Transparent Labs is notorious for their natural supplements, including their pre-workouts that may help prepare you for intense gym sessions. If you’re looking to add a new pre-workout supplement to your lineup and want a formula that includes a huge dose of citrulline, more than three cups of coffee’s worth of caffeine, and additional vitamin B12, BULK Black may be the formula for you. You’ll look forward to scooping this pre into your shaker as well thanks to the four unique flavor options.
Although there are many supplements available that may help your workout including beta-alanine, creatine, or caffeine, a diverse mix of ingredients like the ones found here in BULK Black may be the key to unlocking your best workout. This pre-workout has some staple ingredients like citrulline and amino acids, but it also contains vitamin B and D, and contains caffeine that equates to almost three and a half cups of coffee. For those who work out and want a potential burst of energy, focus, blood-flow, and possible recovery benefits, look no further than this formula.
Main Takeaways
- BULK Black has no artificial dyes, flavors or sweeteners, and contains no preservatives.
- This pre-workout has 12 active ingredients — 17 grams total — as well as a handful of vitamins and minerals.
- BULK Black is a limited edition formula that contains a few higher doses than the brand’s regular BULK pre-workout, and comes in four flavors — two of which (Cherry Kiwi and Sour Gummy) aren’t available in the regular BULK pre.
Transparent Labs BULK Black is one of the strongest pre-workout supplements on the market. This product comes in five delicious flavors and has high levels of must-have pre-workout ingredients including caffeine, citrulline, and beta-alanine.
Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout Highlights
Transparent Labs BULK Black contains 12 active ingredients, as well as 75mcg of vitamin D, 5mg of vitamin B6, and 250mcg of vitamin B12. These may not seem like high numbers, but at a minimum, these fill 294 percent of your recommended daily intake (RDI). This pre also includes 150mg of sodium and 100mg of potassium, which are important electrolytes that the body needs to stay hydrated, regulate blood pressure, and assist muscle contractions.
As far as active ingredients go, BULK Black contains a whopping 8,000mg of citrulline, 4,000mg of beta-alanine, 2,500mg of betaine, 1,300mg of taurine, 1,000mg of tyrosine, 300mg of Alpha-GPC, 275mg of caffeine, 200mg of theanine, 50mg of theobromine, 50mg of Astragin™, 30mg of Infinenergy™, and 3mg of boron. This specific formula is great for those who prefer to work out in the morning and who want a potentially more focus-forward workout.
It comes in Cherry Kiwi, Blue Raspberry, Peach Mango, Sour Gummy, and Black Cherry flavor options, and will cost you just about $2.00 per serving. BULK Black is formulated without any artificial dyes, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives, making it a solid choice for people who prefer to avoid artificial ingredients in their supplements.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout
- Those who want a robust ingredient list for their pre-workout will like the 17 grams of active ingredients, including 8,000mg of citrulline and 4,000mg of beta-alanine in this formula.
- People who are interested in a formula that doesn’t contain any artificial dyes, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
- Folks who want fun new flavors to choose from will like the four options available here, which include Cherry Kiwi, Sour Gummy, Peach Mango, and Blue Raspberry.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout
- Anyone who is avoiding caffeine will want to find a different formula as this has 305mg of caffeine in total, which is equal to about three and a third cups of coffee.
- Those who don’t like the taste of stevia as a sweetening agent.
- Anyone who is shopping for a pre-workout with creatine added to the formula as this one doesn’t contain creatine.
Price and Buying Options
BULK Black is a limited edition pre-workout and will cost around $59.99 per tub. Each tub of BULK Black contains 30 servings, meaning each serving is around $2.00. If you choose to use Transparent Labs’ subscribe and save method, you can save 10 percent on your purchase, and you can choose if you’d like to receive your subscription every 30, 45 or 60 days. Any subscribe and save option will end up costing you around $1.80 per serving. You will also receive free shipping if you opt to go with subscribe and save.
Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout Overall
Transparent Labs offers many pre-workout formulas, so what makes BULK Black stand out from the others? BULK Black is a limited edition pre-workout from Transparent Labs and, as is true across the board for their supps, is naturally flavored, colored, and sweetened using stevia.
If you’re looking for a pre-workout that is especially high in citrulline, is loaded with caffeine, and includes a solid dose of vitamin B12, this may be the right fit for you compared to Transparent Labs’ other pre-workouts. Compared to their regular BULK pre-workout, BULK Black contains 2,000mg more of citrulline malate, 95mg more of caffeine anhydrous, double the amount of Astragin™ at 50mg, and an extra 150mcg of vitamin B12.
It contains high dosages and includes 17 grams of active ingredients, including 8,000mg of citrulline malate, which may help boost nitric oxide production and provide better pumps, as well as 4,000mg of beta-alanine, which is best known for potentially providing that tingly pre-workout feeling in your extremities. (1) BULK Black also contains 2,500mg of betaine, which one study suggests may be beneficial for improving strength and performance by up to almost 25 percent. (2) But more on the formula itself below.
Formulation
Transparent Labs BULK Black is a limited edition formula and varies slightly from the traditional BULK pre-workout. Some of the ingredients have higher dosages, while some ingredients that are found in BULK aren’t included in the BULK Black formula. Each ingredient within this lineup serves a pre-workout purpose, but more on that below.
Citrulline Malate
You’ll find citrulline malate in many pre-workout formulas, and this formula has a very high dose at 8,000mg per serving — that’s at the high end of the 6,000mg to 8,000mg doses recommended for a potential boost in sports performance. (4) Citrulline malate has been suggested to increase athletic performance for those who participate in high-intensity anaerobic exercises, and it may be helpful in decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness. (5) Those who work out intensely or experience intense soreness after their lifting sessions may benefit from this high dose of citrulline malate.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is most commonly known as the pre-workout ingredient that can leave you feeling tingly (or like your skin is prickling) shortly after you consume it. This formula contains 4,000mg of beta-alanine (a clinically effective dose lies between 3,200mg and 6,400mg per day). (6) Beta-alanine can be an effective ingredient in delaying muscle fatigue, which could allow you to prolong your workout and push further before your body gives up. (7) This may be due to beta-alanine’s potential to create carnosine, which may resist lactic acid build up and delay the fatigue that would normally prevent you from working out for a longer period of time. (8)
Betaine
Betaine is known for its potential to increase strength and power performance by up to 25 percent than placebo. (2) For healthy people (those with absence of disease), a dose between 1,500mg and 3,000mg can be just as effective as higher doses for those who don’t fall under the “healthy” category. This formula contains 2,500mg.
Caffeine
This formula has two types of caffeine — caffeine anhydrous and Infinergy™ — for a total of 305mg of caffeine (which is equal to almost three and a half cups of coffee). Caffeine can be helpful for potentially providing energy and focus, as well as increasing your attention span. It is worth noting that caffeine can be addictive and lead to dependence, which may have negative effects for some. (9)
Amino Acids
Amino acids are either considered essential, nonessential, or conditionally essential. Your body produces enough of the nonessential amino acid naturally, so you shouldn’t need to supplement them. Conditionally essential amino acids are ones that you only need to supplement with in severe conditions or illnesses, and essential amino acids are required for body function, but aren’t readily produced in the body. This formula contains 1,300mg of taurine, 1,000mg of tyrosine, and 200mg of theanine.
Alpha-GPC
Alpha-GPC is a nootropic, meaning it’s most effective for cognitive function. It can potentially improve focus and vertical jump. It is suggested to take between 300 and 600mg 30 to 60 minutes before a workout in order to reap potential power output benefits. (10) This formula contains 300mg per serving.
Theobromine
Theobromine is a caffeine derivative and may be beneficial for cell survival and neurological function, such as learning and memory. (11) This formula contains 50mg per serving, which is an effective dose as one study suggested intake of 43mg or more can have positive influences on cognition. (12)
What To Consider Before Buying Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout
With so many pre-workouts available on the market, it’s important to consider a few details before deciding if Transparent Labs BULK Black pre-workout is the right choice for you. Taking a good look at the ingredients, price, flavor, and dosages before purchasing can be key.
Ingredients and Formula
When choosing your perfect pre-workout, you’ll want to make sure that the ingredients included in the lineup are in line with your goals and your lifestyle. For example, if you work out late at night or actively avoid caffeine, you may want to opt for an alternative caffeine-free pre-workout. If you’re looking for a pre-workout that includes a robust ingredient list that is meant for better blood flow, focus, and recovery, BULK Black may be a good pre-workout supplement for you. The ingredient list here includes B vitamins and vitamin D, as well as two types of caffeine, and some -pre-workout favorites like beta-alanine, citrulline, betaine, and amino acids.
If you’re looking for a pre-workout with BCAAs, creatine, or hydrating ingredients, like coconut water or a plethora of electrolytes, this may not be your best bet. The other major point that makes this formula stand out is its lack of artificial ingredients. This formula contains no artificial flavors, dyes, preservatives, or sweeteners, which can be a major bonus compared to others on the market for those who actively avoid all things artificial. The one thing to pay attention to here is that the sweetening agent is stevia, a taste that some may not enjoy.
Price
This limited-edition pre-workout comes in 30-serving size tubs. If you buy as is, you’ll be paying about $60.00, which equates to around $2.00 per serving. If you opt for the subscribe and save option, you’ll end up paying about $1.80 per serving, making it slightly more affordable. Compared to others on the market, this is a pretty fair price considering the dosages, ingredients, and lack of artificial ingredients. If you’re extremely budget-conscious and less worried about clinical doses or artificial ingredients, you can definitely find cheaper options on the market. However, for the quality, this is a very reasonable percentage.
If you’re wanting to compare prices across the market, we suggest comparing by the price per serving. The way to calculate price per serving is by taking the full price of the supplement and dividing it by the number of servings per container.
Flavor
Enjoyability can be a major factor when it comes to taking your pre-workout supplement and sticking to a routine. You’re not going to look forward to taking your pre- if it takes like dirt or something that doesn’t suit your preferences. It may make taking your pre-workout a chore rather than a part of your day you look forward to. This formula comes in four delicious flavor options, two of which aren’t available in the regular BULK formula. The two that are available in both BULK and BULK Black are Peach Mango and Blue Raspberry, while the two that are specific to BULK Black are Sour Gummy and Cherry Kiwi.
Dosages
When buying a pre-workout, you’ll want to assess whether each ingredient is clinically dosed or not. Each ingredient on this label falls within an effective dose range, and something we like about Transparent Labs BULK Black is that each ingredient is specifically dosed. Some other formulas contain proprietary blends of ingredients, which means that they aren’t specifically dosed out and may make the pre-workout less expensive overall.
Final Word
If you’re looking for a pre-workout with a solid lineup of active ingredients, high doses, delicious flavor choices, and some extra vitamins, Transparent Labs BULK Black pre-workout may be a great choice for you. This formula is limited edition and contains similar ingredients to BULK, but several of the ingredients here come at higher dosages — such as the 8,000mg of citrulline found in Black. Two of the four flavors — Sour Gummy and Cherry Kiwi — are only available in the Black edition, as well.
Transparent Labs is known for their natural ingredient lists that lack artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and sweeteners, and BULK Black is no exception. For those who want a solid pre-workout without compromising on quality, Transparent Labs BULK Black is an exceptional pre-workout choice at a fair price.
FAQs
How is Transparent Labs BULK Black different from BULK?
Although they are similar in formulation, BULK Black has several ingredients that come at higher dosages. BULK has some extra ingredients not included in BULK Black, such as 4,000mg of BCAAs and 270 percent of your RDI of zinc. BULK Black also offers Sour Gummy and Cherry Kiwi, which are two flavors you won’t find with the regular BULK pre-workout lineup.
Do the high doses found in BULK Black make it better?
We believe that it isn’t so much how high the doses are, but more important that the ingredients are clinically dosed. Most ingredients found in BULK Black come at clinically effective doses, meaning they are scientifically within a range that can make them most effective in the body.
When should I take Transparent Labs BULK Black pre-workout?
Transparent Labs recommended you take half of a scoop with eight to 10 ounces of water approximately a half an hour before your workout or sport. If you’re looking to shock the system a bit more, you’ll want to do a full scoop in 10 to 12 ounces of water 30 minutes before your workout or sport — but you should not exceed more than two scoops in a 24 hour period.
References
- Gonzalez AM, Trexler ET. Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature. J Strength Cond Res. 2020 May;34(5):1480-1495. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003426. PMID: 31977835.
- Ismaeel A. Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Power: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res. 2017 Aug;31(8):2338-2346. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001959. PMID: 28426517.
- Wu G. Amino acids: metabolism, functions, and nutrition. Amino Acids. 2009 May;37(1):1-17. doi: 10.1007/s00726-009-0269-0. Epub 2009 Mar 20. PMID: 19301095.
- Examine.com. (2022, November 14). Branched-chain amino acids health benefits, dosage, safety, side-effects, and more: Supplements. Examine. Retrieved November 23, 2022, from https://examine.com/supplements/branched-chain-amino-acids/#dosage-information
- Pérez-Guisado J, Jakeman PM. Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 May;24(5):1215-22. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cb28e0. PMID: 20386132.
- Examine.com. (2022, September 28). Beta-alanine health benefits, dosage, safety, side-effects, and more: Supplements. Examine. Retrieved November 23, 2022, from https://examine.com/supplements/beta-alanine/#dosage-information
- Hoffman JR, Emerson NS, Stout JR. β-Alanine supplementation. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2012 Jul-Aug;11(4):189-95. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e3182604983. PMID: 22777329.
- Artioli GG, Gualano B, Smith A, Stout J, Lancha AH Jr. Role of beta-alanine supplementation on muscle carnosine and exercise performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010 Jun;42(6):1162-73. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181c74e38. PMID: 20479615.
- Pardo Lozano R, Alvarez García Y, Barral Tafalla D, Farré Albaladejo M. Cafeína: un nutriente, un fármaco, o una droga de abuso [Caffeine: a nutrient, a drug or a drug of abuse]. Adicciones. 2007;19(3):225-38. Spanish. PMID: 17724925.
- Examine.com. (2022, September 28). Alpha-GPC Health Benefits, dosage, safety, side-effects, and more: Supplements. Examine. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://examine.com/supplements/alpha-gpc/
- Yoneda M, Sugimoto N, Katakura M, Matsuzaki K, Tanigami H, Yachie A, Ohno-Shosaku T, Shido O. Theobromine up-regulates cerebral brain-derived neurotrophic factor and facilitates motor learning in mice. J Nutr Biochem. 2017 Jan;39:110-116. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2016.10.002. Epub 2016 Oct 8. PMID: 27833051.
- Theobromine for improved cognitive function? Examine. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://examine.com/summaries/study/1wyG49/
