These Are The Best-Rated Pre-Workout Powders You Can Find On Amazon

Chances are if you're a regular gym-goer, you've heard of, and are likely already using, protein powders. However, you may not have heard of what's essentially a cousin to protein powders — pre-workout powders. Though pre-workout nutrients can be taken in a variety of ways, including through supplements and drinks, most come in a powder form that you mix into a drink of your choice (via The Independent).

Using pre-workout before you hit the gym can have a significant effect on your body. According to dietitian and nutritionist Yasi Ansari, the goal of pre-workout supplements is to "help enhance performance, mainly through the boosting of energy and increased mental focus," as she explained to SELF. Nevertheless, it's important to check each ingredient, as not all pre-workout powders are created equally. 

At best, they can be useless and a waste of money. At worst, they can be harmful due to a lack of third-party testing and research, possibly even working against you and your goals as a result. Even if you do want to boost your gym potential and see the benefits pre-workout powders can offer, the many varieties make things infinitely more confusing. So, which pre-workout powders should you be stocking up on? 

The number one bestseller in the pre-workout category on Amazon is the C4 Sport Pre Workout Powder. It comes in four flavors — strawberry lemonade, blue raspberry, mango, and fruit punch — and has over 16,000 reviews with an overall 4.5-star rating. It contains creatine monohydrate, caffeine, and a beta-alanine performance blend. 

As reported by Men's Health, creatine monohydrate has been proven to increase muscle power, while caffeine will give you more energy. Plus, it has been tested by third-party NSF Certified for Sport, which is supported by Major League Basketball and the Canadian Football League. In second place is another C4 product, but in third is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout. 

Once again containing creatine monohydrate, caffeine, and beta-alanine, this powder currently has over 40,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating. The four flavor options are blueberry lemonade, watermelon, green apple, and fruit punch. It also contains Vitamin D, which is especially important if you live in a place with less daylight due to the fact it can increase energy and bolster your immune system, per Healthline. 

Coming in hot at fourth place is the Redcon1 Total War Pre Workout. In a blue raspberry flavor, this powder is keto-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free, with almost 24,000 reviews. It promises to be free of any banned substances and also shows the percentage of each ingredient on the label. It contains beta-alanine, caffeine, taurine, and citrulline malate. Per MyProtein, citrulline malate can pump more oxygen to your muscles and stop you from getting tired as quickly. 

Fifth but certainly no less popular, the AminoLean Pre Workout Powder is among the most tried on this list, with more than 29,000 reviews. If you like to try different flavors, this powder comes in five options including the usual fruit punch, blue raspberry, pink lemonade, and watermelon as well as blackberry pomegranate. Approved for keto diets and containing zero sugar or carbs, its main ingredients are BCAA and EAA amino acids. 

These building blocks can improve muscle growth, prevent muscle soreness, and allow you to keep working out for a little bit longer (via Healthline). Simply put, pre-workout powders can be a great addition to your routine, but, as with all new products, do your own research before trying something out.