9 of the best pre-workout drinks 2022 – as rated by you!
You’re just about to hit the gym or slay your next circuits class: do you grab a drink beforehand or do you put one in your bag for session?
Keep reading, because in this article we’ll give you the lowdown on these drinks, including the top product picks that have been highly-rated by our customers.
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What are pre-workout drinks?
Pre-workout products are available in all sorts of different forms, ranging from meals and shakes to tablets and more.
Most pre-workout supplements are usually stirred into drinks, which you then have around 30 minutes before exercising.
What makes a good pre-workout drink?
You may not be surprised to hear there are lots of different pre-workout drinks out there for you to choose from. So, how do you pick the right one? First and foremost, it’s important you pay close attention to the ingredients list because you ideally don’t want to exceed your recommended daily allowance for any nutrients or ingredients.
But, of course, taste and effectiveness are just as important.
Check out the reviews below: our customers have decided on their 10 best pre-workout drinks!
What makes a good pre-workout drink?
1. Grenade Carb Killa Shake Fudge
Thick, creamy, and seriously indulgent, the Grenade Fudge Brownie Carb Killa shake is a treat of a high-protein drink.
Drink between meals for additional protein with a great fudge brownie flavour - without unwanted calories or carbs! Shake well and enjoy as a part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Best served chilled.
Key benefits:
- Contains 24g of protein and only 8.6g of carbs
- Enjoy any time of the day
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Halal and kosher
1. Grenade Carb Killa Shake Fudge
Customer reviews:
The best one – RADM – 5/5 stars
“Fudge brownie is definitely the best flavour and nice to have as a sweet treat in the afternoon instead of sugary snacks.”
Amazing – Alisha – 5/5 stars
“It’s the best-tasting protein shake out there. It tastes extraordinary, like a treat, rather than a protein shake.”
2. UFIT High 50g Protein Shake Strawberry
UFIT 50g is packed with 50g of protein goodness and added fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Fat-free and with no added sugar, UFIT 50g has been specifically formulated to support the demands of a busy lifestyle.
Key benefits:
- Packed with 50g protein, vitamins, and minerals
- Fat-free and no added sugar
- Made with natural colours and flavours
- 100% recyclable bottle
- Suitable for vegetarians
2. UFIT High 50g Protein Shake Strawberry
3. Grenade Carb Killa Shake Strawberries and Cream
Full of flavour and packed with protein, the Carb Killa® shake is the perfect way to up your protein intake without the unwanted calories and carbs!
Deliciously smooth and creamy, this shake delivers the ultimate indulgence with all the benefits of protein. Shake well and enjoy as a part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Best served chilled.
Key benefits:
- Low in sugar
- Contains less than 200 calories per bottle
- Enjoy any time of the day
3. Grenade Carb Killa Shake Strawberries and Cream
Customer reviews:
Lush! – Sammyj484 – 5/5 stars
“These are an absolute delight! Amazing if you don’t have much time or have forgotten to prep. I like them post-workout as they are quick and taste amazing! Definitely my favourite flavour!”
Yummy – S0ph – 4/5 stars
“Tastes nice and is filling. I have it as a snack whilst at work when I was unable to eat, but can have drinks.”
4. Nutramino Protein XL Shake Chocolate
Nutramino Protein XL Shake is designed to meet the needs of high-intensity performers.
It provides a whopping 50g of protein and 50g of carbohydrates per serving. Shake well and enjoy cold.
Key benefits:
- Provides 50g of high-quality milk protein to support muscle growth after training
- Contains 50g of carbohydrates
- Suitable for vegetarians
4. Nutramino Protein XL Shake Chocolate
Customer reviews:
Fantastic! – Luay – 5/5 stars
“It’s just like chocolate milkshake, offering 420kcal and 50g protein. It’s great after a workout!”
Amazing taste! – RiverAngel – 5/5 stars
“I really like this. I love the taste and like that it’s very high in protein. It makes me feel great after my work out - the chocolate and mint flavour is amazing!”
5. Applied Nutrition Pump Pre Work Out Icy Blue Raz
Don’t fancy a new bottle every time you work out? A pre-workout powder might be the way to go. Just dilute 15g in water and stir for an instant energy drink that delivers muscle-friendly B vitamins and 250mg of caffeine.
Key benefits:
- Creatine monohydrate increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise
- Caffeine contributes to an increase in endurance capacity
- Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
5. Applied Nutrition Pump Pre Work Out Icy Blue Raz
Customer reviews:
Great pre! - Phil321321 – 5/5 stars
“This tastes great and really helped me focus on my workout. Its not the strongest pre I’ve ever had or the best pump but I don’t get any cramps and it doesn’t keep me awake for hours after a late gym session. I would definitely recommend this, it’s my new favourite pre.”
Pleasing – Runcorn Red – 5/5 stars
“Really enjoyed this pre-workout, the taste was pleasing and the boost I received from it lasted for the whole workout”
6. Barebells Protein Milkshake Chocolate
Barebells’ delicious shake is high in protein and silky smooth, sweet and creamy. What’s more, it’s lactose-free, meaning you can enjoy a milkshake without the unwanted effects. Shake well before use. Best served chilled.
Key benefits:
- 24g protein in every bottle
- No added sugar
- Less than 20 calories per bottle
- Lactose-free (contains milk)
- GMO free
6. Barebells Protein Milkshake Chocolate
Customer reviews:
Tastes delicious! – Isobel – 5/5 stars
“Very yummy and good amount of calories for the macros. I would definitely buy again!”
So good! – Omar – 5/5 stars
“Very nice taste, not too much sugar. Does the trick.”
7. James White Drinks Turmeric Zinger Shot
Go small but mighty with this golden turmeric pre-workout shot. The Zinger uses freshly pressed turmeric juice, rather than powder or extract, Pep up a morning workout thanks to added lemon, pepper, and chilli.
Key benefits:
- Uses fresh turmeric juice to help support healthy joints
- No preservatives or artificial colours
- 47 calories per shot
7. James White Drinks Turmeric Zinger Shot
Customer reviews:
Boost of energy – Choli – 5/5 stars
“Vary tasty and energetic drink for a boost of ginger and turmeric”
Delighted to have found these guys – 9711elise – 5/5 stars
“Will be buying weekly easy to drink tastes great. Takes the hassle out of juicing turmeric root”
8. TORQ Energy Gel + Guarana Caramel Latte
Missing your favourite drink while you’re at the gym? Double good news: you can still enjoy coffee before you exercise - or you can enjoy this caramel latte-flavoured energy shot. It’s a fast-acting gel with 89mg of natural caffeine per sachet, so you can skip the coffee shop queue if you’re running late for your workout.
Key benefits:
- Fast-Delivery 2:1 Maltodextrin:Fructose formulation
- Contains 5 key electrolytes
- Enhanced with natural Guarana, delivering 89mg caffeine per tube
8. TORQ Energy Gel + Guarana Caramel Latte
Customer reviews:
Great taste – JENS – 5/5 stars
“Love this coffee flavoured gel, a great energy kick when you need it, especially approaching a steep mile long hill!”
Excellent product – Counter culture – 5/5 stars
“Excellent product and a quick delivery Good price too”
9. Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout Orange (18+)
Whether you’re just starting out or striving to reach that next level, Cellucor C4 Original will help you unlock your full potential. Sugar-free, calorie-free, and carb-free, it won’t affect your mealtime goals for the rest of the day.
With 150mg of caffeine and plenty of vitamin C and vitamin B6 per serving, you’ll feel fresher and more energised in time for your workout.
Key benefits:
- 150mg of caffeine per serving
- Includes clinically studied ingredients such as CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine (1600mg per serving) & Creatine Monohydrate (1500mg per serving) Zero grams of sugar, calories, or carbohydrates per serving
9. Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout Orange (18+)
Can you have a pre-workout on an empty stomach?
You might have heard that you can only have pre-workout drinks if you’ve recently eaten. But some people like to start their day with a gym session before heading home for breakfast. Luckily, most pre-workout drinks are formulated to be safe for an empty stomach.
However, you should avoid taking pre-workout on an empty stomach if you experience gastrointestinal stress or you’re particularly sensitive to stimulants like caffeine.
If you get jittery when you drink caffeine, but you still prefer a pre-breakfast workout, opt for caffeine-free and natural pre-workouts instead.
The final say
Pre-workout drinks give you that added support when you need it.
What’s more, you don’t have to drink them pre-workout either; most of them can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
With so many different options to choose from, we hope the highly rated shortlist above helps you make your decision!
Now you’re a little clearer on pre-workout drinks, what about post-workout? What’s the best thing to put into your body post-sesh? Take a look at this article, ‘Post-workout and muscle recovery foods.’