Ghost Amino vs BCAAs (2024): An RD’s Guide to Choosing Your Spirit Supplement

Despite its elusive name, Ghost supplements aren’t invisible in the fitness world. Best known for their whey protein powders, pre-workouts, and energy drinks boasting intriguing designs and flavors (Nutter Butter, anyone?), other Ghost products—like Ghost Amino and Ghost BCAA—stand out. 

Our full Ghost Amino review reveals that it’s beyond a simple essential amino acid (EAA) and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplement. On the other hand, Ghost BCAA aligns more closely with what you might expect from such a product.

If your curiosity is piqued, join me, a registered dietitian, as I guide you through this Ghost Amino vs BCAAs tour.

Ghost Amino

Ghost Amino

GGR Score: 4

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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.

Ghost BCAA

Ghost BCAA

GGR Score: 4.5

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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.

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.

Ghost Amino vs BCAAs

Although Ghost Amino is indicated as a one- or two-scoop serving, we’ll compare each on a one-scoop serving for a more even playing field. Besides, the serving size is comparable, as shown below. 

Quick Look: Ghost Amino vs Ghost BCAAs

Since its launch in 2016, Ghost—also known as Ghost Lifestyle—continues to pioneer the concept of a “lifestyle sports nutrition brand.” Catering to a broad audience, including bodybuilders and gamers, Ghost started with the Legend pre-workout supplement and has expanded to products like Ghost Amino and BCAAs.

Ghost Amino combines essential amino acids (EAAs), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and hydration-boosting ingredients. Ghost BCAAs, on the other hand, is a straightforward BCAA supplement and lacks a complete EAA profile and hydration components.

Who Should Buy Ghost Aminos

• Anyone wanting an alternative to sports drinks
• Those looking for vegan-friendly and soy-free supplements
• Plant-based dieters and athletes who may need additional EAAs and BCAAs

Who Should Buy Ghost BCAAs

• Consumers who prioritize BCAA supplements in a 2:1:1 ratio.
• Individuals who prefer a flavorful, vegan-friendly, and soy-free BCAA drink
• Anyone who could benefit from supplementary BCAAs, including plant-based dieters and athletes

Key Similarities Between Ghost Amino vs BCAAs

• Contain BCAAs and AstraGin to support ingredient absorption
• Vegan-friendly, soy-free, and gluten-free (but not Certified Gluten-Free)
• Several unique flavors, although formulated with artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors
• Offer transparent labeling and contain no proprietary blends, but, unfortunately, lack any signs of third-party testing
• Positive reviews on their taste and mixability 
• Subscription savings available

Important Differences Between Ghost Amino vs BCAAs

Despite shared similarities, there are important differences between Ghost Amino and BCAAs regarding their purpose, cost, and more.

Primary Purpose

• Ghost Amino: Best suited for hydration with added EAAs and BCAAs for muscle and general health. 
• Ghost BCAA: A straightforward BCAA supplement mainly containing branched-chain amino acids, focusing more on muscle recovery and growth.

Amino Acid Content

• Ghost Amino: Contains 2.75 grams of EAAs and 2.25 grams of BCAAs per serving in a 4:1:1 ratio.
• Ghost BCAA: Provides 7 grams of BCAAs per serving in an ideal 2:1:1 ratio but lacks the other six EAAs. 

Serving Size and Cost

• Ghost Amino: The suggested serving size of Ghost Amino is one or two scoops, costing about $1.00 per scoop.
• Ghost BCAA: Suggested as a one-scoop serving and slightly less expensive at $0.93 per scoop.

Other:

• Flavor options: Both offer unique flavors, although Ghost Amino and BCAA options vary.
• Allergens: Ghost Amino contains tree nuts (coconut), and Ghost BCAA doesn’t indicate allergen warnings on its label. 

Formulation

Because the formulations separate Ghost Amino from Ghost BCAAs, it’s wise to know what you’ll be paying for (and if you should). Here’s a brief yet informative overview of these ingredients and a noteworthy callout you deserve to know.

Ghost Amino

A one-scoop serving of Ghost Amino provides:

• EAAs (2.75 grams): Essential amino acids, including the six EAAs and three BCAAs, are essential for overall health and muscle growth. But remember, total daily protein intake is crucial for optimal benefits.
• BCAAs (2.25 grams): BCAAs¹, especially leucine, are known for stimulating protein synthesis and supporting muscle growth and recovery. Ghost Amino provides a 4:1:1 mix of l-leucine, l-isoleucine, and l-valine. 
• Taurine (1 gram): Taurine plays a role in electrolyte balance and may enhance performance by reducing muscle fatigue and improving strength and recovery. Research² supports that 1 to 3 grams of taurine daily promotes optimal benefits.
• Raw Coconut Water Powder (500 milligrams): Rich in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, coconut water³ is effective for rehydration.
• Aquamin (250 milligrams): Derived from red algae, Aquamin®⁴ is rich in calcium, magnesium, and trace minerals. It may aid hydration regulation, although exact amounts of each mineral are not specified. 
• AstraGin (25 milligrams): A patented blend of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng, AstraGin™ may enhance nutrient absorption. 

Ghost BCAAs

One scoop of Ghost BCAA provides the following:

• BCAAs (7 grams): Comparable to some of the best BCAA supplements, Ghost BCAA provides a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio of 3,000 milligrams of leucine, 1,750 milligrams of isoleucine, and 1,750 milligrams of valine.
• AstraGin (25 milligrams): Contains the same AstraGin blend for nutrient absorption as Ghost Amino.

Noteworthy Callouts 

• Electrolyte content: Ghost Amino includes additional electrolyte-rich ingredients, yet both products contain comparable amounts of sodium (42.5 milligrams in Ghost Amino and 40 milligrams in Ghost BCAA per serving). However, besides sodium, Ghost Amino does not list the other electrolytes. 
• BCAA ratio: Ghost Amino uses a 4:1:1 ratio for its BCAAs, while Ghost BCAA provides a 2:1:1 ratio. Although there are no official guidelines for BCAAs, research⁵ supports 2:1:1 as the best ratio for BCAAs.

Taste and Solubility 

Ghost is known for its unique and fun flavors; the amino and BCAA powders are no exception. The GGR testing team said solubility was good for both products and here’s what they had to say about the taste of each.

Ghost Amino

GGR Senior Editor Erin Chancer says, “I tried SourPatch Kids and it was pretty good. I’m a fan of the candy, so I was excited to try the SourPatch flavor. It’s not an exact match for flavor, but it’s not too overpowering with its sweetness, meaning it doesn’t taste like sugar water. I also tend to go lighter on the scoop. There’s a slight aftertaste at first but nothing too offputting.”

Ghost BCAA

GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly tells us, “I tried Sonic Cherry Limeade: I actually bought a Sonic Cherry Limeade and drank it alongside this, and it’s pretty close to the original. I’ve tried it with one and two scoops and I think flavor-wise it’s better with 2 scoops.”

Side Effects

Neither GGR tester reported anything negative or overly positive about Ghost BCAA and Ghost Amino. Although Anthony said he felt slightly more hydrated after taking the Amino, that was the extent of it. 

Third-Party Testing

Despite transparent labels, Ghost products aren’t third-party tested, which is important in the unregulated supplement industry. Athletes facing drug tests or consumers preferring verified supplements should weigh this when considering Ghost Amino or Ghost BCAAs.

Company Policies

Ghost Support is available weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm CST, and emailing Ghost at support@ghostlifestyle.com is the quickest way to reach them. While they’ll do their best to respond within 48 hours, many FAQs are on the Ghost webpage. Here’s a recap of their return and shipping policies. 

Returns:

• Eligibility: Unopened Ghost products purchased directly from the Ghost website, although discounted products are not eligible. Products bought from third-party sellers depend on the retailer’s return policy.
• Return timeframe: 15 days within delivery for unopened items.
• Return requests: Contact Ghost at support@ghostlifestyle.com.

Shipping:

• Cost: Standard shipping (3-5 business days) costs $7.99.
• Free shipping eligibility: Eligible through the top tiers of the Ghost Loyalty Program.
• Shipments to Canada: Orders are delivered duty paid (DDP), meaning Ghost covers all responsibilities and collects duties and taxes at checkout.
• International shipments: International customers are responsible for customs restrictions, tariffs, and regulations in their country, as well as any duties or taxes incurred during shipping.

Final Thoughts on Ghost Amino vs BCAAs

Deciding between Ghost Amino and Ghost BCAA, or whether to use them at all, deserves careful consideration. Here are some final thoughts to guide you:

• Ghost Amino, at $1 per scoop ($2 for two scoops), might be pricier than electrolyte drinks. However, thanks to its blend of essential and branched-chain amino acids and unique ingredients, it’s a unique option for those seeking hydration and muscle support.

• Ghost BCAA is a straightforward choice for convenient BCAA intake, particularly beneficial for focused amino acid supplementation.

• Both options are known for their enjoyable flavors and ease of use. However, their lack of third-party testing and inclusion of artificial ingredients could be drawbacks for some.

And in final spirits, remember that high-protein foods are the best sources of all essential amino acids, including BCAAs. Plant-based dieters, however, may need added supplementation since animal products primarily source EAAs and BCAAs.

While electrolyte powders like these can enhance hydration and encourage water intake with their tasty flavors, they’re not always necessary. Consider your nutritional needs and preferences before splurging.

Ghost Amino vs BCAAs: FAQs

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

1. Mann G, Mora S, Madu G, et al. 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 
2. Kurtz JA, VanDusseldorp TA, Doyle JA, et al. 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
3. Yong JW, Ge L, Ng YF, et al. The chemical composition and biological properties of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water. Molecules. 2009;14(12):5144-5164. Published 2009 Dec 9. doi:10.3390/molecules14125144
4. 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 Mar 14;13(3):939. doi: 10.3390/nu13030939. PMID: 33799486; PMCID: PMC8002192.
5. Gervasi M, Sisti D, Amatori S, et al. Effects of a commercially available branched-chain amino acid-alanine-carbohydrate-based sports supplement on perceived exertion and performance in high intensity endurance cycling tests. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 Jan 20;17(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s12970-020-0337-0. PMID: 31959202; PMCID: PMC6971972.

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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