To be fully transparent from the start, even the best stim-free pre-workouts won’t provide that caffeinated buzz many fitness enthusiasts seek. However, non-stimulant alternatives can still deliver impressive muscle pumps and amplify your gym performance, provided they’re properly formulated.
Enter Transparent Labs, a brand known for its commitment to high-quality, science-backed supplements. Naturally, this raises the question: how does their stimulant-free pre-workout stack up?
Join me, a registered dietitian, in this Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout review, where I’ll dissect its formulation, cost considerations, and more. Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and certified sports nutrition coach, also shares her experiences and insights after trying this non-stim pre-workout. 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.
Leading Fitness and Nutrition Experts Committed to Transparent Reviews
GGR’s testing team—comprised of certified personal trainers, nutritionists, dietitians, and competitive athletes—stands out in the crowded (often unreliable) fitness industry. Our extensive knowledge cuts through the noise, and our GGR supplement testing methodology allows us to honestly evaluate products on a scale from 1 to 5 across key factors, including:
- Flavor
- Formulation
- Solubility
- Customer reviews
- Price per serving
- Customer service
Our stimulant-free pre-workout review echoes Transparent Labs’ commitment to transparency and provides detailed ratings so you can confidently make informed decisions.
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
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.
A Quick Look at Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs sets the standard with its dedication to transparency. Each supplement undergoes third-party testing for purity, ensuring what you see on the label is exactly what you get.
Transparent Labs’ commitment to providing clinically effective, high-quality supplements is just as noteworthy. Transparent Labs BULK is a caffeinated favorite among its product line, earning a place in GGR’s best pre-workout supplement roundup, but its caffeine-free counterpart is equally impressive.
RELATED: Transparent Labs BULK Review
The non-stim pre-workout is crafted with clinically-effective doses to enhance your workout. But before finalizing your purchase, there are aspects to consider.
Before You Buy
- Align your needs with realistic expectations: This product is a stimulant-free pre-workout formula without caffeine. If you’re searching for the traditional energy boost caffeine is known for, consider exploring caffeinated pre-workout supplements.
- Stay up-to-date: Besides discontinuing flavors like Green Apple, Transparent Labs has made essential formula changes, such as removing creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). We encourage double-checking the latest updates to optimize your supplement strategy.
Is Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout Worth It?
Costing $1.67 per serving and formulated with high-quality ingredients in clinically effective dosages, Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout could be worth considering. However, because it’s free of stimulants, the pre-workout may not be everyone’s cup of (decaf) tea.
Great for:
- Anyone wanting to cycle off caffeine or consume caffeine from other sources
- Evening or night exercisers
- Those who prioritize clinically-effective formulas and third-party testing, especially athletes subjected to drug testing
Not recommended for:
- People who are tolerant of caffeine or prefer high-stim options
- Exercisers who rely on caffeine for an effective workout
- Anyone who wants creatine or BCAAs in their pre-workout
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout Specs
| Price per serving | $1.67 |
| Serving size | 1 scoop or 20-23 g (depending on flavor) |
| Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Cherry Limeade, Orange, Peach Mango, Sour Grape, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch |
| Caffeine dosage | 0 mg |
| Beta-alanine dosage | 4,000 mg |
| L-citrulline malate dosage | 8 g |
| Creatine dosage | 0 mg |
| Other notable ingredients | BetaPure™ Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, L-Tyrosine, SenActiv®, elevATP®, BioPerine®, Huperzine A, Himalayan Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
Experience Using Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CSNC, tested Transparent Labs stim-free pre-workout with much enthusiasm. She tells us, “This contains all sorts of goodies!!! Beta-alanine, citrulline malate, sodium and potassium for hydration and muscle cell function, betaine anhydrous, taurine, L-tyrosine, elevATP, Huperzine A, and BioPerine which is studied for its positive effects on nutrient absorption.”
It’s important to note that Amanda tested this product before they changed the formulation, so the version she tried included a BCAA mix, choline bitartrate, and 6 grams of citrulline malate, compared to the current 8 grams. It’s hard to say how much of a difference this makes in her experience compared to the current version, but it’s something to be aware of.
RELATED: What To Look for in a Pre-Workout
Price Per Serving
On the Transparent Labs website, the stimulant-free pre-workout costs $1.67 per serving, or $1.50 with a subscription. Despite its high-quality ingredients and relative affordability, the higher cost of stim-free options leads to a price value rating of 2.85 out of 5, reflecting potential budget concerns for average consumers.
Formulation
Embodying transparency, every Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout ingredient (even its natural sweeteners) is listed and quantified. Let’s cover why we rate its formula a 4.5 out of 5.
Key Ingredients
Each key ingredient is clinically dosed and scientifically supported on its website, including the preference for citrulline malate over L-arginine. They’ve also recently revised its formulation, like increasing the dose of citrulline malate and removing BCAAs, so here’s what you can currently expect:
- Citrulline malate1 (8,000 mg): Enhances nitric oxide production, vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), and blood flow to the muscles. These mechanisms may improve muscle endurance while reducing muscle soreness.
- Beta-alanine2 (4,000 mg): Improves high-intensity exercise performance and delays fatigue (also known for causing itching or tingling, albeit harmless).
- BetaPure™ betaine anhydrous3 (2,500 mg): Helps improve muscle endurance and increase the number of quality repetitions performed.
- Taurine4 (1,300 mg): Plays a role in muscle development.
- L-tyrosine5 (1,000 mg): May boost cognitive functions like focus and alertness.
- ElevATP6 (150 mg): Improves aerobic and anaerobic performance and recovery through ATP production.
- Senactiv (50 mg): Claims to elevate exercise endurance, recovery, and energy through cellular mechanisms.
- BioPerine (5 mg): Promotes nutrient absorption due to its piperine7 content.
- Huperzine A (100 mcg): May combat inflammation and increase cognition as a nootropic8.
- Himalayan pink salt (150 mg sodium9): Balances extracellular (outside the cell) fluids, impacts blood volume and pressure, and promotes normal nerve and muscle functions.
- Potassium chloride (100 mg potassium9): Balances intracellular (inside the cell) fluids, sends nerve signals, promotes muscle contraction, and regulates blood pressure.
Other Ingredients
Although ingredients vary slightly based on flavor, the Blue Raspberry also contains:
- Natural flavors (1,177 mg): Enhances flavor
- Stevia extract (480 mg): Enhances sweetness
- Silicon dioxide (310 mg): Prevents clumping
- Calcium silicate (310 mg): Improves texture and prevents clumping
RELATED: Types of Pre-Workout
Taste and Solubility
Transparent Labs impresses with a 4.5 out of 5 rating for flavor. Amanda shares, “I got Cherry Limeade. It’s tart and not overly sweet like a lot of other Transparent Labs flavors, which I appreciate. This is one of the only Transparent Labs supplements I have that I do not have to purposely dilute.”
However, Amanda highlights solubility concerns, saying, “This powder gives me some persistent chunks even in a shaker bottle, which is a little bit annoying, but I think it’s worth it for the quality of the ingredients and ‘extras’ in the formula (and it’s fine if you just down it quickly).”
Despite receiving a 3.5 out of 5 solubility rating, the product’s overall benefits mostly outweigh the minor inconvenience related to mixability.
Side Effects
After giving the stim-free pre a test run, Amanda declares, “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.”
Non-stim options sidestep those stim-related pre-workout side effects—like jitters and post-workout caffeine crashes—but may cause harmless tingling if beta-alanine is in the mix.
Third-Party Testing
Transparent Labs is Informed Choice certified, ensuring it meets purity standards and is free from banned substances.
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout vs Pre-Kaged Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Pre-Kaged Stim-Free
Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim-Free
Product Highlights
- Formulated to enhance focus, pump, and endurance
- Transparent list of ingredients
- No flavors or colors from artificial ingredients
- Third-party tested and banned-substance free
- Patented blend of 29 fruits and vegetable extracts
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Mostly clean ingredients
- No post-workout crash
- Third-party tested
- Mixes well
Cons
- Too sweet for some
- Contains sucralose
Bottom Line
The Pre-Kaged Stim-Free pre-workout powder features a blend of plant-based, clean ingredients to provide a boost before your next workout without the caffeine.
When comparing Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout with Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim-Free Pre-Workout, both brands prioritize label transparency, clinically supported formulas, and third-party testing. While they share similarities, like being Informed Choice certified and vegan-friendly, Pre-Kaged distinguishes itself in many areas:
- Cost: About $0.60 more per serving than Transparent Labs
- Serving size: Features a notably larger scoop, which may be a turnoff for some
- L-citrulline: Uses L-citrulline to boost nitric oxide over citrulline malate, which may offer more ergogenic benefits than L-citrulline1
- BCAAs: Offers the preferred 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs with extra leucine for muscle growth and recovery
- Creatine: Contains creatine HCl, which claims to be more absorbable than creatine monohydrate, to improve athletic performance and strength
- Bonuses: Offers an antioxidant blend, B vitamins, and electrolytes from coconut water powder10 (but only lists 75 mg of sodium—half of Transparent Labs’ offering)
- Artificial sweeteners: Contains sucralose, unlike Transparent Labs’ natural sweeteners
- Flavors: Offers fewer flavors (two)
Check out the comparison table below for more details.
| Transparent Labs Stim-Free | Pre-Kaged Stim-Free | |
| Price per serving | $1.67 | $2.24 |
| Serving size | 1 scoop or 20-23 g (depending on flavor) | 1 scoop of 27.9-29.8 g (depending on flavor) |
| Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Cherry Limeade, Orange, Peach Mango, Sour Grape, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch | Cherry Bomb, Fruit Punch |
| Caffeine dosage | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Beta-alanine dosage | 4,000 mg | 1,600 mg |
| L-citrulline malate dosage | 8,000 mg | 0 mg |
| Creatine dosage | 0 mg | 1.5 g |
| Other notable ingredients | BetaPure™ Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, L-Tyrosine, SenActiv®, elevATP®, BioPerine®, Huperzine A, Himalayan Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride | L-Citrulline, BCAAs, BetaPower® Betaine Anhydrous, Coconut Water Powder, SPECTRA™ Antioxidants, Taurine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine,L-Tyrosine, |
| Third-party tested? | Yes | Yes |
Customer Experience
Transparent Labs offers a full refund or store credit within 30 days of purchase—just email customer support for assistance. Their active engagement with customer queries on the stimulant-free pre-workout product page also highlights their responsiveness to customers.
Ordering Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Ordering Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout on the brand’s website is straightforward: Choose your flavor, select either a one-time purchase or the “Subscribe & Save” option, and then proceed to checkout without needing an account.
The subscription provides 10% off with free shipping and allows for auto-deliveries every 30, 45, or 60 days. Without a subscription, free shipping is available on orders over $99.
Customer Reviews
Transparent Labs protein has a 4.6 average rating with more than 1,200 reviews at the time of this writing.
Despite the positive reviews highlighting an effective pump, I could not view ratings below 5 on the Transparent Labs site. We typically include Amazon reviews to reduce bias, but this stimulant-free pre-workout is unavailable on the site.
Final Verdict of Our Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout Review
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is designed to enhance your gym sessions by increasing pumps, focus, and endurance without using stimulants. Here are our final takeaways on how this non-stim pre-workout stands out:
- Formulated with high-quality, clinically dosed ingredients
- Free of artificial ingredients
- Has some slight solubility issues, yet impresses with flavor
- Competitively priced, offering value in the stim-free market
- Vegan-friendly for diverse dietary needs
- Banned-substance tested through Informed Choice
Full Rating
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
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.
Product Brand: Transparent Labs
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 49.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.08
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout: FAQs
Are non-stim pre-workouts effective?
Non-stim pre-workouts may not provide energy like caffeinated products, but they can enhance your pump, power, and focus when properly formulated.
Is Transparent Labs a good brand?
Yes, Transparent Labs is a reputable brand known for its high-quality, clinically dosed, and third-party-tested supplement line of whey protein powder, pre-workouts, creatine, and more.
Do stim-free pre-workouts raise blood pressure?
Stimulant-free pre-workouts generally don’t raise blood pressure like caffeinated options, but certain ingredients—like the vasodilator citrulline malate and sodium—may increase blood pressure.
How long does stim-free pre-workout take to kick in?
Many factors determine how long it takes for a pre-workout to kick in, although common ingredients in a stim-free pre-workout—like citrulline malate1 and taurine4—are likely to take effect around the 1-hour mark.
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
- Gough LA, Sparks SA, McNaughton LR, et al. A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021;121(12):3283-3295. doi:10.1007/s00421-021-04774-6
- Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE, Stout JR, et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:30. Published 2015 Jul 15. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y
- Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Kang J, et al. Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2009;6:7. Published 2009 Feb 27. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-6-7
- Ripps H, Shen W. Review: taurine: a “very essential” amino acid. Mol Vis. 2012;18:2673-2686.
- Attipoe S, Zeno SA, Lee C, et al. Tyrosine for Mitigating Stress and Enhancing Performance in Healthy Adult Humans, a Rapid Evidence Assessment of the Literature. Mil Med. 2015 Jul;180(7):754-65. doi: 10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00594. PMID: 26126245.
- Joy JM, Vogel RM, Moon JR, et al. Ancient peat and apple extracts supplementation may improve strength and power adaptations in resistance trained men. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16:224. Published 2016 Jul 18. doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1222-x
- Dudhatra GB, Mody SK, Awale MM, et al. A comprehensive review on pharmacotherapeutics of herbal bioenhancers. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:637953. doi:10.1100/2012/637953
- Zhang JM, Hu GY. Huperzine A, a nootropic alkaloid, inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced current in rat dissociated hippocampal neurons. Neuroscience. 2001;105(3):663-9. doi: 10.1016/s0306-4522(01)00206-8. PMID: 11516831.
- Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. [Updated 2022 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/?report=classic
- Yong JW, Ge L, Ng YF, Tan SN. The chemical composition and biological properties of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water. Molecules. 2009;14(12):5144-5164. Published 2009 Dec 9. doi:10.3390/molecules14125144
