The best pre-workout supplements can be helpful tools for training given their potential to delay muscle fatigue, prolong endurance, and improve focus. (1) “Given the intensity of some formulations, though, these popular powders can be tough on the stomach, especially if you’re not used to increased levels of caffeine,” notes Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. For those just dipping their toes in this stimulant-rich supp category, Bucked Up Pre-Workout can be a worthwhile option given its approachable caffeine levels and blend of prominent ingredients to help you grow accustomed to the pre-training sensations.
Thanks to a robust flavor roster as well as beginner-friendly levels of caffeine and beta-alanine, we feel Bucked Up Pre-Workout can be a great introduction to the supplement category. However, more seasoned athletes may find the lack of research-backed dosages questionable, and caffeine-tolerant individuals may prefer a powder with some added spark. In this Bucked Up Pre-Workout review, our team of experts used our tried-and-true supplement testing methodology to get to the bottom of this popular powder’s full formulation. As we’ve done with over 100 other pre-workout supplements, we also examined this supp’s real-world performance in categories such as taste, solubility, and more. So, let’s load up the rack and see if this pre- is worth scoping out when it comes time to reload your supplement stock.
This pre-workout comes in five different flavors and has thousands of five-star Amazon reviews behind it. The product also includes zero proprietary blends.
Medical disclaimer: 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.
Main Takeaways
- Bucked Up Pre-Workout contains 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving — roughly half of the FDA’s recommended daily intake of 400 milligrams. (2)
- This beginner-friendly pre-workout supplement is available in 16 flavor options, which can be great for defending against flavor fatigue.
- While the supplement facts are straightforward, the formulation does contain some proprietary blends and we do not have any information regarding third-party testing accreditation.
Bucked Up Pre-Workout Specs
| Price Per Serving | $1.67 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop |
| Caffeine Per Serving | 200mg |
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin B12 (100mcg), citrulline malate 2:1 (6,000mg), beta-alanine (2,000mg), alpha-GPC (200mg), taurine (100mg), Himalayan rock salt (100mg), deer antler velvet extract (50mg), AstraGin (25mg), Senactiv (25mg) |
| Sweeteners Used | Sucralose |
| Available Flavors | Power Punch, Cherry Coconut, Cherry Candy, Miami, Rocket Pop, Freedom, Blood Raz, BKFC Punch, Watermelon, KO Kiwi, Sour Bucks, White Gummy Deer, Blue Raz, Grape Gainz, Killa OJ, Strawberry Kiwi |
| Third-Party Testing | None |
Bucked Up Pre-Workout’s formulation is designed to help boost energy levels and improve athletic performance. The makeup contains common compounds such as citrulline malate (6,000 milligrams), beta-alanine (2,000 milligrams), and alpha-GPC (100 milligrams), among others. What establishes this formulation as one of the best pre-workouts for beginners, though, is the approachable 200-milligram serving of caffeine anhydrous. “As a stimulant, caffeine can help increase alertness, reduce fatigue, improve mood, and boost focus and concentration,” states Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends keeping daily caffeine consumption at or below 400 milligrams, meaning you can take this pre-workout and still be within your recommended upper limit (with room for a morning coffee). (2)
While the caffeine count is appreciated, we do note that other compounds are relatively underdosed when compared to clinical studies. “Current research suggests optimal beta-alanine dosages hover closer to four or six grams, while the performance benefits of citrulline malate are better seen in eight-gram servings,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. (3)(4) That said, though, a lower beta-alanine dosage can be beneficial for athletes looking to avoid paresthesia — the “skin-tingling” sensation brought on by beta-alanine consumption. (5) This condition can be somewhat uncomfortable for newcomers, so a lower dose may be ideal for getting used to the entire pre-workout experience.
Another noteworthy ingredient in this makeup is the 50-milligram serving of deer antler velvet extract. As one of the calling cards of the Bucked Up brand, this compound can potentially help prevent muscle atrophy during training and may promote muscle differentiation, according to studies. (6) Further research is needed, but this is a unique addition, nonetheless.
Flavor-wise Bucked Up Pre-Workout is available in 16 different taste ranging from your classic Grape and Watermelon profiles to branded blends like BKFC Punch and Rocket Pop. We appreciate the robust flavor roster as it can bring more options to the table for a range of different athletes and can prevent flavor fatigue over extended use. However, we do note that Bucked Up Pre-Workout is sweetened with sucralose, which may be a red flag for those steering clear of artificial sweeteners. If you fall into this camp, we recommend opting for one of the best natural pre-workouts with a makeup free of artificial additives.
You can purchase Bucked Up Pre-Workout in 30-serving containers at roughly $1.67 per single-scoop serving. This falls right in-line with other high-quality pre-workout powders that typically range in price between $1 and $2 per serving.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Bucked Up Pre-Workout
The ultimate guide to pre-workouts isn’t a universal reference — there are camps that fare better with one formulation over another. As such, we’ve outlined a few groups below we feel could benefit from Bucked Up Pre-Workout, as well as a handful that may be better served with a different powder for that next level of training enhancement.
Recommended for:
- Beginner athletes looking for a moderate level of caffeine prior to training
- Individuals that want improved focus during workouts
- Flavor fiends in search of a pre-workout supplement with a variety of available tastes
Not Recommended for:
- Serious athletes in need of higher caffeine counts per serving
- People looking for higher presence of nitric oxide boosters for improved blood flow and a great pump
- Individuals aiming to avoid supplements containing artificial sweeteners
Our Experience Using Bucked Up Pre-Workout
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. In our experience with over 100 of the best pre-workouts for focus, energy, muscle pump, and more, we’ve grown to understand what separates a high-quality formulation from the pack. With help from our supplement testing methodology, we examined Bucked Up Pre-Workout for multiple weeks, taking note of its flavor, solubility, side effects, and more. We then rated these findings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) for added clarity in this guide. Here’s what we experienced as we trialed this popular pre-workout powder.
Ingredients and Formulation
At first glance, Bucked Up Pre-Workout seems as if it’s a pretty standard pre-training supplement with listed dosages of popular compounds like beta-alanine for muscular endurance, citrulline malate for improved blood flow, alpha-GPC for cognitive function, and caffeine for energy. (3)(4)(7)(8) While these inclusions are excellent for supporting athletic performance, the devil is in the details and the listed serving sizes can leave you wanting a bit more when it comes time for your next strength training session.
“While I feel the caffeine levels are suitable for a range of athletes, the current research on many of these popular pre-workout ingredients shows that Bucked Up is underdosed,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD in reference to her 3.5-out-of-5 formulation rating. “You’d need to consume two servings of the powder to achieve recommended dosages of beta-alanine and citrulline, for example, and that practice isn’t typical for most.”
We also point out Bucked Up’s use of sucralose as a sweetening agent with this powder. While the artificial sweetener certainly creates a sweet, tasty profile (more on that later), some athletes may experience some GI distress from this ingredient. (9) If you’re typically sensitive to artificial ingredients, it may be best to search for a more accommodating pre-workout supplement.
Taste
While the ingredients may leave you wanting more, our tester, a certified personal trainer, states this pre-workout definitely delivers in the taste department. “I tried a blue raspberry sample and it’s a perfect mixture of sweet and tart,” they note. “I attribute the enjoyable flavor notes to the artificial sweetening agent, but the profile isn’t sickeningly sugary like other pre-workouts I’ve had.”
We score the taste at 4 out of 5, too, since there are multiple tastes to choose from with Bucked Up Pre-Workout. A good pre-workout should be available in a variety of different tastes, in our opinion, as this opens the appeal to more taste buds and also eliminates the chances of flavor fatigue. To explain, while your best protein powder can deliver worthwhile calories and macronutrients, you’ll likely tire of it if you consume the same flavor day in and day out. The same logic can apply to pre-workouts, so having a mix of available tastes to choose from can help you expand your palate without straying too far from the formulation’s base effects.
Solubility
You can’t expect to effectively use a pre-workout supplement if even your best shaker bottle won’t blend the powder to a desired consistency. Thankfully, though, our tester notes that Bucked Up Pre-Workout blended seamlessly with the suggested amount of water with no issues in terms of residue or grit. “I typically do a final washout to ensure I consume the recommended serving size, but that wasn’t necessary with this Bucked Up offering,” they add.
Effects
As mentioned earlier, Bucked Up Pre-Workout is underdosed in certain ingredients and contains a lower amount of caffeine per serving than other high-stimulant pre-workouts. In trials, we thought that these factors would lead to less-than-stellar performance, but our tester reports that Bucked Up performed adequately in terms of effects.
“It’s not my favorite pre-workout in terms of energy improvement,” they state in reference to their 4.5-out-of-5 effects rating, “But I did see significant boosts to my in-training focus given the nootropic compounds like alpha-GPC. I could stay on-task easier and felt sharper when calculating weight totals for each set.” Our tester also reported no undesirable side effects like bloating, GI distress, or overstimulation.
Of course, though, we acknowledge that some athletes, particularly those with higher caffeine tolerances, may prefer a formulation with higher counts per serving closer to the FDA’s daily recommendation of up to 400 milligrams. For such needs, we recommend looking at some of the strongest pre-workouts on the market for improved energy and training endurance.
Price Per Serving
Bucked Up Pre-Workout is available in 30-serving containers. At roughly $49.99 per tub, this equates to around $1.67 per serving — a median price tag in relation to other high-quality pre-workouts we’ve had in testing. Accordingly, we score the value at a modest 3 out of 5 since the price is approachable yet not as wallet-friendly as some of the best cheap pre-workouts on the market today.
Third Party Testing
While we appreciate that Bucked Up Pre-Workout is manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, the brand does not expose this supplement to third-party testing. This extra level of quality control can ensure athletes that the product is labeled accurately and there are no banned substances within the formulation — an absolute must for competitive strength athletes needing to abide by their sport’s respective governing agency. As such, we cannot rate Bucked Up Pre-Workout higher than 2 out of 5 for the category.
What to Consider Before Buying Bucked Up Pre-Workout
Whether searching for one of the best pre-workouts for muscle gain or just a tasty, effective powder for some extra energy, there are some factors worth thinking through along your purchasing journey. Below, we’ve outlined a few key categories worth your time.
- Ingredients and Formulation: Your pre-workout’s formulation should be performance driven with a nutrient profile consistent with your wants and needs. Be sure to look through the supplement facts and ensure that the dosages of each pre-workout ingredient are in accordance with research-backed serving sizes. “It can also be wise to avoid supplements containing proprietary blends or artificial additives,” notes Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD.
- Caffeine Per Serving: “One of the first things I look for in a high-quality pre-workout is its caffeine content,” states Claudia Hleap-Knight, RD, CDCES. “Caffeine can lead to improved performance and energy when taken before a workout, but it’s important to choose a supplement with adequate dosages in relation to your normal intake and personal sensitivities to avoid any unwanted jitters or overstimulation.” (1) The FDA recommends up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily, but be sure to consider your personal experience with high-stim beverages and shop accordingly. (2)
- Third-Party Testing: “To ensure transparency and that what’s listed on your pre-workout’s container is actually within the formulation, it’s best to look for supplements that carry third-party testing approval,” notes Amy Goodson MS, RD, CSSD, LD. “Some reputable certifications to keep an eye out for include NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice, among others.”
- Available Flavors: Similar to the best BCAA supplements, protein powders, and more, you’ll want to select a pre-workout featuring an enjoyable flavor profile. We also recommend seeking out a pre-workout with multiple tastes that appeal to your palate. Following this practice can allow you to change up flavor profiles without veering from the base formulation, preventing flavor fatigue and maintaining a consistent level of performance in the process.
- Price Per Serving: OK, so everyone’s budget is different, but you can generally find some high-quality pre-workouts between $1 and $2 per serving depending on their formulation and any available third-party testing. Crunch some numbers and set your budget to ensure you select a pre-workout powder that comfortably fits within your finances.
Bucked Up Pre-Workout Vs. Competitors
As you can imagine, Bucked Up Pre-Workout is not the only pre-workout supplement on the market. There are countless options to choose from, which can make deciding on a particular powder a bit of a challenge, especially for novices. Below, we’ve provided detailed specs on two comparable formulations that we feel stack up well to Bucked Up Pre-Workout — Bucked Up Woke AF and Transparent Labs BULK.
| Bucked Up Pre-Workout | Bucked Up Woke AF | Transparent Labs BULK | |
| Price Per Serving | $1.67 | $1.83 | $1.67 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop | 1 scoop | 1 scoop |
| Caffeine Per Serving | 200mg | 333mg | 200mg |
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin B12 (100mcg), citrulline malate 2:1 (6,000mg), beta-alanine (2,000mg), alpha-GPC (200mg), taurine (100mg), Himalayan rock salt (100mg), deer antler velvet extract (50mg), AstraGin (25mg), Senactiv (25mg) | Vitamin B12 (100mcg), citrulline malate 2:1 (6,000mg), beta-alanine (3,200mg), alpha-GPC (200mg), Himalayan rock salt (100mg), taurine (100mg), dendrobium (100mg), deer antler velvet extract (50mg), synephrine HCl (40mg), AstraGin (25mg), Senactiv (25mg) | Vitamin B6 (5mg), vitamin B12 (100mcg), zinc (10mg), potassium (130mg), citrulline malate 2:1 (8,000mg), beta-alanine (4,000mg), betaine anhydrous (2,500mg), taurine (1,300mg), l-tyrosine (1,000mg), alpha-GPC (300mg), l-theanine (200mg), theobromine (50mg), Senactiv (50mg), Bioperine (5mg), boron (3mg) |
| Sweeteners Used | Sucralose | Sucralose | Stevia extract |
| Available Flavors | Power Punch, Cherry Coconut, Cherry Candy, Miami, Rocket Pop, Freedom, Blood Raz, BKFC Punch, Watermelon, KO Kiwi, Sour Bucks, White Gummy Deer, Blue Raz, Grape Gainz, Killa OJ, Strawberry Kiwi | Power Punch, Cherry Coconut, Rocket Pop, Freedom, Miami, KO Kiwi, BKFC Punch, Cherry Candy, Sour Bucks, White Gummy Deer, Blood Raz, Blue Raz, Grape Gainz, Killa OJ, Sour Gummy, Ice Cold | Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Peach Mango, Strawberry Kiwi, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Pineapple Coconut, Sour Grape |
| Third-Party Testing | None | None | Yes (Informed Choice) |
As the high-stim version of Bucked Up’s original formula, Woke AF Pre-Workout contains a higher caffeine count of 333 milligrams in addition to more beta-alanine per serving (3,200 milligrams). This makeup can be a viable option for athletes with a higher caffeine tolerance as well as those that don’t mind the skin-tingling sensation of beta-alanine. (5) We still view Bucked Up Pre-Workout as a more cost-effective pick, though, given the lower price per serving of $1.67.
Transparent Labs BULK is one of our favorite pre-workout supplements thanks to its third-party tested formulation and approachable $1.67 cost per serving. Like Bucked Up Pre-Workout, you also get 200 milligrams of caffeine per scoop, which can be a great introductory dosage for those just getting into pre-workouts. Those wanting a more robust flavor roster may be better served with Bucked Up, though, as BULK is only available in nine tastes.
Places to Buy Bucked Up Pre-Workout
Bucked Up Pre-Workout can be purchased online directly from the brand’s retail site. We’ve also found this popular pre-workout supplement at select third-party retailers including Amazon, Walmart, GNC, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Vitacost.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
While the brand’s lineup of pre-workouts is well-recognized within the supplement community, Bucked Up also produces some of the best creatine supplements, protein powders, BCAAs, and multivitamins on the market. To reach the brand with any inquiries, you can utilize the ‘Live Chat’ feature on buckedup.com, email at cs@buckedup.com, or call 1-855-205-2825. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30AM to 5PM MT.
Bucked Up Pre-Workout has received plenty of positive comments online boasting a 4.9-out-of-5 rating on the brand’s site based off nearly 620 customer responses. “The taste was excellent,” states one positive customer review. “It provided a good sense of alertness and focus, too.”
Our Final Verdict on Bucked Up Pre-Workout
Thanks to an enjoyable flavor profile and beginner-friendly dosage of caffeine, Bucked Up Pre-Workout can be a great introductory supplement for those wanting some extra oomph for training days. While the lack of third-party testing and some underserved ingredients do make this less-than-stellar for some, it can be a good way to test the waters as you determine if a pre-workout is right for your fitness and wellness regimen.
When searching for the right pre-workout, emphasize formulations with research-backed dosages and be sure that your powder of choice is available in a flavor you don’t mind sipping on each day. Third-party testing can also be a good security blanket to ensure that your supplement is labeled accurately and free of any banned substances. Follow these tips and give your training session that spark of energy it’s been missing.
Bucked Up Pre-Workout Review FAQs
Is Bucked Up Pre-workout good?
Classifying a pre-workout as “good” can be subjective. In our opinion, though, Bucked Up Pre-Workout can be a suitable supplement for beginner athletes or those less tolerant of high-stim formulations. The available flavor roster also helps ensure that every palate has a worthwhile pairing.
How much does Bucked Up Pre-Workout cost?
Bucked Up Pre-Workout is available online for roughly $1.67 per serving.
What are the side effects of Bucked Up Pre-Workout?
Like many similar products, the pre-workout side effects here will come from the caffeine and beta-alanine. Caffeine may cause jitters, headaches, and insomnia, while beta-alanine may cause skin tingles — a sensation known as paresthesia. (5)(8) If you’re curious as to how you’ll personally be affected by a pre-workout supplement, be sure to check with your personal healthcare provider prior to starting a regimen.
References
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- Commissioner, O. of the. (2024, August 28). Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
- Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Hoffman, J. R., Wilborn, C. D., Sale, C., Kreider, R. B., Jäger, R., Earnest, C. P., Bannock, L., Campbell, B., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Antonio, J. (2015). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Beta-alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4501114/
- 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. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8571142/
- Liu, Q., Sikand, P., Ma, C., Tang, Z., Han, L., Li, Z., Sun, S., LaMotte, R. H., & Dong, X. (2012). Mechanisms of itch evoked by β-alanine. The Journal of Neuroscience, 32(42), 14532–14537. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3491570/
- Jo, K., Jang, W. Y., Yun, B. S., Kim, J. S., Lee, H.-S., Chang, Y. B., & Suh, H. J. (2021). Effect of deer antler extract on muscle differentiation and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (aicar)-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 cells. Food Science of Animal Resources, 41(4), 623–635. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8277185/
- Tamura, Y., Takata, K., Matsubara, K., & Kataoka, Y. (2021). Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine increases motivation in healthy volunteers: A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled human study. Nutrients, 13(6), 2091. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8235064/
- Saimaiti, A., Zhou, D.-D., Li, J., Xiong, R.-G., Gan, R.-Y., Huang, S.-Y., Shang, A., Zhao, C.-N., Li, H.-Y., & Li, H.-B. (2022). Dietary sources, health benefits, and risks of caffeine. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63(29), 9648–9666. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35574653/
- del Pozo, S., Gómez-Martínez, S., Díaz, L. E., Nova, E., Urrialde, R., & Marcos, A. (2022). Potential effects of sucralose and saccharin on Gut Microbiota: A Review. Nutrients, 14(8), 1682. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458244/
