The 5 Best Fat Burning Pre-Workouts In 2024 Our Tested Reviews
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Let’s face it, while being big and strong is fun, a lot of us workout to look good at the beach. We here are not afraid to say we care about our looks and like being lean. It is certainly fun being lean, however being at a lower bodyfat percentage year round is very difficult. It makes sense to simply have a period of the year to focus on building muscle, while focusing the other part of the year on cutting fat and maintaining that built muscle. This is typically seen as “bulking” and “cutting”. Of course when it comes time to cut, lifters look for an edge to help them burn more fat. This is where a pre-workout with ingredients that may help burn fat can be useful.
For this list, we look at some of our favorite pre-workouts that can be beneficial for fat loss. This is actually a growing category, as many people simply take a thermogenic as a pre-workout. The issue with these is that they typically leave out many ingredients that are more geared to pre-workouts. These include ingredients such as Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Nitrosigine, etc.. These fat burning based pre-workouts will surely get your energy pumping, make you sweat, help with performance, and maybe even help burn a few more calories than normal.
A Comparison of the Fat Burning Pre-Workout Supplements
Here's the top 5 picks for the best pre-workout supplements for fat burning that money can buy:
Product Name  | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|
#1 Unbound Supplements Unload | Best Overall Pre-Workout for Fat Burning Highlights:
| Our #1 Rated  8.9 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#2 Merica Labz Napalm | Best for Energy Highlights:
| Our #2 Rated in the Pre-Workout Category |
#3 Cellucor C4 Ultimate Shred Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15% | Best for Focus Highlights:
| Our #3 Rated 9.0 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#4 Axe & Sledge HWMF Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10% | Best for Yohimbine Highlights:
| Our #4 Rated 8.8 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#5 GHOST Legend All Out Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Performance Highlights: | Our #5 Rated 8.4 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 Unbound Supplements Unload
- Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Servings: 20
- Best For: Top Overall Product
Pros
Cons
Unload is a powerful pre-workout that not only impresses with pumps, energy and focus, but thermogenesis. It is really a solid option for people who want a loaded pre-workout, that will hit hard in just about every category. It starts off with Tyrosine at 3 grams, which is more than twice as much as the dosage in many other brands. This is then followed by NooLVL, an ingredient that can aid with pumps as well as focus. You get a clinical dose of NooLVL, which is nice to see. You then get Alpha GPC and Zynamite. Alpha GPC is great for focus, and Zynamite is good for energy as well as power output.
A generous dose of Caffeine is also in Unload, because you get 350mg, which is a little above the industry 300mg standard. You also get RhodioPrime, which is a source of Rhodiola with a high standardization of salidrosides. This is a powerful adaptogen, and very underrated as an ingredient. You also get enXtra, which can help with energy, as well as zum XR. Both can help with energy, and help present a crash.
AstraGin, has been added to aid with absorption, which is then followed by Rauwolscine and Yohimbine. These two stimulants can really help with energy, and have fat burning properties. The formula is then rounded out by Huperzine A, which can help with Choline levels in the brain.
Who Makes It?
Unbound Supplements is a new brand on the market that is a retail exclusive brand from the same people who brought you NutraBio. They have some of the most impressive formulas on the market, and seem to always be a good option for any goal.
What's In It?
One serving (2 scoops) contains:
- 3g L-Tyrosine - aids in focus and alertness
- 1.6g NooLVL – helps with focus
- 2g Taurine - helps with blood flow and hydration
- 600mg Alpha-GPC – nootropic that improves focus
- 500mg Zynamite - helps with energy and focus
- 350mg Caffeine Anhydrous - Good for energy
- 300mg RhodioPrime - adaptogen that helps with energy and more
- 300mg enXtra - helps with energy
- 153mg Mucuna Pruriens - source of L-DOPA
- 139 zum XR - gives long-lasting source of Caffeine
- 50mg AstraGin® - helps with absorption
- 2mg Alpha Yohimbine - a crazy strong stim that aids in fat loss and energy production
- 2mg Yohimbine HCl - a crazy strong stim that aids in fat loss and energy production
- 200mcg Huperzine - helps with focus
Bottom Line:
Unlaod is certainly an easy choice for this, and you can expect to see it on other ranking guides. Not only does it have a loaded profile with impressive dosages of many ingredients, it also may help with fat burning with the additional Yohimbine.
#2 Merica Labz Red, White, & Boom Napalm
- Rating: 8.5 out of 10
- Servings: 20
- Best For: Energy
Pros
Cons
Napalm is a powerful fat burning pre-workout from Merica Energy. It is easily the most powerful on this list when it comes to energy. The formula starts off with three proven ingredients that are very common in pre-workouts. You get 6 grams of Citrulline, 3.2 grams of Beta-Alanine, and 2.5g of Betaine Anhydrous. Citrulline can help with pumps and performance, whereas Beta-Alanine can help with endurance. These really make it a pre-workout to us.
Following this you get a powerful nootropic blend which consists of Tyrosine, Caffeine, and Alpha GPC. Tyrosine can help with focus under stressful situations, whereas Alpha GPC can increase Acetylcholine levels in the brain. Certainly a solid focus formula, and the 350mg of Caffeine is certainly on the higher side. Now we some to what really makes this product so powerful, and that is the Eria Jarensis as well as the Halostachine. Both are exotic stimulants that can give you feelings of euphoria as well as energy and focus. These will certainly be felt during your workouts.
Not we come to what really make this a fat burner. The interestingly named "Sweat-Like-A-Lady-Of-The-Night-In-Church Thermogenic Blend, which starts off with MitoBurn. MitoBurn is a solid fat burning ingredient and you get the clinical dose in here with 500mg. You get the expected Green Coffee Bean and Cocoabuterol, but you also get GBB as ProGBB. GBB will seriously make you sweat, and it is certainly felt in Napalm.
Who Makes It?
Merica Labz is a a powerful brand that has some very interesting marketing. Not only do they have some powerful formulas, they simply bring some awesome personality to the market. They have gone through a rebrand recently, and still bring the same awesome products.
What's In It?
One serving (one-scoop) contains:
- 6g L-Citrulline- clinically dosed Citrulline to help move blood into the muscles
- 3.2g of Beta-Alanine - Good for endurance
- 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - good for power output
- 1g L-Tyrosine - aids in focus and alertness
- 350mg Caffeine Anhydrous - Good for energy
- 300mg Eria Jarensis - helps with energy and euphoria
- 300mg AlphaSize Alpha-GPC – nootropic that improves focus
- 100mg Halostachine - helps with energy
- 500mg MitoBurn™ - new ingredient that may help with fat loss
- 500mg Green Coffee Extract – helps with healthy blood sugar levels
- 100mg Cocoabuterol® - a source of Theobromine and other antioxidants
- 25mg ProGBB - helps promote carnitine levels and makes you sweat
Bottom Line:
Napalm is a powerful pre-workout that really is not for beginners. Not only are the dosages awesome, the flavor is simply awesome. You will notice a huge amount of sweat while taking Napalm with the ProGBB and MitoBurn, and if you're looking for some help in your fat loss goals, it may help.
#3 Cellucor C4 Ultimate Shred
- Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Servings: 20 Servings
- Best For: Focus
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
Pros
Cons
C4 Ultimate Shred from Cellucor has solidified its spot as one of the top choices for fat-burning pre-workouts. As a legacy brand, C4 Ultimate Shred is a solid option for those who want a fat burning pre-workout to aid with focus, performance, and extra thermogenesis.
The formula begins with a potent Endurance & Performance Complex, featuring 3.2g of CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine to enhance endurance and delay fatigue. The blend also includes 3g of Velox®, a patented combination of L-Citrulline and L-Arginine, to promote blood flow and muscle pumps, while 1.25g of BetaPower® Betaine Anhydrous further supports power output. Rounding out this complex is PeptiPump® Bioactive Lentil Peptides, which may further help with pumps.
For energy and focus, the Ultimate Energy, Focus & Stimulant Matrix delivers a dynamic combination. Caffeine Anhydrous provides an immediate energy boost, while Dynamine™ and TeaCrine® extend the effects, helping you power through the toughest workouts without a crash. L-Tyrosine and Huperzine A are included to support mental focus, ensuring that both your body and mind are primed for optimal performance.
What put C4 Ultimate Shred on this list is its Enhanced Fat Burning Matrix. This matrix includes Oligonol®, an innovative blend of lychee fruit extract and green tea leaf extract that supports fat oxidation and metabolic function. Additionally, Capsimax® Cayenne Pepper Extract and CaloriBurn GP™ (Grains of Paradise) work synergistically to boost thermogenesis and help with fat loss.
With a solid profile ingredient profile, C4 Ultimate Shred is an excellent choice for pre-workout use. Whether you're looking for a fat-burning edge or enhanced workout performance, C4 Ultimate Shred delivers with its comprehensive blend of energy, fat-burning, and focus-enhancing ingredients. It's no wonder this formula is featured on our list of pre-workouts for fat loss.
Who Makes It?
Alpha Lion is a newer company, but with clever marketing and solid products, they have burst onto the scene. With awesome products, cool product names, great flavoring, if you haven't tried Alpha Lion yet, it is worth it.
What's in it?
One serving contains:
- 6g Velox® (L-Citrulline + L-Arginine) - Enhances pumps and promotes blood flow.
- 3.2g CarnoSyn® - Improves endurance and delays muscle fatigue.
- 1.25g BetaPower® - helps with power output
- 200mg PeptiPump® - helps with pumps
- 300mg Caffeine Anhydrous - helps with energy
- 50mg Dynamine™ - helps with energy
- 10mg TeaCrine® - helps with energy
- 1g Tyrosine - precursor to dopamine, enhancing focus and mental clarity.
- 50mcg Huperzine A - supports cognitive function and focus.
- 1mg Alpha Yohimbine - aids in energy and focus enhancement.
- 250mg MitoBurn™ - new ingredient that may help with fat loss
- 100mg Oligonol® - supports fat oxidation and metabolic function.
- 40mg CaloriBurn GP™ - Clinically studied ingredient that increases thermogenesis and aids in fat loss.
- 20mg Cayenne Fruit Extract - Enhances thermogenesis and metabolic rate
Bottom Line:
C4 Ultimate Shred is an exceptional fat-burning supplement that also doubles as a powerful pre-workout. With its blend of thermogenic ingredients like Capsimax® and CaloriBurn GP™, the fat-burning effects are intense and noticeable, creating nice sweaty workouts. Packed with energy-boosting and fat-burning components, C4 Ultimate Shred is a greta option for those who like a thermogenic based pre-workout.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
#4 Axe & Sledge HWMF
- Rating: 8.8 out of 10
- Servings: 20
- Best For: Yohimbine
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 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%
#5 GHOST Legend All Out
- Rating: 8.5 out of 10
- Servings: 25 servings
- Best For: Performance
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
Pros
Cons
GHOST Legend All Out could easily be side-by-side our #1 ranked as it is that damn good. GHOST did not have a higher stimulant pre-workout until they launched All Out. This is the most hardcore pre-workout supplement the brand has ever released, but it is 100% compliant and won't cause your heart to beat out of your chest.
The pre-workout contains key ingredients for improved pumps, focus and energy. Citrulline and Citrulline Nitrates as NO3-T are added for improved blood flow.
Alpha GPC and Tyrosine are added for improved focus, both at higher dosages than we are typically used to seeing (a full 600mg dosage of Alpha GPC and 2,000mg dosage of Tyrosine).
The big thing here for GHOST was the stimulant complex. GHOST elected to go with 400mg of total caffeine from Caffeine Anhydrous and zumXR extended release caffeine. We love the ratio as well. Caffeine Anhydrous is the source of caffeine that hits first, followed by the tapering off impact of zumXR. Users get 300mg from Caffeine Anhydrous and 100mg from zumXR. The combination doesn't make you want to blow your heart out of your chest.
For this particular list, we have to say that it may aid with fat loss due to the Bitter Orange Extract. This is a source of Synephrine. This acts as a mild beta-agonist, and is common in fat burners.
GHOST adds in Theobromine and Bitter Orange as well for a little extra kick in terms of energy. To round it all out, you get 50mg of AstraGin®, which may help with the absorption of some ingredients. Users will for sure feel the energy burst from GHOST Legend All Out.
Who Makes It?
GHOST has taken over the sports nutrition industry since launching the brand. They combine a lifestyle approach culture with pretty labels and great formulas. Many brands do one or the other great but GHOST happens to hit on everything very well. GHOST won our Brand of the Year award in 2019, 2020 and 2021 (we did not do one in 2022.)
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 6g L-Citrulline - combined of pure Citrulline and Citrulline Nitrate improving blood flow
- 3.2g Beta Alanine - improved muscular endurance
- 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - more strength and power output
- 2g Tyrosine - improved focus
- 600mg Alpha GPC - choline molecule proven to improve memory and focus
- 300mg Caffeine Anhydrous - fast acting energy
- 100mg zumXR - extended release caffeine for longer energy
- 100mg Theobromine - similar to caffeine, can increase body temperature
- 60mg Bitter Orange Extract - increased energy and alertness with increased body temps
- 50mg AstraGin® - may help with absorption
Bottom Line:
GHOST Legend All Out isn't a bad option for those looking to burn a few extra calories as they workout. While not a straight forward fat loss pre-workout, it may aid with burning a few extra calories with the dose of Synephrine.
The formula is awesome and it performs, plain and simple. We hope the brand continues to expand flavors but the ones they do have are delicious. You will get a jolt of energy, without the crash, great focus and solid pumps making this a must-try for all pre-workout fans.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
Why Should You Take A Fat Burning Pre-Workout?
It seems obvious, doesn’t it? You’d take a fat burning pre-workout powder to aid in fat loss aka weight loss. It’s important to note the other benefits you are going to get from a pre-workout. Remember, this is not just a fat burner, but also a pre-workout powder. Yes, if you’re trying to shed fat, then a fat burning pre-workout powder is a solid option, but you will also experience other benefits,
The best pre-workout fat burner supplements can provide you with:
Increased Body TemperatureThermogenic ingredients designed to raise your temperature and, literally, burn fat off your body should be the #1 quality you look for.
Increased EnergyThis is a pre-workout at the end of the day. You’re going to get an increase in energy from caffeine and other stimulants used for fat burning purposes. Caffeine is also a good ingredient to aid in fat loss.
Prolonged EnduranceNot only are you burning fat off your body through the use of an effective fat burning pre-workout, you should be getting an increase in your endurance. The longer you can go, the more fat you can burn!
Strength GainsAs you shed fat, you want to build muscle. Certain ingredients in pre-workouts can aid in strength gains allowing you to achieve just one more rep. That one more rep will help burn more fat and build more muscle.
Improved FocusYou should be focused on losing weight, hence the fat burning pre-workout, but an effective fat burning pre-workout will also improve your focus while you’re getting your pump on!
Massive PumpsSome, not all, fat burning pre-workouts will aid in the pump. Blood and water flow will increase into your muscles. This makes you look swole, but also helps with the recovery process.
What to Look For In a Thermogenic Pre-Workout Supplement?
When you’re specifically looking for pre-workout that helps with weight loss, you will keep your eyes open for different ingredients that contribute to fat loss. You may not be as concerned with focus or pump, but energy and fat burning ingredients are key. The following ingredients are key in these supplements:.
Caffeine: this is the king of stims (stimulants). Various forms of caffeine are the most popular ingredients used in pre-workouts. Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system. This speeds up your metabolism and eats away at unwanted fat. Effective dosages are between 150mg-300mg.
Yohimbine: this is an effective fat burning supplement found in a lot of great products. Some people have a hard time with this ingredient; it is important you test out your tolerance when trying a pre-workout containing Yohimbine for the first time. Effective dosages are 0.2mg/kg of body weight.
Hordenine: yet another effective stimulant. There may not be a lot of studies behind the stim, but supplement companies swear by it, and we can vouch for it too. Not enough evidence to support effective dosages.
N-Methyltyramine: add this stimulant to the list of effective fat burning ingredients added to preworkouts! Not enough evidence to support effective dosages.
Synephrine: also known as Bitter Orange, Synephrine is an effective fat burning ingredient used in fat burners as well as pre workout powders. Effective dosages are 50mg.
Lotus Leaf Extract: this has been used to treat obesity, so you know it is a solid ingredient. Recommended dosage depends on a variety of factors.
Rauwolscine: add it to the list of effective stim fat loss ingredients. No evidence to support optimal dosing.
Carnitine: this is a non-stim weight loss ingredient. This is used as a stand-alone supplement, or in one of the products mentioned below. Effective dosages are 1g-3g, but in pre-workouts it can be dosed to 500mg.
CLA/ALA: fatty acids like Conjugated Linoleic Acid or Alpha Lipoic Acid can be effective non-stimulants against fat. Pre-workouts that focus on fat loss include one or both of these. Recommended dosages vary, but can be 1g.
Capsimax (Cayenne Pepper): this is literally what the name is. This is cayenne pepper used to literally melt fat. Many use this to help increase body temperatures.
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.
