6 Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine in 2024

Creatine is one of the most popular supplements. It is known for its effect on muscle mass, recovery, and boosting strength. However, while it provides several benefits, some people might get bloating or gas after taking creatine. And, let’s be honest, nobody wants to train to when you feel bloated. So, you might be wondering what is the best pre-workout without creatine.

To make things easier for you, we’ve come up with the best non-creatine pre-workout supplements. After analyzing the best options available on the market, here are the ones we recommend to take your training to the next level.

Our expert team of certified nutritionists, medical professionals, and pro athletes extensively tested 13 pre-workouts without creatine to find the best ones, and 6 of them were good enough to be included in this list. Each pre-workout was closely examined against 5 of the most important factors, and our team spent 5 weeks testing them. Alongside their hands-on testing, they have also reviewed hundreds of online user reviews. We update this list all the time, so leave a comment and join the discussion!

Top 6 Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine Reviewed

1. Bulk Pre-Workout Supplement by Transparent Labs – Top Pick
2. Pulse Natural Pre-Workout – Runner-Up
3. Pre-Kaged Sport – Best for Beginners
4. Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout Powder – Best on a Budget
5. Promix Pre-Workout – Best With Clean Ingredients
6. PEScience Prolific Pre-Workout

Product	Total	Ingredient Breakdown	Stimulation	Taste/ Flavor	Nutrition Label Transparency	Price/ Quality
Transparent Labs	49.5	10	9.5	10	10	10
Pulse	49	9.5	10	10	10	9.5
Kaged	47.5	9	9	10	10	9.5
Jacked Factory	46.5	9	9	9.5	9.5	9.5
Promix	46	9	9	9.5	9.5	9
PEScience	45.5	9	9	9	9.5	9

Our number one pick as the best creatine-free pre-workout. Bulk by Transparent Labs has a perfectly designed formula meant to help you boost muscle strength and enhance stamina.

The formula contains 200 mg of caffeine, which according to research, fits into the recommended intake of 3 to 6 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight. Thanks to its high caffeine content (the same as having 2-3 cups of coffee), it helps stimulate the сentral nervous system, allowing you to stay more alert.

Now, since it contains a high caffeine content, make sure you don’t surpass the recommended intake of 400 mg of caffeine per day with other caffeinated beverages throughout the day. Also, for those sensitive to caffeine, make sure you consume this supplement in the morning and not in the evening. Otherwise, it might cause sleep problems.

Besides caffeine, Bulk also contains 8,000 mg of citrulline malate which acts as a vasodilator, meaning more oxygen and nutrients can reach your organs and muscles.

You also get 4,000 mg of beta-alanine which can help increase carnosine levels, acting as a buffer against acid formation during exercise. As a result, it can help extend the time to exhaustion.

There is also 2,500 mg of betaine anhydrous, which might increase muscle endurance and increase the quality of repetitions. Betaine anhydrous works by increasing nitric oxide (acting as a vasodilator), and increasing creatine synthesis.

Other ingredients worth mentioning are taurine (1,300 mg) and L-tyrosine (1,000 mg). They can help improve athletic performance by increasing time to fatigue, helping reduce stress, and accelerate recovery.

But besides the formulation, there are other things that make Bulk by Transparent Labs the best creatine-free pre-workout supplement. It doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives. On top of that, it is gluten-free and uses non-GMO ingredients.

Like many other products from Transparent Labs, it is third-party tested and has the “Informed Choice” certification. This is a globally recognized certification that helps reduce the risk of impurities and banned substances in the supplement.

Finally, the supplement comes in several different flavors for you to choose from. So, you don’t have to drink the same one over and over again. You can switch the flavors and still get a high-quality pre-workout supplement.

2. Pulse Natural Pre-Workout – Runner-Up

• Item form: Power Form
• Best for: Overall Athletic Performance, High-Intensity Exercise Performance, Muscular Endurance, Training Volume, Reducing Fatigue, and Pumping Effect
• Flavor: Piña Colada, Rainbow Sherbet, Fruit Punch, Strawberry Kiwi, Blue Raspberry, Apple Cider, Arctic Blast, Blood Orange, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Lemonade, Frosted Cranberry, Grape, Green Apple, Mojito, Pink Lemonade, Sour Candy, Strawberry Margarita, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, and Peach Ring.
• Caffeine (mg): 350
• Special ingredients: Beta-Alanine, Citrulline, and Betaine.
• Package information: 20 scoops
• Serving: 2 scoops (23.5 g)
• Price per serving: ~$2.25
• Company founded (year): 2014
• Recommended by athletes: Mike Matthews, Alexandra Allen, and Chris Barakat

Our runner-up for the best pre-workout with no creatine is Pulse Natural Pre-Workout by Legion Athletics. Its formula is made with 100% natural ingredients, it is Labdoor tested for purity, and it has a 100% money-back guarantee policy.

The company's scientific approach to its products deserves special praise. As you can find out at their website, 54 peer-reviewed scientific studies support Pulse’s combination of ingredients and doses for this product. Thumbs up!

Each serving of Pulse Natural Pre-Workout offers 350 mg of caffeine, which can help increase focus and boost energy levels. It is ideal for those who need a larger caffeine dosage. With that said, make sure not to surpass the recommended intake of 400 mg of caffeine daily. So, be careful with other caffeine beverages after adding this pre-workout.

However, if you are those people sensitive to caffeine, you don’t have to worry. The company offers a stim-free version, ideal for those who want to avoid caffeine throughout the day.

In addition, the formula contains 350 mg of L-theanine. Research shows that the combination of caffeine with L-theanine can help increase alertness and reduce fatigue symptoms.

But besides caffeine and L-theanine, Pulse Natural Pre-Workout also contains 3,600 mg of beta-alanine, 8,000 mg of citrulline malate, and 2,500 mg of betaine. All of which are within the recommended dosages.

One of the biggest advantages of Legion Pulse Natural Pre-Workout is that it offers 20 flavors to choose from.

However, one of the biggest cons is its price. To get all the previous ingredients in the recommended dosage, you need to take two scoops, and the tub only contains 20 servings, with each serving costing ~$2.25. So, if you are an active user of pre-workouts, it might be expensive in the long run.

Next on our list of the best pre-workout supplements without creatine, we have Pre-Kaged Sport Pre-Workout. The formula is made with caffeine, electrolytes, and ingredients such as L-citrulline, Carnosyn®, and Beta-Power®.

One scoop of Pre-Kaged Sport provides 188 mg, which might be lower than the typical dosage (200 mg). However, it can be ideal for beginners or those that don’t require or want a larger caffeine dosage.

The formula provides 1,600 mg of beta-alanine, 3,500 mg of L-citrulline, and 1,250 mg of betaine anhydrous (BetaPowder®). While they are within the recommended dosage, they are on the lower end of the recommendations. For that reason, it makes it ideal for those newbies in the pre-workout environment.

What makes this supplement stand out from the rest is that it contains coconut fruit water powder, which provides essential electrolytes. In fact, studies show that coconut water can help retain water and promote better performance in hot environments.

Another ingredient worth mentioning is taurine which some research shows might improve muscular endurance. However, the studies are still inconclusive, and more research is needed to determine its effect on sports performance.

Overall, the ingredients in Pre-Kaged Sport can help boost energy levels, improve mental clarity, enhance endurance, and support hydration.

While the pre-workout might not have as many flavors as the other two options we’ve seen, it still offers options to choose from.

Pre-Kaged Sport is third-party tested, Informed Choice certified, and safe for athletes to take.

Now, while the supplement might be cheaper than other options, keep in mind that the tub only contains 20 servings. So, you might need to purchase more than one tub a month, depending on how frequently you use it.

4. Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout Powder – Best on a Budget

• Item form: Powder form
• Best for: Overall Athletic Performance, High-Intensity Exercise Performance, Muscular Endurance, Training Volume, Reducing Fatigue and Pumping Effect.
• Flavor: Cherry Bomb, Cherry Limeade, Blue Raspberry, Pineapple, Watermelon, Artic White, Fruit Punch, Grape, Cotton Candy, Sour Peach Rings, Blueberry Lemonade, and Black Cherry.
• Caffeine (mg): 180
• Special ingredients: Beta-Alanine, L-Citrulline, and Betaine Anhydrous
• Package information: 30 servings per tub
• Serving: One scoop (8 g)
• Price per serving: ~$1.00
• Company founded (year): 2006
• Recommended by athletes: Jonathan Hambrick and Antwan Morrow

Jacked Factory Nutrisurge Pre-Workout Powder is another great choice if you are looking for a pre-workout supplement without creatine. What makes this one of the best options is its low price, which is ideal for those who don’t have a large budget to spend on supplements.

While there are other options available that are cheaper (PEScience Prolific Pre-Workout), they might not have as much caffeine and other ingredients as this one. In other words, this has a higher value for money.

However, don’t worry. Even though it has a lower price than the other options, you still get a good dose of ingredients to help boost your performance.

One scoop of Jacked Factory Nutrisurge offers 180 mg of caffeine, 1,600 mg of beta-alanine, 1,250 mg of betaine anhydrous, and 3,000 mg of L-citrulline. If you feel that the doses for each ingredient are low and want something stronger, you can always duplicate the scoops. So, instead of taking one scoop, you can take one and a half or two. This can significantly increase the amount if you are looking for larger doses and it's still affordable.

But, keep in mind that if you enlarge the dosage, the tub can run out quicker, meaning you might need to purchase two tubs per month (or buy the bigger option, which has 60 servings). Still, this will depend on how frequently you use your pre-workouts.

The formula comes in different flavors for you to choose from, which most people seem to enjoy. But, there are some mixed reviews regarding its taste. Remember that taste is subjective and might vary from each person.

5. Promix Pre-Workout – Best With Clean Ingredients

• Item form: Powder form
• Best for: Overall Athletic Performance, High-Intensity Exercise Performance, Training Volume, Reducing Fatigue and Pumping Effect.
• Flavor: Lemon, Pink Lemonade, Mixed Berry, Strawberry Lemon, Tingle Free Lemon, Cherry Lime, Raspberry Lemon (stim and stim-free).
• Caffeine (mg): 200
• Special ingredients: L-Citrulline and Beta-Alanine
• Package information: 30 servings per tub
• Serving: 2 scoops (16.3 g)
• Price per serving: ~1.23
• Company founded (year): 2011
• Recommended by athletes: Matthew Choi, Kira Stokes, and Odell Beckham Jr.

Promix Pre-Workout is a great option if you want a pre-workout supplement without creatine. The formula is free of soy, gluten, and dairy. Additionally, it is tested for heavy metals to ensure its quality. The formula comes in seven delicious flavors to choose from. And, it even offers a stim-free option (raspberry lemon).

On top of that, it doesn’t contain artificial ingredients, and it is sweetened with monk fruit, a natural sugar-free alternative.

Two scoops of Promix Pre-Workout offer 200 mg of caffeine, 5,000 mg of beta-alanine, and 5,000 mg of L-citrulline. It contains a good dosage of all three ingredients, meaning it can help improve performance and muscle strength, and reduce fatigue.

Now, one thing to keep in mind is that the supplement doesn’t contain any betaine anhydrous. This can be a good option for those who get an upset stomach or side effects when taking a supplement with this component. However, if you are looking for a pre-workout with betaine, this is not the best option.

6. PEScience Prolific Pre-Workout

• Item form: Powder form
• Best for: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Training Volume, Reducing Fatigue and Pumping Effect.
• Flavor: Sour Peach Candy, Black Cherry, Melon Berry Twist, Sour Green Apple, Raspberry Lemonade, Mango Splash, Strawberry Kiwi, and Cotton Candy.
• Caffeine (mg): 160 mg + 50 mg of coffee fruit extract
• Special ingredients: L-Citrulline and Betaine Anhydrous.
• Package information: 40 servings per tub
• Serving: 1 scoop (7 g)
• Price per serving: $0.87
• Company founded (year): 2009
• Recommended by athletes: Sohee Carpenter and Fit With Brooke

Our last recommendation for a good pre-workout supplement without creatine is PEScience Prolific Pre-Workout. The supplement comes in eight tasty flavors to choose from, allowing you some variety.

One scoop of the pre-workout offers 160 mg of caffeine, 50 mg of coffee fruit extract, 1,250 mg of betaine anhydrous, and 3,000 mg of L-citrulline. While the doses might be enough for some people, highly active men might need a stronger dose. If that is the case, you can always take 1,5-2 scoops of the supplement to get the desired dosage.

While the supplement doesn’t contain any betaine, it does contain other ingredients such as citicoline, taurine, Rhodiola rosea, and L-theanine. Citicoline might help enhance memory function, Rhodiola rosea may help reduce stress levels, and taurine may help promote proper hydration.

Do You Even Need Creatine?

Creatine is not an essential nutrient. The body produces certain amounts of creatine, and you can get it through meat sources. However, there are some benefits to adding an extra dose of creatine.

Here are the possible benefits of creatine.

✅ Increasing High-Intensity Performance

Creatine helps produce fast energy. When you saturate the cells with a lot of creatine, you have enough stored to use when short and fast movements are required. In a study, those who took creatine were able to maintain power output during a high-intensity workout.

✅ Increase Strength 

Another benefit of creatine is that it can help increase muscle strength. Thanks to its impact on ATP production (the currency for energy in the body), it can increase power output. A 2002 study showed that those taking creatine saw significant improvement in maximal strength, maximal repetitive high-power exercise bouts, and total repetitions performed to fatigue.

✅ Promoting Gain in Lean Muscle Mass

The mechanisms by which creatine can help increase muscle growth rely on its ability to create more energy. More power and more energy means you can lift heavier weights. As a result, it means that you can create more stress and metabolic changes in the muscles. Your body then needs to repair and rebuild muscles after exercise, meaning it can increase muscle growth.

✅ Enhanced Recovery

Finally, it seems that creatine can help reduce muscle damage while training, meaning you can have a speedier recovery, especially in between moments of intense exercise.

Are There Contraindications to Taking Creatine?

People with kidney problems, liver disease, or high blood pressure should not be taking creatine. For some people, taking creatine might cause stomach problems such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

Make sure you consult with a doctor before adding any new supplement, especially if you have an underlying condition.

Why Is Creatine Not Even a Mandatory Component of Pre-Workout?

There is no rule as to when you should take creatine. Since it works by cell saturation, you can take it in the morning, afternoon, or evening. So, it doesn’t bring any additional benefits if you take it before workout out, unlike caffeine which boosts your energy 30-60 minutes after taking it.

Also, creatine is something you naturally find in the body, and you can increase creatine intake by adding more meat sources. So, for some people, it might not be a mandatory supplement.

As we mentioned above, creatine causes abdominal distress in some people, in which case using creatine pre-workout is a bad idea. You definitely don't want to suffer from nausea or diarrhea during your intense exercises. Although these reactions occur in a small percentage of people, for them, creatine-free pre-workout is the obvious choice.

How to Find the Best Pre-workout Without Creatine

There are several pre-workout supplements without creatine available on the market. To help you choose the best, here are the things you must consider when purchasing one.

1. Browse for Certified Supplements

The first thing you need to do is choose a supplement that has several certifications guaranteeing its safeness and purity. For that reason, choose a pre-workout that has an Informed Choice certification, third-party testing, NSF-certified, or the Banned Substance approval seal.

2. Understand Your Needs

Then, you need to check the ingredients of the pre-workout to determine if it has what you are looking for. Whether it is increasing energy or muscle endurance, it all relies on the ingredients and the dosage.

• Caffeine. It can boost energy levels and improve focus. A good dosage can be 200 mg per serving, but if you need more, make sure you don’t surpass 400 mg daily.
• Beta-alanine. It can help reduce muscle fatigue. The recommended intake is normally 3.2 to 6.4 grams of beta-alanine daily.
• Betaine anhydrous. Might help increase creatine formation. Normal intake is 1.25 to 2.5 grams.
• L-citrulline or citrulline malate: Helps increase nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation. Recommended dosage 3 grams for citrulline and 6-8 grams for citrulline malate.

3. Check Out Reviews

Finally, check creatine-free pre-workout reviews. The best way to determine if a supplement is buying is to check customer reviews. Here, you can determine its flavor, taste, and possible side effects.

FAQ

Is There a Pre-Workout Without Creatine?

Yes, there are several pre-workout supplements that don’t have creatine. The ones we recommend are Bulk by Transparent Labs, Pulse Natural Pre-Workout, Pre-Kaged Sport, Jacked-Factory Nitrosurge, Promix Pre-Workout, and PEScience Prolific Pre-Workout. If you cannot find one of the previous options, make sure to check the nutritional label of your preferred option to ensure it doesn’t contain any creatine.

Can You Still Get Big Without Creatine?

Yes, even if you don’t supplement, you still have creatine within the body, and you can get it through meat sources. The right workout routine, along with a caloric surplus, can still make you gain muscle mass without relying on creatine.

Conclusion

Pre-workout supplements can boost energy, reduce fatigue, improve muscle recovery, and increase the pumping effect. However, while people might look for a pre-workout supplement with creatine, there might be times when it is not needed. For example, some people might get bloated when taking creatine.

No matter the reason why you want a pre-workout supplement without creatine, there are several options for you to choose from.

We recommend Bulk by Transparent Labs. It is a high-value supplement that contains a good caffeine dosage (200 mg) and other ingredients such as citrulline malate, betaine anhydrous, and beta-alanine. The formula comes in several delicious flavors, and while it is not the cheapest, it is not the most expensive, and it offers good value for money.

If you got one of the previous options, I would love to hear your thoughts on them. Leave a comment below, I’m looking forward to reading them!

Also read:

• Best Thermogenic Pre Workout
• Best Caffeine Free Pre Workout
• Pre Workout vs Energy Drink
• How Long Does Pre Workout Last
• Bcaa vs Pre Workout
• Best Pre Workout Drink for Women
• Kaged Pre Workout Review
• Transparent Labs Lean Pre Workout Review
• Kaged Elite Pre Workout Review
• Promix Pre Workout Review

References:

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