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One of the most popular supplements on the market, people often turn to pre-workouts for help increasing energy, blood flow, endurance, power, and sometimes hydration. As such, you can find different combinations of ... Read more
The post The 16 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of August 2023 — Reviewed by a Dietitian appeared first on BarBend.
One of the most popular supplements on the market, people often turn to pre-workouts for help increasing energy, blood flow, endurance, power, and sometimes hydration. As such, you can find different combinations of beneficial ingredients (like caffeine, citrulline, and beta-alanine) in the form of powders, pre-made drinks, small liquid shots, and even chews and gum.
But with the glut of information on pre-workouts from ill-advised TikTok trends (i.e., dry scooping) to fit-fluencers peddling that good-good on all platforms, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds when choosing a pre-workout supplement. Which pre-workouts work, and which ones are just noise? We’ve spent years testing out the best (and the worst) pre-workouts, and we’ve got opinions. Here are the best pre-workout supplements for just about any fitness goal.
The 16 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2023
Best Pre-Workout Supplements Video Review
Though we still want you to read our thoroughly researched pre-workout round-up, sometimes a video is easier to digest. We’ve got you covered on both. Check out our equally thoughtful and scrupulously researched video review below.
[Related: Are Preworkouts Worth It?]
How We Picked and Tested the Best Pre-Workouts
We tried a lot of pre-workouts (and hit a lot of PRs) before landing on this list. Here are the criteria we looked at. Note that these aren’t necessarily deal-breakers — some products are on the pricey side, for example, but the ingredient list justifies it.
Value
Most pre-workouts cost between $1.00 and $2.00 per serving. Plenty are more expensive, and usually, the price is justified, but over two dollars per serving counts as “you should know this is pricey” territory. We made sure that all of the prices of the product on this list were in line (in our eyes, at least) with the ingredients included and the potency of the formula.
Transparency
A considerable number of pre-workouts consist of proprietary blends that tell you the ingredients but not the amounts that are provided. That means you won’t know exactly what’s effective and what’s not. Now, legally, they have to order the components by weight, so you can usually get a decent guess at the dose, and proprietary blends are so prominent in the industry that we didn’t outright disqualify a product that has one — but it definitely loses points for lack of transparency. We also chose some products for this list specifically because of their crystal-clear dosing.
Dosage
On a related note, scores of pre-workouts take research-backed ingredients but don’t use research-backed doses. For example, creatine needs to be dosed at 3-5 grams to have the desired effect. We know the research front and back, so we can assess how effective a dose is. (Note that sometimes, as is the case with tyrosine, we don’t really know the minimum dosage, but we can make an educated guess.) For the most part, we have only included picks on this list that contain the proper dosage for their ingredients.
Testing
Some companies will employ a third party, like Informed Choice, Informed Sport, or NSF, to test their products (or their facility) for substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency or NCAA banned list. Many athletes will only take third-party tested products, particularly since questionable pre-workouts can be the ones that produce positive results.
Best Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs Bulk
When looking for an excellent pre-workout supplement, we value research-backed ingredients in clearly disclosed dosages. Transparent Labs is a company that heavily prioritizes both of those elements in their BULK pre-workout.
Transparent Labs BULK is our favorite pre-workout supplement, thanks in a big part to its…transparency. There aren’t any blends, it’s gluten-free and contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. If you read the label, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting and how much — which is crucial if you also take other supplements. (Accidentally doubling up on dosages for specific ingredients is dangerous at worst and redundant at best.)
Save 10%
Transparent Labs BULK
Transparent Labs BULK
Transparent Labs BULK provides lots of beta-alanine for improved endurance, as well as a slew of ingredients to aid in focus — two key traits for lifters and endurance athletes alike. Plus, it has citrulline, which can help with nitric oxide production.
Shop Transparent Labs
BULK’s 200 milligrams of caffeine (per serving) is in the middle of the pack compared to other products on the market; our tester felt a productive surge of energy without a post-workout crash during testing. BULK features big hits of citrulline and beta-alanine, which gave our tester a nice pump toward the middle and end of their workout.
“Beta-Alanine is well researched and generally regarded as safe when taken by most adults, as directed,” says Justine Hays, M.S., R.D., C.D.N, a registered dietitian and experienced health writer. “Beta-Alanine works by preventing muscle fatigue, allowing you to work out at a higher intensity for a longer period of time.”
Each scoop also contains a solid dose of boron, which may potentially boost testosterone production in the body. (1) The flavors are on point as well, especially Blue Raspberry, which according to our tester, has just the right amount of sweetness without being too saccharine.
Transparent Labs BULK at BarBend for testing
Specs
Read our full [/i]Transparent Labs BULK review.
Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs BULK
There’s a difference between a pre-workout that energizes you and a pre-workout with ingredients that can help you put on muscle. We found the latter in Transparent Labs BULK with a formula intended to support testosterone production and help you get a solid pump, both of which can help you pack on some lean pounds.
This research-backed formula features a wide range of time-tested ingredients that can help promote muscle growth in several ways. First, each scoop has a large dose of citrulline and betaine, which helped our testers get solid muscle pumps during testing. Research suggests that achieving a pump during workouts can actually trigger protein synthesis, resulting in muscle growth. (2) The doses of these ingredients included here fit with the 6 to 8 grams of citrulline and 2.5 grams of betaine that studies recommend. In practice, this worked out, as our testers did notice some nice pumps during our testing sessions.
Save 10%
Transparent Labs BULK
Transparent Labs BULK
Transparent Labs BULK provides lots of beta-alanine for improved endurance, as well as a slew of ingredients to aid in focus — two key traits for lifters and endurance athletes alike. Plus, it has citrulline, which can help with nitric oxide production.
Shop Transparent Labs
Also, the boron and zinc in BULK may help support healthy levels of testosterone, a hormone that builds muscle by stimulating protein synthesis and minimizing protein degradation. (3) A less direct way that BULK may help you pack on muscle is by delivering 200mg of caffeine and a 4,000mg shot of beta-alanine. This amino acid has been shown to delay muscle fatigue, which could help you push through your workouts to get that highly-coveted (and muscle-building) pump. “A common side effect is skin tingling,” Hays says. “If this is uncomfortable for you, it can be alleviated by consuming lower doses.”
Pros
Strongest Pre-Workout: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max
This pick’s ingredients stay true to its name — Jacked Factory maxes out its ingredients to provide one of the strongest pre-workouts on the market for those who want a little extra kick.
Nitrosurge Max is named to sound like a strong pre-workout, and it lives up to the hype. One scoop is enough for regular sessions and more potent than many other pre-workouts thanks to relatively large doses of citrulline and caffeine. But if you’ve got a big day coming up, then a double dip may be what you need. If you opt for the full two-scoop serving, you should notice big yet smooth energy within about 15 minutes. The citrulline dose is huge at 9,000mg, but it took us about half an hour to feel it, so you may have to experiment with your timing to make sure it hits at the right time. Despite being a potent formula, a serving of Jacked Factory is two scoops, so beginners can halve their intake for a more mellow pre-workout kick.
“Doses of caffeine larger than 3mg/kg body weight may cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, upset stomach, and trouble sleeping,” Hays says. “If you are caffeine sensitive, you may want to stick to a single scoop or try to fit your workouts in first thing in the morning.”
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max
Nitrosurge Max is packed with massive doses of all your favorite pre-workout ingredients. For every two-scoop serving you’ll receive 9,000mg of citrulline, 2,500mg of betaine, 2,000mg of tyrosine, 350mg of caffeine, 250mcg of huperzine A, and more.
Shop Amazon
While we do really like how potent this formula is, it would be nice to have more pump ingredients like betaine and a higher dose of arginine. We still enjoyed this formula, and the combination of ingredients works well. The flavor we tried, Strawberry Margarita, was a huge hit with our testers, with one even reporting that it tastes like something you’d sip over ice by the pool.
Specs
Want the full scoop on pre-workouts? See our[/i] complete guide to pre-workout supplements here.
Best Pre-Workout for Men: Transparent Labs BULK Black
Many men may supplement with a pre-workout to help boost energy, maintain focus, and potentially gain more muscle and strength. But they may also want a pre-workout that fills nutritional gaps and supports them where they may be most deficient. After testing this product ourselves, we think Transparent Labs BULK Black checks more boxes than we knew we needed, making it the best pre-workout for men on the market.
One of the main reasons we like BULK Black is that it contains over 10,000 percent of your daily need for vitamin B12, and research suggests that men may be more likely to have a B12 deficiency. (4) B12 is important because of its effects on energy levels and nerve function. One of the symptoms of deficiency is even muscle weakness, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough. (4) With each scoop, you’ll also receive a potent dose of citrulline and betaine to potentially aid in blood flow, which works well with the high doses of B12 since this vitamin helps red blood cell production. Another great addition is vitamin D. “Vitamin D is an important nutrient added into this supplement,” Hays says. “Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin D, so this might be a good choice for some people.”
Transparent Labs BULK Black
Transparent Labs BULK Black
Packed with over 17 grams of clinically-dosed ingredients like citrulline malate, caffeine, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous this formula has all the good things we look for in a pre-workout. It leaves out what we’d rather avoid like artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives.
Shop Transparent Labs
...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 16 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of August 2023 — Reviewed by a Dietitian appeared first on BarBend.
One of the most popular supplements on the market, people often turn to pre-workouts for help increasing energy, blood flow, endurance, power, and sometimes hydration. As such, you can find different combinations of beneficial ingredients (like caffeine, citrulline, and beta-alanine) in the form of powders, pre-made drinks, small liquid shots, and even chews and gum.
But with the glut of information on pre-workouts from ill-advised TikTok trends (i.e., dry scooping) to fit-fluencers peddling that good-good on all platforms, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds when choosing a pre-workout supplement. Which pre-workouts work, and which ones are just noise? We’ve spent years testing out the best (and the worst) pre-workouts, and we’ve got opinions. Here are the best pre-workout supplements for just about any fitness goal.
The 16 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2023
- Best Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs BULK
- Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs BULK
- Strongest Pre-Workout: Jacked Factory Nitro Max
- Best Pre-Workout for Men: Transparent Labs BULK Black
- Best Pre-Workout for Pumps: Huge Supplements Wrecked
- Best All Natural Pre-Workout: Swolverine PRE Pre-Workout
- Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout: Huge Supplements Wrecked Enraged
- Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout: Swolverine PRE Pre-Workout
- Best Pre-Workout for Running: Xwerks Ignite
- Best Research-Backed Pre-Workout: Huge Supplements Wrecked
- Best Pre-Workout With Creatine: Kaged Pre-Kaged
- Best Pre-Workout for Beginners: Swolverine PRE Pre-Workout
- Best Vegan Pre-Workout: Onnit Total Strength + Performance
- Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout: Transparent Labs LEAN
- Best Pre-Workout for Women: KOS Bolt from the Blue
Best Pre-Workout Supplements Video Review
Though we still want you to read our thoroughly researched pre-workout round-up, sometimes a video is easier to digest. We’ve got you covered on both. Check out our equally thoughtful and scrupulously researched video review below.
[Related: Are Preworkouts Worth It?]
How We Picked and Tested the Best Pre-Workouts
We tried a lot of pre-workouts (and hit a lot of PRs) before landing on this list. Here are the criteria we looked at. Note that these aren’t necessarily deal-breakers — some products are on the pricey side, for example, but the ingredient list justifies it.
Value
Most pre-workouts cost between $1.00 and $2.00 per serving. Plenty are more expensive, and usually, the price is justified, but over two dollars per serving counts as “you should know this is pricey” territory. We made sure that all of the prices of the product on this list were in line (in our eyes, at least) with the ingredients included and the potency of the formula.
Transparency
A considerable number of pre-workouts consist of proprietary blends that tell you the ingredients but not the amounts that are provided. That means you won’t know exactly what’s effective and what’s not. Now, legally, they have to order the components by weight, so you can usually get a decent guess at the dose, and proprietary blends are so prominent in the industry that we didn’t outright disqualify a product that has one — but it definitely loses points for lack of transparency. We also chose some products for this list specifically because of their crystal-clear dosing.
Dosage
On a related note, scores of pre-workouts take research-backed ingredients but don’t use research-backed doses. For example, creatine needs to be dosed at 3-5 grams to have the desired effect. We know the research front and back, so we can assess how effective a dose is. (Note that sometimes, as is the case with tyrosine, we don’t really know the minimum dosage, but we can make an educated guess.) For the most part, we have only included picks on this list that contain the proper dosage for their ingredients.
Testing
Some companies will employ a third party, like Informed Choice, Informed Sport, or NSF, to test their products (or their facility) for substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency or NCAA banned list. Many athletes will only take third-party tested products, particularly since questionable pre-workouts can be the ones that produce positive results.
Best Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs Bulk
When looking for an excellent pre-workout supplement, we value research-backed ingredients in clearly disclosed dosages. Transparent Labs is a company that heavily prioritizes both of those elements in their BULK pre-workout.
Transparent Labs BULK is our favorite pre-workout supplement, thanks in a big part to its…transparency. There aren’t any blends, it’s gluten-free and contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. If you read the label, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting and how much — which is crucial if you also take other supplements. (Accidentally doubling up on dosages for specific ingredients is dangerous at worst and redundant at best.)
Save 10%
Transparent Labs BULK
Transparent Labs BULK
Transparent Labs BULK provides lots of beta-alanine for improved endurance, as well as a slew of ingredients to aid in focus — two key traits for lifters and endurance athletes alike. Plus, it has citrulline, which can help with nitric oxide production.
Shop Transparent Labs
BULK’s 200 milligrams of caffeine (per serving) is in the middle of the pack compared to other products on the market; our tester felt a productive surge of energy without a post-workout crash during testing. BULK features big hits of citrulline and beta-alanine, which gave our tester a nice pump toward the middle and end of their workout.
“Beta-Alanine is well researched and generally regarded as safe when taken by most adults, as directed,” says Justine Hays, M.S., R.D., C.D.N, a registered dietitian and experienced health writer. “Beta-Alanine works by preventing muscle fatigue, allowing you to work out at a higher intensity for a longer period of time.”
Each scoop also contains a solid dose of boron, which may potentially boost testosterone production in the body. (1) The flavors are on point as well, especially Blue Raspberry, which according to our tester, has just the right amount of sweetness without being too saccharine.
Transparent Labs BULK at BarBend for testing
Specs
- Caffeine: 200mg
- Key Ingredients: 8,000mg of citrulline malate, 4,000mg of beta-alanine, and 300mg of alpha GPC
- Flavors: Strawberry Kiwi, Piña Colada, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Peach Mango, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Lime
- Price: $49.99
- Servings: 30
- This pre-workout is transparent with clearly labeled, research-backed, and effectively-dosed ingredients.
- BULK has boron and zinc that might help increase testosterone which is important for building muscle.
- This pick contains alpha-GPC, taurine, and tyrosine, all of which may help with focus.
- The large dose of beta-alanine may cause too much tingling for some people who are sensitive to it.
- BULK is somewhat expensive compared to similar options.
- Transparent Labs uses stevia to sweeten this, which might leave a bitter aftertaste for some people.
Read our full [/i]Transparent Labs BULK review.
Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs BULK
There’s a difference between a pre-workout that energizes you and a pre-workout with ingredients that can help you put on muscle. We found the latter in Transparent Labs BULK with a formula intended to support testosterone production and help you get a solid pump, both of which can help you pack on some lean pounds.
This research-backed formula features a wide range of time-tested ingredients that can help promote muscle growth in several ways. First, each scoop has a large dose of citrulline and betaine, which helped our testers get solid muscle pumps during testing. Research suggests that achieving a pump during workouts can actually trigger protein synthesis, resulting in muscle growth. (2) The doses of these ingredients included here fit with the 6 to 8 grams of citrulline and 2.5 grams of betaine that studies recommend. In practice, this worked out, as our testers did notice some nice pumps during our testing sessions.
Save 10%
Transparent Labs BULK
Transparent Labs BULK
Transparent Labs BULK provides lots of beta-alanine for improved endurance, as well as a slew of ingredients to aid in focus — two key traits for lifters and endurance athletes alike. Plus, it has citrulline, which can help with nitric oxide production.
Shop Transparent Labs
Also, the boron and zinc in BULK may help support healthy levels of testosterone, a hormone that builds muscle by stimulating protein synthesis and minimizing protein degradation. (3) A less direct way that BULK may help you pack on muscle is by delivering 200mg of caffeine and a 4,000mg shot of beta-alanine. This amino acid has been shown to delay muscle fatigue, which could help you push through your workouts to get that highly-coveted (and muscle-building) pump. “A common side effect is skin tingling,” Hays says. “If this is uncomfortable for you, it can be alleviated by consuming lower doses.”
Pros
- High doses of citrulline and betaine can help users achieve a pump, which research shows may lead to muscle growth.
- The zinc and boron included here can help support healthy testosterone levels, a hormone shown to facilitate protein synthesis.
- The combination of beta-alanine and caffeine may work well together to provide focused energy.
- People may find the beta-alanine-induced skin tingles uncomfortable.
- We’d like to see creatine — a popular, research-backed ingredient that facilitates muscle-building performance in the gym. However, if you already take creatine or another supplement that includes creatine, this isn’t a consideration.
Strongest Pre-Workout: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max
This pick’s ingredients stay true to its name — Jacked Factory maxes out its ingredients to provide one of the strongest pre-workouts on the market for those who want a little extra kick.
Nitrosurge Max is named to sound like a strong pre-workout, and it lives up to the hype. One scoop is enough for regular sessions and more potent than many other pre-workouts thanks to relatively large doses of citrulline and caffeine. But if you’ve got a big day coming up, then a double dip may be what you need. If you opt for the full two-scoop serving, you should notice big yet smooth energy within about 15 minutes. The citrulline dose is huge at 9,000mg, but it took us about half an hour to feel it, so you may have to experiment with your timing to make sure it hits at the right time. Despite being a potent formula, a serving of Jacked Factory is two scoops, so beginners can halve their intake for a more mellow pre-workout kick.
“Doses of caffeine larger than 3mg/kg body weight may cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, upset stomach, and trouble sleeping,” Hays says. “If you are caffeine sensitive, you may want to stick to a single scoop or try to fit your workouts in first thing in the morning.”
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max
Nitrosurge Max is packed with massive doses of all your favorite pre-workout ingredients. For every two-scoop serving you’ll receive 9,000mg of citrulline, 2,500mg of betaine, 2,000mg of tyrosine, 350mg of caffeine, 250mcg of huperzine A, and more.
Shop Amazon
While we do really like how potent this formula is, it would be nice to have more pump ingredients like betaine and a higher dose of arginine. We still enjoyed this formula, and the combination of ingredients works well. The flavor we tried, Strawberry Margarita, was a huge hit with our testers, with one even reporting that it tastes like something you’d sip over ice by the pool.
Specs
- Caffeine: 350mg
- Key Ingredients: 9,000mg of l-citrulline, 250mcg of huperzine A, 1,600mg of arginine
- Flavors: Watermelon Rocket, Cherry Bomb, and Electric Blue Raspberry
- Price: $39.99
- Servings: 20
- Jacked Factory provides the information for both one and two scoops on the label so you don’t have to do mental math.
- The price per serving is low if you’re only taking one scoop at a time.
- If you want a high dose of caffeine, this has you covered with 350mg per two-scoop serving.
- This pre-workout may be too potent for people new to pre-workouts.
- Jacked Factory doesn’t give much information on why they chose certain ingredients. Many other pre-workout manufacturers explain each part in-depth.
- The flavor options are limited, with only three choices, whereas other pre’s have nearly a dozen.
Want the full scoop on pre-workouts? See our[/i] complete guide to pre-workout supplements here.
Best Pre-Workout for Men: Transparent Labs BULK Black
Many men may supplement with a pre-workout to help boost energy, maintain focus, and potentially gain more muscle and strength. But they may also want a pre-workout that fills nutritional gaps and supports them where they may be most deficient. After testing this product ourselves, we think Transparent Labs BULK Black checks more boxes than we knew we needed, making it the best pre-workout for men on the market.
One of the main reasons we like BULK Black is that it contains over 10,000 percent of your daily need for vitamin B12, and research suggests that men may be more likely to have a B12 deficiency. (4) B12 is important because of its effects on energy levels and nerve function. One of the symptoms of deficiency is even muscle weakness, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough. (4) With each scoop, you’ll also receive a potent dose of citrulline and betaine to potentially aid in blood flow, which works well with the high doses of B12 since this vitamin helps red blood cell production. Another great addition is vitamin D. “Vitamin D is an important nutrient added into this supplement,” Hays says. “Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin D, so this might be a good choice for some people.”
Transparent Labs BULK Black
Transparent Labs BULK Black
Packed with over 17 grams of clinically-dosed ingredients like citrulline malate, caffeine, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous this formula has all the good things we look for in a pre-workout. It leaves out what we’d rather avoid like artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives.
Shop Transparent Labs
...
Click here to view the article.
