BEST PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS
- Best Pre-Workout Overall & For Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs BULK
- Best Pre-Workout for Cutting: Transparent Labs LEAN
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout with Serious Pump Capability: Huge Supplements Wrecked Enraged
- Best Stim-Free Pre-Workouts: Swolverine PRE Pre-Workout |Transparent Labs Stim-Free | KAGED Pre-Kaged Stim Free
- Best Pre-Workout with More Caffeine: KAGED Pre-Kaged
When it comes to selecting the best pre-workout supplements, the task can be daunting. With a myriad of ingredients, including caffeine, amino acids, greens powders, and various extracts, it’s crucial to find a product that meets specific criteria, such as fully dosed L-citrulline, minimal artificial ingredients, and controlled caffeine content, considering that caffeine is very likely already present in the diet. Based on a deep dive into peer-reviewed literature, we have identified the following pre-workout supplements that meet these criteria.
Best Pre-Workout Overall & For Muscle Gain:
Transparent Labs BULK: This pre-workout supplement stands out as one of the best choices available. With no blends, gluten-free formulation, and absence of artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors, it delivers on quality. BULK contains a manageable caffeine content of 200mg per scoop, making it suitable for those seeking moderation. It also provides significant doses of L-citrulline (8,000mg) and beta-alanine (4,000mg). Notably, each scoop includes 3,000mcg of boron, which has shown potential links to testosterone production. The formulation also incorporates focus-enhancing components like alpha-GPC (300mg), taurine (1,300mg), and l-tyrosine (1,000mg). With 13 ergogenic ingredients, B vitamins, and electrolytes, Transparent Labs BULK earns its place as a top-tier pre-workout supplement. It is reasonably priced at around $49.99 for a 30-serving tub, equivalent to roughly $1.67 per scoop. Choose from 11 delicious and unique flavors.
Best Pre-Workout for Cutting:
Transparent Labs LEAN: This supplement packs a punch with ingredients commonly found in fat burner supplements. Notably, it includes synephrine, which some studies suggest can increase daily calorie expenditure, potentially amplified by the presence of hordenine in this product. Additionally, certain components may support thyroid health. The well-dosed formulation combines citrulline, beta-alanine, and theanine, the latter of which helps mitigate caffeine jitters.
While BCAAs are relatively low, Transparent Labs LEAN offers a standout, all-natural pre-workout that may promote thermogenesis (increased calorie burning) while delivering an effective pump during workouts. This is a pre-workout that offers fat loss benefits, not the other way around.
Best Tasting Pre-Workout with Serious Pump Capability:
HUGE Supplements Wrecked: For individuals seeking a skin-splitting pump, Wrecked by HUGE Supplements offers the desired effects. Its carefully formulated ingredients, such as L-citrulline (8,000mg), betaine anhydrous (3,000mg), and beta-alanine (3,500mg), promote increased blood flow and vasodilation. With a total caffeine content of 350mg, Wrecked provides an energy boost to power through intense sets.
Best Stim-Free Pre-Workouts:
Swolverine PRE Pre-Workout: This pre-workout supplement caters to those who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners. With less than one gram of sugar per serving and an all-natural, non-GMO, and gluten-free formulation, it appeals to individuals seeking cleaner ingredients. Swolverine PRE Pre-Workout, a caffeine-free option, suits those who work out late at night or are mindful of caffeine intake. It contains natural components like 1,000mg of coconut water and 500mg of pomegranate, which provide antioxidants and nitrates. It also includes staple pre-workout ingredients such as citrulline malate (5,000mg), beta-alanine (3,200mg), and betaine (2,500mg). At a little over $2.00 per serving, it falls within the range of high-quality pre-workout supplements. With its blend of performance-enhancing ingredients and antioxidant-rich superfoods, Swolverine PRE optimizes performance and aids in recovery. The product’s all-natural, vegan composition and the refreshing Mango Lemonade flavor sweetened with stevia make it an excellent choice.
Transparent Labs Stim-Free: For individuals who prefer to steer clear of stimulants, Transparent Labs Stim-Free pre-workout is a remarkable choice. It offers a clean energy boost without the use of caffeine or other stimulant ingredients. With a focus on providing optimal performance and enhancing muscle pumps, this supplement features key ingredients such as fully dosed L-citrulline (6,000mg) and beta-alanine (4,000mg). Additionally, it contains 3,200mg of betaine anhydrous, which has been linked to improved power output and strength gains. Transparent Labs Stim-Free also includes essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring comprehensive support for your workout routine. As with all Transparent Labs products, it is free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors, providing a high-quality pre-workout option. With its dedication to clean and effective formulations, Transparent Labs Stim-Free is a standout choice for individuals seeking a stimulant-free pre-workout supplement.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim-Free: Designed to deliver exceptional performance without the use of stimulants, Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim-Free pre-workout is a top contender in the market. With a focus on enhancing endurance, strength, and mental focus, this supplement combines scientifically-backed ingredients to fuel your workouts. It includes fully dosed L-citrulline (6,000mg) for increased blood flow and muscle pumps, along with beta-alanine (1,600mg) to buffer fatigue and improve muscular endurance. Additionally, Pre-Kaged Stim-Free contains 2,500mg of betaine anhydrous, known for its role in promoting power output and strength gains. This formula is also enriched with coconut water powder, delivering essential electrolytes to support hydration during intense training sessions. With its commitment to quality and performance, Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim-Free stands as an excellent choice for individuals seeking a stimulant-free pre-workout supplement.
Best Pre-Workout with More Caffeine:
Kaged Pre-Kaged: While we feel the 200mg caffeine found in our top contender is enough to fuel any workout and often find ourselves reaching for Stim-Free product to avoid interfering with our sleep later in the day, sometimes you need a pick-me-up that only caffeine will satisfy. While there are other products on the market offering much more caffeine than Kaged Pre-Kaged (including their very own Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite), this is a pre-workout supplement that packs a powerful punch, offering a comprehensive blend of ingredients to fuel your workouts and maximize performance. With a focus on enhancing energy, focus, and endurance, this product combines scientifically studied components to elevate your training sessions. It features fully dosed L-citrulline (6,000mg) for improved blood flow and muscle pumps, along with beta-alanine (1,600mg) to enhance muscular endurance. Additionally, Pre-Kaged includes 1.5g of patented CarnoSyn® beta-alanine, ensuring quality and efficacy. This pre-workout supplement also contains an advanced matrix of BCAAs, providing essential amino acids for muscle recovery and growth. With the inclusion of natural ingredients like coconut water powder and organic coffeeberry, Kaged Pre-Kaged offers a unique blend that supports hydration, antioxidant defense, and cognitive function. If you’re seeking a high-quality, all-in-one pre-workout supplement to take your training to the next level, Kaged Pre-Kaged is a top choice.
Based on our thorough analysis of the available peer-reviewed literature, ingredients and flavors, these pre-workout supplements meet the criteria of being fully dosed with L-citrulline, containing minimal artificial ingredients, and minimizing excessive caffeine content. They are backed by scientific evidence and have gained recognition in the fitness community for their effectiveness and quality formulations.
