GAIN MUSCLE

6 Best Pre-Workouts Without Artificial Sweeteners [Tested 2023]

by Nader Qudimat
Updated January 5, 2023

If you've been taking supplements for some time, then you'll realize how unhealthy the artificial stuff can be. 

Even if you're new to supplements, you'll find way too many supplements with overly sweet sweeteners that can't be good for general health. 

Here, we've collected the best naturally flavored pre-workouts without artificial sweeteners. 

That means you won't find:

  • Saccharin (Sweet'N Low®, SugarTwin®)
  • Acesulfame K (Sunett®, Sweet One®)
  • Sucralose (Splenda®)
  • Aspartame (NutraSweet®, Equal®)

Instead, you'll find the naturally sweetened pre-workouts here without fake sugar. 

If you want something for fat burning, then we recommend Lean by Transparent Labs but if you want something without caffeine, then check out Stim-Free

There are lots of options though and you can find them below...

SAFE PICK
Altius Pre-Workout | Jacked Factory

Jacked Factory is a company you can rely on for safe pre-workouts as well as effective formulas without putting your health at risk.

Highlights:
  • Simple but effective formula
  • Made with only one stimulant
  • Moderately high dose of caffeine (325mg)
Ingredients: 8g Citrulline Malate, 3.2g Beta Alanine, 3g Creatine Monohydrate, 2.5g BetaPower, 300mg AlphaSize, 30mg AstraGin
Stimulants: 325mg Caffeine Anhydrous
Discount code: FITFREK
CHECK IT OUT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Fat Burning Pre Workout
PreSeries LEAN Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs

Lean is designed to support weight loss from multiple angles, including improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Ingredients: 6g Citrulline Malate, 2.5g BCAA, 2g Beta Alanine, 1.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 630mg Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl, 500mg Choline Bitartrate, 360mg Theanine, 5mg BioPerine
Stimulants: 180mg Caffeine Anhydrous, 50mg Theobromine, 40mg Infinergy Caffeine
Highlights:
  • Increases thermogenesis
  • Improves glucose metabolism
  • Increases fat metabolism for energy
Discount code: FITFREK
CHECK IT OUT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
FULLY DOSED
Pre-Kaged Elite by Kaged

Going above and beyond, Pre Kaged Elite has one of the biggest servings we've seen in pre workouts.

With over 30g of premium ingredients, this is easily the best pre workout with caffeine.

Highlights:
  • Incredible for endurance and strength
  • Long lasting pumps and fullness
  • Just enough stimulants
Ingredients: 10g Citrulline, 3.2g Beta Alanine, 3g Creatine Monohydrate, 2g Creatine Nitrate, 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 1.5g Carnipure, 2g Taurine, 500mg Coconut Water, 150mg elevATP, 300mg Alpha GPC, 10mg Huperzine
Stimulants: 388mg Caffeine, 100mg AmaTea
CHECK IT OUT ALTERNATIVE STORE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
NO CAFFEINE
PreSeries STIM-FREE Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs

Stim-free is naturally sweetened with Stevia while still using highly effective ingredients to boost mental and physical performance in the gym.

Highlights:
  • Improves ATP production
  • Enhances focus without stimulants
  • Properly dosed formula
Ingredients: 6g Citrulline Malate, 4g Beta-Alanine, 4g BCAA, 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 1.3g Taurine, 1g Tyrosine, 500mg Choline Bitratrate, 150mg elevATP, 5mg BioPerine, 50mcg Huperzine A
CHECK IT OUT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
GREAT PICK
Pre Kaged by Kaged

Kaged is a simple but effective formula with much-needed ingredients to improve performance and recovery for workouts.

Highlights:
  • High dose of pure citrulline
  • Trusted company with a solid reputation
  • Improves focus and hydration
Ingredients: 6.5g Citrulline, 3.75g Leucine, 875mg Isoleucine, 875mg Valine, 2.5g BetaPower, 1.6g Beta-Alanine, 1.5g Creatine HCL, 500mg Coconut Water Powder, 100mg Spectra ORAC Blend, 2g Taurine, 1g N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, 850mg Tyrosine
Stimulants: 274mg PurCaf Organic Caffeine
CHECK IT OUT ALTERNATIVE STORE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
NATURALLY FLAVORED
PreSeries Bulk Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs

Containing over 22g per serving, Bulk contains full doses of ergogenic aids and a range of nootropics as well as stimulants to help enhance energy.

Highlights:
  • Smooth energy and focus
  • No crash
  • Reliable and time-tested
Ingredients: 6g Citrulline Malate, 4g Beta Alanine, 4g BCAA, 2.5g BetaPure, 1.3g Taurine, 1g Tyrosine, 300mg Alpha GPC, 360mg L-Theanine, 25mg Astragin
Stimulants: 180mg Caffeine Anhydrous, 50mg Theobromine, 30mg Infinergy Caffeine
Discount code: FITFREK
CHECK IT OUT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

These pre-workouts below are carefully reviewed and selected for having the following:

  • Must not contain artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, saccharine)
  • Completely safe and doesn't contain ingredients banned by the WADA or FDA. 
  • Ingredients are fully disclosed 

Below are the best naturally sweetened pre-workouts:

  1. Lean (Fat burning pre-workout)
  2. Pre Kaged (Well rounded pre-workout)
  3. Stim-Free (Caffeine free natural pre-workout)
  4. Kaged Elite (For serious athletes)
  5. Bulk (Muscle building pre-workout)
  6. Altius Pre (Affordable pre-workout)

Best 6 Pre-Workouts Without Artifical Sweeteners

FAT BURNING POWDER

Thermogenic Pre-Workout Hybrid  

Fat Burning Pre Workout
PreSeries LEAN Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs

Lean is designed to support weight loss from multiple angles, including improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Ingredients: 6g Citrulline Malate, 2.5g BCAA, 2g Beta Alanine, 1.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 630mg Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl, 500mg Choline Bitartrate, 360mg Theanine, 5mg BioPerine
Stimulants: 180mg Caffeine Anhydrous, 50mg Theobromine, 40mg Infinergy Caffeine
Highlights:
  • Increases thermogenesis
  • Improves glucose metabolism
  • Increases fat metabolism for energy
Discount code: FITFREK
CHECK IT OUT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Many of us have trouble maintaining cravings and keeping them at bay.

Lean has got you covered. 

It contains minerals and vitamins that won't only help with insulin production but also with glucose and fat metabolism. 

This means you'll be less likely to crash your diet.

It also has lots of ergogenic aids consisting of citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and caffeine. 

For converting fat into energy, it has acetyl-l-carnitine, which will increase fat metabolism. 

It's similar to Bulk but has more ingredients for weight loss support. 

If you're sensitive to caffeine then Lean may be the best choice as it also has theanine, an ingredient that works in synergy with caffeine as it can smooth out the energizing effects of pre-workouts.

Lean is a naturally flavored thermogenic pre-workout hybrid that will enhance endurance and strength while also encouraging fat metabolism.

CHECK IT OUT
AFFORDABLE

Altius by Jacked Factory 

SAFE PICK
Altius Pre-Workout | Jacked Factory

Jacked Factory is a company you can rely on for safe pre-workouts as well as effective formulas without putting your health at risk.

Highlights:
  • Simple but effective formula
  • Made with only one stimulant
  • Moderately high dose of caffeine (325mg)
Ingredients: 8g Citrulline Malate, 3.2g Beta Alanine, 3g Creatine Monohydrate, 2.5g BetaPower, 300mg AlphaSize, 30mg AstraGin
Stimulants: 325mg Caffeine Anhydrous
Discount code: FITFREK
CHECK IT OUT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Altius looks like something of a simple formula, but it still uses effective doses of nootropics, muscle builders, and stimulants. 

It doesn't contain any sucralose or artificial sweeteners as it uses stevia extract to be naturally sweet. 

Citrulline will also help with pumps and help you appear bigger and fuller. 

With a big 8g dose of citrulline malate, it has a bigger dose than most pre-workouts containing this one ingredient. 

It also has betaine and creatine, which will both increase ATP production. 

Alpha GPC will also provide long-lasting focus as it can increase acetylcholine production. 

CHECK IT OUT
SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE

Pre Kaged by Kaged

GREAT PICK
Pre Kaged by Kaged

Kaged is a simple but effective formula with much-needed ingredients to improve performance and recovery for workouts.

Highlights:
  • High dose of pure citrulline
  • Trusted company with a solid reputation
  • Improves focus and hydration
Ingredients: 6.5g Citrulline, 3.75g Leucine, 875mg Isoleucine, 875mg Valine, 2.5g BetaPower, 1.6g Beta-Alanine, 1.5g Creatine HCL, 500mg Coconut Water Powder, 100mg Spectra ORAC Blend, 2g Taurine, 1g N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, 850mg Tyrosine
Stimulants: 274mg PurCaf Organic Caffeine
CHECK IT OUT ALTERNATIVE STORE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Pre-Kaged is a smaller version of Kaged Elite. 

If you want something cheaper than Elite but still effective, then Pre-Kaged is a great choice. 

Pre-Kaged has a big dose of pure citrulline at 6.5g, along with 2.5g betaine to support strength training. 

The dose here for beta-alanine is sort of low, but it can be an upside if you don't like the tingles as the dose here is half the clinical daily dose.

It also has BCAA's which will prevent muscle breakdown (catabolism) that can occur from hard training. 

Pre-Kaged also supports hydration along with focus as it uses multiple ingredients to support this.

CHECK IT OUT
MUSCLE BUILDING PRE-WORKOUT

Bulk by Transparent Labs

NATURALLY FLAVORED
PreSeries Bulk Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs

Containing over 22g per serving, Bulk contains full doses of ergogenic aids and a range of nootropics as well as stimulants to help enhance energy.

Highlights:
  • Smooth energy and focus
  • No crash
  • Reliable and time-tested
Ingredients: 6g Citrulline Malate, 4g Beta Alanine, 4g BCAA, 2.5g BetaPure, 1.3g Taurine, 1g Tyrosine, 300mg Alpha GPC, 360mg L-Theanine, 25mg Astragin
Stimulants: 180mg Caffeine Anhydrous, 50mg Theobromine, 30mg Infinergy Caffeine
Discount code: FITFREK
CHECK IT OUT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Bulk is a muscle-building pre-workout by Transparent Labs.

It doesn't use any artificial sweeteners or coloring so you can use it without worrying about your health. 

It's also packed with useful ingredients to help you push at your best effort without overdoing it with caffeine.

With different forms of caffeine, it also has nootropics to help you stay focused for long periods of time.

CHECK IT OUT
SERIOUS ATHLETES CHOICE

Kaged Elite by Kaged

FULLY DOSED
Pre-Kaged Elite by Kaged

Going above and beyond, Pre Kaged Elite has one of the biggest servings we've seen in pre workouts.

With over 30g of premium ingredients, this is easily the best pre workout with caffeine.

Highlights:
  • Incredible for endurance and strength
  • Long lasting pumps and fullness
  • Just enough stimulants
Ingredients: 10g Citrulline, 3.2g Beta Alanine, 3g Creatine Monohydrate, 2g Creatine Nitrate, 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 1.5g Carnipure, 2g Taurine, 500mg Coconut Water, 150mg elevATP, 300mg Alpha GPC, 10mg Huperzine
Stimulants: 388mg Caffeine, 100mg AmaTea
CHECK IT OUT ALTERNATIVE STORE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Kaged Elite is made for lifters who want to break their PR's and perform at their very best. 

It's truly a pre-workout made for the 5%'ers.

Not only is it naturally flavored but it also has 10g citrulline, as well as 19 other premium ingredients along with patented extracts. 

So yes it does come with premium pricing, but it's your pick if you want something strong for performing at your best while pushing beyond 100%.

CHECK IT OUT
CAFFEINE-FREE

Stim-Free by Transparent Labs

NO CAFFEINE
PreSeries STIM-FREE Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs

Stim-free is naturally sweetened with Stevia while still using highly effective ingredients to boost mental and physical performance in the gym.

Highlights:
  • Improves ATP production
  • Enhances focus without stimulants
  • Properly dosed formula
Ingredients: 6g Citrulline Malate, 4g Beta-Alanine, 4g BCAA, 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 1.3g Taurine, 1g Tyrosine, 500mg Choline Bitratrate, 150mg elevATP, 5mg BioPerine, 50mcg Huperzine A
CHECK IT OUT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

If you want to exercise late in the evening and still take a pre-workout while being able to sleep at night, then Stim-Free is your choice. 

This pre-workout has stevia but it still promises not to have any artificial sweeteners at all. 

It also uses a natural source for coloring (beetroot) and so overall this is a healthier pick than the sugar-packed pre-workouts you would typically see on the market. 

If you're trying to train without caffeine, then Stim-Free is a great choice because it not only has creatine but it also has other ergogenic aids that support strength and hypertrophy training. 

CHECK IT OUT

Go Naturally Flavored with Pre-Workouts

The best pre-workouts for strength and endurance don't need to have artificial sweeteners.

You can still have a great workout by using some of the best available options. 

If you want something with low caffeine, then check out Bulk or Lean by Transparent Labs.

For something very strong, Kaged Elite is a great choice. 

But if you want something with a moderate amount of caffeine then Altius by Jacked Factory is a good pick. 

These pre-workouts are naturally flavored and don't have artificial sweeteners so you can feel better about what you're putting into your health in the long-run. 

Types of Artifical Sweeteners

There are a few common types of artificial sweeteners that are commonly used in powder-based supplements.

If you want to make the most of your health in the long run, then it's probably best to avoid these:

  • Saccharin (Sweet'N Low®, SugarTwin®)
  • Acesulfame K (Sunett®, Sweet One®)
  • Sucralose (Splenda®)
  • Aspartame (NutraSweet®, Equal®)

Saccharin:

Saccharin is known to be Sweet'N Low, which is said to be 300-400 times sweeter than sugar and was first made in 1879 and it was produced on a massive scale during the shortage of sugar in world war 1. 

They are commonly used because they have a reputation for being the better option for diabetics and teeth health.

Saccharine is made in a lab by oxidizing o-toluene sulfonmide (or phtalic anhydride).

Although this is generally considered to be a safe artificial sweetener, it was linked to bladder cancer in rats in the 1970s. 

Since recent studies are not able to replicate this effect, it's one of the reasons why many are cutting out this artificial sweetener. 

Aspartame:

Aspartame is also known as Sunett, Sweet One, NutraSweet, or Equal.

Being 200 times sweeter than sugar, it was first created in 1965 and was approved by the FDA in 1981.

It's a low-calorie option and is used in diet drinks. 

Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener made of two naturally occurring amino acids, phenylalanine, and aspartic acid. 

Although our bodies turn this sweetener into methanol, it's toxic when in large amounts. 

Methanol goes further and breaks down into formaldehyde, which is a toxic carcinogen but it isn't noticeable as we tend to consume small amounts of aspartame. 

But studies on aspartame prove that it is concerning and it should be avoided. 

Sucralose

First discovered in 1976, Sucralose is another zero-calorie artificial sweetener that is 200-400 times sweetener than sugar. 

It's made by replacing the hydrogen and oxygen bonds in sugar with chlorine.

Today, it's consumed as Splenda, which is a mix of sucralose, glucose, and maltodextrin and it's commonly used in baked goods as well as beverages. 

However, there are many concerns with sucralose as it's linked to many issues concerning health

It also has side effects on gut bacteria which can affect digestion. 

It's a sweetener to stay away from.

Stevia

Stevia is a tricky one as it's a natural sweetener but since it's heavily processed, it can have side effects. 

In its plant and natural form, it's a much better alternative to artificial sweeteners. 

But because it's bonded with sugar alcohols, it can have effects on the digestion system and it can have an impact on health for the long term. 

Stevia still has the lowest risk for side effects so if you do go with a sugar-free pre-workout then stevia is still a solid choice.  

Why Avoid Artifical Sweetners? 

Artificial sweeteners have a wide range of side effects on health in the short and long term.

Not only can it affect appetite but it can also disturb healthy gut bacteria and can potentially increase the risk for diabetes. 

Anything that's as processed as artificial sweeteners surely won't have any benefit other than the sweetness it provides. 

Although artificial sweeteners like sucralose are approved by the FDA, there are still reasons to avoid using this in pre-workouts as the long-term effects are still being studied and it's basically a fake sugar. 

Mental Effects

There are studies that link aspartame to cognitive issues like headaches, moodiness, learning problems, and even seizures. 

It can also inhibit neurotransmitters that make you feel good, like dopamine and serotonin. 

Currently, these effects are not being linked to other artificial sweeteners but it's still a solid reason why to go with a naturally sweetened pre-workout and to avoid the ones using artificial sweeteners

Changes Appetite 

Artificial sweeteners have the same effect as sugar when it comes to affecting our food reward pathway. 

This means it can increase sugar cravings which can lead to weight gain. 

Although this is still being researched, this along with the other possible side effects makes naturally sweetened pre-workouts much more appealing.

Oxidative Stress

Using artificial sweeteners can increase free radicals, leading to elevated oxidative stress. 

While this hasn't been proven for humans, it's a solid reason to avoid artificial sweeteners. 

With more free radicals building up in our bodies, our cells become more likely to be damaged.

This can eventually lead to an increased risk for degenerative and chronic diseases and can increase the body's rate of aging. 

Benefits of Naturally Sweetened Pre-Workouts

Naturally made sweeteners are a much safer option when it comes to supplements. 

There are enough processed sweeteners in drinks to make us more conscious about what we consume even if it's in a health supplement like a pre-workout.

There are plenty of benefits to natural sweeteners such as:

  • Healthier for the brain
  • Won't affect mood or appetite 
  • Won't cause weight gain
  • Comes from natural sources and isn't artificially produced

Some of the pre-workouts in this list are ranked in the video below...

Final Thoughts

The best pre-workouts for strength and endurance don't need to have artificial sweeteners.

You can still have a great workout by using some of the best available options. 

If you want something with low caffeine, then check out Bulk or Lean by Transparent Labs.

For something very strong, Kaged Elite is a great choice. 

But if you want something with a moderate amount of caffeine then Altius by Jacked Factory is a good pick. 

These pre-workouts are naturally flavored and don't have artificial sweeteners so you can feel better about what you're putting into your health in the long-run. 

by Nader Qudimat

Forged by the iron and cold steel, Nader takes his knowledge and hulks it up into this site.

Having to be stuck as a 110lb skinny guy in the early days, he has had no choice but to keep improving himself until he cannot.

Click here to check out his 12 year transformation: Natural 12 Year Transformation

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