The best pre-workout without creatine is not easy to find. A pre-workout without creatine is a niche product, since the majority of pre-workout supplements contain creatine to enhance performance in the gym. I’ve tested over a dozen creatine-free pre-workout powders, and found nine overall top-performers that effectively delay the onset of fatigue and give workouts a much-needed energy boost.
I’ve picked the nine best creatine-free pre-workout supplements based on the three criteria below.
- Essential components: Creatine-free pre-workouts should generally contain at least beta-alanine, amino acids, and caffeine.
- Caffeine-free options: I ensured that there are caffeine-free no-creatine pre-workouts on the list.
- Pre-workouts for every budget: My list of the best pre-workout without creatine options has powders for every budget.
- Boosts performance: Each of the nine creatine-free pre-workout powders on my list gives a substantial performance boost in the gym, although some are more effective than others.
What Are the Top 3 Pre-Workout Supplements Without Creatine?
The top 3 pre-workout supplements without creatine are as follows.
Contents
- What Are the Top 3 Pre-Workout Supplements Without Creatine?
- What’s in Creatine Free Pre-workout Supplements?
- What Are the Best Pre-workout Without Creatine Options In 2023?
- FAQ’s About Creatine Free Pre Workout Powders
- ✓ Can I combine pre-workout products?
- ✓ If my pre-workout doesn’t contain creatine, can I have it on my rest days too?
- ✓ Do I need to change my post-workout supplementation?
- ✓ How long before my workout should I have the pre-workout?
- ✓ What are the top ingredients to look for in a pre-workout supplement without creatine?
- ✓ If I’m trying to lose weight, is a pre-workout without creatine a good idea for me?
- ✓ Is it safe to use a pre workout without creatine whilst pregnant?
- Wrapping Up
What’s in Creatine Free Pre-workout Supplements?
Below are the three key components in creatine-free pre-workout supplements.
- Beta-Alanine
- Amino Acids
- Caffeine
A good pre-workout that doesn’t include creatine should consist of different nutrients and stimulants to help produce the same boost you would get with a creatine-based supplement. The constituents of pre workout supplements with no creatine range from product to product; however, their building blocks primarily consist of beta-alanine, amino acids, and caffeine. We discuss these essential building-blocks of creatine-free pre-workout drinks in greater depth below.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-Alanine is included in pre-workouts because of the way it protects our body from lactic acid build up that can happen because of exercise. If you haven’t yet experienced the feeling of lactic acid build up – well, it’s not pleasant. Beta-Alanine effectively remedies our PH levels to reduce lactic acid, and as a result – delays the onset of muscle fatigue.
If you haven’t used a pre workout supplement before, the Beta-Alanine component can give you a tingling sensation on the skin. However, it’s nothing to be concerned about, and will affect you less and less as you get used to having a pre workout.
Amino Acids
Some pre workouts contain various amino acids, though amino acids are more commonly used separately as an intra-workout. For example, amino acids like L-leucine, L-arginine and Agmatine, can be found in various pre-workouts. L-leucine is known to promote muscle growth through protein synthesis; whereas L-arginine promotes blood flow and nutrient absorption by your muscle fibers, during training. Agmatine is recognized for boosting focus and mental endurance.
Caffeine
Most pre workout supplements contain a good dose of caffeine (the equivalent of 1 – 2 cups of coffee). Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and is a great energy booster. Caffeine also has a fat burning element to it, which makes it a popular ingredient to use in conjunction with exercise.
If you are caffeine sensitive, supplements high in caffeine might not be right for you. (check out these low caffeine pre-workouts)
What Are the Best Pre-workout Without Creatine Options In 2023?
Below are the nine best pre-workout without creatine options in 2023.
- Alpha Gx7 Pre-workout: Alpha Gx7 Pre-workout powder comes from a well-known brand and packs plenty of Alpha-Ketoglutarate, which is a key protein building block. However, Alpha Gx7 is low on Citrulline Malate, so it doesn’t increase the blood flow enough for a sizeable energy boost before you hit the gym.
- Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy: Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy gives your body the amino acids it needs to recover plus a powerful boost of pre-workout energy. On the downside, the Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy powder doesn’t always mix well.
- Vitamin Bounty PreWorkout: Vitamin Bounty PreWorkout is a creatine-free supplement that boosts your energy with a dose of caffeine and adds key vitamins to your diet. This pre-workout supplement isn’t suitable if you’re sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
- Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Pre-Workout: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Pre-Workout is a budget-friendly, entry-level creatine-free pre-workout supplement that lets you test out this line of pre-workout powders. However, you might find that this powder is less effective than its more expensive peers.
- Legion Pulse Pre-Workout: Legion Pulse Pre-Workout is highly effective pre-workout, creatine-free powder with all-natural ingredients. On the downside, this supplement’s 100% natural ingredients give it a bland taste.
- Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer: The Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer is an all-natural no creatine pre-workout supplement that’s aimed at improving your overall health and well-being before and after your workouts. However, this supplement is not ideal if you’re after a serious pre-workout energy kick.
- Primal SURGE Pre-Workout Drink: The Primal SURGE Pre-Workout Drink offers a balanced supplement to increase workout energy levels and aid in post-workout recovery. That said, this supplement contains artificial ingredients and may not be suitable if you prefer all-natural pre-workout powders.
- Genius Pre-Workout: Genius Pre-Workout is a 100% natural, creatine-free powder that delivers all the essentials needed for a productive workout session. However, this powder lacks caffeine, so some may find that it doesn’t produce a sufficient energy kick.
- RARI Nutrition INFINITY Pre-Workout: The RARI Nutrition INFINITY is a pre-workout, creatine-free powder that improves your mood and focus for the gym session. On the downside, this powder has low levels of caffeine and beta-alanine.
We explore each of the nine best pre workout supplements in greater detail below.
1. Alpha Gx7 Pre-workout
Alpha Gx7 is a basic, creatine-free pre workout with a limited number of ingredients. However, this provides less chance of consuming any unnecessary nasties. Alpha is also known to be particularly transparent when it comes to ingredients.
It comes in a 30 serving tub.
Product Highlights
Alpha Gx7 has the backing of the renowned brand, Alpha, behind it. Containing a form of Vitamin B3 combined with 2 grams of Beta-Alanine, this product promotes energy and muscular endurance.
The Good
It contains a sufficient amount of Alpha-Ketoglutarate, which is a building block of protein. Even though there are only two flavors available, I like that they are discrete in taste (others can be totally overbearing).
The Bad
It has an unusually low amount of Citrulline Malate, which is responsible for increased blood flow. I noticed amongst customer reviews that this pre workout doesn’t stack up against the rest in terms of “pump” provided.
- Premium brand
- Good energy boost
- Discrete taste
- Low level “pump”
- Low dosages in some ingredients
2. Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy
The Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy is a creatine-free pre-workout drink that’s all about amino acids and energy. If you’re interested in learning more about amino acids, you can do so here.
It comes in a 65 serving tub in a wide array of flavors and being priced at the bottom to middle of the range makes it a popular choice.
Product Highlights
Amino Energy boasts an ingredient list of 65 different amino acids as well a blend of green tea and coffee extract. This provides a rejuvenating energy kick whilst improving your recovery.
The Good
The Amino acid content in this product makes it stand out amongst its competitors. I like that it comes in a 65 serving tub too. Fewer trips to the supplement store!
The Bad
Though there is a large amount of amino acids present, the dosage of some of them, for example, Beta-Alanine is less than desired.
There are reports, amongst customer reviews, of it not mixing well sometimes.
- Extensive list of Amino Acids
- Lasting energy
- Lots of flavors
- Price
- Low dose of Beta-Alanine
- Doesn’t mix well
3. Vitamin Bounty PreWorkout
The Vitamin Bounty PreWorkout is a no-creatine pre workout supplement (made by Vitamin Bounty) that’s known for its massive energy boost! Available in tubs of 30 servings, this product comes with a decent ingredient list and moderate amounts of each included (minus the caffeine – woohoo).
Product Highlights
With 250mg of caffeine, there’s no lacking in focus and energy with this creatine free pre workout! Its ingredient list provides good value for its price.
The Good
It covers all the bases, in terms of providing what a pre workout should. Sure, it lacks a little in some of the dosages, but the ingredient list makes it an ample supplement.
The Bad
This supplement kind of overdoes it on the energy side of things, which may be overkill for some users.
Like the Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy, sometimes not all of it dissolves well.
- Ample amount of ingredients
- Excellent energy
- Extensive good customer reviews
- Maybe too much energy?
- Doesn’t totally dissolve
4. Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Pre-Workout
Nitro Surge comes in 30 servings and is a budget-friendly option for a pre-workout without creatine. However, what it makes up for in cost-effectiveness, it does lack in… effectiveness.
Having said that, this one is a good ‘entry-level’ option for those looking to test out a pre-workout supplement for the first time.
Product Highlights
Obviously, the low cost is a highlight, along with the fact that it covers all the basic ingredients. It does also taste reasonable, considering its price.
The Good
It offers all the major contributors to a good pre-workout, albeit a milder version than some of its competitors.
The price tag makes it suitable for ‘testing’ this kind of supplement and seeing how your body responds to the stimulants they contain.
The Bad
In terms of effectiveness, it really doesn’t stack up against the competitors’ products. If you’re a seasoned gym goer, with high expectations of a pre workout, I wouldn’t recommend this one for you.
- Price
- Broad range of ingredients
- Low dosages of ingredients
- Mild energy boost
5. Legion Pulse Pre-Workout
Legion Pulse is one of my favorite pre workouts without creatine of 2023.
Available in tubs of 21 servings, this product is priced well above average. But you know what they say, you get what you pay for.
Product Highlights
Strength, energy, endurance – this pre-workout has it all and people love it!
Consisting of a great list of ingredients with equally great dosages, this product was a real stand out when researching the different pre-workouts currently on the market.
The Good
You would expect a pre-workout this powerful to have some questionable ingredients in it. However, the Legion Pulse pre-workout does not contain any chemicals or colorants. I love this aspect of it!
The Bad
The price is above average, without question. And the lack of artificial ingredients makes it bland in taste.
- Great energy
- Good pump
- Increased strength
- No chemicals or colorants
- Excellent reputation
- Price
- Taste
6. Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer
The Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer is an all-rounder, healthy, creatine-free energy drink.
Nevertheless, this one is still worth a look, for those who are new to the gym and supplement world!
Available in tubs of 30 servings and in one flavor, this pre-workout is priced slightly above average.
Product Highlights
This product boosts health and naturalness.
The Good
The Red Lead pre-workout has nothing artificial about it. It is free of chemicals, colorants, flavorings and sweeteners. Containing ingredients like cranberry extract and green tea extract, this product is a great option for the extra-health conscious.
The Bad
Though it does have natural energy boosting components, it doesn’t give the energy and endurance boost that other pre-workouts on the market provide. In addition to this, it only comes in only one flavor, which can be a bit limiting.
- Clean and healthy product
- Contains antioxidants
- No jitters or post-workout crash
- No “pump”
- Mild energy boost
- One flavor
7. Primal SURGE Pre-Workout Drink
Primal Surge is a creatine-free pre-workout drink available in tubs of 30 servings and is priced in the middle of the range.
As far as pre-workouts go, it contains and delivers what it should. This product has great customer reviews and it deserves a place on this ‘top picks’ list.
Product Highlights
Though there are not crazy amounts of any one ingredient, there is enough of all the essentials to get the average gym enthusiast excited.
The Good
I like that this product has all the essentials in it, in amounts that can be tolerated by most. It also has a particularly good taste. Of course, the fact that buyers of this product have mainly good things to say, is also a plus.
The Bad
The good taste doesn’t come at no expense – this product does contain some artificial ingredients in the form of colorants and sweeteners.
- Good range of ingredients
- Good energy boost
- Great taste
- Excellent reviews
- Artificial ingredients
8. Genius Pre-Workout
The Genius Pre-Workout is a creatine-free supplement that’s free of caffeine, making it a great option for the caffeine sensitive. Despite its lack of caffeine, it provides ample energy with the other ingredients it contains.
This product comes in tubs of 20 servings and sits on the higher end of the price scale.
Product Highlights
Caffeine-free but packed with everything essential for a superior pre-workout supplement, this product is targeting the educated and experienced athlete, which speaks volumes.
The Good
With 3g of Beta-Alanine and 6g of Citrulline Malate, The Genius Brand Pre-Workout sits very close to the optimal recommended dosages for these substances. This pre-workout delivers.
On top of that – it’s completely natural!
The Bad
Personally, I couldn’t find much wrong with this product – though believe that the lack of caffeine could pose issues for some.
- Good energy boosts
- Natural ingredients
- Good dosages of important ingredients
- Caffeine-free
- Price
9. RARI Nutrition INFINITY Pre-Workout
RARI Nutrition is the final pre-workout without creatine on this ‘top picks’ list, and is an all-natural supplement. Some argue that it is more of a vitamin supplement, than a pre-workout. However, depending on ones’ training priorities, this may not be a disadvantage.
Available in a 3 interesting flavors (like sour gummy worm), this is a middle of the range pre-workout as far as price goes. Each tub comes with 30 servings.
Product Highlights
Infinity provides your body with important ingredients for optimal mood and focus, an often-overlooked performance enhancer.
The Good
I like that this product is natural. Its high amounts of N-Acetyl and L-Tyrosine are also desirable. Infinity provides a good workout pump and, in addition to this, it is vegan-friendly.
The Bad
Infinity has lower levels of caffeine and Beta-Alanine, which allows other pre-workout supplements to overshadow it, in terms of the lasting energy boost it provides. Some users say that, despite the product being all natural, it has an artificial taste.
- All natural
- High in vitamin content
- Good pump
- Vegan friendly
- Taste
- Inferior energy boost
FAQ’s About Creatine Free Pre Workout Powders
I hope the comparison table and reviews have made you feel like you are better equipped to select the right creatine-free pre-workout for you.
However, if you still feel like there’s gaps in your knowledge, hopefully, these frequently asked questions can address some of them.
✓ Can I combine pre-workout products?
No, you cannot combine pre-workout products. Pre-workouts contain different levels of each ingredient, some having significant amounts of each than others. Combining pre-workouts could have adverse effects, including ingesting more than the safe dosage of ingredients like caffeine, for example.
✓ If my pre-workout doesn’t contain creatine, can I have it on my rest days too?
Yes, you can have your pre-workout on your rest days if it doesn’t containt creatine. However, there’s no need for you to consume your pre-work out if you’re not wokring out. Should you not be involved in any activities with high energy requirements, there is no need to take pre-workout on your off days, whether it contains creatine or not. It is a costly supplement, so save its use for when you really need it!
✓ Do I need to change my post-workout supplementation?
No, you do not to change your post-workout supplementation. Pre-workout is not-related to, nor does it affect the usage of any post-workout supplements. Having said this though, should you not want to ingest creatine – you should eliminate it from all your supplements.
✓ How long before my workout should I have the pre-workout?
You should have the pre-workout 30 – 45 minutes before your workout. It does range from product to product though, so it’s always best to read the specific directions on the container.
✓ What are the top ingredients to look for in a pre-workout supplement without creatine?
The top ingredients to look for in a pre-workout supplement without creatine are as follows.
- Caffeine
- Beta-Alanine
- Niacin (vitamin B3)
- Arginine
- L-Citrulline
- Amino Acids/BCAA’s
If a pre-workout contains 3 or more of the above listed ingredients, it’s probably going to be of benefit to your workout.
✓ If I’m trying to lose weight, is a pre-workout without creatine a good idea for me?
A pre-workout without creatine may be a good idea for you if you’re trying to lose weight. Regardless of your training goals, using a pre-workout may help you perform better. Pre-workouts often consist of ingredients that are metabolic and boost fat loss. It would be safe to say that using a non creatine pre-workout will not hinder your weight loss goals.
Using a pre-workout with creatine may interfere with your weight loss goals, though mainly through water weight.
✓ Is it safe to use a pre workout without creatine whilst pregnant?
No, it is (generally) not safe to use a pre-workout without creatine whilst pregnant. Because of the high levels of caffeine and other less than ideal ingredients for pregnant women, it is not recommended. Having said this though, there are some pre-workout (kind of) supplements with no creatine that claim to be safe for pregnant woman to consume.
As every pregnancy is different, it would be best to get the approval of the use of any supplement from your doctor.
Wrapping Up
I hope this article has made you feel more confident in choosing a pre-workout supplement that has no creatine in it. As with any supplement, a lot of it comes down to personal preference.
Upon completing my reviews of these pre-workouts, the Legion Pulse came in a sure first place for me.
For my training needs, this product ticks all the boxes. You’d hardly notice that creatine isn’t in there! Having great customer reviews is high up on my ‘must-haves’ list, and this supplement is not short of those!
Pre-workouts with or without creatine are diverse in what they contain and the effects they bring about. It’s best to do your research to make sure you fully understand the benefits and side effects associated with using this kind of supplement.
Let me know of any creatine free pre workouts that you have come across and love, in the comments section below!
Last update on 2023-06-04 UTC -5 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API - Details
