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Do you find yourself dreading the taste of your pre-workout supplements but needing the energy boost it provides?
As a certified personal trainer, my team and I tested more than 40 pre-workout supplements, revealing not just the flavors but also how they impacted my workout intensity and focus.
Keep reading to discover pre-workouts that blends flavor and functionality that you'll genuinely enjoy consuming.
The Best Tasting Pre-Workout Supplements
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout Supplement: Gorilla Mode
- Cheapest Tasty Pre-Workout Supplement: Evlution Nutrition ENGN
- Best Flavored Pre-Workout Without Artificial Additives: Transparent Labs
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout Supplement for Vegans: Transparent Labs
- Best Flavored Pre-Workout for Strength Training: 4 Gauge
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout With Creatine: Gorilla Mode
- Best Flavored Pre-Workout for The Best Pump: 4 Gauge
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Muscle Fatigue: NITROSURGE
- Best Flavored Pre-Workout for Mental Focus: Gorilla Mode
Top 10 Pre-Workouts That Taste The Best (April 2024)
1 - Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout (Best Overall & Best Tasting)
- L-Citrulline : 4500mg
- Creatine Monohydrate : 2500mg
- Caffeine : 175mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Claims to have a nitric oxide boosting formula
- High dose of caffeine may help with mental focus and fat burning
- Many positive comments about good endurance and energy boost
- Good feedback on the available flavors
Cons
- More flavor options would be great
After a heated debate and the editor's vote, we all agreed that Gorilla Mode was the best-tasting pre-workout supplement.
Every sip was akin to indulging in an intense, guilt-free version of a popsicle, where the icy delight meets performance enhancement, offering a unique blend of pleasure and power during my workouts.
Beyond the sensory experience, the tangible impact on our clients’ fitness journeys is undeniable. Each ingredient is meticulously curated, weaving a tapestry of energy, mental acuity, and endurance that transforms goals into tangible results and aspirations into achievements.
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2 - Transparent Labs Pre-Workout (Best Vegan & Without Artificial Additives)
- L-Citrulline : 6000mg
- BCAA's : 2000mg
- Caffeine : 180mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has no artificial additives or flavors
- Contains a broad range of amino acids including BCAAs
- Flavors like green apple and blue raspberry are quite refreshing
- A moderate dose of stimulants may help to avoid the jitters
Cons
- You may want to mix each scoop with a bit more liquid for a less powerful flavor
In my journey of fitness, I've been cautious of the ingredients I consume. Transparent Labs became a staple in my regimen, not just because it’s a vegan-friendly pre-workout but also because of the purity of ingredients that I could feel working synergistically with my body during every workout.
Based on my experience with this product, I also like that it is not too powerful on the stimulant side of things.
Available in a good selection of flavors like green apple, I would just suggest adding a bit more water so it’s not overpowering.
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3 - 4 Gauge Pre-Workout (Best for Strength Training)
- L-Citrulline : 6000mg
- Creatine Monohydrate : 1000mg
- Acetyl L-Carnitine : 500mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a good amount of citrulline and creatine for better pump
- Contains caffeine and l-theanine for energy and mental focus
- Ideal for strength and endurance training
- Void of artificial flavorings
Cons
- Not suitable if you’re sensitive to caffeine
We determined through our tests that the 4 Gauge earns its spot on our list through genuine quality and performance, not just marketing rhetoric.
According to one of the studies found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this blend of ingredients promotes better blood flow during workouts, which means improved oxygen delivery, which results in bigger gains fat loss [1].
4 - NITROSURGE Pre-Workout (Best for Muscle Fatigue)
- L-Citrulline : 3000mg
- Beta Alanine : 1600mg
- Caffeine : 180mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good reactions from bodybuilders about the increased pump effect
- Added beta alanine may help with reducing muscle fatigue
- Combination of caffeine and L-theanine may boost mental focus
- Available in tasty flavors (watermelon and fruit punch are a favorite)
Cons
- It does have some artificial ingredients
Through rigorous trials and feedback from seasoned bodybuilders, we’ve witnessed the potent pump effect of this pre-workout firsthand.
Every ingredient is meticulously chosen, and each flavor, especially the fruit punch, is a result of exhaustive research and testing, ensuring it aligns with both taste and performance aspirations.
The only downside is that there are some artificial flavors involved.
Check out our Nitrosurge review to learn more about this product.
5 - Cobra Labs The Curse Pre-Workout
- L-Citrulline : 900mg
- Creatine Monohydrate : 3000mg
- Caffeine : 155mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Claims to target mental energy focus
- Available in large tubs of 50 servings
- Positive comments about the fast-acting effects
- Green apple is refreshing and mixes easily
Cons
- Details about the blend of ingredients are proprietary
Cobra Labs isn’t just another name in the market; it embodies a relentless pursuit of synergizing rapid performance enhancement with unparalleled taste.
Our in-depth analysis and the affirmative feedback from diverse fitness enthusiasts affirm its efficacy.
From my teams’ feedback, the pre-workout has helped with workout stamina, and the available tastes are pretty refreshing, I have to say.
Personally, I get annoyed when I see proprietary blends in pre-workouts, but it does seem to work well.
6 - MusclePharm Assault Sport Pre-Workout
- Beta Alanine : 1750mg
- Creatine Monohydrate : 3000mg
- Caffeine : 250mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Favored by many professional athletes for the strong stimulant effect
- Includes added vitamins to support healthy muscle function
- Tested for banned substances
- A good dose of creatine that may help increase stamina
Cons
- Caffeine and taurine combination may be a bit much if you’re sensitive to stimulants
This seems to have become the best pre-workout favored by professionals.
It does have a lot of stimulants, but more importantly, it’s tested for banned substances.
I found through our testing that most pre-workout flavors are either chalky or unappealing, but the watermelon flavor of this one is pleasantly different. It hits the perfect amount of sweetness.
With added vitamins, it’s also more than just one of the best tasting pre-workout product choices.
7 - Cellucor C4 Extreme Energy Pre-Workout
- L-Citrulline : 1000mg
- Creatine Nitrate : 1000mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A strong dose of caffeine may help with motivation and fat loss
- Easy to shake into a smooth texture
- A completely sugar-free option that may reduce the impact on diets
- Many positive comments about the blue razz flavor
Cons
- It does contain some artificial flavors
I’ve turned to Cellucor pre-workout on numerous occasions, each time a testament to its potent blend of motivation and flavor.
It’s not just about the rapid mixability; it’s an experience where taste and potency strike a harmonious balance, igniting the fire for those grueling gym sessions without overwhelming the senses.
What I like is that it mixes fast and doesn’t taste too overpowering. Just keep in mind that not all the flavors are naturally sourced.
Check out the Full Buyer's Guide for Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout.
8 - Jym Pre-Workout
- Beta Alanine : 2000mg
- Creatine Monohydrate : 2000mg
- L-Citrulline : 6000mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 6 grams of BCAAs per serving
- Low in sugar and calories to not mess up your diet
- Nice flavor options available to mix things up a bit
- Contains only natural flavors for more natural taste
Cons
- High dose of stimulants may leave you jittery
What we like about this product during our testing is the low sugar and calorie amounts.
Sugar is something that is often used just to make things tastier.
One thing you need to keep in mind, though, is that there’s a lot of caffeine that most our trial participants report makes them jittery.
9 - Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre-Workout (Cheapest Option)
- Beta Alanine : 1600mg
- Creatine Monohydrate : 2000mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines creatine and beta alanine for endurance and power
- Added vitamins that may support better performance
- Good reports about mental stamina from caffeine
- Largest selection of flavors on the market
Cons
- Some ingredients are hidden behind a proprietary blend
Discovering a pre-workout that marries essential vitamins with potent protein sources was like striking gold. In my extensive experience, the oversight of integrating these vital elements is common, yet their impact is monumental.
Every muscle contraction, every lift, every sprint is a symphony of these nutrients working in unison, amplifying muscle function and optimizing every ounce of effort poured into the workout.
In terms of taste and mixability, I particularly enjoyed the cherry limeade flavor. However, there are four other flavors, designed to suit different preferences.
10 - BPI Sports 1.M.R Strength Series Pre-Workout
- L-Citrulline : 3000mg
- Caffeine : 250mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combination of carnitine and citrulline for powerful muscle pump
- Claims to improve your stamina at the gym
- Rainbow ice flavor is refreshing
- A moderate dose of caffeine may reduce jitters
Cons
- The texture could be improved a little bit
Considered the best for pre workout stamina boosts in the bodybuilding niche, it’s good to see that it’s not overly reliant on stimulants.
It’s more the carnitine and citrulline that may create natural power boosts [2,3].
The only thing I found during our testing is that the pre-workout sometimes remains a little bit grainy after shaking.
How We Tested Best Tasting Pre-Workouts
As a certified personal trainer, I've had extensive experience with various pre-workout supplements, understanding their impact on performance, taste, and overall health.
To determine the best-tasting pre-workouts, we employed a comprehensive testing methodology, focusing on seven key criteria.
Ingredients
The foundation of any pre-workout supplement is its ingredient list. We closely examined the quality and effectiveness of the ingredients in each product. This included looking for natural, scientifically-backed components like caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate, which are known for enhancing performance and endurance.
Price
Affordability plays a significant role in the accessibility of pre-workouts. We compared the cost per serving across various brands to ensure our recommendations offer value for money without compromising on quality.
Taste
A crucial aspect of our testing was that we sampled each pre-workout to evaluate its flavor profile. This wasn't just about sweetness or palatability; we also considered aftertaste, consistency, and how well the flavors masked any bitterness from active ingredients.
Mixability
A good pre-workout should dissolve easily in water without leaving clumps or residue. We tested each product's mixability to ensure a smooth, enjoyable drinking experience.
Effectiveness
Beyond taste and ingredients, the effectiveness of the pre-workout in boosting energy, focus, and endurance was a top priority. This involved assessing the onset of effects, their duration, and their overall impact on workout performance.
Label Transparency
We evaluated how clearly and accurately the brands disclosed their ingredients and dosages. This transparency is crucial for users to understand what they're consuming and in what quantities.
Customer Feedback
Lastly, we considered reviews and feedback from a wide range of users. This helped us gauge the reception of different flavors and formulas in the fitness community, ensuring our recommendations align with diverse preferences and experiences.
Buyer's Guide
A good quality pre-workout supplement contains only natural ingredients that are backed by science.
Here are some of the more important ones that my dietitian mentioned we should focus on.
1 - L-Citrulline
Most pre-workout supplements contain some of it, and anything above 4 grams should increase nitric oxide levels [4]. This may have the positive effect of increasing blood flow to deliver more oxygen and energy to muscles. It gets your pumps on.
The best L- Citrulline supplement we've found is from a brand called BulkSupplements.
B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), and B12 (cobalamin), each essential for overall health but become even more important when you're actively trying to grow muscle and get stronger,
- Charlotte Hilton Andersen, Health & Diet Writer
2 - Beta-Alanine
Several clinical trials have shown that exercise and training results could be improved with a regular dose of beta-alanine [5]. If you see it on a nutrition formula label with at least 1 to 2 grams, then you could be onto a decent choice for pre-workouts.
The best Beta-Alanine supplement we've found is from a brand called Nutricost.
3 - Creatine
This has been shown to help with resistance training by allowing test subjects to work harder for longer in high-intensity training sessions [6].
The best creatine supplement we've found is from a brand called Transparent Labs.
4 - Vitamins
So many pre-workouts these days completely underestimate the need for vitamins in regular and exercise muscle function. Look out for things like B6 and B12, but vitamin D boosts may also help [7,8].
The best multivitamin supplement we've found is from a brand called Performance Lab.
5 - Stimulants
Yes, you could just have a few cups of coffee to get your brain in gear, but it’s much easier in concentrated form in a supplement [9]. Just make sure you don’t overstimulate late in the day, or you could end up with a sleepless night.
Otherwise, find a stimulant-free pre-workout to avoid these issues. The good news is that most of the best-tasting pre-workouts have stim-free versions that cater to people with caffeine sensitivity. Check your favorite brand and see whether they offer these products.
Other Resources:
Pre-Workout Supplements Vs. Meals
Many professional athletes will aim to get as many nutrients as possible from a good pre-workout meal. The problem is that some of the proteins, like BCAAs, would require quite a large meal to get the total boost needed.
And hitting the gym on a full stomach might not be a great idea.
With the above reviews, you have product choices that taste good, won’t make you feel full, and a formula that may provide you all the nutrients in a condensed and easily absorbed form.
Diving into the world of pre-workouts, you will find a multitude of flavors and ingredients. Pre-workout formulas generally include common ingredients like caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, and amino acids for energy, strength, endurance, and muscle growth [10].
Choosing the best-tasting pre-workouts becomes a personal preference. Some prefer traditional flavors like fruit punch and blue raspberry, while others lean towards more exotic pre-workout flavors like green apple and orange mango.
The key is to find a balance between a formula that contains all the essential nutrients you need for an intense workout and a flavor that you can tolerate, or even enjoy. After all, a pre-workout that tastes great and aligns with your fitness goals can become an essential part of your fitness journey. From fruit flavors to exotic blends, the best-tasting pre-workouts not only fuel your workout but also make your pre-workout routine more enjoyable.
Can You Take Both Pre-Workout And Post-workout Supplements?
Yes, you can take both pre-workout and post-workout supplements, and in many cases, that may actually be a very sensible choice to make.
The pre workouts aim to make you get more out of your time at the gym, but this may also mean that your muscles could be considerably stiffer.
By taking a post-workout protein, you could speed up the recovery process as well.
It’s certainly an approach that is recommended in the bodybuilding industry, so if you want to see some faster bulking, definitely give it a try.
FAQs
Does L-Citrulline Taste Bad?
No, L-citrulline doesn’t taste bad. It is tasteless, odorless, and non-hygroscopic. This means that it won't affect the flavor of your beverages or foods when added to them.
What Pre-Workouts Taste the Best?
Pre-workouts that taste the best are Gorilla Mode, Transparent Labs, 4 Gauge, and NITROSURGE.
How Do the Ingredients in Pre-workout Supplements Impact the Environment?
The environmental impact of pre-workout supplement ingredients varies, with some being sourced from sustainable methods while others may have a higher environmental footprint. It's important to consider the sourcing and production processes of these ingredients when assessing their overall sustainability.
Why Are Electrolytes Important in Pre-workout Supplements?
Electrolytes in pre-workout supplements are important as they help maintain hydration and ensure proper muscle function during intense exercise. They play a key role in preventing cramps and fatigue and enhancing overall workout performance.
How Should I Choose a Pre-workout Supplement Based on My Training Goals?
Choosing a pre-workout supplement should be based on your specific training goals, such as endurance, strength, or weight loss, as different ingredients cater to different needs. For instance, supplements with higher caffeine might be more suited for endurance, while those with creatine are beneficial for strength training.
What Are the Long-Term Health Effects of Taking Pre-workout Supplements?
The long-term health effects of taking pre-workout supplements can vary, with some studies suggesting potential benefits for regular exercise performance and others indicating risks if consumed excessively. It's crucial to balance supplement intake with a healthy diet and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
What Is the Difference Between Synthetic and Natural Ingredients in Pre-workout Supplements?
Synthetic ingredients in pre-workout supplements are often more concentrated and can provide a more immediate boost. In contrast, natural ingredients are derived from whole food sources and may be easier for the body to process. The choice between synthetic and natural depends on personal health preferences and tolerance levels.
Our Verdict on Best Tasting Pre-Workouts
Of all the pre-workout supplements we’ve tried, the one we all agreed satisfied our taste buds is the Gorilla Mode pre-workout. Not only that, but it boosts energy and endurance for our workouts.
With caffeine, L-Citrulline, and creatine, Gorilla Mode allows you to have longer workouts.
Based on our tests, these ingredients promote a boost in energy and blood flow to the muscles.
Our #1 Best Tasting Pre-Workout
Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout (Best Overall & Best Tasting)
- Claims to have a nitric oxide boosting formula
- High dose of caffeine may help with mental focus and fat burning
- Many positive comments about good endurance and energy boost
- Good feedback on the available flavors
- Get 10% off using code: TOTALSHAPE
- More flavor options would be great
About The Author
You May Also Like
The best-flavored pre-workout for me is Jym Pre-Workout since the taste is so natural.
I wonder what’s the best pre-workout flavor for others. Mine is pineapple mango. Yum!
Appreciate the detailed list, always looking for free workout supplement options. Focusing on the benefits helps optimize performance, looking forward to giving these a try.