Expert's opinion
The article is a subjective view on this topic written by writers specializing in medical writing.
It may reflect on a personal journey surrounding struggles with an illness or medical condition, involve product comparisons, diet considerations, or other health-related opinions.
Although the view is entirely that of the writer, it is based on academic experiences and scientific research they have conducted; it is fact-checked by a team of degreed medical experts, and validated by sources attached to the article.
The numbers in parenthesis (1,2,3) will take you to clickable links to related scientific papers.
Best Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine (Itch Free) In 2024
Updated on
- Written by Krista Elkins, NRP, RN, Former Writer
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
All articles are produced independently. When you click our links for purchasing products, we earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how we earn revenue by reading our advertise disclaimer.
Pre Lab Pro
- Impressive vitamin and mineral content
- Sensible dose of caffeine 80 mg
- Vegan-friendly
Set For Set Always Ready Pre-Workout
- Clean nutrition
- Evidence-based
- Trusted quality
Jacked Factory Pump Surge
- Caffeine free
- Great taste
- Promotes muscle growth
Pre-workout supplements[1] are popular among athletes for their ability to improve work performance, enhance muscle contractions, mitigate fatigue, and lengthen the time until exhaustion. They play an essential role in muscle endurance during intense workouts.
A pre-workout supplement is marketed to boost your exercise endurance and all-around physical performance. They increase aerobic endurance and muscle strength and the amount of time you can perform a high-intensity exercise like weight lifting or sprinting before becoming fatigued.
Together with histidine, beta-alanine creates carnosine,[2] which helps to regulate lactic acid build-up[3] in muscles, reducing the time to exhaustion and helping to combat fatigue. It is considered safe and effective but comes with unfavorable side effects known as paresthesia or a tingling skin sensation which is undesirable for many.
Read on to learn the five best pre-workouts without beta-alanine in 2022. There are some great-tasting supplements for the best workouts without beta-alanine available to choose from in the list below.
5 Best Beta-Alanine Free Pre Workout In (April. 2024)
- Pre Lab Pro – Editor’s Choice
- Set For Set Always Ready Pre-Workout – Best Without Creatinine
- Jacked Factory Pump Surge – Best Caffeine-Free
- 4 Gauge – Best Overall
- Onnit Total Nitric Oxide – Best Nitric Oxide Booster
Best Pre-workout That Doesn’t Make You Itch In 2024
Pre Lab Pro
Pre Lab Pro is one of the best pre-workout supplements that does not contain beta-alanine. It is vegan-friendly and does not use a proprietary blend.
- Impressive blend of vitamins and minerals
- Reasonably small dose of caffeine
- Vegan-friendly
- Expensive
- Can only buy on their website
- Contains 500 milligrams of sodium
- Contains stevia, and the artificial sweetener erythritol
Prelab Pro is a natural caffeine-enhanced pre-workout drink that provides enhanced muscle power, extended endurance, and a quicker recovery with no crash, no jitters, and no sleepless nights.
Show off your athletic prowess with a top natural performance enhancer that gives you more significant nitric oxide (NO) production and a nootropic foundation. Nootropics are cognitive enhancers that boost energy levels and wakefulness.
The natural sugar stevia is in the formulary, which some people do not like due to its overly sweet taste. More importantly, a September 1, 2022 study showed that Stevia, along with three other commonly used sweeteners, may disrupt the gut microbiome,[4] affecting sugar metabolism.
It might be noted; however, that of all four sweeteners tested, stevia was the only one that did not have an effect on insulin and had the least effect on the gut microbiome. In addition, erythritol may have a laxative effect,[5] particularly in those with inflammatory bowel disease.
Prelab Pro contains a moderate amount of caffeine and all the ingredients that you are looking for in your workout supplement.
Turbocharge your workout with nootropics that will help your physical and mental performance, all with reduced side effects of high-dose caffeine products.
However, you should watch your sodium intake from other foods since a serving of this pre-workout contains 500 mg of sodium, considered high when the daily amount should be limited to 2,300 mg.[6]
Set For Set Always Ready Pre-Workout
Always Ready pre-workout is a very clean supplement. It contains all the essential ingredients for pump, strength, endurance, focus, energy, and absorption.
- Transparent ingredients
- Caffeine for energy
- Great tasting
- Expensive
- No creatinine
- Uses sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) as sweeteners
Coming from a company newer to the market, Always Ready is great tasting and has great reviews. It contains an incredible amount of citrulline, which increases blood flow to the muscles and makes you look bigger.
This product increases the pump factor and brings increased water to muscles. It also creates a substantial nitric oxide effect.
It contains just the right amount of ingredients to give you more energy during your workout. It has caffeine for its stimulant effect, and when combined with other ingredients makes you more focused. You will have more energy and greater power output for your best performance.
The manufacturer doesn’t include beta-alanine or creatinine because these ingredients need to reach a certain level in the body to be effective, and Always Ready does not believe that you should take a pre-workout supplement daily.
Two sweeteners have been included, which may adversely affect those with sensitive digestion or blood sugar problems. Sucralose[4] affects the gut microbiome, thus altering blood sugar significantly.
Ace K has potentially dangerous health side effects and may lead to weight gain in men[7] but not women. Ace K has been shown to adversely affect the gut microbiome in animal studies.
Despite the controversial sweeteners, they contain proven dosing power and strength ingredients. They are a perfect balance for energy and alertness without the crash, itchiness, or jitters. There are no proprietary blends, so you know exactly what you are getting.
Jacked Factory Pump Surge
Pumpsurge contains all the right ingredients you are looking for in a pre-workout supplement but without caffeine. It has a great energy boost but without negative side effects.
- No caffeine
- Improved cognitive function
- Vegan
- Manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility (cGMP)
- Expensive
- Gritty texture
- Contains sucralose and acesulfame potassium
Pumpsurge sticks with ingredients that work. They are not trying to reinvent anything. Their ingredients are effective and transparent to the consumer. Because you will have no caffeine crash, you will have the ability to push yourself further. Their energy blend of L-citrulline,[8] taurine,[9] and betaine[10] is impressive.
Research[11] shows that this combination of ingredients has a synergistic effect on exercise performance, especially when compared to the single ingredients alone. It is important to use these supplements at the recommended dosages.
You will see a noticeable difference in power output and blood flow improvement, leading to increased aerobic and anaerobic activity endurance.
The nitric oxide effect increases strength, enhances muscular endurance, and minimizes muscle exhaustion. Nitric oxide boosts the effectiveness of your training so that you can reach your objectives quickly and can compete at a higher level.
You will have enhanced energy and gain muscle mass, which is quite beneficial. And because Pumpsurge does not overload its product with unnecessary ingredients, it is an excellent choice for athletes.
The nootropic effects can help you focus more and be more stimulated during your workout. You will notice improved cognitive performance in addition to boosting your athletic performance. You will feel energized yet focused during your workouts.
You will undoubtedly notice more efficient cardio workouts and enhanced muscle recovery after a workout, all the while gaining muscle and strength. It is a solid pre-workout supplement.
4 Gauge
The nootropic effects of 4 gauge help to increase your stamina, endurance, focus, and concentration.
- Sophisticated pre-workout compounds
- No proprietary blends
- Ingredient dosing supported by clinical studies
- No artificial sweeteners or banned ingredients
- The dose is two full scoops
- Only one flavor is available
4 gauge is one of the most affordable and is a great pre-workout drink. It contains about as much caffeine as two eight-ounce cups of coffee, making it tolerable for most people, and comes with a low risk of caffeine side effects like headaches and shakiness.
Natural caffeine is derived from tea leaves. This stimulant, in combination with 200 milligrams (mg) of theanine, keeps you energized and alert and helps to relieve stress and induce relaxation without causing drowsiness. However, while theanine may keep you alert, it may impair psychomotor skills,[12] so be careful.
The 4 gauge supplement is one of the most natural and easy-to-drink powders. It contains all the right ingredients to boost nitric oxide levels, improve blood circulation, and enhance your workout.
This product is an excellent fat burner and weight loss supplement. It is excellent for a thermogenic workout. It is designed for the health-conscious individual. Taking regularly will increase muscle strength, improve muscle recovery, and prevent muscle soreness.
Its many benefits include helping your body to metabolize food into energy more efficiently, slowing down glycogen depletion in muscles to promote the use of fat as fuel, and helping you lose weight. It also increases lean muscle mass and stamina.
Onnit Total Nitric Oxide
The number one goal of Onnit’s prework without beta-alanine is to increase nitric oxide via a stim-free pre-workout. It does this with one of the most popular natural food sources – beetroot powder.
- Pure nitric oxide booster
- Great sustained energy
- No caffeine, gluten, nuts or soy
- Proprietary blend
- Not the best tasty
- Contains stevia, a natural sweetener
Onnit Total Nitric Oxide is designed to boost your body’s nitric oxide production naturally. It contains only natural nutrients, including beetroot powder, arginine, and mango fruit powder.
These pre-workout ingredients give you a healthy dose of real beets, anabolic amino acids, and a carbohydrate source to spare muscle tissue breakdown.[13] The array of ingredients gives it an earthy, real-food taste.
Because nitric oxide is a naturally occurring compound that is synthesized in your body (stimulated by the intake of beetroot powder and arginine in this supplement) you will be making a good choice with Onnit when you are looking to improve your athletic performance. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, allowing more nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to your muscles.
It also improves the removal of waste products and lactic acid build-up, which helps reduce post-workout muscle soreness and increases the recovery rate from your time at the gym. Nitric oxide is an essential component of athletic performance and overall health.
With this pre-workout supplement, you will shift your workout into high gear. During intense exercise, your muscles will be provided with the oxygen and nutrients they need to promote their growth and increase performance.
Benefits Of Pre-Workouts Without Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine-free pre-workout supplements come without the nagging side effect of tingling skin. Supplements with caffeine provide a similar type of endurance that will help you sustain your workout a little longer.
Caffeine is considered so effective[14] that it is believed by some to be the most essential ingredient in a pre-workout regimen. It can improve blood flow to your muscles, enhance your workout recovery, and help with the transport of glucose for sustained energy.
In other words, you do not need beta-alanine in your supplement to increase muscle mass. You may benefit from additional caffeine, however.
How We Selected Our Picks?
Because there are so many different pre-workout supplements available on the market, we research multiple products and provide you with many different options to choose from based on your goals.
We work very hard to be fully transparent with you about the products that we’ve highlighted so that you can make informed decisions.
Ingredients
The ingredients in pre-workout supplements vary greatly. Some supplements contain natural sweeteners such as monk fruit, while others contain ingredients such as saccharin, an artificial sweetener.
To accommodate a large variety of lifestyle choices, we have included some products that are vegan-friendly, while also including others that are caffeine-free. Many of the products we have chosen contain ingredients that are natural nitric oxide boosters, which have been shown to improve athletic performance.
Third-Party Testing
Because the FDA does not regulate supplements, third-party testing is preferable for its objectivity. This type of testing measures the efficacy of supplements. It also helps to detect ingredients such as heavy metals and molds or ingredients that are banned, such as amphetamines.
Most of the products we review and recommend have public reviews available online. Products that lack third-party testing are sometimes from smaller or newer companies and are not always negative.
Brand Reputation
We try and choose products that have good customer reviews for both the product and the company’s customer service.
Price
The affordability of the product is also important. We aim to filter out supplements that are overpriced or made of poor-quality ingredients.
Side Effects
You should speak with your doctor before beginning any nutritional supplements, as they can cause certain side effects in certain people. You should avoid nitric oxide boosters if you are on nitrates for chest pain or are taking erectile dysfunction medication. Also, consult your physician before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and avoid it if under 18.
Pre-workouts without beta-alanine can be effective, and you don’t have to do a loading dose. However, if you are really bent on taking beta-alanine and suffering from itchiness, you can always take it as an add-on.
Dosage
The pre-workout supplements are not intended to replace a healthy and well-balanced diet. Taking your pre-workout about 30-40 minutes before exercise should help you work out more intensely and recover faster. It is important to follow the dosing instructions on the product packaging.
Final Thought: Is Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine Effective?
Pre-workout supplements without beta-alanine are safe and effective. The recommended supplements contain most, if not all, of the best pre-workout ingredients. They are made of a non-essential amino acid called L-citrulline, which is a potent vasodilator that increases the circulation of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the muscles.
Pre-workouts are designed to enhance calorie burning and increase lean muscle mass. They boost energy, fight fatigue, and improve muscle recovery. Natural stimulants and nootropics create[15] mental alertness, improve concentration, and stimulate mental alertness. Pre-workout drinks increase stamina, so cells perform better, improving your workout performance. These recommended pre-workout supplements minimize muscle exhaustion to maintain intensity for longer. They are nootropics, or brain boosters, that have been shown to improve mental clarity and enhance performance in high-intensity exercise workouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can get a pre-workout supplement without beta-alanine. Many on the market contain all the key ingredients necessary to increase your stamina, keep you on track mentally, and improve muscle fatigue.
Pre-workout supplements without the additive beta-alanine will not give you the tingles.
No, many other ingredients may be added to help with the nitric oxide boosting effects of beta-alanine, but without the side effects.
Beta-alanine consumption causes a side effect known as paresthesia or tingling of the skin. This side effect is enhanced with higher doses.
+ 15 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Maughan, R.J., Burke, L.M., Jiří Dvořák, D. Enette Larson‐Meyer, Peeling, P., Phillips, S.M., Rawson, E.S., Walsh, N.P., Garthe, I., Geyer, H., Meeusen, R., Loon, van, Shirreffs, S.M., Spriet, L.L., Stuart, M., Vernec, A., Currell, K., Ali, V.M., Budgett, R. and Arne Ljungqvist (2018). IOC Consensus Statement: Dietary Supplements and the High-Performance Athlete. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, [online] 28(2), pp.104–125. doi:https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0020.
- Jukić, I., Nikolina Kolobarić, Stupin, A., Matić, A., Kozina, N., Zrinka Mihaljević, Mihalj, M., Petar Šušnjara, Stupin, M., Željka Breškić Ćurić, Selthofer-Relatić, K., Kibel, A., Anamarija Lukinac, Kolar, L., Kralik, G., Kralik, Z., Aleksandar Széchenyi, Marija Jozanović, Olivera Galović and Medvidović‐Kosanović, M. (2021). Carnosine, Small but Mighty—Prospect of Use as Functional Ingredient for Functional Food Formulation. Antioxidants, [online] 10(7), pp.1037–1037. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10071037.
- Gilsanz, L., López-Seoane, J., Sol Beatriz Jiménez and Helios Pareja‐Galeano (2021). Effect of β-alanine and sodium bicarbonate co-supplementation on the body’s buffering capacity and sports performance: A systematic review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, [online] 63(21), pp.5080–5093. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.2012642.
- Jotham Suez, Cohen, Y., Valdés-Mas, R., Mor, U., Mally Dori-Bachash, Federici, S., Niv Zmora, Avner Leshem, Heinemann, M., Linevsky, R., Zur, M., Rotem Ben-Zeev Brik, Aurelie Bukimer, Shimrit Eliyahu-Miller, Metz, A., Fischbein, R., Sharov, O., Sergey Malitsky, Itkin, M. and Stettner, N. (2022). Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance. Cell, [online] 185(18), pp.3307-3328.e19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.07.016.
- Plaza‐Díaz, J., Belén Pastor-Villaescusa, Ascensión Rueda‐Robles, Abadía-Molina, F. and Francisco Javier Ruiz‐Ojeda (2020). Plausible Biological Interactions of Low- and Non-Calorie Sweeteners with the Intestinal Microbiota: An Update of Recent Studies. Nutrients, [online] 12(4), pp.1153–1153. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041153.
- Center (2022). Sodium in Your Diet. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-die
- Bian, X., Chi, L., Gao, B., Tu, P., Ru, H. and Kun Lü (2017). The artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium affects the gut microbiome and body weight gain in CD-1 mice. PLOS ONE, [online] 12(6), pp.e0178426–e0178426. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178426.
- Villareal, M.O., Matsukawa, T. and Isoda, H. (2018). l‐Citrulline Supplementation‐Increased Skeletal Muscle PGC‐1α Expression Is Associated with Exercise Performance and Increased Skeletal Muscle Weight. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, [online] 62(14). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201701043.
- Chen, Q., Li, Z., Pinho, R.A., Gupta, R.C., Ugbolue, U.C., Anand Thirupathi and Gu, Y. (2021). The Dose Response of Taurine on Aerobic and Strength Exercises: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Physiology, [online] 12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.700352.
- Cholewa, J.M., Wyszczelska-Rokiel Monika, Rafal Głowacki, Jakubowski, H., Matthews, T.D., Wood, R.J., Craig, S.A. and Paolone, V. (2013). Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 10(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-39.
- Harty, P.S., Zabriskie, H.A., Erickson, J.L., Molling, P., Kerksick, C.M. and Jagim, A.R. (2018). Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 15(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0247-6.
- Gunnarsson, H., Grahn, B. and Jens Agerström (2016). Impaired psychomotor ability and attention in patients with persistent pain: a cross-sectional comparative study. Journal of Pain Research, [online] Volume 9, pp.825–835. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/jpr.s114915.
- Murray, B. and Rosenbloom, C. (2018). Fundamentals of glycogen metabolism for coaches and athletes. Nutrition Reviews, [online] 76(4), pp.243–259. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuy001.
- Forbes, S.C., Candow, D.G., Smith‐Ryan, A.E., Hirsch, K.R., Roberts, M.D., VanDusseldorp, T.A., Stratton, M.T., Kaviani, M. and Little, J.P. (2020). Supplements and Nutritional Interventions to Augment High-Intensity Interval Training Physiological and Performance Adaptations—A Narrative Review. Nutrients, [online] 12(2), pp.390–390. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020390.
- Owen, G., Parnell, H., Eveline and Rycroft, J.A. (2008). The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutritional Neuroscience, [online] 11(4), pp.193–198. doi:https://doi.org/10.1179/147683008×301513.
Written by:
Krista Elkins, NRP, RN, Former Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
