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The best pre-workout supplements can provide a whole host of benefits, including more energy, improved blood flow during a workout, greater stamina and endurance, and more. They’re often formulated with various stimulants, amino acids, creatine, and other performance-boosting ingredients.

To improve the taste, many companies use a variety of artificial flavors and sweeteners, including sucralose. While these ingredients can help improve the flavor, those looking to avoid sucralose may have difficulty finding a pre-workout that doesn’t contain this artificial sweetener. 

If you’ve been having a hard time finding a product that meets your needs, look no further. This guide will cover our top picks for the best pre-workout without sucralose, and help you choose the right supplement to improve your exercise performance.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Best Pre-Workouts Without Sucralose

Best Overall Pre-Workout Without Sucralose: Legion Pulse

Good for: Anyone looking for a strong, clinically-dosed pre-workout

Legion Pulse

Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout

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GGR Score: 4.35

Product Highlights

  • 100% nature-based
  • Free from added sugar, food dyes, and other chemicals
  • Full refund if not satisfied
  • Can get with or without caffeine
  • 15 flavors available

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Free from dyes and chemicals
  • Naturally sweetened
  • Intended to avoid the dreaded crash
  • Full refund if not satisfied
  • Can get with or without caffeine
  • 15 flavors available

Cons

  • Natural sweeteners make for a different taste—it may not be your cup of tea
  • Only 21 servings per tub

Bottom Line

Formulated with all-natural ingredients, each of which are present at a high level, Legion Pulse's stim-free pre-workout formula is a fan favorite. If you’re trying to avoid artificial flavors and chemicals, this may be a good choice.

Legion Pulse’s formulation is hard to beat when it comes to pre-workouts. This powerful supplement earned a solid 4.35-out-of-5-star rating from our testing, scoring highly in nearly every category.

Pre-workouts are among the most popular supplements out there, but many contain underdosed ingredients or proprietary blends that don’t disclose the exact amounts of each ingredient. Legion is very transparent, providing research-backed, clinical doses of the most important ingredients in each serving. 

Not only is the formulation impressive, but Legion has strict manufacturing standards for all of its products. There are no artificial sweeteners, flavors, dyes, or other filler ingredients, and Pulse is third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy. Each serving is packed with natural ingredients to improve athletic performance, strength, and power output, and boost your mental focus.

Pulse is certainly not cheap, but you get what you pay for, and, in our opinion, the high-quality formulation is well worth the cost. Not to mention, if you buy directly from Legion, you can receive a full refund on your order if you’re not happy, and you don’t even have to return your order.

An image of Legion Pulse pre-workout in a shaker

While the price per serving is high, Pulse is a strong pre-workout, and the recommended two-scoop serving contains 350 milligrams of caffeine. I’ve used Pulse myself in the past and feel great using only one scoop, so my price per serving is significantly lower. However, you’ll need to use the full two-scoop serving to get the clinical dose of the additional ingredients.

Legion also offers a caffeine-free version of Pulse if you’re sensitive to stimulants. To learn more, check out our full Legion Pulse review.

Price per serving$2.25
Notable ingredientsCitrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, caffeine, L-theanine, alpha-GPC, stevia leaf extract
FlavorsWith caffeine: Apple Cider, Frosted Cranberry, Strawberry Margarita, Fruit Punch, Arctic Blast, Strawberry Kiwi, Blood Orange, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Grape, Green Apple, Mojito, Pink Lemonade, Sour Candy, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, Peach RingWithout caffeine: Fruit Punch, Grape, Sour Candy, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, Green Apple
Third-party tested?Yes

Best Pre-Workout Without Sucralose for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN

Good for: Individuals currently focused on weight loss

Transparent Labs LEAN

Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout

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GGR Score: 4.16

Product Highlights

  • Formulated for those looking to lose weight but maintain muscle mass
  • 14 grams of evidence-based ingredients
  • Naturally flavored and sweetened with Stevia
  • Available in 9 different flavors
  • Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Includes vitamins/micronutrients to support thyroid production
  • High levels of citrulline to increase oxygen delivery to muscles
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • No artificial colors
  • 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Bitter and unpleasant taste for some consumers
  • Several reports of receiving wrong item

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs’ LEAN pre-workout supplement promises to deliver better endurance, power, alertness, and focus. The fat loss component is less of a guarantee with few reports of an actual change in body composition.

If you’ve ever followed a weight-loss plan for a significant period of time, you know that energy levels and performance can suffer as you get deeper into a diet. Transparent Labs LEAN was designed to provide a burst of energy for your workouts, with ingredients specifically included to maximize muscle retention and promote fat loss. 

Now here’s the deal—most fat-burning supplements simply aren’t very effective. They may have small benefits, and the increased energy from LEAN is certainly a positive, but there’s not a lot of evidence to support the claims about the fat-burning ingredients. 

RELATED: Weight Loss Pills That Don’t Work

When we examine the formulation more closely, we see that some of the ingredients, like citrulline malate, are clinically dosed, while others, like beta-alanine, are slightly underdosed. This is why LEAN earned 2 out of 5 stars for the formulation, even though the actual ingredient selections are good. Transparent Labs simply didn’t use proper dosing.

A clear glass containing a pink dose of Transparent Labs Pre-Workout is shown next to the container.

That said, even though the fat burners may not have a truly significant impact and the beta-alanine is a little underdosed, we love the label transparency here and the third-party testing from Informed Choice, one of the most reputable third-party testing organizations. 

For anyone suffering from fatigue on their weight-loss journey, this is a great way to kick up their workouts without consuming sucralose or any other artificial sweeteners. Our tester also noted that while there is caffeine, he didn’t get any jitters or experience a crash when it wore off, saying, “There were several days where I didn’t feel super motivated to hit the gym but the boost of energy this product gave me helped. It helped with focus, too, and I didn’t experience any significant crash after the workout was over either.”

If you want to see our full review, which includes a detailed breakdown of the formulation from a sports dietitian, be sure to check out our Transparent Labs LEAN review.

Price per serving$1.67
Notable ingredientsCaffeine, chromium, zinc, l-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, choline bitartrate, l-theanine, theobromine, Bioperine (black pepper extract), huperzine A
FlavorsStrawberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Sour Grape, Sour Peach, Cherry Splash, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple, Orange, Tropical Punch
Third-party tested?Yes

Best Pre-Workout Without Sucralose for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout

Good for: People who want to boost their mental focus during workouts

Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout

Onnit Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout

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GGR Score: 3.6

Product Highlights

  • 200 mg of caffeine
  • Includes beta alanine and L-citrulline
  • Priced around $3/serving; subscribe-and-save option available
  • 2 flavors currently available

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 200 mg of caffeine
  • Tiger's Blood flavor tastes great
  • Includes 225 mg of ashwagandha extract
  • Contains beta alanine and L-citrulline
  • Subscribe-and-save option is available

Cons

  • Only 2 flavors available, and Yuzu Peach isn't popular among our product testers
  • $3/serving is expensive
  • Key ingredients like citrulline and beta-alanine are under-dosed

Bottom Line

Onnit's Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout is a unique blend of ingredients that our testers enjoyed for workouts where they wanted to be focused and energized. It only comes in two flavors; the Tiger's Blood flavor is our preferred choice.

Many pre-workout supplements contain plenty of stimulants that provide a burst of energy. If that’s not enough, some formulas, like Onnit’s Alpha Brain Pre-Workout, contain ingredients specifically designed to improve mental focus as well, helping you stay focused on your workout.

The original Onnit Alpha Brain supplement was a nootropic designed to help people sharpen their mental focus and get into a flow state. The new pre-workout provides similar benefits, along with a serious energy boost thanks to 200 milligrams of caffeine in each serving and improved stamina from the l-citrulline. 

Alpha-GPC is the primary driver behind the mental focus claims, and a 2015 study1 found that while Alpha-GPC may indeed improve certain mental and physical performance tasks in some individuals, further research is needed.

However, our testers certainly felt the impact. GGR’s Senior Director of Content, Kate Meier, USAW-L1, CF-L1, CPT, had her weightlifting team try Alpha Brain Pre-Workout. She said, “We had multiple people on our team try this, and they all agreed: This brings great focus and clarity to your workout. It’s not overly stimulating; it’s more of just feeling very present and ready to do the work.” 

Scoop Of Onnit Alpha Brain Pre Workout

At $3.00 per serving, this is far from a cheap supplement, and the 1-out-of-5-star rating for price and value certainly brings down the overall score. However, if you have a difficult time staying focused, this may be just the pre-workout you need to keep your mind sharp and alert while you train. 

For more, check out our in-depth Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout Review.

Price per serving$3.00
Notable ingredientsBeta-alanine, l-citrulline, African oil palm extract, ashwagandha extract, caffeine anhydrous, Alpha-GPC, theobromine, Dynamine
FlavorsYuzu Peach, Tiger’s Blood
Third-party tested?Yes

Best-Tasting Pre-Workout Without Sucralose: Naked Energy Pre-Workout

Good for: Anyone who wants a high-quality and affordable product with a great taste

Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout

Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout

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GGR Score: 4.19

Product Highlights

  • Naked Energy is a vegan pre-workout supplement formulated with just 10 ingredients and nothing artificial. 
  • Three flavors are available: Fruit Punch, Citrus, and Unflavored.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Formulated with just 10 ingredients
  • Affordable at less than $1 per serving
  • Available in unflavored option
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Small dose of creatine
  • No nitric oxide boosters, so don’t expect a muscle pump

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a vegan pre-workout supplement, Naked Energy may be a good choice. Made with just 10 ingredients and nothing artificial, it was designed to support increased energy without the fillers.

While the most important factor in a pre-workout should be the ingredients and benefits of using the supplement, we all want a product that tastes good. There’s nothing worse than spending your hard-earned money on a new supplement, only to find the flavor makes you gag. 

Sucralose is very common in dietary supplements to enhance the taste, and when you remove it, sometimes dialing in the flavor can be a little tricky. Naked Energy Pre-Workout is a vegan, non-GMO formula with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners, and our tester really enjoyed the taste. 

At the time of writing, Naked Energy Pre-Workout is available in unflavored, citrus, and fruit punch. Our testers said the unflavored formula wasn’t very enjoyable when mixed with plain water, which is to be expected, but the citrus variety earned 5 out of 5 stars for flavor. Our tester noted that the citrus flavor was delicious without being overly sweet. 

Naked energy pre-workout

Taste is subjective, and we can’t promise that everyone will love this flavor, but the 5-star flavor rating is what helped us give Naked Nutrition the title of best-tasting pre-workout without sucralose.

Naked Energy does contain a few carbs from the cane sugar, so if you’re currently on a weight-loss plan and wish to avoid excess carbs, that’s something to be aware of.

Interested in learning more? Be sure to read our Naked Energy Pre-Workout review.

Price per serving$0.90
Notable ingredientsCaffeine, beta-alanine, l-arginine, creatine, Vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, cane sugar, natural plant-based flavors, citric acid, sodium gluconate, fermented cane sugar, monk fruit extract, vegetable juice 
FlavorsUnflavored, Fruit Punch, Citrus
Third-party tested?Yes

Best Hydrating Pre-Workout Without Sucralose: Ascent Clean Energy and Hydration

Good for: People who train in warm environments and want to replenish lost electrolytes

Ascent Clean Energy and Hydration

Ascent Pre-Workout

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GGR Score: 4.07

Product Highlights

  • Gluten-free pre-workout
  • Informed-Sport certified
  • Made in USA
  • 150 mg of caffeine per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No artificial flavors or sweeteners
  • Caffeine sources from coffee fruit extract
  • Third-party certified

Cons

  • More than $1 per serving
  • Produced in a facility with tree nuts and peanuts

Bottom Line

Ascent Pre-Workout sources caffeine from coffee fruit extract and does not contain artificial ingredients. It’s third-party tested certified and offers a gluten-free formula. Ascent notes that Orange Mango is tangy and sweet while the Raspberry Lemonade is more tart. Ascent also partners with Greenspark to plant trees in Honduras for every order placed.

If you sweat heavily or train in a warm climate, you should pay careful attention to your hydration during workouts. According to a paper from the American College of Sports Medicine2, rehydrating with electrolytes can offer performance benefits compared to rehydrating with plain water. 

When you sweat, you’re losing important minerals, so consuming a pre-workout containing added electrolytes is a great way to stay hydrated and maximize your performance during hot and sweaty workouts. 

Ascent Pre-Workout isn’t the strongest stimulant on the market, but it’s packed with electrolytes. Each serving contains 150 milligrams of caffeine and 250 milligrams of electrolytes, a potassium and sodium blend. 

RELATED: Salt Pre-Workout: A Sports Dietitian Lays Out The Facts

This is certainly low in caffeine compared to many other stimulant-based pre-workouts, but this means that many users will be able to use this supplement throughout the day if desired without getting too jittery, making it a more versatile supplement. 

Front of Ascent Pre-Workout bag

Our tester loved both the flavor and solubility, giving both categories a 5-out-of-5 rating. She said, “No issues, mixed easily in my water bottle with a little shake, and it didn’t even have bits at the bottom after sitting on the counter for a while before I drank it.” 

We also love that this supplement is third-party tested by Informed Choice, one of the leading testing organizations. This means you know that the label is accurate and the formula doesn’t contain banned ingredients.

Price per serving$0.95
Notable ingredientsWhey protein isolate, citric acid, organic cane sugar, natural flavors, coffee fruit extract, stevia leaf extract
FlavorsRaspberry Lemonade, Orange Mango
Third-party tested?Yes

Best Pre-Workout Without Sucralose or Beta-Alanine: 4 Gauge

Good for: Anyone who doesn’t like the itchy sensation from pre-workouts

4 Gauge Pre-Workout

4 Gauge Pre-Workout

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GGR Score: 3.5

Product Highlights

  • 4 claimed benefits in just one serving: “explosive power, improved focus, extra stamina, and an intense muscle pump” 
  • Third-party-tested 
  • Company emphasizes transparency in reporting accurate dosages of each ingredient

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Nature-based ingredients
  • No proprietary blends
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • No preservatives
  • Tastes good according to users
  • Third-party tested

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lower dose of caffeine at 150mg (not a deal breaker but definitely an issue for some)
  • Only one flavor

Bottom Line

Although expensive, 4 Gauge pre-workout supplement provides research-backed doses of high-quality and nature-based ingredients to give users the best possible outcomes.

Many pre-workout formulas contain beta-alanine, an ingredient that can help delay muscular fatigue and improve stamina. However, beta-alanine is the ingredient that causes you to feel an itchy, tingling sensation in your skin called paresthesia. While this is harmless, many don’t enjoy the feeling, which can be alarming if you’re not expecting it. 

4 Gauge Pre-Workout is a great choice for those who prefer to avoid beta-alanine. This third-party tested supplement is named 4 Gauge because it promises to deliver four powerful benefits: “explosive power, improved focus, extra stamina, and an intense muscle pump.”

Even with these somewhat aggressive promises, this product is relatively mild, providing a nice boost of energy without a harsh crash or jitters. Our tester gave this a 5 out of 5 for energy, and said, “I certainly noticed an energy boost but nothing that made me feel shaky or uneasy.” 

A person opening a container of 4 Gauge Pre-Workout

I tried 4 Gauge myself and also experienced a nice mental focus for my workout, thankfully without any tingling or other unpleasant side effects. 

If you’re looking for a sucralose-free pre-workout that won’t cause an itchy, tingling reaction, 4 Gauge is a solid option. You can read all about it in our complete 4 Gauge Pre-Workout review, or watch our in-depth video review from our Garage Gym Reviews Everything channel, which is linked below.

4 Gauge Pre-Workout: Naturally Formulated, But Fully Effective?

Price per serving$1.77
Notable ingredientsCaffeine, creatine, acetyl l-carnitine, red beet root extract, coconut water powder, l-theanine, rhodiola rosea root powder
FlavorsFruit Blast, Pina Colada, Frozen Lemonade
Third-party tested?No

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Without Sucralose: Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout

Good for: Individuals who train at night or are sensitive to caffeine

Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout

Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout

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GGR Score: 4.08

Product Highlights

  • Stim-free pre-workout
  • No caffeine
  • 7 flavors available
  • Easily mix with water
  • Good for people who work out at night
  • Won’t give you the jitters or tingling sensations

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and other additives
  • Non-stim (no caffeine)
  • Won't give you the jitters
  • Designed to increase nitric oxide uptake in the muscle cells
  • Can subscribe and save

Cons

  • Those who want caffeine should look elsewhere
  • Doesn't contain creatine or BCAAs

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is an uncaffeinated pre-workout powder that will not give you the jitters or tingling commonly associated with pre-workout supplements. This pre-workout contains a blend of citrulline malate, beta-alanine, L-tyrosine, taurine, and elevATP, a compound claimed to increase ATP activity in muscle cells.

The idea of a stimulant-free pre-workout may sound confusing, especially as most pre-workout powders are specifically designed to boost your energy, but hear us out.

For those who exercise in the evening, consuming caffeine within a few hours of bedtime may not be ideal. Even if you train during the day, some people are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it entirely, instead preferring to use a non-stim pre-workout. 

If that’s you, Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is a great supplement that’s free of both caffeine and sucralose. Instead of caffeine, this product is formulated with ingredients that promote blood flow, muscular endurance, and mental focus, without any stimulants that keep you awake for hours after your workout. Our tester gave this stim-free product a 4 out of 5 for the effects, saying, “This produces a fantastic pump! Obviously, it’s non stim so there isn’t an energy boost, but the taurine/tyrosine combo helps with focus.”

transparent-labs-stim-free-pre-work-out-cover

There are no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors, and Transparent Labs uses third-party testing to ensure product purity and label accuracy. 

To learn more, read our full Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout Review.

Price per serving$1.67
Notable ingredientsBeta-alanine, l-citrulline malate, betapure™ betaine anhydrous, taurine, l-tyrosine, senactiv®, elevatp®, bioperine®, huperzine a, Himalayan sea salt, potassium chloride
FlavorsBlue Raspberry, Cherry Limeade, Orange, Peach Mango, Sour Grape, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch
Third-party tested?Yes

Other Pre-Workouts Without Sucralose We Researched

While the seven products already listed are our top picks after careful hands-on testing, here are a few other options we considered that didn’t quite make the cut. 

  • Transparent Labs BULK: We considered this formula for the best overall pre-workout without sucralose, but Legion Pulse’s formulation scored higher based on our supplement testing methodology.
  • Onnit Total Nitric Oxide: While Onnit left out the sucralose in this product, our tester noted that she really missed the caffeine, and didn’t notice much of a pump when she tried this with her morning workouts.
  • Klean Pre-Workout: We love that Klean Athlete products are NSF-certified for sport, ensuring that they are free of banned ingredients. However, Klean Pre-Workout uses a very short ingredient list, and while it leaves out sucralose, it’s also missing some of the beneficial pre-workout ingredients we like to see, like beta-alanine and citrulline malate.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Pre-Workout Without Sucralose

When we assembled this list of our top picks, we didn’t simply look for pre-workouts without sucralose and call it a day. Instead, we relied on extensive testing from our team of certified nutrition coaches, registered dietitians, and personal trainers, carefully considering the most important factors when choosing a supplement. 

Formulation

The ingredients used in a pre-workout are the first thing we look at. We want to see proven beneficial ingredients, and more importantly, we’re looking for clinical dosing. After all, there’s no point in using a product that contains great ingredients if they’re all underdosed and won’t impact your performance. 

RELATED: What To Look For In A Pre-Workout

Flavors

A good formulation isn’t enough to earn our recommendation; we only suggest products that we’d actually use ourselves. As a certified personal trainer who’s been working in the fitness industry since 2012, I’ve tried countless supplements over the years, and know that plenty of them can have an awful flavor.

Woman drinking Ascent Pre-Workout

We can’t promise that every pre-workout in this guide will be the tastiest supplement you’ve ever tried, but our testers found all of them to be pleasant to consume and use on a regular basis. If a supplement has a great formulation but leaves you gagging with a bad taste in your mouth, it’s not one we’re going to recommend.

Cost

The cost of a supplement is always important to consider, and we know that not everyone is ready to spend a small fortune on supplements. While some of the products on our list are quite expensive, like Onnit Alpha Brain, we made sure to include options that should fit most budgets.

Customer Reviews

Here at GGR, we personally test every product we review. However, everyone is different, and opinions are subjective, so we included pre-workouts that also have strong ratings from customer reviews rather than relying just on our own opinions. 

Benefits of Pre-Workouts Without Sucralose

Most current research3 agrees that sucralose is safe for human consumption when used in moderation. However, some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners as much as possible, whether for personal preference or health reasons. Here are a few potential reasons one might choose to avoid sucralose.

Potential to Improve Gut Health

While sucralose is generally considered to be safe, one study4 found that in animals, sucralose intake may impact the gut microbiome. This wasn’t the case in humans when sucralose was consumed in moderation, but there may be a small interaction between artificial sweeteners and the gut.

Improved Flavor

One very valid reason to avoid artificial sweeteners is personal taste preference. Some people have a strong aversion to certain types of artificial sweeteners, and if you don’t like the taste of sucralose, avoiding this ingredient will help you find a product that you’ll enjoy more.

Easier Digestion

While no conclusive research supports this, some people find that consuming products with artificial sweeteners can cause an upset stomach and bloating. If your digestive system is sensitive to artificial sweeteners, avoiding sucralose in your pre-workouts should help you avoid experiencing bloating during a workout.

Dosing and Interactions 

According to Sydney Lappe, RD, some ingredients in pre-workouts may cause harmful interactions, especially if you’re taking prescription medications. She also points out that individuals with cardiovascular disease or hypertension need to be careful with stimulants, as caffeine is known to increase your heart rate, and other ingredients may impact blood flow. 

An image of Transparent Labs Stim-Free pre-workout

As with all dietary supplements, especially stimulants, you should always consult with your physician before taking anything. 

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing ensures that a product contains what’s on the label, and perhaps more importantly, is free from banned substances. Several of our team members are competitive athletes, including an Olympian, so we take product purity very seriously. 

Whenever possible, we try to recommend supplements with regular third-party testing. If that’s not available, we look for label transparency and the overall trustworthiness of a supplement manufacturer. 

Some of the most reputable third-party testing companies and logos to look for on your supplements are NSF, Informed Choice/Informed Sport, and the Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG).

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Pre-Workouts Without Sucralose

If you’re ready to order your next pre-workout supplement, here are the most important factors to consider. 

Type of Workout

Are you a runner? A weightlifter? The type of workout you regularly perform may dictate the ingredients you’re looking for. 

For example, if you’re an endurance athlete, you may want to focus on ingredients that support hydration and endurance, like betaine or various electrolytes. Bodybuilders or various strength athletes may prefer pre-workouts that contain higher doses of stimulants, or ingredients like creatine that support muscular strength.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout For Running

Ingredients and Third-Party Testing

The formulation is also very important to consider, especially the dosages of the various ingredients. Many products contain ingredients that have proven benefits, but the dose is far lower than what scientific research recommends. 

Holding a shaker cup of Legion Pulse

Here are a few of the most common ingredients and the research-backed doses:

You’ll also want to look for third-party testing, which ensures the company includes what’s stated on the label and that there are no banned substances. Finally, some products may avoid sucralose, but use other artificial sweeteners like aspartame instead, something worth noting for those looking to avoid all artificial sweeteners.

Repetitive Ingredients

While most ingredients in a pre-workout have some benefits, be aware that some may interact with each other. For example, while caffeine is the most common stimulant, some products may contain additional stimulants, like yohimbine or green tea extract, that can make the stimulant effect feel even stronger. 

Some pre-workouts also contain things like creatine monohydrate, BCAAs, and other additives you may already consume from other supplements.

Customer Service

Finally, you’ll want to find a pre-workout that has great customer service. There have been times when I’ve tried products that I didn’t enjoy, something most of us have experienced, and when this happens, it’s nice to be able to return the product if needed. 

Woman dumping a scoop of Naked Pre-workout into a shaker bottle

Some companies, like Legion, offer very generous return policies even on open products, while others are a bit more strict, so this is something to consider if you’re trying a new product for the first time. Other retailers, like Amazon, may have stricter return policies on dietary supplements.

Calories

Many pre-workouts are very low in calories, but this isn’t always the case. If you’re currently focused on weight management, be sure to check the nutrition label carefully. 

In the absence of artificial sweeteners, some formulas use ingredients like cane sugar to improve the flavor, which contains calories. I’ve even seen some pre-workouts include protein powder to provide amino acids, but this would also increase the calorie content. 

Neither of these things is inherently bad, but those following a weight-loss plan may want to account for these calories. 

FAQs About Pre-Workouts Without Sucralose

Which pre-workout doesn’t have sucralose?

Many pre-workouts are sucralose-free, so the best option to use will be the one that meets your needs and preferences. Here are our picks for the top 7 pre-workouts without sucralose.

-Best Overall Pre-Workout Without Sucralose: Legion Pulse
-Best Pre-Workout Without Sucralose for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
-Best Pre-Workout Without Sucralose for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout
-Best-Tasting Pre-Workout Without Sucralose: Naked Energy Pre-Workout
-Best Hydrating Pre-Workout Without Sucralose: Ascent Pre-Workout
-Best Creatine-Free Pre-Workout Without Sucralose: 4 Gauge Pre-Workout
-Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Without Sucralose: Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout

Pre-workouts often contain ingredients that can have a strong flavor if consumed alone, so many manufacturers use artificial sweeteners to enhance the taste. Not all pre-workouts contain sucralose, however, and there are plenty of options that don’t use sucralose or any other artificial sweeteners. 

Should I avoid sucralose in pre-workouts?

Current evidence3 shows that moderate sucralose consumption is safe for humans. However, if you prefer to avoid sucralose for digestive reasons, or don’t like the taste, you can certainly choose a pre-workout that doesn’t use artificial sweeteners.

Are pre-workouts better than energy drinks?

While both products are meant to provide energy and focus, energy drinks tend to focus more on the mental side of things, while pre-workouts also provide physical performance benefits. Generally, many prefer to use energy drinks for work, study, or general alertness, while pre-workouts are mainly used before exercise or other physical activity. 

RELATED: Pre-Workout vs Energy Drink

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

  1. Parker, A. G., Byars, A., Purpura, M., & Jäger, R. (2015). The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(Suppl 1), P41. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P41
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