Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot Review: Clean, Steady Energy Without Stimulants – but Is It Worth the Price?

One of the many cool parts of working as a coach and writer for FeastGood.com is the chance to try up-and-coming products and supplements like Ketone-IQ+ No Caffeine Shot.

I’m not “keto” myself (I don’t follow a ketogenic diet) and you may not be either, but https://ketone.com promises that “Ketone-IQ fits any lifestyle and nutrition plan, keto or not.”  Advertised as “Backed by Military Research,” and with claims to “help you feel clear, focused, and ready to take on any challenge,” I wanted to see if the marketing was really true. 

I recommend Transparent Labs Stim-Free, which ranked #1 in our stim-free roundup. It costs less, tastes better, and includes proven ingredients for energy, pump, and focus—without any caffeine or jitters.

Key Takeaways

Honest Review Guarantee from FeastGood: Our testing team purchases each product 100% independently and uses the product for several weeks up to several months before writing a review. Learn more about our review process here.

• Ketone-IQ shots have only one active ingredient (a ketone-precursor), and they do not contain traditional pre-workout ingredients like beta-alanine, citrulline or taurine.  They are sugar- and caffeine-free, making them ideal for individuals who are sensitive to these ingredients.

• Ketone-IQ shots are NSF Certified for Sports meaning they are third-party tested for purity and are approved for use in sanctioned sports events.

• Ketone-IQ shots are by far the most expensive pre-workout product we’ve tested, and they don’t provide enough value to justify the cost for our clients.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement or diet.

What is Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot?

Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot is a stimulant-free, ready-to-drink ketone supplement available directly from Ketone.com, or from other online supplement retailers (here in Canada, I got mine from https://sea2skynutrition.ca) . 

Unlike traditional pre-workouts, this product contains zero caffeine, zero sugar, and no standard ergogenic aids like beta-alanine or citrulline. No tingles and no jitters!

Instead, the only active ingredient is R-1,3-butanediol (R-1,3-BDO), a ketone “precursor” that the body converts into D-BHB, the primary ketone body used for fueling the brain and muscles during ketosis (the energy system the body turns to in the absence or extreme restriction of dietary carbohydrates).

The brand markets this shot as “clean, steady energy without caffeine,” promoting benefits like mental clarity, smoother cognition, appetite control, and endurance support. 

The small 2-oz format is designed for convenience: take a shot, raise blood ketones, and—ideally—experience sharper focus without any stimulant side effects.

After comparing my own personal experience to real-world feedback across verified buyer sites, independent blogs, Reddit, and ketone-supplement reviewers, the reaction to Ketone-IQ is mixed. 

Many people genuinely experience smoother focus and mental clarity. Others (like me) feel almost nothing. And almost everyone agrees: the taste is tough. It tasted bitter and medicinal to me, almost like a cold, watered‑down version of NeoCitran.

What Are Ketone Precursors?  

Backing it up, ketone bodies are a source of fuel produced in the liver when carbohydrates are not available.  R-1,3-butanediol (R-1,3-BDO), a ketone “precursor” that is metabolized in the liver to produce a ketone body called D-BHB (D-beta-hydroxybutyrate).

D-BHB is the main ketone your body uses for energy in ketosis. R-1,3-BDO gets converted into D-BHB, helping raise ketone levels without needing to eat a super low-carb diet.

Some people believe this improves mental focus or endurance, though there is currently little research to support whether achieving ketosis is beneficial, especially when it comes to athletic performance.

Claims vs. Reality: How I Felt After Taking Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot 

In one word: underwhelmed.  

After gagging down the shot (it really is as bad as people say; more on the taste later), I can’t say that I really felt much better (or worse) in my training than I normally do.  

Maybe it’s because I’m used to pre-workouts that give me a boost in energy, pump, and endurance (I even like the tingling from beta-alanine), not ones focused on “mental clarity,” so the shot didn’t really do much for me.

It seemed as if any effect would be a placebo effect – telling myself that I noticed more mental clarity simply because the label promised mental clarity.  Sometimes the placebo effect can be even more pronounced when the product carries a higher price tag – we want to be justified in our investment, so we convince ourselves that the benefits justify the cost.

How Does Ketone-IQ Stack Up Against Our Criteria For Pre-workouts?

We’ve come up with 6 consistent criteria for ranking pre-workout supplements.  Here is how Ketone-IQ scored in each of the categories:

Price

Our rating: 0.5/5

A one-time order of Ketone-IQ (30 servings) is $120 USD, which means $4/serving – up to $12/day if you take three shots per day!  The website also offers a subscription for 10% off, meaning $108 USD for 30 servings ($3.60/serving).

In my case, I also had to pay shipping, driving the price up to nearly $13 CAD/serving.  Even if I LOVED the product (which I didn’t), it wouldn’t be worth $13/day for me (and certainly not $39/day if I opted for three shots).

This is the single biggest downside of Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot.  It is NOT a budget-friendly supplement. Most of our other multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements range from $2-$3/serving.  A much more reasonable stimulant-free alternative is Transparent Labs Stim-Free at $1.67/serving.

For context:

• Premium pre-workouts: $2.00–$2.75/serving
• Stimulant-free pre-workouts: $1.80–$2.50/serving
  Ketone-IQ shot: $6.00–$8.00/serving when ordering from services like iHerb or Amazon

And unlike a stim-free pre-workout, Ketone-IQ does not include creatine, beta-alanine, electrolytes, pump ingredients, or amino acids. You are paying purely for the ketone substrate.

If cost is a priority, this is not the best value supplement.

Taste

Our rating: 1.0/5

Ketone-IQ didn’t make me gag, but it was certainly the worst-tasting pre-workout supplement (or supplement of any kind) that I’ve tried.  I actually think an unflavored option would taste better than the raspberry-lemonade flavor I tried.  

Unfortunately, unflavored isn’t really an option in the ketone supplement world because ketones themselves have a sharp, solvent-like odor and taste (think of acetone, aka nail polish remover).  Any flavoring is there to try to mask this natural flavor.

Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot had a bitter, somewhat medicinal taste to it.  I did try mixing it with water one day (that just meant an even greater volume of unpleasant-tasting liquid to drink), and chasing the shot with water the next, but it didn’t take away the unpleasantness.

The unpleasant taste is a major barrier to repeat purchase and daily use.

Mixability

Our rating: 5.0/5

One thing that Ketone-IQ has going for it is that it’s incredibly convenient as a pre-mixed, ready-to-drink shot that does not need to be refrigerated.  Just pop it open and slug it back.  This also means it’s travel-friendly.

• No shaking
• No settling
• No clumps
• No foaming
• No gritty texture

It didn’t taste any better or worse refrigerated vs. room temperature.  I do recommend drinking it quickly (like a shot) just to get it over with.

This is one of the product’s biggest advantages compared to powder supplements.

Energy

Our rating: 3.0/5

I didn’t feel “clean, steady energy”but I also didn’t experience a crash or slump later (which can sometimes happen with caffeinated supplements).  There is no “kick,” no immediate rush, and no noticeable spike.  

I also didn’t notice sustained energy that made me feel as though I could work out for longer than usual.  

Since I was taking and reviewing the supplement from the point of view of athletic performance and not for focus during other parts of the day (such as sitting at my desk and working/writing), I didn’t share in some other user experiences such as:

• “calm focus”
• “smooth energy”
• “more ‘on’ than usual”
• “mentally present but not stimulated”

Overall, the energy effect seems real for some users, but this is not a strong or universal experience.

Pump

Our rating: 1.0/5

Since Ketone-IQ only contains one active ingredient, it doesn’t have any “vaso-dilators” that bring a noticeable pump. 

If you’re looking for “pump” as part of your pre-workout, look elsewhere.

Strength

Our rating: 1.0/5

While Ketone-IQ didn’t make me feel any weaker than usual, it didn’t make me feel as though I could grind out any extra reps or put any extra weight on the bar, so it didn’t feel useful for strength gains.

Similar to my comments on pump, I’d leave this on the shelf and pick up something else if strength is your priority in your training sessions.

Who Should Take Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot:

Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot is for:

• Caffeine-sensitive individuals: if you can’t tolerate stimulants but want better focus, Ketone-IQ might help

• People who train fasted: the ketone boost won’t break a ketogenic state and may reduce perceived fatigue

• Keto or low-carb dieters: ketone metabolism is already up-regulated in this population, which may enhance the product’s effect

• Endurance athletes: those doing long bike rides, runs or hikes may notice longer-lasting energy with no “bonks”

• Busy professionals: for workdays requiring mental focus without the jitters or crash of coffee

Who Should NOT Take Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot?

Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot is not for:

• People who want a traditional pre-workout experience: you will not get pump, strength, tingles or the intensity of stimulants

• Individuals on a tight budget: the cost per shot is significantly higher than most supplements

• Those needing strong, immediate energy: caffeine-free ketones are subtle – not a performance surge

• People who dislike bitter or solvent-like flavors: (does anyone like those?) – taste is a major issue here

• Individuals expecting proven performance enhancement: the science behind R-1, 3-BDO (the active ingredient in Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot) is not definitive for athletic performance.

Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot Customer Reviews

It’s probably no surprise that the official ketone.com website has the most favorable ratings of the product, putting it at a 4.86 star rating based on 1973 review.  

Positive Feedback:

• Mental clarity is the most consistent praise
• No jitters, no anxiety, no crash
• Good for fasting or long work sessions
• Helpful for long-distance training
• Convenient small bottle, easy to carry

On Amazon.com, Ketone-IQ has a customer rating of 3.9 stars based on 485 ratings (a very small population).

Many Reddit users pointed out how many influencers are paid to push the product, and questioned whether there are any scientific-backed benefits for most users. 

Common Complaints:

• Taste is extremely harsh for most users
• Daily use becomes too expensive
• Minimal or inconsistent athletic improvement
• Some people experience an “energy crash” later
• Effects can be subtle or placebo-like

You can add me to the list of customers who would give it a one-star review and advise that your money would be better spent on balanced nutrition, proper gear for your sport, and a good night’s sleep.

Overall Sentiment:

Mixed to cautiously positive.
People tend to either:

• Love it for the cognitive benefits
  Or
• Feel it isn’t worth the cost or the taste

Where to Buy Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot?

You can order Ketone-IQ directly from the Ketone.com website.  Products are available for a one-time purchase, or you can get a 10% discount with a subscription.

You might get better pricing overall buying from online retailers like Amazon.com, or online supplement carriers like iHerb.com.  

Final Verdict

Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot is a niche, premium supplement designed for a very specific user:

• someone who values mental clarity
• prefers stimulant-free energy
• is willing to pay for convenience and novelty
• doesn’t mind the intense taste

If you fit that profile, the product can be genuinely impactful—especially for fasting, keto, endurance sports, or mentally demanding workdays.

However, if you want:

• big performance improvements
• cost-efficient energy
• enjoyable flavor
• a classic pre-workout experience

…then Ketone-IQ will likely feel underwhelming and overpriced.

For most people, this is an occasional-use supplement—not a daily staple.
But for the right user, Ketone-IQ may be the cleanest, smoothest caffeine-free energy source available.

Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot Alternatives

Other top picks stim-free pre-workout supplements include:

Transparent Labs Stim-Free

Jenn ranked Transparent Labs Stim-Free at the top of our best stimulant free pre-workouts for good reason: the cost is reasonable ($1.66 per serving), it has clinically effective doses for all SEVEN of its active ingredients (citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine, taurine, tyrosine, ElevATP®, and Senactiv®), and it’s third-party tested.

These ingredients are proven to support endurance, stamina, strength, recovery, blood flow/muscle pump, and mental focus.

Gorilla Mode Nitric

Gorilla Mode caught my attention because it delivers my beloved pumps with Vaso-Drive AP® along with citrulline, creatine monohydrate, betaine, glycerol, malic acid, taurine and NO3-T®.

I personally missed the beta-alanine (remember I like the tingles), but this is good news for people who are uncomfortable with and/or sensitive to this ingredient and makes it a nice alternative to the Transparent Lab option (above) that DOES have beta-alanine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ketone-IQ No Caffeine Shot Made?

Ketone-IQ is made in the USA at a cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices)-compliant facility.  

What is Ketone-IQ’s Shipping Policy?

Ketone-IQ ships both domestically and internationally.  Free shipping is available within the USA only on orders >$50.  International shipping, customs and duties costs will depend on the total weight of the order, products ordered, and the destination country.

Orders are packed within 1-2 business days, but can take up to 3-4 weeks for shipping and customs clearance, with variance depending on the destination country.

You can get all the details on Ketone-IQ’s shipping policies here.

What is Ketone-IQ’s Return Policy?

Ketone-IQ has a 60-day satisfaction guarantee (doubling the common 30-day satisfaction guarantee I’ve seen with many other products) for any first-time purchases of products and flavors.

Note that the refund does not apply to repeat purchases or bulk purchases (exceptions may apply if any product arrives damaged).  

Is Ketone-IQ Gluten-free?

Yes, Ketone-IQ is gluten-free, and also vegan and Kosher Pareve (but not Certified Kosher).

Are There Any Side Effects to Ketone-IQ?

Ketone supplements in general have a reputation for causing gastrointestinal distress (nausea, upset stomach and increased bowel movements), headaches and electrolyte imbalances.

Like any supplement, it’s important to discuss with your doctor or other healthcare professional before adding something new to your regimen.

How To Contact Ketone-IQ?

Ketone-IQ invites contact by texting LETSGO to 803-49, or emailing care@ketone.com, with a promise to reply within one business day.

References

Eaton M. MacKay, The Significance of Ketosis, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 3, Issue 2, 1 February 1943, Pages 101–110, https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem-3-2-101

Cantrell CB, Mohiuddin SS. Biochemistry, Ketone Metabolism. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554523/

Pimentel-Suarez LI, Soto-Mota A. Evaluation of the safety and tolerability of exogenous ketosis induced by orally administered free beta-hydroxybutyrate in healthy adult subjects. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. 2023;:e000672. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000672