Best pre-workout: a dietitian’s opinion (2025)

We analyzed 14 products sold online according to 6 criteria, and selected the Nutripure pre-workout.

Our selection criteria

• Ingredients : list of the active ingredients contained in the pre-workout blend.
• Sweetener : list of the sweeteners used. Some are more or less controversial.
• Additives : list of the other additives.
• Price / dose: this is the price per dose recommended by the brand.
• Customer reviews : these customer reviews of the product are collected from the brand’s website, review sites, or Amazon.
• Our opinion on the brand : based on the supplement brand tests we carry out every month.

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Our choice

We selected the Nutripure brand pre-workout given the quality of its composition, the absence of controversial additives, and its excellent value for money.

It is designed to increase physical and mental performance during a weight training session or a sports workout.

It is the only French supplement containing EAAs and BCAAs, which consist of 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize.

In addition to these ingredients, it contains Citrulline Kyowa®, which provides improved muscle pump and endurance, and CarnoSyn®-labeled beta-alanine, which helps fight muscle fatigue.

Another advantage of this pre-workout is that it contains no caffeine, so it can be used in the afternoon or evening without causing sleep issues.

Finally, this supplement is one of the purest and safest on the market; the sweetener used (steviol glycoside) is not controversial, and there are no other additives besides the natural blueberry flavor.

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What is a pre-workout?

A pre-workout is a dietary supplement used before a workout to optimize performance and increase energy. I also recommend it to increase motivation and fight fatigue. 

It can come in different forms: powder, gel, capsule. I prefer powder to mix with water, which, in addition to ensuring good hydration, allows better absorption of the active ingredients.

To be effective, it should contain multiple ingredients that work synergistically to stimulate the body.

Each brand is different, and there is a wide variety of products available on the market… It’s not easy to know which one to choose!

A good pre-workout is made up of energizing ingredients such as caffeine, plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are well-regarded in sports nutrition. 

Its composition

A pre-workout can contain many ingredients, but no regulation specifies what this type of dietary supplement must contain.

Here is an overview of the ingredients that I like to find in a pre-workout:

Stimulants

Caffeine is the most commonly used ingredient for its stimulating qualities that improve alertness, concentration and endurance during exercise.

Other types of stimulants are also found, such as synephrine (a compound naturally present in citrus), guarana or green tea extract. 

A pre-workout may also contain carbohydrates in the form of glucose, dextrose or maltodextrin. They serve as fuel and deliver energy quickly. 

Amino acids

Several types of amino acids are used in pre-workouts, including: 

• BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) to provide energy to muscles and limit muscle breakdown
• Creatine to increase ATP production, increase strength and endurance
• L-arginine and L-citrulline to promote vasodilation and improve cardiovascular performance

Sometimes other amino acids that are of interest during athletic activity:

• Beta-alanine that limits the production of lactic acid
• L-tyrosine a precursor to dopamine
• L-glutamine essential for promoting muscle recovery

Vitamins and minerals 

A  large number of vitamins and minerals are used in pre-workouts. The most noteworthy vitamins are vitamin C for its antioxidant properties and vitamin B12 essential for energy production.

Magnesium is often found, essential for muscle health and helping to prevent muscle cramps.

You can also find carbonates and citrates (of calcium or sodium) that are very useful for neutralizing the lactic acid accumulated in the muscles, thus delaying muscle fatigue.

My purchasing criteria

1. A product suited to your goals

Because a good pre-workout must meet your performance expectations, check the list of active ingredients and make sure they align with your goals. 

• To increase energy and focus : caffeine, tyrosine, vitamins and minerals
• To improve strength and endurance : creatine, BCAAs and beta-alanine
• To improve cardiovascular performance : citrulline and arginine
• To reduce fatigue and muscle soreness : BCAAs, carbonate and anti-inflammatory ingredients

2. The quality of the active ingredients 

It is important to choose high-quality active ingredients, safe and free of contaminants.

Some labels such as BioKYOWA, CARNOSINE or CREAPURE ensure exceptional amino acid quality.

3. Naturalness

Pay attention to the product’s composition, the list should be short and not contain too many ingredients apart from the active ingredients.

Avoid products containing controversial substances. I’m thinking of texture agents, chemical colorants, synthetic sweeteners and other additives that can have harmful effects on your long-term health.

The fewer there are, the better! 

4. The brand 

Don’t hesitate to consider the brand’s reputation. Prefer brands that promote natural ingredients and high-quality active ingredients.

Check the reviews on independent platforms like “Trustpilot” or “Avis Vérifiés”.

5. Dosage

Check ingredient dosages. Avoid products with excessive doses that can have a detrimental effect on your performance and your health. 

Dosages aren’t necessarily suitable for everyone! I recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions and consulting a sports professional if you’re unsure.

6. Your tolerance and how you feel

If you are sensitive to caffeine or intolerant to one of the pre-workout components, look for a product that doesn’t contain it.

Given the wide range available to you, you’re sure to find something that suits you! 

Don’t hesitate to try several brands to find the composition that suits you best. 

When to use a pre-workout

Pre-workouts are generally taken 30 minutes before a workout. This allows the active ingredient to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body. 

This is not a miracle product. It will, however, improve your performance, reduce your fatigue, and meet certain muscular needs.

But it does not replace good nutrition, proper hydration, and adequate muscle rest.

Fatigue is a signal that you need rest. Ignoring it and masking it with a pre-workout can increase the risk of injury. 

Personally, I recommend my patients take pre-workout occasionally when motivation wanes and there is temporary fatigue.

But never at the expense of sufficient rest to promote muscle recovery. 

If fatigue persists, a pre-workout alone is of no use. I recommend you have nutrition suited to your physical activity, providing all the micronutrients you need to optimize your performance.

Side effects and contraindications

To date, there are few studies on pre-workouts. Early preliminary results indicate that their consumption does not pose a danger to health as long as you follow the dosages prescribed by the manufacturer. 

Since a pre-workout is a combination of several ingredients, side effects will vary depending on its composition. The most common are digestive issues, heart palpitations, headaches, insomnia, and dehydration.

Some amino acids such as L-arginine can cause skin tingling. It’s not dangerous, but can be uncomfortable.

In general, pre-workouts are not suitable for people with heart problems or high blood pressure.

But also to people sensitive to caffeine and/or allergic to one of the compounds present.

Pre-workouts  are not recommended for children, adolescents, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.

To summarize

To make sure you choose the best pre-workout, check:

1. A product suited to your goals : the ingredients should help you reach your goals, for example for energy and focus, caffeine should be present.
2. The quality of active ingredients : favor quality and labels such as BioKyowa, Carnosine or Creapure.
3. The naturalness : prefer a short ingredient list, and avoid texturizing agents, chemical colorings, synthetic sweeteners and other additives.
4. The brand : check reviews on independent platforms like “Trustpilot” or “avis vérifiés”.
5. Dosage : avoid products with excessive doses.
6. Your tolerance and how you feel : if you are sensitive to caffeine or intolerant to any of the pre-workout ingredients, look for a product that doesn’t contain them.

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Our choice

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