If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of pre-workout powder supplements. After post-workout proteins, it’s my favourite way to get a sustained energy boost, and it can make a big difference for people who want to lose weight.
For a long time, I would recommend vegetarian pre workout products, but in the past year, I have found that the vegan supplements available contain more natural ingredients that can significantly boost the effects.
So, I set out with a few colleagues and my dietitian to research the ingredients and experience of other users. This narrowed our list down to about 15 choices, and we set out to do some of our own testing.
Ultimately, we were able to further narrow it down to 7 recommendations, and you can read our review of them below.
PRODUCT | HIGHLIGHTS & BENEFITS |
|---|---|
Best Overall OUR #1 RATED  Powher | |
OUR #2 RATED  Performance Lab Sport Pre-Workout | |
OUR #3 RATED  Transparent Labs | |
OUR #4 RATED  4 Gauge | |
OUR #5 RATED  Nitro Surge |
1. Powher (Best Pre-Workout for Women)
This pre-workout powder was created by Ultimate Life with the specific intention to cater for female athletes. This means you’ll no longer need to figure out how much of the supplements you need to give you the boost without overstimulating.
The blend of ingredients was chosen based on scientific research to provide benefits that feel more natural without extreme spikes and lows.
My own experience has been very positive, and a lot of my clients now depend on this pre-workout to achieve a lot more out of every training session.
Watch Rachel Vrabel's review about Powher below.
Pros
CONS
It’s easy to drink and tastes quite nice, but you only have one flavor option. After a while, that can get a little bit boring.
2. Performance Lab Sport Pre-Workout
My dietitian picked this one out for me to try and pointed me specifically to the beta alanine, which is on the ingredients list. She recommended it because it could create a modest increase in strength and endurance (1).
It’s certified as a plant based pre workout that is also free of common allergens and doesn’t contain any fillers or artificial crap.
I have yet to find someone who had any negative effects, and my own experience was a good energy increase.
Pros
CONS
Unlike many other vegan supplements, this isn’t in powder form. The capsules are easy to swallow, but you’ll have to get 4 of them down before your training session.
3. Transparent Labs Preseries Bulk Powder
The next vegan pre workout powder we decided to put on this list comes from Transparent Labs. Now, I have to say this wasn’t specifically formulated for women, but the dose is suitable.
Transparent Labs claims that citrulline malate is “twice as effective as l-arginine supplementation at raising nitric oxide,” which I was surprised to find was actually scientifically proven (2).
Pros
CONS
The flavors are tasty, and it doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, but overall, you have to be aware that there is a heavy focus on bulking.
4. 4 Gauge
I will start by saying that this product is specifically designed for bodybuilding. So, if you just want to get a little bit toned and lose some belly fat, then there are better options above.
But, I work with plenty of women who like to build up a bit of muscle for appearance or to increase physical body strength for the sports they compete in.
One of the big claims that Roar Ambition Ltd. makes is that “4 Gauge promotes long-lasting energy and focus without the crash.” One study, in particular, looked at the combination of caffeine and L-theanine with some supporting evidence that this is true (3).
Pros
CONS
I personally find the fruit blast flavor quite nice, but when I consider bulk ordering to save money, I just wish I could have some more flavors to choose from.
5. Nitro Surge
One of the best ways to get more energy and nutrients to your muscles is to use supplements that have ingredients to boost nitric oxide (NO) levels.
What they do is increase blood flow so that you feel that extra endurance and strength.
As the name suggests, this powder was designed to promote NO levels, and based on several hundred reviews that I read, this is something that many athletes have seen some good results for.
Pros
CONS
I like the fact that you have a load of flavors to choose from, so you don’t get bored with the same tastes. But I did find that it’s not the easiest to mix, so I usually pre-shake it at home before I go to the gym.
6. RARI Nutrition Infinity Pre-Workout
This is a good choice to make if you’re looking for a natural energy boost without the bulking ingredients like creatine. So many supplements these days include creatine, but for most women, it’s really not what they’re looking for.
Despite that, I still found that I got a good increase in energy for my gym work, as well as helping me feel mentally sharp.
I’ve even mixed it with a smoothie drink if I knew I had a busy day of work on the computer.
Pros
CONS
The only thing I would say is that you need to be careful about the stimulants. Just one scoop has as much caffeine as two cups of coffee; definitely not a great idea late in the day if you want to sleep.
7. Organic Muscle Pre Workout
I know a lot of women who have not only switched to veganism but also only allow organic products into their body. And I completely get the advantages, especially if you’ve had some health issues.
One of the best organic pre workout supplements for vegans is this Organic Muscle option. Every one of the ingredients is also natural without any synthetic fillers or chemical flavorings.
I’ve seen a lot of very positive reviews about the energy it provides, but I also like that it contains some metabolism boosters like green tea extract. This can help to reduce fat reserves a bit.
Pros
CONS
The only downside I need to highlight is that while it contains a lot of vegan-friendly ingredients, the company hides behind some proprietary blend, so you don’t get the exact amounts.
What Does A Pre-Workout Supplement Do?
If you haven’t experienced the effects of good pre-workout supplements, then you’re in for a treat. The best way you can describe it is that the ingredients will trigger processes that work as an energizer.
As a result, you’ll either be able to do more reps or increase the weight you use in each set. And that means you can get more results from spending the exact same amount of time at the gym.
I’ve also found that some of the best vegan pre-workout supplements available will improve your focus, so you feel less distracted.
What are the Benefits Of Vegan Pre-Workout?
If you want to get to your physical appearance goals faster, then generally that means spending more time training. But before you start planning extra workouts, why not maximize the effort you’re already investing.
Get Through Reps With Ease
The main goal of using a pre-workout is to give you more energy for physical activities. What you will notice is that you can do 1 or 2 extra reps in every set without it causing more strain. What you can do then is to increase the weight used for even better results.
Reduce Time Between Sets
You can also find that these supplements will improve your endurance enough to postpone the time until you hit “the wall.” When that ultimate burn eventually happens, and you take a quick rest, you can also find that you won’t need as much time to catch your breath before you jump into the next set.
Stay Motivated
Not all of the best vegan pre-workout powder recommendations above contain caffeine, but if you can tolerate this simple chemical, then take advantage of it. By helping you stay focused on each set, along with experiencing better reps, it can have a significant motivational impact.
What Are The Common Ingredients of Vegan Pre Workout?
All of the product recommendations I’ve listed above are based on vegan and natural ingredients. While there are countless combinations, I do want to highlight some of the more important ingredients to look out for.
Caffeine
This simple stimulant that you might rely on first thing in the morning to kickstart your brain can also act as a thermogenic. When taken in reasonable amounts, it can raise your body temperature slightly, triggering some fat burning to release stored energy.
A pre-workout formula can be pure caffeine. However, most contain a combination of nutrients, such as creatine monohydrate, amino acids, B vitamins, and electrolytes. These are all usual suspects found in sports nutrition, but it’s helpful (and convenient!) to have them all in one supplement.
Liz Lotts
Blogger
Beta-Alanine
Some studies have shown a positive relationship between beta-alanine and a reduction in premature fatigue (4). It can reduce the build-up of lactic acid, which means you won’t feel the burn as soon as you normally would.
L-Arginine
There is some controversy about the effectiveness of this compound, but some studies have linked it to increased nitric oxide production (5). Because there are no known negative impacts from it, I tend to think that it could be one of the positive ingredients.
OK, I bet you’re wondering if all those fancy nutrient names have any side effects.
Does Vegan Pre Workout Have Side Effects?
The good news is that all the natural ingredients in the above vegan supplements are deemed to be safe. You don’t have to go for an organic product to not have to worry about any sudden impacts.
That being said, some people have reported stomach upset when taking very large doses, which is never something you should be doing.
The only side effects to look out for is jitters and energy crashes from large amounts of caffeine. If you’re a coffee drinker and take one of the non-stimulant free supplements above, then it’s best to try and limit those trips to Starbucks.
When Is The Best Time To Take Vegan Preworkout?
There is no exact science behind this question, as every person’s metabolism is slightly different. The general guide is to take a pre-workout about 20 to 30 minutes before you start your warm-up routine.
Depending on your travel time to the gym, this might actually be at home, but I would suggest experimenting with the timing when you’re first starting out. Simply adjust the timing by 5 minutes and see whether you notice the effects from the supplements too early or too late.
I often see people drinking their pre-workout as they're walking into the gym. Most of the active ingredients in your pre-workout drink take 30-60 minutes to reach peak levels in your blood. If you wait until you reach the gym to take it, you'll be well into your second or third exercise before the full effects kick in.
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Krissy Kendall
Sports Nutritionist
FAQ
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Our #1 Recommendation
Out of all the best pre workout supplement reviews I’ve listed above, I keep going back to Powher. Compared to all other supplements, the formula suits me the best for both physical and mental energy levels.
So many women that I have recommended it to have ended up making it part of their routine. And because you don’t necessarily need to take it for every single training session, it actually doesn’t work out expensive at all.
Give it a try and let us know on social media how it worked out for you.
Powher
BEST FAT BURNER FOR WOMEN
