8 Best Vegan Pre Workouts in 2024

Author: Oleksandr Maksymenko (5 years as FPA-Certified Nutritionist, MS in Sports Dietetics)

Do you want to know which products are suitable for the role of best vegan pre workout? There are dozens of pre-workout powders on the market, but not all manufacturers create formulas that do not contain any products of animal origin. So in this article we want to show you the best plant based pre workout powder rating!

 In a hurry? 

In a hurry?

In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Transparent Labs BULK.


This pre-workout contains 200 mg of caffeine, which provides a major stimulating effect, improves overall training performance, reduces the perception of fatigue, and improves cognitive functions.

30 vegan pre workouts were tested and compared by our expert team, which consists of professional athletes, certified nutritionists, coaches, and medical professionals. They carefully examined them, and only 8 were considered to be the best and have made it to this list. Our experts spent 8 weeks testing most of the products, and in addition to this, they have also analyzed hundreds of online reviews. The powders were evaluated on 5 key criteria to bring you the most straightforward, detailed information. We’re always updating this list, so leave us a comment and let’s chat!

best vegan pre workout

Top 8 Best Vegan Pre-Workouts Reviewed

 

ProductTotalStimulationIngredients BreakdownNutrition Label
Transparency
TasteValue for Money
BULK Advanced Transparent Labs499.5109.51010
Pre-Kaged®491010109.59.5
NITROSURGE
Jaked Factory
47.599.59.5109.5
Pre-Kaged® Sport4799.51099.5
Promix Pre-Workout46999.599.5
Crazy Bulk Intensive469.5109.58.58.5
4 Gauge45.5999.599
Naked Energy45999.58.59
Bulk by Transparent Labs
  • Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
  • Flavor: Strawberry Kiwi, Pina Colada, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Peach Mango, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Lime
  • Caffeine: 200 mg
  • Special Ingredients: Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine, L-Theanine, Taurine, Alpha-GPC, Zinc, Vitamin B12
  • Package Information: 30 Servings per container
  • Serving: ~20.6 g per scoop
  • Company Founded: 2015
  • Recommended By Athletes: Hafthor Jullius Bjornsson, Paul Sclar, Justin Lee

The first place was taken by one of the best formulated products on the market — BULK from the Transparent Labs. This pre-workout contains 200 mg of caffeine, which provides a major stimulating effect, improves overall training performance, reduces the perception of fatigue, and improves cognitive functions.

A dosage of 200 mg is enough to get an energy boost and get great stimulation (although the dose of caffeine is very individual). What's more, BULK contains L-Theanine, which is the perfect complement to caffeine. Such a combo demonstrated a synergistic effect on cognitive functions, and the addition of theanine is also capable of mitigating anxiety and jitters associated with caffeine.

BULK from the Transparent Labs

Photo by @kbrickzzzz

Please note that one serving of this pre-workout contains a daily loading dose of beta-alanine. However, consider the very high risk of tingling, which will not harm you, but may be very uncomfortable. Also, the formula contains required dosages of citrulline and betaine, which may help to overcome a larger training volume, as well as increase the pumping effect.

In addition to the key performance-boosting ingredients, it is worth noting the presence of zinc and vitamin B12, since veganism increases the risk of deficiencies of these micronutrients. This especially applies to vitamin B12, which is not a component of plant foods.

Choose one of 12 flavors and get ready to feel a noticeable boost in training performance. However, keep in mind that if you've never tried a pre-workout before, it's best to start with a product that contains less caffeine.

49Expert Score

It is worth noting the presence of zinc and vitamin B12 in this pre-training formula, since veganism increases the risk of deficiencies of these micronutrients.

Stimulation:
9.5
Ingredients Breakdown:
10
Nutrition Label Transparency:
9.5
Taste:
10
Value for Money:
10

Positives:

  • Great overall ingredients breakdown

  • Contains the ideal combination of caffeine + theanine

  • Optimal single dose of betaine (2.5g)

  • Contains taurine (may be beneficial for vegans)

  • Contains zinc and vitamin B12 (important for vegans)

  • The largest selection of flavors in this rating

  • Great value for money

Could be better:

  • Large single dose of beta-alanine (very high risk of tingling)

  • May have a metallic aftertaste due to the presence of stevia

2. Pre-Kaged by Kaged – Runner-up

Pre-Kaged by Kaged
  • Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
  • 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, Taurine, BCAA, Leucine, Vitamin B12
  • 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

The second place for mixing your vegan pre workout drink is taken by Pre-Kaged with the strongest stimulation in this rating. Like the previous product, Pre-Kaged is a well-designed formula with key and additional components in the required doses.

Among the key advantages of this product: a relatively low single dose of beta-alanine (1.6 g) to improve strength endurance and reduce fatigue, a required dosage of citrulline (6.5 g) to increase training volume and get an enhanced pumping effect, as well as optimal single dose of betaine (2.5g) and 1.5 g of highly soluble creatine HCL for high-intensity training performance.

Another benefit of Pre-Kaged is the certification from Informed Sport, which provides testing of sports supplements for banned substances and thus makes this product suitable for elite athletes undergoing doping control.

Pre-Kaged by Kaged

Keep in mind that one serving contains a large dosage of caffeine - 274 mg. Therefore, if you have never taken this type of supplement before, this product is not for you. On the other hand, if you're an experienced athlete who has taken pre-workouts before and feels great with moderate-to-high doses of caffeine, this product may be just what you need to give that new boost to progress.

This product is enriched with a high dose of vitamin B12, what vegans should consider. Also keep in mind 30 mg of niacin (vitamin B3), because such a dosage can cause burning, tingling, and itching sensations.

As for disadvantage, this pre-workout includes only 20 servings per package. It also has the second highest cost per serving in this ranking, but it's fair to say that you'll pay more for a perfectly formulated supplement with certification from a world-renowned third party.

Overall Pre-Kaged is a great product with well formulated dosages of key ingredients and 7 flavors to choose from. However, due to its greatest stimulating effect in this rating, it will only be suitable for experienced athletes who have already taken pre-workouts with a moderate (about 200 mg) dosage of caffeine.

49Expert Score

This product is enriched with a high dose of vitamin B12, what vegans should consider. Also keep in mind 30 mg of niacin (vitamin B3), because such a dosage can cause burning, tingling, and itching sensations.

Stimulation:
10
Ingredients Breakdown:
10
Nutrition Label Transparency:
10
Taste:
9.5
Value for Money:
95

Positives:

  • The strongest stimulating effect in this rating (suitable for advanced athletes)

  • Well-designed formula of key and additional ingredients in required dosages

  • Not very high single dose of beta-alanine

  • Contains taurine (may be beneficial for vegans)

  • Includes creatine, taurine and vitamin B12 (consideration for vegans)

  • Informed Sport certified

Could be better:

  • The second most expensive cost per serving in this ranking

  • Contains a high dose of niacin (increased risk of burning and itching)

NITROSURGE by Jacked Factory
  • Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
  • Flavors: Arctic White, Black Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Cotton Candy, Fruit Punch, Grape, Pineapple, Sour Peach Rings, Watermelon
  • Caffeine: 180 mg
  • Special Ingredients: Beta-Alanine, Citrulline, Betaine, Theanine
  • Package Information: 30 and 60 serving tubs
  • Serving: ~8 g per scoop
  • Company Founded: 2015
  • Recommended By Athletes: Bhuwan Chauhan, Morgan MacDonald

It's not easy to find a better product priced at $1 per serving than Jacked Factory Nitrosurge. It has a well-designed formula that includes 180mg of caffeine, 3g of citrulline, 1.6g of beta-alanine, 1.25g of betaine and 90mg of theanine.

Nitrosurge does not contain a huge number of additional ingredients with questionable benefits, which only adds to its points. With 11 flavors to choose from, you shouldn't have any trouble finding your favorite. You have 2 packaging options - for 30 or 60 portions, which is very convenient and allows you to save the budget if you buy a large caliber, because the cost of one serving in this case is even less than 1 dollar.

NITROSURGE by Jacked Factory

Compared to the top two positions, this supplement does not contain taurine, vitamin B12, and contains 2 times less dosage of betaine. However, overall it is one of the best vegan pre workout in its price range.

47.5Expert Score

This product has a well-designed formula that includes 180mg of caffeine, 3g of citrulline, 1.6g of beta-alanine, 1.25g of betaine and 90mg of theanine.

Stimulation:
9
Ingredients Breakdown:
9.5
Nutrition Label Transparency:
9.5
Taste:
10
Value for Money:
9.5

Positives:

  • A well-planned formulation of key ingredients

  • Available in 2 package sizes: 30 and 60 servings
  • 11 flavors to choose from
  • One of the best value propositions on the market

Could be better:

  • Single dose of 1.25 grams of betaine may not yield the same benefits as 2.5 g

  • Does not contain vitamin B12 and taurine

Pre-Kaged® Sport by Kaged

  • Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
  • Flavors: Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Mango Lime, Glacier Grape, Blue Raspberry
  • Caffeine: 188 mg
  • Special Ingredients: Beta-Alanine, Betaine, Citrulline, Taurine, Vitamin B12
  • Serving Size: 13.1-13.6 g
  • Servings Per Container: 20
  • Company Founded: 2014
  • Recommended by Athletes: Diana Suare, C A R L I L I I M A K K A 

Another product from the Kaged brand, which differs from its relative by a much milder stimulating effect and a smaller dosage of additional ingredients. However, the dosages are still the ones needed to get the effects. Therefore, Kaged Sport still deserves its high place.

In fact, this supplement is almost the twin brother of Nitrosurge, because they contain a similar dose of caffeine, an equal dose of betaine and beta-alanine, and a similar dose of citrulline. These are products from the same price category.

Pre-Kaged Sport by Kaged

However, there are some differences. Nitrosurge has much more flavors to choose from, contains theanine and has 2 packages options with more servings. While Kaged Sport contains taurine and vitamin B12, and is also certified by Informed Sport, making it suitable for pro athletes undergoing doping control.

If I wanted to save a little and stock up on a 60 serving pack, I'd go with the Nitrosurge. On the other hand, if I needed to minimize the risk of failing doping control, I would definitely choose Kaged! However, these products can be more or less equivalent in terms of ergogenic effects.

47Expert Score

While Kaged Sport contains taurine and vitamin B12, and is also certified by Informed Sport, making it suitable for pro athletes undergoing doping control.

Stimulation:
9
Ingredients Breakdown:
9.5
Nutrition Label Transparency:
10
Taste:
9
Value for Money:
9.5

Positives:

  • Packed with protein

  • Great versatility - can be mixed with coffee, used for smoothies, etc.

  • Minimum amount of carbs and fats

Could be better:

  • Lacks great taste, especially when mixed with water 

Promix Pre-Workout by Promix

  • Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
  • Flavors: Lemon, Mixed Berry, Strawberry Lemon, Raspberry Lemon, Cherry Lime
  • Caffeine: 200 mg + 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

The fifth place was taken by vegan pre workout powder from the Promix brand, which also has one of the lowest prices per serving in this ranking. The formula is simple and not overloaded with ingredients, as it consists of two key components - an optimal dose of caffeine and beta-alanine.

It is the dose of 200 mg that allows to increase physical performance, but is less likely to cause side effects, such as excessive over-arousal, anxiety or impairments of fine motor control. This product is also available in caffeine-free and beta-alanine-free versions.

Compared to most other products in this ranking, Promix does not contain citrulline and betaine and has few flavors to choose from. It also contains a large single dose of beta-alanine, which can cause an uncomfortable side effect called paresthesia. However, do not rush to worry, because it does not harm our health.

In addition to the key components, one serving contains taurine and a large dose of vitamin B12, which is important for vegans. Please note that the Lemon version is NSF certified. This means that this product has been tested for the presence of prohibited substances and does not contain unsafe levels of contaminants.

46Expert Score

It is the dose of 200 mg that allows to increase physical performance, but is less likely to cause side effects, such as excessive over-arousal, anxiety or impairments of fine motor control.

Stimulation:
9
Ingredients Breakdown:
9
Nutrition Label Transparency:
9.5
Taste:
9
Value for Money:
9.5

Positives:

  • A balanced dose of caffeine

  • Contains taurine and vitamin B12

  • One of the lowest prices per serving in this ranking

  • Lemon flavor is certified by NSF (​​best suited to professional athletes)

Could be better:

  • Does not contain citrulline and betaine

  • High single dose of beta-alanine (high risk of paresthesia)

  • Not many flavors to choose from

Intensive Pre-Train by Crazy Nutrition

  • Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
  • Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Green Apple (caffeine-free)
  • Caffeine: 200mg
  • Special Ingredients: Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine, Taurine, Ashwaghandha, B vitamins, Vitamin C
  • Package Information: 20 serving per container
  • Serving: 25 g per scoop
  • Company Founded: 2016
  • Recommended By Athletes: Nelson Lopes, Danni Levy, Ash Whiteman

The rating of the best vegan pre workout supplement should definitely include Intensive Pre-Train from Crazy Nutrition. First, it contains 200 mg of caffeine, 2.5 g of beta-alanine, and additional ingredients in dosages that have been shown to be effective in trials - citrulline malate and betaine. Also, this supplement contains taurine, a group of B vitamins (including vitamin B12) and 80 mg of vitamin C. By the way, Intensive Pre-Train also has a caffeine-free version.

Intensive Pre-Train by Crazy Nutrition

The most interesting difference between this product and the rest of the pre-workouts on the market is the presence in the formula of the adaptogen Ashwagandha, which can enhance various aspects of physical performance, has an anti-anxiety effect and may improve the quality of sleep. However, the most common dosage protocol is 600 mg/day divided into two doses, while a serving of this pre-workout contains 300 mg of ashwagandha. Therefore, if you want to take advantage of the potential effects of ashwagandha, you may need to take an additional 300 mg as an isolated supplement.

​​Also keep in mind that ashwagandha is not a standard component of multi-ingredient pre-workouts that have been studied in trials. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the possible interactions and draw conclusions about the safety of the simultaneous use of ingredients contained in this type of supplement with ashwagandha. This should be taken into account.

Obvious disadvantages of this product include a very limited selection of flavors and possibly the highest price in the pre-workout market at $3 per serving.

46Expert Score

This pre-workout has the adaptogen Ashwagandha in the the formula, which can enhance various aspects of physical performance, has an anti-anxiety effect and may improve the quality of sleep.

Stimulation:
9.5
Ingredients Breakdown:
10
Nutrition Label Transparency:
9.5
Taste:
8.5
Value for Money:
8.5

Positives:

  • Scientifically-based formula of key ingredients

  • Contains ashwagandha (although pre-workouts with ashwagandha have not been studied)

  • Contains taurine and B vitamins, including B12

  • Caffeine-free version available

Could be better:

  • Possibly the highest price per serving on the market

  • Only 2 flavors to choose from (for caffeinated version)

  • Only Blue Raspberry and Fruit Punch flavors for caffeinated version

4 GAUGE Pre Workout

  • Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
  • Flavors: Pina Colada, Frozen Lemonade, Fruit Blast
  • Caffeine: 150 mg
  • Special Ingredients: Creatine, Citrulline Malate, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea
  • Package Information: 30 servings per container
  • Serving Size: 10 g per scoop
  • Company Founded: No Info
  • Recommended by Athletes: Alanarany, The fitness technician

Next in this ranking is 4 Gauge pre-workout with its unique packaging design. This product has a good overall formula of ingredients with moderate stimulation due to 150 mg of caffeine. In addition to the key ingredient, 4 Gauge contains 1 g of creatine, which should be considered in your daily dose, as well as 6 g of citrulline malate, which can enhance the pumping effect. Also, like some products from this rating, this supplement contains theanine, which is an ideal combo for caffeine.

The difference between 4 Gauge and the rest of the products is the presence of the adaptogen Rhodiola Rosea, which helps combat stress and fatigue.

4 Gauge Pre Workout

Photo by @jessy.gfit

Among the disadvantages compared to many other products - a small selection of flavors, lack of betaine and vitamin B12. Also, this product does not contain beta-alanine, creatine and taurine, which are of particular interest to vegans.

Overall, this product has a good formula with a moderate dose of caffeine. Given the dose of 150 mg, this product may be a good candidate for a 70-75 kg person (at the rate of ~2 mg of caffeine per 1 kg of body weight) choosing their first pre-workout.

45.5Expert Score

In addition to the key ingredient, 4 Gauge contains 1 g of creatine, which should be considered in your daily dose, as well as 6 g of citrulline malate, which can enhance the pumping effect.

Stimulation:
9
Ingredients Breakdown:
9
Nutrition Label Transparency:
9.5
Taste:
9
Value for Money:
9

Positives:

  • A good choice for first pre-workout (due to the relatively low dose of caffeine)

  • Contains creatine, theanine and the needed dose of citrulline malate

  • Contains Rhodiola Rosea

Could be better:

  • May have insufficient stimulating effect for experienced athletes who have already taken pre-workouts before

  • Does not contain beta-alanine, betaine and taurine

  • Does not contain vitamin B12

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: 30 and 50 serving tubs
  • Serving: 4.8 grams or 16 grams (2 scoops)
  • Company Founded: 2014
  • Recommended By Athletes: Hopeh_fit, Erica Dawn

Naked Energy was formulated using the "Big Three" ingredients with the most scientific support: caffeine, creatine monohydrate and beta-alanine. And while neither creatine nor beta-alanine need to be taken immediately before training, these 2 ingredients are of particular interest to vegans and should be factored into the total daily dose.

Also, this product is presented with a caffeine-free version, which contains an ingredient called Nitrosigine®. However, the dosage that showed efficacy in terms of increased muscle pump and decreased biomarkers of muscle damage in one experiment exceeded the dosage by 3 times, so keep that in mind. Also, the stim-free version contains citrulline malate in a very low dosage to count on its effects.

Naked Energy by Naked Nutrition

This product only comes in Citrus and Fruit Punch flavors and has an unflavored version that has the second lowest cost per serving of any product in this ranking. Flavored versions are almost twice as expensive.

Overall, the unflavored caffeinated version is a great choice and deserves its place in the ranking of the best vegetarian pre workout powder. The good stimulation from 200 mg of caffeine, as well as the presence of creatine, beta-alanine and vitamin B12 are solid reasons to buy this product for people who follow a vegan diet. Especially when you're getting all of this for less than $1 per serving.

45Expert Score

Naked Energy was formulated using the "Big Three" ingredients with the most scientific support: caffeine, creatine monohydrate and beta-alanine.

Stimulation:
9
Ingredients Breakdown:
9
Nutrition Label Transparency:
9.5
Taste:
8.5
Value for Money:
9

Positives:

  • A balanced dose of caffeine with good stimulation

  • Contains creatine, beta-alanine and vitamin B12, which are of particular importance for vegans

  • Contains large doses of some B vitamins and a large dose of vitamin C

  • Great value for money for unflavored caffeinated version

Could be better:

  • Only 2 flavors to choose from + unflavored option

  • Does not contain taurine, betaine and citrulline

  • The stim-free version contains only one scientifically backed component - beta-alanine

  • Flavored versions contains 6 g or 9 g of added sugar

Why Do Vegans Need Pre-Workout?

Vegans, like any other athletes or fitness enthusiasts following other diets, can use pre-workouts to improve their physical performance and achieve better results in the context of increasing muscular endurance, strength and focus. However, compared to omnivores and even vegetarians (especially pescetarians who eat fish), vegans are at a less advantageous starting position due to the impoverishment of their diet in several individual components found in most pre-workouts.

Creatine

Since creatine is concentrated in animal muscle, meat, poultry and fish are its key sources. From food, omnivores get about 1 g of creatine daily, but vegetarians (including vegans) have reduced creatine reserves in muscles, because they either do not eat animal products at all (vegans) or eat it in smaller quantities (I mean pescetarians who eat fish).

In fact, vegetarians can expect even greater improvements in gaining muscle mass and increasing strength compared to omnivores!

And although it is not necessary to take creatine as part of a pre-workout, if you do not take it separately at other times of the day, creatine in a pre-workout may contribute to better results. However, keep in mind that for the best effects, creatine needs to be taken in a total dose of 3-5 grams per day, and larger athletes who train very intensively, may need even up to 10 g / day. That is why you need to consider the specific dosage of creatine from a pre-workout so that you get the needed daily amount.

Tips From the Champ

In order to choose a well-formulated vegan pre workout supplement, pay attention to the presence of creatine, beta-alanine, taurine, as well as vitamin B12. Also consider minimum effective dosages of citrulline and betaine. Choose a product with a dose of caffeine depending on your caffeine sensitivity and how you feel both during training and at rest. Start with a low dose of caffeine.

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

Beta-Alanine

As with creatine, studies show that vegans have lower stores of carnosine, and this is not surprising, because meat and poultry are the main sources of β-alanine in the diet. Beta-alanine supplementation increases muscle carnosine stores and thus improves muscle endurance and delays the onset of fatigue. Therefore, if you are not taking beta-alanine, its presence in the pre-workout can also have positive training effects.

Like creatine, beta-alanine is not a mandatory part of pre-workout, but if it is there, it should be taken into account in the total daily dosage.

athlete running outside WBCM

Taurine

Although the feasibility of taurine intake for vegetarians has not been studied extensively, vegans consume negligible amounts of taurine, so taking it in a supplement form may be appropriate. And since beta-alanine can theoretically inhibit the absorption of taurine in the muscles, the presence of taurine in the pre-workout looks even more justified. However, all this has not been studied in research and is therefore only speculative in nature.

Vitamin B12

The presence of vitamin B12 in vegan pre workout powder can be considered as a valuable bonus, because even vegetarians (not strict vegans) who consume 1 glass of milk and 1 egg per day only provide about two-thirds of the daily need for this vitamin.

If you were wondering, “Is pre workout vegan supplement”, then most of the products are suitable for vegans. However, some of them are processed in facilities that process fish, eggs and other animal products. Therefore, it is better to study the specific product to make sure that it is suitable for vegans.

How to Find the Best Pre-Workout for Vegans?

Ideally, a vegan pre workout supplement should contain not only a stimulating dose of caffeine (although this dose is individual), but also components such as beta-alanine, creatine and taurine, which are lacking in the vegan diet.

Additional ingredients worth noting (although not problematic for vegans) are citrulline and betaine. However, in order to count on performance and enhanced pumping effect, betaine and citrulline must be contained in minimum effective doses, which are 3 g for citrulline / 6 g for citrulline malate and 1.25 g for betaine.

Pre-Workout Tips for Vegans

In order for the training effects of the ingredients with an acute effect to be revealed in time, pre-workouts should be taken 20-60 minutes before training.

Mix powder with 250-350 ml of water, but it is best to follow the recommendations on the packaging of specific products, since the manufacturer knows what proportion of water is optimal for obtaining the best taste of the drink (different pre-workouts have different servings in grams).

FAQ

Can Vegans Have Pre-workout?

Absolutely! Moreover, performance enhancing effects may be even more pronounced in vegans compared to omnivores due to lower dietary intake of creatine, beta-alanine and taurine.

Is Vegan Pre-workout Better for You?

For an omnivore, it doesn't matter if a pre-workout is vegan because the key and complementary ingredients are the same. However, vegans need to research the product to make sure it is right for them. In fact, most pre-workout powders on the market are suitable for vegans, but some products are processed in a facility that also processes animal products. Therefore, it is better to study the product label and information on the manufacturer's website before making a choice.

Conclusion

In order to choose a well-formulated vegan pre workout supplement, pay attention to the presence of creatine, beta-alanine, taurine, as well as vitamin B12. Also consider minimum effective dosages of citrulline and betaine. Choose a product with a dose of caffeine depending on your caffeine sensitivity and how you feel both during training and at rest. Start with a low dose of caffeine.

As the best vegan pre workout, we recommend BULK from Transparent Labs. It is a balanced product in terms of composition and dosage of ingredients, which has a large selection of flavors and a great value for money. For those who have never taken pre-workouts before, we recommend paying attention to products with a lower dose of caffeine (~100-150 mg, or 1.5-2 mg per 1 kg of body weight) and increasing the dose gradually.

Have you taken at least one product from this ranking? Share your experience in the comments!

Also read:

References:

  • Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets // National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27886704/
  • Vegan diets: practical advice for athletes and exercisers // National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5598028/
  • ß-Alanine // The Australian Sports Commission: https://www.ais.gov.au/nutrition/supplements/group_a#alanine
  • International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine // BioMed Central: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
  • Creatine // The Australian Sports Commission: https://www.ais.gov.au/nutrition/supplements/group_a#creatine
  • The benefits of inositol-stabilized arginine silicate as a workout ingredient // National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595023/
  • Ashwagandha // Examine: https://examine.com/supplements/ashwagandha/
  • AIS SPORTS SUPPLEMENT FRAMEWORK. CAFFEINE // Australian Institute of Sport: https://www.ais.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1000498/36194_Sport-supplement-fact-sheets-Caffeine-v6.pdf
  • Niacin // NIH: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/
  • Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets// National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27886704/
  • International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine // BioMed Central: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y

Why Trust Us?

With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.

All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.

The product testing process is described in more detail here
Oleksandr Maksymenko

Sports Nutritionist, MSc

Experience: 7 years

Specializing in: Weight management, Fitness / Sports nutrition

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.


If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com

This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.


Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.