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NOW Sports vs Optimum Nutrition Beta-Alanine (2026)
Disclosure: We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores. Editorial policy
The Verdict
NOW Sports edges Optimum Nutrition on our rubric (91 vs 86 on our 0-100 execution score). On cost per gram the two are similar - both land near $0.18-$0.30 per labeled serving, though NOW Sports' larger tub gives it a value edge. NOW Sports carries Informed Sport; Optimum Nutrition carries Informed Choice. In our view NOW Sports is the slight pick on score and bulk value, while Optimum Nutrition is an equally clean, well-tested choice. Both are single-ingredient beta-alanine that works when taken daily.
Sports Beta-Alanine Pure Powder, 500g
NOW Sports
Beta-Alanine Powder, Unflavored, 7.15oz
Optimum Nutrition
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Sports Beta-Alanine Pure Powder, 500g NOW Sports | Beta-Alanine Powder, Unflavored, 7.15oz Optimum Nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Score | 91/100Winner | 86/100 |
| Dosing & Form | 25/25Winner | 23/25 |
| Purity | 20/25Winner | 19/25 |
| Value | 23/25Winner | 22/25 |
| Transparency | 23/25Winner | 22/25 |
| Cost/Day | $0.18Winner | $0.30 |
| Dose/Serving | 2000mg | 3200mg |
| Form | Beta-Alanine Powder (unflavored) | Beta-Alanine Powder (unflavored) |
| Third-Party Tested | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No |
Why This Comparison Matters
NOW Sports and Optimum Nutrition both make a clean, unflavored beta-alanine powder for muscular endurance, and both carry banned-substance certification. NOW Sports is Informed Sport certified; Optimum Nutrition is Informed Choice certified. Beta-alanine is a single, well-defined compound, so this comes down to cost per dose and certification.
Both deliver a legitimate beta-alanine dose that, taken consistently, builds muscle carnosine over weeks. The tingling sensation (paresthesia) is harmless and expected. The decision is price and which certification you prefer.
We scored both on evidence, quality, cost per dose, and transparency.
Detailed Score Breakdown
Sports Beta-Alanine Pure Powder, 500g
NOW Sports
Pure beta-alanine powder; 500g bottle delivers ~166 servings at 3g, comfortably covering the 4-6g/day load when split across the day
Informed Sport certified for banned substances; NPA A-rated GMP facility; NOW publishes in-house testing for identity and purity
About $0.18/day at 3g (or ~$0.30/day at the full 5g load) from a 500g tub; one of the best per-gram costs from a tested brand
Single-ingredient label, scoop included, 2g per scoop disclosed, no proprietary blends
Strong combination of Informed Sport certification, reputable brand quality, and per-gram value; the default recommendation for most lifters
Beta-Alanine Powder, Unflavored, 7.15oz
Optimum Nutrition
Two-scoop serving delivers 3.2g, matching the Harris 2006 / Hill 2007 trial doses; 75 servings per tub
Informed Choice tested per ON's brand program, GMP facility manufacturing; not Informed Sport specifically
About $0.30/day at the 3.2g serving from a tested mainstream brand
Single-ingredient label, 1.6g per scoop disclosed, no proprietary blends
Reasonable swap for the NOW Sports tub if you prefer the Optimum Nutrition product line; same evidence base, same clinical dose
How We Compared These Products
Every product in our database is scored on four equally-weighted pillars: dosing accuracy and form quality, purity verification (third-party testing), cost per clinically effective dose (not cost per pill), and label transparency. Each pillar is worth 25 points for a total of 100.
Cost per effective dose is calculated using the clinically studied dose from published research, not the manufacturer's suggested serving. If a product requires multiple servings to reach the dose used in clinical trials, that cost is reflected in the value score.
For a full explanation of our scoring methodology, see our methodology page. Prices were last checked on the dates listed for each product and may have changed.
More Beta-Alanine Comparisons
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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.