Optimum Nutrition is widely recognized as one of the leading supplement companies, offering a range of popular products in their Gold Standard range, such as Whey Protein.
However, how does their pre-workout supplement measure up against other products currently available?
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Pre-Workout by examining its ingredients, analyzing customer feedback, and comparing it with some of the top pre-workout supplements on the market.
Who is Optimum Nutrition?
Optimum Nutrition is a sports nutrition company that produces a range of dietary supplements including protein powders, pre-workouts, post-workouts, creatine, amino acids, and other products.
The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, USA. Optimum Nutrition is known for its popular product line, Gold Standard 100% Whey, which is a top-selling protein powder.
The company has gained a reputation for producing high-quality supplements, and it is one of the most trusted brands in the sports nutrition space. Optimum Nutrition products are available in many countries worldwide.
Overview of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout
Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Pre Workout is their top-rated pre-workout supplement that aims to enhance your performance during exercise. Like other pre-workouts, it contains ingredients such as caffeine, vitamins, creatine, and amino acids.
You can purchase the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout online from various retailers, including Amazon and the official website in the US, as well as in stores like GNC in the UK.
Optimum Nutrition’s website claims that the Gold Standard Pre Workout is designed to support you during exercise and help you reach the peak of your performance, while also highlighting their reputation as one of the most trusted brands in sports nutrition.
The supplement comes in a range of flavors, such as Green Apple, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, and Blueberry Lemonade, and one tub weighs between 300g and 330g, providing 30 servings. It costs approximately $35 per tub from Amazon in the US and £30 per tub from Holland and Barrett in the UK.
Now that we’ve covered some basic details about the Gold Standard Pre-Workout, let’s delve into its ingredient formula.
Ingredients for Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout
Let’s delve into the ingredients of Gold Standard Pre Workout, starting with the US formula as displayed on the official website at the time of writing. Keep in mind that the formula may differ in other countries and may be subject to updates or changes.
Gold Standard Pre Workout Ingredients The Gold Standard Pre Workout US formula contains a blend of various ingredients, including vitamins, amino acids, and caffeine. Here are some of the key components of the formula:
• Creatine Monohydrate – Creatine is a well-known post-workout supplement, but it is also commonly found in leading pre workout products due to its numerous benefits.
• Caffeine – Caffeine is a widely popular stimulant, and each serving (one scoop) of Gold Standard Pre Workout contains a total of 175mg of caffeine. For reference, a regular cup of coffee usually contains around 100mg of caffeine.
• Beta-Alanine – Another common pre workout ingredient, each serving of Gold Standard Pre Workout contains 1.5g of Beta-Alanine.
• L-Citrulline – L-Citrulline is an amino acid found in watermelons and is one of the top pre workout ingredients. Gold Standard Pre Workout contains 750mg of L-Citrulline per serving, which is a lower dosage compared to some similar products.
• Vitamin D – Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that our bodies produce when exposed to sunlight containing UVB rays. It is also available in some foods and supplements. Gold Standard Pre Workout contains 500IU of Vitamin D per serving.
• Vitamins B6 and B12 – Both of these vitamins are crucial for energy release and reducing tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin B6 and B12 are necessary components in our diets, and each serving of Gold Standard Pre Workout contains them.
• Pantothenic Acid – Also known as Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid contributes to energy release, reducing fatigue, and normal mental performance.
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How Does It Taste?
As previously mentioned, Gold Standard Pre Workout is available in several different flavors. For this review, we tested the Green Apple flavor and found the powder to have a fine texture.
After mixing one scoop with water, the powder dissolved fairly well, although we had to work a bit to eliminate some clumps that initially didn’t dissolve.
Overall, we were pleased with the taste and flavor. The liquid had a greenish tint and a sweet, fruity taste with a prominent apple flavor. Like most pre-workout supplements, it had a slightly artificial aftertaste, but we still found the taste of the Gold Standard Pre-Workout to be impressive.
On the negative side, it does use artificial sweeteners which is sure to be a turn-off for some people.
Related: 10 Best Pre-Workout Supplements Without Artificial Sweeteners
Any Side Effects with Gold Standard Pre Workout?
To ensure your safety, it is important to carefully read the entire label of any supplement you are considering taking, as the information provided may differ from what you have seen online. We strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor before taking any new supplement or making any significant changes to your lifestyle. Additionally, it is a good idea to do some research on the individual ingredients to ensure that you are not allergic to any of them. Always read the directions and warnings on the label of any product you decide to purchase before using it.
The Gold Standard Pre Workout formula contains 175mg of Caffeine per scoop, which is an important consideration for those who are sensitive to stimulants or who are already consuming Caffeine from other sources. If you fall into either of these categories, it may be best to avoid this product.
The label also warns that you should not exceed the recommended dose. It advises you to speak to your doctor before using the product if you are taking any medications or if you are under a physician’s care for a medical condition. Additionally, the label specifies that this supplement is intended only for healthy adults over the age of 18, and it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or individuals who are sensitive to Caffeine or Beta-Alanine. Finally, the label cautions against taking this supplement while consuming Caffeine from other sources or with alcohol.
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How to Take Gold Standard Pre Workout?
If you’re considering Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout, here are some key things to remember.
Each tub contains 30 servings, with recommended usage of one scoop mixed with water 20-30 minutes before your training session. It comes in various flavors, including Green Apple, Pineapple, and Strawberry Lime.
However, due to its caffeine content, this may not be the best choice for those who train in the evenings or are sensitive to stimulants.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Uses proven ingredients like Creatine, L-Citrulline and L-Carnitine
- Contains important vitamins
- Taste is above average
- Reputable brand
Cons:
- 175mg (per scoop) may be too much Caffeine for some people
- Doesn’t deliver good muscle pumps
- Uses artificial flavoring
Related: 10 Best Pre-Workout Supplements Without Artificial Sweeteners
Will Gold Standard Pre-Workout Work?
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout contains a blend of ingredients, including caffeine, creatine, and amino acids, that are commonly used in pre-workout supplements and may help to improve athletic performance, energy, and focus.
It’s important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of any supplement can vary depending on factors such as individual physiology, diet, and exercise routine, and results may not be immediate or guaranteed. As with any supplement, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Final Word
In conclusion, our review of the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout has covered all the essential aspects of the supplement, such as its ingredients, flavors, and taste.
Overall, we consider this pre-workout supplement to be a good option, as it contains high-quality ingredients and is produced by a trustworthy brand.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and fitness fanatic who specializes in supplements for building muscle. He has written for online publications like TheAthleticBuild.com and FitnessTopFives. He is also an expert lawn mower and has been known to slay apple pie with little regard for his own safety. Hit him up on Linkedin below so he feels the love.