Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss in 2023 | 7 Powders

If your primary fitness goal is weight loss, pre-workout may be of some help.

Even the best pre-workout for weight loss won’t replace an overall healthy lifestyle including following a nutritious diet, doing consistent exercise with cardio and resistance training components, and getting enough quality rest.

However, a powerful pre-workout supplement that contains proven fat-burning ingredients can enhance the quality of intense workouts and lead to weight loss.

In this article, we’ll go over our top picks of the best pre-workouts for weight loss, common ingredients used in supplements to facilitate weight loss, and side effects and considerations when taking these supplements. 

Top 7 Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss Reviewed

Note: Highlighted boxes in the table signify the scores below 5 or 4.

Best Overall – Transparent Labs Bulk Black

Best Keto-friendly – Promix Pre-Workout

Best for Preserving Lean Body Mass – Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout

Best for Cognitive Function Enhancement – Jacked Factory Nitrosurge 

Best Tasting – Huge Supplements Wrecked

Best for Boosting Performance – Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

Best for Energy Boost – EVLution Nutrition ENGN Shred 

Best Overall: Transparent Labs Bulk Black

* Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 413 users on their official website

Overview

PreSeries BULK BLACK is a high-impact, transparently formulated pre-workout powder loaded with clinically researched ingredients, providing intense muscle pumps, enhanced strength, sustained endurance, and a mood-boosting focus for dedicated athletes and bodybuilders.

Highlights 

• Net Weight: 630 g
• Serving Size: 1 scoop (21.2 g)
• Servings Per Container: 30
• Ingredients:
  • Citrulline Malate 2:1: 8,000 mg
  • Beta-Alanine: 4,000 mg
  • BetaPure™ Betaine Anhydrous: 2,500 mg
  • Taurine: 1,300 mg
  • L-Tyrosine: 1,000 mg
  • AlphaSize® Alpha-GPC: 300 mg
  • L-Theanine: 200 mg
  • Caffeine Anhydrous: 275 mg
  • Theobromine: 50 mg
  • Infinergy™ (Dicaffeine Malate): 30 mg
  • Astragin™: 50 mg
• Other Ingredients: Natural Flavors, Calcium Silicate, Silicon Dioxide, Stevia Extract, Tartaric Acid, Beet Root Powder, Grape Powder
• Timing of Consumption:
  • Take one half (½) scoop mixed with 8-10 ounces of water 20-30 minutes before training to determine tolerance.
  • If increased intensity is desired, take one (1) level scoop mixed with 10-12 ounces of water 20-30 minutes before training. 
  • Do not exceed 2 scoops per day.
• Available in Cherry Kiwi, Blue Raspberry, Peach Mango, Sour Gummy, and Black Cherry flavors
• No artificial sweeteners
• No artificial coloring
• Gluten-free and Non-GMO
• No artificial preservatives

Price

$54.99

*Subscribe & Save: $49.49 (10% off) + Free Shipping

Customer Reviews

Check out David Martin’s review of Transparent Labs PreSeries Bulk Black on YouTube.

Bottom Line

The PreSeries Bulk Black is free from artificial additives, making it a clean and potent option for those seeking peak performance, weight loss, and a focus boost without jitters or post-workout crashes.

Promix Pre-Workout: Best Keto-friendly Preworkout for Weight Loss

* Rated 4.89 out of 5 stars by 405 users on their official website

* Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 623 users on Amazon

Overview

The Promix Pre-Workout is a vegan and keto-friendly supplement that contains no sugar or carbs and is enriched with beta-alanine for improved endurance, as well as tyrosine for increased cognition and focus. 

Highlights 

• Net Weight: 285 g
• Serving Size: 2 scoops (9.5 g)
• Servings Per Container: 30
• Ingredients:
  • Beta Alanine – 3.2 g
  • L-Tyrosine –  3 g
  • Taurine – 1 g
  • Caffeine (coffee bean extract) –  200 mg
• Other Ingredients: Lemon Oil, Lemon Juice, Lemon Extractives, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Monk Fruit, Turmeric
• Timing of Consumption:
  • Use 20 minutes before your workout to aid general training, endurance, strength, and power sports.
  • Recommend using 1 scoop (1/2 serving) to start and mix with 12-20 ounces of water
• Available in Lemon, Pink Lemonade, Pink Lemonade + T-shirt, Mixed Berry, Strawberry Lemon, Tingle Free Lemon, Cherry Lime, Raspberry Lemon, Raspberry Lemon, and Florida Orange flavors
• Vegan-friendly
• Gluten-free
• Free of dairy and soy

Price

$32

*$28.80 with Subscribe & Save

Customer Reviews

Check out @chandlerjunk’s review of Promox Preworkout on YouTube Shorts

Bottom Line

Customers love this pre-workout supplement for its delicious flavors and performance-enhancing effects without the typical caffeine jitters. Additionally, it includes B12 and green coffee to provide enhanced energy support.

Best for Preserving Lean Body Mass: Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout

* Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,934 users on their official website

* Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars by 140 users on Amazon

Overview

The PreSeries LEAN pre-workout supplement is designed for both enhanced athletic performance and fat loss. Packed with ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and a potent fat-burning complex, it helps target stubborn fat while preserving lean muscle mass.

Highlights 

• Net Weight: 495 g
• Serving Size: 1 scoop (14.2 g)
• Servings Per Container: 30
• Ingredients:
  • Citrulline Malate 2:1 – 6,000 mg
  • Beta-Alanine – 2,000 mg
  • BetaPure™ Betaine Anhydrous – 1,500 mg
  • Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl – 1,000 mg
  • Choline Bitartrate – 500 mg
  • L-Theanine – 180 mg
  • PurCaf® Organic Caffeine – 200 mg
  • Theobromine – 50 mg
  • BioPerine® – 5 mg
• Timing of Consumption:
  • Take one half (½) scoop mixed with 8-10 ounces of water 20-30 minutes before training to determine tolerance. If increased intensity is desired, take one (1) level scoop mixed with 10-12 ounces of water.
• Available in Strawberry Lemonade, Sour Grape, Fruit Punch, Sour Pear, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple, Orange, and Tropical Punch flavors
• No artificial sweeteners
• No artificial coloring
• Gluten-free 
• Non-GMO 
• No artificial preservatives

Price

$49.99 

*Subscribe & Save $5 + Free Shipping

Customer Reviews

Bottom Line

Its commitment to transparent labeling ensures users know precisely what they’re consuming, making it a trusted choice for those seeking an effective pre-workout supplement with a focus on weight loss without losing lean body mass.

Best for Cognitive Function Enhancement: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge 

* Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 333 users on their official website

* Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 20,954 users on Amazon

Overview

The Nitrosurge Shred is a highly potent, premium pre-workout energy drink that provides explosive energy, laser-sharp focus, and boosts fat burning. It contains clinically-dosed ingredients, including acetyl L-carnitine and a stimulant complex, to target fat loss and enhance cognitive function.

Highlights 

• Net Weight: 219 g
• Serving Size: 1 scoop (7.2 g)
• Servings Per Container: 30
• Ingredients:
  •  L-Citrulline – 2 g (Boosts nitric oxide production, drives muscular pumps, enhances muscular endurance, increases strength, and delays fatigue)
  •  Beta-Alanine – 1.6 g 
  •  Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL -1 g (Helps release fat stores and boosts cognitive function)
  • Theobromine – 50 mg 
  • BioPerine – 2.5 mg 
  • Caffeine Anhydrous + L-Theanine – 180 mg / 90 mg per serving 
• Timing of Consumption:
  • Directions: To assess your tolerance, take one scoop of Nitrosurge SHRED with 8-10 ounces of water 25-35 minutes before working out.
  • Maximum Dose Directions: Mix 2 scoops of Nitrosurge SHRED with 12-20 ounces of water 25-35 minutes before working out.
• Available in Cherry Limeade, Lemon Lime, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Black Cherry, and Blueberry Lemonade flavors

Price

Regular Price: $34.99

Subscribe & Save: 15% Off + Free USA Shipping on All Recurring Orders

Customer Reviews

Bottom Line

Enthusiastic users swear by its ability to make them sweat, focus, and power through their workouts, making it a must-try for anyone aiming to shed pounds while maintaining energy and mental clarity.

 Best Tasting: Huge Supplements Wrecked

* Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 126 users on their official website

* Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars by 1,130 users on Amazon

Overview

The Huge Supplements Wrecked, a collaborative pre-workout with Oliver Forslin, is one of the strongest on the market. Two scoops of this product provide a total of 325 mg of caffeine anhydrous and dicaffeine malate for an energizing workout experience.

Highlights 

• Net Weight: 611.6 g
• Serving Size: 1 scoop (15.29 g) or 2 scoops (30.58 g)
• Servings Per Container: Available in 20 and 40 servings
• Ingredients:
  • Sodium – 250 mg
  • L-Citrulline – 400 mg
  • Hydromax – 2000 mg
  • Beta Alanine – 1750 mg
  • Betaine Anhydrous – 1500 mg
  • Malic Acid – 1500 mg
  • Agmatine Sulfate – 750 mg
  • L-Tyrosine – 750 mg
  • Alpha GPC 50% – 300 mg
  • Caffeine Anhydrous – 125 mg
• Timing of Consumption: Take one (1) to two (2) scoop(s) of Wrecked roughly 20 to 30 minutes before working out to help improve focus, energy, pumps, and strength. We recommend first-time users start with half a scoop to assess tolerance safely.
• Available in Watermelon Slush flavor

Price

$49.95

Customer Reviews

Check out @MPFITNESS’ review of Huge Supplements Wrecked on YouTube Shorts.

Bottom Line

Wrecked is the ultimate pre-workout for those aiming to boost their weight loss journey while enjoying a delicious kick. Rave reviews highlight its fantastic taste, lasting energy, and incredible pumps, making it the go-to choice for anyone looking to supercharge their workouts and shed those extra pounds.

Best for Performance Enhancement: Legion Pulse Pre-Workout 

* Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,759 users on their official website

* Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 16,046 users on Amazon

Overview

Pulse is a 100% natural pre-workout supplement with clinically effective doses of scientifically proven ingredients, providing increased energy, focus, and strength without adverse side effects. It is naturally sweetened and flavored, free from artificial additives.

Highlights 

• Net Weight: 450 g
• Serving Size: 2 scoops (22.5 g)
• Servings Per Container: Available in 10 and 20 servings 
• Ingredients (per serving of 15.1 g):
  • Caffeine – 350 mg
  • L-Theanine – 350 mg
  • Citrulline Malate – 8 g
  • Beta-Alanine – 3.6 g
  • Alpha-GPC – 300 mg
  • Betaine – 2.5 g
• Available in Mojito, Piña Colada, Rainbow Sherbet, Fruit Punch, Peach Ring, Blue Raspberry, Apple Cider, Arctic Blast, Blood Orange, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Grape, Green Apple, Pink Lemonade, Sour Candy, Strawberry Kiwi, Strawberry Margarita, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, and Frosted Cranberry flavors

Price

$44.99

*Subscribe and Save (25% Discount): $33.74

Customer Reviews

Check out Jon Klipstein’s review of Legion Pulse on YouTube.

Bottom Line

Its exceptional customer reviews emphasize its effectiveness in providing clean energy and focus for workouts, making it a top choice for fitness enthusiasts who appreciate great taste and performance enhancement in their training routine.

Best for Energy Boost: EVLution Nutrition ENGN Shred 

* Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,836 users on their official website

* Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,778 users on Amazon

Overview

Evlution Nutrition ENGN Shred is a creatine-free pre-workout supplement that provides explosive energy and maximum focus while supporting fat burning. 

Highlights 

• Net Weight: 240 g
• Serving Size: 1 scoop (8 g)
• Servings Per Container: 30
• Ingredients:
  • Carbohydrates – <1 g
  • Niacin – 35 g
  • Vitamin B6 – 2 mg
  • Folic Acid – 800 mcg
  • Vitamin B12 – 25 mcg
  • Choline – 200 mg
  • ENGN SHRED MATRIX:
    • Conjugated Linoleic Acid Powder – 500 mg
    • L-Carnitine L-Tartrate – 500 mg
    • Coleus Extract – 100 mg
    • Yohimbe Extract – 40 mg
    • Red Pepper – 25 mg
• Other Ingredients: Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Malic Acid, Silica, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, FD&C Red 40
• Timing of Consumption:
  • As a dietary supplement, take 1 scoop with 8 ounces (236 ml) of cold water 15-30 minutes before training. To avoid sleeplessness, do not take within 4 hours of sleep.
• Available in Blue Raz, Fruit Punch, Cherry Limeade, Grape, and Pink Lemonade flavors

Price

$35.99

Customer Reviews

Bottom Line

Customers say that it’s like a Swiss army knife for fitness enthusiasts, offering a clean energy boost and improved body composition in one product. However, others did complain that it doesn’t taste as good as other products and that it clumps together so it needs to be mixed thoroughly.

Let’s Talk About Weight Loss 

Weight loss is a multi-faceted topic, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Results require consistent work in the gym alongside a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, and keeping stress levels low. It will require much more than implementing a pre-workout supplement into your routine. When it comes down to it, weight loss is achieved through a calorie deficit, meaning more calories are burned than consumed.

Pre-workout can help with weight loss primarily in three ways:

1. by motivating someone to workout harder and longer, 

2. by utilizing thermogenic ingredients to increase fat-burning capacity during a workout, and 

3. by acting as an appetite suppressant. 

Most often people looking to lose weight create a calorie deficit through a combination of diet and exercise, and pre-workout can help with both of these things. For a pre-workout to be effective, it must be combined with a workout. 

What is Thermogenesis?

If you’re after the best pre-workout for weight loss, you may want to know a thing or two about thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is essentially a word for heat production. Thermogenic compounds increase core body temperature which increases fat burning and metabolism and suppresses appetite. Thermogenesis is really where the “fat-burning” language comes from when discussing foods and supplements.  An increased metabolism helps us to burn more calories at rest. 

Though this is true, thermogenic ingredients likely only slightly improve fat-burning capacity. They may help give you a little boost in burning more calories from a workout, but the impact may be negligible, depending on individual circumstances.

Pre-workout for Weight Loss Vs Regular Pre-Workout 

The best pre-workout supplements for weight loss and fat burning will contain thermogenic ingredients, due to the reasons mentioned above. 

Look for these key ingredients in pre-workout supplements for weight loss:

• Stimulants: The most popular stimulant most of us know about is caffeine. Stimulants help reduce appetite and increase thermogenesis.
  • Another compound commonly found in supplements with caffeine is L-theanine which can help mitigate the negative side effects of caffeine. 
• Nootropics: Nootropics, sometimes referred to as cognitive enhancers, can contribute to reduced appetite, improved mood, and focus. Some nootropics have stimulant effects, but not all nootropics are stimulants.
  • Caffeine is technically a nootropic. 
  • Theobromine is another compound sometimes found in pre-workouts that is similar to caffeine in its mood-boosting effects minus the stimulant properties.
• L-Carnitine: L-carnitine is sometimes used as a weight loss supplement and is often found in pre-workout supplements. Some research proves its efficacy regarding weight loss with an effective dose found to be 2 g.
  • Acetyl-L-carnitine is a specific type that appears to have additional brain health benefits. 
• Thermogenics: As discussed above, these compounds can slightly increase someone’s fat-burning capacity. 

Common thermogenic/fat-burning ingredients and their recommended doses used in supplements are listed below. Always follow the dosage instructions listed on your supplement. 

• Caffeine anhydrous: 150-200 mg
• Green coffee bean extract: 200-400 mg
• Bitter orange: 50-98 mg
• Green tea extract: 300-500 mg
• Capsaicin: 6 mg
• Black pepper extract (often as BioPerine®): 5-20 mg per day 

The most typical pre-workout ingredients we come across in everyday life are coffee and green tea, which research suggests are both effective thermogenic agents that promote weight loss. 

Safety and Potential Side Effects of a Pre-Workout Supplement

To avoid or lower the likelihood of experiencing side effects from pre-workout, don’t ever exceed the recommended dose and check with your doctor beforehand if you are on any other medications or supplements. 

Be Mindful of Caffeine 

Since caffeine is a prime ingredient in many pre-workout supplements for weight loss, the side effects of too much caffeine are a part of the discussion. Some side effects of overconsuming caffeine are jitteriness, heart palpitations, dizziness, headaches, and even anxiety attacks, insomnia, nausea, constipation, rapid heart rate, and an upset stomach. 

Everyone has a different tolerance level when it comes to caffeine. Someone who is a regular coffee drinker may not feel the effects of caffeinated pre-workout as strongly as someone who rarely consumes caffeine. 

The FDA recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine to be consumed daily. Any more than that and the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects significantly increases. If you’re also a coffee, tea, or energy drink drinker, you may want to ensure that the caffeine content in your pre-workout does not exceed 400 mg in a day. The amounts vary by brand, but many pre-workouts contain 120-200 mg of caffeine per serving. If you take two scoops (two servings), you could hit the recommended caffeine dose from pre-workout alone. 

Another thing to bear in mind is to not use pre-workout with caffeine within 6 hours of bedtime—maybe more than that for people who are sensitive to caffeine. So, if you’re someone who likes to work out in the evening, consider a non-stim pre-workout that still has thermogenic ingredients for weight loss that aren’t caffeine.

Avoid Using Pre-Workout as a Rest Replacement 

Many turn to pre-workout drinks and mixes to energize themselves before a workout when they may be feeling too tired or sluggish to work out. If this is you, just remember to consider why you are feeling unenergized in the first place. Is it due to lack of sleep or poor nutrition? While the benefits of regular exercise are tremendous, sometimes our bodies need rest over movement, and that’s okay.  

Look for Certifications

Other general things to keep in mind when shopping for fitness supplements are to look for a fully disclosed ingredient label, questionable proprietary blends, certifications of third-party testing and manufacturing standards, and customer reviews.

The Effects of Caffeine on Weight Loss

Anything that suppresses appetite will inevitably aid in weight loss efforts. Studies have revealed that caffeine ingestion 0.5-4 hours before a meal may suppress appetite. Anecdotally speaking, it’s common for people to use caffeine or coffee as an appetite suppressant. However, the extent to which appetite-regulating hormones are impacted is likely small. That said, any bit helps when trying to shed extra pounds.

Price

Pre-workout powders aren’t necessarily cheap, but if you shop around, you can typically find a supplement with good value for your money. For context, anything less than $40 could be questionable and anything above $60 is a bit excessive. 

If you’re looking to cut costs but receive some of the same benefits from pre-workout, black coffee can be a good substitute for a supplement. New research by the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) supports the use of coffee as a performance aid. 

Other Tips:

• Most pre-workouts suggest users consume them 15-30 minutes before a workout to reap maximum benefits.
• Pre-workout may make you sweat more due to thermogenic ingredients and beta-alanine, so make sure to remain hydrated throughout your workout. 
• Look for certifications like NSF Certified for Sport, GMP, USP, and ConsumerLab.
• Even if using the absolute best pre-workout for weight loss on the market, if not paired with a consistent workout routine and healthy diet, seeing results is unlikely. 

Bottom Line: Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Weight Loss

Finding the best pre-workout supplement for weight loss can be a game-changer for anyone looking to optimize their fitness journey. By choosing a thermogenic pre-workout, individuals can ensure they are not only primed to boost energy levels but are also maximizing their body’s fat-burning potential.

It’s important to drink pre-workout formulations that have a well-researched blend of components designed to target body fat. The right pre-workout supplement will support your goals, transforming your workout sessions into a more efficient routine for burning fat and sculpting a toned physique. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which pre-workout burns the most fat?

The pre-workouts we’ve selected to best facilitate weight loss are Transparent Labs Bulk Black, Promix Pre-Workout, Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout, Jacked Factory Nitrosurge, Huge Supplements Wrecked, Legion Pulse Pre-Workout, and EVLution Nutrition ENGN Shred. 

Does capsaicin burn fat?

Capsaicin is a thermogenic compound that may slightly increase metabolism. 

Is pre-workout good for losing weight?

Pre-workout can help with weight loss for three main reasons: it encourages users to workout harder, and some pre-workout ingredients serve as fat burners and appetite suppressors. 

Why is there controversy about pre-workout supplements for weight loss?

This controversy exists because some people utilize pre-workout for weight loss in an unhealthy way. Supplements should never be used in place of an overall healthy lifestyle.

What’s the best way to use pre-workout for weight loss?

Use pre-workout for weight loss about 15-30 minutes before a workout to feel its effects. Additionally, don’t solely rely on a supplement to help you lose weight. Any pre-workout must be paired with an exercise routine and a healthy diet to be effective. 

References

Lowery, L., Anderson, D. E., Scanlon, K. F., Stack, A., Escalante, G., Campbell, S. C., Kerksick, C. M., Nelson, M. T., Ziegenfuss, T. N., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Kalman, D., Campbell, B., Kreider, R. B., & Antonio, J. (2023). International society of sports nutrition position stand: coffee and sports performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2023.2237952

Prather, J. M., Florez, C. M., Vargas, A., Soto, B., Harrison, A., Willoughby, D., Tinsley, G., & Taylor, L. (2023). The effects of a thermogenic supplement on metabolic and hemodynamic variables and subjective mood states. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2023.2185538

Schubert, M. M., Irwin, C., Seay, R. F., Clarke, H. E., Allegro, D., & Desbrow, B. (2017). Caffeine, coffee, and appetite control: a review. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 68(8), 901–912. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637486.2017.1320537

Talenezhad, N., Mohammadi, M., Ramezani-Jolfaie, N., Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., & Salehi-Abargouei, A. (2020). Effects of l-carnitine supplementation on weight loss and body composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled clinical trials with dose-response analysis. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 37, 9–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.03.008

Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Lejeune, M. P. G. M., & Kovacs, E. M. R. (2005). Body Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance in Relation to Habitual Caffeine Intake and Green Tea Supplementation. Obesity Research, 13(7), 1195–1204. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2005.142