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Studies have suggested that it can be beneficial to take a pre-workout supplement before a workout to help boost athletic performance and endurance.
However, not all pre-workouts are created equal, nor is there any standard as to what each one should include. With that in mind, ingredients can and do vary considerably between them.
That leads to the question:
“What are the best pre-workout supplements to help support athletic performance and endurance?”
We’ve researched the most popular pre-workout supplements extensively to see if they really do live up to the hype.
In this thorough pre-workout supplement review, we’re going to explore some of the highlights and possible drawbacks of each supplement in terms of the overall goal and the value it offers as part of your nutritional workout strategy.
Some of these products have creatine in them, but if you get one without it and would like to find a creatine product, then check out our list of the best creatine supplements on the market.
To help you find a good product, we’ve researched & compared the best pre-workout supplements on the market right now.
Something to note: Pre-workout supplements are different from energy drinks. If you’re interested in a standard energy drink, then check out our list of the best energy drinks to consider.
10 Best Pre-Workout Brands Compared
These are the 10 best pre-workouts as picked by our editorial team!
ⓘ If you buy something after visiting a link below, we get a commission.
1. Transparent Labs PreSeries BULK
PreSeries BULK is a powerful pre-workout supplement developed specifically with bulking in mind. It is designed to help give you a boost of energy during your workouts. Like all Transparent Labs products, PreSeries Bulk contains NO colored dyes, unnecessary fillers, or additives. It contains many powerful and effective ingredients, masterfully blended to produce results. Most notably, it comes with BCAAs added in, which aren’t typically a pre-workout ingredient. If you’re interested in taking a stand-alone bcaa product, then check out our picks of the best bcaa supplements you can buy right now.
Highlights
- Specifically marketed for bulking
- Contains 20 active ingredients
- Contains ZERO colored dyes, unnecessary fillers, artificial sweeteners, or harmful additives
- Comes with citrulline malate, beta-alanine, BCAAs, taurine, and more
- Gluten-free
- GMO-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Available in five fruit flavors
Drawbacks
- At $49 for 30 servings, it’s on the pricier end of the supplements we compared.
What’s in It
Each serving (1 scoop – 22 grams) contains the following ingredients:
- 6,000 mg of Citrulline Malate
- 4,000 mg of Beta-Alanine
- 4,000 mg of BCAA 2:1:1
- 2,500 mg of Betapure(™) Betaine
- 1,300 mg of Taurine
- 600 mg of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
- 500 mg of Choline Bitartrate
- 360 mg of L-Theanine
- 180 mg of Caffeine Anhydrous
- Mucuna Pruriens (98% L-Dopa)
- 60 mg of L-Norvaline
- 50 mg of Synephrine
- 25 mg of Hordenine
Recommended Usage
According to the manufacturer, you should take PreSeries BULK 20-30 minutes before your workout. You should drink 8-12 fl. Oz. of water with ½ of a scoop (to determine tolerance) and mixing 1 full scope with 16-24 oz. of water.
Bottom Line
Although it’s pricey, Transparent Labs has put together one of the best combinations of herbs, amino acids, and other ingredients that work together harmoniously to provide for a solid and reliable pre-workout supplementation protocol.
Full Breakdown: PreSeries Bulk Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on Transparentlabs.com |
2. 4 Gauge Pre-Workout
4 Gauge is a unique formulation containing ingredients selected to deliver a boost of clean energy during your workout, without the unwanted side effects – no jitters, no crashes, no itchy skin. Just clean and smooth power provided by 100% natural ingredients, low caffeine, and no artificial sweeteners. Whether you’re on a mission to burn fat or gain muscle or both, this pre-workout can help give you an energy boost in your efforts..
Highlights
- Boosts energy levels
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Made in the USA, in cGMP and FDA approved facilities
- Only 5 calories per serving
- Fast worldwide shipping – From their depots in the USA and UK
- Bundles available to help you save money
Drawbacks
- Pricey for the number of servings ($45 for 20)
- Only one flavor available
What’s in It
- 6000 mg L-Citrulline DL-Malate
- 150 mg caffeine
- 200 mg L-Theanine
- 100 mg Rhodiola Rosea
- 300 mg Red Beet
- 1000 mg Creatine Monohydrate
- 500 mg Acetyl-L-Carnitine
- 300 mg Coconut Water
Recommended Usage
The manufacturer recommends taking 4 Gauge either 15 minutes before your workout or 30-40 minutes after you start your workout. This is simply a matter of preference. One serving of 4 Gauge is equivalent to two scoops.
Bottom Line
4 Gauge is a powerful pre-workout supplement that’s packed with scientifically-backed ingredients to help boost your workout regimen. With ingredients like creatine, caffeine, and coconut water, it won’t leave you feeling dehydrated and weak but will instead provide the potential for greater endurance and stamina.
Full Breakdown: 4 Gauge Pre-Workout Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on 4gauge.com |
3. Legion Athletics Pulse
If you want a pre-workout supplement with a variety of flavors and none of the filler, Legion Pulse is a great option. It was created by Mike Matthews, the international best-selling fitness author and co-founder of the Muscle for Life project.
Although the ingredients in Legion Pulse are not as numerous as other pre-workout supplements featured here, those that are included have been scientifically studied for their efficacy, so you can feel confident that you’re getting all of the good stuff, without the junk.
Highlights
- A variety of flavors including Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Fruit Punch, Grape, Green Apple, Pink Lemonade, Sour Candy, Strawberry Kiwi, Tropical Punch, and Watermelon
- Caffeine-free varieties include: Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Green Apple, and Tropical Punch
- No artificial flavors or colors
- The easy-seal lid helps keep the product fresh
- Created by an international fitness author and co-founder of the Muscle for Life project
- Available as part of a bundle with other Legion products
Drawbacks
- Expensive for the number of servings that you get
- Some users report feeling jittery from the caffeine
What’s in It
- 148 mg of Calcium
- 230 mg of Sodium
- 345 mg of Potassium
- 8 g L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1
- 4.6g CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine
- 350 mg Caffeine
- 350 mg of L-Theanine
- 300 mg AlphaSize(r) Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (GPC) 50%
- Natural Sweeteners (Erythritol and Oligosaccha, Stevia)
- Sea Salt
- Silica
- Red Beet (for color)
- Calcium Silicate
- Calcium Carbonate
Recommended Usage
The manufacturer recommends taking one scoop as part of a pre-workout supplementation routine.
Bottom Line
Legion Pulse is a great pre-workout supplement for those who like a bit of flavor. With several key ingredients like Alpha-GPC, L-Theanine, and Citrulline, it’s a solid contender that’s frequently ranked among the best by serious weightlifters, trainers, and bodybuilders.
Full Breakdown: Legion Athletics Pulse Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on Amazon |
4. MusclePharm Assault
One of the more affordable pre-workout supplements in our list, MusclePharm Assault is a pre-workout blend that combines several notable ingredients to help you achieve your desired goals.
From Beta-Alanine to Taurine and Creatine, all the heavy-hitters are here. Assault may be in the name, but this is a power-packed supplement that won’t crush your wallet.
Highlights
- Affordably priced
- Blue Raspberry and Fruit Punch flavors
- No artificial colors
- Additive-free
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Informed Choice certified to be free of banned substances
Drawbacks
- A recent formula change has had mixed results with some users
What’s in It:
Each serving contains (one scoop):
- 300 mg of Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
- 40 IU of Vitamin D (as di-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate)
- 20 mg of Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCI)
- 50 mg of Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin)
- 1.6 g CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine
- 1.5 g Creatine Monohydrate
- 500 mg Betaine Anhydrous
- 500 mg Taurine
- 500 mg L-Glycine
- 200 mg Caffeine Anhydrous
- 150 mg Acetyl-L Carnitine
Recommended Usage
The manufacturer recommends adding one scoop to water and drinking up to 15 minutes before your workout begins. Drink plenty of water when taking this supplement.
Bottom Line
MusclePharm Assault is a good “middle of the road” choice for anyone who’s looking to try out a reputable supplement without breaking the bank. Many users report that the flavors have improved greatly, so if you want something that’s easy to mix with water, MusclePharm Assault is a flavorful choice. It’s also one of the few supplements on our list that contains creatine to help with post-workout recovery.
Full Breakdown: MusclePharm Assault Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on Amazon |
5. Cellucor C4 Original
One of the original pre-workout supplement mixes, Cellucor C4 is more like a multivitamin mix with some pre-workout ingredients added in.
Because of its longstanding use among athletes and weightlifting enthusiasts, Cellucor is a well-known and recognized brand name with a track history for delivering quality.
Like many companies that manufacture pre-workout supplements, however, they’ve recently undergone some formula changes that have been rather hit-or-miss with users.
Highlights
- Available in a variety of serving sizes
- Multiple flavors available, including unique flavors like strawberry margarita and tart candy explosion
- Contains zero sugar, zero carbs and zero calories per serving
Drawbacks
- Contains artificial sweetener (sucralose) and acesulfame-K which may affect users sensitive to those ingredients
- Expensive for the number of servings that you get
- Many users complain about extreme clumping
What’s in It
Each serving size (1 scoop – 6.5 g) contains:
- 250 mg of Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
- 30 mg of Niacin (as Niacinamide)
- 500 mcg of Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxal-5 Phosphate
- 250 mg of Folic Acid
- 35 mg of Vitamin B 12 (as Methylcobalamin)
- 24 mg of Calcium (Silicate)
- 1.6 g of CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine
- 1 g of Creatine Nitrate (NOS-T®)
- 425 mg of Ëxplosive Energy Blend
Recommended Usage
The manufacturer recommends taking one level scoop with 8-12 oz. of water before a workout.
Bottom Line
Although C4 has a long and illustrious history in weightlifting and athletic circles, sudden formula changes can upset even the most devoted of customers. Among pre-workout supplements, it leans more toward the “multivitamin drink” side.
Although it’s missing many of the more common ingredients found in pre-workout supplements, it is nevertheless a good choice if you want to break up the flavor monotony of other pre-workout drinks and still help nourish your body with necessary vitamins and minerals.
Full Breakdown: Cellucor C4 Original Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on Amazon |
6. Performance Lab Sport Pre-Workout
A host of unique ingredients is what sets Performance Labs’ Sport Pre-Workout from its competition. Fortified with ingredients like pre-biotics, Creapure® creatine, and cordyceps, this synergistic blend has a lot to love about it. It’s particularly well-suited to long-term training and endurance programs.
Highlights
- Vegan-friendly
- Caffeine-Free
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Allergen-friendly
- Made with 100% natural Plantcaps® (pullulan which is fermented tapioca)
- Made in a facility that follows current Good Manufacturing Processes
Drawbacks
- One container will only last a little over a week if taken as directed.
What’s in It
Four Plantcaps® (one serving) contains the following ingredients:
- 140 mg sodium (from Himalayan pink salt)
- 1000 mg of Creapure® pH10 creatine (14)
- 750 mg of Cordyceps Sinensis
- 500 mg of L-citrulline
- 250 mg of L-Glutamine (from Ajinomoto®)
- 300 mg of L-Carnosine (N-beta-alanyl-histidine)
- 350 mg of Himalayan pink salt
- 100 mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Recommended Usage
The manufacturer recommends taking 4 Plantcaps® per day with plenty of water before a workout.
Bottom Line
Many of the ingredients in Performance Labs’ Sport Pre-Workout are designed to work synergistically with each other, boosting the effects of the ingredients better than if they were used separately.
With additional ingredients like antioxidants that help support immunity and improved recovery, this is an all-around solid supplement that you can rely on for regular use.
Unfortunately, with a serving size of 4 caps and 30 servings per container, the price per serving is rather high. Still, if you want a well-rounded pre-workout supplement that goes beyond the workout focus, it’s hard to beat Performance Labs.
Full Breakdown: Performance Lab Sport Pre-Workout Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on Performancelab.com |
7. Old School Labs VINTAGE BLAST
Do you ever feel nostalgic for the “good old days”? Old School Labs understands and brings you this true blast from the past.
Highlights
- Non-GMO
- Keto-friendly Supplement
- No artificial flavors
- No artificial colors
- Made in a facility that follows Good Manufacturing Processes
- 100% vegetarian
- Sweetened with Stevia
- Blueberry lemonade flavor
- Money-back guarantee
- Made in the USA
Drawbacks
- With only 20 servings, you’ll run out fast.
- The tart flavor may be off-putting to some users
- Requires blending with a lot of water to fully dissolve
What’s in It
Each scoop (15.3 g) contains:
- 250 mg of Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
- 30 mg of Niacin (as Inositol Hexanicotinate)
- 10 mg of Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCl)
- 50 mcg of Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin)
- 10 mg of Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium D-Pantothenate)
- 50 mg of Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide)
- 50 mg of Sodium (as Sodium Chloride)
- 99 mg of Potassium (as Potassium Citrate)
- 5000 mg of L-Citrulline Malate
- 1000 mg of Beta-Alanine
- 1000 mg of Alpha-Ketoglutarate
- 250 mg of L-Carnitine Tartrate
- 150 mg of Caffeine Anhydrous
- 2000 mg of D-Aspartic Acid
- 250 mg of N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
- 100 mg of Microencapsulated Caffeine
- Stevia leaf extract
- Pineapple fruit powder
- Natural flavors, fruit and vegetable juice
Recommended Usage
The manufacturer recommends taking ½ to 1 scoop between 15 and 30 minutes before a workout. Mix thoroughly with 12 ounces of water.
Bottom Line
The slow, steady release of ingredients into the bloodstream by this particular brand of pre-workout supplement makes it a great option for long term use. It’s also packed with muscle-loving vitamins and minerals too, making it a great choice for first-timers looking for a reliable pre-workout supplement, as well as veterans who want to shake up their pre-workout routines.
Full Breakdown: Old School Labs VINTAGE BLAST Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on Amazon |
8. JYM Pre-JYM
JYM Pre-JYM is an advanced pre-workout product designed to optimize your workout efforts. It uses an all-in-one formula that can help you improve your workouts and experience better results.
A popular choice among beginners and professionals alike, Pre JYM contains all the heavy-hitters like citrulline malate, betaine, and creatine.
Created by a PhD graduate from The University of Connecticut who’s also a weightlifter (Jim Stoppani), the JYM brand has won numerous awards, including best tasting protein powder, multivitamin of the year, and pre-workout of the year, from Bodybuilding.com awards.
Highlights
- No proprietary blends – all individual ingredients and dosages are fully disclosed
- Uses 13 powerful and effective ingredients
- Formulated by Jim Stoppani, PhD
- Available in 10 unique flavors
- Award-winning pre-workout powder
- Available in 20 and 30 serving sizes
- Good all-around workout supplement
What’s in It
One scoop (26 g) contains:
- 10 mg of Sodium
- 30 mg of Calcium
- 77 mg of Potassium
- 2 g of Creatine HCL (as CON-CRET®)
- 2 g of Beta-Alanine (as CarnoSyn®)
- 1.5 g of Betaine (Trimethylglycine)
- 1 g of Taurine
- 600 mg of N-Acetyl L-Cysteine
- 150 mg of Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (AlphaSize®)
- 6 g of Citrulline Malate
- 500 mg of Beet Root Extract
- 3 g of L-Leucine
- 1.5 g of L-Isoleucine
- 1.5 g of L-Valine
- 1.5 g of L-Tyrosine
- 300 mg of Caffeine Anhydrous
- 50 mcg of Huperzine A
- 5 mg of Black Pepper fruit extract (as BioPerine®)
Recommended Usage
The manufacturer recommends that you take 1 scoop of Pre JYM in 12-32 oz. of water and drink 30-45 minutes before a workout. It’s best to let the product dissolve for up to 15 minutes before drinking.
Bottom Line
As far as efficacy goes, Pre JYM has a lot of the common ingredients that you’ll find in other supplements, plus some extras that its competitors lack — notably BioPerines and AlphaSize for improved bioavailability and cognition.
With a variety of flavors to choose from, it may be worth trying if you’re looking to break the monotony of your ordinary pre-workout supplement.
Full Breakdown: Jym Pre Jym Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on Amazon |
9. Evlution Nutrition ENGN
Evlution Nutrition’s ENGN Pre-Workout is similar to other pre-workout supplements, but what makes it stand apart from the competition is its ENGN® Mind-to-Muscle Matrix, a proprietary blend of ingredients that are designed to help improve focus (like how the best nootropics are designed to do) and muscle recovery. If you’re looking for a supplement where “less is more, ENGN is a good place to start.
Highlights
- Available in 7 different flavors
- Pikatropin free (meaning it’s free of ingredients which do not follow the standard as being dietary supplements)
- Available in 30 and 60 serving sizes
- Ideal for beginners just starting with pre-workout supplements
- From a reputable and trusted brand with a long history of great products
Drawbacks
- Contains artificial sweeteners and colors
- Some users report a gummy/clumpy consistency
What’s in It
- 35 mg of Niacin
- 2 mg of Vitamin B6
- 800 mcg of Folic Acid
- 25 mcg of Vitamin B12
- 1,600 of Beta-Alanine (as Carnosyn®)
- 2,000 mg of Creatine Complex (Creatine Monohydrate, Magnesium Creatine Chelate – Creatine MagnaPower®)
- 2,213 mg of ENGN® Mind-to-Muscle Matrix Proprietary Blend – Contains Choline Bitartrate, L-Tyrosine, Agmatine Sulfate, Caffeine, Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine, Huperzia Serrata extract)
Recommended Usage
The manufacturer recommends mixing 1 scoop in 8-12 oz. of water and drinking 30 minutes before a workout.
Bottom Line
With a whopping 60 serving size available, ENGN is a great value for the money. It also comes in seven different flavors, so if you’re having an off day, chug some Furious Grape and power through it.
It doesn’t have the same range of ingredients as other supplements, however, so if you’re looking for something that has a good bit of everything to supplement your workout, this isn’t it.
What it does have, however, are reliable, clean ingredients. It’s worth noting that there are artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors, which could be a drawback to an otherwise reputable product.
Full Breakdown: EVL Nutrition ENGN Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on Amazon |
10. GAT Sport NITRAFLEX
NITRAFLEX by GAT Sport is a high-intensity pre-workout cocktail that is designed to boost energy, boost strength, and boost alertness during workouts. NITRAFLEX contains a vasoactive complex, to induce hyperemia, increasing blood flow to your muscles to help give you better pumps.
The testosterone-boosting complex is designed to help you lift more and protect your muscles from catabolism. If you’re looking for something strictly testosterone related, then check out our list of the best testosterone boosters on the market right now.
With eight different flavors, GAT Sport Nitraflex is a clean, easy-to-take pre-workout supplement that combines its ingredients into a complete “Proprieceutical blend”.
Although the ingredients are not as varied in other supplements, GAT Sport Nitraflex does contain several key ingredients that work together synergistically to help add more energy to your workout routine.
Highlights
- Vasoactive compounds to encourage hyperemia
- Testosterone-Enhancing Complex
- Several flavors to choose from. Overall good ratings from users.
- A unique combination of ingredients centered around strength and focus
What’s in It
7365 mg of Nitraflex Proprieceutical Blend which includes:
- Amino acids
- L-Arginine Alpha-ketoglutarate
- Micro-encapsulated Beta-Phenylethylamine
- Rauwolscine* (another form of yohimbine)
- Calcium fructopyranose borate
Recommended Usage
The manufacturer recommends the following:
Training days: Day 1: Assess your tolerance with half a serving mixed with 6oz of water. Day 2+: Depending on tolerance, mix 1 serving (1 scoop) with 10oz of water and consume within 30 minutes of working out. Off-days: Take 1 serving after waking up.
Bottom Line
A good “middle of the road” supplement. Not too pricey, not too outlandish in flavors and palatable as far as pre-workout supplements go. It’s worth noting that this particular blend does not contain creatine, so if you’re looking for a pre-workout supplement with creatine, it’s worth trying one of the alternatives above.
GAT Nitriflex also doesn’t have all of the heavy-hitters that competing supplements do, but if you just want something simple that does the job, it’s hard to beat this blend for the money.
Full Breakdown: GAT Nitraflex Review
Where to Get It |
Buy on Amazon |
How to Pick a Good Pre-Workout Product
Pre-workout supplements can be different from one another. This can be a good thing since every single individual out there is unique and certain ingredients in particular dosages may work well for one person, but not for the next.
Unfortunately, this can also be a bad thing. Many people get confused with all of the products they have at their disposal.
These products (at least the best ones) can be pricey, so you’d be pretty disappointed to find out that the pre-workout supplement that you just bought is complete garbage. But no worries, we’re here to help you sift through all of the junk so that you can get to the good stuff!
When it comes to buying a pre-workout supplement, there are certain questions you should ask yourself in order to better gauge the quality and efficacy of the supplement you’re considering.
What is the Overall Quality of the Product?
Check the ingredients label. What’s in it and how does it work?
Some pre-workout supplements are made with synergistic blends of ingredients that support each other and improve each other’s function better than if they were separate.
Read the label carefully. Some lower quality pre-workout supplements contain fillers like maltodextrin which is a cheap carbohydrate filler.
In addition, artificial colors and sweeteners may be included to give a supplement more sweetness and make it look more attractive, but there are better options out there that are safer without affecting the taste.
What is the Brand’s Reputation and Quality?
There are hundreds of pre-workout supplements out there in every shape, form, and color. But it’s important to know what you’re actually putting into your body.
What about the brand behind the supplement? Is it well-known and trusted? Or did it seem to crop up overnight and gain a sudden influx of five-star reviews?
If you’re not sure, ask around. People in weight-lifting and bodybuilding circles will give you the unabashed truth.
Some people feel more comfortable with a more well-known brand like Optimum Nutrition or BSN compared to some lesser-known brands. But just because a brand is not as famous, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily bad.
What Do Users Say About Its Effectiveness?
Everyone has their preferred pre-workout supplement routine. Some like an unflavored capsule that they just take with water. Others prefer a flavored mix that they can take with water on the way to the gym.
More importantly, how do people feel after they take it? Do they feel like the supplement is helping add to their workout routine and helping them improve?
Have you heard anything personally about the product from friends or fellow gym-goers? Don’t forget to check online reviews as well, but it’s very important to remember to not only check the manufacturer’s website, but also third-party websites like Amazon, Bodybuilding.com, and TrustPilot.
These can be valuable, objective resources for you to consider when buying your pre-workout supplement
What Taste or Flavor Options are Available?
In order to stick to a routine, many people find that the best pre-workout supplement is one that’s flavored, and that tastes good. Having lots of options to choose from helps break up the monotony of choosing the same flavor each and every day.
How Dissolvable Is It?
If you choose a powdered mix, it’s important that it dissolves completely so that it’s more efficiently used by your body. No one wants to drink bitter sludge in the bottom of a glass or worse, drink clumps of powder.
If you opt for a mix, choose one that’s designed to dissolve fully and quickly so that it acts fast and doesn’t leave a weird aftertaste.
What Type of Ingredients Does it Contain?
Are the actual ingredients themselves that are included in the supplement effective? Have they been shown to work in many scientific studies and trials, such as creatine (30), caffeine (31), and citrulline malate (32)?
Sometimes, a company will place emphasis on one particular ingredient, especially if it happens to be new and trendy. This may be because it has shown particular promise in one or two small studies (such as having 10 subjects or less) taking place over a very short period of time, say 4 weeks or less.
While evidence like this can be exciting and promising, it’s not really considered “proven”.
How is the dosage of each ingredient?
The dosage of ingredients in pre-workouts has always been one of the largest concerns regarding this specific class of sports supplements.
Although much less prevalent over the past few years, some supplement companies choose to use what are called proprietary blends, which allows the company to list ingredients out into particular subcategories of their choosing, such as “anabolic matrix”, which may be a blend of testosterone-boosting ingredients such as Vitamin D (33) and Zinc (34).
However, the manufacturer only has to disclose the total weight of the sum of all ingredients in the subcategory, not each ingredient individually.
Because of this, companies can mask how much of an individual ingredient is actually in the product. This was originally used as a method to deter other companies from stealing their “recipe”, but after a while, it became a method for some manufacturers to hide the fact that sometimes, they were skimping out on expensive ingredients in order to save themselves money, yet charge people an exorbitantly high price tag.
Unless you’re absolutely sure of the quality of the companies brand reputation and user feedback, try to avoid products with these proprietary blends as best you can. In this way, you’ll be able to have confidence that the dosages that they’re giving you are top-notch and high quality.
Does it Include Stimulants?
Some pre-workout supplements include caffeine to help promote alertness and focus. But caffeine is by no means the only stimulant in pre-workout formulas. If you’re strictly looking for stimulants, you can check out our list of the best caffeine pills out there.
How Much Value Do You Get From It? What is the Price Per Serving?
Small serving sizes encourage you to buy more, especially if you use a pre-workout supplement every day.
Consider the price per serving and the results you’re getting from it. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so you’ll want to judge for yourself if the price is worth it.
How many servings does the supplement contain? Usually, pre-workout supplements are either 20 servings or 30 servings.
More often than not, the more high-quality pre-workouts are now being sold in 20-serving tubs due to the fact that they have larger dosages of the ingredients in them, so the serving size is larger.
How does the price of the product stack up against other pre-workouts on the market? If you happen to be looking at one that is considered to be pricey relative to other pre-workout supplements, does it have a large majority of proven ingredients in it? Are the dosages optimal?
Once pre-workout supplements start crossing over into the $50+ range, it’s very important that you strongly consider as to whether or not it’s really worth your money.
Has Any Trusted Third-Party Testing Been Conducted On It? Does it Adhere to FDA Standards?
You want to be confident that whatever you’re putting into your body is made up of quality ingredients.
Look for supplements that are made in facilities that adhere to cGMPs or Current Good Manufacturing Processes. This means that they’ve been certified by the FDA to follow or exceed the correct procedures to ensure safety and quality.
There are many other third-party seals and certifications to consider, including certifying that a mix is free from banned substances, that it’s gluten-free or vegan-friendly, and more.
How Easy Is It to Buy and Take?
Making a pre-workout supplement part of your routine revolves around how easy it is to buy and take.
If you dread the taste or the effects you feel when you take it, it’s a sure bet that more of it will end up in the trash than in your body.
Consider choosing a supplement that you enjoy taking, works well for you, and is affordable and gives you the results you’re looking for. It can seem like a tall order to fill, but what’s best differs for everyone.
That being said, it’s a good idea to try several top-rated brands to see which works best for your unique needs.
Pre-Workout Supplements FAQ
* = Studies are still ongoing, only animal studies are available, or there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the action of this ingredient.
ⓘ Any specific supplement products & brands featured on this website are not necessarily endorsed by Zachary.
Stock Photos from I T A L O / Shutterstock
Contents of this Article
- 10 Best Pre-Workout Brands Compared
- How to Pick a Good Pre-Workout Product
- Pre-Workout Supplements FAQ
- What are pre-workout supplements?
- What types of pre-workout supplements are there?
- What are the most common pre-workout ingredients to look for?
- Stim vs. Stim-Free Pre-Workouts?
- What are the benefits of pre-workout supplements?
- Do pre-workout supplements work?
- Are pre-workout supplements legal?
- Are pre-workout supplements a steroid?
- Are pre-workout supplements banned in sports?
- Should I take a pre-workout supplement?
- Who can benefit from taking a pre-workout supplement?
- Is there a difference between men and women’s pre-workouts?
- Should I take a pre-workout supplement if I don’t work out?
- Will a pre-workout supplement increase my libido?
- Can a pre-workout supplement make me stronger?
- Can I just take individual pre-workout ingredients instead of a pre-workout supplement?
- Can I make my own pre-workout supplement?
- How long before a workout should I take a pre-workout supplement?
- Should I eat food with my pre-workout supplement?
- When is the best time to take a pre-workout supplement?
- How often should I take a pre-workout supplement?
- For how long should I take a pre-workout supplement?
- Should I take a break from pre-workout supplements?
- Are pre-workout supplements safe to take?
- What are the side effects of a pre-workout supplement?
- Do pre-workout supplements cause damage to the kidneys and liver or any other organ?
- Do pre-workout supplements cause acne?
- Do pre-workout supplements cause hair loss (alopecia)?
- Will pre-workout supplements cause testicle shrinkage?
- Can I take a pre-workout supplement with other supplements?
- What are the best supplements to take a pre-workout supplement with?
- Should I take a pre-workout supplement when I’m trying to lose weight?
- Will I Lose Weight or Muscle Mass If I stop using a pre-workout supplement?