20% off £35
Code:SAVE
The best fuels for taking pre-workout and why
Written byH&B editorial team
Reviewed byHeeral Tomlinson
Whether it’s the classic pre-workout powder or a caffeinated snack bar, find our favourite products to help fuel your next gym session
Our top 3 picks
Fruit Punch
Optimum Nutrition
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout Fruit Punch 330g
18+
£30.00
Capsules
Grenade
Grenade Black Ops 100 Capsules
£35.00
Raspberry & Yuzu
Tenzing
Tenzing Natural Energy Drink Raspberry & Yuzu 250ml
16+
£2.20
Even if you love a morning workout, sometimes the snooze button is just too tempting.
What you need is a quick, easy fix that’ll give you a burst of energy and help you avoid a slump later on.
So, we’re sharing popular sports nutrition products to get you inspired. Whether it’s the classic pre-workout powder or a caffeinated snack bar, there’s something to help fuel your next session.
The pre-workout products you’re loving
Pack a punch with this fruity addition to your morning routine. It has a B vitamin blend to support your energy levels.
Optimum Nutrition delivers top ingredients in their most premium pre-workout yet. Each serving provides 175mg of caffeine – almost the same as two cups of coffee – to help increase alertness during a workout.1
The formula also contains creatine, designed for short bursts of high-intensity exercise. Just mix one scoop in 350ml of cold water.
5/5 stars: “If you want to feel that burst of energy through a workout I would definitely recommend this. It’s fantastic. It really provides a kick.” – LZ33
You won’t miss this bright green grenade in your cupboards. Each is filled with 100 Black Ops capsules, designed to provide energy and fuel a focused workout.
Every capsule contains a blend of:
- green tea extract with caffeine
- black pepper extract (perfect if you’re taking turmeric as it helps with absorption)2
- capsaicin-containing cayenne pepper
- 185mg caffeine
You want only capsules at a time and it's not suitable for anyone under 18 years old.
5/5 stars: “I never review anything but felt I had to with this. They’ve curbed my cravings and my appetite but definitely increased my energy when going to the gym first thing in the morning.” – Adeleblack
Named after the Sherpa Tenzing, the first person to set foot on Everest’s summit, it's no surprise that this delivers a serious energy boost. This plant-based sparkling drink contains no artificial ingredients or additives – just a refreshing raspberry and yuzu flavour with only 48 calories.
Early alarm, gym session, or mountain trail – Tenzing's here for the journey. Just drink when you need a little extra energy – it's ideal as a pre-workout drink or a refreshment on walks.
5/5 stars: “Tastes absolutely amazing, the best energy drink I’ve ever used. Always use when I need a pick-me-up or the perfect pre-workout.” – Millicent Rose
Whether you’re fuelling up or recovering afterwards, this sweet-savoury bar is more than just a tasty snack. With 8.7g of protein to support muscle maintenance and growth, plus a full spectrum of B vitamins6 for energy metabolism and focus, it’s a smart choice for both body and mind. Bonus: magnesium helps to reduce tiredness – perfect after a heavy session.
Reach for it before or after a workout, or as a mid-morning snack. Whether you’re hitting the weights or heading into a busy day, it’s a smart choice for supporting your body.
Some electrolyte drinks can taste a bit… salty. But these mango-flavoured tablets have a light, fruity taste while making it easier to stay hydrated. Magnesium8 and vitamin C9 help reduce tiredness, making it a smart pick before exercise.
Drop a tablet into a glass of water and let it work its magic. Sip it before your session or keep it on hand for that mid-afternoon slump.
5/5 stars: “I needed help with training and recovery but wasn’t sure whether to try. So glad I did, great flavours and really does make a difference.”
The final say
We get the best results when we mix top-quality formulas with convenience and great taste. Your new routine starts here so make sure you understand the best ways to recover after working out, too.
If you're still looking for more, you can learn about how to use creatine for workouts and recovery or give your workout a boost with magnesium.
The subjective customer reviews should not be regarded as medical or health advice; no reliance should therefore be placed on them; and they are not endorsed by Holland & Barrett. If you have any health problems or questions regarding the suitability of any product please contact a health professional. Products are not medicinal unless otherwise stated.
1. NHS. Foods to avoid in pregnancy [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2023 May 19; cited 2024 Jun 4]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
2. Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods [Internet]. 2017 Oct 6 [cited 2024 Jun 4]; 6(10): 92. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
3. National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on the Tenth Edition of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. Recommended Dietary Allowances: 10th Edition [Internet]. 1989 [cited 2024 Jun 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234922/
4. NHS. B vitamins and folic acid [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2020 Aug 3; cited 2024 Jun 4]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
5. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. Cited 2024 Jun 4. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6498
6. Kennedy D. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 27;8(2):68.
7. Sanvictores T, Chauhan S. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563233/
8. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to magnesium and “hormonal health” (ID 243), reduction of tiredness and fatigue (ID 244), contribution to normal psychological functions (ID 245, 246), maintenance of normal blood glucose c. EFSA Journal. 2010 Oct;8(10):1807.
9. Abdullah M, Jamil RT, Attia FN. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499877/
Related Articles
Shop by wellness goal
