Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine of 2024, Tested and Trialed by Our Experts

Creatine is one of the most popular pre-workout supplements, but it may not be for everyone. (1) If you’re unhappy with creatine’s side effects (like water retention when trying to lose weight) or effectiveness, you may want to consider one of the best pre-workouts without creatine.

If you’re seeking a creatine-free supplement, ingredients like citrulline, beta-alanine, caffeine, or betaine might do the trick in supporting your pump. In this review, we’ve rounded up the best pre-workout supplements without creatine based on their effectiveness, side effects, solubility, flavor, value, and third-party testing, with the help of our on-staff certified personal trainers, USA Weightlifting coaches, athletes, and registered dietitians who tried the products first-hand.

The 7 Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine of 2024

• Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine Overall: Transparent Labs BULK
• Best Tasting Pre-Workout Without Creatine: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge
• Best Budget Pre-Workout Without Creatine: Nutricost Pre-X
• Best Natural Pre-Workout Without Creatine: Gainful Pre-Workout
• Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout
• Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine for Beginners: XWERKS Ignite
• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Without Creatine: Legion Pulse (Non-Caffeinated)

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine Overall: Transparent Labs BULK

Pros

Effectively dosed ingredients to support your workouts

Exceptional mixability

Includes electrolytes and B vitamins

Cons

Its flavor isn’t robust

Caffeine and sodium content may be too high for some

Contains proprietary blends

For various fitness goals ranging from bodybuilding to muscle growth, Transparent Labs BULK is an exceptional pre-workout for any of the best supplement stacks. It’s effective for your workouts even without the need for creatine supplementation. Most research points to taking 6 to 8 grams of citrulline to help increase your blood flow and nitric oxide availability, and Transparent Labs BULK contains 8 grams. (2) 

Also, about 3.2 to 6.4 grams of beta-alanine is recommended for less fatigue and improved performance during high-intensity workouts, and this product supplies 4 grams. (3) Our tester believes the ingredients in this product effectively support their workouts. They state, “I felt like I was dialed in with my workouts when taking this pre-workout. The pump was enjoyable, too — I felt stronger and more full when tackling different lifts.”

Registered Dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., praises this formula, saying: “Transparent Labs BULK pre-workout packs a punch with powerful nutrients. It contains the upper end of what research has shown beneficial to exercise performance for citrulline malate. Same with the beta-alanine — you get 4 grams per serving.” As a registered dietitian, I also love that it contains B vitamins to boost energy and electrolytes to prevent muscle cramping by providing hydration to your muscle cells. (4)(5) The caffeine content could also be too high for some people but appropriate for those who drink energy drinks or coffee regularly.

The only downsides with this formulation are its higher sodium content and the inclusion of proprietary blends. Depending on the flavor, it contains 180 milligrams of sodium, a plus for athletes who sweat a lot and could benefit from electrolytes. Still, it is not well-suited for individuals with higher blood pressure or those who are watching their sodium intake. The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium to 2,300 milligrams daily. (6) 

And, while Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout is third-party tested by Informed Choice, many blends are proprietary. “BULK contains a list of rockstar ingredients, but some are proprietary blends, so you don’t know how much of each ingredient you get in the blend,” Bourgeois adds. Overall, Bourgeois rates the formulation a 4.25 out of 5.

This product also boasts amazing mixability, whereas many pre-workouts without creatine can be clumpy or leave residue in your shaker bottle. “I appreciated the solubility. It dissolved easily in lukewarm water. Seriously, you cannot tell that you added a powder to your water with this supplement,” our tester adds.

As far as taste goes, it’s decent, but we’ve tasted better pre-workouts. Our tester tried the Strawberry Lemonade flavor and states, “The taste was under par and the flavor a little weak. You get a few hints of sweetness, but it wasn’t overpowering compared to other pre-workouts I’ve enjoyed.” They rate the taste a 3.5 out of 5. With many flavors available, you might be able to find one that meets your needs.

Read our full Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout Review.

Best Tasting Pre-Workout Without Creatine: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge

Pros

11 delicious flavors to explore

Highly rated taste according to customer reviews (4.8 out of 5 stars) and our tester (5 out of 5 stars)

Cost-effective

Cons

Low ingredient doses

You may need two scoops to fuel performance

Artificial flavors and sweeteners

If you enjoy flavor variety in your pre-workouts, look no further than Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout. With 11 different and delicious flavors, your taste buds won’t be bored. Our tester, Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-certified personal trainer, enjoyed testing this supplement and rates the taste 5 out of 5. “The sweet flavors reminded me of my favorite poolside beverages. I could easily sip this throughout a relaxing summer day,” Meier says. Customer reviews agree, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating on the Jacked Factory website.

Despite being creatine-free, this product includes potent pre-workout ingredients for the pump, like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine. Taking 6 to 8 grams of citrulline may support nitric oxide production to support the pump and get more reps. At the same time, beta-alanine can combat muscle fatigue by preventing lactic acid buildup and improving athletic performance during high-intensity workouts. (2)(3) Lastly, caffeine can support weight loss and fat burning while helping you feel more energetic. (7) 

However, these ingredients are in lower doses than what we typically like to see in a pre-workout supplement. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. rates the formulation a 3.75 out of 5 and explains, “I like that Nitro Surge contains beta-alanine, but it’s a fairly low dose, according to the latest research. It’s the same with the citrulline, which only provides 3 grams per scoop. As for caffeine, each serving provides 180 milligrams, so around two cups of coffee.”

Jacked Factory provides options of either a 1-scoop serving or 2-scoop serving on its supplement facts, hinting that athletes can double up on their scoops if they have a higher caffeine tolerance or want higher dosing of its ingredients.

As a registered dietitian, I was disappointed to find acesulfame potassium and sucralose in this formulation. These are artificial sweeteners, and I prefer to see natural sweeteners like monk fruit extract or stevia in supplements. This formulation also contains artificial flavors, so you won’t like it if you prefer more natural ingredients.

Jacked Factory Nitro Surge is also cost-effective, so you don’t have to worry about trying different flavors to find which one you like or doubling up on scoops. It costs under $1 per serving. Before committing to a tub, you could visit a health specialty store like GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe and ask for single-packet samples. But if you know what flavor to get, you can opt for the 60-serving tub to reduce costs.

Read our full Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Pre-Workout Review.

Best Budget Pre-Workout Without Creatine: Nutricost Pre-X

Pros

Economical option with cost starting at $0.57 per serving

B vitamins for energy

Non-GMO, vegetarian, gluten-free

Decent taste and solubility

Cons

The L-citrulline dose could be higher

Caffeine content may be too high for some people

Artificial colors and sweeteners

Are you on a tight budget but want a creatine-free pre-workout? Try adding Nutricost Pre-X to your pre-workout regimen. With 60-serving value containers on Amazon that cost as little as $0.57 per serving, Nutricost has you covered with three delicious flavors. And if you’re unsure which flavor to get, you can opt for the 30-serving container, which is still a pretty good value. While Nutricost is less known in the sports nutrition world, the formulation seems reputable based on our testing and evaluation.

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., rates this formulation a 3.75 out of 5. She commends the formula and explains, “Nutricost Pre-X Workout Complex contains as much caffeine as around 3 cups of coffee and 200 milligrams of alpha-GPC. Research has linked alpha-GPC with improved motivation in healthy adults, so this formula prioritizes the cognitive aspects of a solid workout.” As a registered dietitian, I like that this formula contains B vitamins to support your energy levels. (4) It’s also non-GMO, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making it compatible with specialized diet needs.

However, Bourgeois notes that some ingredients, like L-citrulline, may not be in high enough doses to be effective. “I like that Pre-X Workout Complex contains L-citrulline to support performance and recovery, but it may fall short of the ideal dose per serving. 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 8 grams per serving,” Bourgeois adds. While I like the inclusion of caffeine for supporting weight and fat loss, the amount could be too high for some people as the FDA recommendation is up to 400 milligrams per day. (8) 

Our tester, a USA Weightlifting Level-2 instructor, uses this supplement to feel more focused before her workouts rather than as a high-stim supplement. She states, “I like this pre-workout for focus and motivation. My mind felt clear, and I could easily concentrate on my tasks without feeling overstimulated.”

Regarding taste, Nutricost has recently undergone a formula change, but it still tastes great. “I had the Blue Raspberry variety and found it rather pleasant. I’ve tried this Pre-X when it was operating with a different formulation, so I’m happy to see that the flavor stayed the same with this new variation,” our tester adds, rating the taste a 4 out of 5.

Lastly, we rate the mixability a 4 out of 5 and recommend adding more water than the supplement facts call for. Our tester states, “There’s a little residue at the bottom of my cup, but a final splash of water is enough to get everything cleaned out so that you can take in a full serving before hitting the gym.”

Best Natural Pre-Workout Without Creatine: Gainful Pre-Workout

Pros

All-natural, non-GMO, and plant-based with no artificial flavors or sweeteners, preservatives, no fillers, and no dyes

Contains BCAAs

Customizable caffeine and creatine levels

No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or dyes

Access to registered dietitian support

Cons

Limited to two flavors

Not clinically-backed doses

Expensive

Goodbye, pre-workout products with artificial ingredients. Hello, Gainful Pre-Workout — one of the best natural pre-workouts for your fueling needs boasting no artificial sweeteners or flavors, preservatives, fillers, or dyes. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., reviewed this product’s formulation and says, “I love that there aren’t any artificial ingredients or an outrageous amount of sugar in their formula.” It’s also non-GMO and made with 100% plant-based, vegan-friendly ingredients.

With Gainful, you can customize your pre-workout by choosing your desired caffeine level (0, 150, or 200 milligrams) and your desired creatine level (0, 3, or 5 grams). However, there are no price differences between the preferences, so personally, I’d get the most bang for my buck by choosing the highest creatine and maybe 150 milligrams of caffeine to keep caffeine content moderate. Still, it’s well-suited for those wanting no creatine in their pre-workout powder.

Since nutrition needs vary by the individual, we loved Gainful’s efforts for personalized nutrition. “I love the idea of customizing a pre-workout formula to fit your needs, including an option to nix the caffeine entirely if caffeine jitters aren’t your jam at the gym,” Bourgeois adds. Plus, Gainful provides access to their team of registered dietitians to discuss different pre-workout formulations as your needs change. Gainful also contains all three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which may support muscle recovery and prevent soreness after workouts. (9)(10)

However, some of the primary ingredients left us wanting more. Bourgeois explains, “The 4 grams of citrulline malate per serving is on the low end of what research highlights as an effective dose — something to be mindful of if that’s your primary focus with this pre-workout. Same with the 1.5 grams of beta-alanine.” Most research points to taking 6 to 8 grams of citrulline to support greater nitric oxide availability and increase blood flow and 3.2 to 6.4 grams of beta-alanine for improving exercise performance. (2)(3) We wish these ingredients were customizable from the options provided. As a registered dietitian, I’d still rate this formula a 4 out of 5 for its clean ingredients and flexibility on creatine and caffeine. 

Lastly, remember that there are only 14 servings per tub, whereas most pre-workout tubs contain 20 or 30. So, while the price per tub is similar to other supplements, the cost per serving runs slightly higher, with some discounts for signing up for a subscription.

Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout

Pros

It contains nootropics (ashwagandha) for focus and mental clarity

A combination of beta-alanine and L-citrulline may support athletic performance

Gluten-free, no artificial flavors or sweeteners, no synthetic dyes

Cons

Artificial taste

Proprietary blends

Expensive

Focusing on a workout can be tricky when you live a busy, on-the-go lifestyle. That’s where Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout can step in to help. Our tester called out the mental clarity they got during and after their workout while using this product. They state, “The biggest perks to this supplement were in the mental department — I felt completely focused and locked in during training. I felt sharper after taking this, which carried over into my work post-training.” 

While research is limited, we may be able to attribute the mental clarity boost to ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb traditionally used for stress and nervous system support. (11) Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., explains, “I like that this formula contains ashwagandha to help promote mental agility during stressful workouts.” 

It also contains L-citrulline and beta-alanine to support your workouts. While the doses are slightly lower than what clinical studies point to — especially at a price over $2 — Bourgeois explains that the combination may still be beneficial. “The combination of ingredients bodes well for those rocking high-volume workouts. The beta-alanine and L-citrulline can serve as performance boosters and give you a good pump,” Bourgeois adds. Beta-alanine can also help reduce muscle fatigue or delayed onset muscle soreness following workouts. (12) As a bonus, this product is sugar-free and sweetened with natural sweeteners — monk fruit and stevia extract.

However, this product contains three different proprietary blends, although the product is third-party tested. “The FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements, so adding a layer of mystery to the product by not disclosing the amount of each ingredient in the blend gives me pause,” Bourgeois explains. Overall, Bourgeois rates the formulation a 3.25 out of 5.

As far as taste goes, Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout doesn’t rate too highly in our book, as much as we wanted to love it. Despite containing no artificial sweeteners, it still has a strange aftertaste. Our tester rates the taste a 2 out of 5, below average compared to most supplements on our list. “The Tiger’s Blood flavor has a tropical-esque taste with notes of strawberry kiwi. I found it to be sweet but somewhat artificial,” they say. 

Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine for Beginners: XWERKS Ignite

Pros

Light on caffeine and beta-alanine for beginners

Sustainable energy without crashing

Mixes well

Cons

Artificial sweeteners and flavors

Not clinically dosed

Many standard pre-workout supplements like Cellucor C4 or Optimum Nutrition can be too strong if you’re new to the fitness world. XWERKS Ignite, however, can help prevent the jitters and tingles that other pre-workouts may cause since it’s lower in caffeine and beta-alanine. It’s a “lighter” pre-workout formulation for beginners to support clean, sustainable energy without crashing. It also has a great consistency that makes it easy to enjoy drinking it consistently.

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., explains why beginners in the gym may better tolerate this formulation. She says: “Ignite has a lower dose of caffeine per serving than other pre-workouts on the market. If you can tolerate a cup of coffee without any negative side effects, you can probably tolerate the caffeine in this pre-workout.” So, if you’re usually a coffee drinker, you’ll likely be able to enjoy this supplement without side effects since it only contains 150 milligrams of caffeine.

With only 1.5 grams of beta-alanine, the content is lower than most pre-workouts, so it may not cause as much tingling. (3) Our tester, a certified personal trainer, says, “You do get some tingles, but they’re minor and not uncomfortable. I could see myself using this as a daily energy source, especially when my training plan is more demanding.”

However, the doses are lower than adequate since it’s not among the strongest pre-workouts. Bourgeois states, “XWERKS Ignite contains many powerhouse pre-workout ingredients, but their doses leave you wanting more. For example, research shows 6 to 8 grams of citrulline malate is ideal, but Ignite only contains 3 grams.“ For this reason and since it’s not third-party tested, Bourgeois rated this formulation a 2.5 out of 5. The trade-offs here may be worth it if you’re a novice in the fitness world.

Additionally, this formulation has downsides, such as artificial sweeteners and flavors. According to our tester, these artificial ingredients seem noticeable in the taste. They state, “I tried the Watermelon variety, and it was OK in my book. There are some artificial notes, but I would look past this given the noticeable energy and focus boost.”

As far as solubility goes, XWERKS mixes well. We scored it a 5 out of 5 for consistency, which is excellent for beginners who don’t want their supplement regimen interrupted by clumps and residue. “This powder mixed easily in my shaker, and the end product had a smooth, thin consistency, which is what I often look for in pre-workouts,” our tester adds. 

Read our full XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout Review.

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Without Creatine: Legion Pulse (Non-Caffeinated)

Pros

Stimulant-free, caffeine-free, all-natural ingredients

Highly rated taste

Mixes well in water

Cons

Beta-alanine content is lower than the clinical dose

Large serving size

Expensive

You may be surprised to learn how much caffeine content there is in pre-workout, which can leave you with few options if you’re sensitive to caffeine. The FDA recommends limiting caffeine intake to under 400 milligrams daily, while many supplements exceed that amount. (8) Thankfully, Legion Pulse offers a non-caffeinated, creatine-free version of their pre-workout with all-natural ingredients, but don’t let that fool you. We tested this pre-workout, and it’s among the best non-stim pre-workouts. Say hello to jitter-free workouts.

As registered dietitians, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., and I rate this formulation a 4.5 out of 5 for its natural and effective ingredients. It provides clean energy, though our tester notes that it takes some getting used to. Our tester states, “You get a good spark of energy within 15 minutes without adverse side effects or a heavy crash post-workout, but it’s different than a stim-based pre-workout. It’s more of a focused energy jolt than just an uptick in RPMs.”

We attribute the effectiveness of this supplement to its ingredients, although the beta-alanine content could be a little higher. Bourgeois explains, “While Pulse doesn’t contain any creatine, it does have citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous to support muscle endurance, recovery, and gain. It provides 3.6 grams of beta-alanine per serving, which is great. Most research suggests consuming 4 to 6 grams daily.” This supplement contains appropriate ingredients to support your workouts despite the lack of caffeine. However, the serving size is quite large since it packs a punch. Each serving is two scoops or about 23 grams, which some athletes may not enjoy.

In addition to its effectiveness, Legion Pulse has a clean and simple ingredient list. “I love that Legion Pulse has no added sugar, food dyes, or other chemicals,” Bourgeois adds. The USDA recommends limiting added sugar content to below 10 percent of your daily calorie intake, but supplements are often laden with sugar or artificial sweeteners, so Legion is a diamond in the rough. (6) The ingredients are also third-party tested for safety, purity, efficacy, and labeling accuracy.

Regarding practical considerations, we rated Legion Pulse a 5 out of 5 for taste and texture. Our tester states, “I had the Pink Lemonade flavor, which was more sweet than sour. It’s a little overwhelming, but I managed the profile with more water in my shaker.” It also mixes easily, while other pre-workout supplements often get clumpy. “I didn’t notice any unwanted clumps or grittiness. The powder mixed easily in my bottle, too, with no settling or residue left at the bottom,” our tester adds.

Read our full Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Review.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best pre-workouts without creatine, we’ve tested 74 different supplements from some of the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend supplement testing methodology page.

• Effectiveness: We looked for clinically dosed levels of ingredients like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine. However, we also recognize that some people don’t need as high doses to see results, so we included options with low and high doses of active ingredients.
• Side Effects: While avoiding creatine could mitigate side effects like water retention or bloating, ingredients like caffeine and beta-alanine can also cause side effects. Our testers noted their experience, including any mention of side effects during their trial.
• Available Flavors: Finding a flavor you like is critical to enjoying your pre-workout experience and staying consistent with your regimen. We’ve included a variety of flavors, from fruity to sweet and sour.
• Mixability: Many pre-workouts are clumpy or leave residue on the sides of the blender bottle. Our testers tried various pre-workouts without creatine to bring you picks that mix the best in various liquids.
• Value: We calculated the price per serving and included the number of servings per container for your consideration. Our list provides budget and premium picks, with most ranging from $1 to $2.
• Third-Party Testing: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements. We included many third-party tested choices on our list so that you can be sure of their quality, safety, and purity.

Benefits of Pre-Workouts Without Creatine

While many of us are familiar with creatine’s benefits, this section will explore the benefits of pre-workouts without creatine. Pre-workouts without creatine are well-suited for people who want energy, focus, and strength during workouts without creatine’s potential side effects. They offer key ingredients like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and BCAAs to compensate for the lack of creatine.

• Less water retention: Creatine pulls water into your muscles, so people taking creatine supplements may experience water retention and weight gain. (13) While this is just temporary water weight, pre-workouts without creatine can help avoid an inflated number on the scale.
• Fewer gastrointestinal side effects: While creatine is generally well-tolerated, some people experience gastrointestinal symptoms like cramps or diarrhea as the creatine absorbs. (14) Avoiding creatine could help mitigate these GI side effects for those with sensitive stomachs.
• Greater athletic performance: Creatine isn’t the only hard-hitting performance enhancer. Pre-workouts with clinically dosed levels of L-citrulline and beta-alanine may support athletic performance and more reps. (2)(3)(12)
• Build muscle mass: While research is limited in showing that training for the pump builds muscle, ingredients like L-citrulline and beta-alanine can help support the pump, which can, in turn, help build more muscle. (2)(3)(12)

How Much Do Pre-Workouts Without Creatine Cost?

Pre-workouts without creatine typically cost around $1 to $2 per serving. Premium options that contain ingredients with added benefits could cost more, while the most basic options are cheaper. Remember to compare based on price per serving and not per scoop, as some pre-workout powders have a two-scoop recommended serving size or the option to double up for maximum impact.

Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine Overall	Transparent Labs BULK	$1.50 to $1.67
Best Tasting Pre-Workout Without Creatine	Jacked Factory Nitro Surge	$0.64 to $0.93
Best Budget Pre-Workout Without Creatine	Nutricost Pre-X	$0.57 to $0.83
Best Natural Pre-Workout Without Creatine	Gainful Pre-Workout	$1.86 to $2.07
Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine for Focus	Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout	$2.25 to $3.00
Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine for Beginners	XWERKS Ignite	$1.55 to $1.63
Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Without Creatine	Legion Pulse (Non-Caffeinated)	$2.02 to $2.25

What to Consider Before Buying Pre-Workout Without Creatine

While we’ve provided several excellent creatine-free options, we recognize that there may be other supplements and considerations. In this section, we’ll explore the key considerations when determining what pre-workout without creatine to buy so that you can make an informed decision online or in-store. Pro Tip: Check out our ultimate guide to pre-workouts to learn more about pre-workout supplementation.

Dosing and Effectiveness

Pay attention to the doses of active ingredients like beta-alanine, citrulline, betaine anhydrous, caffeine, carnitine, and L-arginine. While some pre-workout supplements are cheaper, they don’t contain clinically dosed ingredients, so you’d need to take more scoops to achieve the same results.

Caffeine Content

Pre-workouts without creatine often contain caffeine, but the amount varies considerably. Some pre-workouts contain natural caffeine from sources like green tea, which tends to be lighter in caffeine. 

Choose a supplement with caffeine that fits your needs, depending on your tolerance. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, consider a non-caffeinated option or take the supplement earlier in the day to avoid jitters at night. The FDA recommends limiting caffeine content to less than 400 milligrams per day. (8) 

Side Effects

Check the label for stimulants and ingredients that you may be sensitive to. For example, beta-alanine may cause a tingling sensation, which is harmless but can be strange or undesirable to many individuals, while caffeine could keep you up at night. (15)(8) When in doubt, run it by your physician or start with a partial dose and gradually work your way up.

Mixability

While this is challenging to assess before buying a product, some brands offer sample or variety packs to test the product before committing to a tub. You can also skim through customer reviews online. 

The best pre-workouts should dissolve easily in water in a shaker cup to allow full effectiveness without clumping on the sides or the bottom.

Price

The price per serving should be about $1 to $2 for a pre-workout without creatine. Premium pre-workouts may come with additional perks to fuel your performance, while cheaper options may not have high enough doses to be effective. Remember to check the price per serving and the supplement facts to ensure you get a good value for your money.

Pre-Workouts Without Creatine FAQs

References

1. Wu, S. H., Chen, K. L., Hsu, C., Chen, H. C., Chen, J. Y., Yu, S. Y., & Shiu, Y. J. (2022). Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021. Nutrients, 14(6), 1255.
2. Gough, L. A., Sparks, S. A., McNaughton, L. R., Higgins, M. F., Newbury, J. W., Trexler, E., Faghy, M. A., & Bridge, C. A. (2021). A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance. European journal of applied physiology, 121(12), 3283–3295.
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5. Shrimanker, I., & Bhattarai, S. (2023). Electrolytes. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
6. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.
7. Tabrizi, R., Saneei, P., Lankarani, K. B., Akbari, M., Kolahdooz, F., Esmaillzadeh, A., Nadi-Ravandi, S., Mazoochi, M., & Asemi, Z. (2019). The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 59(16), 2688–2696.
8. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2023). Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? Available at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
9. Khemtong, C., Kuo, C. H., Chen, C. Y., Jaime, S. J., & Condello, G. (2021). Does Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) Supplementation Attenuate Muscle Damage Markers and Soreness after Resistance Exercise in Trained Males? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 13(6), 1880.
10. Doma, K., Singh, U., Boullosa, D., & Connor, J. D. (2021). The effect of branched-chain amino acid on muscle damage markers and performance following strenuous exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme, 46(11), 1303–1313.
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