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Roundups

The 6 Best Supplement Stacks of 2024, R.D.-Reviewed

These all-in-one supplement stacks can take the guesswork out of the equation.

Perry Nix
Written by Perry Nix, R.D., M.S., L.D.
Updated by Ben Emminger on August 21st, 2024
Expert VerifiedExpert Verified By: Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Expert VerifiedReviewed By: Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1
Expert VerifiedFact Checked By: Lauren Keary

We receive free products and receive commissions through our links. See disclosures page.
  • Best Supplement Stacks
  • |
  • How We Chose
  • |
  • Benefits
  • |
  • What to Consider
  • |
  • FAQs

Supplement stacks are common among athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to maximize the benefits of their nutritional supplements to meet specific exercise goals. What’s a supplement stack? It’s a combination of different supplements that are taken together that have complementary properties or purposes that enhance physical performance.

For example, a basic stack may include some of the best supplements for muscle growth, a pre-workout, and a post-workout, while a more comprehensive stack may throw fish oil, multivitamins, and probiotics into the mix. Our team of certified personal trainers and nutrition experts at BarBend has curated a list of our top pre-assembled supplement stacks. We’ve included a range of options, from stacks for bodybuilders to those for beginners — here are our picks for the best supplement stacks for athletes on the market today.

The 6 Best Supplement Stacks of 2024

  • Best Supplement Stack for Beginners: Momentous Athletic Resilience Bundle
  • Best Supplement Stack for Bodybuilders: Legion Muscle Growth Stack
  • Best Supplement Stack for Muscle Gain: Muscle Tech: The OG Bundle
  • Best Budget Supplement Stack: Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack
  • Best Supplement Stack for Athletes: JYM Muscle Building Stack 
  • Best Supplement Stack for Weight Loss: Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle

Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.

Experts Who Contributed

  • Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD
  • Perry Nix, MS, RDN
  • Jake Herod, NASM-CNC
  • Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Best Supplement Stacks Video Review

Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they break down what’s included in our picks for the best supplement stacks for athletes, bodybuilders, and those in a cut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irkrt3ru2_4

Best Supplement Stack for Beginners: Momentous Athletic Resilience Bundle

Momentous Athletic Resilience Bundle
Momentous Athletic Resilience Bundle
Momentous Athletic Resilience Bundle

The Momentous Athletic Resilience Stack uses natural ingredients that are clinically dosed to aid in recovery, muscle growth, and repair.

Shop Momentous

Specs

  • Price: $227.95
  • Stack Includes: Grass-Fed Whey Protein, Recovery, Collagen Peptides, Magnesium Threonate, Zinc Picolinate
  • Key Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, Collagen peptides, Glutamine, L-carnitine, Magnesium, Zinc
  • Dietary Notes: No artificial ingredients
  • Third-Party Tested: Yes
  • Best for: Athletes who train frequently and need a solid recovery stack to repair muscles between workout sessions
Pros
High-quality whey protein isolate, great for muscle building and repair
Includes a collagen supplement, not usually found in most stacks
Features glutamine and l-carnitine for muscle recovery
No artificial ingredients
Third-party tested
Cons
Doesn’t include a pre-workout
Only two flavor options for the protein powder

The Momentous Athletic Resilience Stack is specifically designed to enhance athletic recovery and cognitive function. The stack features five unique products: Grass-Fed Whey Protein, Recovery, Collagen Peptides, Magnesium Threonate, and Zinc Picolinate. All products are made with natural ingredients, meaning they don’t contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. 

The Grass-Fed Whey Protein provides 20 grams of whey isolate per scoop, enough to stimulate muscle protein synthesis for growth and repair. Whey protein is a key product in all of the best muscle building supplement stacks. It is rich in branched-chain amino acids, particularly leucine, which activates the muscle-building process.

“Momentous Whey Protein Isolate powder is backed by science and formulated with the help of registered dietitians,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, who rated the formulation at 4.25 out of 5.

Recovery is intended to help heal muscles and restore glycogen stores after an intense training session. It contains a 2:1 ratio of protein (20 grams) and carbs (10 grams) to fuel rapid recovery. Furthermore, Recovery includes glutamine and l-carnitine, amino acids known to reduce muscle soreness and promote rebuilding. 

Momentous Whey protein powder
BarBend tester trying out Momentous whey isolate protein powder
Momentous Whey Protein powder

Collagen Peptides is another important supplement in the Momentous Athletic Resilience Stack. Each serving provides 10 grams of collagen, a type of protein that strengthens bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, and joints. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production slows down, so consuming this supplement could help reduce the wear and tear on joints and ligaments to support optimal physical performance.

Magnesium threonate supports sleep, which is crucial for muscle recovery and cognitive function, including memory and mood. Additionally, zinc picolinate is included to boost immune function. Zinc has antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Ultimately, we rated formulation a 5 out of 5. Each product contains clean, effective ingredients that are backed by science. Another bonus is that Momentous claims that their ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced. 

All Momentous products are NSF certified for quality and safety, earning this category a 5 out of 5. This third-party testing gives customers peace of mind knowing that what’s on the label is what’s actually in the products. 

Admittedly, this grouping comes with a higher price tag of $227.95, which is understandable given that it’s a larger stack with five products. We rated the cost 3 out of 5. Considering the high-quality ingredients and thorough third-party testing, it may well be worth the investment.

Best Supplement Stack for Bodybuilders: Legion Muscle Growth Stack

Legion Muscle Growth Stack
Legion Muscle Growth Stack
Legion Muscle Growth Stack

This stack with Legion brings together the Pulse Pre-Workout to get you ready, protein powder to build muscle, and Recharge Post-Workout to help you recover

Shop Legion

Specs

  • Price: $129.99
  • Stack Includes: Pulse Pre-Workout, Whey+ Protein Powder, Recharge Post-Workout
  • Key Ingredients: Whey, casein, or plant-based protein, Caffeine, Creatine, Beta-alanine, L-carnitine
  • Dietary Notes: No artificial ingredients, no added sugar 
  • Third-Party Tested: Yes
  • Best for: Those looking for a basic supplement stack utilizing minimal, natural ingredients that support muscle growth 
Pros
Customizable protein type and caffeine content
Post-Recharge contains 10.5 mg of corosolic acid, which can offer anti-inflammatory effects. (21)
Third-party tested
Cons
Some pre-workout flavors may have a bitter aftertaste
Protein powder lacks a powerful flavor punch

Legion Muscle Growth Stack may supports all your wildest bodybuilding aspirations with Pulse Pre-Workout, Whey+ Protein Powder, and Recharge Post-Workout. Together, these products can help you work out harder and recover faster for big results. 

Legion’s supplements are tested by Labdoor for potency and purity, resulting in a 5 out of 5 score across the board for third-party testing. Legion also highlights 83 peer-reviewed studies that support their ingredients and doses, so that you can take some of the best supplements for bodybuilding without any unnecessary additives or fillers. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian, was impressed when assessing the product for BarBend. “It’s rare to come across all-natural ingredients backed by stacks of clinical research. What’s advertised is what you get… There’s total transparency in the formulas.”

We love the customization options customers have when ordering this stack. You can choose between whey, casein, and plant-based protein powders, and either a caffeinated pre-workout or a stim-free option. It truly feels like you’re just ordering your favorite supplements, not some pre-selected stack that lacks personalization. 

Our tester holds a scoop of Legion Pulse Pre-Workout.
A person pours a scoop of Legion Whey protein powder into a shaker bottle of water.
A BarBend tester trying the Legion Recharge supplement.

With each choice, customers can choose from a variety of flavors for both the protein and pre-workout. “The Blue Raspberry Pre-Workout had a weird aftertaste,” our tester, a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer, noted. “But at least it mixed well.” For solubility, they gave a 5 out of 5.

We’re big fans of Legion’s Whey+ Protein Powder, which pairs 5.6 grams of BCAAs with 22 to 25 grams of protein, depending on the type and flavor of protein you choose. We rated its overall formulation a 5 out of 5. We do, however, wish it had a stronger taste. “I had the Cinnamon Cereal and there was only a hint of flavor,” said our tester, a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer. 

Perfect for strenuous days in the gym, the 3.6 grams of beta-alanine and 2.5 grams of betaine in Pulse Pre-Workout may help boost power, strength, and muscle endurance. (18)(22) It’s also packed with 8 grams of citrulline malate, a nitric oxide booster that supports blood flow for improved physical performance. 

With competition dates looming, preparation is key. Recharge Post-Workout packs a healthy dose of L-carnitine that works to provide fast muscle recovery and reduce soreness. (19) Recharge also comes with 10.5 milligrams of corosolic acid, which may help decrease blood sugar levels and improve glucose metabolism. (20)(21) It also packs 5 grams of micronized creatine to boost lean muscle gains while reducing soreness. (10) 

Best Supplement Stack for Muscle Gain: Muscle Tech: The OG Bundle

Muscle Tech: The OG Bundle
Muscle Tech: The OG Bundle
Muscle Tech: The OG Bundle

The OG Bundle is a classic combination of whey protein and creatine, two of the most studied supplements available for athletes. Each product comes in a variety of flavors.

Shop Muscle Tech

Specs

  • Price: $55.24
  • Stack Includes: Nitro-Tech Whey Protein, Cell-Tech Creatine
  • Key Ingredients: Whey protein, Creatine, BCAAs, glutamine, taurine
  • Dietary Notes: Includes added sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors
  • Third-Party Tested: No
  • Best for: Bodybuilders searching for products packed with protein, BCAAs, and creatine to support massive strength and muscle gains
Pros
30 grams of whey protein per serving
6.6 grams of branched-chain amino acids for muscle growth and recovery (whey protein)
5 grams of creatine for enhanced strength
Cons
Artificial sweeteners and dyes
Includes added sugar
Lacks third-party testing

Muscle Tech’s OG Bundle is a no-nonsense stack for serious weight lifters looking to unleash their fullest muscle growth potential. This stack contains only two products, Nitro-Tech Whey Protein and Cell-Tech Creatine, both crammed with key ingredients to activate and maintain more muscle mass. 

Nitro-Tech Whey Protein delivers an impressive 30 grams of whey protein concentrate, isolate, and peptides—more than most protein powders on the market today. It also includes 3 grams of creatine to boost strength and power, along with 6.6 grams of branched-chain amino acids to stimulate muscle building and support muscle repair after intense training sessions. While the added creatine is a nice bonus, it’s not necessary and could contribute to bloating, especially since you’re already getting creatine from the Cell-Tech Creatine product.

Cell-Tech Creatine is a recovery supplement that boasts 5 grams of creatine and 38 grams of carbohydrates per serving to restore glycogen and creatine stores. Research consistently demonstrates creatine’s ability to increase muscle mass and enhance exercise capacity, particularly when paired with short, high-intensity workouts (10). The product also contains 1 gram of taurine, which is believed to help reduce muscle soreness post-workout (23).

While there’s a lot to love about these products, it’s also important to note that they include artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. Taking this into consideration, we rate their formulations a 4 out of 5.

Unfortunately, these products are not third-party tested, so they earned a 1 out of 5 in this category. Because they lack third-party testing, we can’t truly verify label accuracy, which could deter athletes required to undergo drug testing before competitions.

On the flip side, the price of the OG Bundle is a steal at only $55.24. We rated the cost a 5 out of 5. 

Best Budget Supplement Stack: Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack

Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack
Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack
Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack

Composed of Serious Mass mass gainer (a protein supplement) and Micronized Creatine Capsules, this simple yet effective supplement stack can be perfect for athletes looking to bulk up through added muscle mass and weight gain. Additionally, the sub-$100 price tag can be great for keeping your budget aligned through multiple months of supplementation.

Shop Optimum Nutrition

Specs

  • Price: $72.99
  • Stack Includes: Serious Mass Mass Gainer, Micronized Creatine Capsules
  • Key Ingredients: Whey protein concentrate, Creatine monohydrate
  • Dietary Notes: Contains artificial flavors
  • Third-Party Tested: No
  • Best for: Hardgainers who need an extra boost of calories and protein to meet their muscle building goals.
Pros
Costs roughly $73 — a lower-than-average price than supplement stacks that often cost well over $100
Utilizes a high caloric count (1,250 per serving) to promote muscle growth and weight gain
Creatine capsules are flavorless and won’t interfere with the taste of the beverage they’re consumed with
Cons
Requires a countertop blender for mixing
Creatine capsules are somewhat large and may be difficult to swallow for some

Ordering a bundled supplement stack can be expensive, with many costing more than $100. However, the Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack is a more affordable option for those on a budget, costing only $72.99. The stack is great for bulking and is specifically geared towards athletes wanting to gain weight and muscle. 

For those in the building phase, where more calories and protein are essential, Serious Mass makes it easier to meet those needs, especially for those with a high metabolism. Each serving delivers a whopping 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein, and 250 to 253 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the flavor. 

Additionally, it provides 20 essential vitamins and minerals that support everything from immune health to energy metabolism. Optimum Nutrition also adds 5 grams of creatine monohydrate to this mass gainer, which can be beneficial when trying to strike a balance between gaining muscle, not just weight. 

We rated Serious Mass at 4 out of 5 for its formulation, as we appreciate how well-rounded it is as a complete source of nutrition. However, it is made with a fair amount of maltodextrin and artificial sweeteners which kept it from receiving a perfect score.

A BarBend tester sipping a mass gainer shake.
Our tester scooping the Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass into a shaker bottle.
A BarBend tester displaying an open jar of mass gainer powder.

“For a supplement meant to support weight gain, including creatine helps put on muscle mass,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD. “I also like that they kept the formula pretty low in fat. Many mass gainer supplements include a significant amount of saturated fat to boost the calories, and that’s not the case here.”

[Related: Best Mass Gainers]

It is recommended that you use a countertop blender to make your Serious Mass shakes. The serving scoops are large, and a proper serving calls for two scoops of powder. It’s too much product to mix in a regular shaker bottle without clumps, resulting in our 3 out of 5 scoring for solubility.

The Micronized Creatine Capsules have a super simple formulation, with creatine monohydrate being the only active ingredient. This simplicity makes it easy to keep your supplementation regimen transparent and track your dosages accurately, which is why we rated the formulation 4.5 out of 5.

The creatine capsules are completely unflavored, so there aren’t any competing flavors between the pills and your beverage of choice. However, some may find that the pills are larger than desired, making getting them down a bit uncomfortable.

Read our full Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules Review.

Best Supplement Stack for Athletes: JYM Muscle Building Stack

JYM Muscle Building Stack
JYM Muscle Building Stack
JYM Muscle Building Stack

JYM brings together a High-Performance Pre-Workout, protein powder, BCAAs+ Recovery Matrix, and Fish Oil to round out this stack.

Shop JYM

Specs

  • Price: $157.46
  • Stack Includes: Pre JYM High-Performance Pre-Workout, Omega JYM Fish Oil, Pro JYM Protein Powder, and Post JYM BCAAs+ Recovery Matrix Post-workout
  • Key Ingredients: Citrulline malate, BCAAs, Creatine HCI, Glutamine, Beta-alanine, Beet root extract
  • Dietary Notes: 300mg of caffeine
  • Third-Party Tested: No
  • Best for: Athletes seeking a complete supplement stack that covers all stages of a workout—before, during, and after.
Pros
Great for athletes who need to compete and then recover quickly
Beet root extract has cardiorespiratory benefits
6 g of BCAAs in both the pre-workout and post-workout
Cons
No option to subscribe for easy monthly delivery
Serving sizes aren’t uniform across the stack

With so many options available, there’s a lot to consider when building supplement stacks. If you’re an athlete, having products that prepare your body for competition is key. The JYM Muscle Building Stack puts competitors center stage by bundling a pre-workout, omega-3s, protein powder, and recovery supplement. 

Taste, solubility, and profile all scored high for each product across this stack, with a score of 4.2 out of 5 for the entire bundle. “These supplements are all really good quality,” another tester, a USA Weightlifting Level 1 certified coach, said.

The pre-workout contains 6 grams of citrulline malate and 5 grams of beet root extract, both known as nitric oxide enhancers. These ingredients can improve blood flow, allowing oxygen to reach your muscles more efficiently, which may enhance high-intensity athletic performance and endurance. 

Our tester grabbing a scoop of JYM Pre-JYM pre-workout
JYM Pre-JYM pre-workout

Additionally, it contains 6 grams of BCAAs with an optimal 2:1:1 ratio to support muscle soreness. Each serving provides 2 grams of creatine HCL to supercharge your muscles and 300 milligrams of caffeine. The ingredients completely sold one of our testers. “It kept me energized and the pump I felt really boosted my ego,” they said. 

Overall, our testing team is crazy about this pre-workout. “We’ve tried countless pre-workouts over the last decade, and this is the one everyone always goes back to,” our tester said. We rated this pre-workout a 4.5 out of 5 for taste.

Pro JYM Protein Powder delivers 24 grams of protein in the form of whey protein isolate, micellar casein, and milk protein isolate, which your body absorbs at varying speeds. Fast-digesting protein is ideal for athletes looking to build lean tissue immediately following a workout, and slow-digesting protein remains in your bloodstream longer, allowing you to continue rebuilding your muscles hours after you’ve downed your drink. (13)(14) “It’s probably not the best tasting protein powder you’ll ever try,” said our tester. “But it wasn’t bad.”

With the addition of JYM Omega Fish Oil and BCAAs + Recovery Matrix Post-Workout, you’re giving your muscles tools to recover and rebuild so you can return to training faster. Fish oil can help reduce inflammation, while the 6 grams of 2:1:1 BCAAs in the Recovery Matrix activate muscle protein synthesis (15). What’s more, 3 grams of glutamine and 2 grams of creatine HCI could help reduce soreness. 

It’s worth noting that serving sizes aren’t uniform across the stack, so you may run out of one supplement before the others. Still, it’s hard to overlook the quality of the ingredients here. “It’s a good combination of fish oil, creatine, beta-alanine, and glutamine. So if you’re an active person, these pre- and post-workout benefits might be what you want,” our tester said.

Best Supplement Stack for Weight Loss: Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle

Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle
Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle
Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle

The Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle is ideal for those looking to boost energy and muscular endurance. The thermogenic blends may also aid in burning more calories.

Shop Cellucor

Specs

  • Price: $52.50
  • Stack Includes: C4 Ripped Pre-Workout, Super HD
  • Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Beta-alanine, Citrulline malate, Capsimax cayenne, Green tea extract
  • Dietary Notes: Contains artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners 
  • Third-Party Tested: No 
  • Best for: Those wanting to increase energy and workout intensity to burn more calories and boost metabolism 
Pros
Both products contain a thermogenic blend to increase calorie burning
Affordable price for those on a budget
Contains nitric oxide boosters for improved endurance
Cons
Contains proprietary blends
Super HD has to be taken with food
Not third-party tested

The Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle is made for individuals wanting to supercharge their workouts to burn more calories for a leaner physique. The bundle includes two products, C4 Ripped Pre-Workout, and Super HD – a fat burner. They’re both formulated with ingredients intended to boost energy levels and fire up your metabolism.

C4 Ripped Pre-Workout contains many of the usual pre-workout ingredients with 1 gram of citrulline malate, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, and 150 milligrams of caffeine. These ingredients work to heighten focus, increase time to fatigue, and extend endurance. However, the 1-gram dose of citrulline malate is much lower than the 6 to 8 grams typically recommended for optimal effectiveness (4). We rated this formulation a 3 out of 5. 

What sets C4 Ripped apart is its inclusion of a thermogenic blend designed to boost metabolism and increase calorie burning. This blend features cayenne and green coffee seed extract, both known for their thermogenic properties. Additionally, it contains L-carnitine, which supports fat metabolism.

Super HD includes a thermogenic blend with Yohimbe bark extract, dandelion root extract, and cayenne fruit extract, which may enhance heat production and calorie burning. While these ingredients can potentially boost metabolism and support fat loss, their effectiveness is likely minimal without regular exercise and a balanced diet. 

Caffeine and green tea extract are key ingredients in Super HD. The 160 milligrams of caffeine may enhance energy and mental focus, leading to more effective workouts and increased calorie burning during training sessions. Green tea extract is rich in catechins, which promote fat oxidation, helping the body use fat as an energy source more efficiently.

We rated the Super HD formulation a 4 out of 5. While the thermogenic ingredients may be effective when combined with other healthy habits, the product contains proprietary blends so we aren’t sure exactly how much of each ingredient we are getting. 

Given that these products aren’t third-party tested, we rated this category a 1 out of 5. However, the cost is a major bonus at just $52.50. If you’re seeking the best supplement stack for cutting, consider adding a high-quality protein powder to this Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle for a budget-friendly way to maintain lean mass while shedding body fat

How We Tested and Chose the Best Supplement Stacks

The BarBend team includes competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We’ve thoroughly evaluated and tested over 400 individual products from leading brands. Using a multi-point supplement testing methodology, we rated each of these products on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine the best supplement stacks on the market. Below, we highlight the key categories that influenced our rankings.

  • Product Synergy: We’ve carefully evaluated how each product complements others within the stack. Each supplement serves a specific purpose, providing benefits that the other products in the stack lack. They work together to offer the full package. 
  • Research-Backed Ingredients: The stacks on our list are made of reputable products backed by research. We eliminated products from this list with questionable claims.
Our tester took one scoop of BCAAs coming right up.
One scoop of BCAAs coming right up.
  • Formulation: We strive to include products within each stack made with high-quality ingredients. Many of these supplements are made with natural ingredients and lack artificial flavors, dyes, and additives. 
  • Third-Party Testing: We prioritize stacks made up of third-party tested supplements. Third-party testing ensures products don’t contain harmful amounts of heavy metals or other contaminants.

Benefits of Supplement Stacks

A supplement stack is a convenient, cost-effective way to support your fitness and physique goals. Whether you’re looking to build size, save money, or are curious about how to lose fat and gain muscle, there’s a stack out there for you.

  • Cost Effective: Supplements can be expensive when you purchase them individually. However, when you purchase a supplement stack, items are typically sold at a discounted price. Purchasing a supplement stack saves you both time and money. Furthermore, you’ll avoid multiple shipping costs, as all the products ship together.
  • Confidence: Navigating the supplement industry on your own can be intimidating, especially if you’re trying to choose multiple products at once. Supplement stacks are packaged specifically to settle uncertainty and allow you to get straight to what matters most – maximizing your health and performance.
  • Goal-Oriented: If you’re unsure which supplements align with your gym goals, supplement stacks can be a great guide. They’re often tailored to specific goals like muscle building or fat burning. Once you’re clear on your goals, simply choose the stack that offers the benefits you’re after.

How Much Do Supplement Stacks Cost?

Supplements cost a lot less when sold together in a stack than they would if you bought them as individual products. These stacks range in price from roughly $50 to $160 for a month’s supply. On average, you can expect to pay around $120 for a supplement stack, but these prices can vary depending on the number and type of supplements included.

Best Supplement Stack for BeginnersMomentous Athletic Resilience Bundle$227.95
Best Supplement Stack for BodybuildersLegion Muscle Growth Stack$129.99
Best Supplement Stack for Muscle GainMuscle Tech: The OG Bundle$54.24
Best Budget Supplement StackOptimum Nutrition Mass Stack$72.99
Best Supplement Stack for AthletesJYM Muscle Building Stack $157.46
Best Supplement Stack for Weight LossCellucor Thermogenic Bundle$52.50

What to Consider Before Buying Supplement Stacks

Supplement stacks are tailored to help you find all the right products for your fitness journey in one fell swoop. But before you commit to a stack, there are a few factors that deserve some consideration. Below are some examples of what to consider when building supplement stacks. 

Manage Your Expectations

When shopping for supplements of any kind, keep in mind that brands are making a targeted effort to pitch their products to you first and foremost. For consumers, this can mean having to sift through dubious claims about efficacy or ingredients.

While the products on this list contain science-backed ingredients, make sure to do your own research and read the supplement label thoroughly before making a final decision or purchase. Keep in mind that not every claim a product makes is going to hold true for every individual, and results will vary. The best way to achieve fitness goals is through consistent exercise and healthy food habits.

Assess Your Actual Needs

A supplement stack can help you fill gaps in your nutrition intake. Rather than buying all five or six of the products in a stack separately, you can snag them all at once. But if you don’t actually need all the products in the bundle, don’t get suckered into buying a whole stack when you will only end up using one or two. 

Our tester trying the Legion Recharge supplement.
A BarBend tester trying the Legion Recharge supplement.

A supplement stack of four products isn’t necessarily four times more effective than a single item. If you’ve figured out how to count macros and are hitting your macros from whole food sources, recover well post-training, but wish you had more energy in the gym, you may just need a solid pre-workout rather than a whole new stack of products. Bottom line: Buy what you need. 

Ingredients

Not all supplements in a stack are created equal. Some stacks feature high-quality ingredients, research-backed dosages, and third-party testing, while others may include artificial fillers, low dosages, and lack transparency. 

Look for products that include research-backed ingredients at clinically effective dosages. For example, whey protein, a fast-absorbing protein, is shown to activate muscle protein synthesis when taken in doses of 20 to 40 grams. So, if you’re shopping for a muscle-building supplement stack, consider one with a whey protein powder that provides at least 20 grams of protein per serving.

Also, if you have any dietary preferences or needs it’s important to take these into consideration before purchasing a supplement stack. For instance, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to search for supplement stacks with a stim-free pre-workout option. Likewise, if you prefer to avoid lactose, you’ll want to look for supplement stacks that offer plant-based or egg white protein powders. 

Supplement Stacks FAQs

What is the best supplement stack?

One of the best stacks we’ve found is the Legion Muscle Growth Stack. It includes a pre-workout, protein powder, and post-workout recovery supplement with creatine. We love that it’s customizable, with a variety of protein powder options, stim or non-stim pre-workout choices, and flavors to choose from.

Do supplements ever cancel each other out?

Not really. It can seem odd at a glance that a stack includes a high-calorie protein powder and a fat burner, but these products target different aspects of function and performance without interfering with one another.

Do I need to take multiple different supplements at once?

If your nutrition is on point to support your goals, then you don’t necessarily need to take multiple supplements at once. However, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients you need for muscle building from whole foods alone, so adding in supplements that boost energy, stimulate muscle growth, and support recovery may help you reach your goals faster. 

Is it safe to consume multiple supplements per day?

For most individuals, it can be safe to take supplements daily. It’s best to consult your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you’re taking prescription medication or have a diagnosed health condition. 

How much do supplement stacks cost?

Supplement stacks may seem more expensive, but you end up saving more money than you would if you bought each supplement individually. This list includes stacks that cost between $50 to $230 in price. On average, you can expect to pay around $120 for a supplement stack. 

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Perry Nix

About Perry Nix, R.D., M.S., L.D.

Perry Nix, the owner of The Free RD, is a registered dietitian and freelance nutrition writer. Her passion is breaking down complex nutrition information into bite-sized pieces that are easy to digest and apply. With experience in corporate wellness, public health, and clinical dietetics, Perry has crafted engaging nutrition content for a variety of health-conscious audiences. She resides with her husband and two boys in Texas and enjoys hiking and traveling.

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