How To Choose The Best Vegan Pre-Workout
Contents
- Best Vegan Pre Workout Supplements Comparison Table
- 1. VINTAGE BLAST - Best Overall
- 2. Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer - Best Price for Value
- 3. Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer - Best For Pros
- 4. Garden of Life Sport Organic Pre-Workout - Best Budget Buy
- 5. Organic Muscle - Most Eco-Friendly
- 6. RARI Nutrition Infinity - Best Keto-Friendly
- What’s a Pre Workout Supplement Anyway?
- Why should you Choose organic & vegan pre workouts?
- What Are The Benefits?
- Get Pumped As A Vegan Athlete
- Sources
Some people believe being a vegan athlete or bodybuilder is impossible, but you can build strength and muscle on a well-planned vegan diet.
Here’s how to choose the top vegan supplement for pre workout ...
It takes some hunting to find pre-workouts that are fully vegan, but there are good options.
Best Vegan Pre Workout Supplements Comparison Table
| Image | Model | Servings | Caffeine per serving | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | VINTAGE BLAST | 20 | 150mg | $$$ | ★★★★½ |
 | Red Leaf Pre- Workout Energizer | 30 | 40mg | $$ | ★★★★½ |
 | Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer | 30 | 100mg | $$ | ★★★★☆ |
 | Garden of Life Sport Organic Pre-Workout Energy | 30 | 85mg | $$ | ★★★★☆ |
 | ORGANIC MUSCLE Most Eco-Friendly | 20 | N/A | $$$ | ★★★★½ |
 | RARI Nutrition INFINITY Best Keto-Friendly | 30 | 175mg | $$ | ★★★★½ |
Supplements prior to workout that are not all natural are not inherently bad, however, so I haven’t discluded those from this list.
Rather, this list focuses on helping those who keep a strictly vegan lifestyle have a supplement that they can take without worrying that any of the ingredients come from animal sources.
I will mention upfront that not all of these products are vegan certified but they are all currently being used by athletes who have examined the ingredients list to determine that they can be considered vegan.
Getting vegan certification on their products is something that many workout brands have not yet done; we can only hope that they will put a higher focus on doing so in the future.
Now let’s take a closer look at six vegan pre-workout powders.
1. VINTAGE BLAST - Best Overall
First up on our list of the best pre workout options that's vegan is VINTAGE BLAST. This completely vegan mix is a two-stage pre workout supplement.
VINTAGE BLAST is focused on ensuring that users not only gain as much information as possible about the main ingredients included, but they’re adamant in revealing every single ingredient that goes into the product.
For example, it lists its dose of L-citrulline malate, a nonessential amino acid some studies link to better endurance in hard sets and less soreness, although results are mixed.
Fillers and unnecessary color or flavor additives that are found in many other workout products are avoided.
Its caffeine gives a clear energy boost, and the two-stage design aims to spread that energy over your workout. BLAST tastes great, which is why it is our top pick.
Unlike many pre-workouts that use artificial sweeteners, VINTAGE BLAST is sweetened with stevia, a zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener. Some people might take a bit longer than others to get used to the different sweeter flavor.
Also, there can be some slight difficulties with dissolving the supplement in water, since it can take a while before it’s completely dissolved.
However, this minor flaw isn’t enough to keep us from ranking this our #1 choice.
2. Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer - Best Price for Value
Next up we have the Red Leaf Pre-Workout supplement.
This product is packed with healthy, natural sources of energy as well as antioxidants to keep your body in tip-top condition.
With only about 40mg of caffeine per serving, it is unlikely to make you feel jittery or on edge.
Some of the best ingredients include:
- Green tea extract
- Beta-Alanine
- L-Arginine
- Caffeine
- Cranberry extract
- Beet juice (for natural color)
L-arginine and beet juice are popular nitric oxide ingredients, though the research on L-arginine for performance is weak.
The gentle caffeine dose suits running, weight lifting or swimming without a big crash.
One more thing a lot of people love about this product: it is a no carb supplement, so there is no sugar rush and dip.
Even so, the biggest advantage of this product, the low amount of caffeine may for some be its biggest drawback. If you’re not so sensitive to caffeine anymore, you might need to up the dose to feel a punch.
3. Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer - Best For Pros
Another great vegan pre-workouts powder is the Energizer from Vega.
All products from Vega are targeted towards vegans which means that this pre workout was created with a lot of care for vegan athletes.
Additionally, it is free from dairy, gluten, and soy as well as low in sugar; although it contains brown rice syrup, making it a great choice for those with restrictive diets as well.
What's featured in this product:
- Caffeine, green tea & yerba mate for boost of energy
- Low- and high-glycemic carbohydrates for both short and long term energy boost
- Plant-based, whole food ingredients
- Ginseng and rhodiola, herbs marketed for performance and fatigue (the research is limited)
The moderate caffeine dose and carbohydrates aim to fuel a longer workout without making most people jittery.
The supplement is pretty quick to dissolve in water, and using it with a shaker will make the process even faster, so you can spend more time putting its effects to good use.
For all the good stuff it’s packing, this pre workout supplement can taste a bit strong for new users. Again, the main complaint after the taste is that it just didn’t affect some people already used to multiple cups of coffee or a high daily caffeine dose.
Read our full Vega Energizer Review here.
4. Garden of Life Sport Organic Pre-Workout - Best Budget Buy
The Garden of Life Sport Organic Pre Workout Energy Plus Focus Vegan Energy Powder is a great option for those with vegan diets who also want extra energy to get through their daily routine.
Garden of Life boosts your energy and mental focus with clean energy from organic coffeeberry fuel. It also increases your body's nitric oxide with a unique, blend of organic kale, spinach, and beets.
These vegetables are natural sources of nitrates, which the body can convert to nitric oxide.
Even so, if you’re expecting a quick and dramatic boost, you’ll be disappointed. Garden of Life gives a steadier, gentler lift that may be less noticeable at first.
The supplement also contains Vitamin B12, which helps your body turn food into energy. Vegans need a reliable B12 source because it is found naturally almost only in animal foods; the NHS notes that vegans may need fortified foods or a supplement. B12 won’t help with fat loss, though.
And with only 55 calories per serving, this supplement will make a great addition to your nutrition and exercise regime.
Unfortunately, it’s a pain to mix it with water, so make sure you have your shaker with you for an easier time getting to use the product.
5. Organic Muscle - Most Eco-Friendly
The main boast of Organic Muscle is no jitters, no crash and no itchy skin.
In my experience, it delivers on that.
It comes in fruity flavors that most people find easy to drink.
The company says its ingredients are certified organic, making it one of the more environmentally conscious brands.
The formula is also dairy free, gluten free, preservative free and non-GMO.
As with any caffeinated product, take it well before bedtime so it doesn’t affect your sleep.
And while it tastes great, there are still some concerns about the dosage.
To get the best boost, some people have reported you should try to up the dose. And the biggest con with that is it makes it a bit expensive.
6. RARI Nutrition Infinity - Best Keto-Friendly
Whether your goal is to get better results and lose weight for the weight loss department, or just experience an increased muscle pump, RARI Nutrition Infinity is for you.
Its 175mg of caffeine is the main driver of better energy and endurance. Like any caffeinated pre-workout, it can still cause jitters or headaches in sensitive people.
The company says it is made in a facility that follows Good Manufacturing Practices, which covers quality control but is not the same as independent testing.
I may be going overboard if I'd say all their products taste good, but this one; the taste is absolutely fantastic, and you’ll be looking forward to your next dose.
If you’re looking for something that’ll get your mental focus up the roof on your workouts while helping you progress in the gym, this combination of Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Caffeine, Black Pepper Extract, and a lot more ingredients, will help you achieve that.
A “muscle pump” is the temporary swelling you feel in a muscle during a workout, as blood flow to it increases.
Paired with natural colors and without any artificial sweeteners, this natural pre workout delivers great effects without sacrificing the natural philosophy behind the brand. It kicks in fairly quickly and gives a solid punch.
Some people have noticed that their flavoring aren’t all that good, so I suppose that can count as a flaw. Aside from that, this is a solid powder mix for anyone looking for a ketogenic- and/or vegan friendly option.
What’s a Pre Workout Supplement Anyway?
A pre-workout is a powder you drink before training to feel more energized and focused. Research suggests a good one can take your workout to a new level, mostly thanks to caffeine.
Not all pre-workouts are the same. Caffeine, often from green tea, coffee beans or guarana, is the most proven ingredient. The FDA says up to 400mg a day is generally safe for healthy adults, so count your coffee too.
Creatine helps with strength and power over weeks of daily use. Getting enough total protein matters far more for muscle growth than BCAAs. Beta-alanine raises carnosine in your muscles, which buffers the acid that builds up in intense efforts; the ISSN says it helps most in efforts lasting 1 to 4 minutes, and it can cause harmless tingling.
Used sensibly, these ingredients can give you more energy and help you delay fatigue.
Pre workout supps can be used by men and women alike. Beginners should start with a low-caffeine formula or half a serving. Skip them if you are pregnant, have heart problems or high blood pressure, or are sensitive to caffeine.
Why should you Choose organic & vegan pre workouts?
If you follow a vegan diet, the main reason to choose a vegan pre-workout is simple: no animal-derived ingredients, such as some amino acids or gelatin-based additives.
Organic ingredients are grown without most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which many people prefer. Organic doesn’t make a supplement safer or more effective, though, so check the caffeine dose either way.
Look for a clear label that lists every ingredient and dose.
What Are The Benefits?
The most common benefits of using a pre workout supplementare:
- Increased energy
- Better muscle pumps
- Improved strength and power (from creatine)
- Delayed fatigue in hard efforts
None of these replace a balanced vegan diet with enough protein, plus a reliable source of vitamin B12.
Get Pumped As A Vegan Athlete
You can’t go wrong starting your workout off with a scoop of our #1 recommended Vintage Blast Pre-Workout.
And if you’re on a tight budget, you can give Garden of Life a try at a lower cost.
I hope that this review has helped you find the vegan pre workout supplements for you that will help you keep a plant-based lifestyle even while working on building up your body for a stronger physique.
You can even try out DIY snack options from our huge list here.
Energy supplements, protein powder or other forms of protein, and other common ingredients in supplements do not need to come from animal sources, so it is possible to still use these boosters while keeping an all vegan lifestyle. Even creatine is easy to find in vegan form, since creatine monohydrate supplements are made synthetically rather than from meat.
These six reviewed options should help you get there faster!
Do you keep a vegan diet, including with your pre workout supplements? If you have tips for other plant-based athletes, make sure to share below so that they, too, can keep their power and performance levels top rated!
Sources
- Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
- The vegan diet, NHS
