Best Pre-Workouts With High Caffeine (30+ TESTED)

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Many pre-workouts talk about their high-stim formula as a key selling point. However, only a few deliver on that promise.

I have spent the last two years thoroughly testing more than 30 pre-workouts, and I’ve determined the top 5 products that actually deliver the high-stim energy, focus, and performance boost without the drawbacks of a post-workout crash, an upset stomach, or banned ingredients. 

I don’t recommend these products for first-time pre-workout users, but if you’re an experienced pre-workout user, the products on the list below will definitely enhance your workout experience.

In a Hurry? Here’s My Top Pick! 

Transparent Labs BULK BLACK is my #1 pick for the best pre-workout with high caffeine. It contains 350mg of caffeine combined with clinically dosed ingredients like betaine, citrulline, and theobromine. BULK BLACK provides a sustained energy boost without the crash, making it a standout choice for those seeking a high-quality, effective pre-workout at a reasonable price point.

Why Trust Our Recommendation? 

Our FeastGood.com team is diverse, including Registered Dietitians, coaches with Ph. D.s in Human Nutrition, and internationally ranked athletes. This gives us a breadth of knowledge and experience to assess which products are safe, effective, and worth investing in. Our lead supplement reviewer, Jenn Vibert, has been a supplement store manager for more than a decade and provides key insights into industry trends and the latest research.

Key Criteria

The primary criteria that I used to assess the products for this list were: 

• Caffeine Content: The pre-workouts needed to have a minimum of 300mg of caffeine or more. According to the FDA, the safe upper daily limit of caffeine is 400mg, so I didn’t include any that exceeded this threshold. 

• Avoiding a Post-Workout Crash: One common issue with high-caffeine pre-workouts is the potential for a post-workout crash. I prioritized products that offer sustained energy without a significant drop-off, ensuring that the caffeine boost does not negatively impact the rest of your day.

• Ingredients that Support Caffeine Effectiveness: Some ingredients enhance the effectiveness of caffeine or pair well with it to provide good energy and mental focus. I looked for pre-workouts that include ingredients like L-tyrosine, Alpha-GPC, and theobromine, which work synergistically with caffeine to improve performance and focus.

After considering the primary criteria above, the following secondary criteria were factored into my ratings: 

• Cost per serving: Not everyone has the same supplement budget, so I made sure to choose a variety of products to suit different budgets. My in-house analysis found that the average cost of pre-workout is $1.61 per serving.  However, when we start to include only pre-workouts that have 300mg of caffeine or more, the average is closer to $2.00 per serving.  

• Taste/Mixability: A product is only effective if you can actually drink it. For this reason, I evaluated the products based on their overall taste and how well they mix.

• Effective & clinically-dosed Ingredients: Does the product contain clinical doses for ingredients that promise the advertised benefits?  

• Side effects: High caffeine content can often lead to significant side effects such as jitteriness, anxiety, or gastrointestinal issues. I have considered both user reviews and my own personal experience to eliminate products that commonly cause adverse side effects.  

Note: 

I’m only including products on this list that I’ve personally tested, which over the last two years are over 30 different products. You may have a product that you think should be on this list, but it might just be that I haven’t tried it yet, which is why it’s not on this list. I’m not going to recommend anything I haven’t tried. So if you feel like something is missing, I’m happy to have a discussion in the comments.

1. Best Overall: Transparent Labs BULK BLACK

Overall rating: 

4.9/5

Key Features:

• Price: $$ ($1.83 per serving, $1.65 with subscribe and save)
• Calories: 10
• Caffeine Content: 350mg
• Other Stimulants: 100mg Theobromine
• Total Stimulants: 450mg
• Clinically Dosed Ingredients: Yes
• Artificial Additives: None (No artificial flavors or colors)

Our Thoughts: 

Transparent Labs BULK BLACK is a standout in the pre-workout market for those who need a high-stim boost. Its scientifically backed, clinically dosed ingredients enhance all aspects of performance, including strength, focus, energy, recovery, endurance, and pump. 

I recently tested BULK BLACK over a 30-day training period, and the results were impressive. Despite its high caffeine content, it provided a sustained energy boost without the jitteriness or crash that often accompanies other high-stim pre-workouts.

The blend of 350mg of caffeine and 100mg of theobromine ensures both a quick and long-lasting energy boost. I can’t say enough how much I appreciated BULK BLACK for its steady energy without a post-workout crash.  

No matter what time of day I’m working out, I need to be productive afterward. I can’t sacrifice the rest of my day just to get a good energy boost during my workout. With BULK BLACK, you get a consistent energy blend. 

One of the most notable effects of BULK BLACK was its impact on my strength and endurance. Despite an inconsistent training schedule prior to testing, I found myself lifting heavier weights and adding extra sets without feeling fatigued. 

The inclusion of 8g of citrulline malate and 4g of beta-alanine significantly enhanced muscle pump and delayed fatigue. This allowed me to push harder and longer in each session than I otherwise would have been able to, especially during some of my 2+ hour leg workouts.   

BULK BLACK also improved my mental focus during workouts. Ingredients like L-tyrosine and alpha-GPC are known for their cognitive benefits, and I found myself more focused and less distracted, which helped maintain intensity throughout my training.

While the Cherry Kiwi flavor I tried was quite sour, it mixed easily with water and had a smooth texture with minimal residue. If you’re sensitive to sour flavors, diluting it with extra water can help, although I prefer to minimize water intake during workouts.  

It’s important to note that Transparent Labs offers two Bulk formulas: Bulk and Bulk Black.  

Bulk Black is essentially the same formula as the original Bulk but with more caffeine. I have a dedicated video discussing the differences in detail. While you can definitely just choose to use Bulk Black if you want a high-stim product, I personally like to have both versions available in my supplement cupboard.  

I use the original Bulk version for my normal training cycles, or when I’m trying to be mindful of my overall caffeine intake throughout the day.  I try not to exceed 400mg of caffeine daily coming from all sources (coffee, energy drinks, pre-workout, etc.). 

However, I use Bulk Black when my training cycles are tougher, or my sessions are longer (2+ hours), or I’m trying to hit some PR lifts. It’s a personal preference, but I like switching between the two.      

Highlights:

• High-Quality Ingredients: Clinically dosed, third-party tested, and Informed Choice certified.
• Cost-Effective: At $1.83 per serving, it offers great value for its quality and effectiveness.
• No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial flavors and colors.
• Combination of Caffeine Sources: Provides sustained energy without a crash.
• Supports Muscle Growth and Performance: Ingredients like citrulline malate and beta-alanine enhance pump, strength, and recovery.

Drawbacks:

• Sour Taste: Some users may find the flavor too strong and sour.
• Timing: Best suited for morning or afternoon workouts due to its prolonged energy effects.

Who Should Take Transparent Labs BULK BLACK?

• Individuals seeking a high-stimulant pre-workout with long-lasting energy.
• Those who prioritize high-quality, clinically dosed ingredients.
• People looking to improve strength, endurance, and muscle mass.

Who Should Not Take Transparent Labs BULK BLACK?

• Anyone sensitive to caffeine.
• Individuals who prefer workouts later in the day.
• Those who dislike sour flavors.

Check out my in-depth review testing Transparent Labs BULK BLACK

2. Best for Experienced Users: Legion Pulse

Overall rating: 

4.7/5

Key Features:

• Price: $$$ ($2.25 per serving, $2.02 with subscribe and save)
• Calories: 5
• Caffeine Content: 350mg
• Clinically Dosed Ingredients: Yes
• Artificial Additives: None (No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors)

Our Thoughts: 

Legion Pulse stands out for its high-quality, clinically dosed ingredients and impressive performance enhancements, making it a top choice for experienced gym-goers. During my testing period, I found Legion Pulse to deliver phenomenal energy, focus, and muscle pump, making it one of my favorite pre-workouts to date.

With 350mg of caffeine per 2-scoop serving, Legion Pulse provides a significant energy boost, perfect for intense workouts. 

The inclusion of L-theanine helps mitigate potential jitteriness, ensuring a focused and sustained energy release. I particularly enjoyed using Legion Pulse for my early morning workouts, as it provided me with the energy needed to power through long, grueling sessions and even additional physical tasks afterward (like general house and yard work).

Legion Pulse’s clinically dosed blend of citrulline malate (8g), beta-alanine (3.5g), and betaine anhydrous (2.5g) significantly enhanced my strength, endurance, and recovery. During training, I experienced impressive muscle pumps and quicker recovery between sets, allowing for more volume with heavier loads in my workouts.  I also felt like I could train more frequently throughout the week.  

The combination of Alpha GPC (300mg) and L-theanine (350mg) in Legion Pulse provided a sharp mental focus, which was instrumental in maintaining workout intensity through my 2+ hour workouts.

I tried the Fruit Punch flavor and found it enjoyable, though slightly tart. Legion Pulse mixes easily with water, leaving no residue, making for a smooth pre-workout drink. The strong flavor may require dilution for those sensitive to strong or sour tastes.

It takes my second spot, however, because of the price. 

At $2.25 per serving, it’s at the top end of the cost range.   For context, the average price of pre-workouts is $1.67 per serving, and Transparent Labs BULK BLACK is $1.65 per serving. So, other options exist for a similar formula with equal performance benefits that are cheaper.

Highlights:

• Clinical Dosing: Uses clinically studied doses for all ingredients, ensuring optimal performance.
• Third-Party Tested: All ingredients are third-party tested for quality and purity.
• Good Taste: Available in 18 flavors, with a strong but enjoyable taste.
• Customer Service: Responsive customer service with a non-judgmental money-back guarantee.

Drawbacks:

• High Cost: At $2.25 per serving, it is on the higher end of the price spectrum.

Who Should Take Legion Pulse?

• Individuals seeking a highly caffeinated pre-workout with long-lasting energy.
• Those who prioritize quality ingredients and third-party testing.
• People looking for unique pre-workout flavors.

Who Should Not Take Legion Pulse?

• Anyone on a tight supplement budget.
• Individuals who are sensitive to caffeine.
• Those who work out within 5 hours of bedtime.

Check out my in-depth review testing Legion Pulse

3. Best for Maximum Pump: Ryse Godzilla

Overall rating:

4.6/5

Key Features:

• Price: $$$ ($1.42 per serving for single scoop, $2.84 per serving for double scoop)
• Calories: 10
• Caffeine Content: 200mg (single scoop), 400mg (double scoop)
• Clinically Dosed Ingredients: Yes (with 2 scoops)
• Artificial Additives: None (No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors)

Our Thoughts: 

Ryse Godzilla promises and delivers excellent energy and focus, but more impressively, insane muscle pumps.

One key consideration with Ryse Godzilla is the choice between taking 1 or 2 scoops as the ingredient panel breaks it down based on these two serving sizes. 

While a single scoop provides significant benefits, including enhanced energy and performance, it falls just short of clinical dosing for some ingredients like citrulline and creatine. For those seeking the full clinical benefits of all ingredients, a 2-scoop serving is necessary. However, this doubles the cost per serving to $2.84, making it one of the most expensive pre-workouts on the market.

I found that using 1.5 scoops provided a good balance between cost and performance, offering a substantial boost while keeping the price more reasonable. For day-to-day workouts, 1 scoop is sufficient, but for days when you need maximum performance, 1.5-2 scoops are ideal.

Ryse Godzilla combines 200-400mg of caffeine (depending on scoop size) from two sources—caffeine anhydrous for a quick boost and zumXR® Extended Release Caffeine for sustained energy. This ensures a rapid onset of energy that lasts throughout the workout without a crash.  

The clinical doses of beta-alanine (3.2g per scoop) and betaine anhydrous (2.5g per scoop) significantly boosted my strength and endurance, making me feel like I could grind out a couple more reps before hitting fatigue. 

As mentioned, the creatine monohydrate and citrulline need two scoops to achieve clinically effective dosing standards (5g and 1.1g, respectively), which I definitely noticed an increase in muscle pumps and the amount of weight I could lift for my working sets when taking two scoops.     

Keep in mind though that creatine is a supplement that you need to take every day for it to be effective, even on your off days.  Considering you won’t be taking Ryse Godzilla on off days, you still need to supplement with additional creatine to get the performance-enhancing benefit.  

Ryse Godzilla also contains ingredients like Cognizin® (citicoline) and theobromine, which work together to improve cognitive function and maintain focus during workouts. This was particularly noticeable during high-intensity training (when I was going for 1 rep or 3 rep maxes).

I tried the Passion Pineapple flavor, which was enjoyable but slightly tart (much like the other pre-workouts on this list). The mixability of Ryse Godzilla is excellent, with minimal residue even when using the recommended 6-8 oz of water per scoop. The texture was smooth, making it easy to drink.

There are some digestive side effects worth mentioning because not only did I experience them, but several customer reviews on Amazon also experienced similar side effects. About 60-90-minutes after taking Ryse Godzilla, I had to go to the washroom.   I wouldn’t describe it as urgent, but it did happen every time regardless of whether I took 1 or 2 scoops. 

Highlights:

• Clinical Doses for All Ingredients: Meets or exceeds clinical doses for all key ingredients with 2 scoops, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
• Patented Ingredients: Uses high-quality, patented ingredients like NO3-T® (Citrulline nitrate), Cognizin®, VasoDrive-AP®, and zumXR®.
• Flexible Dosing: Effective even with a single scoop, providing versatility for different workout intensities.
• Pump and Performance: Delivers intense muscle pumps, strength, and endurance.

Drawbacks:

• High Cost: At $2.84 per serving for a full dose, it is one of the most expensive options on the market.
• Digestive Side Effects: May cause mild digestive discomfort and increased bathroom trips.
• High Caffeine Content: A full dose contains the FDA’s safe upper limit of 400mg of caffeine, limiting other caffeine intake throughout the day.

Who Should Take Ryse Godzilla?

• Individuals seeking maximum doses of performance-enhancing ingredients.
• Those who workout earlier in the day to avoid sleep disruption.
• Experienced pre-workout users looking for intense energy and pump.

Who Should Not Take Ryse Godzilla?

• Those who workout later in the day or evening.
• Beginners or first-time pre-workout users.
• Individuals with a dairy allergy (contains milk-derived ingredients).

Check out my in-depth review testing Ryse Godzilla

4. Best for Mood and Focus: Woke AF

Overall rating:

4.5/5

Key Features:

• Price: $$ ($1.83 per serving)
• Calories: 0
• Caffeine Content: 333mg
• Clinically Dosed Ingredients: Yes (Citrulline, Beta-Alanine)
• Artificial Additives: None (No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors)

Our Thoughts: 

Woke AF by Bucked Up combines clinical doses of pump and endurance ingredients with three hard-hitting stimulants to deliver a high-energy, mood-boosting pre-workout experience. It also stands out for its mental focus formulation.

With 333mg of caffeine anhydrous, Woke AF offers a strong caffeine hit. I found the energy boost to be perfect for my intense workouts, and noticed substantial improvements in my strength and recovery, hitting several personal bests during my testing period.

Woke AF contains clinical doses of citrulline (6g) and beta-alanine (3.2g), which support muscle pump and endurance. Despite some ingredients like Alpha GPC, taurine, and AstraGin falling below clinical dose standards, the overall formulation still delivers decent performance benefits in these categories.

One of the standout features of Woke AF is its ability to enhance mood and mental clarity. The inclusion of dendrobium, known for its mood-boosting properties, combined with caffeine and Alpha GPC, provided a focused and motivated mindset throughout my workouts. Dendrobium, a plant from the orchid family, contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a stimulant that enhances mood and provides a euphoric energy boost. This made my workouts much more enjoyable and definitely helped me push through mental barriers.

One other ingredient to note is Synephrine HCl, at a clinical dose of 40mg. Synephrine, derived from bitter orange, is similar to ephedrine and acts as a stimulant that enhances aerobic performance, reduces fatigue, and promotes fat loss.  While I didn’t test this pre-workout during a fat loss phase, it could be something to consider when purchasing it. Ultimately, this one ingredient isn’t going to make or break your goals, and whether you lose weight is going to be more a product of whether you can sustain a caloric deficit over the long term. 

If you decide to pick this pre-workout over others on the list it’s because you want a specialized product for mood and focus (in addition to being high stim).  It’s absolutely excellent for that.   However, if you want a more well-rounded product, I would pick Transparent Labs for a combination of benefits, including, strength, pump, and endurance.  

Woke AF is available in over 20 flavors, ranging from sweet to sour fruit and juice-like options. I found the flavors enjoyable, with a preference for the tart varieties. The pre-workout mixes easily with water, leaving minimal residue.

Highlights:

• Great Mood-Boosting Energy: The blend of caffeine, Alpha GPC, and dendrobium provides enhanced energy, mental focus, and mood.
• Good Taste and Mixability: Available in a wide variety of flavors with excellent mixability.
• Reasonable Value: At $1.83 per serving, it offers good value for its stimulant and performance-enhancing ingredients.

Drawbacks:

• High Stimulant Content: With 333mg of caffeine and additional stimulants, it may be too intense for less experienced users.
• Some Ingredients Below Clinical Doses: Ingredients like Alpha GPC, taurine, and AstraGin fall below clinical dose standards.
• Limited Pump Ingredients: While citrulline is present, there are no complementary pump-enhancing ingredients.

Who Should Take Woke AF?

• Stimulant junkies looking for laser focus.
• Experienced pre-workout users.

Who Should Not Take Woke AF?

• People primarily seeking strength and pump from their pre-workout.

Check out my in-depth review testing Woke AF

5. Best For Strength & Endurance: Kaged Elite

Overall rating:

4.4/5

Key Features:

• Price: $$$ ($3.00 per serving)
• Calories: 20
• Caffeine Content: 388mg
• Other Stimulants: Alpha-GPC, Guayusa Leaf Extract, Huperzine
• Total Stimulants: 388mg
• Clinically Dosed Ingredients: Yes
• Artificial Additives: None (No artificial flavors or colors)

Our Thoughts: 

Kaged Elite is a powerhouse in the pre-workout market, known for its high stimulant content and clinically dosed ingredients. I tested Kaged Elite over several weeks, and while the results in terms of strength and endurance were impressive, it wasn’t without some drawbacks.

The first thing to note is the significant caffeine content. At 388mg per serving, Kaged Elite is not for the faint-hearted or those new to pre-workouts. The high caffeine, combined with other stimulants like Alpha-GPC and Guayusa Leaf Extract, provided me with incredible energy and mental focus during my workouts.

However, my initial experience with Kaged Elite was not pleasant. I experienced severe nausea during a long training run, which made me hesitant to use it again. After giving it another try during weight lifting sessions, I found the performance boost undeniable. My strength increased significantly, and I could lift heavier and longer.

The blend of 10g of citrulline malate and 3.2g of beta-alanine significantly enhanced muscle pump and delayed fatigue, allowing me to push through intense workouts. 

Despite these benefits, the high stimulant content occasionally caused digestive discomfort, making it difficult to fully enjoy the pre-workout.  You may or may not experience this side effect.  But as someone who is an experienced pre-workout user, and therefore, is used to taking these sorts of ingredients, it is concerning to get stomach upset.  

Keep in mind, that some of the strength ingredients, like creatine, which has a clinical dose of 5g per scoop, need to be taken daily to continue seeing performance benefits.  I had a separate bottle of creatine monohydrate that I supplemented with on my off days.  

In terms of taste, I tried the Caribbean Sunrise flavor, which was sweet and enjoyable. However, the large scoop size requires a lot of water to mix properly, and using less water can result in an overpowering flavor.

Highlights:

• High-Quality Ingredients: All ingredients are clinically dosed and third-party tested.
• Complete Formula: Supports all aspects of training, including energy, focus, strength, pump, endurance, and recovery.
• No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial flavors and colors.
• Extreme Pump and Strength: High doses of citrulline and creatine enhance muscle pump and strength.

Drawbacks:

• Expensive: At $3.00 per serving, it’s among the most expensive pre-workouts.
• Digestive Issues: Can cause nausea or stomach upset, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Who Should Take Kaged Elite?

• Experienced pre-workout users with a high caffeine tolerance.
• High-performance athletes looking for a comprehensive, clinically dosed pre-workout.
• Individuals seeking maximum strength, pump, and endurance.

Who Should Not Take Kaged Elite?

• Those new to pre-workouts or sensitive to caffeine.
• Individuals who prefer low-stimulant or stimulant-free pre-workouts.
• Anyone prone to digestive issues with high-dose supplements.

Check out my in-depth review testing Kaged Elite