Supplement FAQ

General Product Questions

Are your products for women only?

Many of our products can be used regardless of sex. We do consider doses for the average female athlete, although studies support that those ingredients can be appropriate for healthy adults regardless of sex. Some products, like Buff Chick Flourish (and future products), are more specifically relevant to people who menstruate and may experience pregnancy (and will incorporate ingredients that are shown to influence PMS, pregnancy, lactation, menopausal symptoms).

Are your products safe for any age?

Our products are for adults only. Consult your physician before consuming any supplements if you’re a minor.

Are your products safe for pregnant women?

Consult your physician before consuming any supplements if pregnant or nursing.

Where is Buff Chick made?

100% of the supplements are made in an NSF cGMP and FDA registered facility in the US.

Are your products vegan, organic, and free of common allergens (like shellfish or nuts)?

Vegan: Product specifications vary from supplement to supplement. Our product suite includes vegan- and vegetarian-friendly products, so check each individual product page for specifics.

Organic: Our products are not USDA certified organic.

Allergens: Buff Whey contains milk and is not gluten-free. Buff Coffee contains milk but no other major food allergens. No Buff Chick Supplements product contains major food allergens as recognized by the FDA (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans) beyond what's noted above; however, these supplements are manufactured in a facility that handles these allergens.

Where can I find reliable information on supplements?

Examine.com
Labdoor.com
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

General Product Questions

Can I use supplements while working on weight loss?

Yes. The primary driver of fat loss is caloric energy balance, which can be achieved by a combination of increased physical activity and decreased caloric intake. Supplements can be a tool to support your training and nutrition both directly and indirectly.*

Can I stack supplements?

Yes, all of our supplements can be stacked with each other!* Our lineup is designed to work together as a system, so mixing and matching is not only allowed but encouraged. That said, a couple of guidelines will help you stack smart: we do not recommend exceeding 2 servings of Buff Pre or Buff Pump in a 24-hour period, since more isn't always better.

Also, some supplements should be mixed on their own first (like Clear Protein and Hydropack) before adding another product into the shaker, so you get a smooth mix instead of a clumpy one. Follow these tips and you'll get the most out of every stack.

I've never taken supplements before, do I need them?

You don’t need supplements, but if you have training, nutrition and recovery broadly in check, supplementation may provide additional benefits.*

Watch this video to learn more!

I've never taken supplements before, what do you recommend I start with?

Great question, and welcome to the team! If you're just getting started, we always recommend building your foundation with creatine and protein first, specifically Buff Whey and Clear Protein.

Protein is one of the most important factors in reaching your fitness goals, whether that's building muscle, losing fat, or simply feeling stronger day to day.* When you strength train, your muscle fibers are constantly breaking down and rebuilding, and adequate protein intake is what allows your body to repair and grow stronger from that process. Most people need somewhere between 0.7 and 1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day depending on how often and how intensely they train, and hitting that number consistently is often the single biggest lever you can pull. If you're finding it hard to hit your protein goals through food alone, a quality protein powder like Clear Protein can make it a whole lot easier.*

Daily supplementation of creatine may support your training if your goals include increasing power output, strength, and/or muscle mass.* Combined with consistent protein intake, creatine and protein form a strong, simple foundation that works no matter what your specific goals look like.

Once you have those basics dialed in, if you're looking for an extra boost in the gym, that's where we'd recommend layering in Buff Pre and Buff Pump. The ingredients in both have been shown to support power and strength during individual training sessions.* We recommend starting with whichever products are aligned with your personal goals, and building from there as your needs evolve.

We know it can feel overwhelming with so many options out there, so check out our bundles to get started with a curated set of our top picks in one easy package.

Creatine FAQs

Who should use creatine?

Short answer: most healthy adults. Long answer below.

When taken daily, creatine supports muscle growth, strength, and power output during intense resistance training in healthy adults*. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking any supplement, especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant or nursing, or are under 18.

When should I use/take creatine?

Whenever you'll actually remember to!

The most important thing is consistency, not timing*. Creatine can be taken any time of day, whether that's mixed into your pre-workout, blended into your post-workout shake, or stirred into your morning coffee. No cycling needed.

Creatine can also be stacked with any Buff Chick Supplement so feel free to combine it with your existing routine.

Do I need to cycle or load creatine?

No to both.

Loading: While loading (a 5-7 day period of 4-5x maintenance consumption) may lead to maximal saturation of muscle creatine levels in a slightly shorter timeframe, this is a very incremental difference over the medium and long term*. We recommend maintenance consumption (1 scoop per day) instead.

Cycling: There's no strong scientific reason to cycle on and off creatine*. You can safely take it consistently if it fits your routine and goals.

Will I gain weight on creatine?

It may cause a small, temporary increase in weight, but not fat gain.

One of the most commonly reported effects of creatine supplementation is bloating. When you start taking creatine, especially during a loading phase, there's often an increase in intra-muscular water retention. This can cause a temporary bump on the scale, but it's water, not fat, and it should subside with consistent use.*

Separately, if creatine helps you improve performance and build muscle over time, you may see an increase in weight from muscle gain, not fat.* To support this, take creatine consistently and pair it with resistance training.*

Does creatine have any side effects?

Most of the supposed dangers of creatine are unfounded.

Due to the bad reputation of performance-enhancing drugs, it has been wrongfully equated with the worst examples. It also increases levels of creatinine in the body, which is a marker of poor kidney function. However, the increase in creatinine isn't due to kidney damage, but simply more creatinine being produced.

There is a lack of long-term studies in people with reduced kidney function, so caution could still be taken in that instance.

While some anecdotal evidence exists of cramping when supplementing with creatine, current research shows that creatine supplementation does not cause dehydration or cramping when paired with sufficient water intake.* Besides minor gastrointestinal issues from excessive creatine, it is unlikely to be unsafe or bad for you.

To see the best results, consistency through daily supplementation is recommended. If you have any kidney conditions, consult your doctor or healthcare provider prior to taking creatine or any other supplements.* If you experience any additional side effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.

Buff Pre FAQs

What is Buff Pre, and why should I use it?

Think of Buff Pre as your hype-friend in powder form. It's designed to give you an energy boost, sharpen your focus, and help you push harder once you hit the gym.

The science behind the hype:
Caffeine for energy and alertness (so you feel awake, not just wired).
Beta-alanine to delay muscle fatigue and boost endurance (that tingly skin feeling? Totally normal, that's beta-alanine doing its job)
Nitric oxide boosters like L-citrulline to increase blood flow and give you that "pump" feeling.

Most people feel it kick in within 15 to 30 minutes, and the effects can last 1.5 to 3 hours, so timing matters. Take it too late and you might still be wired at bedtime.

If you're new to pre-workout, start with a smaller dose to see how your body responds, mix it with water, and stay hydrated. Everyone's tolerance is different, so it's less about doing what everyone else does and more about finding your own sweet spot.

Bottom line: used the right way, Buff Pre can be a real game-changer for your workouts. Ease in, listen to your body, and enjoy the extra kick.

Does Buff Pre have any side effects?

You may experience a tingling sensation from the beta-alanine. This feeling, known as paresthesia (often called "the tingles") is harmless, just a little unfamiliar if you haven't felt it before.*

Caffeine can bring on jitters or a temporary increase in blood pressure, which is why we've added L-theanine to help take the edge off. That said, if taken too late in the day, the caffeine may still make it harder to fall asleep, so timing matters.

A few other things to keep in mind: start with a smaller dose if you're new to pre-workout, stay hydrated (some pre-workouts can dehydrate you faster, especially if you're sweating a lot), and avoid double scooping as a beginner. More isn't always better.

If you experience any additional side effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.

Hydropack FAQs

Who and what is Hydropack for?

Hydration plays a bigger role in performance and recovery than most people realize, and that's exactly what Hydropack was made for.

It's for anyone looking to replenish the electrolytes lost through sweat, stimulate thirst, and improve fluid intake and recovery. Whether you're training hard, coming back from rest days, rebuilding healthy habits, or just trying to feel better day-to-day, Hydropack is meant to support your hydration goals whenever you need it.

Best for: healthy adults looking to support electrolyte balance, on training days or rest days alike. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider prior to taking any supplement, especially if you have any health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are under 18.

What is in Hydropack?

Hydropack is formulated with three key electrolytes, each playing a specific role in hydration and performance:

600mg Sodium: The primary electrolyte lost through sweat. Sodium helps your body retain fluid, stimulates thirst so you actually drink more, and supports proper nerve and muscle function.
300mg Potassium: Works alongside sodium to maintain fluid balance inside and outside your cells. It also plays a role in muscle contractions, which is key for performance and reducing cramping.
75mg Magnesium: Supports muscle function and energy production, and can help reduce fatigue during workouts.

Together, these electrolytes are formulated to replenish what's lost through sweat, stimulate thirst, and improve fluid intake and recovery, so you're not just drinking water, you're actually rehydrating.*

When and how should I use Hydropack?

Mix 1 Hydropack stick with 16 ounces of water and drink during your training session, or anytime you need extra hydration to support recovery.

It's great for healthy adults looking to support electrolyte balance on training days or rest days alike. Hydropack is meant to support your hydration goals whenever you need it, whether that's during a workout, on a hot day, or just as part of your daily routine.

Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider prior to taking any supplement, especially if you have any health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are under 18.

Buff Greens FAQs

What are Buff Greens?

Buff Greens is our daily superfood powder, designed to support immunity, optimal digestion, and reduced stress.* Every scoop is packed with a powerful source of natural antioxidants, equivalent to 5+ vegetable servings.*
We've made getting your greens more convenient than ever, with added digestive enzymes, probiotics, and Ashwagandha, making it the perfect addition to your daily routine.

When should I use Buff Greens?

While you can use Buff Greens at any time of the day, the ingredients support natural energy, so it could be most ideal to take in the morning.

Who should use Buff Greens?

Any adult looking for immunity, digestion and natural energy support.*

If you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication (especially blood pressure medications and nitrate drugs, or have a medical condition (especially abnormal blood pressure), please consult your health care team.

Does Buff Greens have side effects?

Ashwagandha: an ingredient within the formula of Buff Greens; shows that it may lower blood pressure. Caution should be taken when combining with other herbs and supplements that may also lower blood pressure (e.g. casein peptides, fish oil, L-arginine, theanine, etc.).
Wheatgrass: can cause nausea, appetite loss, and constipation. May lower blood sugar which can impact diabetics and blood sugar levels during surgery.
Spirulina: can cause mild cases of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, headache, and dizziness.
Chlorella: could possibly cause mild cases of diarrhea, nausea, gas (flatulence), green discoloration of the stools, stomach cramping, and increased skin sensitivity to the sun.

If I take a multivitamin, do I need Buff Greens?

There's almost no overlap between the ingredients in a typical multivitamin and Buff Greens. The biggest difference is that Buff Greens is specifically formulated to support digestion and immunity, something a multivitamin typically isn't designed for, thanks to added fiber, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and the antioxidants from our veggie blend.

Are Buff Greens gluten-free?

Buff Greens are not gluten-free.

Otherwise, Buff Greens does not contain any of the other major food allergens as recognized by the FDA (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans). However, these supplements are manufactured in a facility that may handle these allergens.

Buff Whey FAQs

What is Buff Whey shown to help with, and how should I use it?

Buff Whey is designed to help you hit your daily protein targets, which is shown to support muscle gain, promote strength, and aid in recovery.* We've also added protease enzymes to make digestion even easier.

It's a great fit for healthy adults looking to meet their daily protein needs, build muscle, and recover properly from training.* And here's the good news: while it's optimal to consume protein after training, what matters most is simply getting enough protein in consistently throughout the day. There's no magic "anabolic window" you need to hit. Anytime you'll actually stick with it is the best time.

Shake it with cold water or milk, blend it into a smoothie, or mix it into yogurt, oatmeal, or your favorite recipe. However you get it in, getting it in consistently is what counts.

Why is Buff Whey 100% whey isolate?

Whey protein isolate goes through a more intense filtration process than whey concentrate, stripping out most of the fat, carbohydrates, and lactose. That means you get a cleaner protein source that's more macro and calorie friendly, and easier to digest.

We chose 100% whey isolate so you can hit your protein goals without the extra baggage, giving you more protein per scoop with less of what you don't need.

Do you test for heavy metals?

Yes, every batch of every Buff Chick product is tested for heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium, as part of our Certificate of Analysis (COA) process.

This matters because heavy metals have become a hot topic in the supplement industry. Recent testing on popular protein powders found that many brands exceeded safety thresholds for lead, and it turns out most supplement companies don't conduct third-party testing at all.
Here's some context: heavy metals occur naturally in soil, water, and plants, so trace amounts show up in nearly all plant-based foods, not just supplements. The real issue isn't that heavy metals exist, it's that the supplement industry has very little regulation, which means you can't always trust that what's on the label matches what's in the product.

That's exactly why we prioritize transparency. Every batch of every Buff Chick supplement is tested, so you can feel confident in what you're consuming, rather than relying on a label alone. Learn more about our testing standards.

Any other questions, email us at support@buffchick.com

Does Buff Whey contain any allergens?

Buff Whey contains milk. However, none of the other major food allergens recognized by the FDA are in our formula (Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish, Tree nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soybeans). Keep in mind that these supplements are manufactured in a facility that handles these allergens.

Clear Protein FAQs

What is Clear Protein shown to help with, and how should I use it?

Clear Protein is designed to help you hit your daily protein targets, which is shown to support muscle gain, promote strength, and aid in recovery.* We've also added protease enzymes to make digestion even easier.

It's a great fit for healthy adults looking to meet their daily protein needs, build muscle, and recover properly from training.* And here's the good news: while it's optimal to consume protein after training, what matters most is simply getting enough protein in consistently throughout the day. There's no magic "anabolic window" you need to hit. Anytime you'll actually stick with it is the best time.

Shake it with cold water or milk, blend it into a smoothie, or mix it into yogurt, oatmeal, or your favorite recipe. However you get it in, getting it in consistently is what counts.

What is Clear Protein?

It's 100% Whey Protein Isolate that's been highly purified to make it clear. Whey Protein Isolate goes through a much more intense filtration process than whey concentrates; it strips out fats, carbohydrates, and lactose... Making it more macro and calorie friendly, and easier to digest.

Do you test for heavy metals?

Does Clear Protein contain any allergens?

Clear Protein contains milk. However, none of the other major food allergens recognized by the FDA are in our formula (Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish, Tree nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soybeans). Keep in mind that these supplements are manufactured in a facility that handles these allergens.

Buff Chick Flourish (PMS Support) FAQs

Who is Buff Chick Flourish for?

Flourish is for anyone with a menstrual cycle looking to alleviate common PMS symptoms like cramps, bloating, mood swings, headaches, breast tenderness, and sleep disruption.

A few important notes on who it's not the right fit for: Flourish's primary ingredient, Vitex agnus (chaste berry), only supports PMS symptoms if you're ovulating.
➡️So if you're on hormonal birth control, in late perimenopause with skipped periods, or using hormone therapies, you likely won't get the benefit you're looking for.

Consult a doctor before taking Flourish if you have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer), are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking hormonal prescriptions (birth control, hormone replacement therapy), or are taking dopamine-blocking drugs.

What does Flourish help with?

Flourish is a daily supplement designed to support common PMS symptoms, including cramps, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, headaches, sleep disruption, and low energy.*

If PMS has ever knocked you off your game, you're not imagining it. It's incredibly common for period symptoms to interfere with workouts, whether that's skipping sessions, dialing back intensity, or just feeling like a different person for a week each month, and most women aren't taking anything to help with it.

Flourish combines the three most studied ingredients for PMS support into one simple formula:

Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus): shown to help with cramps, bloating, mood swings, and sleep issues
Magnesium (200mg): supports breast tenderness, headaches, sleep, mood, water retention, and cravings
Vitamin B6: clinically supported to help relieve pain, bloating, fatigue, and PMS-related headaches

It's meant to be taken daily, consistently, so the research behind these ingredients is based on 3+ months of regular use, though many people notice a difference within the first month. Just add it to your morning routine and let it work in the background.

Bottom line: Flourish was built so you don't have to choose between training hard and dealing with your cycle. It's a performance supplement as much as it is a wellness one.

Is Flourish a hormone or fertility medication?

Flourish is a daily supplement designed to support common PMS symptoms, including cramps, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, headaches, sleep disruption, and low energy.*

Flourish combines the three most studied ingredients for PMS support into one simple formula:

Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus): shown to help with cramps, bloating, mood swings, and sleep issues
Magnesium (200mg): supports breast tenderness, headaches, sleep, mood, water retention, and cravings
Vitamin B6: clinically supported to help relieve pain, bloating, fatigue, and PMS-related headaches

Bottom line: Flourish was built so you don't have to choose between training hard and dealing with your cycle. It's a performance supplement as much as it is a wellness one.

Does Flourish have any side effects?

Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus), one of the main ingredients in Flourish, may cause mild side effects in some people, including nausea, headache, GI upset, or itching.

Because Chaste Berry works by influencing your body's natural hormone signaling, specifically affecting dopamine and hormone levels tied to ovulation, it's not likely to be effective if you're on hormonal birth control, since that already suppresses ovulation.

Combining Chaste Berry with hormonal medications or dopamine-blocking drugs hasn't been well studied, so it's best to consult your doctor before taking Flourish if you're on any of these medications, have a hormone-sensitive condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you experience any additional side effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.

What does Flourish help with?

Flourish is a daily supplement designed to support common PMS symptoms, including cramps, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, headaches, sleep disruption, and low energy.*

Flourish combines the three most studied ingredients for PMS support into one simple formula:

Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus): shown to help with cramps, bloating, mood swings, and sleep issues
Magnesium (200mg): supports breast tenderness, headaches, sleep, mood, water retention, and cravings
Vitamin B6: clinically supported to help relieve pain, bloating, fatigue, and PMS-related headaches

Bottom line: Flourish was built so you don't have to choose between training hard and dealing with your cycle. It's a performance supplement as much as it is a wellness one.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.

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