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By Perry Nix, MS, RD, LD
Also Written by Melissa Boufounos, CHN
Expert Verified by Dr. Rob Wildman, PhD, RD, LD, CISSN, FISSN
Expert Verified by Stephen Sheehan, CPT
Reviewed by Amanda Dvorak, CPT
Fact Checked by Kelly Uhler
Our team of fitness and nutrition experts tested over 50 pre-workouts against a variety of criteria including safety and third-party testing, price per serving, effectiveness, taste, and more. These are the top pre-workouts that made the cut.
In order to provide best insight on pre-workout formulations and relevant research, we consulted with Dr. Robert Wildman, a registered and licensed dietitian who works with professional and elite athletes to achieve their highest level of performance.
When you’re committed to crushing every workout to achieve your fitness goals, experiencing a low-energy, sluggish training session can be disheartening. It happens to the best of us, but a pre-workout supplement could help reduce those occurrences. These supplements are popular for their potential to boost energy, focus, and endurance—ultimately leading to more goal-crushing gym sessions.
Our team of certified personal trainers, nutrition experts, CrossFit coaches, and competitive weightlifters has tested over 50 pre-workouts. We’ve combined our heads to identify 11 of the best pre-workout supplements. Whether you want to improve focus, get leaner, or gain muscle, there’s a pre-workout on our list.
Transparent Labs Bulk takes the cake as the best overall pre-workout. It contains potent dosages of research-backed ingredients to help you feel improved energy, focus, and endurance for your most effective workouts yet.
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.
Available in 12 flavors, Transparent Labs BULK contains no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. It does, however, contain clinically-dosed ingredients, including nootropics for improved mood and focus.
Transparent Labs is known for producing high-quality supplements, including one of the best protein powders . With 200 milligrams of caffeine, their BULK pre-workout is designed to provide energy, endurance, and pumps. It’s a third-party tested, high-quality formula made without artificial dyes, sweeteners, or flavors.
BULK contains 8 grams of citrulline malate. Citrulline malate helps boost nitric oxide production for improved blood flow and enhanced nutrient and oxygen supply to muscles. It may also improve muscular endurance and athletic performance during a workout. ( 1 )
Also included in clinically studied dosages are 4 grams of beta-alanine and 2.5 grams of BetaPure betaine anhydrous. ( 2 , 3 ) Beta-alanine helps increase muscle carnosine levels, which buffers lactic acid build-up in the muscles and potentially reduces muscle fatigue. ( 2 ) Betaine anhydrous may help you increase total reps and volume load during a weightlifting session. ( 4 )
Beyond its physical benefits, BULK incorporates nootropics to help promote the right mood and focus for the workout. L-tyrosine is an amino acid that can be converted to dopamine, which is a key brain neurotransmitter linked to stress management, motivation, and mental focus. ( 5 )
Furthermore, the ingredient alpha-GPC, a bioavailable source of choline, is recognized for its potential to elevate cognitive function, including memory, learning, and focus, especially when taken with caffeine. ( 6 )
Our expert product tester, a certified personal trainer, tried the blue raspberry flavor. He rated the taste a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
“The blue raspberry flavor tastes exactly like how it sounds. It’s not too sweet, which I think is a good thing.”
Moreover, the pre-workout powder mixed extremely well without any clumps, earning solubility a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars.
Our tester experienced the full effects of BULK. He noticed increased focus during his workout without feeling too wired. He also didn’t experience any energy crashes once the caffeine wore off.
With a cost of $1.67 per serving, this product is priced higher than several other pre-workouts we recommend, placing it slightly above the average cost in this category. However, when you consider the potent formulation, nootropics, and third-party testing through Informed Choice—assuring that it is free of banned substances—it could be worth it.
On Amazon, reviewers appreciate the clinically effective doses of ingredients and the immediate effects of Transparent Labs BULK.
“Performance wise the best I’ve ever experienced. Unparalleled focus and drive using this pre-workout. Highly recommended,” wrote verified customer Erik O.
A few customers were disappointed in some of the flavors and noticed an artificial taste despite the formula being all-natural.
“Decent product but like other people I have a hard time with the taste,” noted another verified buyer with the username “new customer.”
Legion Athletics created caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions of Pulse in 20 flavors. While it’s made with natural ingredients, be prepared to pay a premium for this pre-workout.
Legion Athletics Pulse is made with 100% natural ingredients, meaning it never contains artificial dyes, sweeteners, or flavors. This gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly pre-workout is formulated to boost your energy, maximize strength, and minimize fatigue. Pulse comes in both stim and non-stim pre-workout options, meaning you can choose to forgo the caffeine if you’d like.
You may notice improved muscular endurance and recovery with 8 grams of citrulline malate in each serving. ( 1 ) Citrulline malate improves nitric oxide production and acts as a vasodilator, giving your muscles more oxygen.
Pulse also offers 3.6 grams of beta-alanine, 2.5 grams of betaine, and 300 milligrams of alpha-GPC. These ingredients could reduce exercise-induced fatigue, promote muscle strength, and increase power during high-intensity workouts. ( 22 )
Legion Pulse is available in 20 caffeinated and non-caffeinated flavors. The caffeinated options contain 350 milligrams of caffeine, which could boost energy but could be overwhelming for those sensitive to stimulants.
Sweeteners include stevia and erythritol. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that could be correlated with blood clotting, but further research is needed to substantiate this. ( 23 )
Our expert tester, a certified personal trainer and Precision Nutrition certified nutrition coach, rated the taste 4 out of 5 stars.
“I tried the Blue Raspberry flavor. It’s sweet, but I found it kind of bitter. I also noticed a weird aftertaste.”
That said, the product’s solubility was superb, and our tester rated it 5 out of 5 stars. The mixed solution was opaque and didn’t have any grittiness or floaties.
Regarding the effects of Legion Athletics Pulse, another team product tester felt energized but not overstimulated.
Reviews on Amazon for Legion Athletics Pulse are generally positive. Buyers appreciate the clean ingredients and the pump they feel after taking it.
“The supplements or other ingredients that are in this pre-workout are phenomenal and I would highly recommend getting this,” said verified customer Anthony.
Reviews are mixed on the taste, however. Some flavors appear to taste great while others taste bitter or leave a weird aftertaste.
Verified buyer Erik Baker II wrote, “Great price, gives you an energy boost without the jitters or cramping…great flavors as well! Love the blood orange, pink lemonade, and watermelon.”
Verified customer Diane Ray said, “I got the green apple flavor, and I can’t say it’s bad, but it’s definitely not the tastiest pre that I’ve tried. The flavor is good, but there’s also a bitterness to it, especially on the last swig.”
XWERKS Ignite is a creatine-free pre-workout that utilizes nootropics for enhanced mood and concentration.
XWERKS Ignite offers a distinctive pre-workout blend centered around nootropics. It claims to provide sustained, focused energy without the subsequent crash. It’s designed to elevate work capacity, reduce muscular fatigue, and amplify gym performance by using a unique blend of clinically backed ingredients. Ignite is free of creatine, with which many are already supplementing.
Ignite uses Rhodiola rosea and dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) to support focus during physical activity. Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen for enhancing physical and mental performance and fighting acute stress. ( 17 ) DMAE may help enhance concentration. ( 18 )
Ignite contains 150 milligrams of caffeine, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 for greater physical energy. B vitamins are essential in generating cellular energy for daily tasks and exercise. ( 19 ) Caffeine, a well-known stimulant, hinders the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel relaxed and tired. ( 20 )
Furthermore, XWERKS Ignite includes 3 grams of citrulline malate and 1.5 grams of beta-alanine. This falls short of the 8 grams of citrulline malate clinically shown to enhance physical activity. ( 21 ) These components aim to enhance nitric oxide production, muscle function, and endurance. However, due to the lower doses, our testers rated Ignite’s formulation 2 out of 5 stars.
XWERKS Ignite comes in four flavors: Green Apple, Orange, Blue Raspberry, and Watermelon. One of our product testers, a certified personal trainer and Precision Nutrition coach, tried Watermelon. She rated the taste 4 out of 5 stars. While the flavor was tolerable, she thought it had an artificial taste and was overly sweet. These effects could be due to the artificial sweetener, sucralose.
Nevertheless, the pre-workout’s outstanding solubility warranted 5 out of 5 stars from our product tester. “Once the powder dissolved, the overall liquid consistency was very thin,” she noted.
She experienced some tingling, likely from the beta-alanine, but didn’t consider it too distracting. She felt Ignite gave her great energy and focus during her training sessions.
On Amazon, XWERKS Ignite has received positive reviews for its taste. Buyers like how it improves their focus and allows them to push through tough workouts more easily. A few customers also appreciate the lower amount of caffeine per serving (150 milligrams) because it helps prevent energy crashes and doesn’t cause jitters.
“I tried the green apple, I was skeptical at first, but wow it tastes amazing,” wrote verified buyer Daniel. “Not only is it flavorful, but it also gives a great kick to your workout along with no crash.”
Customers who left negative reviews expressed disappointment in the amount of pre-workout in each container.
“I feel like for $50, they can give you more of it. Very pricey!” wrote one reviewer who referred to themselves as “A.”
Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme offers a potent blend of caffeine, nootropics, and performance-enhancing ingredients for improved energy and focus. While some key ingredients are underdosed, the supplement’s affordability and third-party testing still make it a top choice.
Designed to provide energy and focus, Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme is third-party-tested, boasts a high-quality formula, and contains gluten-free and non-GMO ingredients. One serving offers 300 milligrams of caffeine, making it ideal for users with a high caffeine tolerance who need a stronger pre-workout .
In addition to the performance-enhancing ingredients, Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme incorporates nootropics like L-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, DMAE bitartrate, CDP choline, and huperzine A to enhance cognitive performance and focus.
Each serving includes 250 milligrams of N-acetyl L-tyrosine, an amino acid and precursor to neurotransmitters such as dopamine and epinephrine. L-tyrosine may enhance cognitive performance, especially in short-term stressful or mentally demanding situations. Alpha-GPC is a choline-containing compound that may improve cognitive function, including memory and focus, especially when paired with caffeine. ( 42 )( 6 )
The citrulline in this formula helps improve blood flow and enhances nutrient and oxygen supply to muscles. However, Pre-X Xtreme only contains 4 grams of L-citrulline malate, which is below the clinical dose of 6 to 8 grams. This pre-workout also contains a clinical dose of Nitrosigine (a complex made of arginine, inositol, and potassium silicate), which increases blood flow to working muscles through vasodilation. The combination of these ingredients may improve athletic performance. ( 1 ) ( 41 )
There are also 2 grams of beta-alanine and 1.5 grams of betaine anhydrous per serving. Beta-alanine may reduce muscle fatigue, while betaine may help you perform more reps and volume during a weightlifting session. However, both of these ingredients are underdosed. The clinical dose for beta-alanine is 4 to 6 grams. A clinically effective dosage of betaine anhydrous is 2.5 grams. ( 2 )( 3)(4 )
With a cost of $1.10 per serving, this product is one of the most affordable pre-workouts we recommend, placing it well below the average cost in this category. When you consider the potent caffeine content, nootropics, and third-party testing, Nutricost provides a lot of value for your money.
One verified buyer on Amazon named Joe said he loves this pre-workout and gets an excellent pump even though he only takes half a serving.
“Love this stuff. It really gets me going in the gym, today I hit a deadlift PR after taking this. I only take half a scoop because I have a pretty low caffeine tolerance, but this still really gets you going,” he wrote. “The pump, the body feel, the tingling from the beta alanine, you get a really high quality workout after taking this because it just gets your blood flowing. I’m amazed that it costs so little considering you get everything you want from a preworkout mix out of this.”
However, Joe said he wasn’t a huge fan of the blue raspberry flavor.
“My one complaint was the flavor: I got the blue raspberry stuff and MAN is that a strong flavor. I usually dry-scoop my preworkout but even when you dilute it with a ton of water it still has a very strong sour taste,” he commented. “My friends seemed to like the taste after I gave them a scoop but after having taken it a few times I think it’s way too strong. Still, I know I’ll be purchasing this product again because it’s such a fantastic value. Anyways, this stuff is fantastic for me during weightlifting, and I would 100% recommend it as someone who’s tried a lot of different mixes that try to get what this preworkout offers.”
Gainful Pre-Workout is available caffeinated, non-caffeinated, with creatine, or without creatine so you can customize it based on your supplement needs and caffeine preference.
Gainful offers a unique opportunity to customize your pre-workout’s caffeine and creatine content based on your exercise intensity. Whether you need an energy boost for a long outdoor run or a quick interval workout on one of the best treadmills , you may be particularly interested in the High-Intensity + Creatine option. It contains 5 grams of creatine, 4 grams of L-citrulline DL-malate, 1.5 grams of beta alanine, 200 milligrams of caffeine, 330 milligrams of L-theanine, BCAAs, and 2.5 grams of leucine. Combined, these ingredients can enhance high-intensity exercise performance and maximize endurance and recovery time.
The Moderate Intensity + Creatine option contains 4 grams of L-citrulline DL-malate, 3 grams of creatine, 1.5 grams of beta alanine, 150 milligrams of caffeine, 250 milligrams of L-theanine, and 2 grams of BCAAs total.
The Moderate Intensity option contains 4 grams of L-citrulline DL-malate, 1.5 grams of beta alanine, 150 milligrams of caffeine, 250 milligrams of L-theanine, and 2 grams of BCAAs total. It does not contain creatine.
There is also one non-caffeinated option (Moderate Intensity + Creatine) that contains 4 grams of L-citrulline DL-malate, 3 grams of creatine, 1.5 grams of beta alanine, and 2 grams of BCAAs total.
Each formula contains 4 grams of L-citrulline DL-malate, which falls short of the clinically recommended dosage for exercise performance (6 to 8 grams). The purpose of citrulline is to boost nitric oxide production, which enhances blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles. ( 21 )
Leucine, isoleucine, and valine, the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), are important for muscle growth and repair. Leucine, in particular, plays a key role in muscle protein synthesis. Creatine monohydrate is one of the most well-researched supplements and is well-known for its positive effect on high-intensity exercise performance. In addition to caffeine, Gainful Pre-Workout also contains L-theanine to help increase energy, improve mood and cognitive function, and reduce stress and anxiety. ( 35 )( 36 )( 24 )
Althought it’s priced above market average at $1.86 per serving, Gainful Pre-Workout contains BCAAs and creatine, replacing the need for a large supplement stack.
Available in nine flavors, Transparent Labs LEAN not only contains several ingredients with potential fat-burning benefits, but it also includes a clinically-dosed amount of citrulline malate for better pumps.
Transparent Labs LEAN is made to target fat loss while simultaneously preserving lean muscle mass. It includes the most common pre-workout ingredients for improved energy and power, such as citrulline malate and caffeine, plus a fat-burning complex that may help you shed stubborn body weight with regular exercise.
Each serving contains acetyl-L-carnitine, chromium picolinate, and zinc, which may help with metabolism and support fat utilization. L-carnitine helps move fatty acids into your cells’ mitochondria to be converted into cellular energy, also known as ATP. ( 27 ) Some research shows L-carnitine may help reduce body fat, body mass index, and weight. ( 28 )
Chromium picolinate is a form of the mineral chromium that may help manage blood sugar and cravings, as well as optimize metabolism. ( 29 ) However, studies show minimal weight loss during chromium supplementation. ( 30 )
Finally, zinc may help control appetite and reduce weight in individuals at an unhealthy weight. ( 31 )
This product still contains the usual pre-workout ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous, which may improve vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), endurance, and energy for a well-executed workout session. It also includes 180 milligrams of caffeine to reduce fatigue. However, the 2-gram dose of beta-alanine is lower than the recommended 4 to 6 grams daily. ( 2 )
You have nine flavor options, providing plenty of opportunities to mix things up. Our tester enjoyed the taste of LEAN and rated it 5 out of 5 stars. However, she rated solubility 4 stars.
“It wasn’t too sweet and was just a tad bitter,” she says. “I noticed some floaties in my shaker bottle once it was mixed, but it was still drinkable. I didn’t experience any jitters after drinking a full serving size.”
On Amazon, the pre-workout earned high marks for its clean formula and transparent nutrition label.
“The things I appreciate the most are the transparency and quality of the ingredients,” verified buyer James wrote. “I use this nightly heading to the gym. Although I haven’t experienced any big boost of energy, the ingredients keep me committed to using it.”
Some customers enjoyed the flavors while others said they wouldn’t order this pre-workout again.
“The product tastes terrible, like a super artificial peach…won’t be buying again,” said verified buyer Johanna T.
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge is a low-caffeine, low-cost pre-workout that should allow new lifters to get used to the feeling of fueling up before a training session.
At just $1.00 per serving (for one scoop), Jacked Factory Nitrosurge provides an affordable option for beginners interested in testing their tolerance to the typical pre-workout ingredients. The label includes nutrition information for a single-scoop or double-scoop serving, depending on your desired intensity.
The formulation, which our product tester rated 4 out of 5 stars, contains several workout-enhancing ingredients. For example, one scoop offers 3 grams of L-citrulline, a non-essential amino acid that may heighten nitric oxide production and support more efficient blood flow to the muscles, potentially giving you a performance advantage to get in extra reps. ( 7 )
However, some ingredients are underdosed. The beta-alanine content of 1.6 grams per scoop falls below the 4- to 6-gram daily recommended dosage suggested by the International Society of Sports Nutrition for certain exercises but lessens the likelihood of experiencing the common side effect of paraesthesia (tingling). ( 2 ) Beta-alanine has the potential to decrease muscle fatigue and extend the duration of exercise before reaching exhaustion. ( 2 )
Similarly, the 1.25 grams of betaine anhydrous in a scoop of Nitrosurge doesn’t meet the clinically studied dose of 2.5 grams shown to improve exercise performance. ( 3 ) If you take the double scoop, you meet that threshold. Betaine anhydrous may positively influence body composition, muscle growth, and work capacity.
Theobromine and L-theanine work together to sharpen mental focus, diminish susceptibility to distractions, and reduce stress, promoting a more accomplished workout. ( 24 ) AstraGin is a patented ingredient incorporated to help your body better absorb the key nutrients within the formulation.
Nitrosurge is sweetened with sucralose and Ace-K, two artificial, zero-calorie sweeteners. Our tester tried the Strawberry Margarita flavor (only available on Amazon) and rated the taste 5 out of 5 stars.
Editorial team member Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and competitive Olympic weightlifter, said, “I could sip on the Strawberry Margarita Nitrosurge all day while laying out by the pool.”
Kate also rated solubility 5 out of 5 stars. She used a shaker cup to mix Nitrosurge with water and experienced no trouble dissolving the product. She didn’t feel any tingles or itching, a common side effect of pre-workouts with beta-alanine, but noticed heightened energy.
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge appears to be a popular pre-workout choice on Amazon. Customers say they enjoy the range of flavors and don’t experience too many facial tingles.
“I really like this pre-workout and have tried it in multiple flavors but the blue raspberry is my favorite,” verified customer Catherine Charbonneau wrote. “Sour peach rings is also tasty.”
A few reviewers stated they didn’t feel any effects, but most buyers say they start feeling it pretty quickly. Nitrosurge helps them remain energized, even for workouts that last more than two hours.
“The pump/effects didn’t last long. Not the worst but won’t be buying again,” commented verified buyer Joshua Langel.
Onnit Alpha BRAIN includes typical pre-workout ingredients like beta-alanine, L-citrulline, and caffeine, plus ashwagandha for improved mood and reduced stress.
Onnit Alpha BRAIN pre-workout is formulated with key ingredients that support mental focus and physical energy so you can make the most of every training session. It also contains fundamental pre-workout ingredients, including beta-alanine, L-citrulline, and caffeine, to increase energy levels, alertness, strength, and endurance.
The L-citrulline dosage, at 2.4 grams, falls below the clinically recommended range of 3 to 6 grams. ( 7 ) In a study involving cyclists, those who consumed a daily dosage of only 2.4 grams of L-citrulline for eight days could cycle faster and longer than the placebo group before experiencing fatigue. ( 8 )
Onnit Alpha BRAIN provides 200 milligrams of caffeine and 50 grams of Dynamine in each serving. Dynamine is a trademarked ingredient that may help improve working memory, cognitive control, and reaction time when taken with caffeine. ( 9 ) Together, these two ingredients could enhance cognitive performance during mentally demanding tasks.
For even more cognitive benefits, each serving provides 225 milligrams of Nooghanda, a trademarked form of ashwagandha extract. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that may help relieve stress and anxiety and improve memory and mood. ( 10 ) Some research even suggests ashwagandha could improve physical strength and power. ( 11 )
Your two flavor choices include Tiger’s Blood and Yuzu Peach. Alpha BRAIN utilizes natural sweeteners and never contains artificial colors or flavors.
Two of our expert testers, who are competitive Olympic weightlifters and certified weightlifting coaches, tried both flavors. They rated the taste 4 out of 5 stars. Of the two flavors, they preferred Tiger’s Blood.
“Tiger’s Blood has a tropical taste, but doesn’t have a lot of pineapple like you’d expect in a tropical drink. Instead, there are hints of coconut, watermelon, and strawberry.”
The Yuzu Peach flavor had a slightly bitter taste that our testers found off-putting. However, they rated solubility 5 out of 5 stars and had no trouble mixing the powder.
Our testers also had other weightlifters at their gym try Onnit Alpha BRAIN. The consensus was clear: it enhanced their focus and clarity during workouts. They didn’t find it overly stimulating like other pre-workouts with a higher caffeine content. Rather, it helped them feel present and ready to do the work.
Our team didn’t experience any beta-alanine tingles or itching from this one, but some still got a good pump. Overall, they had a positive experience and rated the effects 4 out of 5 stars.
Reviews on Amazon are mixed. Positive reviews mention increased energy and concentration in the gym as noteworthy features.
One anonymous verified buyer on Amazon wrote, “The focus is better with this pre-workout thanks to the nootropic blend and the energy is definitely there. It’s pricey but…it’s worth a try for sure.”
Other reviewers say this pre-workout tastes bitter. Another anonymous verified customer also said the supplement “doesn’t mix well at all. Product sticks to shaker cup and doesn’t break down like it should.”
Made with 200 milligrams of caffeine, Promix is an all-natural pre-workout that supports performance and cognition.
Pre-workout supplements generally don’t contain animal products, but Promix is our favorite vegan option. It contains all-natural ingredients and is free of gluten, dairy, soy, and GMOs. With 200 miligrams of caffeine, 3.2 grams of beta-alanine, 3 grams of L-tyrosine and 1 gram of taurine, it can improve endurance exercise and help boost energy, cognitive function, and focus.
Caffeine can help improve cognitive function, including reaction time, memory, and attention. In terms of exercise performance, caffeine can improve aerobic and anaerobic exercise, and has a positive effect on endurance, sprint speed, and muscle power. Taurine is an amino acid that may benefit athletic performance. However, it’s usually combined with caffeine or other ingredients in studies, so it’s unclear if those benefits are directly related to taurine. ( 43 )( 44 )
Beta-alanine is most beneficial for high-intensity exercises lasting 1 to 10 minutes. This includes running, swimming, and heavy weightlifting. Some studies show a range of 3.2 to 6.4 grams of beta-alanine taken daily is effective for enhancing exercise performance, but others suggest a range of 4 to 6 grams might be more ideal. ( 45 )
This formula also contains 3 grams of L-tyrosine to improve focus and cognition. L-tyrosine is especially beneficial under short-term stressful or cognitively demanding conditions. ( 42 )
If you’d prefer a pre-workout without caffeine, there is a stim-free option in the raspberry lemon flavor. There is also a tingle-free formula that doesn’t contain beta-alanine.
At $1.07 per serving, Promix Pre-Workout is the most affordable option we featured. However, it contains fewer key ingredients than other pre-workouts on the market, like L-citrulline. Also, the beta-alanine isn’t a clinically effective dosage. But we do like that Promix is made in GMP-certified facilities and is third-party tested. The testing data is available on the Promix website.
On Amazon, customers regularly leave positive reviews about the taste, clean ingredients, and packaging.
“I bought this for the clean ingredients- was a little afraid I’d have to sacrifice taste for the clean ingredients but the flavor is surprisingly good,” wrote one verified buyer named Lo. “I bought the strawberry lemon flavor. It’s not as sweet as other pre workouts because it doesn’t have all the added sugar like some do (& that was my goal to avoid), but I actually like the subtle sweetness from the monk fruit better.”
A verified Amazon customer named Annie also liked the light flavor and use of natural sweeteners.
“Every other pre workout I’ve tried tastes terribly overly flavored and sweetened with artificial sweeteners. This is only one with the ingredients I was looking for that didn’t have all kinds of excess sweetness and flavor. Plus the packaging is not a big plastic tub and scooper. Thoughtfully done.“
However, some customers said they felt sick or experienced nausea after taking Promix Pre-Workout. “I took this pre-workout and after about 45 minutes I experienced extreme nausea. It took about 3 hours to fully get out of my system,” noted verified buyer Kait. “I have taken pre-workouts in the past and I regularly drink caffeine so I am not sure why I reacted the way I did.”
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout may not have a high amount of caffeine, but it does feature 3 grams of creatine per serving. Plus, it’s well-priced and earns high marks for taste.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout blends caffeine, creatine monohydrate, and beta-alanine to increase energy, enhance focus, and improve endurance. The dosages are suitable for beginners who want to ease into pre-workout supplements or for individuals who prefer milder effects than full doses of pre-workout ingredients.
Unlike many pre-workout supplements, this one contains a clinically dosed 3 grams of creatine, a chemical found naturally in the body that helps produce energy in muscle. When supplemented, creatine monohydrate may increase strength and muscle gains when combined with regular resistance training. ( 32 )
Furthermore, 1.5 grams of beta-alanine may help buffer the accumulation of lactic acid buildup, possibly improving muscular endurance and allowing you to exercise longer before feeling fatigued. ( 2 ) Although this dose is lower than the recommended 4 to 6 grams daily, it may be preferred by beginners who want to assess tolerance or reduce the feeling of skin tingling caused by beta-alanine.
The 175 grams of caffeine is plenty to give a push of energy and focus but likely won’t trigger uncomfortable side effects of higher doses, such as rapid heart rate or anxiety. Additionally, L-carnitine plays a critical role in fat metabolism and may support weight loss. Some research shows it could help reduce body weight and fat mass in adults at an unhealthy weight. ( 33 )
Finally, the product offers several vitamins that support energy. B vitamins, including vitamin B12, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and thiamine, are essential for energy metabolism. These vitamins help convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to energy that can be used during physical exercise. ( 34 ) While Gold Standard Pre-Workout won’t necessarily eliminate the need for the best multivitamins , the inclusion of several essential vitamins is a nice touch.
Some of our product testers have used Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout for years. They rate the taste 5 out of 5 stars, claiming the flavors are always delicious and just the right amount of sweet. They also love the product’s solubility, giving it 5 out of 5 stars. It easily mixes in a mixer cup without any floaties or clumps.
“I feel focused and energized when I take Gold Standard Pre-Workout. It doesn’t provide the greatest pump, but it’s always a reliable choice for a pre-workout.”
Calcium Ascorbate Granulation /Powder Kate Meier, Team Product Tester