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 Excelsior Pre-Workout Review: Benefits, Side Effects, & User Ratings

Excelsior Pre-Workout Review: Benefits, Side Effects, & User Ratings

Community Ratings:

4.5
By Nader QudimatPre-Workout Expert (10+ Years)
Updated January 7, 2025

Excelsior Pre-Workout Review: Benefits, Side Effects, & User Ratings

Community Ratings:

4.5
By Nader Qudimat, Pre-Workout Expert (10+ Years)
Updated January 7, 2025

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. 

OVERVIEW
Type
Pre Workout
Price
$100
Serving Size
5.3g
Availability
Hard to get
Positives
Effects last all day
High energy
Excellent for fat loss
Strong focus
Negatives 
Makes food difficult to eat due to appetite suppression
Crash is quite difficult to deal with

Bottom Line

Jan 2024 (update): No sign of Excelsior returning to North America but we've found something better, Juiced by Quality Vitamins

So where can you buy banned pre workouts? Check out this list. 

You can still get Excelsior from the UK but the price is around $100. 

Excelsior is one of the best pre workouts we’ve come across in years.

In fact, this is so strong that your appetite will be crushed, your focus will be at its highest peak, and you’ll want to workout for hours.

Excelsior will undoubtedly go down as a legend if it ever discontinues and it seems to be the case today.

The tiny 5 gram scoop is a mystery because it hits harder than any other pre workout with much more ingredients and stimulants.

The latest batch (expiring 08/2023), is the same as the previous batch but the only change is the directions state to only take one scoop. 

The effects are the same and we recommend only using it for 2-3 times max per week, or even per month to be safe. 

However, it's been some time since Excelsior disappeared from the market and Imperial Nutrition has failed to follow through with its promise to return. 

What if I told you that you can get something comparable to Excelsior but at half the price?

JUICED is the actual next best thing to Excelsior as it has unreal focus.

It has comparable effects, similar to Excelsior.

Not better, but similar. 

It works so well that even if you take it in super early in the morning, you'll have trouble sleeping at night.

You likely won't get euphoric vibes (you won't even have time to think about that).

But you'll get some super strong tunnel vision, similar to the original Craze, which was way back in 2010.

Again you can get Phenta Plex from here. 

So back to Excelsior...

How far can a 5.3 gram scoop get you?

Surely not very far, you would think.

Excelsior features a big prop blend, with DMHA, caffeine, and a few other stimulants

But 5.3g?

Somehow, this pre-workout is stronger than anything you've ever tried.

Excelsior is a tiny pre-workout that delivers energy and focus better than anything you've ever tried.

And it's all in a laughable 5.3g serving.

Put the bottle in your hands and you would probably never believe this pre-workout has been the strongest we've seen in the past 10 years.

And compare it to Dark Energy or Assassin, this pre doesn't have nearly as much caffeine but don't let that fool you.

Speaking of 5.3g, Predator Nutrition has hyped up Doomsday to be the next best thing to Excelsior. 

Consider the best alternatives and check out the strongest pre workouts in the video below:

The formula just looks weak, and by logic it should just be your typical off the shelf high stim pre workout.

In fact, it has a bare minimum label, using only 7 ingredients, in a full prop blend without disclosing a single ingredient.

You'll be blown away. 110% you will try this, and will probably hang on to dear life while you try to fathom how such a tiny blend can be so strong.

To be honest, we don’t know what’s inside Excelsior that makes it so strong.

It’s unlike anything else.

There's 100% something else in this blend that's not on the label.

After about 10 bottles of this stuff, it's hard to say whether it's safe for the long term usage, but what goes up, must come down.

The crash is unbearable sometimes.

However it does last for hours, you need to take it really early in the day or you will struggle to sleep at night.

About Imperial Nutrition

Before Excelsior, Imperial Nutrition was mostly unknown.

They established in 2016 and since then, they only distribute 2 supplements under their label:  

Thermal Spark and Excelsior. 

Excelsior is what made Imperial Nutrition as popular as it is today.

This isn’t a pre workout that contains over 400mg caffeine, and loads of stimulants. 

Instead, it ignites focus and energy in waves and it comes with a bit of euphoria. 

Excelsior is exactly like Craze.

So much so that you’d think they removed the label of Craze and slapped Excelsior’s branding on there.

Imperial Nutrition might have some connection with Driven Sports, but this isn’t confirmed and it’s purely speculation.

And like Craze, they are being targeted the FDA, making it harder to sell in the US.

So they are currently only available for purchase in the EU, and it isn't really cheap.

Excelsior Ingredients

Citrulline

Nothing starts off a pre workout better than citrulline. 

This pump inducing ingredient is not only good for endurance and strength but it helps with recovery as it can widen blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow, leading to better nutrient delivery to the working muscles. 

Citrulline clinically starts working at 3g, with some pre workouts going as high as 8 grams for maximum efficiency. 

However here it is in a prop blend. 

We don’t know the dosage here, it’s just not disclosed and seeing how it’s in a 5.3g formula, we wouldn’t expect it to be any more than 2-4g.

The next ingredient is also a muscle volumizer….

Trimethylglycine

Trimethylglycine, also known as betaine, is a powerhouse of a ingredient that increases strength, muscle size and power 

Betaine works well with creatine as it has synergy with it.

However even on it’s own, it can increase hydration, power, strength and endurance quite well. 

Since it can increase ATP production, it works synergistically with creatine.

Kigelia Africana Extract

This is DMHA, the stimulant that is supposed to be the alternative to DMAA

Although it doesn’t hit as hard, it is much smoother and supposed to have less of a crash. 

Now there’s still a bit of a crash, which is expected, but this can be lessened if you use rhodiola or theanine.

Caffeine Anhydrous

If you’re going to have a strong pre workout, then including caffeine is a must. 

It’s one of the most studied in sports supplements and is regarded to be an effective stimulant.

It works by inhibiting adenosine, an enzyme that is responsible for neurotransmission reduction, and it’s what makes you feel tired. 

Caffeine is just one of the best ergogenic aids to have and it’s completely safe when keeping dosages under 400mg. 

It takes more than 400mg to see negative side effects like elevated blood pressure and anxiety. 

The grandfather of stimulants, caffeine. 

It’s one of the best used and the best for providing a long source of energy. 

Bauhinia Purpurea Extract

Bauhinia is a thyroid booster, it improves thyroid hormones and turns it into a beneficial ratio. 

Not only that but it can also improve resting metabolism, energy expenditure, mood and overall fat burning

Bitter Orange Extract

Bitter orange is usually standardized for synephrine. 

Synephrine is a fat burning ingredient that can help suppress appetite and increase lipolysis. 

But we’re not sure what it’s standardized here for.

Octopamine

Octopamine is a metabolite and relative of synephrine.

It works similar to ephedrine and it can trigger a positive for amphetamine on a drug test. 

So it is banned for competitive sports, avoid using it if you’re being drug tested. 

It works by restricting glucose uptake by fat cells by inhibiting beta-3 receptors. 

 

Hawthorn Extract

Hawthorn extract comes from the hawthorne shrub, a shrub that grows bright red berries. 

This herb helps with maintaining normal blood pressure level, hence why this extract is also known to be the hearts best friend. 

It will help with basic cardiovascular functions. 

A much needed benefit in a high stimulant pre workout like Excelsior. 

My Review

I've only taken this while fasted in the morning.

Taking one scoop of Excelsior feels like nothing at first.

Between the 20 and 30 minute mark is when this stuff starts to elevate.

It's similar to how Craze was, where nothing would be felt for the first half hour, then suddenly, the waves of energy and euphoria start to kick in. 

The energy isn’t jittery though and it is more of a tunnel focused wave of focus that comes with mental focus that is unlike any other pre workout, even ones with the same stimulants. 

It completely destroys appetite.

What was once delicious, easy to binge food is now hard to eat or even to look at. 

Some reviewers report a nauseating feeling, which is what I felt sometimes but I was ok with it for the cost of focus and energy.

I drink a lot of ginger, and I tried drinking it to help subside the nauseating feeling, but it makes little difference really. 

It’s hard to stop training, what was once a repetitive workout, turns into something excited and the focus kicks in a tunnel-like fashion after I warm up. 

There will be a time when Excelsior will discontinue and we will look back at this as the legendary pre workout.

Any other pre workout with similar ingredients will have no where near the same effects as Excelsior. 

I've tried micro dosing excelsior as well with and it does work quite good.

Taking 1/10th of a scoop helps me get in the groove of work and so much that I lose track of time once I start. 

Excelsior (and Hydrazine) are the only pre workouts that have hit this level of focus and energy.

FAQ

What makes Excelsior Pre-Workout so powerful?

Excelsior's power comes from its proprietary blend of ingredients, which includes stimulants like caffeine, DMHA, and octopamine. Despite its small serving size, this blend provides an intense energy boost and laser-sharp focus.

How long does the effect of Excelsior last?

The effects of Excelsior can last for several hours. However, this is often followed by a significant crash, which can include a drop in mood and difficulty eating.

Can Excelsior help with weight loss?

Excelsior contains ingredients that can suppress appetite, which could potentially aid in weight loss. However, it's important to remember that supplements alone won't lead to weight loss. A balanced diet and regular exercise are also crucial.

Is Excelsior safe to use?

While many people use Excelsior without issue, the long-term safety of this supplement is still unclear. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Where can I buy Excelsior Pre-Workout?

Excelsior can be purchased from Predator Nutrition. However, due to its popularity, and demand, it comes at a very high price. 

Does Excelsior Pre-Workout contain any banned substances?

Excelsior's label does not list any banned substances. As far as users know, it does have something that isn't on the label. However, it's always a good idea to check with your sports organization's banned substance list before starting any new supplement. 

How should I take Excelsior Pre-Workout?

It's recommended to take Excelsior 15-30 minutes before your workout. Start with a half scoop to assess your tolerance, as this is a very potent supplement.

Can I take Excelsior if I'm sensitive to caffeine?

Excelsior contains caffeine, so if you're sensitive to caffeine, you may want to start with a smaller dose to see how your body reacts. If you experience any adverse effects, it's best to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

Can I stack Excelsior with other supplements?

Given the potency of Excelsior, it's not recommended to stack it with other stimulant-based supplements. However, it could potentially be stacked with non-stimulant supplements like creatine or BCAAs. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Why is Excelsior often sold out?

Excelsior has gained a reputation for being one of the most potent pre-workouts on the market, which has led to high demand. As a result, it often sells out quickly. There's a rumor that there is another pre-workout coming that matches Excelsior but it's only a rumor and we're keeping an eye out. For now, check out this list for the strongest pre-workouts.

Final Words

Excelsior is a strong pre workout but it comes at a cost. 

The high energy and focus lasts all day but some may experience a crash. 

The crash can be decreased by using rhodiola or ingredients like theanine. 

Excelsior is an amazing pre workout, but like the original Craze, very few report that they didn’t feel what others described.

This is expected as not everyone responds the same way to supplements, even creatine has non-responders. 

Our guess is about 5-10% of users may not feel what everyone else experienced and that’s from hundreds of reviewers.

This has a 95% rating on Predator Nutrition from 55 reviews.

You can also get this from NutriCartel

Excelsior by Imperial Nutrition

Excelsior is a top performing pre workout offering high tier energy and focus. 

It's what we've been looking for since the days of the original Craze pre workout.

While everything is in a prop blend, we don't know if there's more to the label but we do know it's one of the strongest pre workouts to date. 

Get it while it's available. 

Reviews

4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 reviews)
Excellent50%
Very good50%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Latest Reviews

Performance: 5 ★★★★★
Energy: 5 ★★★★★
Focus: 5 ★★★★★
Pump: 2.5 ★★✬☆☆
Mood Elevation: 5 ★★★★★

The spice melange of pre workouts

January 12, 2025

This review is based off the exp:7/26 as it is the only batch of excelsior I have tried. This is a very versatile and very unique pre workout. In most cases when I review a product, I like to list the most noticeable ingredients or ingredients effects. In this case I don’t believe the label whatsoever. I believe the label is a work of fiction and I don’t even believe it has citrulline like the label says it does. With that being said, it is one of my favorites out there, definitely a top 3! When I take this one I almost always take it on a day where I can plan two separate workouts, or at the least I take it on a day where I can get a killer workout but expect a heavy workload.

Within the first time I tried this, I didn’t think too much of it. I was disappointed at first and couldn’t tell what all the fuss was about. That was until it fully kicked in! Once it kicked in I didn’t want to stop! The euphoria, the feeling of wellbeing made this in fact very unique! I knew this was unique because I had a solid workout for an hour and a half, and then when I got home I cleaned my house, and even after that felt like I should go back to the gym for another round. On a separate occasion, I did just that. Another key factor is versatility. Going by feeling alone, I don’t feel much for pumps so I’ve tried this both with and without a pump formula. I’ve used this for high intensity cardio workouts and in those cases will use it without a pump formula. On most cases when I am training in the gym, I pair it with a half scoop of bloodsport or a scoop of Maniaco pump for a well rounded, hard hitting workout.

Appetite suppression is for real with this. Although I take my pre workouts around 4:30am and am in the full swing of exercise by 5am, I’m usually ready for my protein shake by 8am. In the case of excelsior, I need to remind myself to take the protein shake. Aside from that, I can’t think of much else for side effects. Even the crash is manageable for me, perhaps since I take it so early in the morning by the time it wears off is about 12 hours later in most cases when I am just about finishing up my day. On that note, it would be foolish to take it in the afternoon and I never have even risked such a thing.

Even the flavor is amazing! It tastes like Hawaiian Punch without any bitterness or aftertaste. There is some slight issue with cotton mouth but I always try my best to stay hydrated in the gym anyways. My biggest complaint is probably what you would hear from anyone else that has a tub of excelsior. It’s really expensive and really hard to get. There is also a very tempting element to re-dose which tells me that the unique, unnamed ingredient on the label is a bit more illicit than what we may know.

retailerPredatorNutrition
Side EffectsCottonmouth, very pricey, a desire to re-dose
Workout TypeStrength
expirydate07/2026
Batch NumberIN095171
Avatar for Meaty Morsels
Meaty Morsels
assigned_usersReview of Meaty Morsels

Excelsior really is unbelievable

January 7, 2025

I’m not sure of previous batches. However, I decided to purchase 3 of them from the 06/26 batch. I kind of just sat on them as I have quite a large stock of crack purple, crack gold amongst some other heavy hitters. I was taking a scoop here and there and felt really good effects but nothing very overwhelming. I thought it was pretty good but didn’t regard it as anything otherworldly.

A few days ago I saw some people saying take 1.5 scoops and wow! Wow!!! I was blown away.

Got to the gym and I worked out for almost 3 hours straight. I started with stair climber and banged out 30 minutes easily. Then hit incline dumbbells, 4 sets of 10 at 80 lbs, straight into reverse deficit lunges.

I am usually pretty social at the gym but I barely spoke to anyone at that day. Just straight grinding. I didn’t have any anxiety at all just drive and focus like I have not felt in a long time.

1.5 scoops from now on!!!!

retailerPredatorNutrition
Side EffectsFelt like a god
Workout TypeBodybuilding
expirydate06/2026
Batch NumberIN094317
Avatar for JBench91
JBench91

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Reviews

4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 reviews)
Excellent50%
Very good50%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Latest Reviews

Performance: 5 ★★★★★
Energy: 5 ★★★★★
Focus: 5 ★★★★★
Pump: 2.5 ★★✬☆☆
Mood Elevation: 5 ★★★★★

The spice melange of pre workouts

January 12, 2025

This review is based off the exp:7/26 as it is the only batch of excelsior I have tried. This is a very versatile and very unique pre workout. In most cases when I review a product, I like to list the most noticeable ingredients or ingredients effects. In this case I don’t believe the label whatsoever. I believe the label is a work of fiction and I don’t even believe it has citrulline like the label says it does. With that being said, it is one of my favorites out there, definitely a top 3! When I take this one I almost always take it on a day where I can plan two separate workouts, or at the least I take it on a day where I can get a killer workout but expect a heavy workload.

Within the first time I tried this, I didn’t think too much of it. I was disappointed at first and couldn’t tell what all the fuss was about. That was until it fully kicked in! Once it kicked in I didn’t want to stop! The euphoria, the feeling of wellbeing made this in fact very unique! I knew this was unique because I had a solid workout for an hour and a half, and then when I got home I cleaned my house, and even after that felt like I should go back to the gym for another round. On a separate occasion, I did just that. Another key factor is versatility. Going by feeling alone, I don’t feel much for pumps so I’ve tried this both with and without a pump formula. I’ve used this for high intensity cardio workouts and in those cases will use it without a pump formula. On most cases when I am training in the gym, I pair it with a half scoop of bloodsport or a scoop of Maniaco pump for a well rounded, hard hitting workout.

Appetite suppression is for real with this. Although I take my pre workouts around 4:30am and am in the full swing of exercise by 5am, I’m usually ready for my protein shake by 8am. In the case of excelsior, I need to remind myself to take the protein shake. Aside from that, I can’t think of much else for side effects. Even the crash is manageable for me, perhaps since I take it so early in the morning by the time it wears off is about 12 hours later in most cases when I am just about finishing up my day. On that note, it would be foolish to take it in the afternoon and I never have even risked such a thing.

Even the flavor is amazing! It tastes like Hawaiian Punch without any bitterness or aftertaste. There is some slight issue with cotton mouth but I always try my best to stay hydrated in the gym anyways. My biggest complaint is probably what you would hear from anyone else that has a tub of excelsior. It’s really expensive and really hard to get. There is also a very tempting element to re-dose which tells me that the unique, unnamed ingredient on the label is a bit more illicit than what we may know.

retailerPredatorNutrition
Side EffectsCottonmouth, very pricey, a desire to re-dose
Workout TypeStrength
expirydate07/2026
Batch NumberIN095171
Avatar for Meaty Morsels
Meaty Morsels
assigned_usersReview of Meaty Morsels

Excelsior really is unbelievable

January 7, 2025

I’m not sure of previous batches. However, I decided to purchase 3 of them from the 06/26 batch. I kind of just sat on them as I have quite a large stock of crack purple, crack gold amongst some other heavy hitters. I was taking a scoop here and there and felt really good effects but nothing very overwhelming. I thought it was pretty good but didn’t regard it as anything otherworldly.

A few days ago I saw some people saying take 1.5 scoops and wow! Wow!!! I was blown away.

Got to the gym and I worked out for almost 3 hours straight. I started with stair climber and banged out 30 minutes easily. Then hit incline dumbbells, 4 sets of 10 at 80 lbs, straight into reverse deficit lunges.

I am usually pretty social at the gym but I barely spoke to anyone at that day. Just straight grinding. I didn’t have any anxiety at all just drive and focus like I have not felt in a long time.

1.5 scoops from now on!!!!

retailerPredatorNutrition
Side EffectsFelt like a god
Workout TypeBodybuilding
expirydate06/2026
Batch NumberIN094317
Avatar for JBench91
JBench91

Get Paid To Review

FitFrek thrives on real experiences shared by our community of fitness enthusiasts.

Join the Program:

  • Share your honest reviews and help others make informed decisions.
  • Earn rewards like gift cards for your contributions.

Learn more about how to get paid for reviews.
Not a member? Register now.
Already a member? Log in to leave your review.

Leave a Review

Nader Qudimat

Forged by iron and cold steel, I'm Nader, a mid-30s natural bodybuilder. Once a 100lb skinny guy, I've transformed into a 200lb muscular athlete with over 15 years of lifting experience.
Click here to check out my 12 year transformation: Natural 12 Year Transformation

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