artificially flavored, which may not suit everyone
- Slightly premium priced compared to other brands
- Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance
Balanced Living
2. California Gold Nutrition – Sport Creatine Monohydrate (Unflavored, 1 lb)
- Price: $15.87
- Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Based on 14,229 reviews)
- 20,000+ units in the last 30 days
Description:
California Gold Nutrition’s Sport Creatine Monohydrate is a no-frills, unflavored supplement that delivers 5 grams of pure creatine monohydrate per serving — a well-studied ingredient known to support muscle growth, strength, and athletic performance.
How to Use
- Serving Size: 1 level scoop (approx. 5g)
- Mix with: 6–8 oz of water or any beverage of your choice
- Best Taken: Daily, preferably post-workout or as directed by your healthcare professional or coach
Tip: For better mixability, use a blender bottle or shaker cup
- Pros:
- Delivers 5g of pure creatine monohydrate per scoop
- Unflavored—easily mixes into any drink without altering taste
- iTested for quality and purity
- Helps improve strength, power, and lean muscle mass
- Can reduce muscle fatigue and aid in recovery
- Excellent value for money
- Cons:
- Scoop may vary slightly in weight due to individual measuring
- Some users may experience water retention during early use
- Not ideal for those preferring flavored supplements
Balanced Living
3. California Gold Nutrition – Omega 800 Ultra-Concentrated Omega-3 Fish Oil
- Price: $21.50
- Rating: 4.8 / 5 (Based on 109,692 reviews)
- 30,000+ units in the last 30 days
Description:
California Gold Nutrition’s Omega 800 delivers a highly concentrated dose of omega-3 fatty acids, featuring 480 mg EPA and 320 mg DHA per softgel — derived from kd-pür® fish oil processed in Germany to premium standards.
Designed in the preferred triglyceride form, this supplement supports heart
healthy inflammatory response, and fits seamlessly into a daily wellness routine. It’s gluten-free, non-GMO, iTested for purity, and produced in a cGMP-certified facility.
This ultra-concentrated formula provides maximum benefits in just one softgel a day — ideal for anyone looking to optimize cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation naturally.
How to Use
- Serving Size: 1 softgel per day
- When to Take: With food, preferably during a meal
Recommended By: Healthcare professionals for daily omega-3 supplementation
- Pros:
- Ultra-concentrated with 800 mg omega-3s per softgel (480 mg EPA + 320 mg DHA)
- Made with kd-pür® fish oil – IFOS™ certified and processed in Germany
- Supports cardiovascular health and healthy inflammation response
- Only one softgel per day needed
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, and produced in a certified facility
- Excellent for those seeking high-dose omega-3s in a minimal capsule
- Cons:
- Fish gelatin softgel – not suitable for vegetarians/vegans
- Some users may experience fishy aftertaste if not taken with food
- Slightly more premium-priced compared to basic fish oil options
Balanced Living
4. California Gold Nutrition – Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU), 360 Softgels
- Price: $16.57
- Rating: 4.9 / 5 (Based on 295,691 reviews)
- 10,000+ units in the last 30 days
Description:
California Gold Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 delivers a potent dose of 125 mcg (5,000 IU) of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)—essential for bone health, immune system function, and overall wellness.
Encapsulated in fish gelatin softgels, this high-quality supplement ensures optimal absorption. With a single daily dose, it’s an easy and effective way to maintain healthy
Vitamin D levels — especially for individuals with limited sun exposure.
This supplement is iTested, produced in a certified facility, and ideal for long-term use with a generous 360-softgel supply per bottle.
How to Use
- Serving Size: 1 softgel daily
- When to Take: With food, preferably during a main meal
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended dose or combine with other Vitamin D supplements unless advised by a healthcare provider
- Pros:
- High-potency 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per softgel
- Supports strong bones, teeth, and a robust immune system
- Convenient one-a-day dosage
- Long-lasting supply – 360 softgels per bottle
- Tested for quality and made in a certified facility
- Great for people with low sun exposure
- Cons:
- Fish gelatin capsule – not suitable for vegetarians/vegans
- May require medical guidance if taken with other supplements
- High dosage may not be necessary for everyone – check with your doctor
Balanced Living
5. Primaforce – Citrulline Malate (Unflavored, 204 g)
- Price: $18.63
- Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Based on 4,884 reviews)
- 500+ units in the last 30 days
Description:
Primaforce Citrulline Malate is a trusted pre-workout supplement crafted for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. With 2g of L-Citrulline Malate (2:1) per serving and 200g per container, it’s designed to maximize endurance, reduce muscle fatigue, and speed up recovery between training sessions.Widely used in pre-workout stacks and BCAA formulas, citrulline malate boosts nitric oxide
levels, which can lead to better blood flow, enhanced pumps, and improved performance.
This unflavored formula makes it easy to mix with your favorite pre-workout or hydration drink. Each batch is tested for purity and potency, ensuring you’re getting what your label promises.
How to Use
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (2g)
- Mix with: 6–10 oz of water or beverage of your choice
Frequency: Up to 3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare provider
- Pros:
- Contains pure L-Citrulline Malate (2:1 ratio)
- Enhances stamina, endurance, and workout intensity
- Helps reduce muscle fatigue and improve post-workout recovery
- Tested for purity and potency
- Excellent for athletes and bodybuilders pushing their limits
- Cons:
- Only 2g per serving – may require multiple servings for high-performance users
- Unflavored – may taste slightly bitter if taken with water alone
- Not a complete pre-workout – best used in combination with other supplements
Balanced Living
Why Use Supplements for Muscle Gain?
Supplements won’t replace hard work in the gym, but they do give your body the raw materials it needs to grow stronger, faster. Whether it’s creatine for power, glutamine for recovery, or amino acids to fuel training—each plays a unique role in helping you recover better, lift heavier, and reach your goals faster.
Pro Tip:
Combine supplements with a proper training plan and nutrient-dense meals for best results. Want to learn how to balance lifting and cardio the smart way? Check out our complete guide:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not necessarily—but they make it easier to meet your nutritional needs, improve recovery, and enhance performance.
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most studied and effective choices for muscle gain—perfect for all levels.
Yes. Many athletes combine creatine, amino acids, and glutamine. Just ensure dosages are within safe limits.
Timing varies—creatine is best post-workout, amino acids can be taken pre- or intra-workout, and glutamine works well post-exercise or before bed.
You’ll notice strength improvements with creatine in 1–2 weeks. Recovery supplements support long-term muscle development.
