We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
Pre-workout supplements and all their purported benefits are taking the fitness world by storm—and for good reason. They can help you maximize your training by improving mental alertness, muscular endurance, and muscle recovery. Still, we know not all sports nutrition supplements are created equal.
In our search for the best pre-workout supplements on the market (read: we’ve tried dozens and dozens of them), XWERKS definitely caught our eye. It’s formulated with a handful of clinically proven ingredients to provide energy, improve mental focus, and support muscle endurance without the dreaded pre-workout crash. In this XWERKS Ignite review, we’ll break down the science behind the pre-workout formula and share our experiences with the product so you can decide if it lives up to its hype.
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.
We’ve Tested Dozens of Pre-Workouts
Our testers come from various backgrounds, but we all have one goal: to provide our readers with an unbiased, thorough review of products. We use our professional and personal experiences to give you an in-depth look at these supplements, XWERKS Ignite included. We want you to have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision about what works best for you and helps you reach your fitness goals.
We’re a team of registered dietitians, certified nutrition coaches, certified personal trainers, CrossFitLevel 1 trainers, Olympic athletes, and not-so-Olympic athletes. Nicole Davis, GGR Head of Content, put XWERKS Ignite to the test and took the product as intended before her scheduled workouts. She analyzed the pre-workout powder from every angle and rated it on a scale of 1 to 5 for each category, so we got the scoop on its formula, taste, cost, solubility, and more in this pre-workout review.
XWERKS Ignite
Xwerks Ignite Pre-Workout
Product Highlights
- Designed to provide sustainable energy without the crash
- Uses a blend of caffeine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, rhodiola rosea, DMAE, L-tyrosine, carnosyn beta-alanine, L-citrulline malate, as well as calcium and magnesium lactate.
- Xwerks claims that this product increases muscle growth and repair, enhances focus, and expands muscular endurance and work capacity
- Available in 4 flavors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Less caffeine than other pre-workout supplements on the market
- No crash
- Great-tasting
Cons
- Expensive
- May make you feel jittery or experience other side effects like headaches or digestive problems
Bottom Line
Xwerks Ignite is an all natural pre-workout supplement with both energy-boosting and focus-enhancing ingredients. It may be a good choice for those who want a clean and effective product with a dose of vitamins.
A Quick Look at XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout
XWERKS can be a one-stop shop for supplements designed to improve athletic performance. They offer several products, including creatine monohydrate, whey protein powder, electrolytes, branched-chain amino acids, and ashwagandha supplements. And we can’t forget their pre-workout formula, Ignite.
Ignite pre-workout is a synergistic blend of ingredients designed to provide sustainable energy, enhance cognitive function, improve muscle endurance, and accelerate recovery. According to XWERKS, Ignite is formulated to help increase your work capacity and improve your lactic threshold. Most of the ingredients included in the pre-workout formula have been well-studied, backing many of XWERKS’ claims. Still, our pros broke down the research and have some thoughts.
Before You Buy
- XWERKS Ignite does not contain creatine.
- Ignite contains 150 milligrams of caffeine—more than the average cup of coffee but less than the research-backed dose.
- Each serving provides 5 milligrams of BioPerine to help with bioavailability.
Is XWERKS Ignite Worth It?
Pre-workouts can be a game-changer for those pursuing gains at the gym. Whether your workout motivation is weight loss, muscle growth, or both, adding a pre-workout powder can help you maximize your reps and make the most of your cardio.
RELATED: Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss
Based on its formulation alone, XWERKS Ignite may be the right pre-workout for some people and not for others.
Great for:
- Those who prefer sugar-, dairy-, and gluten-free pre-workouts
- Those who need a boost of energy without the caffeine crash
- Those who already use a separate creatine powder
Not recommended for:
- Those who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer a stim-free pre-workout
- Those who need an unflavored pre-workout to stack with other supplements
- Those on a budget, as XWERKS Ignite is on the upper end of the cost per serving range for pre-workout formulas
XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout Specs
| Price per serving | $1.63 |
| Caffeine dose | 150 mg |
| Creatine dose | 0 g |
| Active ingredients | Calcium-Lactate Gluconate, Pyridoxine HCl, Cyanocobalamin, Magnesium Lactate, Rhodiola rosea, DMAE Bitartrate, Caffeine Anhydrous, BioPerine, L-Citrulline Malate, L-Tyrosine, CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine |
| Other ingredients | Artificial Flavoring, Sucralose, Silica, Natural Flavoring |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose |
| Flavors | Green Apple, Orange, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon |
Experience Using XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout
Anyone can look at the product’s label and give you an objective breakdown of the ingredients and doses used. However, here at GGR, it’s important to us that we actually try the product and share our honest experience with you. Nicole Davis, GGR Senior Editor, certified personal trainer, and certified nutrition coach, tried Ignite pre-workout and analyzed it against our universal standards.
Price Per Serving
Nicole gave Ignite a 3 out of 5 for its price per serving. Pre-workout supplements can vary in cost, ranging from around $0.80 to $2.00 per serving. Each 10.97-ounce tub of XWERKS Ignite contains 30 servings for $49, or about $1.63 per scoop. At that price, it’s one of the more expensive options out there.
Still, cost versus worth is subjective. Is this a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation? Ignite is made with many high-quality, natural ingredients, which many value over a lower cost. However, it’s crucial to analyze the doses of each ingredient to assess its worth.
Formulation
XWERKS Ignite scored low for its formulation, with Nicole giving it a 2 out of 5. It only contains 150 milligrams of caffeine—hardly more than your average cup of coffee—and research shows that 200 milligrams is considered a low dose1 in exercise and sports.
Furthermore, despite its cost, Ignite does not contain creatine. Research suggests that creatine doses of 3 to 5 grams are best absorbed2 through a supplemental form. However, if you want to include creatine with your XWERKS Ignite, you’ll have to stack it as a separate supplement, which XWERKS offers for an additional cost.
RELATED: Best Pre-Workout With Creatine
We also like to see around 6 to 8 grams of citrulline-malate in every serving of pre-workout to support blood flow. But, unfortunately, Ignite only contains 3 grams. And beta-alanine to help regulate lactic acid and muscle soreness? Ignite only contains 1.5 grams—half of what we look for in pre-workouts.
Last but not least, XWERKS Ignite includes DMAE bitartrate. DMAE is naturally produced in the body and is thought to support cognitive enhancement through improved mood, memory, and brain function. However, it presents several risks when taken in large doses. Some reported side effects include insomnia, skin irritation, and muscle twitching. More concerning research shows that DMAE may affect choline uptake3, which may be dangerous during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Ignite does include a few vitamins and minerals in addition to 5 milligrams of BioPerine. Each scoop of Ignite provides 1000% of your daily vitamin B6 needs and 50,000% of your vitamin B12 needs. Of course, whatever your body doesn’t use just gets excreted, but it’s nice to get a hefty dose for your money! And the BioPerine is there to help with bioavailability, meaning your body can better absorb the nutrients provided.
Taste and Solubility
Ignite is available in four unique flavors: green apple, orange, blue raspberry, and watermelon. Nicole tried the watermelon, and it didn’t disappoint. She gave it a 4 out of 5 for taste, noting its artificial but sweet flavor. For reference, a pre-workout scores a 5 out of 5 when it’s the best pre-workout our tester has ever tasted. So, a 4 out of 5 ain’t too shabby.
The pre-workout’s solubility scored even better, with a 5 out of 5. Nobody likes a clumpy pre-workout, and that wasn’t a concern here. Nicole said, “Very soluble. Consistency was very thin once dissolved.”
RELATED: What to Look for In a Pre-Workout
Side Effects
Pre-workouts are often associated with a tingling sensation, and Nicole found that to be true with Ignite. Still, she gave it a 5 out of 5 for side effects, as it helped boost her energy levels and focus without the typical jitters or bad aftertaste. Plus, there were no digestive issues to note.
Third-Party Testing
Nicole gave Ignite a 2 out of 5 for transparency and third-party testing. She noted deductions for the lack of third-party testing in general but highlighted that the label was pretty transparent with the pre-workout ingredients. Plus, no proprietary blends are included in the formula, meaning no hidden ingredients.
Why is third-party testing a positive for dietary supplements? Sports nutrition supplements, like pre-workouts, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Without the FDA checking on them, supplement companies are on their own and free to create their own standards. Sending the product to an independent lab removes the formula’s mystery and ensures its safety and purity.
XWERKS Ignite vs Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout
Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout
Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout
Product Highlights
- Ingredients shown to improve mental focus, muscle endurance, and energy
- 11 flavors
- Can be bought in bulk for discount
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ingredients shown to improve mental focus, muscle endurance, and energy
- 11 flavors
- Can be bought in bulk for discount
Cons
- A bunch of reviewers did not feel its effect
- Expensive at $2.50 about per serving
- Contains stimulants
Bottom Line
While Gorilla Mode receives mixed reviews, it is formulated with all the key ingredients you want in a pre-workout drink to improve performance in the gym. However, if you are sensitive or want to avoid stimulants, this may not be the supplement for you.
We’ve tried many supplements in our search for the best pre-workout supplement. If you put XWERKS Ignite and Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout on a Venn diagram, you’ll notice some differences and some overlap. Both Gorilla Mode and XWERKS feature nootropic ingredients at a similar price point, although Gorilla Mode is slightly more affordable. Gorilla Mode also comes in a lot more flavors than XWERKS Ignite.
Learn more in our full Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout review.
| XWERKS Ignite | Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout | |
| Price per serving | $1.63 | $1.25 or $1.17 with a 3-tub discount |
| Serving size | One scoop or 10.36 grams | One scoop or 15.425 grams |
| Flavors | Green Apple, Orange, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon | Mango Peach, Mouthwatering Watermelon, Bombsicle, Jungle Juice, Fruit Punch, Krush, Lemon Lime, Cherry Blackout, Tiger’s Blood, Firefly Lemonade, Volcano Burst, Mojo Mojito, and Cotton Candy Grape |
| Caffeine dose | 150 mg | 175 mg |
| Beta-alanine dosage | 1.5 g | 0 g |
| L-citrulline dose | 3 g | 4.5 g |
| Creatine dose | 0 g | 2.5 g |
| Third-party tested? | No | No |
| Other key ingredients | Calcium-Lactate Gluconate, Pyridoxine HCl, Cyanocobalamin, Magnesium Lactate, Rhodiola rosea, DMAE Bitartrate, Caffeine Anhydrous, BioPerine, L-Citrulline Malate, L-Tyrosine, CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine | GlycerPump, Betaine Anhydrous, L-Tyrosine, BioPerine, Kanna, Agmatine Sulfate, Huperzine-A, N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine Citrate, Malic Acid |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose | Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium |
Customer Experience
All XWERKS products are manufactured in the United States. They do accept returns and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, there is very limited information regarding the guarantee on their website, and we didn’t encounter any issues that required us to take advantage of those policies.
RELATED: Types of Pre-Workout
Ordering XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout
All orders are shipped the next business day for a $5 flat-rate shipping fee. However, shipping is free on XWERKS if you spend at least $75. There isn’t a delivery subscription option available at this time, so you must order the pre-workout as a one-time purchase every time.
Customer Reviews
Most reviews are positive, with XWERKS Ignite receiving a rating of 3.8 out of 5 on Amazon. Most customers liked the taste and felt that the product worked well for them. A few reviewers noted that the product wasn’t strong enough for what they wanted, but most people liked the level of pump and energy they got from it.
“Tastes great! There is noticeable improvement in my endurance. Lifting heavier. Great purchase.” -Whitney B., XWERKS website
“Not very strong, IMO. Was able to finish my cardio, but it wore off during my lifting. Not gonna buy again. But did give me a little surge of energy at the start.” -Steven, XWERKS website
“I opted for XWERKS Ignite because I wanted a more natural and mild pre-workout supplement. Ignite delivered how I had hoped: good boost of energy, light tingling from the beta alanine (which I like), and I wasn’t left feeling nauseous or like my heart was in overdrive. No artificial coloring either! Green apple flavor is good, but it’s more sweet than sour which was a small letdown for me. Overall, I like the product and plan on sticking with it.” -Amazon customer review
“For a product that has no added dyes, no calories and is vegan it still has the effect of a normal pre workout without having to worry about unnecessary ingredients. The only downside is the price.” -Amazon customer review
Final Verdict of Our XWERKS Ignite Review
XWERKS Ignite is a viable pre-workout option for those who prefer a lower dose of caffeine. While it lacks some key ingredients, such as creatine and branched-chain amino acids, it provides moderate doses of others. Each scoop provides a notable amount of vitamins B6 and B12 and small quantities of beta-alanine and citrulline-malate. Plus, it’s a tasty formula with good solubility.
- Ignite does not contain creatine.
- Each serving costs around $1.63 per scoop with no subscription savings available.
- There are four flavors, all sweetened with sucralose.
- XWERKS Ignite is not third-party tested.
Full Rating
XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout
Xwerks Ignite is an all natural pre-workout supplement with both energy-boosting and focus-enhancing ingredients. It may be a good choice for those who want a clean and effective product with a dose of vitamins.
Product Brand: XWERKS
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 49.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.7
XWERKS Ignite: FAQs
How much caffeine is in XWERKS Ignite?
Each serving of XWERKS Ignite contains 150 milligrams of caffeine, more than your average cup of coffee but just short of the research-backed dose of 200 milligrams per serving.
Is XWERKS Ignite a good pre-workout?
XWERKS Ignite can be a good pre-workout for those who already have a creatine supplement they love or who need an energy boost without the caffeine crash.
Is XWERKS a good brand?
XWERKS is a prominent brand in the sports supplement world. However, they do not advertise third-party testing on their products, limiting their transparency.
Is pre-workout OK for your heart?
All bodies are different, and the effects of pre-workout may vary between individuals. It’s important to discuss it with your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially ones that contain caffeine and other ingredients that could affect your heart health.
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
- Spriet LL. Exercise and sport performance with low doses of caffeine. Sports Med. 2014;44 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S175-S184. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0257-8
- Naderi A, de Oliveira EP, Ziegenfuss TN, Willems MT. Timing, Optimal Dose and Intake Duration of Dietary Supplements with Evidence-Based Use in Sports Nutrition. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2016;20(4):1-12. doi:10.20463/jenb.2016.0031
- Shipkowski KA, Sanders JM, McDonald JD, et al. Comparative disposition of dimethylaminoethanol and choline in rats and mice following oral or intravenous administration.Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2019;378:114592. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2019.05.011
Further reading
In this Gorilla Bow review, the Garage Gym Reviews team will tell you why this unique resistance band system could be a great add to your home gym. Read more
In our ProForm 6.0 RT Treadmill Review, we take a look at the specs of this now-discontinued treadmill. Read more
Check out our full ProForm Sport 6.0 treadmill review for the 4-1-1 on this budget-friendly cardio machine. Read more
The Fitbit Ionic is one of the best activity tracking smart watches available on the market today. With Fitbit's encouragement to accomplish fitness goals, an exercise tracker to understand just how fit you are, and multiple day battery life, the Fitbit Ionic should not go overlooked when looking for an activity tracking smart watch. Read more