16
Products Considered
157
Hours of Research
6
Experts Interviewed
47
Customers Consulted
If you are looking for a pre-workout without beta-alanine, then you may have already experienced the unpleasant symptoms of paresthesia—tingling and burning on the skin.
Although paresthesia is often harmless and usually lasts only about twenty minutes, that doesn't mean it's worth putting up with, as it can affect your comfort and peace of mind while exercising.
It is difficult to find a pre-workout without beta-alanine, as this amino acid is used to improve athletic performance and endurance and is often found in pre-workout products.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Its best for any beginner or intermediate who isn't addicted to caffeine.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Pump Surge by JF has good quality ingredients without any beta alanine. Its also caffeine free.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
If you are looking for quality without quality then this pre workout is for you.
Therefore, it took us more than a month to study offers on the market from different sellers. We looked at supplement formulations, read user reviews, and then tried various pre-workouts to make sure they were effective.
Any pre-workout on this list will help you stay energized and focused during your workouts, without the unpleasant side effects of beta-alanine.
Let's take a look.
The Best Pre-Workout Supplements Without Beta-Alanine
Let's take a look at the best pre-workouts without beta-alanine that still provide energy and the necessary focus for sports.
1. Pre Lab Pro — Best Overall
Uses only proven ingredients to increase energy levels and stamina, improve blood flow, and help maintain a healthy weight.
• Contains good doses of vitamins for muscle tone and immunity
• Provides a smooth burst of energy
• Tastes good and contains no artificial sweeteners
Ingredient Quality:
5/5
It has transparent label. Contains great quality of ingredients without beta alanine.
Workout Performance:
5/5
We couldnt complain on the muscle recovery or soreness, and the exhausting post workout disappeared.
Value:
4.7/5
This comes with 30 servings per container.
Each scoop of 15g.
Pre Lab Pro's Next-Gen Pre-Workout Formula is at the top of our list for a reason. It uses only proven ingredients.
These ingredients help increase energy levels and stamina, improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, and more. This all helps you improve the results of your workouts.
Our Detailed Video Review:
In addition, Pre Lab Pro includes natural caffeine and L-theanine, which give you a smooth burst of energy and help you recover faster after intense physical exertion.
Because the dose of caffeine is approximately equal to that in one cup of coffee—80 mg—you won't experience unpleasant side effects or a sharp decline in energy after the caffeine wears off, as would be the case with large doses.
Pros
Cons
2. Pumpsurge by Jacked Factory — Best Pre-Workout Without Caffeine
Ergogenic enhancers and nootropic ingredients in the formulation increase energy and improve concentration and endurance during workouts.
• Promotes muscle growth
• Does not contain caffeine
• Tastes good
Ingredient Quality:
4/5
The ingredients aren't exhaustive but they do the job.
Workout Performance:
4.8/5
The pump from this pre workout inspite of zero on beta alanine was good.
Value:
4.9/5
This comes with 20 servings per container.
Pumpsurge is at the top of this list because, in addition to being free of beta-alanine, it is also free of caffeine, which can cause side effects such as nervousness, insomnia, and stomach problems.
Pumpsurge is instead formulated with fully dosed ergogenic enhancers and nootropic ingredients that improve concentration and brain function, increasing endurance and energy during exercise.
In addition, it contains L-citrulline, taurine, and betaine, which increase the flow of blood and nutrients to the muscles. This promotes muscle growth and improved blood supply. [1]
Pros
Cons
3. 4 Gauge— Best Pre-Workout for Cardio Training
Contains only natural nutrients to enhance performance, fight fatigue and depression, and promote concentration and calmness.
• No proprietary blends are used—doses of each ingredient are listed
• 150 mg of caffeine for a smooth boost of energy
• Just 5 calories per serving
Ingredient Quality:
5/5
Workout Performance:
4.9/5
Value:
3.9/5
This pre-workout supplement contains a small dose of caffeine—only 150 mg per serving, which is almost three times lower than the recommended maximum daily value. But this amount is enough to provide a smooth burst of energy for cardio workouts.
In addition, 4 Gauge contains only natural nutrients that help you feel better during prolonged exercise.
For example, to combat fatigue and depression that undermine motivation during exercise, 4 Gauge has added Rhodiola rosea and Beta vulgaris (red beet) for general physical performance, and L-Theanine for concentration and calmness. [2,3,4,5]
Pros
Manufactured in FDA- and GMP-certified facilities
Cons
4. Bulk Pre-Workout Sampler — Best for Protein Shakes and Smoothies
Increase muscle mass and improve strength with the Bulk Pre-Workout Sampler. A great option to improve your athletic performance.
• Suitable for making smoothies and baked snacks
• Good for both weight loss and muscle gain
• You control doses of each supplement and therefore control your results
Ingredient Quality: 3.9/5
Performance: 4.0/5
Value:
4.8/5
This pre-workout kit includes whey protein isolate and creatine monohydrate. These supplements help increase muscle mass and strength and improve exercise performance.
They are tasteless, so they can be added to smoothies with berries, fruits, or vegetables. They can also be baked into snacks!
Whey protein isolate suppresses hunger and can help you lose weight. It also contains a good profile of important amino acids and elements such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Pros
Lasts a long time—33 servings of whey protein isolate and 200 of creatine monohydrate
Cons
5. MyoBlox Loco Pre-workout 7.0 — Best High-Energy Pre-Workout
Pre-workout with a high caffeine content for those who devote a lot of time to intense exercise.
• 400 mg of caffeine per serving
• Vitamins B6 and B12 help mood and performance
• Dissolves well
Ingredient Quality: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.2/5
Value:
4.1/5
This pre-workout without beta-alanine is essential for those who spend a lot of time in the gym, prefer intense workouts, and need high energy.
It contains 400 mg of caffeine, which provides an energy boost and reduces fatigue, thereby increasing physical performance. This is a large dose of caffeine, so keep that in mind before buying.
In addition, caffeine is one of the few natural supplements that can help burn fat.
The supplement also includes ample doses of vitamins B6 and B12, which contribute to a good mood and high energy levels. [6, 7]
Pros
Cons
6. Vega Sport — Best for Both Men and Women
Optimal ingredients and doses so both men and women can benefit from training, with minimal risk of side effects.
• Rhodiola rosea and eleuthero help you adapt to workout stress
• Suitable for those on keto and vegan diets
• Sugar-free
Ingredient Quality: 4.4/5
Performance: 3.9/5
Value:
4.2/5
Vega Sport's ingredients are included at the optimal doses to benefit both men and women while minimizing the risk of side effects for everyone.
This pre-workout powder is formulated with natural substances such as Rhodiola rosea and eleuthero, which help the body adapt to stress caused by physical exertion, fight fatigue, and increase mental performance. [2, 3, 8]
In addition, the combination of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium is aimed at restoring electrolyte balance, and vitamin C—69% of the daily value—helps you maintain immunity. [9, 10]
Pros
Cons
7. Ora Renewable Energy — Best Organic Pre-Workout
Pre-workout formulated with natural organic ingredients designed to improve focus and stamina.
• No artificial stimulants or chemicals means no side effects like nervousness or fatigue
• Suitable for evening workouts due to its low caffeine content
• USDA Organic certified
Ingredient Quality: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.0/5
Value:
4.4/5
This pre-workout powder is made of blends of natural organic ingredients.
The ingredients are specially selected to eliminate anxiety, nervousness, and fatigue. You get the focus and stamina you need to train.
Ora contains just 90 mg of caffeine from organic green coffee beans, yerba mate, and matcha green tea to help provide a smooth boost of energy during your workout.
And a blend of adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Triphala, Rhodiola, and Cordyceps mushroom help relieve stress and improve performance. [2, 11, 12, 13, 14]
Pros
Cons
Buyer’s Guide to Pre-Workout Supplements
Pre-workout supplements are used to gain energy for intense workouts and improve athletic performance.
But to choose a product that is not only effective but also safe for your health, you need to consider some details before buying.
Ingredients
Artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols are often used in pre-workout supplements. They are used to improve taste, but side effects can include intestinal upset, bloating, and gas. [15]
And to provide a boost for training, manufacturers often add powerful stimulants to their products. These can also have unfortunate side effects.
Therefore, we recommend that you always check the label before purchasing pre-workout without beta-alanine and make sure to prioritize products that have been verified by a third party.
Also, always check for beneficial ingredients that are known, studied, and proven to be effective.
What ingredients should you look for?
Several of the ingredients in pre-workout supplements have been researched and shown to improve athletic performance.
•
L-citrulline malate is an amino acid that the body converts into nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. [16]
This improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
•
L-arginine amino acid is also converted into nitric oxide in the body. It also stimulates the production of growth hormones, insulin, and other substances in the body. [16]
•
Beet juice improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, increases stamina, and helpsyou maintain a healthy weight. [17]
•
Creatine is often found in pre-workout supplements. It improves athletic performance and promotes muscle recovery after exercise. [18]
In addition, it can help prevent or reduce the severity of injuries, and also aid in rehabilitation after injuries.
An intake of creatine of up to 30 grams per day, even for 5 years, is tolerated well by healthy people and does not generally lead to negative health effects.
•
Caffeine is a popular stimulant added to many pre-workouts. It is used to increase energy and improve concentration during exercise. [19]
Research has also shown that caffeine can help reduce weight and body fat.
•
Vitamin B12 is often found in supplements, as it can provide many benefits for your body.
It boosts energy, improves memory, and helps prevent heart disease. [7]
Meeting your goals
The ingredients in your pre-workout supplement should meet your goals.
For example, while in a cutting period, avoid products with too many carbohydrates and sugars. These extra calories can build up and move you away from your desired workout result.
Or if you're looking to gain weight, your pre-workout should have the right nutrients to help you achieve this goal: creatine, citrulline malate, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and more.
Benefits of Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine
While beta-alanine in combination with other ingredients may make pre-workouts effective enough to increase performance and intensify training, its absence may also have some benefits for you. [20]
You will be able to exercise without feeling tingling or burning on your skin. This, in turn, will help you focus on your workout and not be distracted by unpleasant sensations.
Needless to say, this will have a positive effect on the result of your workouts.
In addition, the amino acid taurine, which beta-alanine can block, will be maintained at the required level. Taurine improves athletic performance by reducing fatigue, reducing muscle damage, and accelerating fat burning. [21]
FAQs
Is beta-alanine bad for you?
No, it is considered a safe supplement to help improve performance and get more benefits from you workout. But the side effects of beta-alanine, such as tingling or burning on the skin, can be uncomfortable.
Can you take too much beta-alanine?
Side effects of beta-alanine are associated with taking large amounts of it and become more pronounced with an increase in the dose. The recommended daily dose of beta-alanine is 2 to 5 grams.
When should I take a pre-workout supplement?
Try taking a pre-workout supplement 15 to 45 minutes before you start exercising. This is a good idea because caffeine and other stimulant ingredients in the formulations have a delayed effect.
How long do the effects of pre-workout supplements last?
On average, the effects of pre-workout supplements last for 2 hours. However, these products contain several ingredients that have different durations of action. For example, the increase in blood flow from arginine can stop after 1 to 2 hours, but the boost from caffeine can last 6 hours or more.
Conclusion
Beta-alanine is a popular ingredient in pre-workout supplements. It is very difficult to find a product without it, as it is combined with other ingredients to help make supplements more effective.
Our number-one pre-workout without beta-alanine is Pre Lab Pro by Performance Labs. It's free of both beta alanine and caffeine—which can both cause unpleasant side effects.
Instead, it is formulated with ergogenic enhancers and nootropic ingredients that increase energy and focus, and improve stamina while exercising.
But if you can't imagine a pre-workout without stimulants, check out our second-place recommendation, 4 Gauge, which contains 150 mg of caffeine for a smooth burst of energy and can be an excellent supplement before cardio workouts.
William Toro ‧ CPT & Nutritionist
William is a certified personal trainer from NASM, he has also been a rehab physiologist in sports. He has more than 15 years of experience training people. And has featured in multiple publications like FoxNews, CNBC, Bustle, and other.
References:
1. Patrick S. Harty, Hannah A. Zabriskie, Jacob L. Erickson, Paul E. Molling, Chad M. Kerksick, Andrew R. Jagim, Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review, retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6083567/
2. Yevgeniya Lekomtseva, Irina Zhukova, Anna Wacker, Rhodiola rosea in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms: Results of an Open-Label Clinical Trial, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28219059/
3. V. Darbinyan, G. Aslanyan, E. Amroyan, E. Gabrielyan, C. Malmström, A. Panossian, Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17990195/
4. Daisy Coyle, APD, 9 Impressive Health Benefits of Beets, retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-beets
5. T. Giesbrecht, J. A. Rycroft, M. J. Rowson, E. A. De Bruin, The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21040626/
6. Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD, 9 Health Benefits of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b6-benefits
7. Kaitlyn Berkheiser, 9 Health Benefits of Vitamin B12, Based on Science, retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b12-benefits
8. Miho Hatanaka, RDN, L.D., Jennifer Huizen, 12 potential health benefits of eleuthero, retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319084
9. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html
10. National Institutes of Health, Vitamin C, retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/
11. Franziska Spritzler, 12 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha, retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits
12. Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, What Are the Benefits of Triphala?, retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/triphala
13. V. Darbinyan, G. Aslanyan, E. Amroyan, E. Gabrielyan, C. Malmström, A. Panossian, Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17990195/
14. Gavin Van De Walle, MS, RD, 6 Benefits of Cordyceps, All Backed by Science, retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cordyceps-benefits
15. Kauko K. Mäkinen, Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27840639/
16. Kauko K. Mäkinen, Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22260513/
17. Atli Arnarson BSc, PhD, 11 Health Benefits of Beet Juice, retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/beetroot-juice-benefits
18. Richard B. Kreider, Douglas S. Kalman, Jose Antonio, Tim N. Ziegenfuss, Robert Wildman, Rick Collins, Darren G. Candow, Susan M. Kleiner, Anthony L. Almada, Hector L. Lopez, International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28615996/
19. Reza Tabrizi, Parvane Saneei, Kamran B. Lankarani, Maryam Akbari, Fariba Kolahdooz, Ahmad Esmaillzadeh, Somayyeh Nadi-Ravandi, Majid Mazoochi, Zatollah Asemi, The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30335479/
20. Patrick S. Harty, Hannah A. Zabriskie, Jacob L. Erickson, Paul E. Molling, Chad M. Kerksick, Andrew R. Jagim, Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30089501/
21. Thomas G. Balshaw, Theodoros M. Bampouras, Timothy J. Barry, S. Andy Sparks, The effect of acute taurine ingestion on 3-km running performance in trained middle-distance runners, retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22855206/