The 5 Best Beta-Alanine Free Pre-Workouts In 2024: Our Tested Reviews
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Our product testing team uses the full 30 day serving amount in container before reviewing. Learn more about our review process here.
It’s safe to say that the vast majority of lifters love pre-workouts. While many love the simple energy out of them, others tend to really enjoy the boost in pumps they get out of them.
With that said, what are the some of the most common ingredients in pre-workouts? First two that come to mind are Citrulline and Caffeine. After that, the answer is easy... BETA-ALANINE! Now Beta-Alanine is a great ingredient, and you will commonly find it at 3.2 grams in the majority of pre-workouts these days. It's almost expected.
Beta-Alanine does more for you than just give you the "tingles" (paresthesia), which many people enjoy (and many do not). To put it simply, it buffers lactic acid, which can help with endurance. While it has its benefits, it is a saturation ingredient, meaning it must be taken every day. While it can be convenient to have in a pre-workout to get your daily 3.2 gram dose, some argue it would be better to simply take it as a standalone everyday.
Of course, you also have the people that can't stand the tingly feeling you get from Beta-Alanine, so this list is also for them. We have to admit, it can be nice to have a pre-workout that isn't going to make use feel like walking TV static.
The following products on our top pre-workout for pump ranking list were used by the author of this article.
He used each of these pre-workout supplements through the duration of a full container. Sample packs were not used in determining the rankings.
Stop relying on faulty information that is influenced by outside writers and money. This best pre-workout supplements with no Beta-Alanine is the real deal.
Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong. If you're looking for the best pre-workout supplement with no Beta-Alanine option that you can trust, look no further than our top 5 picks below.
A Comparison of the Beta-Alanine Free Pre-Workout Supplements
Here's the top 5 picks for the best pre-workout supplements with no beta-alanine that money can buy:
Product Name | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|
#1 Hosstile Supplements Hosstility V2 Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10% | Best Overall Pre-Workout without Beta-Alanine Highlights:
| Our #1 Rated  9.2 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#2 Axe & Sledge HWMF Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10% | Best for Energy Highlights:
| Our #2 Rated in the Pre-Workout Category |
#3 RYSE Supplements Pump Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15% | Best for Pumps Highlights:
| Our #3 Rated 8.3 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#4 Klout Kaio Pump & Performance Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15% | Best for Flavor Highlights:
| Our #4 Rated 8.6 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#5 5% Nutrition Code Red Pre Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Value Highlights:
| Our #5 Rated 7.4 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
There are hundreds of different brands and variations of pre-workout supplements out there.
How did these 5 make Fitness Informant's top 5 list? Read on and we'll tell you:
#1 Hosstile Supplements Hosstility V2
- Rating: 9.2 out of 10
- Servings: 40/20 Servings
- Best For: Top Overall Product
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%
Pros
Cons
Hosstility has been around for quite some time, and is no stranger to our lists. For years they have provided some excellent products to lifters everywhere, and with some new blood and some of the hottest influencers, expect to hear more from them in the coming years.
Hosstility V2 is the second version of Hosstility (obviously), and is a nice upgrade from the original. It starts off with the Pump+Performance blend, which contains your ergogenic ingredients such as Citrulline, Creatine, and Betaine. All at solid doses, especially the 8g of Citrulline! This is then followed by 2g of Arginine Nitrate, which is one of our favorite pump ingredients. You also get Taurine to aid with hydration and muscle function. One great addition is the PeakO2, which is a blend of mushrooms that can helps with endurance and performance.
The Energy+Focus blend is well-rounded, and contains 300mg of RhodioPrime. This is an adaptogen, and can help with performance and mental fatigue. The version Hosstile uses here is twice as strong as your typical Rhodiola extract. You get some other common ingredients in here such as Alpha GPC, a source of Choline that helps with focus, as well as a gram of Tyrosine.
As for Caffeine, you get 300mg total, with most coming from Caffeine Anhydrous, and some coming from Infinergy, an extended release Caffeine, which may help prevent a crash. Finally, you get AstraGin® and BioPerine®, which both may aid with the absorption.
The profile is well-rounded and has everything to aid with a solid workout. Now you may or may not like this, but there is NO Beta-Alanine. Some people can’t stand the tingles you get from the ingredient, and this makes for a great option for those who hate that. This is quite relieving, as sometimes it is hard to avoid Beta-Alanine in pre-workouts.
Who Makes It?
Hosstile Supps is a brand we are happy to see back on our ranking guides. Before the pandemic, Hosstile was making some noise with their formulas. As many brands during the pandemic, they got a little quiet as the world was a bit different. Now they are officially back! Not only with Fouad, but with some really popular influencers. We expect to see them makes waves in the industry in the coming years!
What's in it?
One serving (two-scoops) contains:
- 8g L-Citrulline - Converts to arginine to aid in nitric oxide production
- 5g Creatine Monohydrate - A popular ingredient used to aid in overall power output
- 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - May increase power output
- 2g NO3-T® Arginine Nitrate - increases nitric oxide in the body - great pumps
- 2g Taurine – regulates water and electrolytes producing better pump and more endurance and strength
- 2g PeakO2 - helps with endurance
- 1g L-Tyrosine - a well-researched amino acid with many benefits. May be good for fat loss, focus, and stress
- 600mg AlphaSize Alpha-GPC – nootropic that improves focus
- 300mg RhodioPrime 6x - Adaptogen that helps with energy and mental clarity
- 200mg Caffeine Anhydrous - Good for energy
- 136mg Di-Caffeine Malate - prolonged energy and crash prevention
- 10mg Huperzine A (1%) - May help with focus
- 50mg AstraGin - May help with ingredient absorption in the body
- 10mg BioPerine - May help with ingredient absorption in the body
Bottom Line:
Hosstility V2 is a great option from Hosstile, and it is really great to see them back. The profile is similar to the old one, however adds some extras to make it just that much better. We commend Hosstile for not using Beta-Alanine, as it is hard to find a loaded formula without it. For those looking for a loaded formula without the tingles, this is one of our favorite options.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%
#2 Axe & Sledge HWMF
- Rating: 8.8 out of 10
- Servings: 40/20
- Best For: Energy
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%
Pros
Cons
HWMF is a potent pre-workout supplement from A&S, designed for those who crave intense, hard-hitting energy with a possible bonus of fat-burning effects. Despite its high-stim nature, it doesn’t neglect other critical performance aspects.
The profile kicks off with 6g of Citrulline, which enhances blood flow and delivers better muscle pumps. Next is 2.5g of Betaine Anhydrous, supporting power output and helping you push through tough workouts. Taurine is included to promote hydration and improve blood flow, ensuring sustained performance. Alpha GPC follows at 600mg, providing a high-quality form of choline, which is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for mental focus and cognitive function.
When it comes to energy, HWMF doesn’t hold back. It contains 325mg of Caffeine Anhydrous, delivering a fast-hitting jolt of energy that surpasses the average 300mg found in many pre-workouts. To sustain this energy, it also includes 75mg of ZumXR, an extended-release form of caffeine that keeps you powered throughout your workout. Additionally, 100mg of CognatiQ enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, contributing to cognitive health and focus.
For those looking for fat-loss support, HWMF has three heavy-hitting ingredients. Citrus Aurantium Extract provides synephrine, a mild beta-agonist often used in fat burners for its energy-boosting and fat-loss potential. The inclusion of both Alpha Yohimbine and Yohimbe ramps up energy and aids in fat loss. However, these potent stimulants may cause anxiety in some users, so starting with a lower dose is advisable.
Overall, HWMF is a powerful choice for those who want to skip Beta-Alanine and focus on pure, intense energy. Expect a serious boost in energy, noticeable sweating, and a transformation into a true HWMF. This pre-workout is not for the faint of heart but is ideal for anyone ready to take their training to the next level.
Who Makes It?
Axe & Sledge is a blue collar brand making supplements for the hardest workers. Axe & Sledge continues to gain popularity and growth through their formulas and culture that the brand is building. The poster child and founder Seth Feroce represents a lot of what is good about bodybuilding and fitness: grinding and doing the MFing work.
What's In It?
One serving (2 scoops) contains:
- 6g L-Citrulline – improves blood flow for pumps
- 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - good for power output
- 2g Taurine – helps regulate your body's electrolytes providing longer-lasting workouts (endurance)
- 600mg Alpha-GPC – nootropic that improves focus
- 325mg Caffeine Anhydrous – increased energy
- 100mg CognatiQ - cognition improvement
- 75mg ZumXR - Timed-Released Caffeine
- 75mg Citrus Aurantium Extract - Source of Synephrine
- 2mg Rauwolfia - helps with energy and fat loss
- 1mg Yohimbine HCl - helps with energy and fat loss
Bottom Line:
Axe & Sledge offers a powerful pre-workout option for those seeking intense energy. It delivers a high dose of caffeine and includes Yohimbine to boost both energy and fat loss. Additionally, CognatiQ and Alpha-GPC are included to enhance focus and cognition. Best of all, it’s free from the tingling effects of Beta-Alanine!
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%
#3 RYSE Supplements Pump
- Rating: 8.3 out of 10
- Servings: 25
- Best For: Pumps
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Pros
Cons
Ryse Pump Powder gets on this list, and may be one of our favorites, especially for stacking. The profile is nothing overloaded, and we see it as more of an add-on, however it does qualify as a pre-workout vs a straight pump product.
The profile starts off with Betaine Anhydrous, a popular ergogenic that helps with power output, this is then followed by Taurine. Taurine helps with blood flow, hydration, and has a multitude of benefits. Both are dosed well in Ryse Pump.
Now comes the fun part… There are 3 different forms of Nitrates in Ryse Pump. Arginine, Betaine, and Sodium Nitrate (as NO3-T®). This combines for 1.5g of Nitrate bonded ingredients, and in case you didn’t know, Nitrates are our favorite ingredient for pumps. To aid with pumps, you also get 200mg of VasoDrive-AP™, which is a casein derived pump enhancer. Finally, you get 100mg of Theobromine, which is a cousin of Caffeine.
We see this as more of an add-on to a stim-based pre-workout, however even as a standalone, it can certainly work well enough on its own. It also comes unflavored, making it an easy addition to your Caffeinated pre-workout.
Of course… NO BETA-ALANINE!
Who Makes It?
RYSE Supplements has blown up. Period. They are one of the fastest growing brands in sports nutrition and it is through products and formulas like Godzilla that they are gaining more and more fans. They also have an energy drink which is gaining popularity. They combined fun branding/marketing with quality products.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - good for power output
- 2g Taurine – helps regulate your body's electrolytes providing longer-lasting workouts (endurance)
- 750mg NO3-T® Arginine Nitrate - increases nitric oxide in the body - great pumps
- 500mg NO3-T® Betaine Nitrate - increases nitric oxide in the body -great pumps
- 250mg NO3-T® Sodium Nitrate - increases nitric oxide in the body - great pumps
- 200mg VasoDrive™ - a derivative of Casein that helps with pumps
- 60mg Theobromine - similar to caffeine, can aid in energy production, may smooth blood vessels for more blood flow
Bottom Line:
RYSE Supplements Pump may not be the most loaded profile on this list, however it is a solid option for those looking for a pump product that can help with performance, while NOT containing Beta-Alanine. We love the unflavored option, as it pairs well with a stim-based pre-workout. Ryse seems to always have solid options in every category.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
#4 Klout Kaio Pump & Performance
- Rating: 8.6 out of 10
- Servings: 25 servings
- Best For: Non-Stim
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
Pros
Cons
Kaio is one of the coolest looking brands out right now. To go along with their great branding, you also have some great formulas. Kaio Pump & Performance is a solid option for those looking for a non-stim pre-workout that doesn’t have Beta-Alanine.
Kaio consists of 4 blends, the first being the PWR Pump & Carb blend, which starts off with 6g of 3D Pump. This is a trademarked blend of Citrulline, Glycerol Monostearate, and Amla fruit extract. Certainly going to help with pumps. Next up is Cluster Dextrin, which is a carb that gets absorbed quickly without spiking your insulin. This is our favorite carb source here on FI. Next up comes Ornithine HCl, which can help with performance, and actually converts to Citrulline as well. Finally you have Grape Seed extract, which can help with blood flow by lowering blood pressure.
The next blend is the PWR Performance blend, which starts off with 1g of Taurine. This helps with blood flow and hydration. Next up is PEAK ATP, which can help with ATP levels. This helps with performance and endurance, and at 400mg is dosed well in Kaio Pump & Performance. The last ingredient in this blend is Senactiv, which is a blend of Panan notoginseng and Rosa roxburghii. This can also help with ATP levels and help increase endurance. At 50mg it is dosed well.
Finally you have the PWR Hydration blend, which consists of electrolytes. These of course are essential for performance, and a nice addition.
If you want a non-stim option that tastes great, Kaio Pump & Performance is solid, and of course, the lack of Beta-Alanine makes it very stackable with non-stim pre-workouts.
Who Makes It?
KLOUT is a relatively new brand to the market and it has already made quite a splash. Not just because they have some of the coolest looking products on the market. They have some very well done formulas and some well done flavors as well. We expect to see more from them in the future, and we can't wait for their approach, especially with whoever is doing their artwork.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 6g 3D-Pump– Helps with Pumps
- 4g Cluster Dextrin – Source of carbs
- 500mg L-Ornithine HCl - Helps with performance
- 150mg Grape Seed Extract - Helps with pumps
- 1g Taurine – helps regulate your body's electrolytes providing longer-lasting workouts (endurance)
- 400mg PEAK ATP – Helps with endurance and energyy
- 50mg Senactiv – helps with ATP production and recovery
Bottom Line:
Kaio Pump & Performance is a solid addition to your stack, and not only is the taste great, but the profile delivers in pumps and hydration. While not absolutely loaded, it delivers enough to where it could be a standalone or stacked with a stim-based pre-workout.
These days, stacking non-stim pre-workouts with stim-based pre-workouts almost always results in 6g+ of Beta-Alanine. So this is a nice change!
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
#5 5% Nutrition Code Red: Pre
- Rating: 7.4 out of 10
- Servings: 20
- Best For: Value
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
Pros
Cons
5% Nutrition Code Red Pre-Workout is more of a simple pre-workout we have added to this list, and gives you just enough pump and focus ingredients to go along with a solid dose of Caffeine.
Code Red Pre-Workout starts off with 4g of Citrulline, which converts to Arginine, which is a precursor to nitric oxide. This helps with pumps and endurance, and at 4g is dosed well. Following this, you get 1g of GlycerSize, which is Glycerol Monostearate. This helps with muscular hydration, and is popular for pumps.
Now comes Taurine, which is an amino acid that helps with blood flow and hydration. It is quite common in pre-workouts, and at 1g is dosed well. Following this comes Tyrosine at 500mg. Tyrosine is a precursor to Dopamine, which is the “feel-good” hormone. It is a common ingredient in pre-workouts, and nice to see in Code Red Pre-Workout.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a pre-workout without Caffeine. You get 300mg of Natural Caffeine in here, which is a strong dose by our standards, so you’ll certainly feel this one. Following this you get Alpha GPC, which is a solid source of Choline, which is a neurotransmitter. Finally you get 300mcg of Huperzine A, which prevents Choline from being broken down in the brain.
While by no means a loaded formula, you get something that can help with pumps, focus, and energy… and of course, with NO Beta-Alanine!
Who Makes It?
5% Nutrition had been around for quite some time. Carrying on Rich Piana's legacy, it continues to sell quite well to this day. They have a wide array of products, and have options for those looking for loaded formulas, as well as those looking for simple formulas.
What's In It?
One serving (one-scoop) contains:
- 4g L-Citrulline- clinically dosed Citrulline to help move blood into the muscles
- 1g GlycerSize - Aids with pumps through cellular hydration
- 1g Taurine – regulates water and electrolytes producing better pump and more endurance and strength
- 500mg L-Tyrosine - aids in focus and alertness
- 300mg Caffeine Anhydrous - Good for energy
- 150mg Alpha-GPC – nootropic that improves focus
- 300mcg Huperzine A (1%) - May help with focus
Bottom Line:
5% Nutrition Code Red Pre may not be the most loaded pre-workout, but for the price, it can make for a solid option for those just looking for a quick pump and boost in energy/focus, all without giving you the tingles from Beta-Alanine.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
When Should I Use A Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine
For the most part, there is no reason to not take Beta-Alanine in a pre-workout. It is a great ingredient and is backed by plenty of studies. However, if you are relying on your pre-workout to deliver you your daily dose of Beta-Alanine, you are doing it wrong.
To start, Beta-Alanine is a saturation ingredient, which means that you should be taking it every day. Now of course, if you get your clinical 3.2 gram dose of it in a pre-workout that is fine, however taking a stim-laden pre-workout every day is not the way to go. So sometimes, it simply makes more sense to take it as a standalone, as many do with Creatine.
Another reason for not taking Beta-Alanine in a pre-workout is because you may not like the paresthesia that comes along with it... or the "tingles" as some like to call it. If you are someone who would like to avoid that, then it is a good idea to search for a pre-workout without any Beta-Alanine.
Our Pre-Workout Supplement Testing Process
We examined five different areas of each pre-workout supplement when we compiled our rankings:
- Ingredients Profile
- Effectiveness
- Taste
- Mixability
- Value
Ingredients Profile
When we review each pump activating supplement on their ingredient profile, we look at the active ingredients being used and their dosages.
Many pre-workout supplements include a variety of beneficial ingredients, but under dose them proving to be non-effective.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is an extension of ingredient profile. If the product uses proven ingredients at clinically suggested dosages, the product should be effective.
Everyone is different. Everyone takes to different ingredients differently at varying dosages. We have tried and tested each of these products throughout the full duration of their container to ensure these products are effective over their life.
Taste
We review taste on two different components. First, how close does the muscle pump supplement taste to the actual name printed on the label. For example, does Blue Raz actually taste like blue raspberry. Second, we review it on overall taste (in our opinion) versus others in the same flavor category.
Mixability
Mixability refers to how well does the product mix in 8-12oz of water. The testing process for a pump activating drink we use here is a generic Blender Bottle with the chrome spiral ball. We use regular tap water with no ice.
Value
Value is a combination of ingredient profile, effectiveness, taste, mixability and cost. We do not just look at the price tag like a lot of others do. If a product is priced at a premium, we inform you if it is worth the premium price or not based on all the categories. We look at the overall picture of the pre-workout supplement, and how it compares to other pre-workout supplements on the market.
Please Note: Many of the “top 10” lists you find online are written by content writers with no in-gym or supplement experience who are paid by the word count to write an article for a website trying to generate money.
These lists are influenced by brands who pay for placement. These lists contain pump activating supplements that are, for the lack of a better word, garbage.
The following products on our best of list were used by the author of this article. He used the pump activating supplements through the duration of a full container. Sample packs were not used in determining the rankings of the best pump producing supplements.
Stop relying on faulty information that is influenced by outside writers and money. This list is the real deal. Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong. Be Informed. Live Fit.
