If you’re like me, you know the importance of having the right pre-workout supplement before hitting the gym. However, sometimes the taste can be unbearable, making it difficult to consume.
But fear not, because I have found some simple and effective ways to make pre-workout taste better.
One of the easiest ways to make pre-workout taste better is by mixing it with flavored or coconut water. This not only adds some taste but also helps to keep you hydrated during your workout. Another option is to mix it with milk, which can help to improve the bitterness of the product and provide some additional nutrients to keep your body energized throughout the day.
Finding the right pre-workout flavor can be tricky, but with these tips, you’re all set for a tastier, more energized workout. Let’s dive in!
Why does pre-workout taste bad?
As someone who has tried a lot of different pre-workout supplements, I can tell you that the taste can be a major turnoff. But why does pre-workout taste bad in the first place? There are a few key factors at play:
Bitter ingredients
Many of the ingredients in pre-workout supplements are naturally bitter. For example, caffeine, creatine, and BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) all have a bitter taste. When you combine these ingredients with water or another liquid, the bitterness can become even more pronounced.
Artificial flavors
To make pre-workout supplements more palatable, manufacturers often add artificial flavors. These flavors can help mask the bitterness of the ingredients but can also leave a chemical aftertaste in your mouth.
Poorly dissolving ingredients
Some ingredients in pre-workout supplements don’t dissolve well in water, which can lead to a gritty or chalky texture. This can make the supplement even less appealing to drink.
Too much sugar
Some pre-workout supplements contain a lot of sugar to help mask the taste of the other ingredients. While this can make the supplement taste better, it can also lead to a crash later on and isn’t the healthiest option.
Can You Make Pre-workout Taste Better?
One of the easiest ways to improve the pre-workout taste is to mix it with flavored water.
You can use citrus fruits like lemon, orange, or grapefruit to add a refreshing taste to your pre-workout. You can also use sugar packets, fruit juice, or herbs to enhance the flavor. Experiment with different flavors and see what works best for you.
Mixing it with milk is another way to improve your pre-workout taste. Regular, soy, or coconut milk can help reduce the bitterness of a pre-workout drink and provide additional nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and fats that can keep you energized throughout the day.
If you’re not a fan of milk or flavored water, you can try mixing your pre-workout with cocoa, vanilla, or essential oil extracts. These natural flavors can help mask the bitterness of the supplement and make it more palatable.
Lastly, some pre-workout supplements come in flavored varieties, so if you’re really struggling with the taste, consider trying a flavored option. Just make sure to read the label and check for any added sugars or artificial ingredients that could be detrimental to your health and fitness goals.
Factors Affecting Pre-Workout Supplement Taste
I’ve tried a lot of pre-workout supplements, so I know how important it is to find a product that not only works but also tastes good.
There are several factors that can affect the taste of pre-workout supplements, including the ingredients, water and milk, sweeteners, and additives.
Ingredients
The ingredients in pre-workout supplements can have a significant impact on the taste. Some ingredients, like caffeine and creatine, can be very bitter, which can make the supplement taste unpleasant.
Other ingredients, like beta-alanine, can cause a tingling sensation that can also affect the taste.
Water and Milk
The type of liquid used to mix the pre-workout supplement can also affect the taste. Water is the most common liquid used, but some people find that it makes the supplement taste too bland.
Milk, on the other hand, can make the supplement taste creamier and more flavorful. Soy or coconut milk can also be used as a base to improve the product’s bitterness.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners are often added to pre-workout supplements to improve the taste. Some common sweeteners include sucralose, stevia, and acesulfame potassium.
While these sweeteners can improve the taste, they can also have a bitter aftertaste, especially when used in large quantities.
Additives
Additives are often added to pre-workout supplements to improve the taste or provide additional benefits. For example, some supplements contain B vitamins to help with energy production, while others contain amino acids to support muscle growth.
However, some additives can also affect the supplement’s taste, so choosing a product that uses high-quality ingredients is important.
How To Make Pre-Workout Taste Better?
In my experience with pre-workout supplements, finding one that tastes good can be challenging. However, you can use a few simple tricks to make your pre-workout taste way much better.
How should pre-workout be mixed?
Before we get into flavoring techniques, it’s important to understand how pre-workout should be mixed.
Most pre-workout supplements come in powder form and should be mixed with water or another liquid. It’s important to follow the label’s instructions and not exceed the recommended dose.
Flavoring Techniques
Now that you know how to mix pre-workout, let’s talk about how to make it taste better. Here are some flavoring techniques that you can try:
- Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can help to cut through the bitterness of pre-workout and add a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Frozen fruit or natural sweeteners: Adding frozen fruit or natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can help to sweeten pre-workout without adding artificial flavors or colors.
- Coconut water: Using coconut water as the base for your pre-workout can add a natural sweetness and provide electrolytes to help you stay hydrated during your workout.
- Different types of milk: Using regular, soy, or coconut milk can help to improve the bitterness of pre-workout and provide additional nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
- Flavored water: If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try using flavored water as the base for your pre-workout. You can find flavored water at most grocery stores.
- Cocoa powder or vanilla extract: Adding a small amount of cocoa powder or vanilla extract can help to mask the bitterness of pre-workout and add a pleasant flavor.
- Pinch of salt (for a pre-workout smoothie): Adding a pinch of salt to your pre-workout smoothie can help to balance out the flavors and make it taste better.
- Low-fat ice cream or yogurt (for a protein boost): If you’re looking for a protein boost, try adding a scoop of low-fat ice cream or yogurt to your pre-workout. This can help to improve the taste and provide additional nutrients.
By using these flavoring techniques, you can make your pre-workout taste better and more enjoyable to drink. Remember always to follow the instructions on the label and not to exceed the recommended dose.
Does pre-workout taste better if it’s blended?
In my experience, blending pre-workout powder with liquids can make it taste better. Blending can help to mix the powder more thoroughly, which can help to reduce any clumps that may form and make the drink smoother.
When blending pre-workout, it’s important to use a blender capable of breaking down the powder and mixing it well. A high-powered blender or a shaker bottle with a mixing ball can be effective.
Another benefit of blending pre-workout is that it allows you to add other ingredients to the mix, such as fruits, cocoa, or vanilla extract, which can help to mask the bitterness of the supplement. Adding these ingredients can also provide additional nutrients and flavor to the drink.
However, it’s important to note that not all pre-workout supplements are suitable for blending. Some supplements may contain ingredients that can become too frothy or foamy when blended, which can make the drink unappealing.
Which flavor of pre-workout is the tastiest?
One of the most popular flavors is fruit punch. This flavor typically has a sweet, fruity taste that many people enjoy. Another common flavor is blue raspberry, which has a tangy, slightly sour taste that is also quite popular.
If you prefer a more subtle flavor, then lemon-lime or orange might be a good choice for you. These flavors are not as overpowering as some of the other options and can be a good choice if you want something that is easy to drink.
For those who like a bit of spice, there are pre-workout flavors that incorporate cinnamon or ginger. These flavors can be a good choice if you want something that is a bit more unique.
It’s worth noting that some pre-workout flavors can be quite strong, so it’s a good idea to start with a smaller serving size and work your way up to a full serving if needed.
Common Pre-Workout Supplement Flavors
When it comes to pre-workout supplements, taste is often a major concern for many people. Fortunately, there are many different flavors available to choose from. This section will discuss some of the most common pre-workout supplement flavors.
Sweet Flavors
Sweet flavors are some of the most popular pre-workout supplement flavors. Many people prefer sweet flavors because they can help mask the bitterness of certain ingredients. Some common sweet flavors include:
- Fruit Punch
- Blue Raspberry
- Watermelon
- Strawberry
- Lemonade
Sour and Spicy Flavors
Sour and spicy flavors are also popular pre-workout supplement flavors. These flavors can help provide a kick of energy and can be a good option for those who prefer a more intense flavor. Some common sour and spicy flavors include:
- Sour Apple
- Sour Cherry
- Spicy Mango
- Citrus Burst
- Sour Lemon
Bitter Flavors
Bitter flavors are often found in pre-workout supplements because of the presence of ingredients such as caffeine, creatine, and BCAAs. While these ingredients can boost energy, they can also be quite bitter. Some common bitter flavors include:
- Grapefruit
- Green Apple
- Black Cherry
- Pineapple
- Orange
Artificial Flavors
Many pre-workout supplements contain artificial flavors to enhance the taste. While these flavors can make the supplement taste better, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming large amounts of artificial flavors. Some common artificial flavors include:
- Artificial Watermelon
- Artificial Blue Raspberry
- Artificial Fruit Punch
- Artificial Lemonade
- Artificial Grape
Ultimately, the flavor of a pre-workout supplement can be a major factor in determining whether or not someone will continue to use it. By understanding the different flavor options available, it’s possible to find a pre-workout supplement that provides the desired benefits and tastes good.
FAQ’s
What Should You Not Mix With Pre-workout?
Avoid mixing pre-workout supplements with stimulants, caffeine, energy drinks, alcohol, carbonated drinks, high-fat foods, antioxidants, artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and soy lecithin.
Choose third-party tested supplements and be cautious of proprietary blends. This ensures optimal performance and minimizes side effects.
Is It Better To Drink Pre-workout With Water Or Milk?
Both water and milk can be appropriate choices for consuming pre-workout drinks.
If you are looking for a low-fat option that will not slow down digestion, mixing your pre-workout shake with low-fat or fat-free milk may be a good choice.
However, if you are concerned about additional calories or protein intake, mixing your pre-workout shake with water may be a better option.
What’s The Worst Tasting Pre Workout?
In my experience, the pre-workouts with the most unpleasant flavors are LG Anadraulic State in fruit punch and Sour Apple GAT NitroFlex. But remember, taste is subjective and can be affected by ingredients like caffeine or beta-alanine.
Is There A Tasteless Pre Workout?
Yes, there are tasteless pre-workout supplements available. One option is to use pre-workout capsules, which are tasteless and odorless.
These capsules are easy to take and are free of fillers, additives, and other potentially harmful substances that could compromise your health and physical activity.
However, if you prefer a powder form, you might want to consider a product like Naked Energy’s Citrus Naked Energy.
Although it has a citrus flavor, it is made without artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors, and it contains amino acids, vitamins, and caffeine from organic green coffee beans for enhanced workout performance.
