Transparent Labs is a brand that specializes in science-backed fitness supplements that may help you reach your fitness goals faster by addressing common areas of concern among active individuals. These include pre-workout, muscle building and recovery, protein, and health and wellness.
In this Transparent Labs review, we examine some of the most popular brand products, the science behind them, and customer feedback to help you make informed decisions when choosing supplements.
Your well-being is our top priority. Our in-house Research team and expert fact-checkers diligently review every content piece, ensuring you receive accurate, safe, and up-to-date health information to support your health decisions. Get an inside look at our thorough testing framework.
Reviewing Transparent Labs: what did we look at
To effectively review Transparent Labs products, we have established several factors to look at:
| Quality | Formula | User feedback |
| Testing and certificates | Scientific backing | What customers are saying about the products |
- Quality. Transparent Labs uses ingredients that are third-party tested and provides certificates of analysis to ensure the quality of its products.
- Formula. The brand uses scientifically researched ingredients in amounts that should provide the benefits promised. However, some of the ingredients lack more thorough scientific research, especially regarding dosing and efficacy.
- User feedback. Customer feedback and reviews are a major part of determining the quality of the products and looking at aspects such as taste, solubility, packaging and potential side effects. We looked at several sites to gather the reviews.
Best Transparent Labs products reviewed
In this section, you will find the reviews of some of the bestselling Transparent Labs products: Whey Protein Isolate, Bulk, Vitality, Creatine, and BCAA. These fitness supplements are some of the most commonly used in the fitness industry; thus, we hope our Transparent Labs review helps you choose the ones most suitable for you and your goals.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Amazon rating — 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating on the brand’s website — 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Whey Protein Isolate offers 28 grams of protein from grass-fed animals per scoop, which is essential for muscle building and repair. It has 0 g of fats, only 1 g of crabs, and merely 120 calories, making it a great option for those closely tracking their macros.
Whey protein from grass-fed cows may be more nutritious than from cows fed in other ways, resulting in potentially higher amounts of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic acid, and vitamins E and A in their milk. However, this is heavily influenced by the cow's age, precise diet, and stage of lactation, making it hard to test and control.
The product is available in 14 flavors, including Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, and Blueberry Pancakes, among others.
It is recommended to mix a scoop of the shake post-workout, but it can be used anytime to boost protein intake during the day. Inter-workout consumption is not recommended as it may feel heavy in the stomach, but it depends on personal tolerance and preference.
Whey Protein Isolate costs $59.99 with 30 servings per container ($2 per serving).
Customer feedback
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate has over 5,000 reviews on the company’s website and over 300 on Amazon. The customers are praising the minimal and clean ingredients list. Many also report not experiencing digestive issues when using this protein as compared to other brands. Users also like the high quality and flavor variety of Whey Protein Isolate.
However, some customers were disappointed with the packaging and the value for money. Some also did not like the taste and texture. In some cases, customers experienced intense bloating and cramping after consuming this product.
Reddit reviews
When looking for the best Whey Isolate powder, Reddit users commonly mention Transparent Labs. Users are saying that despite the steeper price point, this product is worth it due to its quality ingredients and how easy it is to digest. Users who complained about not being able to stomach most other popular protein powders are saying that Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Powder went down smoothly. The product also gets praised for the variety of flavors available, how well it mixes with liquids, and how it be used in protein pancakes and other recipes, with users sharing their favorite flavors and meals.
Transparent Labs Whey Isolate seems well-recognized in the Reddit fitness community. The product is praised for being effective, helping with fitness goals, being of excellent quality, and delivering what it promises on the label.
Transparent Labs Bulk
Amazon rating — 4.3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating on the brand’s website — 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
According to the brand, this pre-workout is formulated to enhance focus, stamina, and energy during workouts, potentially leading to improved performance.
Besides L-Tyrosine, caffeine, L-theanine, Zinc, Vitamins B6 and B12, and sodium and potassium, the product includes:
- 8000 mg of L-citrulline malate, an amino acid that may improve strength and endurance.
- 4000 mg of beta-alanine, an amino acid that can possibly delay muscular fatigue, improve endurance and muscular capacity, and may increase lean muscle mass.
- 2500 mg of betaine, that may enhance vertical jump power and may increase endurance capacity, however there is limited research on its effectiveness in boosting sports performance.
Bulk should be taken with caution due to its high caffeine content (200 mg per scoop) and should be avoided by those advised to limit caffeine intake by their doctors. The FDA recommends not exceeding 400 mg of caffeine per day due to possible side effects.
Beginners should mix half a scoop with 6–8 oz of water, while experienced users can mix a whole scoop with 10–12 oz of water and consume it 20 to 30 minutes before a workout.
The product is available in 12 flavors, including Strawberry Kiwi, Piña Colada, and Sour Grape.
Bulk costs $49.99 and offers 30 or 60 servings ($1.70 or $0.80 per serving), depending on the amount used.
Customer feedback
With over 100 reviews on Amazon and over 5,000 reviews on Transparent Labs' website, many customers praise Bulk's effectiveness in boosting energy and performance. The users like that the energy release is more stable compared to other pre-workouts and does not cause caffeine jitters.
Some customers are dissatisfied with the value for money, saying they wish they had received more serving sizes for the price. Others do not see this product as superior to its competitors and would rather opt for something cheaper. Some users also did not enjoy the flavor.
Reddit reviews
On Reddit, Transparent Labs’ Bulk is highlighted as a pre-workout that has a moderate amount of caffeine and gives you stable energy, making it suitable for those more sensitive to caffeine or for longer workouts. On the other hand, some gym-goers who are used to workouts actually miss the “pump” and intense energy boost that other pre-workouts deliver, saying that the stable increase in energy is not enough for them to power through an intense workout.
The product is also highlighted for its well-rounded formula, which includes Citrulline Malate and Beta-Alanine, which help with recovery and endurance, respectively. It also has added minerals and vitamin D, which is a plus for some but unnecessary in a pre-workout formula for others. However, some users comment that the additional ingredients make the powder harder to blend and different in texture from simpler pre-workouts.
Users seem to like the Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, and Peach Mango flavors the best.
Transparent Labs Vitality
Amazon rating — 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating on the brand’s website — 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vitality is a supplement that is claimed by the brand to prime the body for optimal athletic performance by optimizing the testosterone to cortisol and testosterone to estradiol ratios.
It is composed of Eurycoma longifolia extract, ashwagandha extract, shilajit extract, L-OptiZinc, and BioPerine. These ingredients have been used in holistic medicine for a long time and are making their way into sports nutrition. However, concrete scientific studies and evidence are lacking.
The ingredients may boost testosterone production. Testosterone is naturally present in both men and women and is one of the key components in building muscle.
The supplement should be taken one to two times daily with food, and the serving size is 2 capsules.
Transparent Labs Vitality costs $54.99 for 30 servings ($1.80 per serving).
Customer feedback
Several customers report feeling an immediate increase in energy that remains after consistent use, allowing them to feel better and get more things done throughout the day. Some users also report an improvement in their mood when using the product.
Unfortunately, some customers report not seeing any changes in their well-being, energy, or libido when using the product. A few also deem the price too steep despite the premium ingredients.
Reddit reviews
Vitality by Transparent Labs has minimal reviews on Reddit. Some users report feeling an increase in their energy levels and vitality. Users also like the natural and holistic ingredients, such as ashwagandha and shijalit extract.
However, several users comment that the product is not a miracle testosterone booster and that they have not seen any significant changes when using the product.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
Amazon rating — 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating on the brand’s website — 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched sports supplements. It may have beneficial effects on muscle building and maintenance, endurance, and recovery.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB has 5000 mg of Creatine Monohydrate per serving and is boosted by HMB, which may also improve body composition, performance, and recovery. It also has Vitamin D, a vitamin a lot of people are deficient in.
One scoop should be mixed with 10–12 oz of liquid. The product should be taken daily, 30 minutes after workouts and in the morning on rest days, however it can be taken at different times, without a significant impact.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB comes in 14 flavors, such as Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, and Peach Mango.
Creatine HMB costs $49.99 with 30 servings per package ($1.70 per serving).
Customer feedback
Creatine HMB has over 2,000 reviews on the Transparent Labs website and over 250 reviews on Amazon. The majority of customers highlight the high quality of Creatine HMB, saying it mixes well and helps with workout intensity, strength, and recovery. Customers like the combination of Creatine and HMB, which differentiates the product from its competitors.
Some users, however, say that the additional ingredients are not worth the steeper price and would rather opt for pure creatine monohydrate for a lower price. Some users also report feeling bloated or getting an upset stomach.
Reddit reviews
Reddit users seem to like the quality and ingredients of Transparent Labs Creatine HMB; however, most say it is not worth the steeper price. The Reddit fitness community seems to prefer pure creatine monohydrate for a cheaper price, as it mostly delivers the same benefits
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Amazon rating — N/A
Rating on the brand’s website — 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BCAA Glutamine powder may help address body composition concerns and muscle building, recovery, and hydration before, during, or after exercise.
Transparent Labs claim that their BCAAs are vegan and lab-derived. It is also boosted by L-glutamine, a non-essential amino acid that may be depleted during prolonged exercise, thus, supplementation may help with fatigue. To assist with hydration, the product has coconut water powder, a natural source of electrolytes that can help replenish electrolytes in the body.
It can be taken 30–45 minutes before, during or after exercise. You should mix 1 level scoop with 10–12 oz of your preferred liquid. It is advisable not to exceed 3 servings per day.
The product comes in 4 flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Sour Green Apple, and Tropical Punch.
Transparent Labs BCAA glutamine costs $39.99 for 30 servings ($1.30 per serving).
Customer feedback
BCAA Glutamine has over 1,000 reviews on the Transparent Labs website, with customers praising how easy it is to mix. Most customers are saying that the product has helped them with hydration and post-workout recovery.
The negative feedback is mostly due to the user not liking the taste. Some also complained about getting heartburn.
Reddit reviews
There are no Reddit reviews for Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine. However, in general, Reddit fitness enthusiasts seem to split when it comes to BCAAs. Some swear by BCAAs for boosting their recovery and giving them energy when consumed pre- or during the workout without any caffeine. Others say that BCAAs are a waste of money and would rather focus on creatine, protein, sleep, and appropriate nutrition to support their fitness goals.
Whether BCAAs are a good addition to your diet is very personal.
Comparing Transparent Labs products
| Product | Price | Price per serving | Serving size | Servings per container |
| Whey Protein Isolate | $59.99 | $2.00 | 1 scoop | 30 |
| Bulk | $49.99 | $0.80 or $1.70 | ½ or 1 scoop | 60 or 30 |
| Vitality | $54.99 | $1.80 | 2 capsules | 30 |
| Creatine HMB | $49.99 | $1.70 | 1 scoop | 30 |
| BCAA Glutamine | $39.99 | $1.30 | 1 scoop | 30 |
Is Transparent Labs any good?
Transparent Labs offer premium quality science-backed sports supplements. The company is committed to ingredient transparency, catering to those mindful of their nutrient intake. The brand provides ingredient lists with explanations as well as certificates for the ingredients and their sources. The products are third-party tested, an additional step of transparency that is not legally required by the FDA.
Transparent Labs products cater to a diverse range of people, including athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals looking to improve their overall well-being. Whether you're seeking pre-workout energy, post-workout recovery, or daily protein intake, Transparent Labs offers options to suit different needs and preferences.
While individual results vary based on factors like age, gender, fitness level, goals, and overall health parameters, many users report positive experiences with Transparent Labs products.
The products are mid-level priced and can be reduced by a subscribe and save program.
Transparent Labs reviews from customer
On Trustpilot, Transparent Labs has a rating of 4.5 stars based on numerous reviews. Ratings on Amazon and iHerb are similar.
Transparent Labs supplements get excellent reviews for their high-quality ingredients and stomach-friendly formulas, which is a big bonus, as a lot of sports supplements often cause stomach cramps or bloating.
Customers also praise their transparent labeling and clean design.
However, there are some recurring Transparent Labs reviews focused on rapid product depletion, wishing there was more product for the price or lack of effect with Creatine HMB.
Although there is a wide range of flavors, the biggest overall complaint is taste. Customers have said that it tastes too natural or like medicine. However, as the products are natural, it is no surprise that they lack the super sweet flavors a lot of other sports supplements have.
Despite the occasional drawbacks, the majority of feedback is positive.
What to know before taking Transparent Labs
Before incorporating Transparent Labs supplements into your routine, it is first important to ensure you are following a good workout routine, sleeping enough, and eating well, and only then turn to supplements to boost physical performance.
It can be beneficial to consider both the positives and negatives highlighted by customer feedback, your goals, and which areas you want to focus on. Therefore, it’s advisable to carefully research individual products, read reviews, and consider personal preferences before making a decision.
You should avoid pre-workouts if you are pregnant, have heart issues, or are highly sensitive to caffeine.
It's important to incorporate products one by one and look out for potential side effects. Adhere to the recommended dose and start on the lower end when in doubt.
If possible, the best option is to consult a health practitioner who can recommend products based on your health status and goals.
About Transparent Labs: quality and safety
Transparent Labs was founded in 2012 by Trevor and Adam Hiltbrand, aiming to offer high-quality supplements with transparent labeling.
The company may help you reach health and fitness goals by providing high-quality products that have the potential to boost performance and contribute to muscle building, weight loss, gut health, and recovery.
As the name suggests, the brand prides itself on the transparency of its products and ingredients. It uses science-backed formulas and provides full-disclosure ingredient lists. The ingredients are from grass-fed animals and do not include artificial sweeteners or colorings.
Transparent Labs ensures that you get what you pay by third-party testing their products and providing certificates such as NSF International certification and certifications for specific ingredients.
Comparing Transparent Labs with other products
We have reviewed other supplements ideal for work outs and picked Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine as one of the best high-quality branch chain amino acids supplements on the market due to their third-party testing and lab-derived origin. Transparent Labs BCAAs are also vegan, which is not always the case.
Transparent Labs are also remarkable for their Whey Protein Isolate. There are many similar products on the market, however, Transparent Labs Whey Isolate is derived from grass-fed animals, is third-party tested, and has ingredient certificates to ensure transparency.
They also offer an extensive array of 15 flavor options, catering to diverse preferences. The shake offers 28 grams of protein for only 120 calories and is completely sugar-free, making it a great diet-friendly option. However, the product is not suitable for vegans and for those with dairy-free diets.
Additionally, products like Creatine HMB are a good option for those looking for sports supplements that are easy to incorporate into the diet and have minimal ingredients. Transparent Labs creatine comes in 14 flavors, that is often not the case for this particular supplement.
Transparent Labs review — our conclusion
Below is our team's conclusion on the Transparent Labs review and its bestselling products, highlighting the aspects we liked and didn't like.
What we liked
The company’s commitment to quality ingredients was clear in its transparent ingredients list. We appreciated its use of scientifically backed, grass-fed animal derived ingredients, free of artificial additives, along with the assurance of lab testing and certification, which ensured quality.
We also appreciated that based on the majority of reviews there are no associated stomach issues, a common side effect of sports supplements.
We also liked that there is a subscribe and save program available.
What we did not like
While we appreciated the product's quality, we agree with the reviews that the pricing is on the higher side for the quantity offered.
Additionally, some products and ingredients, such as Vitality, lack overall research to draw conclusions on efficacy.
The reviews report medicine-like flavors that can be off-putting, and the lack of an in-store shop and availability of product samples does not allow customers to try out the flavors before committing.
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FAQ
Is Transparent Labs legit?
Yes, Transparent Labs is a legitimate company known for its commitment to transparency and quality in the supplement industry.
What is the best Transparent Labs protein flavor?
This ultimately depends on personal preference, but based on customer reviews, the most liked flavors are Chocolate Peanut Butter and Salted Caramel.
Is Transparent Labs safe?
Transparent Labs prioritizes safety by adhering to strict manufacturing standards, conducting third-party testing, and ensuring the quality of its ingredients. Despite all this, you should consult your healthcare provider whenever possible before using supplements.
9 resources
- European Journal of Applied Physiology. A Critical Review of Citrulline Malate Supplementation and Exercise Performance.
- The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. β-Alanine Supplementation for Athletic Performance: An Update.
- International Journal of Preventive Medicine. Supplementation of Eurycoma longifolia Jack Extract for 6 Weeks Does Not Affect Urinary Testosterone: Epitestosterone Ratio, Liver and Renal Functions in Male Recreational Athletes.
- Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis.
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. The Effects of Shilajit Supplementation on Fatigue-Induced Decreases in Muscular Strength and Serum Hydroxyproline Levels.
- BMC Medicine. The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Cognitive Performance — A Randomised Controlled Study.
- Amino Acids. HMB Supplementation: Clinical and Athletic Performance-Related Effects and Mechanisms of Action.
- Nutrients. Glutamine as an Anti-Fatigue Amino Acid in Sports Nutrition.
- Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae): A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review.
Article history
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