Some of the athletes I train disliked the tingling sensations caused by the beta-alanine in some pre-workouts. Although I told them it's not really a health concern, it distracts them throughout training.
In response to this, I researched the 12 most popular pre-workouts without beta-alanine and tested them for several months to determine the best pre-workout to reduce muscle fatigue and boost athletic performance.
I also spoke with Total Shape's on-site nutritionist to evaluate the ingredients for safety and efficacy and reached out to some colleagues to ask for feedback about the products.
Here are the results.
My Top 12 Beta-Alanine Free Pre-Workout Supplements (September 2023)
1 - Gorilla Mode Pre-workout (Editor's Choice)
I chose Gorilla Mode as the first beta-alanine-free pre-workout on the list because it gives me the most muscle energy, strength, and pumps without the annoying tingling sensation on my skin.
Gorilla mode contains high doses of L-Citrulline and creatine that have been shown to increase water and nutrient supply to working muscles, helping to accelerate muscle growth and combat fatigue [1] [2].
Additionally, this tingle-free pre-workout contains high amounts of caffeine and L-Tyrosine, which can provide long-lasting energy and vibe during exercise performance, allowing you to complete your workout without feeling tired [3].
Gorilla Mode has been a favorite pre-workout for me and among my clients for quite some time now, as the energy it gives is real, with no jitters or itchy feelings, and the results in terms of strength output and muscle endurance are consistently unmatched.
Supplement Facts:
- L- Citrulline : 9000 mg
- Creatine Monohydrate : 5000 mg
- GlycerPump™ (65% Glycerol Powder) : 3000 mg
- Betaine Anhydrous : 2500 mg
- L-Tyrosine : 1500 mg
- Caffeine Anhydrous : 350 mg
- May help boost mood and motivation
- Promotes better blood circulation
- Can significantly increase energy and endurance for more exercise capacity
- May help reduce post-workout muscle soreness
- Could be a little pricey
Get 10% off using coupon code: TOTALSHAPE
2 - 4 Gauge Pre-workout
I ranked 4 Gauge as the second beta-alanine-free pre-workout on the list because, like Gorilla Mode, it provided me with great pumps that allowed me to increase my physical performance without causing the tingling sensation.
Although there is a significant difference in stimulation, which could be due to the lower caffeine content and the addition of L-theanine in this pre-workout, it still gave me enough energy while allowing me to remain calm [4].
Moreover, it contains coconut water powder, which has electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, which were found to help regulate nerve and muscle functions [5].
I liked how 4 Gauge didn't distract me during my training and instead provided me with such strong muscle pumps that I was able to lift considerably heavier weights than usual.
Supplement Facts:
- L-Citrulline Dl-Malate : 6000 mg
- Creatine Monohydrate : 1000 mg
- Acetyl L-Carnitine : 500 mg
- Red Beet Root Extract : 300 mg
- Coconut Water Powder : 300 mg
- Caffeine Anhydrous : 150 mg
- Helps boost energy levels without post-exercise fatigue
- Promotes calmness while enabling you to get more out of your training
- Help increase hydration and better endurance
- Also a bit heavy on the budget
3 - Pre Lab Pro
The next pre-workout without beta-alanine is Pre-Lab Pro from Opti Nutra. I included this great pre-workout on my list because I am impressed by its vitamin and mineral content.
Pre Lab Pro contains Vitamin D and numerous B vitamins that have been shown to enhance performance by regulating metabolic functions such as the energy metabolism of muscle cells and the development and production of red blood cells [6].
“Vitamin B6 is involved in production of hemoglobin, the protein in blood that carries oxygen throughout the body.”
- Sonya Angelone, RDN, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Additionally, this pre-workout contains just a small amount of caffeine, making it an ideal choice for individuals who are sensitive to highly caffeinated products and need a little bit of energy when beginning their fitness journey.
After using this pre-workout for a few weeks, I can say that it only gives a beginner-level energy boost and stamina. Nonetheless, I never got itchy during or after my workout.
Supplement Facts :
- SETRIA® Performance Blend (Glutathione + L-Citrulline) : 2200 mg
- Red Beetroot Powder : 1500 mg
- L-Tyrosine : 400 mg
- L-Theanine : 160 mg
- Caffeine : 80 mg
- Vitamin D : 500 IU or 12.5 mcg
- Gives little to no jitters
- Supports bone health and immune function due to Vitamin D
- L-theanine content helps you remain calm during intense training
- Uses proprietary blend formulation
4 - PUMPSURGE
This pre-workout without beta-alanine is meant for people who have an extreme sensitivity to caffeine but still wish to achieve their fitness goals quickly.
Pumpsurge is a stim-free pre-workout that contains high levels of L-Citrulline, which has been shown to promote vasodilation or blood vessel widening, which may help increase nutrient supply to muscles, allowing you to lift heavier weights for leaner body mass [7].
Also, it contains three cognitive enhancing substances, Taurine, Huperzine A, and Alpha GC, which were shown to improve neuromuscular strength potential, alertness, and focus, leading to increased endurance [8,9].
Pumpsurge gave me a better sense of calm each time I took it 30 minutes before my workout, letting me finish my daily routine without feeling tired.
Supplement Facts:
- L-Citrulline : 5000 mg
- Betaine Anhydrous : 2500 mg
- Taurine : 2000 mg
- Alpha-GPC : 150 mg
- Huperzine A : 50 mcg
- AstraGin : 25 mg
- Light on the budget
- Absolutely no jittery effects because it's a non-stim pre-workout
- Helps enhance mood and focus
- Doesn’t provide the same rapid stimulation as caffeinated pre-workouts
5 - ONNIT Total Nitric Oxide - Pre-Workout Powder
Total Nitric Oxide from Onnit is among the stim-free pre-workout supplements that do not contain beta-alanine.
I included this pre-workout on the list because many of my colleagues found that it can improve athletic performance.
The company that makes this pre-workout claims that the ingredients, which all work to increase the amount of nitric oxide (NO) in the body (hence the name "total nitric oxide"), help people get the most out of their intense workouts.
By increasing NO levels in the body, your muscles will get more oxygen and nutrients [10]. This could allow your body to work out for longer and heal faster after working out.
My colleagues at Total Shape reported that they had better performance due to the increased strength and stamina they had gained from taking this pre-workout.
Supplement Facts:
- OxyPhyte® Blend
- (Fermented BeetRoot, Extracts of Grape Seed, Apple, and Acerola Cherry) : 5890 mg
- L-Citrulline DL-Malate : 3000 grams
- Arginine Nitrate : 1400 mg
- You can use this ready pre-workout in your late-night exercise
- Promotes faster muscle repair and growth
- May help improve endurance workouts for weight loss
- The label doesn't show the exact amount of ingredients
6 - Organic Muscle Natural Superfood Pre-Workout Powder
This product is USDA certified and contains only all-natural ingredients.
This dietary supplement from Organic Muscle is essentially a natural superfood that contains a long list of fruit and plant extracts combined in a proprietary blend formulation to provide clean energy and faster muscle recovery.
It also has just the right amount of caffeine from natural sources to give you a healthy boost while training [11].
Don't forget that this supplement doesn't contain beta-alanine either, so you won't feel jittery and tingly.
This pre-workout is one of my favorites because it keeps me energized and in a good mood throughout the day.
Supplement Facts :
- Circulation and Pump Blend : 2768 mg
- Energy, Focus, and Stamina Blend : 1844 mg
- Natural Flavoring : 800 mg
- Metabolic Boost Blend : 545 mg
- Natural Caffeine : 150 mg
- May give little to no side effects due to all-natural organic ingredients
- May help support complete body nourishment due to vitamins and minerals
- Suitable for people with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
- Ingredients are lacking in scientific proof and don't reveal exact amounts
7 - Cracked Pre-Workout
You might also want to consider Cracked Pre-Workout if you are looking for a beta-alanine-free sports supplement that focuses not only on energy and pump but also on improving cognitive performance.
Although most ingredients are proprietary blends, I appreciate that the manufacturer added numerous nootropics and adaptogenic herbs that are known to enhance mental focus and alertness [12].
Furthermore, the ingredients in the energy blend, such as L-Citrulline, creatine, and caffeine, are all listed on the label in exact amounts, which gives me confidence that they can provide ergogenic effects.
"By stimulating excitatory neurotransmitters, [caffeine] jump-starts the brain the way that adrenaline does, which sends messages to the rest of the body to perform."
- Whitney Crouch, RDN, CLT
I was hesitant at first to try this pre-workout because of the proprietary blends, but surprisingly, it did not disappoint in terms of providing energy, improving mental performance, and relieving stress.
Supplement Facts :
- Cracked™ Energy Blend : 7300 mg
- L-Citrulline Malate : 5000 mg
- Creatine HCl : 2000 mg
- Caffeine anhydrous : 200 mg
- L-Tyrosine : 100 mg
- Cracked™ Nootropics Blend : 1275 mg
- Cracked™ Adaptogenic Blend : 450 mg
- Cracked™ Synthesis Complex : 1.5 mg
- Promotes better blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscles
- Helps reduce mental stress during an intense workout
- May help improve strength and energy levels
- Contains artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners
8 - PEScience Prolific Pre-Workout
The next pre-workout without beta-alanine is suitable for those who are working out to build bigger lean muscles like professional athletes and bodybuilders.
Prolific pre-workout from PEScience contains ingredients like Citrulline and Betaine anhydrous, which have been shown to improve performance by allowing faster repair of muscle damage caused by intense exercise, resulting in increased muscle growth [13].
While the caffeine and L-theanine in this pre-workout can keep you alert and relaxed at the same time, the Rhodiola extract may help lower stress hormones caused by strenuous exercise, letting you perform for long periods without exhausting or losing motivation [14].
I felt that this pre-workout was pretty effective in keeping me awake and focused during my two-hour continuous lift without any jitters or tingling sensations.
Supplement Facts:
- L-Citrulline : 6000 mg
- Betaine Anhydrous : 2500 mg
- Taurine : 1500 mg
- Caffeine Anhydrous : 320 mg
- L-Theanine : 200 mg
- Rhodiola Rosea Extract : 100 mg
- Promotes mind and body coordination
- May help provide a sustained energy boost
- Could increase muscle mass
- May not be suitable for people who have pre-existing heart problems
9 - MyoBlox LOCO® Pre-Workout
Before we go on to our final three pre-workouts without beta-alanine, let's have a look at Loco from MyoBlox, which I believe is also ideal for pro athletes and bodybuilders, as it can, in my opinion, take their workout to the next level.
This pre-workout contains 400 mg of natural caffeine derived from green tea leaf extract, theobromine, and L-theanine, which research suggests can provide a high surge of clean energy and stamina to allow you to work on your routine seamlessly from start to finish [15].
Also, this performance enhancer has bitter orange extract, which is a powerful brain stimulant that can keep you energized even during the hardest workouts [16].
I only used half a scoop of this pre-workout because when I first tried it with a full scoop, my heart was pounding with slight palpitations.
Supplement Facts:
- Citrulline Malate : 6000 mg
- L-Taurine : 2000 mg
- L -Tyrosine : 1000 mg
- Loco® Energy Matrix : 1425 mg
- Vitamin B6 : 5 mg
- Vitamin V12 : 1000 mcg
- May help improve blood flow enabling you to add more weights
- Significantly helps increase strength and energy
- May help you stay motivated with intense focus
- May potentially cause heart problems due to bitter orange extract
10 - PEScience High Volume Nitric Oxide Booster Pre Workout
High Volume Nitric Oxide Matrix is another beta-alanine-free product from PEScience, but unlike Prolific, it is caffeine-free, allowing those who are sensitive to stimulants to maximize their cardio workouts.
As the product name implies, this pre-workout provides “high volume pumps” due to the main ingredients, L-Citrulline, Arginine Nitrate, and Agmatine Sulfate, which have all been shown to increase NO levels in the body [17].
More nitric oxide in the blood improves circulation, so more nutrients and oxygen can reach your cells. This will let you work out for longer periods with less muscle soreness and fatigue.
Even without the caffeine and beta-alanine, this pre-workout improved my workout performance by increasing my strength and stamina, enabling me to complete my routine in less time.
Supplement Facts :
- L-Citrulline : 4000 mg
- Performance Pump Matrix : 3750 mg
- Arginine Nitrate : 2000 mg
- Agmatine Sulfate : 1000 mg
- Vitamin C : 250 mg
- May help widen blood vessels
- May help the body fight infections
- My increase nitric oxide levels
- Helps boost mood and energy to work hard
- Some consumers find it hard to dissolve in water
11 - Ora Organic Natural Pre-Workout
Ora Organic's "Renewable Energy Pre-workout" is yet another effective pre-workout without beta-alanine that contains only natural nutrients that vegans can enjoy for increased energy during workouts.
The energy blend contains organic coconut, which is known to provide electrolytes that can help the body rehydrate and support normal muscle contractions in athletes [18].
Furthermore, the caffeine in this pre-workout comes from organic green coffee beans, matcha green tea, and yerba mate, all of which can help stimulate the brain in a natural way [19].
What I like best about this product is that all of its ingredients are organic and natural, and the energy lasts longer than most of the other pre-workouts on the list.
Supplement Facts :
- Organic Energy and Electrolyte Blend : 6990 mg
- Organic Nitric Oxide Blend : 1200 mg
- Organic Focus and Endurance Adaptogens : 385 mg
- Doesn't give energy crashes due to adaptogens
- Promotes healthy blood flow to fight fatigue
- May help to significantly increase energy
- Could hydrate muscle cells
- Many of their ingredients and claimed benefits are not supported by research
12 - Vega Sport Pre-Workout Powder
The last pre-workout on the list that does not contain beta-alanine is Vega Sport's sugar-free energizer, which claims to increase energy and strength despite its low caffeine concentration.
This could be because it also contains eleuthero extract, which has been shown to increase blood circulation and oxygen and nutrients to the body, thus keeping people awake and alert [20].
Furthermore, it has Rhodiola extracts, which may help you feel less stressed so you can focus more on working out, finishing your routine, and getting to your fitness goals faster [21].
"Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic nootropic that may improve cognitive function, enhance memory and learning, and protect the brain. It also helps with emotional calming and protects against emotional stress."
- Jennifer T. Haley, MD, FAAD, Scottsdale, Arizona
I dislike the taste of Vega Sport, but it supplied me with a clean, revitalizing energy that lasted for a couple of hours without making me jittery or tingly.
Supplement Facts :
- Coffee Berry (Coffea arabica) fruit (extract) : 132 mg
- Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf (extract) : 150 mg
- Eleutero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root (extract) : 400 mg
- Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea L.) root : 150 mg
- Vitamin C (Acerola cherry extract) : 62 mg
- Helps you get energized and stay alert without the added sugar
- May support a stronger immune system
- Certified hormone-free and gluten-free pre-workout
- Most consumers don't like the taste of this pre-workout
Why Do You Need a Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine?
You need pre-workout without beta-alanine to avoid itching skin and tingling sensations, minimize anxiety-related effects, or prefer a supplement that does not require daily use to be effective, even when lacking beta-alanine pros.
It's important to consider personal preferences, potential sensitivities, and individual fitness goals when selecting the right pre-workout supplement for your needs. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a fitness expert can provide further guidance in making an informed decision.
Itching Skin and Tingling Sensations
One reason to choose a pre-workout supplement without beta-alanine is to avoid potential side effects such as itching skin and tingling sensations. Beta-alanine is known to cause a harmless condition called paresthesia, which can manifest as a prickling or tingling sensation on the skin [22]. While not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and distracting during workouts. Taking beta-alanine-free pre-workout can help individuals who are sensitive to or bothered by these sensations.
Requires Daily Use To Be Effective
Beta-alanine is most effective when taken consistently over time. To experience its full benefits, individuals often need to consume beta-alanine daily for a prolonged period [23]. This can be inconvenient for those who prefer occasional or sporadic use of pre-workout supplements. By opting for a beta-alanine-free pre-workout, users can still enjoy the immediate effects of other ingredients without the need for daily consumption.
How to Find the Best Pre-workout Supplement Without Beta-Alanine
To find the best pre-workout supplement without beta-alanine, you should consider the ingredients, the dosage of these ingredients, the brand reputation, and the value for money.
Pre-workout Ingredients
The best pre-workouts without beta-alanine should contain ingredients that provide similar benefits to beta-alanine, such as increasing muscular endurance and speeding up muscle recovery while improving blood flow.
While solid pre-workout ingredients such as L-citrulline, creatine, and caffeine can increase overall muscle strength and stamina, BCAAs can help the body boost protein production, which is required for faster muscle healing [24].
Dosage Of Ingredients
The best pre-workout supplements should include clinically proven dosages for each ingredient, as this is an important component for determining the effectiveness of pre-workout formulas.
Caffeine, for example, may help boost energy and muscle strength.
However, if you have a low caffeine tolerance and insist on using a highly caffeinated pre-workout supplement, you may experience jitteriness, restlessness, or fatigue, which can impair your workout performance [25]. This is more noticeable if you're sensitive to caffeine, so consider getting stimulant-free pre-workout supplements instead.
Brand Reputation
To choose the best pre-workouts without beta-alanine, it is important to examine the brand's reputation, as this reflects the company’s performance over time.
A well-known supplement company usually offers a premium price because they adhere to the highest standards in producing high-quality, effective products. The higher price tag shouldn't discourage you since it assures you can get high-quality products.
You can verify this by reading real customers' comments, reviews, and feedback on their purchased products or service online.
If the brand sells its products on its website, buy the products there since you're likely protected by its returns policy.
Value for Money
Knowing how much your preferred pre-workout will cost you each day can help you in picking among the best pre-workouts without beta-alanine.
First, determine how many servings each bottle can provide you with, taking into account the number of scoops you will take per serving. Then, divide the product's total cost by the number of servings to calculate your daily pre-workout expenses.
FAQs
Is Beta-Alanine Bad for You?
No, beta-alanine is not bad for you because its primary actions are to increase carnosine levels and reduce lactic acid build-up in the body, which has a good effect on blood circulation and physical performance. The side effect of beta-alanine does not pose a health risk and will disappear after about half an hour.
Can You Take Too Much Beta-Alanine?
No, you can’t take too much beta-alanine as it may result in an unusual tingling of the skin, known as paresthesia, that is most noticeable on the face, neck, and hands. Since the intensity of this tingling increases with dosage size, beta-alanine supplements should be taken in divided doses.
Is There an Alternative to Beta-Alanine That Boosts Recovery?
Yes, there is an alternative to beta-alanine that boost recovery; BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) help in the formation of protein, which is required for the growth of new muscle fibers.
Our Recommended #1 Product
After months of testing and research, all the subjective and objective data showed that Gorilla Mode is the best pre-workout without beta-alanine as it is the most effective at improving performance without distracting me from working out.
Apart from having the most well-balanced formula of science-backed ingredients, Gorilla Mode is also the best bang for the buck as it contains the most grams per serving and the highest number of servings in each bottle.
Most of my clients who use Gorilla Mode report lifting heavier weights, performing more reps, and working out for longer, which is why I always feel confident recommending it.
Our #1 Recommendation
Gorilla Mode Pre-workout
- May help boost mood and motivation
- Promotes better blood circulation
- Can significantly increase energy and endurance for more exercise capacity
- May help reduce post-workout muscle soreness
- Get 10% off using code: TOTALSHAPE
- Could be a little pricey
About The Author
You May Also Like
Good article! I prefer caffeine-free supplements, but some of these look interesting. Beta-alanine always leaves me feeling jittery.