Core Longevity's Top 3 Pre-Workout Supplements
At Core Longevity, we selected our Top 3 pre-workout supplements based on the principles that guide all of our reviews: Quality, Purity and Purpose.
When it comes to pre-workout, we don't believe that more ingredients automatically means a better product. We look for supplements with clearly stated ingredients and transparent doses, while avoiding unnecessary sugars, excessive additives and complicated proprietary blends wherever possible.
Our Top 3 — Promix Pre-Workout, Applied Nutrition ABE and Myprotein Impact Pre-Workout — each take a different approach to products intended for use before training.
Promix stood out because of its emphasis on a simple formulation. The company states that its pre-workout contains zero carbs, sugars or artificial ingredients, while including ingredients such as beta-alanine, tyrosine, vitamin B12 and green coffee. Promix also states that its pre-workouts undergo third-party testing.
Applied Nutrition ABE earned its place because of its transparent ingredient profile and clearly stated serving amounts. According to the current product information, the formula provides 4g citrulline malate, 3g creatine, 2g beta-alanine and 200mg caffeine per serving, alongside taurine, choline and vitamins. The product is also marketed as Tested for Athletes and suitable for vegans.
Myprotein Impact Pre-Workout was selected because it provides a broad ingredient profile, including 3g citrulline malate, 1.6g beta-alanine, 1g taurine and 150mg caffeine per serving. It is also widely available in the UK, making it an accessible option for people considering a pre-workout as part of their training routine.
However, our selection is not based simply on how powerful a product feels. This is where the Core Longevity approach differs from many pre-workout reviews. We place significant importance on ingredient transparency and formulation simplicity, because a long ingredient list, artificial colours or a very high caffeine dose does not automatically make a product more suitable for every individual.
Together, these three products offer different approaches, including formulation simplicity, a broader ingredient profile and accessibility, while reflecting the same fundamental principles we apply across Core Longevity.
Our goal is simple: to highlight pre-workouts with a clear purpose, transparent ingredient information and formulations that avoid unnecessary extras wherever possible.
Nothing Extra PRE-WORKOUT
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At Core Longevity, we chose NothingExtra Pre-Workout as one of our Top 3 because it is one of the closest matches we have found to our core principles of Quality, Purity and Purpose.
The formula is deliberately simple. Each serving contains 8g of citrulline malate, 3.2g of beta-alanine, 1.5g of L-tyrosine and 180mg of caffeine. According to the current ingredient information, no additional ingredients are listed. There are no artificial flavours, sweeteners, colours, fillers or proprietary blends listed in the formula.
This is particularly important to us because many pre-workouts contain long ingredient lists without always clearly explaining the amounts provided. NothingExtra takes the opposite approach: fewer ingredients, clearly disclosed serving amounts and a clear purpose for each ingredient.
We also like that the product is unflavoured. For Core Longevity, this is a significant advantage because it avoids the need for additional flavouring systems or sweeteners. The 500g pouch provides approximately 38 servings.
The ingredients also have clear intended purposes. Citrulline malate is commonly included in pre-workout products intended for use around exercise, beta-alanine is commonly used in products aimed at high-intensity training, L-tyrosine is often included in products formulated for focus, and caffeine is included as a stimulant and is associated with increased alertness.
NothingExtra also states that the product is manufactured in GMP-certified facilities and batch-tested for quality and purity.
For Core Longevity, this is exactly the approach we want to see from a pre-workout: no unnecessary extras, no proprietary blends and a straightforward formula with clearly disclosed ingredient amounts.
Core Longevity Rating
Purity: ★★★★★ 10/10
Clean Formula: ★★★★★ 10/10
Price & Value: ★★★★½ 9/10
Verified Quality: ★★★★½ 9/10
Purpose: ★★★★★ 10/10
Overall: ★★★★★ 9.6/10
Overall: ★★★★★ 9.6/10
Core Longevity Verdict:
A simple and straightforward pre-workout that strongly aligns with the Core Longevity philosophy. NothingExtra provides four clearly identified ingredients with clearly stated amounts: 8g of citrulline malate, 3.2g of beta-alanine, 1.5g of L-tyrosine and 180mg of caffeine per serving. According to the current product information, there are no artificial flavours, sweeteners, colours, fillers or proprietary blends.
We particularly value the fact that it is unflavoured and that each ingredient has a clear intended purpose within the formulation. The main reason we have held back slightly from a perfect score is that the product and brand are relatively new compared with some of the more established options we review, meaning there is less long-term brand history available for us to consider. Nevertheless, based on the current formulation and the manufacturer's stated quality controls, NothingExtra is a strong match for the Core Longevity principles of Quality, Purity and Purpose.
APPLIED NUTRITION ABE ULTIMATE PRE-WORKOUT
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At Core Longevity, we chose Applied Nutrition ABE (All Black Everything) as one of our Top 3 pre-workouts because it combines a broad ingredient profile, transparent serving amounts and detailed quality-assurance information provided by the brand.
A full 12.5g serving provides 4g of citrulline malate, 3g of creatine monohydrate, 2g of beta-alanine and 200mg of caffeine, alongside taurine, VitaCholine™, vitamin B3 and vitamin B12. We particularly value the fact that the key ingredients and their quantities are clearly disclosed rather than hidden within a proprietary blend.
According to Applied Nutrition's product information, ABE is formulated for use before training. The combination includes ingredients commonly found in pre-workout products, while caffeine provides the stimulant component. Applied Nutrition recommends taking one scoop approximately 15 minutes before exercise and advises new users to begin with half a scoop.
Another significant positive for Core Longevity is the quality-assurance information provided for the product. ABE is marketed as Tested for Athletes, with Applied Nutrition stating that ingredients are scrutinised for banned substances before production and finished products undergo random testing at an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory. The product is also listed by the company as vegan and halal certified.
However, our review is not simply about how many ingredients ABE contains. Purity and simplicity matter to us too. The current flavoured versions contain ingredients such as sucralose, flavourings, anti-caking agents and added colours. This makes ABE a more complex formulation than our number-one NothingExtra Pre-Workout, which is reflected in our rating.
Overall, ABE earns its place in our Top 3 because it provides clearly disclosed ingredient amounts, a broad pre-workout formulation and additional quality-assurance information from the manufacturer. In our view, it is a strong option for someone who prefers a broader, stimulant-based pre-workout formulation rather than the minimalist approach offered by NothingExtra.
Core Longevity Rating
Purity: ★★★★½ 9/10
Clean Formula: ★★★★ 8.5/10
Price & Value: ★★★★½ 9/10
Verified Quality: ★★★★★ 10/10
Purpose: ★★★★★ 10/10
Overall: ★★★★★ 9.1/10
Core Longevity Verdict:
A comprehensive, stimulant-based pre-workout that earns its place in our Top 3 through transparent serving amounts, a broad ingredient profile and additional quality-assurance information provided by the manufacturer. ABE provides 4g of citrulline malate, 3g of creatine, 2g of beta-alanine and 200mg of caffeine per serving, giving the formula a clear intended purpose for use before training. Its Tested for Athletes programme is another important consideration in our assessment.
The main reason it doesn't score higher is the formulation's complexity. Flavoured versions contain sucralose, flavourings, colours and anti-caking agents, which do not align as closely with our preference for the simplest possible formulas. For Core Longevity, ABE is therefore a well-specified, performance-focused pre-workout with clearly disclosed ingredient amounts, but not the most minimalist option available.
Performance Lab Pre Lab Pro
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At Core Longevity, we chose Performance Lab Pre Lab Pro because it takes a different approach to pre-workout. Rather than relying on a high caffeine dose, it combines 80mg of natural caffeine with a broader range of ingredients commonly included in products intended for use before training.
Each 13g serving provides 80mg natural caffeine, 160mg L-theanine, 400mg L-tyrosine, 2.2g of an L-citrulline/L-glutathione ingredient blend and 1.5g of red beet powder, alongside electrolytes and vitamins. Performance Lab publishes the amounts of its ingredients rather than placing them within a proprietary blend, which is something we value when assessing formulation transparency.
It also aligns with several of our formula preferences. According to the manufacturer's product information, the product contains no added sugar, artificial colours, artificial flavours or artificial preservatives, uses natural flavouring and is vegan. Performance Lab also states that the product undergoes third-party testing and is validated through Informed Sport.
However, we want our review to remain honest. Pre Lab Pro is not a minimalist formula. It contains a broad range of ingredients, alongside sweeteners including erythritol, xylitol, stevia and monk fruit, as well as dextrose. Therefore, although it avoids some artificial additives, it does not achieve the same level of ingredient simplicity as NothingExtra Pre-Workout.
What makes it particularly interesting to us is its moderate 80mg caffeine serving. This may appeal to people who prefer a lower-stimulant option compared with some pre-workouts that contain substantially more caffeine. The inclusion of L-theanine and L-tyrosine also contributes to the product's broader pre-workout formulation.
Overall, we believe it deserves consideration because of its transparent ingredient amounts, stated use of natural caffeine, lack of added sugar and the quality-control information provided by the manufacturer. It represents a different approach to pre-workout supplementation for those who prefer a broader formulation with a more moderate caffeine content.
Core Longevity Rating
Purity: ★★★★½ 9/10
Clean Formula: ★★★★½ 8.5/10
Price & Value: ★★★★ 8.5/10
Verified Quality: ★★★★★ 10/10
Purpose: ★★★★★ 10/10
Overall: ★★★★★ 9.2/10
Core Longevity Verdict:
A thoughtfully formulated pre-workout that takes a more measured approach to stimulant content. We particularly like the moderate 80mg natural caffeine serving, transparent ingredient quantities, natural flavouring, absence of artificial colours and preservatives, and the additional Informed Sport validation, where confirmed for this specific product.
The main reason it doesn't score higher is the complexity of the formula. Although it avoids many artificial additives and contains no added sugar, it uses several sweeteners and includes a relatively large number of additional ingredients. For Core Longevity, simplicity remains important. Nevertheless, its transparent formulation, manufacturer-provided quality-control information and moderate caffeine content make Pre Lab Pro a strong alternative for those who prefer a lower-stimulant option with a broader ingredient profile.
Important Information & Disclosure
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Core Longevity is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have an existing medical condition.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on Core Longevity may, in the future, be affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase a product through one of these links, Core Longevity may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Our reviews and product selections are based on our independent assessment of Quality, Purity and Purpose, not simply on whether a company offers an affiliate programme.
We believe in being transparent with our readers and will always disclose affiliate relationships where they exist.
Important Information & Disclosure
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Core Longevity is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have an existing medical condition.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on Core Longevity may, in the future, be affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase a product through one of these links, Core Longevity may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Our reviews and product selections are based on our independent assessment of Quality, Purity and Purpose, not simply on whether a company offers an affiliate programme.
We believe in being transparent with our readers and will always disclose affiliate relationships where they exist.