If you’re wondering, “Is pre-workout necessary?,” the short answer is, “No,” according to Destini Moody—a sports dietitian and head of performance nutrition for the NBA G League Ignite. However, a well-formulated product can give you the extra edge needed to power through tough training sessions—especially when energy, focus, and motivation are running low.
That’s exactly what Kaged claims to deliver with its Pre-Workout Sport, boldly promising “the best workouts of your life.” Naturally, then, the GGR testers had to find out if it lives up to the hype. In this Kaged Pre-Workout Sport review, we dive into the formula, flavor, performance, and everything in-between. Let’s scoop into it!
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. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
The Post-Review: Backed by 100+ Pre-Workout Tests (and Counting)
GGR’s expert testers—including certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, nutrition coaches, and strength specialists—have tested (to date) over 100 types of pre-workouts, from stim-free formulas to highly-caffeinated blends and more.
Each product is evaluated using our GGR Supplement Testing Methodology, which scores key criteria such as:
- Price per serving: We evaluate the product’s price per serving and its effectiveness in delivering high-quality ingredients, accurate dosing, and optimal performance. Pre-workouts under $1 per serving receive top scores, while products above $2 per serving must justify their price through exceptional formulation, independent testing, or added benefits.
- Ingredients and formulation: We prioritize pre-workouts that include clinically-backed ingredients such as caffeine, creatine, citrulline, citrulline malate, and beta-alanine—all at effective doses. Top scores go to products with research-backed amounts, no proprietary blends, and minimal unnecessary additives or harmful stimulants such as synephrine or yohimbe.
- Taste and available flavors: Flavor is subjective, so we rely on our testers’ feedback and online customer reviews to determine overall palatability. We consider the flavor tested, how it compares to others on the market, and whether it has a pleasant or unpleasant aftertaste.
- Solubility: A quality pre-workout should dissolve smoothly in the recommended amount of liquid without leaving behind any (or much) grit, clumps, or floating residue. We assess mixability immediately after shaking and after letting the drink sit for a few minutes to evaluate consistency, separation, and texture.
- Side effects: We consider both our internal testing and broader user feedback to assess how the product feels during and after use. This includes potential side effects like tingling, jitteriness, nausea, or crashes, as well as positive effects like clean energy, better pumps, and improved focus.
- Third-party testing: Because supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, third-party testing is especially important for pre-workouts. We give top marks to products that are certified by organizations like NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice, or BSCG. We also consider label transparency and whether Certificates of Analysis (COAs) or testing claims are clearly available.
Kaged Pre-Workout Sport delivers hydration and energy in a clean, moderate formula that’s ideal for everyday training. While it doesn’t pack the punch of higher-stim pre-workouts, it’s a great pick for athletes who prioritize clean ingredients and hydration support.
What our tester says:
“There was a noticeable pump, but nothing I’d write home about. I mostly attribute this to the lighter workout I performed as part of testing, but I don’t think I’d turn to this formulation for pumps. I view it more as a quick hit for energy and focus.”
A Quick Look at Kaged Pre-Workout Sport
Kaged—formerly known as Kaged Muscle—is a trusted name in the sports nutrition space, known for clean, high-quality supplements backed by third-party testing to ensure they’re free of banned substances. Top-rated products like Whey Protein Isolate, Creatine HCl, Plant-Based Protein Powder, and Branched Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) Powder have all earned high marks in our reviews, each scoring 4.35 or higher out of 5.
Now, we’re turning our attention to another Kaged bestseller: Pre-Workout Sport. Whether for the gym or cardio sessions, this moderate-intensity pre-workout is touted as the most versatile within the Kaged stable. It’s formulated to deliver clean energy from organic caffeine, support hydration, and enhance mental clarity—without the mega-dose of stimulants found in some other high-intensity blends.
But before you toss this popular pre-workout in your gym bag, here are a few key things to know:
Before You Buy
- Each tub contains just 20 servings—about a three-week supply with consistent training. But subscription options are only available in four-, six-, and eight-week delivery cadences, which may not sync with actual usage. Plan accordingly to avoid running out.
- Kaged Pre-Workout Sport is formulated for athletic performance, HIIT, and functional fitness. For heavy weightlifting or strength-focused training, you might prefer Kaged’s higher-stim Pre-Kaged formula—Kaged Pre-Workout Elite.
Is Kaged Pre-Workout Sport Worth It?
Kaged Pre-Workout Sport is priced at $24.99 per container, or $1.25 per serving without a subscription. While that places it in the middle of the pack amongst the best pre-workouts, which typically range from around $0.80 to over $2 per serving, many may find its cleaner formulation and effects worth the expense.
Great for:
- Gym-goers seeking balanced energy, hydration, and focus without heavy stimulants
- Competitive athletes or anyone who values third-party tested, banned-substance-free products
- Plant-based individuals looking for a vegan-friendly formula
Not recommended for:
- Experienced or caffeine-tolerant lifters who want more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving
- Those who avoid or dislike artificial sweeteners
- Lifters seeking maximum muscle pump or performance gains—several ingredients are underdosed
Kaged Pre-Workout Sport Specs
| Price per serving | $1.25 |
| Servings per container | 20 servings |
| Caffeine per serving | 188 mg |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia, Sucralose |
| Other key ingredients | Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Coconut Fruit Water Powder, L-Citrulline, L-Tyrosine, Magnesium, Sodium, Taurine, Vitamin B6 and B12 |
| Available flavors | Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Glacier Grape, Mango Lime, Pink Lemonade, Watermelon |
| Third-party testing | Yes |
Experience Using Kaged Pre-Workout Sport
Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, tested the Blue Raspberry flavor of this Kaged Pre-Workout Sport pre-workout. While he found it a bit sweeter than his typical preferences, he appreciated its noticeable effects and solid solubility.
He adds, “The energy boost is enough to notice, yet won’t leave you completely wired for the rest of the day. This could be a solid option for beginners or recreational athletes that prefer a pre-workout powder before a game as opposed to an energy drink or cup of coffee.”
But there’s far more to it, so let’s dive into the details.
Price Per Serving
A 20-serving tub of Kaged Pre-Workout Sport costs $24.99, or $1.25 per serving. Opting for a subscription drops the price to $19.99, or $1.00 per serving.
While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, it’s also far from the priciest—earning it a 3.5 out of 5 for value. For many, the clean formulation and quality ingredients may justify the slight splurge.
Formulation
Kaged Pre-Workout Sport covers the essentials with some of the best pre-workout ingredients for energy, pump, hydration, and focus. However, many of these are included at sub-clinical doses—enough to feel, but not fully optimized according to current research. Because of this, it earns a 3.5 out of 5 for formulation.
Here’s a closer look at what you’ll get in each scoop:
- Caffeine (188 mg from PurCaf®): Sourced from organic green coffee beans, it’s slightly below the typical 200 milligrams or more found in other formulas, making it a more approachable option for moderate caffeine users.
- L-Citrulline (3.5 g): Supports nitric oxide production and muscle pump. While effective, it falls short of the 6-gram research-backed dose1. Kaged notes that the lower dose is intentional to enhance blood flow without overstimulation.
- Beta-Alanine (1.6 g of CarnoSyn): May help buffer fatigue and improve muscular endurance, although effects2 are generally observed at doses of 3.2 to 6.4 grams daily. The lower dose here may help reduce tingling known as paresthesia, a harmless but sometimes uncomfortable side effect.
- Betaine Anhydrous (1.25 g of BetaPower®): Supports muscle power and strength, though it falls short of the standard 2.5 grams used in most studies3.
- Taurine (2 g): A solid dose for cellular hydration and endurance support, and research4 supports benefits with doses up to 3 grams pre-exercise.
- L-Tyrosine (500 mg): Supports mental focus and cognitive performance, particularly when combined with caffeine and theanine, as noticed in a 2019 study5. However, this formula doesn’t include the complementary amino acid theanine, which is often used to smooth the stimulating effect.
You’ll also get electrolytes for hydration (including coconut water powder, sodium from Himalayan pink salt, and magnesium from Aquamin™), plus B vitamins to support energy metabolism. The formula is gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and free of artificial flavors or colors—though it does include the artificial sweetener sucralose.
TL;DR: Kaged Pre-Workout Sport features a mix of high-quality, patented ingredients, yet many are underdosed when compared to clinical recommendations. However, it’s a well-rounded option for general gym-goers and athletes seeking clean energy, focus, and hydration without the heavy presence of stimulants.
RELATED: Strongest Pre-Workouts
Taste and Solubility
Matt describes the Blue Raspberry flavor as, “Very sweet—like a blue lollipop—and just overpoweringly sugary with a weird aftertaste.” Even when mixed with the recommended amount 8 to 12 ounces of water, the flavor remained too intense for his liking, leading him to rate its taste at 3 out of 5. That said, we do appreciate the range of available flavors and do note that taste can be subjective from one palate to another. Perhaps you’ll share Matt’s sentiment or fall in love with the sweetness—there’s no true way to tell aside from trying a serving yourself.
As for solubility, Matt notes that the powder mixes fairly easily in a standard shaker bottle. However, he cautions users to open the lid slowly: “There was a bunch of foam at the top of my cup, which could spill out if you aren’t careful.” On the plus side, there was no unwanted grittiness or excessive residue left behind, earning a solid 4 out of 5 for solubility.
Side Effects
Matt reported no unwanted pre-workout side effects from this Kaged offering, giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 in this category. He felt it delivered on what truly matters: clean energy and sharp mental focus. Here’s the inside scoop on how it performed during Matt’s testing:
- Energy Levels: “Roughly 10 minutes post-consumption, I began to experience the energy boost this product delivers. There were some jitters, but nothing too overpowering.”
- Pump: “There was a noticeable pump, but nothing I’d write home about. I mostly attribute this to the lighter workout I performed as part of testing, but I don’t think I’d turn to this formulation for pumps. I view it more as a quick hit for energy and focus.”
- Skin Tingles: “The main areas where tingles occurred were my lips. It’s a noticeable sensation, but nothing I haven’t had with other formulations. There were no body tingles after 15 to 20 minutes, though, so this may be a good option for pre-workout novices just getting used to the category.”
Still, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD advises, “Pre-workout supplements are generally safe for healthy adults, but they can have some potential side effects. It is important to start with a low dose and talk to your doctor before taking them, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.”
Third-Party Testing
True to its name, Pre-Kaged Sport is certified by Informed Sport—one of the most reputable third-party testing programs in sports nutrition known for its rigorous screening of banned substances. While the formula includes labeled “complexes,” which often obscure individual ingredient dosages, Kaged discloses the amounts of each ingredient within those blends, maintaining a high level of transparency. Accordingly, we score this pre-workout at 4.5 out of 5 for the category.
Kaged Pre-Workout Sport vs Kaged Pre-Workout Elite
If you’re looking for a product that combines a pre-workout with creatine, Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite might be a good choice.
What our tester says:
“I don’t get the tingles and feel consistently high energy when I take it. Not super hyper and no crashing, either.”
Like Kaged Pre-Workout Sport, Kaged Pre-Workout Elite is designed to boost energy, focus, and training performance. Both are also Informed Sport certified, meaning they’re tested for banned substances and safe for competitive athletes. Yet, there are key differences that can help you choose the right one for your needs:
- Caffeine content: Both use organic caffeine from green coffee beans (PurCaf®), but Elite delivers a much stronger 388 milligrams per serving—just over double the 188 milligrams found in Sport.
- Ingredients and dosing: Elite is packed with 21 ergogenic and hydrating ingredients—including creatine monohydrate and nitrate, alpha-GPC, elevATP, and huperzine—compared to the 11 active ingredients in Sport. The ingredients are also at higher, more evidence-based doses compared to Sport.
- Sweeteners and flavors: Both use sucralose, but Sport also includes stevia. Flavor variety is comparable—Sport offers six flavors, while Elite features five.
- Price and value: Kaged Pre-Workout Sport costs $1.25 per serving, whereas Kaged Pre-Workout Elite is nearly triple at $3.00 per serving.
Still on the fence? Check out the comparison table below as well as our full Kaged Pre-Workout Elite Review for a more in-depth look at the differences.
| Kaged Pre-Workout Sport | Kaged Pre-Workout Elite | |
| Price per serving | $1.25 | $3.00 |
| Servings per container | 20 servings | 20 servings |
| Caffeine per serving | 188 mg | 388 mg |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia, Sucralose | Sucralose |
| Other key ingredients | Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Coconut Fruit Water Powder, Electrolytes (Magnesium and Sodium), L-Citrulline, L-Tyrosine, Taurine, Vitamins B6 and B12 | Alpha-GPC, AmaTea, B Vitamins (Niacin, B6, and B12), Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Electrolytes (Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium), Coconut Water Powder, Creatine Monohydrate and Nitrate, ElevATP, Huperzine, L-Citrulline, L-Tyrosine, Taurine |
| Available flavors | Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Glacier Grape, Mango Lime, Pink Lemonade, Watermelon | Caribbean Sunrise, Cherry Limeade, Fruit Punch, Orange Mango, Strawberry Lemonade |
| Third-party testing | Yes, Informed Sport certified | Yes, Informed Sport certified |
Customer Experience
Kaged offers a 60-day money-back guarantee (or replacement/store credit) on products purchased directly through its website as part of its “Love It or Your Money Back” promise. Please note that customers are responsible for return shipping, and third-party retailers like Amazon may not accept returns on consumable items, such as pre-workout supplements.
The perks go beyond the return policy—subscribers receive 20% off their first order, 10% off subsequent orders, free shipping, and a shaker bottle with their second order. Additional benefits include a mobile app, rewards program, and exclusive discounts for students, teachers, healthcare professionals, military members, and first responders.
Customer support is available via live chat, phone, and email, with a self-service help center and return portal for added convenience.
Taken altogether, Kaged receives a strong 4-out-of-5 rating for customer service, with a slight reduction due to the absence of free returns like other companies.
Ordering Kaged Pre-Workout Sport
Ordering Kaged Pre-Workout Sport is easy on the brand’s official website. Simply choose your preferred flavor and quantity, select a one-time purchase or subscription, and then complete your checkout by entering your shipping and payment information.
Payment options include most major credit cards, as well as flexible options such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and Sezzle for monthly installment payment plans.
U.S. shipping is free on orders over $79, while orders below that amount incur a flat $8.99 fee. Expedited shipping is also available for an additional charge.
Customer Reviews
Pre-Workout Sport holds an impressive 4.8-out-of-5 rating on Kaged’s website, based on nearly 630 reviews. For a less brand-influenced perspective, Amazon shows a still-strong 4.4 out of 5 from almost 6,800 reviews.
Customers frequently praise Pre-Workout Sport for its moderate caffeine content, noting it provides sustained energy with little to no jitters. That said, some lifters mention it may fall short if you’re looking for a higher-stim formula. Flavor and mixability consistently receive positive feedback, as well, although a few users find it a bit too sweet to their taste.
Final Verdict of Our Kaged Pre-Workout Sport Review
Kaged Pre-Workout Sport offers a clean, well-rounded pre-workout choice focused on energy, focus, and hydration without relying on heavy stimulants. It’s particularly well-suited for lower to moderate caffeine users as well as athletes who value transparency and third-party testing.
Still, there are a few things to keep in mind before adding it to your supplement stack:
- Contains 188 milligrams of caffeine per serving—just under the common 200 milligrams or more found in many pre-workouts—making it approachable for those sensitive to stimulants.
- Includes clinically-studied ingredients like beta-alanine, L-citrulline, and betaine anhydrous, but mostly at suboptimal doses for peak performance.
- Supports hydration during workouts with electrolytes to aid endurance and recovery.
- Certified by Informed Sport, giving athletes and gym-goers alike a sense of confidence that it’s free from banned substances.
- Users report noticeable energy and sharper focus with minimal jitters or tingling, though some desire a stronger effect.
- Priced at $1.25 per serving, offering good value for a clean formula with moderate effects.
Kaged Pre-Workout Sport
Kaged Pre-Workout Sport delivers hydration and energy in a clean, moderate formula that’s ideal for everyday training. While it doesn’t pack the punch of higher-stim pre-workouts, it’s a great pick for athletes who prioritize clean ingredients and hydration support.
Product Brand: Kaged
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 24.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
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Kaged Pre-Workout Sport: FAQs
How much caffeine is in Kaged Pre-Workout Sport?
Each serving of Kaged Pre-Workout Sport contains 188 milligrams of caffeine, approximately equivalent to two 8-ounce cups of coffee, according to the USDA6.
How much does Kaged Pre-Workout Sport cost?
A 20-serving tub of Kaged Pre-Workout Sport costs $24.99, which breaks down to roughly $1.25 per serving. Opting for a subscription drops the price to $19.99, or $1.00 per serving.
What is the difference between Kaged Pre-Workout Sport and Kaged Pre-Workout Elite?
Kaged Pre-Workout Elite contains more than double the caffeine of Sport, with 388 milligrams per serving compared to 188 milligrams. It also offers a larger, more potent ingredient profile, featuring 21 ergogenic and hydrating ingredients—such as creatine monohydrate, nitrate, alpha-GPC, elevATP, and huperzine—versus Sport’s 11 ingredients at lower doses.
That said, Elite costs more—about $3.00 per serving versus Sport’s $1.25—but this reflects its more comprehensive formula and stronger, evidence-based doses.
Is Kaged Pre-Workout Sport third-party tested?
Kaged Pre-Workout Sport is third-party tested and certified by Informed Sport, a respected organization that screens supplements for banned substances and ensures label accuracy and purity.
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
- Jagim, A. R., Harty, P. S., & Camic, C. L. (2019). Common Ingredient Profiles of Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements. Nutrients, 11(2), 254. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020254
- Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Hoffman, J. R., Wilborn, C. D., Sale, C., Kreider, R. B., Jäger, R., Earnest, C. P., Bannock, L., Campbell, B., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Antonio, J. (2015). International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y
- Dobrijević, D., Pastor, K., Nastić, N., Özogul, F., Krulj, J., Kokić, B., Bartkiene, E., Rocha, J. M., & Kojić, J. (2023). Betaine as a Functional Ingredient: Metabolism, Health-Promoting Attributes, Food Sources, Applications and Analysis Methods. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(12), 4824. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124824
- Chen, Q., Li, Z., Pinho, R. A., Gupta, R. C., Ugbolue, U. C., Thirupathi, A., & Gu, Y. (2021). The Dose Response of Taurine on Aerobic and Strength Exercises: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 700352. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.700352
- Zaragoza, J., Tinsley, G., Urbina, S., Villa, K., Santos, E., Juaneza, A., Tinnin, M., Davidson, C., Mitmesser, S., Zhang, Z., & Taylor, L. (2019). Effects of acute caffeine, theanine and tyrosine supplementation on mental and physical performance in athletes. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 16(1), 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0326-3
- Beverages, coffee, brewed, prepared with tap water [Review of Beverages, coffee, brewed, prepared with tap water]. FoodData Central Food Details. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171890/nutrients
