4 Best C4 Pre-workout Flavors in 2024

C4 is one of the most popular pre-workout supplements on the market, with Cellucor offering a range of C4 products that help to support different workout goals. Whichever C4 pre-workout you decide to choose, Cellucor offers a great range of flavors to choose from. So, which one is the best C4 flavor?

We’ve reviewed the best C4 pre workout flavors across four product ranges, comparing the taste, ingredients, and value for money. Let’s take a look at our top Cellucor C4 flavors in more detail.

Top 4 C4 Pre-Workout Flavors Reviewed

1. C4 Extreme – Top Pick
2. C4 Original – Runner-Up
3. C4 X Wounded Warrior
4. C4 Sport

The table below shows the C4 energy drink flavors ranked according to the main factors you should be considering.

Product	Total	Ingredient Breakdown	Stimulation	Taste/ Flavor	Nutrition Label Transparency	Price/ Quality
Extreme	47.5	9.5	10	9.5	9.5	9
Original	46.5	9	9	9.5	9.5	9.5
X Wounded Warrior	46	9	9	9	9.5	9.5
Sport	44.5	8.5	8.5	9	10	8.5

1. C4 Extreme – Top Pick

• Item Form: Powder
• Best For: High-intensity Exercise Performance, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Training Volume, Reducing Fatigue
• Flavors: Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade
• Caffeine (mg): 200 mg
• Special Ingredients: Creatine Nitrate, Beta-alanine
• Serving Size: 5.8 grams
• Servings per Container: 30
• Price per Serving: $1.17
• Recommended by Athletes: Brittany Ann, Scot Mathison, Demi Bagby

The C4 extreme is a higher-stimulant version of the original C4 that’s mainly designed for gym goers who already have some experience using a pre-workout. It’s the natural zero version meaning it’s free from artificial colors and flavors and contains zero calories.

It contains a larger 200 mg dose of caffeine to improve concentration and help you to work harder in the gym. If you’re new to taking pre-workouts, it may be best to assess your tolerance first before using the full dose.

The 2 grams of beta-alanine is at the higher end of the doses typically used in Cellucor pre-workouts, meaning there is a higher chance you will experience some tingling sensations. This is why the C4 extreme is better suited to more experienced gym users who have tried beta-alanine before.

Other evidence-based ingredients include 1 gram of creatine nitrate which is less commonly used compared to creatine monohydrate. Studies are still ongoing examining the differences between creatine types, with results inconclusive.

In terms of the best flavor of C4 pre workout, both the Blueberry Lemonade and Cherry Limeade flavors taste fantastic, getting our top pick flavor choices. The Blueberry Lemonade has a refreshing, slightly sweet taste to it whilst the Cherry Limeade combines a tangy-like flavor with sweet cherry.

Each tub contains 30 servings, with each 5.8-gram serving costing $1.17. Each ingredient is clearly stated on the label.

2. C4 Original – Runner-Up

• Item Form: Powder
• Best For: High-intensity Exercise Performance, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Training Volume, Reducing Fatigue
• Flavors: Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Watermelon, Grape, Watermelon, Frozen Bombsicle, Icy Blue Razz, Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade, Strawberry Margarita
• Caffeine (mg): 150 mg
• Special Ingredients: Creatine Nitrate, Beta-alanine, Citrulline Malate
• Serving Size: 6 grams
• Servings per Container: 30, 60
• Price per Serving: $1.00 (30 Servings), $0.83 (60 Servings)
• Recommended by Athletes: Brittany Ann, Scot Mathison, Demi Bagby

The C4 Original is one of Cellucor’s most popular pre-workout options that offers a slightly lower dose of evidence-based ingredients but at a lower price point to offer excellent value for money. It’s well-suited to beginners who are trying pre-workout for the first time and gym goers who prefer a smaller boost before their workout.

Each 6-gram serving contains 150 mg of caffeine as part of the explosive energy blend complex. This can be below the evidence-based effective dosage but should still provide an energy and focus boost for gym goers who don't usually take pre-workout and individuals who don’t habitually consume caffeine or some folks who love to drink their espresso (or double 🙂 ) before workout as well.

The 1.6 grams of beta-alanine may lead to tingling sensations for beginners or certain individuals who haven’t taken beta-alanine before. This is the recommended daily maintenance dose once a suitable loading period has been completed to limit tingling.

Other evidence-based ingredients include 1 gram of creatine nitrate and Citrulline Malate. It should be noted that both these ingredients require additional daily supplementation, with the pre-workout doses too low. We recommend getting Creatine Monohydrate as it's the most studied and cheapest version.

With the C4 Original, all nine of the flavor options provide great choices depending on your taste preferences. For this reason, we’ve chosen all of the original flavors. The strawberry watermelon flavor blends two popular sweet fruits together to give a refreshing taste. The icy blue razz flavor sits somewhere in between a raspberry and blackberry taste to give you a nice blend of sweet and tangy.

Cellucor offers the C4 Original in 30 or 60 serving tubs, with the larger tub offering more value for money at $0.83 per serving.

3. C4 X Wounded Warrior

• Item Form: Powder
• Best For: High-intensity Exercise Performance, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Training Volume, Reducing Fatigue,
• Flavors: Mango Foxtrot
• Caffeine (mg): 150 mg
• Special Ingredients: Creatine Nitrate, Beta-Alanine, Citrulline Malate
• Serving Size: 6 grams
• Servings per Container: 30
• Price per Serving: $1.00
• Recommended by Athletes: Brittany Ann, Scot Mathison, Demi Bagby

The C4 X Wounded Warrior Pre-workout was released by Cellucor as part of the wounded warrior project that started in 2011. It supports war veterans injured from military service by donating money raised through sales, with a minimum $500,000 donation pledge.

It uses the same evidence-based ingredient formula as the C4 original, with 150 mg of caffeine, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, 1 gram of creatine nitrate, and 1 gram of Citrulline malate.

In honor of the injured veterans, Cellucor made the mango foxtrot flavor which uses a strong and refreshing mango taste not seen in any of the other Cellucor pre-workout powders. If you're a fan of mango and tropical flavors blended together, this is the choice for you.

Each tub contains 30 servings which works out at $1.00 per 6-gram scoop. It uses natural and artificial flavors to create the mango taste and contains five calories per serving.

4. C4 Sport

• Item Form: Powder
• Best For: High-intensity Exercise Performance, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Training Volume, Reducing Fatigue,
• Flavors: Fruit Punch, Watermelon
• Caffeine (mg): 135 mg
• Special Ingredients: Creatine HCL, Beta-alanine
• Serving Size: 7.1 grams
• Servings per Container: 30
• Price per Serving: $0.73
• Recommended by Athletes: Brittany Ann, Scot Mathison, Demi Bagby

The C4 Sport Pre-workout has been designed for sporting activity and exercise using a slightly adapted formula with added minerals and vitamins. It’s the cheapest of our pre-workout flavor choices at $0.73 per 7.1-gram serving, providing a great option if you’re on a budget and want to add a pre-workout to your supplement routine.

In terms of the best flavors, we’ve picked the fruit punch and blueberry as our stand-out choices. The blueberry flavor tastes just like blended blueberries without being overly sweet and the fruit punch flavor tastes like a tropical drink with a cherry aftertaste. Both have refreshing aftertastes and mix well with water.

Three evidence-based ingredients have been put into a performance and an energy blend which includes 135 mg of caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine HCL. On top of this, vitamins and minerals have been added to each 7.1-gram serving.

Cellucor have used creatine HCL which may possibly help with stomach discomfort if the pre-workout is taken close to a sports event.

Unfortunately, Cellucor has listed the main ingredients as a proprietary blend meaning it’s hard to say exactly how much of each evidence-based ingredient is present.

However, a huge plus of the C4 Sport is that it’s NSF certified for athletes who compete in tested sports events. This basically means it’s been third-party tested for any possible banned substances which can be an issue in some pre-workout complexes used.

Why Is C4 So Popular?

Since launching in 2002, Cellucor has developed a number of supplement lines including “fat burners”, protein powders, BCAA’s, and pre-workouts. Their products are commonly seen throughout grocery stores and used during collaborations with well-known food and drink brands.

Their C4 pre-workout powder is their most popular item, with a number of product lines that offer low to high stimulant ingredient formulations. They have options for different experience levels and workout needs including pre-workouts that are specifically formulated for athletes who participate in tested sports events.

Each C4 pre-workout formula uses the same foundational ingredients which are caffeine anhydrous and beta-alanine. Alongside this, some of them contain creatine nitrate and citrulline malate which give you four evidence-based ingredients included in different quantities in the C4 products.

Whilst their C4 pre-workouts aren’t the strongest, Cellucor do the basics well by focusing on the key ingredients with some added vitamins and minerals rather than adding lots of unnecessary fillers.

One of the main reasons why the C4 is popular comes down to the huge range of flavor options throughout the full product range. Cellucor has flavor choices for everyone, with exciting combinations such as frozen bombsicle and cherry limeade and limited edition flavors such as mango foxtrot.

Cellucor offers excellent value for money throughout the C4 product range, with their higher stimulation products costing slightly more but still set at a very affordable price point. They offer a subscription service that allows you to save money on each purchase by signing up on their website.

How to Choose the Best C4 Pre-Workout Depending on Your Goal?

Cellucor offers a great range of pre-workouts from low to high stimulation formulations to cater to a wider range of user goals and needs. Consider the factors below before making the right choice:

1. Ingredients

Throughout the C4 range, the main evidence-based ingredients include caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate.

Caffeine is one of the main active ingredients throughout the C4 range and works by acting on the central nervous system to reduce the perception of effort and improve focus. It's one of the most widely studied drugs with well-documented beneficial effects on performance.

Creatine is another well-researched ergogenic aid that helps to provide energy mainly in high-intensity exercise. Creatine has proven benefits for muscle strength, growth, and recovery. It’s included as creatine nitrate across most of the C4 range.

If you're looking to improve your work capacity, beta-alanine helps to buffer acidic by-products during exercise. Citrulline malate increases blood flow and oxygen to the muscles to possibly improve performance, help with recovery, and give you better pumps in the gym.

2. Dosing

Once you’ve decided on the most suitable ingredients for your workout goals, check the dosing. Caffeine should be dosed around 3-5 mg/kg of bodyweight (roughly 1.5-2.5 mg/lb) in a single dose to get an ergogenic effect, with 150 mg likely suitable for beginners and those sensitive to stimulants.

Beta-alanine should be dosed for 2-4 weeks at 3.2-6.4 grams per day, with smaller 0.8-1.6 gram doses evenly spread every 3-4 hours across the day. This is to reduce the incidence and severity of paraesthesia, an uncomfortable tingling sensation on the skin which may last up to an hour. After 2-4 weeks we recommend sticking to the maintenance dose - 1.6g/day.

Citrulline malate should be at least 6-8 grams which is way more than the 1 gram used throughout the C4 range. However, adding extra citrulline malate to your pre-workout is also an option.

For creatine and beta-alanine, the effects are cumulative meaning the pre-workout doesn't matter much. It just needs to be taken into account when considering the overall recommended doses per day.

3. Third Party Testing

If you participate in a tested sport event, look for a C4 product that’s been third-party tested by organizations such as informed sport and NSF. This ensures that the pre-workout is free from banned substances and therefore safe to consume.

If you’re a beginner who is trying pre-workout for the first time, the original is a good option. If you have some experience taking pre-workout and want something a bit stronger, the C4 extreme might be the better option. If you’re a sports athlete who gets tested, make sure you go with the C4 sport.

How to Find the Best C4 Pre-Workout Flavor?

With so many fantastic flavors throughout the product range, choosing the best one can be hard.

1. Habitual Taste Preferences

Start by thinking about the flavors you like already and foods you like to eat. Compare them to what’s available and start to narrow down your choices.

2. Customer Reviews

Look at the customer reviews for each flavor to see how sweet or sour each one is and what kind of aftertaste is present if any. If a flavor has lots of positive or negative reviews, you can use that to make an informed choice.

Consider the flavor options we’ve picked above as some of the best flavors throughout the range.

3. Mixability

No one wants a pre workout flavor that clumps up at the bottom of the shaker. Generally speaking, C4 pre-workouts mix greatly throughout the range.

4. Colors and Flavors

Most of the C4 flavors use a mix of artificial and natural colors and flavors to get the desired taste. Some of the C4 range such as the C4 Natural Zero range use purely natural flavors and sweeteners.

FAQ

Is C4 Too Strong?

C4 is considered as a medium-strength pre-workout with different C4 types containing varying amounts of caffeine and evidence-based ingredients such as beta-alanine and creatine. If you're not used to any of these ingredients, you may find it stronger whilst your body gets used to them.

Should I Take C4 Every Day?

C4 can be safely taken every day, with Cellucor stating that their pre-workouts are suitable for daily use. However, make sure to monitor your caffeine intake alongside the amount in the pre-workout to ensure you don’t overdose.

Just keep in mind that C4 can't be taken to mask poor nutrition or other things such as a lack of sleep. It should be an addition, something you enjoy taking every now and then as an added boost for performance.

Conclusion

Cellucor’s C4 pre-workout range does the basics well by sticking to the main evidence-based ingredients without the unnecessary fillers. Most of the ingredients are dosed on the lower end but represent excellent value for money as a pre-workout for normal use.

In terms of the best flavors, the C4 Extreme Blueberry Lemonade and Cherry Limeade are the best C4 pre workout flavors out of our top choices. The extreme formula also contains a slightly higher caffeine and beta-alanine content as an added bonus.

Which is your favorite C4 flavor? How do you think the different types compare? What do you think of our C4 flavor review? Let us know below in the comments section!

Also read:

• Best Pre Workout Supplement for Powerlifting
• Best Pre Workout With Test Booster
• Best Clean Pre Workout
• Best Pre Workout for Runners
• Best Non Stim Pre Workout
• Best Post Workout Supplement
• C4 Pre Workout Review
• Best Pre Workout for Women

References:

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2. Eric T. Trexler "International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine" J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Jul 15
3. Brandon T Gufford "Physicochemical characterization of creatine N-methylguanidinium salts" J Diet Suppl. 2010 Sep;7(3):240-52
4. NSF "What Our Mark Means" https://www.nsfsport.com/our-mark.php (accessed August 21, 2023).
5. Nanci S. Guest "International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance" Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition volume 18, Article number: 1 (2021)
6. Benjamin Wax "Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations" Nutrients 2021 Jun; 13(6): 1915.
7. Eric T. Trexler "International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine" J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015
8. Lewis A. Gough "A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance" Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021; 121(12): 3283–3295.