A good pre-workout supplement can really take your workout performance to the next level. The problem is many of today’s pre-workout supplements contain caffeine and, in some cases, a tremendous amount of caffeine. Some pre-workouts have twice the caffeine of a Monster energy drink which is a lot.
For those who are looking for a pre-workout supplement that does not contain caffeine, there are some good options available. Here is a look at the best pre-workout supplements without caffeine.
Why Trust Us? We Know Pre-Workout Supplements
The Athletic Build Team is a renowned authority in the pre-workout supplement review realm. This team comprises certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 coaches, and weightlifting coaches who possess extensive expertise in working out and utilizing top-notch supplements to enhance their performance and recovery.
Their collective experience involves testing and researching over 30 pre-workout supplements, in addition to their personal use of various supplements outside their roles as product testers.
As for myself, my research interests encompass exploring dietary supplement interventions for optimizing exercise effects and investigating the impacts of creatine monohydrate. In short, I too, possess considerable knowledge regarding supplements.
Topping off our list, we have PreSeries STIM-FREE by Transparent Labs. This pre-workout is one of the best on the market, and it does not contain any caffeine. PreSeries STIM-FREE uses clinically effective doses of ingredients that have been proven to enhance workouts.
Looking at the ingredients in this bad boy and it has everything you would expect in a pre-workout except for the caffeine and other stimulants.
Taking a look at the ingredients and they use a healthy 6000 mg dose of citrulline malate, which is a precursor to nitric oxide. Citrulline malate has been shown to increase strength, aerobic performance, and muscle endurance.
They also use generous doses of betaine anhydrous and beta-alanine, which delay muscle fatigue and increase strength. Beta-alanine is also the ingredient that gives pre-workouts their tingly feeling, which people either love or hate.
After that, they also have 4grams of branched-chain amino acids or BCAA’s, which are the building blocks of muscle cells and help with recovery.
This pre-workout does not have any artificial sweeteners, dyes, fillers, or harmful additives, and everything is straightforward like it should be. No proprietary blends hiding the doses either,
The price of Transparent Labs STIM-FREE is above average, but there are ways to lower the cost.
Buy 2, and they will knock $10 off the price, buy 3 and they knock $30 off the price.
You can also use the coupon code TL10 to save 10% on your entire order.
Unfortunately, shipping is extra unless you spend $150.
Pros
No Caffeine
Uses clinically proven doses of effective ingredients.
Has a healthy 6000mg dose of Citrulline Malate.
Delays muscle fatigue and increases strength.
4 grams of branched-chain amino acids.
No artificial sweeteners, dyes, fillers or harmful additives.
In the runner-up spot, we have another nice pre-workout that doesn’t have caffeine or any other harsh stimulants.
Pre Kaged is one of the best pre-workouts, and the stim-free version is no different.
Pre-Kaged Stim Free has some solid ingredients like a hefty 6.5 grams dose of Citrulline Malate along with 3.5 grams of BCAAs, 2.5 grams of Betain and 1.6 grams or Beta-Alanine.
This pre-workout also has 1.5 grams of Creatine HCL to help with strength and muscle mass.
There are also 2 grams of Taurine, which has been shown to reduce muscle fatigue.
Pre-Kaged uses a blend of electrolytes to help with hydration as well.
It is also suitable for vegans and has been third-party tested for banned substances making it safer for athletes.
They do not use artificial flavors or colors, and it is gluten-free and non-GMO.
The price on this pre-workout is above average but not too accessive. There are no savings for buying in bulk, but you can get a subscription that saves you 10%.
Onnit’s Total Strength and Performance pre-workout is a good pre-workout that is vegan-friendly.
This pre-workout has a 4.5-gram Performance Blend that features BCAAs, L-Glutamine, and Beta-Alanine.
Next, they have a “Power Blend” that features D-Aspartic Acid, Stinging Nettle, and Longjack. all of these are good at increasing testosterone and libido.
Lastly, they have the “Support Blend,” which features Red Clover, Knotweed, and Sophora Japonica.
These ingredients are all designed to help with absorption and bioavailability.
This pre-workout is non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free and does not use artificial sweeteners or flavors.
On the negative side, they use proprietary blends, so you don’t know how much of each ingredient is in the product. It is also only sometimes in stock.
The price on this pre-workout is about average, but there are no savings when you buy in bulk.
Are you looking to get skin-tearing muscle pumps and veins that will freak people out?
Then the aptly named “PUMP: is the answer.
This non-stim pre-workout is made exclusively for those that love “the pump.”
Ingredients they use are a massive 8-gram dose of Citrulline Malate along with Arginine Nitrate and L-Glutathione. These three ingredients work together to increase nitric oxide and send your muscle pumps and vascularity through the roof.
Pump doesn’t use artificial flavors or colors and has no preservatives, only the good stuff.
The price of PUMP is above average, but you can save by buying in bulk, and they have subscriptions that will save you 10%.
On top of that, you can use the coupon code TL10 to save 10% on your entire order.
GeniusPre is a nootropic pre-workout that gives you a mental boost for better focus, concentration, and determination in the gym.
The Genius Brand is known for its nootropic supplements that improve cognitive functions. Their pre-workout powder, however, has a variety of ingredients linked to focus and power, with none being artificial propriety blends or containing any animal products, which makes it vegan-friendly.
Ingredients include AlphaSize, L-Citrulline Malate, and CarnoSyn Beta Alanine to boost nitric oxide and muscular endurance.
They also use nootropic ingredients like Huperzine A, Rhodiola, and Ginseng, which are linked to better focus, concentration, and energy.
The taste is sweet with this pre-workout, but it is still drinkable.
GeniusPre is moderately priced, but there are no discounts when buying in bulk.
If you are looking for a pre-workout that is caffeine free and available on Amazon,
then Pump Serum by Huge Supplements is the one for you.
This pre-workout uses a variety of ingredients to help with pumps, focus, and endurance.
Pump Serum contains large doses of ingredients like Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Beet Root, and more.
Huge Supplements delivers massive doses of all of its ingredients which could be a good or a bad thing depending on how you look at it.
It’s good because you are getting good doses of ingredients, but these scoops are massive, and people have reported trouble mixing it all up and being able to drink it.
Also, the taste is not good, to be blunt.
Pricewise, Pump Serum is on the higher side. There are no discounts when buying in bulk.
Rounding out our list, we have a good all-around stimulant-free pre-workout supplement from Dr. Jekyll.
This pre-workout uses a variety of ingredients to help with pumps, focus and endurance.
The main ingredients in this pre-workout are Beta-Alanine, and Arginine Silicate.
It also uses creatine HCL, which is a more easily absorbed form of Creatine that builds muscle and increases strength.
This bad boy also has Cognitive Matrix for increased focus and relaxation that uses Ashwagandha and Afromomum.
Dr. Jekyll’s pre-workout comes in 4 delicious flavors. They do use artificial flavoring, though, which could be a turn-off for some of you,
Pricewise it is a little below average, which is always lovely to see. There are no savings for buying in bulk, but it’s cheap, so you don’t really need it.
Pros
Uses a variety of ingredients
Creatine HCL for increased muscle and strength
Cognitive Matrix for increased focus and relaxation
4 delicious flavors
Cons
Uses artificial flavoring
Missing some key ingredients like Citrulline Malate
Now that we’ve gone over the best stimulant-free pre-workout supplements, it’s time to talk about how to choose one.
When choosing a stim-free pre-workout, there are a few things you should look for:
Ingredients
The first is key ingredients like Beta-Alanine, Citrulline Malate, Betaine Anhydrous, and Creatine.
These ingredients have been scientifically proven to help with pumps, focus, endurance, recovery, and muscle building. You will find these ingredients in most pre-workout supplements, and for a good reason, they work.
Doses
The second is doses. You want to make sure that the doses of each ingredient are disclosed and that they are effective doses.
You also want to make sure that there are no proprietary blends, as these can hide underdosed ingredients.
Purity
The third is purity. You want to make sure that the pre-workout has been third-party tested for banned substances and that it is free of fillers and other junk.
Flavor
The fourth is flavor. This is a personal preference, but you want to make sure that the pre-workout tastes at least decent.
No one wants to drink something that tastes like garbage on a regular basis.
Price
The fifth is price. You don’t want to overpay for a pre-workout, but you also want to maintain quality.
Find a pre-workout that is reasonably priced and that offers discounts for buying in bulk.
What are the Benefits of Stim-Free Pre Workouts?
There are a few benefits of stim-free pre-workouts. The first is that they are safe for those with sensitivities to stimulants, obviously.
The second is that they can be taken any time of day, as they won’t interfere with sleep. This is a nice bonus for those who work out in the evening.
The third is that they tend to be less expensive than pre-workouts that contain stimulants.
The fourth is that they are often more focused on pumps, increased blood flow, muscle gains, and endurance rather than just energy.
While most pre-workout supplements include a form of stimulant, like caffeine or noradrenaline (norepinephrine), some don’t. These supplements work on the central nervous system to increase your heart rate and motivation throughout workouts—especially by blocking adenosine receptors from feeling tired.
Stimulant-free pre-workouts use other methods to increase energy, such as improving blood flow or delivering more oxygen to muscles. This can be done with ingredients like l-citrulline, nitrates, and beetroot powder. These supplements are an excellent option for those who are sensitive to stimulants or those who workout late at night and don’t want to have trouble sleeping.
Ingredients to Look for In Stim-Free Pre Workouts
If you want a solid pre-workout supplement that has everything you need without caffeine then look for these ingredients:
Citrulline Malate
Citrulline malate is a compound made up of the amino acid citrulline and malic acid. It is found naturally in watermelons but can also be manufactured in a laboratory. Citrulline malate has a number of benefits when used as an ingredient in pre-workout supplements.
It has been shown to Increase strength, aerobic performance, and muscle endurance [1,2]
It also has been shown to increase nitric oxide, which means more blood flow and better pumps. [3]
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is produced naturally in the body. It is also found in some foods, such as meat and fish. Beta-alanine has several benefits, including improving training sessions, reducing fatigue, and increasing muscle mass. [4]
When beta-alanine is supplemented, it can increase levels of carnosine in the muscles. Carnosine is a compound that helps to buffer lactic acid, which can build up in the muscles during training sessions and lead to fatigue. By reducing the amount of lactic acid in the muscles, beta alanine can help improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue.[5]
Betaine Anhydrous
Betaine anhydrous is a compound that is found in many classic pre-workout supplements. It is often used as a performance enhancer, as it has been shown to improve power output and muscular endurance. Betaine anhydrous can also help to increase muscle growth and protein synthesis. In addition, betaine anhydrous may also help to reduce body fat. [6]
BCAAs
BCAAs are a group of three essential amino acids – leucine, isoleucine and valine – which the body cannot produce on its own. Therefore, we must obtain them through our diet or supplementation.
BCAAs play a crucial role in muscle growth and recovery, making them a popular choice amongst athletes and bodybuilders. When taken before or during exercise, BCAAs can help to delay fatigue, improve performance and reduce muscle soreness afterward.[7]
BCAAs are also often used as a post-workout recovery aid, as they can help to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and promote the repair and growth of muscle tissue.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid found naturally in the body and plays an important role in many bodily functions. It is also a common ingredient in pre-workout supplements, as it has been shown to improve athletic performance.
Taurine is involved in numerous processes in the body, including muscle contraction, heart function, and brain development. It also has antioxidant properties and can help to protect cells from damage.
And when Taurine is used alongside BCAAs, it has been found to reduce next-day muscle soreness more than either taken independently [8].
Pros and Cons of Caffeine-Free Pre-Workouts
There are pros and cons to consider before deciding if a stim-free pre-workout is right for you.
Pros
Can be taken any time of day without worrying about affecting sleep
Great for those who are sensitive to stimulants or have trouble sleeping when they workout late at night
Still provides many of the same benefits as pre-workouts with caffeine, such as increased strength, endurance and pumps
Typically less expensive
Cons
May not be as effective as pre-workouts with caffeine for those who are looking for a major energy boost
Still contains Beta-Alanine which gives you the tingles which some don’t like
If you want to get the most out of your workout without the jitters, try one of these caffeine-free pre-workout supplements. With a little trial and error, you’re sure to find the perfect supplement to help take your workouts to the next level.
References
Alvares TS, Conte CA, Paschoalin VM, Silva JT, Meirelles Cde M, Bhambhani YN, Gomes PS. Acute l-arginine supplementation increases muscle blood volume but not strength performance. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Feb;37(1):115-26. doi: 10.1139/h11-144. Epub 2012 Jan 17. PMID: 22251130.
Schwedhelm E, Maas R, Freese R, Jung D, Lukacs Z, Jambrecina A, Spickler W, Schulze F, Böger RH. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine: impact on nitric oxide metabolism. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Jan;65(1):51-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2007.02990.x. Epub 2007 Jul 27. PMID: 17662090; PMCID: PMC2291275.
Kern BD, Robinson TL. Effects of β-alanine supplementation on performance and body composition in collegiate wrestlers and football players. J Strength Cond Res. 2011 Jul;25(7):1804-15. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e741cf. PMID: 21659893.
Stout JR, Graves BS, Smith AE, Hartman MJ, Cramer JT, Beck TW, Harris RC. The effect of beta-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in elderly (55-92 Years): a double-blind randomized study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008 Nov 7;5:21. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-5-21. PMID: 18992136; PMCID: PMC2585553.
Trepanowski JF, Farney TM, McCarthy CG, Schilling BK, Craig SA, Bloomer RJ. The effects of chronic betaine supplementation on exercise performance, skeletal muscle oxygen saturation and associated biochemical parameters in resistance trained men. J Strength Cond Res. 2011 Dec;25(12):3461-71. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318217d48d. PMID: 22080324.
Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Kang J, Rashti SL, Faigenbaum AD. Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2009 Feb 27;6:7. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-6-7. PMID: 19250531; PMCID: PMC2651845.
Ra SG, Miyazaki T, Ishikura K, Nagayama H, Suzuki T, Maeda S, Ito M, Matsuzaki Y, Ohmori H. Additional effects of taurine on the benefits of BCAA intake for the delayed-onset muscle soreness and muscle damage induced by high-intensity eccentric exercise. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2013;776:179-87. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6093-0_18. PMID: 23392882.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
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