Written by Andrew Lenau | ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
FACT CHECKED
We adhere to a strict methodology when reviewing products. We strive to deliver you an unbiased opinion on products and services so that you're able to make an informed decision. Learn More
We may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page at no cost to you. Learn More
Although the supplement industry has improved the texture and flavor of its products over the last decade, many supplements still don't taste good. However, the taste shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing a supplement - it must also be effective.
Pre-workout supplements can be beneficial for providing energy and focus during workouts, but they must taste good too. Many supplement companies have recognized this and are making an effort to create supplements that are both tasty and effective.
I've researched pre-workouts extensively and used personal experiences to create this list of seven best-tasting pre-workout supplements.
7 Best Tasting Pre-Workouts
- Overall Best: Transparent Labs BULK
- Non-Stim Pre-Workout: Transparent Labs Stim-Free
- For Women: Powher Pre-Workout
- With BCAAs: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite
- Natural Pre-Workout: Naked Energy
- For Athletes: Klean Pre-Workout
- Vegan Pre-Workout: Swolverine Pre
SFS Pick
TL BULK
SFS Non-Stim Pick
Transparent Labs
SFS Women's Pick
Powher
1. Overall Best Tasting Pre-Workout: Transparent Labs BULK
This list wouldn't be complete without discussing Transparent Labs BULK. Priding themselves on a commitment to honesty and transparency, the label of this pre-workout displays the precise dosage of each active ingredient, leaving out any guessing.
The Transparent Labs website provides a detailed breakdown of every ingredient and the reason behind its inclusion in their pre-workout formula. With 8,000 mg of Citrulline Malate, 2,500 mg of Betaine Anhydrous, and 1,000 mg of Tyrosine, this pre-workout is designed to deliver intense focus and pumps during every workout. BULK is designed to be all killer, no-filler, making it one of the best pre-workout supplements you can buy.
But, the best part? This pre-workout tastes amazing! We understand that taste is important, and Transparent Labs has worked hard to ensure their 11 different flavors (our favorite is sour grape) of pre-workout are effective and enjoyable to drink.
This product is third-party tested and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility to ensure the highest quality standards. If you're searching for a new pre-workout with unparalleled pumps and incredible taste, look no further than Transparent Labs BULK.
Pros
- 11 delicious flavors
- Manufactured in a certified GMP facility
- Fully dosed ingredients
Cons
- Creatine will need to be taken separately
This pre-workout features natural and evidence-based ingredients, fully transparent labeling, and absolutely no artificial color, sweetener, or flavoring. Formulated to enhance strength...
2. Best Tasting Non-Stim Pre-Workout: Transparent Labs Stim-Free
Are you looking for an outstanding stimulant-free pre-workout supplement? Look no further than Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free. Packed with clinically effective dosages of key ingredients such as citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, and taurine, this supplement is perfect for anyone who is intolerant to stimulants or caffeine and wants to cycle off.
With 100% formula transparency, PreSeries STIM-FREE is ideal for serious athletes and bodybuilders, whether male or female, who demand a high-intensity pre-workout experience.
The jumbo-sized jug contains over 23 grams per scoop and 13 active ingredients that can help increase nitric oxide in the muscles, enhance focus and endurance, and build lean muscle mass.
Best of all, PreSeries STIM-FREE contains no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives and is available in eight unique flavors, with the sour grape being a personal favorite. This vegan supplement from Transparent Labs is free of illegal drugs, making it a safe choice for athletes.
Give PreSeries STIM-FREE a try and see why it's one of the best caffeine-free pre-workout supplements on the market.
Pros
- No artificial BS
- Great flavor options
- Reasonably priced
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- Processed in a facility that contains nuts
PreSeries STIM-FREE was developed to be the most exceptional "stimulant-free" pre-workout supplement available. With key ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine...
3. Best Tasting Pre-Workout For Women: Powher Pre-Workout
If you're looking for a pre-workout supplement specifically designed for women, Powher by Ultimate Life may be worth considering. This supplement is marketed as a fitness product that women can take before hitting the gym or exercising.
One of the standout features of Powher is its flavor, which is a refreshing Pink Lemonade. Taste is important when taking supplements regularly, so having an enjoyable flavor is great.
The pre-workout powder contains a range of ingredients, including vitamins B6 and B12, caffeine, L-Tyrosine, and EnXtra, a caffeine amplifier that enhances the effects of caffeine. The product is also formulated and reviewed by expert registered dietitians for nutritional quality and safety.
Powher is made in FDA & BRC registered facilities to GMP standards, ensuring high quality and safety. If you're a woman looking for a pre-workout supplement that's delicious and effective, Powher may be worth trying.
Pros
- Great flavor
- Formulated towards women
- Low levels of stimulants
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- It contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener
- One of the pricier options
Powher was designed to help everyday gym-goers stay focused on their workout, maintain motivation and achieve results, without the need for aggressive stimulants. A more approachable...
4. Best Tasting Pre-Workout With BCAAs: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite
Pre-Kaged Elite, developed and formulated by Kaged, is a premium pump-focused pre-workout supplement with BCAAs that is perfect for individuals who need a high level of stimulants without compromising on ingredient transparency.
With 20 premium ingredients, including nine that are patented, Pre-Kaged Elite offers a comprehensive package to enhance your workout routine.
Pre-Kaged Elite is designed to improve your energy and pumps, build lean muscle mass, and increase power, mental clarity, and even hydration. Its potent formula includes 388 mg of PurCaf organic caffeine, 2 grams of taurine, 2.5 grams of Tyrosine, and 6.5 grams of L-Citrulline, making it one of the most potent pre-workouts with BCAAs.
It also contains ElevATP, a cutting-edge nutritional technology that helps increase lean muscle mass, energy levels, and ATP production.
Each container of Pre-Kaged Elite contains twenty servings, and it comes in delicious flavors such as strawberry lemonade, fruit punch, and glacier grape. You won't have to worry about a bitter or unpleasant taste with this pre-workout.
Kaged seems to be committed to providing you with high-quality and safe products. Pre-Kaged Elite is formulated with your health and safety in mind and is made to the highest standards in FDA and BRC-registered facilities.
Pre-Kaged Elite is an excellent choice for a potent pre-workout supplement that delivers results.
Pros
- Produces great pumps
- It contains 5 grams of total creatine
- Tested by a third party
- Includes premium ingredients
Cons
- Not recommended for beginners
- It can have a gritty aftertaste
The most elite pre-workout ever formulated, with 20 premium ingredients for your most intense training sessions. You’ll have heightened energy, sharp mental focus, raw power, and...
5. Best Tasting Natural Pre-Workout: Naked Energy
Are you looking for a clean and pure pre-workout to help you power through your workouts? Look no further than Naked Energy. This premium vegan formula is made with only non-GMO ingredients, so you can feel good about what you're putting in your body.
Unlike many other pre-workout powders on the market, Naked Energy doesn't contain any additives or artificial sweeteners that could be harmful to your health. And to ensure the highest level of quality, this supplement has been independently third-party tested for heavy metals.
With ingredients like creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, and B vitamins, Naked Energy delivers a clean and effective boost in energy and power, helping you push through even the most strenuous workouts.
Plus, it's non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, keto-friendly, and free of soy and gluten, so it's perfect for anyone looking for a clean and natural supplement.
And if you're sensitive to stimulants, Naked Energy also comes in a non-stimulant version, so you can still get the benefits of this powerful pre-workout formula without any jitters or crashes.
With various delicious flavors, Naked Energy is the perfect pre-workout supplement for anyone who wants to perform at their best without compromising purity and quality.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- No additive or artificial sweeteners
- Stimulant and non-stimulant options
- Only ten premium ingredients
Cons
- A couple of other flavor options would be nice
Naked Energy is a clean pre-workout powder that has been formulated with only Non-GMO ingredients. Our premium vegan pre-workout formula will help boost energy, strength, and power...
6. Best Tasting Pre-Workout For Athletes: Klean Pre-Workout
Klean Pre-Workout is a top-quality supplement specially designed for athletes looking for a clean and effective way to improve their athletic endurance and performance. What sets Klean Pre-Workout apart from other supplements is that it is NSF Certified For Sport®, which means that it is free of artificial colors, banned substances, and fake flavors.
Moreover, it is gluten-free, GMO-free, and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. One of the key ingredients in Klean Pre-Workout is beetroot extract, a natural source of nitrates that can help improve athletic performance.
It also contains vitamin C and organic caffeine, which enhance endurance and protect against free radicals. With 300 mg of standardized nitrates, 75mg of organic caffeine, and vitamin C, Klean Pre-Workout provides potent ingredients to help you achieve optimal results during your workout.
The supplement comes in a natural lemon tea flavor that is delicious and clean-tasting. Whether you are an athlete or a fitness enthusiast, Klean Pre-Workout can help you take your performance to the next level.
Pros
- It contains high-quality, simple ingredients
- NSF Certified For Sport
- It has a delicious lemon tea flavor
- Contains some stimulants
Cons
- It may not be enough for stim junkies
Klean Pre-Workout is NSF Certified For Sport®, free of artificial colors and flavors. Uniquely formulated with beet root extract along with vitamin C and organic caffeine to support...
7. Best Tasting Vegan Pre-Workout: Swolverine Pre
Swolverine's Mango Lemonade Pre-Workout is an all-natural, non-stimulant, and clinically-dosed formula that blends high-quality sports nutrition with potent antioxidant-rich superfoods.
This pre-workout powder contains proven ingredients such as Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, and L-Carnitine and nutrient-dense superfoods like Pomegranate, Betaine Anhydrous, Coconut Water, and Ginseng.
Unlike other pre-workouts that contain blends, unknown ingredients, and high amounts of caffeine, Swolverine's Pre is a proprietary blend-free, clinically dosed, and made with all-natural vegan ingredients, which sets a new standard in sports performance and training.
The Mango Lemonade flavor has been well-received by reviewers and is the only flavor available.
With Swolverine's PRE-WORKOUT, athletes can fuel their workouts with a natural, effective, and superior sports nutrition formula.
Pros
- Ingredient transparency
- No stimulants
- It mixes well and has a good taste
- Clinically-dosed
Cons
- Expensive
- Only one flavor is available
Swolverine's Mango Lemonade Pre-Workout is a non-stim, proprietary blend-free, and clinically-dosed pre-workout formula, that combines high-quality sports nutrition, and potent antioxidant-rich superfoods...
Benefits of a Pre-workout
Pre-workout supplements have gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts in recent years. These supplements are designed to increase energy, enhance focus, improve endurance, and promote muscle growth during workouts.
Let's delve deeper into the benefits of pre-workout supplements.
1. Increased Energy
Pre-workout supplements are designed to increase energy levels, which can help you train harder and for more extended periods. Pre-workout supplements contain stimulants like caffeine that increase energy levels and help you push harder during workouts.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant in coffee, tea, and some plants. It increases adrenaline levels in the body, triggering a fight-or-flight response and increasing energy levels. Pre-workout supplements that contain caffeine have been shown to improve physical performance during high-intensity workouts.
In addition to caffeine, pre-workouts may also contain other energy-boosting ingredients such as taurine, beta-alanine, and creatine.
These ingredients work together to boost sustained energy to help you power through your workout.
2. Increased mental focus
Pre-workouts can improve mental focus and concentration during exercise. This can be particularly useful for those who struggle to stay motivated during long or intense workouts.
Many pre-workout supplements contain nootropics or other brain-boosting ingredients that can enhance cognitive function and help you to stay on task. This can lead to greater workout efficiency and better results.
3. Bigger pumps
One of the primary reasons that people use pre-workout supplements is to increase muscle pumps. A muscle pump results from increased blood flow to the muscles during exercise, making them appear larger and more defined.
Pre-workouts may contain ingredients like citrulline malate, arginine, and nitric oxide boosters that increase blood flow and enhance muscle pumps. This can help to improve muscle size and strength over time.
4. Improved endurance
Pre-workouts can also help to improve endurance during exercise. This is achieved by using ingredients that can increase aerobic capacity and delay the onset of fatigue.
Beta-alanine, for example, is an amino acid that can help reduce muscle fatigue symptoms and improve endurance during high-intensity exercise.
5. May improve strength
Pre-workout supplements may also help to improve strength over time. This is typically achieved through ingredients like creatine, a popular supplement that improves strength and power output.
Other ingredients like beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and betaine anhydrous may also help to improve strength by increasing muscle fiber recruitment and reducing muscle fatigue.
Side Effects of Pre-workouts
While pre-workouts can provide many benefits, they can also have side effects. The severity and frequency of these side effects can vary based on the individual and the specific pre-workout supplement they are taking. Some common side effects of pre-workouts include:
-
Jitters and Restlessness: Many pre-workout supplements contain high amounts of caffeine or other stimulants that can cause jitters, restlessness, and nervousness. These symptoms can be particularly noticeable in individuals sensitive to caffeine or consuming large amounts of caffeine in their diet.
-
Insomnia: Because pre-workouts often contain high amounts of caffeine or other stimulants, they can interfere with sleep patterns and cause insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.
-
Gastrointestinal Issues: Some pre-workouts contain ingredients such as creatine, beta-alanine, and other amino acids that can cause digestive discomforts, such as bloating and diarrhea.
-
Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Pre-workouts can also increase heart rate and blood pressure due to the presence of stimulants like caffeine. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or taking medications that affect heart rate or blood pressure.
-
Dehydration: Pre-workouts can cause dehydration, especially if they contain diuretic ingredients such as caffeine or green tea extract. Drinking plenty of water before and after a workout is vital to counteract this effect.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredients and follow the recommended dosage on pre-workout supplements to avoid potential side effects.
Common ingredients in pre-workouts:
Pre-workout supplements contain a broad range of ingredients that can help increase energy, improve endurance, and boost performance during exercise.
Here are some common ingredients found in pre-workout supplements and their benefits:
1. L-Citrulline
L-citrulline is an amino acid that helps increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles during exercise. It also helps reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, allowing you to push harder and recover faster.¹ Citrulline in any form is a staple of pre-workout supplements.
2. L-Arginine
L-arginine is another amino acid that helps increase blood flow and nitric oxide production in the body. This is why it's commonly seen in Nitric Oxide supplements. Nitric oxide helps dilate blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the muscles.
This can help increase energy, improve endurance, and reduce fatigue.²
3. L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps improve mental focus and alertness which is why it's seen in nootropic supplements. It does this by increasing the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood, motivation, and cognitive function.³
4. Creatine
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance that helps increase muscle energy production. It provides the muscles with more ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy source for muscle contractions. One of the most common muscle building supplements, creatine can often be found in pre-workouts.
This can help improve strength, power, and endurance during exercise.⁴
5. Vitamins
Many pre-workout supplements contain various vitamins, including B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Not only are these vitamins are essential in energy metabolism, immune function, and antioxidant defense⁵, they also are some of the most important vitamins for muscle growth.
6. Stimulants
Common stimulants found in pre-workout supplements include caffeine (although there are plenty of quality caffeine-free pre-workouts), green tea extract, yohimbine, and synephrine. These ingredients help increase energy, mental focus, and alertness, allowing you to push harder and train longer.⁶
7. BCAAs
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a group of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Supplementing BCAAs is necessary for muscle protein synthesis and recovery and may help reduce muscle fatigue and soreness during exercise.⁷
8. Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is another common ingredient found in pre-workouts. Most people might be familiar with it solely based on the pre-workout tingles. It's an amino acid that helps to buffer the pH levels in your muscles, which can help to delay the onset of fatigue during high-intensity exercise.⁸
While beta-alanine is commonly found in pre-workouts, it's important to note that it's only effective if taken every day, and we don't recommend using a pre-workout every day.
Therefore, while beta-alanine can help improve performance, it's not essential in a pre-workout supplement.
What to look for when buying a pre-workout
When looking for a pre-workout, there are several important factors to consider. Here is a breakdown of what to look for when choosing the best pre-workout supplement:
1. Ingredients
It's essential to look for a pre-workout supplement with high-quality ingredients that are effective and safe. Some common pre-workout ingredients, such as caffeine and creatine, have been extensively studied and are known to enhance athletic performance.
Additionally, look for a pre-workout with other beneficial ingredients like agmatine, taurine, and beetroot powder.
2. Dosages
Dosages are a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a good pre-workout supplement. This is because the amount of each ingredient in the supplement can significantly impact its effectiveness.
To achieve the desired benefits of each ingredient, the supplement must contain the right amount of each.
For example, taking too little of an ingredient may not have any effect on your workout, while taking too much can lead to adverse side effects such as jitters, headaches, and nausea.
On the other hand, taking the correct dosage can lead to optimal results such as improved endurance, increased strength, and enhanced mental focus.
3. Flavor/Taste
The flavor/taste of a pre-workout supplement is an important factor to consider because it can directly affect your overall experience and enjoyment of the product.
A pre-workout supplement that tastes bad or has an unpleasant aftertaste may discourage you from using it consistently, ultimately impacting your fitness goals.
On the other hand, a pre-workout supplement with an excellent taste and enjoyable flavor can make the experience of taking it more pleasurable and encourage you to use it more consistently.
This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with taking supplements or have a hard time drinking anything that has an unpleasant taste.
Additionally, many pre-workout supplements now come in various natural flavors, too, making it easier to find one that fits your taste preferences. Whether you prefer fruity, sour, or sweet flavors, there is likely a pre-workout supplement that caters to your taste.
4. Testing/Transparency
Look for pre-workout supplements that are transparent about their ingredients and dosages. Avoid proprietary blends, which do not disclose the specific amounts of each ingredient, making it difficult to know what you are consuming.
It's important to note that not all pre-workout supplements disclose the dosages of their ingredients on the label. This can make it difficult to know precisely how much of each component you're consuming.
In some cases, companies may use proprietary blends to hide the dosages of their ingredients. This can be a red flag, as it prevents consumers from making informed decisions about what they are putting into their bodies.
Choosing a pre-workout that is NSF Certified for Sport® can also provide peace of mind that the supplement has been tested for quality and safety, especially for athletes that may be tested for banned substances.
5. Price
Price is an important factor to consider when buying a pre-workout because it directly impacts your budget and overall value for money.
While you don't necessarily want to go for the cheapest option, you also don't want to overspend on a product that doesn't offer a significant advantage over less expensive options.
It's essential to strike a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. Some pre-workouts may be priced higher due to the inclusion of premium ingredients, but it's vital to ensure that the dosages are sufficient and the benefits are worth the extra cost.
On the other hand, some pre-workouts may be priced lower due to lower-quality ingredients or less effective dosages, which can be a waste of money if they don't provide the desired benefits.
6. Reviews
Reviews are an important factor to consider when purchasing a pre-workout supplement. Reading reviews from other users can provide valuable insights into a product's effectiveness and overall experience.
Reviews can give you an idea of how the product tastes, makes you feel, and performs well.
Reviews can also help you gauge the reliability and trustworthiness of the company producing the pre-workout.
Reviewing reviews shows the company's responsiveness to customer feedback and whether they stand behind its product.
Pre-Workout FAQs
Which pre-workout tastes the best?
Transparent Labs BULK pre-workout is an excellent choice if you're looking for a tasty option. The sour grape flavor perfectly balances sour and sweet, making it an enjoyable drink to sip on before a workout. But with 11 total flavors, everyone is sure to find a flavor that fits their palette.
However, it's worth noting that all the pre-workout options in this article are great, and you can go right with any of them.
Choosing a flavor you think you'll like is important, as that will make it easier to drink regularly.
Should beginners take pre-workout?
Pre-workout supplements are designed to boost energy, increase focus, and improve athletic performance.
While they may be helpful for experienced athletes looking to push themselves to their limits, it is optional for beginners to take pre-workout supplements.
For beginners, it is important to build a solid fitness foundation and establish healthy habits. This can be achieved through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper hydration.
Additionally, beginners should consult their healthcare provider or a certified fitness professional before taking supplements or starting a new exercise regimen.
How long does pre-workout last for?
The duration of pre-workout effects can vary depending on the specific product, its ingredients, and the individual's metabolism. Typically, the effects of pre-workout supplements can last for 1-3 hours after consumption.
However, some ingredients may have longer half-lives and stay in the body for several hours or even up to a day.
It's important to read the label and follow the recommended dosage to avoid taking too much pre-workout and experiencing adverse effects.
Additionally, it's important to stay hydrated throughout the workout and after, as some pre-workout supplements can cause dehydration.
For an even more in-depth answer, read our full article on how long pre-workout lasts for.
How long does pre-workout take to kick in?
The time it takes for pre-workout to kick in can vary depending on factors such as the individual's metabolism, the type and dosage of pre-workout, and whether it was taken on an empty stomach or with food.
Generally, pre-workout supplements are designed to be fast-acting and can take effect within 15-45 minutes after consumption.
Summary
Pre-workout supplements can be a valuable tool to enhance your performance during workouts. With various options available on the market, choosing one with excellent taste can increase your consistency in taking it, ultimately leading to better results in the long run.
Whether you prefer fruity, sour, or sweet flavors, finding a pre-workout that you enjoy can significantly impact your fitness journey. Always follow the recommended serving size and consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements.
We recommend Transparent Labs BULK for delicious options that are a great way to kick off your workout.
References
- Gough, Lewis A., et al. "A Critical Review of Citrulline Malate Supplementation and Exercise Performance." European Journal of Applied Physiology, 21 Aug. 2021
- Yavuz, Hasan, et al. "PRE-EXERCISE ARGININE SUPPLEMENTATION INCREASES TIME to EXHAUSTION in ELITE MALE WRESTLERS." Biology of Sport, vol. 31, no. 3, 1 July 2014, pp. 187–191
- Bloemendaal, Mirjam, et al. “Neuro-Cognitive Effects of Acute Tyrosine Administration on Reactive and Proactive Response Inhibition in Healthy Older Adults.” Eneuro, vol. 5, no. 2, Mar. 2018, pp. ENEURO.0035-17.2018
- Cooper, Robert, et al. "Creatine Supplementation with Specific View to Exercise/Sports Performance: An Update." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 9, no. 1, 20 July 2012
- Kaczka, Piotr, et al. "Effects of Pre-Workout Multi-Ingredient Supplement on Anaerobic Performance: Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 21, 9 Nov. 2020, p. 8262
- Martinez, Nic, et al. "The Effect of Acute Pre-Workout Supplementation on Power and Strength Performance." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 13, no. 1, 16 July 2016
- Ra, Song-Gyu, et al. "Effect of BCAA Supplement Timing on Exercise-Induced Muscle Soreness and Damage: A Pilot Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Study." The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, vol. 58, no. 11, Nov. 2018
- Trexler, Eric T., et al. "International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Beta-Alanine." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 12, no. 1, 15 July 2015
Andrew Lenau
Author