If you have already passed the beginner stage in your training and want to get an energy boost, improve athletic performance and stay more focused during your training sessions, maybe it’s time to try a pre workout. We have compiled the best pre workout with BCAA rating for you.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout.
This product contains a perfectly formulated composition of key and additional ingredients in dosages that will allow you to get the most out of your workout.
Top 4 Best Pre Workout With BCAA Reviewed
1. Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout - Top Pick
- Form: Powder
- Best For: Overall Exercise Performance, High-Intensity Exercise Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue, Training Volume, Enhanced “Pumping” Effect
- Flavors: Pink Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Krisp Apple, Grape, Orange Crush, Cherry Bomb, Berry Blast
- Caffeine: 274 mg per serving
- Special Ingredients: Creatine, Beta-Alanine, L-Citrulline, Betaine, BCAA
- Package Information: 20 servings per container
- Serving: 27.9-29.6 g (per scoop)
- Company Founded: 2014
- Recommended by Athletes: Michael Wittig, Jessica Madison, Tawna McCoy
If you are looking for the best pre workout with BCAA formulated to enhance your energy, strength, and endurance during workouts, Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout is the answer. This product contains a perfectly formulated composition of key and additional ingredients in dosages that will allow you to get the most out of your workout.
In one serving you will find 274 mg of caffeine for strong stimulation, better focus and reducing fatigue, 1.5 g of creatine and 2.5 g of betaine for high-intensity performance and increasing training volume, 1.6 g of beta-alanine for increasing training volume, muscular endurance and reducing fatigue. In one scoop, you will also find as much as 6.5 g of L-Citrulline, which is capable of improving overall exercise performance and giving an enhanced pumping effect. As for BCAAs, one serving contains 6.5 grams.
Photo by @wittigworks
This product can be separately praised for a relatively low single dose of beta-alanine. Compared to higher doses, 1.6 g has a lower risk of tingling (a harmless but uncomfortable sensation). Also, this pre-workout contains a single dose of betaine (2.5 g per serving), which may have advantages over lower (although still potentially effective) splitted dosages.
Pay special attention to the certification from Informed Sport, which greatly increases the credibility of this product in the context of the absence of prohibited substances.
If you have been thinking of taking BCAAs and pre workout together, then Pre-Kaged could be a great investment. However, be aware that if you have never used a pre-workout before, this product may be too strong for you due to the high caffeine dosage.
By the way, if you are looking for a pre workout with creatine and BCAA, this product is a good candidate.
Positives:
Strong stimulation
Key science-based ingredients in needed dosages
Contains beta-alanine in a not too high single dose (good for reducing the risk of tingling sensation)
Contains a high single dose of betaine
Informed Sport certified
Great taste
Could be better:
Too high a dose of caffeine for beginners
High price per serving
2. Pre JYM High-Performance Pre-Workout- Runner Up
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Overall Exercise Performance, High-Intensity Exercise Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue, Training Volume, Enhanced “Pumping” Effect
- Flavor: Orange Mango, Rainbow Sherbet, Tangerine, Grape Candy, Pink Lemonade, Pineapple Strawberry, Black Cherry, Strawberry Kiwi, Cherry Limeade, Raspberry Lemonade
- Caffeine: 300 mg per serving
- Special Ingredients: Beta-Alanine, Creatine, Betaine, Citrulline Malate, BCAA
- Package Information: 20 or 30 servings per container
- Serving: 25-27 g
- Company Founded: 2013
- Recommended by Athletes: Benji Kil, Justin
Pre JYM High-Performance is another product that stands out in the market of the best amino acid pre workout. This product is quite similar to the leader of our rating in terms of composition and dosing of key and additional ingredients, as well as overall performance enhancing effects. One serving contains 300 mg of caffeine, 2 g of creatine, 2 g of beta-alanine, 6 g of citrulline malate, 1.5 g of betaine and 6 g of BCAA.
Photo by @vitapro_nutrition_hub
It contains more caffeine as a key ingredient, but a much smaller dose of betaine than the leader of this ranking. As for a higher dose of beta-alanine, there are some nuances here. After all, a larger dose is not always better, because the more beta-alanine, the higher the risk of an unpleasant tingling and burning sensation.
Overall, this is a great product that has a strong stimulatory effect and is able to significantly enhance the muscle pump, especially when working in the medium or high repetition range and getting close to muscular failure.
Positives:
Strongest stimulation in this ranking
Great overall composition of key ingredients
More affordable price per serving when buying a package of 30 servings
Many flavors to choose from
Could be better:
Too high a dose of caffeine, especially for beginners
Too much beta-alanine for a single dose (increased risk of tingling and burning)
Not tested by a third party
High price per serving for 20 serving package
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Reducing Fatigue, Focus
- Flavor: Blue Raspberry, Blue Lemonade, Blueberry Mojito, Concord Grape, Fruit Fusion, Green Apple, Juicy Strawberry, Orange, Strawberry Lime, Watermelon, Wild Berry
- Caffeine: 100 mg per serving
- Special Ingredients: Beta-Alanine, L-Citrulline, BCAA
- Package Information: 30 or 65 servings per container
- Serving: 9 g
- Company Founded: 1986
- Recommended by Athletes: Maria Birova
Essential Amin.O. Energy from the famous Optimum Nutrition brand is a product with a mild stimulating effect. The dosage of caffeine per serving is 100 mg, and this is exactly the dosage with which people who choose their first pre-workout may start. On the other hand, for more experienced athletes, this product may not be suitable due to its low stimulating effect. However, do not forget that even low dosage of caffeine may be enough to improve attention, alertness, reaction time and other cognitive functions.
Photo by @a.adams_83
Among the strengths of this product is Informed Choice certification, a large selection of flavors and a very low price per serving. Among the disadvantages is the lack of betaine, as well as a general blend of various amino acids (including beta-alanine and citrulline) - without specific dosages. In general, products that contain a blend of many ingredients will always lose to pre-workouts that have the dosage of each ingredient listed separately.
Overall, if you choose your first pre-workout, or want to switch from a pre-workout with a strong stimulating effect to a milder product, Essential Amin.O. Energy may be perfect for these goals.
Positives:
Great for beginners due to low dose of caffeine and mild stimulating effect
Reputable brand
Informed Choice certified
Low price per serving
Many flavors to choose from
Could be better:
Not suitable for athletes with a history of taking caffeinated pre-workouts (due to low stimulation)
Contains a blend of amino acids, without a specific dosage for each
Obviously insufficient dose of citrulline (given the total weight of the amino acid blend)
Does not contain betaine
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Reducing Fatigue, Focus
- Flavor: Blackberry Pomegranate, Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade, Watermelon, Grape, Cherry On Top
- Caffeine: 125 mg per serving
- Special Ingredients: Beta-Alanine, L-Citrulline, BCAA
- Package Information: 30 servings per container (60 servings for Fruit Punch flavor)
- Serving: 9 g
- Company Founded: 2009
- Recommended by Athletes: Tish Martinez, Alix Ashley Earle
RSP AminoLean Pre Workout is very similar to the previous product, but differs in the dosage of caffeine. RSP AminoLean contains 125 mg of caffeine, which makes it a bit stronger in terms of a stimulant effect.
On the other hand, this product also contains a 5g total amino acid mix including BCAA, beta-alanine and citrulline. Therefore, we can only guess about the specific dosage for each component of the mixture.
Photo by @nutribeastkk
And while RSP AminoLean contains more caffeine per serving than Essential Amin.O. Energy from Optimum Nutrition, it gets a lower overall score because of unspecified third-party certification and a higher price per serving.
Positives:
Great for beginners due to mild stimulating effect
Contains vitamin C
Low price per serving
Many flavors to choose from
Could be better:
Low stimulation for athletes with experience of taking caffeinated pre workouts
Contains a blend of amino acids, without a specific dosage
Obviously insufficient dose of citrulline
Does not contain betaine
Unspecified third-party testing
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How to Find the Best Pre Workout With Bcaa
Below we will list the main characteristics of a good pre-workout with BCAA, which should be paid key attention.
Check for Caffeine Content
Caffeine is a key component of pre-workout, because it has the main stimulating effect. In moderate or medium-high doses, caffeine improves overall physical performance, gives the boost of energy, helps maintain a "sharp" mind and focus.
The optimal dosage that allows us to get the desired effects is 200-300 mg per serving. However, this dose may be too much for those who have never taken caffeinated pre-workouts before. Start with the lowest effective dose, which is 1.5-2 mg per 1 kg of body weight, and increase the dosage gradually.
Consider your individual sensitivity to caffeine and its dosage. Each of us should choose a dose of caffeine at which we get positive effects, but minimize the risks of side effects. Also, be sure to consider caffeine from other sources: coffee, tea, and other drinks or foods. The total safe amount of caffeine per day for a healthy adult is 400 mg.
Consider Other Key and Additional Components
Although creatine and beta-alanine do not necessarily have to be taken right before training, they are common components of most pre-workouts.
Among the ingredients with an immediate pre-workout effect, pay attention to the presence of citrulline and betaine, as well as their dosage. To obtain potential effects, the pre-workout should contain at least 3 g of L-Citrulline or at least 6 g of Citrulline Malate; betaine should be contained in a dosage of 1.25-2.5 g.
BCAA
In fact, best amino acid pre workout contains caffeine, betaine and citrulline for immediate effects, as well as beta-alanine and creatine, which have accumulative effects. Isolated amino acids or BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) do not have a significant effect on athletic performance. The benefits of taking BCAAs for performance and body composition may only be negligible. The majority of scientific data does not support the effectiveness of BCAA in the context of strength and hypertrophy in conditions of sufficient protein intake.
On the other hand, some data suggests that BCAAs can alleviate muscle soreness and reduce markers of muscle damage after strength training. Also, BCAAs can theoretically be useful in conditions of depleted glycogen stores, for example, if you are on a low-carbohydrate diet.
BCAAs may also limit the onset of fatigue through lowering brain tryptophan uptake and serotonin synthesis, especially in combination with tyrosine. Therefore, in the context of reducing fatigue, the combination of BCAA + tyrosine could potentially work.
In any case, the leaders of this ranking, which occupy the 2 highest positions, have great composition and dosage of key ingredients, due to which we can count on a significant boost in physical performance. BCAA can help in mitigating the delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) and reduce fatigue.
FAQ
Is Bcaa Better Than Creatine?
BCAAs and creatine are different supplements. Unlike BCAA, creatine has proven effectiveness, especially for athletes who train in a high-intensity mode and want to build muscle mass and increase strength. By the way, most likely the positive effects of taking pre workout with BCAA and creatine will mainly (if not completely) belong to the latter, especially in conditions of a sufficient amount of protein in the diet.
Are Bcaas Actually Worth It?
If you're vegan, are close to your 50s or older, or simply don't eat enough protein, supplementing with BCAAs may have benefits. However, in this case, it is better to take BCAA with meals. BCAAs may also potentially work to alleviate delayed onset of muscle soreness and reduce fatigue (especially in combo with tyrosine).
Conclusion
When choosing the best BCAA pre workout, it is important to pay primary attention to the composition of components with scientifically proven effects - caffeine, beta-alanine and creatine. You should also pay attention to the dosage of caffeine, citrulline and betaine. Caffeine should not be too much. Experiment with dosage based on your training performance and how you feel. BCAA can be considered as a potential helper for reducing fatigue, mitigating muscle soreness and reducing muscle damage.
For beginners and people with poor caffeine tolerance, it is better to choose a pre-workout with a low dose of caffeine (+/- 100 mg per serving). If you are an experienced athlete and want a product with a strong stimulating effect, we recommend Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout.
Now you have learned from this short review on the best BCAA pre workout. Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.
Also read:
References:
- Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Power // Journals LWW: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2017/08000/effects_of_betaine_supplementation_on_muscle.35.aspx
- A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance // Science Direct: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763416300690#bib0990
- Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation in Athletes // NCBI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36235655/
- Isolated Leucine and Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation for Enhancing Muscular Strength // Human Kinetics: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/31/3/article-p292.xml
- Does Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) Supplementation Attenuate Muscle Damage Markers? // NCBI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34072718/
- Benefits and risks of using supplements and sports foods // AIS: https://www.ais.gov.au/nutrition/supplements/group_c#bcaa_leucine
- How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? // Bio Med Central: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-018-0215-1
- Large neutral amino acids: dietary effects on brain neurochemistry and function // NCBI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22677921/
Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist, certified by FPA (Fitness Professional Association). Oleksandr adheres to the principles of evidence-based dietetics and instills in his clients a healthy relationship with food - without strict prohibitions on favorite foods and regular disruptions. His main task – not only get a result for you, but also maintain it for many years, enjoying tasty and delicious food.