The 11 Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss of 2025, Medically Reviewed by an MD

Transparent Labs LEAN gets our vote for overall best pre-workout supplement for weight loss because of its weight loss-promoting ingredients, clean and effective formulation, and great taste. While this supplement contains a pretty long ingredient list, caffeine and L-carnitine are the ones to pay attention to for weight loss. Caffeine may support weight loss, fat loss, and overall reduction in body mass index (BMI). (3) 

This pick contains about the same amount of caffeine as two brewed cups of coffee to help support your weight loss goals. It also contains acetyl L-carnitine HCl, which may support fat loss by promoting fatty acid oxidation in our bodies, but further research is needed. (4)(5)(6)

Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., who is a Registered Dietitian, gives its formulation a 4 out of 5. “I love that each dose provides 6g of citrulline malate. Citrulline malate is a nitric oxide enhancer and 6g is a clinically proven dose,” she says. Citrulline malate can support increasing reps to failure, although further studies are needed to understand this effect. (1) 

Some marks were deducted, however, for its lower beta-alanine content, since it’s below the 3.2 to 6.4 gram dose, which has been shown to potentially improve athletic performance during high-intensity exercise. (2) “While I love the inclusion of beta-alanine, it’s on the lower end of what studies find to be the recommended dose in pre-workouts,” Bourgeois adds.

One member of the BarBend team, a former Olympian, also appreciates the mental clarity LEAN can provide. “I’m currently training for a competition, so I do feel like the energy and focus boosts help get me geared up after long work days,” they say.

“It mixes up well enough, but there are — like with many pre-workouts — a few grains of powder shifting around the bottom,” they add. Two testers who use Transparent Labs LEAN rate its solubility 4 out of 5.

“The Sour Grape option is a bit more sour than grape, but I appreciate that it’s not overly sweet,” our tester says, rating its taste 4.5 out of 5. “I try my best to avoid artificial sweeteners, so I also love that it uses Stevia.” Given that inclusion of Stevia extract, you can expect some mild bitterness. It also comes in eight fruity flavors, so if you don’t like a certain flavor, you’ll definitely find another flavor you’ll enjoy.

Read our full Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout Review.

Ready to channel John Wick’s energy, focus, and determination during your training sessions? For your most intense workouts, you’ll want to give Jacked Factory Wick Mode a try since it’s one of the strongest pre-workouts for weight loss. While many pre-workouts out there skimp on clinically researched doses, Jacked Factory has you covered with the highest doses of caffeine, L-citrulline, and beta-alanine to support your workouts and your weight loss journey. 

“I like that it has research-backed doses of beta-alanine and L-citrulline to improve endurance and increase nitric oxide production,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., who rates its formulation 4 out of 5.

First, caffeine may support weight loss in conjunction with a calorie deficit while fueling your workout. (3) Second, citrulline may help you get more reps into your workout. (1) Lastly, beta-alanine, at the 4-gram dose found in this pick, may boost your performance during high-intensity exercise. (2) While it’s not third-party tested and contains some proprietary blends, we appreciate the transparency around the amount and source of its clinically dosed ingredients.

Two BarBend testers, both certified personal trainers, use Wick Mode and one raves about its effects for different types of training. “I’ve been using this for weeks, and it’s easily one of my all-time favorite pre-workouts now,” they say. “I use it in the mornings before jiu-jitsu, and in the evenings before lifting weights. I do one scoop for morning workouts and it’s just the right amount of stimulation. I also mix up 1.5 scoops when I want all the energy for lifting weights.”

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to adjust the dose to fit your needs or look for a pick with lower caffeine content to avoid getting the jitters. While the touted effects of this pre-workout are based on a 2-scoop serving, you could take just 1 scoop based on your needs.

One member of our team likes the Blue Razz flavor, while the other prefers Osaka Black Cherry. Both, however, earn scores of 5 out of 5. “The Blue Razz reminds me of a Blue Raspberry Jolly Rancher — sweet, but not too sweet.”

The second tester also appreciates the understated sweetness. “Osaka Black Cherry really nails the ‘black cherry’ notes,” they say. “I can’t stand pre-workouts that overdo the sweetness and this one doesn’t at all.” While we love the taste, it’s likely due to the inclusion of the artificial sweetener sucralose. If you’re on the hunt for the best natural pre-workouts, this one won’t fit the bill.

Everything related to achieving your fitness goals and weight loss can be expensive – from gym memberships to fitness apparel – especially if you’re already dishing out extra money for the best supplements for weight loss. For those on a tight budget, Nutricost Pre-X can cost as little as $0.57 per serving when buying the bulk 60-serving tub on Amazon, although even the 30-serving tub is also still an economical option with a cost of $0.83 per serving compared to other picks on the list.

“Honestly, given its ingredients and dosage levels, Pre-X is about as strong as you can get,” says one BarBend tester, a certified personal trainer. “A lot of pre-workouts with this robust of a formula cost double.”

While economical, this pre-workout formula isn’t too shabby. Overall, we gave Nutricost Pre-X a 3.75 out of 5 for its effective and simple formula. “Even two hours after taking it, I didn’t have a big drop in energy as I do with other pre-workouts,” one of our testers notes. However, while it contains powerful pre-workout ingredients like L-citrulline and beta-alanine, the L-citrulline is not provided in a high enough dose to support muscle gain. (1) (13)

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. says, “It contains powerful ingredients, but the doses of some miss the mark just a bit. For example, there’s no set standard amount of L-citrulline in a pre-workout, but most studies point to a need for at least 6 to 8g per serving.” Additionally, although it contains natural color (beetroot), it contains artificial flavors and colors, which some people may not want in their supplements.

Given the high caffeine content, you might also experience a slight laxative effect. Caffeine can stimulate colon motility and increase bowel movements. (14) “Make sure you don’t take this on an empty stomach,” says another tester, a competitive weightlifter. “I did that, and it hit me really hard and fast.”

Nutricost Pre-X is also easy to drink and comes in three delicious options. “I really liked the Blue Raspberry flavor,” one member of our team says, scoring its taste 5 out of 5. “It’s accurate to the name for sure. I’ve also tried the Watermelon and remember liking that one, too.”

Our testers dock it a point for solubility, rating that category 4 out of 5. “I don’t ever notice any clumping,” one BarBend tester says. “When I shake it in a regular water bottle, though, I do see a small amount of floaties at the bottom.”

If you’re sensitive to caffeine and other stimulants and want one of the best non-stim pre-workouts, we think Gainful Pre-Workout is a top choice. Gainful offers both a caffeinated and non-caffeinated option to meet your personalized needs – and this version is 100 percent stimulant-free.

As a registered dietitian, I love that this product uses a clinically studied ingredient (creatine), contains branched-chain amino acids, and is low in carbs and sugar. In the sports nutrition world, creatine monohydrate reigns supreme as the most researched form of creatine. (15) Taking creatine pre-workout can help increase energy to your muscle cells during workouts by generating creatine phosphate. (15)

“In addition to improving muscle function, studies suggest creatine may also enhance cognitive performance,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, a dual board-certified physician in both family medicine and obesity medicine.

Additionally, it contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) which are essential amino acids that your body needs, but can’t produce on its own, so you need to get them through food or supplements. Plus, BCAAs may help reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise. (16)

Overall, I would rate the formula a 4.5 out of 5 with deductions due to the potential water weight gain from creatine. Although creatine is highly recommended for its athletic performance boost, it may not be the best pre-workout for weight loss if you weigh yourself often. Rest assured, the weight gain you may experience from creatine is due to water weight gain as a result of water being pulled in your muscle cells, though. (15)

One of our testers, a certified personal trainer, does share one note of caution. “I have a sensitive stomach, and I found that creatine can sometimes cause a little stomach upset if I take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.” Also keep in mind that, as of this writing, the caffeine-free version maxes out at 3 grams of creatine per serving. Remember that the clinically recommended dose for creatine is between 3 and 5 grams per day. (6)

“I actually really enjoy the taste, which doesn’t happen often for me when it comes to pre-workouts. The lemonade flavor is stronger than the strawberry, but it’s not too tart and the sweetness isn’t overpowering,” they add, rating the Strawberry Lemonade flavor 5 out of 5.

BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Alex Polish prefers the Watermelon option, but isn’t blown away. “Honestly, it doesn’t really taste like watermelon, which made me a bit sad. It wasn’t bad — just a shot of sweetness,” they say. “I’d give it a 4 out of 5 for flavor because it’s got a bit of that stevia aftertaste, but it wasn’t overly sweet.”

They do, however, think Gainful’s non-stim formula is ideal for later workouts. “I often get in my workouts after we put our toddler to bed. I want the focus and energy, but not to stay up all night from caffeine,” they say. “Plus, there isn’t a drop-off mid-workout like there can be with more intense pre-workouts.”

Unfortunately, many pre-workout supplements are loaded with artificial sugars, colors, or fillers. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with zero natural options. For those who want to prioritize a weight-loss pre-workout that’s natural, we recommend Legion Pulse.

Legion Pulse is a third-party tested formula that has research to back its ingredients. It’s also free of artificial sugars and fillers. We also love that you can buy this product with zero caffeine. As it is, this one packs 350 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is on the high side.

“Legion Athletics Pulse gets a 3.75 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “It has a hefty dose of sodium and caffeine in each serving, which isn’t ideal for all athletes. … I love that this product is tested by a third-party lab. And I love that there are no artificial sweeteners or dyes.”

Multiple BarBend testers, including two personal trainers, use Legion Pulse. “I like the one-to-one ratio of caffeine and l-theanine because the caffeine content here is high, but the l-theanine balances it out so you don’t feel jittery or over-stimulated,” one says. Pulse also comes in a stim-free version if you need to avoid caffeine altogether.

“I feel my energy and focus boost when I take this pre-workout — it’s my go-to,” they say, noting that it only takes about 15 minutes for the effects to kick in. “I feel more motivated to lift harder and improve my PRs.”

We love the pink lemonade flavor, but one tester prefers to water it down a bit. “There’s no settling at the bottom,” they say, rating both its taste and solubility 5 out of 5. “I don’t notice any clumping or grittiness, either.” One side effect worth noting is the tingling. This product does have beta-alanine, so you may experience a little jitters or tingling, which not all athletes love.

The whole point of a pre-workout formula is increased energy while training, right? Cellucor C4 comes with 200 milligrams of caffeine and two grams of beta-alanine to help promote more energy during your training session.

“C4 scores a 3.75 out of 5 for its formulation, with deductions for its low doses of evidence-based ingredients and artificial sweeteners,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. However, we do love the moderate caffeine dose, so you don’t need to totally forego coffee.

“This pre-workout only took about 15 minutes to kick in,” one tester, a certified personal trainer, says. “I feel really energized and focused during my workouts — the weights are definitely moving. And the effects last about an hour and 15 minutes, without any crashing feeling.”

Both members of the team are impressed with the flavor, too, giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. “The Icy Blue Razz flavor is delicious,” they say. “It’s sweet but not overly so. It’s exactly like blue raspberry.”

“It doesn’t quite dissolve completely,” says one tester, also a personal trainer, who rates its solubility 3.5 out of 5. “There’s usually a thin white layer of residue floating on top, but that’s probably from the creatine.”

For many athletes, pre-workouts are a staple supplement they take before every single training session. But who wants to sip a pre-workout supplement that tastes nasty, even if it may help you along a weight-loss journey. For a delicious pick you’ll want to sip every day, try Wellah’s Get-Going Pre-Workout.

“I really enjoy the taste of this pre-workout,” our tester says, scoring it a 4 out of 5 rating. “I tried the Blue Raspberry and it was a lot like sour blue candy, which I also love. But I don’t recommend this flavor for those who don’t like a that taste.”

Another member of our team, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, uses the Green Apple flavor — a 5 out of 5. “I’ve used maybe 30 or 35 pre-workouts and this one is top 5, for sure,” they say. “There’s a tiny Stevia aftertaste, but I’d put this one up there with Legion Pulse and Crazy Nutrition.”

They also lay out how this yummy pre-workout — as the name implies — gets them going. “I just chug it all at once, then wait about 15 minutes. I definitely feel it start to ramp up in around five minutes,” they say, rating its overall effects 4 out of 5. “My heart rate increases and feel a bit more focused. I wouldn’t say I feel a huge pump, but at the 15-minute mark I’m ready to rock and roll.”

“Solubility just gets a 3 out of 5 rating, though,” one tester says. “It tastes a little bit grainy and it did settle at the bottom of the cup a little. Nothing too bad but still worth noting, considering other brands’ pre-workouts dissolve seamlessly.”

Our team is pretty happy with this product’s cost, though, giving it a 5 out of 5 for value. At only $1 per serving ($30 per container), this is among our most budget-friendly pre-workouts.

Buying a ton of individual supplements can fill up your pantry (and drain your bank account) really quickly. So, it’s wise to take advantage of multipurpose products as often as possible. Gorilla Mode contains 2,500 milligrams of creatine monohydrate per scoop, which is ideal for those looking to build muscle and strength.

“Gorilla Mode contains ingredients that can support both the mental and physical exertion required to crank out a hard-hitting workout,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “Its hefty caffeine content can improve focus and endurance, while its l-citrulline content can support nitric oxide production. It also contains betaine, which has been linked to improved muscle endurance, and alpha-GPC, which has been linked to improved force during resistance training.”

She adds that, while Gorilla Mode is packed with powerful pre-workout ingredients, some dosing falls just short of research-backed recommendedations. “Doubling the serving size to two scoops gets many of the ingredients within evidence-based dosing ranges. However, that also means you’re getting double the caffeine,” Bourgeois says.

“I’ve taken a lot of pre-workout over time and I liked how focused I felt with this one,” according to our tester, giving it an overall 4 out of 5 for effects. “I also noticed a nice pump relatively shortly after drinking the product.”

When it comes to taste, though, we have to dock this product a few points, rating it a 2 out of 5 in this category. Our team tried the fruit punch and found the taste a little underwhelming. “It was really sweet and I could definitely taste the artificial sweetener,” our tester said.

“I’ve tried it in a shaker bottle, handheld mixer, and just in a glass with a straw and honestly doesn’t mix too well,” our tester adds, rating solubility just 2 out of 5. “Overall, it’s one of the grittier pre-workouts I’ve used.”

Our tester didn’t notice any tingles with Gorilla Mode, which some athletes may actually prefer. That being said, those who are a little more sensitive to stimulants may notice a little bit of this side effect — just something to keep in mind.

For those who haven’t used a pre-workout powder in the past, starting with a moderate formula is crucial. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard packs a moderate dose of caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline, among other ingredients, making it ideal for beginners. Plus, you get three grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, ideal for those starting out who want to gain strength.

Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN also highlights the micronutrients in the formula, but its formulation earned a 3 out of 5. “Gold Standard’s creatine content and vitamin and mineral profile are definitely added bonuses to a standard pre-workout formula,” she says. “However, it’s tough not to deduct points for the several artificial ingredients and the low doses of some of the formula’s influential compounds.”

BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier, has used Gold Standard multiple times and rates its overall effects 4 out of 5. “This gives me a really good energy level and focus for my workout without insane tingles, like some pre-workouts cause,” she says. “I didn’t have an overly strong pump and felt a little tingly but nothing crazy. It’s an excellent, staple pre-workout.”

Meier also highlights the flavor, giving it a 5 out of 5 rating. “There are testers on our team who have been using this product for years and love the flavor,” she notes. “I tried the Watermelon and loved the sweetness level. It’s not overly sweet at all.”

“Overall, the flavors are actually delicious. It’s easy to overdo the sweetness in a pre-workout, but these strike a good balance,” Meier adds. Overall the taste earns a 5 out of 5, with one flavor in particular standing out. “The Watermelon option, in particular, is incredible.” She appreciates how easy it is to achieve a smooth mixture. “I didn’t even use the blender ball one time, and its solubility still gets a 5 out of 5,” she says.

Another pro for beginners? This product is pretty affordable. Spending tons of cash on your first pre-workout formula isn’t the wisest choice — after all, you may not even like the supplement. $1.09 per serving is pretty doable for most and won’t take a serious hit to your wallet.

There’s no one pre-workout supplement that’s better for one gender than another. That being said, athletes with smaller bodies may prefer a more moderate caffeine dose, which is why we recommend Performance Lab Pre Lab Pro.

This product packs only 80 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which can offer a little energy jolt without producing any jitters. Whereas one of our testers (who identifies as male) didn’t notice much energy or focus, another tester (who identifies as female) felt plenty of effects.

“I’m pretty sensitive to stimulants, so this product was perfect for me,” she says, giving the side effects a 5 out of 5 rating. “I feel energized and focused without feeling jittery or having any kind of crash.”

Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN highlights the ingredients behind that energy and focus, scoring its formula 4.25 out of 5. “While the caffeine content may be low, research indicates that combining caffeine with theanine and tyrosine may support cognitive function and mental focus,” she says.

Unfortunately, both testers are pretty disappointed with the flavor, giving it a 2 out of 5 rating. “The taste was incredibly sour and acidic,” one tester says. “I definitely had to force it down. It’s all natural, though, so I guess that makes sense.” They do appreciate how easily it blends, though, rating its solubility 4 out of 5. “There’s usually a tiny bit of residue at the bottom, but not much,” one tester notes, “Just a shaker cup does the trick — don’t even need a blender ball.”

Neither of our testers felt any tingling, which we like for beginners. This side effect can draw focus away from the workout, which isn’t what you want as you’re first starting out.

While there are many ingredients in Transparent Labs BULK Black, several ingredients stand out that make this product one of the best pre-workouts for men for weight loss: vitamin D, zinc, L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine. While further research is needed, studies show a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and lower testosterone levels, as well as  zinc levels and testosterone levels. (11)(12) Whether you have a testosterone deficiency or are looking to boost your levels, this pick has you covered with natural testosterone boosters.

This formula also contains two important amino acids. It contains 8 grams of citrulline, which is an amino acid that is known for its ability to raise nitric oxide levels and improve blood flow during even the toughest workouts for men. (1) Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. agrees and states, “This is a clinically effective dose of citrulline malate to improve strength, muscle endurance, and aerobic performance.”

It also contains a clinically effective dose of 4g of beta-alanine, an amino acid that helps delay muscle fatigue without feeling tired. (2)(13) This means men can go harder on workouts with more reps, resulting in more lean muscle growth.

Lastly, caffeine is known for its fat-burning properties, to help men achieve that chiseled look and a lower body fat percentage. (3) With 275mg of caffeine, this product is a high-stim formula that is ideal for caffeine lovers but may not be a fit for those sensitive to caffeine. Overall, Bourgeois rates its formula 4.25 out of 5 with minor deductions based on the inclusion of proprietary blends, although all ingredients are third-party tested for purity, safety, quality, and efficacy.

Our team is divided on the taste, but with eight options, there are plenty to choose from. “It tastes a little watered down,” one tester, a certified personal trainer, says of the Blue Raspberry flavor. “I’d describe it more as a hint of blue raspberry. Maybe with less water, the flavor would be more potent. It has kind of a weird aftertaste, but if you prefer pre-workouts that aren’t crazy sweet, this is the one for you.”

Meanwhile, another member of them cites their go-to flavor in their rating of 5 out of 5. “The Peach Mango flavor is a tropical paradise,” another tester, also certified personal trainer, says. “I could drink this all day just for the taste.”

The high marks keep coming when our testers talk about shaking up each serving. “It’s super easy mixing this pre-workout up,” one tester adds, rating its solubility 5 out of 5. “Shaking it up for about 10 seconds makes it seem like there was never powder in there in the first place.”

Read our full Transparent Labs Bulk Black Pre-Workout Review.