Top 10 Pump-Booster EU-Version – Ranking

Anyone who trains with dumbbells or does bodybuilding usually values a good pump. Understandable – the pump effect, especially popular among men, has numerous benefits. It temporarily enhances your appearance, feels great, and boosts training motivation. There’s even a theory that it promotes muscle growth (due to fascia stretching that comes with a strong pump effect) [1]. However, sometimes, despite your efforts, you just can’t achieve a good pump during your workout. But you want that "full" look for sure? Then drink a pump booster before your workout! This mix drink will guarantee your muscles swell up during training – even if you’re working with only a few repetitions.

We’ve taken the time to sift through the vast ocean of products and handpicked the best pump boosters currently available, presenting them to you with a brief review. We make a distinction between EU pump boosters and US pump boosters, and we’ll explain why in the text. In this first part of our pump booster comparison, we’ll focus only on the EU pump boosters. But don’t worry, fans of US pump boosters won’t miss out: The second part will cover the 5 best US pump boosters.

Definition of "Pump Boosters": Neither Hardcore nor Pre-Workout Boosters

To avoid any misunderstandings: Almost every workout booster contains ingredients that promote muscle pump – but pump boosters form their own subcategory within the broader "workout booster" category. Their key feature is that they contain no stimulating substances, not even caffeine. If they do contain caffeine, they are classified as "pre-workout boosters." And if they include even stronger stimulants – such as amphetamine-like substances or psychotropics – they are considered "hardcore boosters

The 10 Best EU Pump Boosters at a Glance

For those looking to buy a pump booster in accordance with EU regulations, here’s our ranking of the top ten products. We’ll start with 10th place and end with 1st place. The best comes last, just like in real life.

Price winner

Price winner

#10 Olimp Pump Xplode Powder

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Our rating

Good

7.5

Feature

Value

Package contents

300g

Servings included

33

Price per serving

€0,68 (9g)

Active ingredients

L-Citrulline 3000mg, Arginine (AKG) 2000mg, Beta-Alanine 2000mg

Laboratory test

No

#10 Olimp Pump Xplode Powder

Olimp Pump Xplode Powder is particularly suitable for stacking with an all-in-one booster or hardcore booster if the pumps are not yet satisfactory. However, when used on its own as a pure pump booster, the dosages of the individual ingredients are somewhat low, unless you double the serving size. In each 9-gram serving, you get 3000 mg of L-Citrulline and 2000 mg of Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate to boost nitric oxide synthesis. Additionally, there are 2000 mg of Beta-Alanine to delay muscle fatigue, 566 mg of Sodium Citrate, and 5 mg of Black Pepper Extract to enhance the absorption of other ingredients. The Pump Xplode Powder also contains vitamins such as Niacin, Vitamin B6, Thiamine, and Vitamin B12.

Product Features:

  • Perfect for stacking as a pump booster.
  • Good price for a stack product.
#9 Weider – Rush Pump

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Our rating

Good

7.8

Feature

Value

Package contents

375g

Servings included

15

Price per serving

€1,86 (25g)

Active ingredients

L-citrulline malate 8000mg, arginine 5000mg, oxystorm 500mg

Laboratory test

No

#9 Weider – Rush Pump

Weider Rush Pump packs a hefty 8000 mg of Citrulline Malate and 5000 mg of Arginine, both considered key precursors for the body’s nitric oxide synthesis. Additionally, it includes 500 mg of the patented amaranth seed extract Oxystorm®, which supplies natural nitrates and increases nitric oxide levels in the blood. The formula also contains Glycine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, and Taurine. Rounding out the mix are vitamins (Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Niacin) and minerals (Zinc, Calcium, and Potassium), along with Ginkgo Leaf Powder, which is rich in antioxidants. Each serving is a substantial 25 grams, and Weider Rush Pump is available in the Sour Cherry flavor.

Product Features:

#8 ESN - Crank

Our rating

Good

7.9

Feature

Value

Package contents

380g

Servings included

20

Price per serving

€1,65 (19g)

Active ingredients

L-Citrulline Malate 6000mg, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate 4000mg

Laboratory test

No

#8 ESN - Crank

The Crank by ESN is probably the most well-known and best-selling workout booster, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a very balanced booster, making it particularly suitable for beginners and athletes who either cannot or do not want to take a hardcore booster. It contains 14 purely plant-based ingredients, making the booster vegan, and it’s also made in Germany. Each serving includes the standard 200 mg of caffeine. Other key ingredients include a solid 6000 mg of Citrulline Malate and 4000 mg of Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, both effective amino acids commonly used in pump boosters, which improve blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles, contributing to the pump during workouts. Additional ingredients include L-Tyrosine for focus and Taurine as a natural energy booster to enhance cognitive performance.

Product Features:

  • Allrounder
  • Made in Germany
  • Vegan
#7 PEAK – Epic Pump

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Our rating

Very good

8.2

Feature

Value

Package contents

500g

Servings included

20

Price per serving

€1,40

Primary active ingredients

8g L-Citrulline Malate, 6g L-AAKG, 4g Taurine, 2g Nitric Form of L-Arginine, 1g Beetroot Juice Extract

Laboratory test

No

#7 PEAK – Epic Pump

Few ingredients, but maximum dosages – this could have been Peak’s motto when developing Epic Pump. The Epic Pump contains only 5 active ingredients, yet each serving size is a hefty 25 grams. A large portion of this, 8000 mg, consists of the "classic" Citrulline Malate, followed by 6000 mg of L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG). The highly bioavailable AAKG form is further complemented by 2000 mg of Arginine in nitrate form and 1000 mg of beetroot extract. The formula is rounded off with 4000 mg of the "all-rounder" amino acid Taurine.

Product Features:

  • Focused on the essentials
  • With high doses of L-Citrulline Malate and L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
  • Available in 6 flavors
#6 FA Nutrition – Xtreme Napalm Pre-Contest Pumped

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Our rating

Very good

8.4

Feature

Value

Package contents

350g

Servings included

20

Price per serving

€1,50 (17,5g)

Active ingredients

Citrulline Malate 6000mg, Beta-Alanine 3200mg, Betaine 1500mg, Glycerol Monostearate 1500mg

Laboratory test

No

#6 FA Nutrition – Xtreme Napalm Pre-Contest Pumped

The Xtreme Napalm Pre-Contest Pumped by the Polish supplement manufacturer FA Nutrition is not, as one might assume, a stimulant-free pump booster. Instead, it’s a "complete" pre-workout product with both pump and focus ingredients, as well as caffeine. For the pump, Citrulline Malate and Glycerol are key contributors. A variety of focus-enhancing ingredients are included, such as L-Tyrosine, Choline Bitartrate, Bacopa Monnieri Extract, L-Theanine, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Rhodiola Rosea, and Alpha-GPC, though some are in slightly lower doses. For the energy boost, 200 mg of caffeine is provided, which also limits the serving size. In addition to this caffeinated version, FA Nutrition also offers a stimulant-free version, where the caffeine is replaced by taurine, while the rest of the ingredients remain the same.

Product Features:

  • Suitable as a "Daily Driver
  • Contains 200 mg of caffeine per serving
#5 ESN – Crank Pump Pro

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Our rating

Very good

8.5

Feature

Value

Package contents

450g

Servings included

15

Price per serving

€2,66 (30g)

Primary active ingredients

L-Citrulline Malate 9000mg, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate 5700mg, Amaranth Extract (OXYSTORM®) 2000mg, Glycerol (GLYCOPUMP®) 2000mg

Laboratory test

No

#5 ESN – Crank Pump Pro

The Crank Pump Pro is an advanced version of the now-discontinued Crank Pump. ESN has combined a variety of pump-boosting ingredients, all in generous dosages, along with vitamins and minerals. This is reflected in its hefty serving size of 30 grams, providing a full dose of pump ingredients. Of this, 9000 mg is Citrulline Malate and 5700 mg is L-Arginine AKG, two of the most proven pump ingredients. Additionally, there are 2000 mg of Oxystorm® and 2000 mg of Glycerol, which is in its branded form, Glycopump®. Oxystorm® is a nitrate extract derived from amaranth, also known as "red spinach." Nitrates increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, resulting in the popular pump effect. Glycopump® draws water into the muscle cells, giving them a fuller appearance.
Furthermore, Pump Pro includes Creatinol-O-Phosphate, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, L-Glutathione, Pine Bark Extract, and Piperine to enhance bioavailability. The formula is rounded off with minerals like Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium, as well as vitamins B3, B2, Folic Acid, and B12. The ESN Crank Pro is available in a total of 6 different flavors.

Product Features:

  • Hefty serving size of 30 grams per portion
  • With Oxystorm® and Glycopump®
  • Available in 6 flavors
#4 Levrone Shaaboom ICE Pump 463g

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Our rating

Very good

8.7

Feature

Value

Package contents

463g

Servings included

25

Price per serving

€1,19 (18,5g)

Primary active ingredients

Citrulline Malate 6000mg, Beta-Alanine 5000mg, Creatine Monohydrate 3000mg, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate 2000mg

Laboratory test

No

#4 Levrone Shaaboom ICE Pump 463g

The Shaaboom Pump in the EU version features a fairly simple formula that focuses on the essentials. It’s important to note upfront that this is not a stimulant-free product. Like many EU boosters, it contains 200 mg of caffeine per serving. Each serving provides 3000 mg of Citrulline Malate, 2500 mg of Beta-Alanine, 1500 mg of Creatine Monohydrate, 1000 mg of L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG), and the mentioned 200 mg of caffeine. The serving size is one scoop, primarily due to the caffeine content. If you want a stronger effect, doubling the serving size will provide solid dosages. Additionally, the price-to-performance ratio of the Shaaboom Pump is very attractive.

Product Features:

  • With 200 mg of caffeine per serving
  • For a stronger effect, you can take 2 scoops
  • Attractive price
#3 Vast – V8 Nitro

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Our rating

Very good

8.8

Feature

Value

Package contents

364g

Servings included

20

Price per serving

€2,00 (18,2g)

Primary active ingredients

L-Citrulline Malate (2:1) 6000mg, Carnosyn® Beta-Alanine 2500mg, BetaPower® Natural Betaine 1600mg, Vitacholine® 1500mg, Nitrosigine® 1000mg, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine

Laboratory test

No

#3 Vast – V8 Nitro

The Austrian supplement manufacturer, which exclusively produces in Germany, maintains the highest quality standards, and whose products are all vegan, offers the V8 Nitro, a pump booster that features branded ingredients and includes both pump and focus components. For the pump, in addition to the tried-and-true 6000 mg of Citrulline Malate, there are 1500 mg of Nitrosigine®, a patented combination of bonded Arginine and Silicate, which raises Arginine levels for up to 6 hours, resulting in an impressive pump. The product also includes CarnoSyn®, a premium form of Beta-Alanine, which helps delay muscle fatigue, allowing for longer and harder training sessions.
BetaPower® Natural Betaine is another branded ingredient with a purity level of at least 98%, known to improve overall exercise performance. For razor-sharp focus and enhanced memory, 1600 mg of VitaCholine® and 1000 mg of N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine are included. The formula is rounded out by 5 mg of Astragin® to enhance the bioavailability of the ingredients in V8 Nitro. Additionally, potassium and Vitamin B12 are also included.

Product Features:

  • With Nitrosigine®
  • Pump + Focus
  • Relies on a range of patented ingredients
  • Made in Germany
  • Vegan
#2 BPS Pharma – Not4Pussy Ultimate Pump Matrix

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Our rating

Very good

9.0

Feature

Value

Package contents

250g

Servings included

21

Price per serving

€1,90 (12g)

Primary active ingredients

3.75g L-Citrulline, 1.305g Nitrosigine, 300mg Taurine, 170mg Pine Bark Extract, 68mg Pycnogenol

Laboratory test

No

#2 BPS Pharma – Not4Pussy Ultimate Pump Matrix

At first glance, the label may not seem extensive, but one pump ingredient in particular stands out: Nitrosigine®. This patented Arginine-Silicate compound is more powerful than all forms of Arginine, Agmatine, or even L-Citrulline. Nitrosigine® not only promises an intense pump, but it also extends the duration of the pump for hours. Additionally, it has positive effects on focus and promotes faster recovery after training. Alongside Nitrosigine®, the formula includes the proven ingredients L-Citrulline, Taurine, Pine Bark Extract, and another branded ingredient, Pycnogenol®, an extract from the bark of French maritime pine. These ingredients work together to create optimal synergy for maximum pump effects

Product Features:

  • With Nitrosigine®
  • Massive and long-lasting pump
  • Available in 4 flavors

Test Winner

Test Winner

#1 bett3r - PUMP

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Our rating

Excellent

9.1

Feature

Value

Package contents

500g

Servings included

22

Price per serving

€1,81

Primary active ingredients

L-Citrulline Malate: 6,980 mg
GlycoPump®: 3,200 mg
Arginine AKG: 2,600 mg
L-Arginine: 1,000 mg
Vaso 6™: 500 mg
Ornithine HCL: 500 mg
Betaine HCL: 500 mg
Pomegranate Extract: 400 mg

Laboratory test

Yes

#1 bett3r - PUMP

The "PUMP" from bett3r delivers exactly what it promises: a nearly vein-bursting, skin-splitting pump. Each serving provides almost 22 grams of pure pump ingredients, ensuring an intense training pump. Key contributors include a hefty 6,980 mg of L-Citrulline Malate, 3,200 mg of Glycopump®, 2,600 mg of Arginine AKG, complemented by an additional 1,000 mg of L-Arginine, along with Ornithine, Betaine, and Pomegranate Extract. AstraGin® and Black Pepper Fruit Extract are also included to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of the other ingredients.
In addition, important minerals for (strength) athletes like Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium are included. The PUMP from bett3r stands out not only for the sheer number of pump ingredients but also for the thoughtful combination and effective dosages. Manufactured in Germany, the product also features a QR code—like the "PRE" from bett3r—allowing users to access the lab report. Additionally, we want to highlight the delicious taste of the booster, available in Blackberry and Tropical flavors.

Product Features:

  • Pump and vascularity at top level
  • Delicious taste
  • Suitable for vegans and gluten-allergy sufferers
  • Lab report available for viewing

Why do we differentiate between EU pump boosters and US pump boosters?

Most renowned manufacturers of pump boosters are based in the USA. However, the legal regulations regarding the sale of dietary supplements in the US differ from those in the European Union. Generally speaking, the regulations in the US are much more "relaxed." In simple terms: many things that are allowed in the US are not permitted in the EU.

  1. Some ingredients that are completely legal in the USA are either banned or require a special approval process within the EU.
  2. Some other ingredients that are freely available in the USA are available by prescription only in the EU.
  3. For many ingredients, the EU imposes specific maximum limits, while in the USA, they can be added to a product in unlimited amounts.

Banned ingredients
A popular example of a pump booster ingredient that is legal in the USA but banned in the EU is Agmatine. Agmatine, or Agmatine Sulfate, is a derivative of the amino acid Arginine. Just like Arginine, Agmatine promotes the release of nitric oxide in the body, which leads to the dilation of blood vessels. This results in increased blood flow and a strong pump effect. Additionally, Agmatine is also a neurotransmitter, meaning it is involved in the transmission of neural signals. It can positively affect mood and reduce pain perception [2]. However, within the EU, Agmatine is classified under „Novel-Food“-Verordnung. Laut dieser Verordnung dürfen Substanzen, die vor dem 15. Mai 1997 in der EU noch nicht im Umlauf waren, nicht für die Herstellung von Lebensmitteln oder Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln verwendet werden. (Es sei denn, der Hersteller beantragt zuvor ein aufwendiges und teures Zulassungsverfahren.)

Prescription-Only Ingredients
When it comes to prescription-only booster ingredients, Yohimbine is the first to mention. Yohimbine is derived from the leaves and bark of the African Yohimbe tree. The substance blocks alpha-2 receptors in the smooth muscle of blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow. This is one of the reasons why Yohimbine is included in many potency-enhancing products. Additionally, Yohimbine triggers the release of noradrenaline, which helps improve fat burning. However, in most EU countries, Yohimbine is not available over the counter. In Germany, Yohimbine is only available with a prescription [3]. Only products containing very small amounts of Yohimbine are sold over the counter.

Limited Quantity Ingredients
In the EU, some generally safe ingredients are only allowed in limited amounts in supplements. A good example is Taurine. This amino sulfonic acid naturally occurs in the body, being produced in the liver and brain with the help of Vitamin B6. In bodybuilding, Taurine is known as an ergogenic substance, although its actual effectiveness in muscle building is debated. Taurine is much more famous as an ingredient in energy drinks, as it is believed to optimize the effects of caffeine. However, there is no scientific proof to support this claim. Since Taurine definitely benefits fluid balance, many pump boosters also include it. According to Germany’s fruit juice and soft drink regulations, beverages have been limited to a maximum of 4,000 milligrams of Taurine per liter since 2013.

2. Are EU Pump Boosters Worse than US Pump Boosters?

The question of whether EU pump boosters are worse than US pump boosters can clearly be answered with "No." The fact that there are ingredient restrictions for pump boosters in the EU doesn’t mean much—because the most important and effective pump booster ingredients are also allowed in the EU. For the quality of a pump booster, it’s more important that large amounts of standard ingredients are included rather than the formula containing exotic substances without EU market approval.

3. What Ingredients Are Found in EU Pump Boosters?

EU pump boosters typically contain the following ingredients:

Amino acids such as Arginine, Citrulline, and Ornithine
These amino acids are essentially part of the standard formula for a pump booster. Whether it’s an EU version or a US version of a pump booster, it doesn’t make a difference. The mentioned amino acids promote increased release of nitric oxide (NO) in the body, causing the blood vessels to relax.

Patented formulas like Nitrosigine®, S7®, and VASO6™
Over time, some manufacturers have developed special formulas that enhance or exceed the effectiveness of the aforementioned amino acids in promoting blood flow. For instance, Nitrosigine®, developed by Nutrition 21, can reportedly nearly double maximum blood flow compared to pure L-Arginine, according to studies. S7®, a blend of seven plant ingredients (hence the name), not only contributes to stronger blood circulation but also has antioxidant properties. VASO6™, a patented green tea extract created by US manufacturer Serious Nutrition Solutions, is even 10 times more effective than Arginine and helps make the veins under the skin more pronounced.

Hydrating substances like Glycerol
Since good hydration—meaning sufficient fluid in the cells—is also important for promoting pumps, pump boosters include ingredients like Glycerol. Glycerol is a polyol with water-retaining effects and is used in the industry as a humectant. An advanced version of this is GlycerSize.

Ergogenic substances like Creatine
Ergogenic substances are those that positively influence performance. In EU pump boosters, not many of these substances are found, as most ergogenic booster ingredients also have a stimulating effect. Therefore, they are typically only included in pre-workout boosters or hardcore boosters. The main exceptions are Creatine and Beta-Alanine. However, both only enhance performance when consumed regularly.

In addition, EU pump boosters often contain minerals to maintain electrolyte balance, as well as flavoring agents and sweeteners.

4. Do EU Pump Boosters Have Side Effects?

No, EU pump boosters do not have side effects. Since these boosters contain no problematic substances (not even caffeine), EU pump boosters can be consumed without concern. The only "side effect," if you will, is that frequent consumption of pump boosters can add up in cost. On the other hand, a good EU pump booster typically costs between €1.50 and €1.90 per serving per training session. That’s a worthwhile investment for a good pump.

5. Who Should Buy EU Pump Boosters?

EU pump boosters are suitable for individuals who prioritize health safety, legality, and transparency regarding ingredients in sports supplements. They are also ideal for bodybuilders who want a training booster without caffeine or any other psychoactive substances.

6. What Should Be Considered When Buying EU Pump Boosters?

When buying an EU pump booster, one should ensure that the key ingredients, namely Arginine (or Arginine derivatives like Arginine AKG) and Citrulline, are included in sufficient amounts. "Sufficient amounts" refer to around 6 g of Citrulline and approximately 3 g of total Arginine. Fillers like Maltodextrin, which may make the servings appear larger but offer no significant benefits, should ideally be avoided.

  1. gannikus.de (2019): How important is the pump effect for muscle building? (https://www.gannikus.de/training_1/wie-wichtig-ist-der-pump-effekt-fuer-den-muskelaufbau/)
  2. sciencedirect.com (2024): Hira Rafi, Hamna Rafiq, Muhammad Farhan: “Pharmacological profile of agmatine: An in-depth overview” (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0143417924000283)
  3. verbraucherzentrale.de (2024): Fatburner zum Abspecken – oft eine Gefahr (https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/lebensmittel/nahrungsergaenzungsmittel/fatburner-zum-abspecken-oft-eine-gefahr-13638)
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