8 Best Keto Pre Workouts in 2024

To choose the best keto pre workout, you need to understand what you should pay special attention to. After all, in order for the product to be suitable for followers of the keto diet, it should ideally contain zero grams of carbohydrates or the minimum possible amount of this macronutrient. In this ranking, you will find 8 keto friendly pre workout supplements that will help improve training performance in the context of a very low carb diet.

Our expert team of certified nutritionists and pro athletes have examined 15 keto pre workouts. Only 8 passed our strict criteria to be included. They’ve been tested on 5 key factors, with our team dedicating 4 weeks to the testing process. We’ve also reviewed hundreds of online customer feedback. Keep in mind, we update this list constantly, so your comments are more than welcome!

Top 8 Best Keto Pre Workout Reviewed

1. Nitrosurge by Jacked Factory – Top Pick
2. Gorilla Mode – Runner-Up
3. LEAN Formula by Transparent Labs
4. C4 Ultimate® by Cellucor
5. Promix Pre-Workout
6. Naked Energy by Naked Nutrition
7. Prolific by PEScience
8. Genius Pre by The Genius Brand

Product	Total	Stimulation	Ingredients Breakdown	Nutrition Label Transparency	Taste	Price/ Quality
Nitrosurge	48	9	9.5	9.5	10	10
Gorilla Mode	47.5	9	9.5	9.5	9.5	10
Lean by TL	47.5	9.5	10	9.5	8.5	10
C4 Ultimate®	46.5	10	9.5	9.5	8.5	9
Promix	46	9.5	9	9.5	9	9.5
Naked Energy	46	9.5	9.5	9.5	8	9.5
Prolific	46	8.5	9	9.5	9.5	9.5
Genius Pre	43.5	7.5	9	9.5	9	8.5

Despite the fact that Nitrosurge does not contain the highest dose of caffeine and other additional ingredients, this product took the highest position. First, it still contains 180 mg of caffeine, which may be more than enough for those who previously took a 100 mg or 130 mg pre-workout.

Secondly, it contains 1.6 g of beta-alanine. With such a dose, we can count on a lower risk and severity of tingling compared to products that contain beta-alanine in a higher single dose. The fact is that the upper threshold, at which the risk of tingling is still lower, is 1.6 g (although the general range is 0.8-1.6 g).

Add theanine, which is able to reduce anxiousness and jitters associated with caffeine, as well as good doses of citrulline and betaine, and you get a well-balanced product. To be honest, I would like to double the dose of betaine. However, this would also affect the cost per serving. Despite this, a single dose of 1.25 g still showed effects in studies.

The brand did not add a huge amount of additional ingredients with a weak scientific basis. After all, this would necessarily make this product more expensive, without guaranteeing tangible benefits. With 11 flavors to choose from, a large 60-serving package, and a cost per serving of less than $1, this carb free pre workout deserves high marks in all categories.

2. Gorilla Mode - Runner Up

• Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
• Flavors: Mouthwatering Watermelon, Bombsicle, Cherry Blackout, Fruit Punch, Jungle Juice, Lemon Lime, Lemonade, Mojo Mojito, Orange Crush, Tigers Blood, Volcano Burst
• Caffeine: 175 mg
• Special Ingredients: Creatine, Betaine, Citrulline
• Package Information: 40 servings per container
• Serving: 15.4 g
• Company Founded: 2017
• Recommended By Athletes: Eric Ogle, Kayla Manousselis

If you are looking for a keto friendly pre workout without beta-alanine - Gorilla Mode may be your perfect choice. Some people are unable to concentrate during exercise due to paresthesia caused by a large single dose of beta-alanine. Also, you may prefer to take beta-alanine separately - not as part of a pre-workout.

On the one hand, lack of beta-alanine reduces the overall value of the product compared to pre-workouts that contain this ingredient. Note, however, that Gorilla contains the highest dose of creatine of any product in this ranking, which brings back points for the product's overall value.

One serving contains 175 mg of caffeine, 2.5 g of the most studied form of creatine monohydrate, as well as 4.5 g of citrulline and 1.25 g of betaine. With Gorilla Mode, you can count on improved high-intensity performance and muscular endurance, as well as enhanced pumping effect.

As with the leader of our rating, I would like to increase the single dose of betaine. Also, this product contains some additional ingredients without solid scientific support. For example, a 2020 review lists Agmatine Sulfate as "Little to No Evidence" under the “Promote Muscle-Mass Gains During Training” category. And in the review from ISSN, the authors note the lack of evidence regarding the impact of Agmatine Sulfate on muscular performance.

The third place in the best low carb pre workout ranking is taken by the LEAN formula from Transparent Labs. The combination of ingredients such as caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine, citrulline malate and theanine can help you reach a new level of training and improve your results in the gym.

Note the combination of caffeine + a large dose of theanine, which can work synergistically to improve attention. Also, compared to another great product from Transparent Labs - BULK, the LEAN formula contains 2 times less single dose of beta-alanine. This is still a lot, but considering that the development of paraesthesia is dose-related, a much smaller single dose can cause less discomfort and reduce the severity of tingling.

It is also worth noting a slightly higher single dose of betaine than in the previous two products. Also, this product contains large doses of iodine, zinc, selenium, chromium and copper. However, keep in mind that before taking supplements with large doses of minerals, you should first consult a doctor. Ultimately, to minimize the potential risks, it is best to limit the dosage of minerals or vitamins so that they do not exceed 100% of the Dietary Reference Intake.

In general, LEAN is a well-developed formula. In fact, this product should have taken the first or second position, but due to the limited flavors and many complaints about taste it lost its points in the overall score.

4. C4 Ultimate® by Cellucor

• Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
• Flavors: Strawberry Watermelon, Arctic Snow Cone, Icy Blue Razz, Orange Mango
• Caffeine: 300mg
• Special Ingredients: Beta-alanine, Creatine HCL, Creatine Nitrate, Citrulline
• Package Information: 20 servings per container
• Serving: ~16.3g
• Company Founded: 2009
• Recommended By Athletes: SADIK HADZOVIC, Thoren “Thor” Bradley

This is the strongest pre-workout in the Cellucor line. C4 Ultimate® contains the highest dose of caffeine (300mg) in this ranking, as well as rauwolfia vomitoria root extract. This makes this product the strongest stimulant in this ranking and therefore definitely not suitable for people choosing their first pre-workout.

In addition to the stimulants, C4 Ultimate® contains 2 types of creatine with great solubility, as well as a good dose of citrulline and a high single dose of beta-alanine (you should be prepared for a strong tingling). In general, this product will give a strong stimulation, increased muscular endurance and an enhanced pumping effect.

Disadvantages include only 4 flavors to choose from, 20 servings per package, and the highest price per serving. It is also the only product in this rating that contains carbohydrates, although their amount is only 1 gram. Therefore, C4 Ultimate® is still suitable for the role of best pre workout on keto, but only for healthy, experienced athletes who have already taken pre-workouts with a large dose of caffeine and had no negative side effects.

5. Promix Pre-Workout

• Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
• Flavors: Lemon, Mixed Berry, Strawberry Lemon, Raspberry Lemon, Cherry Lime
• Caffeine: 200mg + Stim-free option
• Special Ingredients: Beta-Alanine, Taurine, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C
• Package Information: 30 servings per package
• Serving: 6.3-9.5 g per 2 scoops
• Company Founded: 2011
• Recommended By Athletes: Odell Beckham Jr, Kelly Matthews, Alexa Idama

Promix is a zero carb pre workout that is a great option for keto dieters looking for a product with 200 mg of caffeine per serving. In addition to caffeine, this product contains a large amount of beta-alanine (3.2 g), so if you are one of those athletes who likes a tingle, you will definitely appreciate this supplement. Caffeine-free or beta-alanine-free versions are also available. So if you avoid caffeine or beta-alanine but still want to try this product, you have a variety of options to choose from.

Also consider vitamin C and a large dose of vitamin B12. The lemon flavor has been tested by the NSF for Sport and is therefore a good option for professional athletes passing tests for banned substances.

As for the shortcomings, there are only 5 flavors to choose from, as well as the absence of ingredients typical for pre-workouts such as citrulline and betaine. Compared to most products in this rating, Promix looks less attractive in this component. On the other hand, one serving costs just $1.

6. Naked Energy by Naked Nutrition

• Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
• Flavors: Unflavored, Fruit Punch, Citrus
• Caffeine: 200 mg + Stim-free option
• Special Ingredients: Beta-Alanine, Creatine Monohydrate, B vitamins, vitamin C
• Package Information: 50 servings per package
• Serving: 4.8 grams per 2 scoops
• Company Founded: 2014
• Recommended By Athletes: Hopeh_fit, Erica Dawn

If Naked Energy had more flavors to choose from without added sugar, it would definitely rank higher on this list. However, due to the fact that only the unflavored option does not contain carbohydrates, Naked received a low score in the "Taste" category, which affected the overall score. After all, only the unflavored option does not contain a single gram of carbohydrates and is suitable for the keto. Flavored versions of this product contain 6 or 9 g of carbohydrates, so they are not suitable for making a keto pre workout drink.

Overall, the unflavored version contains the "Big Three" ingredients with the most scientific support - 200 mg of caffeine, 2 g of beta-alanine, and 1 g of creatine monohydrate. Also, Naked contains large doses of some B vitamins and vitamin C. Considering the total composition of the ingredients and the serving costing less than 1 dollar, this pre-workout deserves to be in the rating of best pre workout on keto. If you don't mind sacrificing taste for a great ingredient formula and one of the lowest prices per serving on this list, give Naked Energy a try.

Consider 40 mg of niacin per serving, as a dose with 30 mg or higher can cause redness and burning, tingling and itching of the skin on the face, arms, and chest, as well as dizziness and other symptoms. In combination with 2 g of beta-alanine, the risks of tingling are even higher, so take this into account before spending your money.

7. Prolific by PEScience

• Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
• Flavors: Sour Peach Candy, Black Cherry, Melon Berry Twist, Sour Green Apple, Raspberry Lemonade, Mango Splash, Cotton Candy, Strawberry Kiwi
• Caffeine: 160 mg
• Special Ingredients: Citrulline, Betaine, Theanine, Citicoline, Rhodiola Rosea
• Package Information: 40 servings per package
• Serving: 7 g per one scoop
• Company Founded: 2010
• Recommended By Athletes: Ally Lewis, Nick Ly, J A C

PROLIFIC from PEScience is a well-formulated pre-workout with a moderate stimulation due to a relatively low dose of caffeine per serving. In addition to caffeine, this product contains several ingredients that may contribute to the improvement of cognitive functions - theanine, rhodiola rosea and citicoline, although studies have usually used higher doses than 125 mg of citicoline.

In addition to caffeine and cognitive-focused ingredients, this pre-workout contains 1.25g of betaine and 3g of citrulline, which is the minimum effective dosage to produce potential training effects.

Considering the overall composition and dosage of ingredients, 8 flavors to choose from with good reviews from users, and one of the lowest prices per serving, this product deserves its place in the ranking of the best no carb pre workout.

8. Genius Pre by The Genius Brand

• Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
• Flavors: Sour Apple, Blue Raspberry, Grape Limeade, Sour Cherry
• Caffeine: 0mg 
• Special Ingredients: Beta-alanine, Citrulline Malate, Betaine, Alpha GPC, Rhodiola Rosea
• Package Information: 20 servings per package
• Serving: 15.7-16.9 g per one scoop
• Company Founded: 2018
• Recommended By Athletes: Nate Robinson, Chris Hyppa, Aaron Lee

Genius Pre closes the ranking of the best keto pre workout supplements. Regardless of its place on this list, this product may be an ideal option for people with poor caffeine metabolism who avoid this stimulant. After all, the composition of the rest of the ingredients and their dosage does not lose to the other products from this rating.

Citrulline malate comes in at 6g, beta-alanine at 2g, and betaine at 2g, which has a better potential for performance enhancing effects than the 1.25g of betaine found in some of the higher-ranked pre-workouts.

Like the previous product, Genius Pre contains ingredients that can enhance cognitive functions - Rhodiola Rosea and Alpha GPC. Consider 600 mg of Alpha GPC per serving, because doses of 600 mg or greater are more likely to provide performance benefits in the context of velocity and boosting power output.

As for the disadvantages, there is a limited number of flavors to choose from, only 20 servings per package, and the second highest price per serving in this ranking.

Overall, this is a well formulated pre workout that could be an ideal choice for those looking for a stim-free keto friendly pre workout.

What Are The Benefits Of Pre-Workouts For Athletes On Keto?

Let me remind you that following a keto diet you should consume no more than 50 g of carbohydrates per day (with an overall range of 20-50 g) and a moderate amount of protein (1.2-1.5g per kg per day) to induce and maintain a state of ketosis.

Although there is controversy regarding the effect of the keto diet on performance in strength-trained individuals, since carbohydrates are the vital source of energy during moderate and high-intensity training (including strength training), the keto diet cannot be considered as optimal for maximizing high-intensity performance and strength endurance, which are highly dependent on glycogen stores in skeletal muscles.

For athletes who train at a low intensity, the reduction in performance when following a keto diet may not be as pronounced, however, this still does not make the keto diet optimal in the context of maintaining athletic performance. As the NSCA's Guide to Sport and Exercise Nutrition states: “...adequate carbohydrate intakes are critical for people who desire performance optimization”.

Given the above, taking pre-workout supplements before training sessions can help reduce the negative effects of depleted glycogen stores in skeletal muscles. After all, the key ingredients contained in pre-workouts provide an overall energy boost, improve muscular endurance and high-intensity training performance. Thus, using a pre-workout can at least partially offset the negative effects of radical carbohydrate restriction.

How To Find The Best Keto Pre Workout?

There's no rocket science here - just choose a supplement that is carb-free or contains the lowest amount of carbohydrates you can find. The rest of the recommendations are the same as those for non-keto eaters. Choose a product with the required dosage of caffeine, starting with the lowest effective dose (1.5 mg of caffeine per 1 kg of body weight) if you have never used this type of supplement before. Pay attention to the beta-alanine, creatine, as well as the required doses of citrulline (3 g for citrulline or 6 g of citrulline malate) and betaine (1.25-2.5g).

Remember that a few grams of carbs from pre-workout on a moderate to high-carb diet doesn't matter much. However, on a keto diet, every gram of carbohydrates counts, especially if you consume carbs in the lowest range. So it is best to use zero carb pre workout. By the way, in this ranking, only one product contains 1 g of carbohydrates - C4 Ultimate®, and the rest of the products are carbohydrate-free. Also remember that Naked Energy is carb-free only in the unflavored version.

Pre Workout Tips For Athletes On Keto

For best results, have your keto pre workout drink 20-60 minutes before your workout. You can experiment and shift the timing within the recommended range to find your perfect routine for the best performance enhancing effects.

Just mix the powder in water, drink pre-workout and you're done!

FAQ

Does Pre-Workout Break Ketosis?

No, because in order to break ketosis, you need to consume more than a certain amount of carbohydrates and / or protein per day. Although carbohydrates in a pre-workout can contribute to increasing total carbohydrates, most pre-workouts contain zero or minimal carbs.

How Do I Get Energy Before A Workout On Keto?

You can get an energy boost from a no carb pre workout that contains caffeine, as it is the key ingredient with an immediate performance enhancing effect (that is, the effect occurs almost immediately after taking it). Also, creatine and beta-alanine make a significant contribution, and citrulline and betaine have possible additional benefits.

Can You Build Muscle During Ketosis?

As long as you adhere to the key factors, which are resistance training with progressive tension overload, calories surplus and sufficient protein intake, muscle mass will grow. However, in general a keto diet may be suboptimal for muscle hypertrophy compared to a normal carbohydrate diet.

Conclusion

If you are a follower of the keto and choose the best keto pre workout, the key focus should be on the number of carbohydrates per serving. Ideally, a pre-workout should not contain a single gram of carbohydrates. However, it should contain a good dose of caffeine (which must be carefully selected individually), as well as additional components with acute effects - citrulline and betaine. The presence of creatine and beta-alanine should be taken into account in the total daily dose.

As the best keto friendly pre workout we recommend Nitrosurge. It is a well formulated product with a great value for money, especially if you buy a pack of 60 servings!

Tell us about your experience of taking pre-workouts on a keto diet! Are you feeling that energy boost?

Also read:

• Can You Take Pre Workout While Fasting
• How Many Calories in Pre Workout
• How Much Pre Workout Is Too Much
• Can You Take Pre Workout Without Working Out
• Can You Take Pre Workout While Breastfeeding
• How to Make Your Own Pre Workout
• Creatine vs Pre Workout
• Best Non Stim Pre Workout
• Top Muscle Recovery Supplements

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