What Is The Best Pre Workout Without Beta Alanine? [2023]
Are you looking for a pre-workout that won’t leave you scratching your skin off between sets? In this post I’ve gathered all the best products so you can find the best pre workout without beta alanine for you!
From trusted brands to more budget friendly options, these products offer all of the performance benefits without triggering any unpleasant reactions from beta alanine.
Some of them are stim free and not all are vegan friendly, so make sure to keep an eye out if looking for more specific criteria.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through the links on this site we may earn a commission.
What Is The Best Pre Workout Without Beta Alanine?
Here are my top picks for the best pre workouts without beta alanine
- Gorilla Mode
- SetForSet Always Ready
- Prelab Pro Pre Workout
- 4 Gauge
- Prolific Pre Workout
- Transparent Labs PUMP
- PumpSurge Stim Free Pre Workout
Gorilla Mode
Gorilla Mode was undoubtedly one of the most popular pre workout supplements of 2022. It makes sense because they have one of the most impressive pre workout formulas out there. It’s a product of the famous fitness youtuber Derek from “More Plates More Dates”.
Gorilla Mode is a pre-workout supplement that aims to enhance your workout experience by providing maximum dosage of effective pre-workout ingredients. It is formulated to increase nitric oxide levels, intramuscular hydration, energy, focus, and as significant of a boost in muscle strength and endurance as you can get from a legal non-hormonal pre-workout.
Pros and Cons
If you’re familiar with Derek then you know that he is quite an expert when it comes to biochemistry. He keeps up with the latest research and shares it with his audience, which is why I think you can put your trust in his pre workout supplement.
Gorilla Mode is maxed out in the pump and performance category, as well as in the energy and focus category, providing you with an intense and sustained energy boost to help you push through your toughest workouts. This product is also intended to aid in intramuscular hydration, which can help prevent muscle fatigue and cramps during workouts.
For those of you that don’t like caffeine in your pre workout, Gorilla Mind also offers a stim free pre workout called Gorilla Mode Nitric. Both products come with a scoop that makes it easy to measure the right amount for your needs.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best pre-workout without beta alanine that is the most effective for boosting your workout performance and helping you reach your fitness goals, Gorilla Mode is definitely your best choice.
Additional Information
Price: $49.99 for a tub; 40 servings
$1.25/serving
Flavors: Firefly Lemonade, Cherry Blackout, Cotton Candy Grape, Fruit Punch, Jungle Juice, Lemon Lime, Mango Peach, Major Mojito, Krush, Tigers Blood, Volcano Burst, Mouthwatering Watermelon, Bombsicle
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 scoop (15.425g)
Servings per Container: 40
Amount per serving:
L-Citrulline | 4500mg |
Creatine Monohydrate | 2500mg |
GlycerPump™ (65% Glycerol Powder) | 1500mg |
Malic Acid | 1500mg |
Betaine Anhydrous | 1250mg |
L-Tyrosine | 750mg |
Agmatine Sulfate | 500mg |
Kanna (whole herb, Sceletium Tortuosum) | 250mg |
Caffeine Anhydrous | 175mg |
N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine Citrate | 175mg |
Bioperine® (Black Pepper Fruit Extract)(Standardized to 95% Piperine) | 5mg |
Huperzine A (Huperzia serrata leaf standardized extract) | 200mcg |
Other Ingredients: Silicon Dioxide, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium
SetForSet Always Ready
Always Ready is another one of the best pre workouts without beta alanine. It’s designed to give you a skin-stretching pump, with a perfect balance of energy and alertness without the crashes.
It contains clinically dosed ingredients to enhance performance in the form of strength and power which will help you achieve new PRs. It has all the main ingredients you’d want to boost your athletic performance with no proprietary blends to leave you confused.
Pros And Cons
Having 4500mg of L-citrulline and 1250mg of Glycerpump per serving makes it a great pre workout for intense exercise. You could even argue that because of those 2 ingredients and their dosage, Always ready is the most effective pre workout without beta alanine.
The product is vegan-friendly as it doesn’t contain any animal products. However, it is not vegan-certified, as it’s produced in a factory that handles animal products.
SetForSet decided to make their product without beta alanine, as it is a saturation ingredient that only provides benefits once you hit a certain threshold which is a minimum of 90 grams over 28 days.
For maximum benefits, you’d need to consume 179 grams over 28 days. This means you would need to take 3.2-6.4 grams daily for 28 days before you start reaping any benefits.
Additional Information
Price: $54.95 for a tub; 40 servings
~$1.37/serving
Flavors: Sour Gummy
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 scoop (12.8g)
Servings per Container: 40
Amount per serving:
Vitamin B3 | 10mg |
Vitamin B6 | 10mg |
Vitamin B12 | 25mcg |
L-citrulline | 4500mg |
Malic Acid | 1500mg |
GlycerPump™ (65% Glycerol Powder) | 1250mg |
Agmatine Sulfate | 500mg |
Betaine Anhydrous | 1250mg |
L-Taurine | 750mg |
ElevATP (Ancient Peat and Apple extract) | 75mg |
L-Tyrosine | 1000mg |
Alpha GPC 50% (L-Alpha-glyceryl phosphorylcholine) | 300mg |
Huperzine-A (Huperzia serrata Leaf Extract) | 20mg |
Caffeine Anhydrous | 150mg |
L-Theanine | 75mg |
N-isopropysynephrine | 10mg |
Black pepper fruit extract 95% (Piper Nigrum) | 5mg |
Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout
Pre Lab Pro is another excellent beta alanine free pre workout supplement. They use a 2:1 ratio of L-Theanine to caffeine in their formula to reduce the impact of the crash you’d get from caffeine.
It comes in a great-tasting natural berry flavor that contains no artificial ingredients. This pre-workout supplement provides a smooth energy boost with intense focus and no crash, gym jitters, or sleepless nights after a workout.
Pros And Cons
It is formulated with a range of science-backed ingredients such as red beetroot powder and the Setria Performance Blend that combines L-Glutathione and L-Citrulline to help improve performance and enhance focus under stress.
Pre Lab Pro is the world’s first true nootropic enhanced pre-workout drink that delivers next-level athletic performance. It enhances muscle power and extends endurance to help you go harder and longer during your workouts. It also contains electrolytes for hydration and balance.
Pre Lab Pro is available in powder form and contains a range of ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support you during your workouts. At face value, Pre Lab Pro is expensive, but they have campaigns that allow you to save up to 25%.
Additional Information
Price: $47.75 for a tub; 20 servings
~$2.39/serving
Flavors: Natural berry
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 scoop
Servings per Container: 20
Amount per serving:
Vitamin D3 (from Algae) | 12.5mcg |
Riboflavin (as NutriGenesis®) | 500mcg |
Vitamin B6 (as NutriGenesis®) | 750mcg |
Folate (as NutriGenesis®) | 167mcg |
Vitamin B12 (as NutriGenesis®) | 2mcg |
Potassium (as NutriGenesis®) | 49.5mg |
Iron (as NutriGenesis®) | 2.5mg |
Sodium (from Himalayan Pink Salt) | 0.5g |
Natural Caffeine (from Coffea robusta seeds) | 80mg |
L-Theanine (from Green Tea) | 160mg |
L-Tyrosine | 400mg |
Setria® Performance Blend [L-Citrulline (Kyowa Quality®), L-Gluthathione (Setria®)] | 2200mg |
Red Beet Powder | 1500mg |
4 Gauge
4 Gauge is one of the best pre workout supplements without beta alanine. They’ve done their research and know that the literature proving the efficacy of beta alanine supplementation for resistance exercise performance is weak.
4 Gauge is a pre-workout supplement designed to help individuals power through their workouts with increased effectiveness. It is marketed as a 4-in-1 pre-workout formula that enhances every aspect of what makes a workout great, including strength, focus, endurance, and intense muscle pumps.
Pros and Cons
Some of the key ingredients in 4 Gauge include 150mg of caffeine, which is combined with 200mg of L-theanine as “Smart caffeine” to enhance focus and reduce the risk of jitters.
The supplement also contains 6g of citrulline for increased blood flow and muscle pumps, carnitine for fighting fatigue, and Rhodiola Rosea for all-around performance enhancement.
One of the unique aspects of 4 Gauge is that it is marketed as a safe pre-workout supplement, with no reported crashes or jitters. This makes it a popular choice for individuals who are looking for a potent pre-workout supplement without the negative side effects commonly associated with other products in this category.
They also report to keep up to date with the latest trends and update their pre workout formula if something worth including comes along.
Overall, 4 Gauge is a pre-workout supplement that aims to provide users with enhanced focus, energy, and performance during workouts, while also promoting increased blood flow and muscle pumps.
Its combination of ingredients makes it a popular choice among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, and its reputation as a safe and effective supplement has helped it stand out in a crowded market.
As a side note, I have to say, besides the benefits on exercise performance, what I really like about 4 Gauge is their unique design. You have to admit that it’s creative!
Additional Information
Price: ~$38 for a tub; 30 servings
~$1.27/serving
Flavors: Frozen Lemonade, Fruit Blast, Pina Colada
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 2 Scoops (14g)
Servings per Container: 20
Amount per serving:
Calories | 5kcal |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Potassium | 10mg |
Sodium | 20mg |
Calcium | 30mg |
L-Citrulline Di-Malate | 6g |
Creatine Monohydrate | 1g |
Acetyl L-Carnitine (as Acetyl L-Carnitine HCI) | 500mg |
Red Beet (Beta Vulgaris) Root Extract | 300mg |
Coconut Water Powder | 300mg |
L-Theanine | 200mg |
Caffeine Anhydrous | 150mg |
Rhodiola Rosea (Root) Powder | 100mg |
Other Ingredients: Dextrose, Natural Flavors, Stevia Silica, Citric Acid
Prolific Pre-Workout
Prolific is another great pre-workout without beta alanine. Manufactured by PEScience, it is marketed as a “pre-workout powerhouse” that aims to cover the full spectrum of the ultimate workout experience, from energy and focus, to performance and pump.
Prolific is designed to give users a consistent experience with every use, without causing any tingling or itchy skin sensations. Prolific contains cognitive, performance-driven, pump-packed, and energizing components that aim to deliver an unparalleled workout experience.
PEScience offers Prolific in four delicious flavors – Cotton Candy, Mango Splash, Raspberry Lemonade, and Sunrise – and as with many other brands, when purchasing from their website, you’ll be offered a subscription which would allow you to save 10%.
Additional Information
Price: $34.98; 40 servings
~$0.88 per serving
Flavors: Black Cherry, Cotton Candy, Mango Splash, Raspberry Lemonade, Sour Peach Candy, Melon Berry Twist, Sour Green Apple, Strawberry Kiwi
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 scoop (7g)
Servings per Container: 40
Amount per serving:
L-Citrulline | 3g |
Betaine Anhydrous | 1.25g |
Taurine | 750mg |
Caffeine (as caffeine anhydrous and dicaffeine malate) | 160mg |
Citicoline (Cognizin) | 125mg |
L-Theanine | 100mg |
Rhodiola Rosea (root) Extract | 50mg |
Coffee Fruit Extract (NeuroFactor™) | 50mg |
Other Ingredients: Citric Acid, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Malic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Calcium Silicate, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Beet Juice Concentrate, Beta Carotene
Transparent Labs PUMP
As the name suggests, Transparent Labs PUMP pre-workout is a stim free pre workout supplement designed to help athletes and gym-goers get a pump in the gym. The formula contains clinical doses of vasodilating and cell-volumizing ingredients, including L-citrulline, NO3-T® arginine nitrate, BetaPure™ to name a few.
PUMP has separated itself from the competition thanks to delivering a massive dose of L-citrulline. Their comprehensive, evidence-based lineup of time-tested ingredients, fully transparent labeling, and absolutely no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or flavors makes it one of the most organic pre workout supplements without beta alanine.
Pros And Cons
Each scoop of PUMP provides an entourage of nitric oxide boosters and ergogenic aids to fortify athletic performance.
All the ingredients have been selected to give you a massive pump by increasing vasodilation and hyper-hydrating your muscle, without having to worry about the itching you’d get from beta alanine.
The sodium is dosed at 350mg, which is quite a lot. This does wonders for your pump as your cells will let more water into them. The problem is that it might ruin the taste for someone who is sensitive to salt, although that’s not what the reviews indicate.
If you’re looking for a beta alanine free pre-workout supplement to help you get a good pump while avoiding the crash from caffeine, Transparent Labs PUMP could be worth considering.
Additional Information
Price: $49.99 for a tub; 30 servings
~$1.7/serving
Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 scoop (19.8g)
Servings per Container: 30
Amount per serving:
Sodium (Sodium Citrate, Himalayan Rock Salt) | 350mg |
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) | 250mg |
Potassium (as Potassium Chloride) | 100mg |
Folate (as BioFolate Calcium 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) | 400mcg |
L-citrulline | 8g |
Arginine Nitrate | 2500mg |
Betaine Anhydrous | 2500mg |
L-Tyrosine | 500mg |
L-Glutathione | 250mg |
Astragin (Astragalus membranaceous Root, panax Notoginseng Root) | 50mg |
Other ingredients: Citric acid, Natural flavors, Silicon Dioxide, Calcium silicate, Stevia extract, Beet Root powder
PumpSurge Stim Free Pre-Workout
Looking for a pre-workout supplement that provides skin-tearing pumps, sharp mental focus, and the ultimate mind-muscle connection? Consider Pumpsurge, a unique stim free pre-workout formula that is scientifically dosed.
Unlike most pre-workouts, PumpSurge relies exclusively on fully dosed ergogenic boosters and brain-enhancing nootropic ingredients, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a caffeine-free option.
Pros and Cons
This nitric oxide pre-workout supplement for both men and women uses cutting-edge ingredients like L-Citrulline, Betaine, and Taurine to enhance blood flow to the muscle during workouts, promoting muscle growth, muscle fullness, and intense vascularity.
PumpSurge is a great choice for late-night workouts, as it doesn’t contain caffeine, which could interfere with sleep.
Furthermore, Jacked Factory, the manufacturer of Pumpsurge, follows a strict policy of full disclosure, meaning that all ingredients are fully disclosed on the label, and they do not use proprietary blends, ensuring you know exactly what you are putting into your body.
Additionally, all Jacked Factory pre-workout supplements are manufactured in a USA cGMP facility, guaranteeing that you are getting the safest and highest quality sports nutrition pre-workout products on the market.
Additional Information
Price: $29.99 for a tub; 20 servings
~$1.5/serving
Flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Cucumber Lime, Raspberry Peach, Cherry Limeade
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 scoop (12.5g)
Servings per Container: 20
Amount per serving:
L-Citrulline | 5g |
Betaine Anhydrous | 2.5g |
Taurine | 2g |
Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine | 150mg |
AstraGin (Astragalus membranaceous Root, panax Notoginseng Root | 25mg |
Huperzine-A (from Toothed Club Moss Aerial Part Extract) | 50mcg |
Other Ingredients: Citric acid, Natural & Artificial colors, Silicon dioxide, Calcium silicate, Acesulfame potassium, Sucralose
What Is Beta Alanine And What It Does
Beta Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is one of the building blocks of carnosine. Carnosine can improve muscle pH regulation, which could lead to performance improvements. 1, 2
Beta-alanine is used as a dietary supplement that is believed to enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue. According to Healthline, beta-alanine is generally safe for healthy individuals to consume, but it may cause side effects such as tingling or flushing sensations, which can be uncomfortable.
Beta-alanine is also found in carnosine-rich foods such as meat, poultry, and fish, and can be obtained through the diet.
However, the amount of beta-alanine obtained through the diet may not be sufficient to produce the desired performance-enhancing effects, which is why some athletes and bodybuilders choose to take beta-alanine supplements.
The main issue is that beta-alanine supplementation doesn’t have an acute effect. You’d have to supplement it daily for at least 3-4 weeks before your muscle carnosine levels increase enough for you to see a performance improvement. 3
Who Should Supplement With Beta-Alanine?
Beta alanine doesn’t seem to improve maximal strength. Aerobic power is also not improved, although data indicates that the anaerobic threshold is increased.
Therefore, beta alanine supplementation would be best for high-intensity workout performance where the activity results in an extreme intramuscular acidotic environment, such as multiple bouts of high exercises lasting more than 60 seconds.
This means that athletes who would benefit the most from beta alanine supplementation would be for example middle distance runners and swimmers, and resistance trainees who do multiple sets of 20+ repetitions like crossfitters.
Check out this article on the best pre workouts if you feel like you actually need a pre workout that includes beta alanine.
Ingredients To Look For In A Pre Workout
Here I’ve listed the main pre workout ingredients that I find to be the most impactful on physical and mental performance.
L-citrulline
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that plays a critical role in the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps to increase blood flow throughout the body. It is found naturally in foods like watermelons, however pre workout supplements contain high doses of L-Citrulline for its ergogenic properties. 4
Glycerpump (65% glycerol powder)
Glycerol powder is a sugar alcohol which has been shown to increase hydration and improve performance, particularly during endurance activities. Glycerol helps athletes reach their peak performance by improving blood flow, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach their muscles. 5
Glycerpump is just the tradermark version and is used instead of glycerol because it’s more stable and doesn’t mix the pre workout up into one big chunk like glycerol would.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and other plants that has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus and alertness, as well as enhance mood and cognitive performance. Theanine works synergistically with caffeine, helping to smooth out the stimulatory effects of pre workouts and reduce the crash. 6
Caffeine
Caffeine is a commonly used stimulant that has been shown to improve focus, alertness, and reaction time. It should be noted however that pre workouts with higher doses of caffeine can cause jitteriness and an energy crash when taken in large doses. 7
Wrap Up
There are a number of pre workout supplements on the market that don’t contain beta alanine. Whether you’re looking for sustained energy levels, great taste or just plenty of L-citrulline, there’s something for everyone.
All of these pre workouts are priced reasonably and provide you with all the performance enhancing ingredients you’d need to reach your goals. So, go ahead and choose the pre workout without beta alanine that suits your needs best!
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References
(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnosine
(2) https://www.mysportscience.com/post/beta-alanine
(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16554972/
(4) https://examine.com/supplements/citrulline/
(5) https://examine.com/outcomes/glycerol/