Top 10 Caffeine-Free Boosters – Ranking
"Pre-workout boosters are sports drinks with a stimulating effect that are consumed before a workout" – this or something similar is often found as a definition on many online shop websites. However, this isn’t entirely correct because the word "stimulating" suggests that pre-workout boosters always contain caffeine. But that’s not the case. There are also pre-workout boosters without caffeine. We present the best of them here – and we also explain the idea behind caffeine-free pre-workout boosters. If you want to know who these stim-free boosters (boosters without stimulants) are for and what they usually contain, read this top-10 ranking!
First of all, we need to clarify one thing: the term ‘pre-workout booster’ can be interpreted in different ways. If we interpret it as a general term, then what was said above applies. However, if we interpret it as a category term, then it looks a bit different. ‘Pre-workout booster’ then refers to a very specific subcategory of workout boosters. In addition, there are the categories ‘hardcore boosters’ and ‘pump boosters’. The differences between these categories can be summarized as follows:
- Hardcore boosters are boosters that contain highly potent psychoactive substances, such as DMAA, DMHA, or Kanna. The focus of these boosters is on inducing euphoria and stimulating the central nervous system. Although hardcore boosters also contain performance-enhancing and pump-boosting ingredients, these play only a secondary role.
- Pre-workout boosters are boosters that contain only mild psychoactive substances – such as caffeine, guarana, or theobromine. The focus of pre-workout boosters is on combating fatigue and releasing performance reserves, as well as promoting the pump effect. Therefore, if we want to understand ‘pre-workout booster’ as a category term, then caffeine-free boosters are not actually pre-workout boosters (but rather pump boosters, see below).
- Pump boosters are boosters that, as the name suggests, are primarily intended to create a good pump effect during training. They usually contain no psychoactive ingredients. Instead, they contain large amounts of pump-enhancing substances and ingredients that improve hydration.
But anyway: caffeine-free workout boosters play an important role in the booster universe – whether you classify them as pre-workout boosters or pump boosters. (By the way, you can find more information about pump boosters in this article: Everything You Need to Know About Pump Boosters.) It’s high time that we publish a comprehensive ‘caffeine-free pre-workout booster‘ test for you!
Caffeine-Free Workout Boosters: EU vs. USA
As is well known, the legislation regarding dietary supplements in the EU is different from that in the USA: several substances that are permitted in the USA are either banned or subject to restrictions within the EU. For this reason, boosters from US manufacturers may work differently than those from EU companies. However, it cannot be said that US boosters are fundamentally better than EU boosters. First, when it comes to boosters, it’s not just about potency – factors like tolerability and cost-effectiveness also play a role – and second, potency is always dependent on the serving size.
Nevertheless, EU boosters and US boosters are two different pairs of shoes. This is particularly true for hardcore boosters; it also applies to pump boosters and caffeine-free pre-workout boosters. Therefore, in addition to the ranking you are currently reading, we have created two other rankings:
If you really want to get comprehensive information about stim-free boosters, it’s best to read all three rankings.
The 10 Best Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Boosters at a Glance
Here are our top 10. The ranking is designed in ascending order, meaning we mention the tenth-best booster first. Then comes the ninth-best, followed by the eighth-best, and so on. The test winner is mentioned last.
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Feature
Value
Package contents
345g
Servings included
30
Price per serving
€1,17
Primary active ingredients
GlycerSize™ (65% glycerol powder) – 2000 mg, Agmatine sulfate – 1000 mg, L-norvaline – 150 mg, S7™ – 50 mg
Laboratory test
No
Product rating "Good"
#10 Killer Labz Noxious
Killer Labz has been on the market for several years. The Noxious is also a familiar name that is now being reintroduced with a new design and formula. And it is well-equipped for that. This booster contains exactly what makes an effective pump booster: glycerol, agmatine sulfate, L-norvaline, and the well-known S7 active ingredient matrix! What this does to us after consumption is clear – it provides us with a massive and long-lasting pump! Additionally, the Noxious is free from stimulants, making it possible to take it even late at night without the worry of a sleepless night ahead. Stacking it with a pre-workout booster is also completely safe!
Product Features:
- Time-tested and effective pump booster with a new and improved formula!
- The massive pump is provided by proven active ingredients such as glycerol, agmatine, L-norvaline, and S7!
- Free from stimulants – not even caffeine is included!
- Ideal as a booster for evening training sessions!
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Feature
Value
Package contents
386g
Servings included
40
Price per serving
€1,07
Primary active ingredients
8000 mg citrulline, 4000 mg glycerol, 1000 mg super spinach, 1000 mg agmatine, 250 mcg pegapump
Laboratory test
No
Product rating "Good"
#9 InnovaPharm NovaPump
The NovaPump impresses with a straightforward formula, but it’s brutal when it comes to dosages! In one scoop, you’ll find 8000 mg of citrulline, 4000 mg of glycerol, 1000 mg of super spinach, 1000 mg of agmatine, and 250 mcg of pegapump. This significantly enhances blood circulation and results in a brutal and long-lasting pump! This makes training enjoyable. Like the other pump boosters in the ranking, you can take the NovaPump comfortably late at night, as it contains no stimulants that would keep you awake. Want to enhance your focus-oriented pre-workout booster and get more pump? No problem, just stack it with NovaPump – it’s perfect for that!
Product Features:
- Very high dosages: 8000 mg of citrulline, 4000 mg of glycerol, and 1000 mg of agmatine will pump your arms to the max!
- Free from stimulants, making it suitable as a booster for evening training sessions.
- Perfect for stacking to enhance your pre-workout booster!
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Feature
Value
Package contents
244g
Servings included
40
Price per serving
€1,00
Primary active ingredients
3000 mg L-citrulline, 1000 mg glycerpump, 500 mg agmatine sulfate, 375 mg arginine silicate, S7
Laboratory test
No
Product rating "Good"
#8 Psycho Pharma Edge Pump
Psycho Pharma has been delivering products for years that do one thing above all: deliver a punch! Whether in the realm of hardcore boosters with their Edge of Insanity (check out the review here), in the testosterone boosters with Thunderstruck, or with Edge Pump – the pump booster! We have never been disappointed! So what do you get with Edge Pump? Above all, incredible pumps, but of the highest quality. And why? Because of 3000 mg of L-citrulline, 1000 mg of glycerpump, 500 mg of agmatine sulfate, 375 mg of arginine silicate, and the patented S7 ingredients! All this without stimulants like caffeine, etc. So, if you want to take your pre-workout to the next level in terms of pump, you can also use Edge Pump perfectly for stacking!
Product Features:
- Hits your arms hard and gives you a massive pump!
- Effective and proven ingredients like glycerol, agmatine, and citrulline to maximize muscle pump!
- Contains no stimulants – not even caffeine – and can thus be used in the evening or stacked with other products!
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Feature
Value
Package contents
375g
Servings included
25
Price per serving
€1,60
Primary active ingredients
5000mg L-Citrulline
Laboratory test
No
Product rating "Very good"
#7 5% Nutrition Full as F*ck
We probably don’t need to say much about Rich Piana’s product line. If you don’t know Rich Piana and his supplements, you’re missing out on the strength training scene! It’s that simple!
Now to the booster: The focus of Full as Fck is clearly on promoting the pump effect, and it intentionally stands out by excluding caffeine. Instead, it impresses with a powerful blend of highly effective ingredients. Each serving delivers an impressive 5,000 mg of L-citrulline, making your workout a true highlight. In the style of 5% Nutrition, the product was developed to support those who are determined to strengthen and shape their muscles.
Product Features:
- Extreme muscle pump: Maximizes vascularity and muscle volume!
- Intensive training: Boosts your performance and endurance in the gym!
- Quick recovery: Reduces muscle fatigue and promotes regeneration for consistent training results.
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Feature
Value
Package contents
325g
Servings included
25
Price per serving
€1,48
Primary active ingredients
L-citrulline – 6000 mg, L-taurine – 2000 mg, Vaso-6 green tea extract – 360 mg, S7 – 100 mg
Laboratory test
No
Product rating "Very good"
#6 Chaos Crew Pump the Chaos Extreme
The Chaos Crew Pump The Chaos contains exactly the active ingredients and dosages we want to see in a pump booster. Notably, the ingredients L-citrulline, Vaso6, and S7 uniquely contribute to enhancing muscle pump and blood flow. The dosages are based on solid clinical findings and include an impressive 6000 mg of citrulline per serving – just how it should be! For those who train right before bedtime and want to avoid strong stimulants, the Chaos Crew Pump The Chaos Extreme is the ideal choice. Watch out, or your arms might burst!
Product Features:
- Carefully dosed ingredients like L-citrulline, Vaso6, S7, and more to ensure maximum effectiveness.
- Intense muscle pump to make your muscles look fuller and more defined during workouts.
- Free from stimulants, making Pump the Chaos suitable for training sessions at any time of the day.
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Feature
Value
Package contents
340g
Servings included
20
Price per serving
€1,75
Primary active ingredients
Vaso6 (300 mg), Nitrosignin (1000 mg), Glycersize (4000 mg), 6 g L-citrulline, 2.5 g betaine
Laboratory test
No
Product rating "Very good"
#5 Naughty Boy Sickpump
The appearance of the NaughtyBoy products always seems a bit… how should we put it: childish. However, the effectiveness and overall quality of the products tell a completely different story. Definitely something for the big boys!
About Sickpump: The unique formula of Sickpump contains three patented ingredients: Vaso6 (300 mg), Nitrosignin (1000 mg), and Glycersize (glycerol/hydropump = 4000 mg). These three ingredients are unbeatable when it comes to achieving an extremely intense pump during workouts. Additionally, it contains 6 g of L-citrulline, 2.5 g of betaine, 500 mg of bitter melon, 1 g of L-tyrosine, 250 mg of pink Himalayan salt, and vitamin C. With this, NaughtyBoy is undoubtedly one of the best pump boosters on the market right now!
Product Features:
- Manufacturer with a high level of credibility and authority.
- The entire product line delivers on its promises, including Sickpump!
- The use of patented ingredients and high dosages ensures exactly what it’s meant to do – a sick pump!
- Like most pump boosters, Sickpump is also ideal for stacking with a pre-workout booster!
Price winner
Price winner
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Feature
Value
Package contents
350g
Servings included
40
Price per serving
€0,75
Primary active ingredients
Citrulline malate 6000 mg, beta-alanine 3200 mg, betaine 1500 mg, and more
Laboratory test
No
Product rating "Very good"
3# FA Nutrition Xtreme Napalm Pre-Contest Pumped
In the world of high-performance training, there is no room for mediocrity. This is exactly where the FA Xtreme Napalm Pre-Contest Pumped comes in. This pre-workout booster is not just another supplement on the market; it is a comprehensive solution for athletes who do not compromise in their training and want to get the maximum out of every session.
Designed to push your limits, the FA Xtreme Napalm Pre-Contest Pumped combines advanced science with high-quality ingredients. This booster is in a league of its own and aims to provide you with a massive pump, relentless drive, and crystal-clear focus. It’s not just about strengthening your muscles; it’s about revolutionizing your entire training experience.
Product Features:
- Robust pre-workout formula: With up to 400 mg of caffeine per serving, this booster provides the energy you need to power through the toughest and most demanding workouts.
- Guaranteed pump: Through the careful blend of beta-alanine, betaine, and citrulline malate, you will experience a pump that not only visually highlights your muscles but also conveys a feeling of fullness and strength.
- Mental sharpness: Adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea, combined with nootropics, sharpen your mental focus, allowing you to concentrate fully on your training.
- Purity and quality: We completely avoid cheap fillers. Experience the purity of each serving with no added sugar and full transparency of ingredients.
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Feature
Value
Package contents
376g
Servings included
42
Price per serving
€0,95
Primary active ingredients
4000 mg L-citrulline, 1750 mg beta-alanine, 1500 mg HydroPump (glycerol), S7, AlphaSize, AstraGin
Laboratory test
No
Product rating "Very good"
2# Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pump
Alpha Lion products are appreciated by fitness enthusiasts and athletes worldwide for their effectiveness and transparency. This is also true for Superhuman Pump. The fully disclosed formula uses high-quality, patented ingredients that have been scientifically researched to ensure maximum effectiveness. This provides complete transparency about the active ingredient amounts – just how we like it! With 4000 mg of L-citrulline, 1750 mg of beta-alanine, and 1500 mg of HydroPump (glycerol) per scoop, it boosts nitric oxide levels for maximum pump effects and efficient nutrient delivery to your muscles. Additional patented premium ingredients like S7, AlphaSize, and AstraGin round out the formula, making Superhuman Pump one of the best pump boosters!
Product Features:
- Stimulus-free and yet powerful, ideal for those who
- Avoid caffeine or train late at night.
- Increases nitric oxide levels for impressive pumps and improved nutrient delivery.
- Verwendet wissenschaftlich erforschte Premium-Inhaltsstoffe für maximale Effektivität und garantierte Qualität.
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Feature
Value
Package contents
496g
Servings included
40
Price per serving
€1,20
Primary active ingredients
Beta alanine – 1.6 g, arginine nitrate (as NO3-T) – 1.5 g, betaine anhydrous – 1.5 g, L-tyrosine – 1.5 g, and more.
Laboratory test
No
Product rating "Very good"
#1 AND THE WINNER IS: ASC Supplements Sicario
Behind the Sicario is a manufacturer that enriches the fitness world with consistently smart products. All products reflect a high dedication to quality. From design to product quality and, most importantly, the formulations, everything is always on point in our view!
The Sicario is the answer if you’re looking for a strong pump, additional energy, and clear focus – all without stimulants! The key active ingredients in the pump and performance matrix create an impressive mind-muscle connection that we haven’t experienced often. They enhance your focus and maximize your performance while simultaneously providing a remarkable pump effect. What’s interesting about the formula is the included NO3-T arginine nitrate. This provides an unparalleled pump of extremely long duration. So don’t be surprised if you feel like your skin is about to burst for hours!
Product Features:
- Maximizes blood flow to your muscles, resulting in an impressive and skin-splitting pump.
- The nootropic ingredients enhance your concentration and the mind-muscle connection.
- Maximum strength and endurance to get the most out of your training.
- Stimulant-free! This allows for an intense workout without disturbing your sleep cycle.
Test Winner
Test Winner
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Feature
Value
Package contents
500g
Servings included
22
Price per serving
€1,75
Primary active ingredients
6 g L-citrulline, 5 g glycerol, 4 g AAKG, 2 g arginine nitrate, 1 g beetroot extract.
Laboratory test
Yes
Product rating "Very good"
#1 bett3r - PUMP
There are plenty of pump boosters out there, especially from the United States, the UK, and Eastern European countries. Of course, there are also some German manufacturers, but nothing has really blown us away from that selection. However, the pump booster from the brand Bett3r is different! The manufacturer is new to the market, and what you get here, ‘Made in Germany,’ is top-notch!
With about 7,000 mg of L-citrulline malate, 3,200 mg of GlycoPump, 2,600 mg of arginine-AKG, 1,000 mg of L-arginine, and 500 mg of Vaso6, you get a range of active ingredients in a dosage that will give you a massive pump! Period!
With additional ingredients such as pomegranate extract, betaine HCL, ornithine HCL, and AstraGin, you receive a perfectly balanced formula that aims to enhance your blood flow, improve nutrient absorption in the muscles, and pave the way for optimal recovery after training.
Thank you, Bett3r! Please give us more of this!
Product Features
- 6 g L-citrulline, 5 g glycerol, 4 g AAKG, 2 g arginine, and 1 g beetroot extract
- Maximum dilation of blood vessels
- Long-lasting pump effect
Conclusion
The order we have chosen reflects our quality assessment, but that doesn’t mean the test winner is the best caffeine-free pre-workout booster for every athlete. All the boosters listed here in our caffeine-free booster test are highly recommended! For example, if you prefer our No. 5 or No. 3 due to their characteristics over our No. 1 – buy them!
1. How do caffeine-free pre-workout boosters work?
Training boosters that do not contain caffeine are naturally not ‘wake-up’ aids. So if you’re struggling to motivate yourself for a workout – whether it’s because you didn’t get enough sleep or because you’re feeling mentally ‘down’ – a stim-free booster won’t get you moving. However, if you’re excited about your workout, then a stim-free booster can make your training more effective. Because
- After consuming a stim-free booster, you’ll experience a better pump during your workout,
- you feel more motivated (not least because your muscles look bigger),
- your endurance in training sets is improved, and
- your muscles receive better oxygen and nutrient supply during training – and even for some time afterward. This may shorten your recovery time.
2. What ingredients are typically found in caffeine-free boosters?
Caffeine-free boosters essentially contain four groups of ingredients:
Pump-enhancing ingredients
The most important are the pump-enhancing ingredients – those that contribute to a better pump effect during training. These primarily include the amino acids arginine (as well as the variants arginine HCL, di-arginine malate, arginine ethyl ester, and arginine AKG), L-citrulline, and L-ornithine. All of these have more or less the same effect: they release nitric oxide (NO) in the body. This causes the blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased blood flow to the skeletal muscles.
Ingredients that improve hydration
Equally important as the ingredients mentioned above are those that draw fluid into the cells. The key ones are glycerol (or GlycerSize) and betaine anhydrous.
Ingredients that enhance performance or endurance
Many pump boosters not only improve the pump but also enhance training performance. The most well-known ingredient in this context is beta-alanine, a non-essential amino acid. It counteracts a drop in pH levels in the muscles, meaning it delays acidosis. As a result, more repetitions are possible during moderate weight training. L-taurine is also considered a performance-enhancing substance, as taurine plays a role in signaling in the brain. Additionally, taurine has anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing the likelihood of severe muscle soreness after training [1].
Ingredients that are important for electrolyte balance
The ingredients that benefit electrolyte balance primarily include minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Both contribute to normal muscle function.
What are the benefits of caffeine-free boosters?
The advantage of caffeine-free boosters is that they have no negative impact on nighttime sleep. What many booster fans may not know is that caffeine, this seemingly ‘harmless’ stimulant, has a half-life of over 4 hours! Depending on age and body weight, the half-life can even be up to 8 hours [2]. So, if someone trains in the evening at 7 PM and drinks a caffeine-containing booster beforehand, they haven’t eliminated the caffeine by 10 PM. The result can be difficulties falling asleep or a restless (and less restorative) night’s sleep.
For whom are caffeine-free boosters useful?
Caffeine-free boosters are beneficial for all athletes who appreciate a good pump during training but do not want to stimulate themselves with psychoactive substances – not even caffeine. While caffeine consumption may seem normal for many people today, the alkaloid is not entirely harmless. It’s no coincidence that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set the acceptable daily limit at 400 mg [3]. Since caffeine is found in coffee, the number one ‘social drink,’ as well as in cola, tea, energy drinks, and even some medications, it can add up to 400 mg quickly. It’s understandable that some athletes prefer caffeine-free training boosters.
Buying caffeine-free pre-workout boosters: What should you consider?
The most important thing to consider when buying caffeine-free boosters is (as banal as it may sound) that there is actually no caffeine in them. The can should therefore be labeled "caffeine-free" or "without caffeine" if possible. ATTENTION: The label "stimfree" on a booster does not necessarily mean that the product is free of caffeine. Stim" can also refer to hard stimulants such as DMAA, DMBA, etc. In any case, you should study the label carefully. Caffeine or "Caffeine" [englische Bezeichnung] does not always appear under this name on the list of ingredients. Sometimes it is also called "guaranine", "guarana extract", "methylxanthine" or "1,3,7-trimethylxanthine".
- gesundheit.de (2023): Was ist Taurin? (https://www.gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/naehrstoffe/taurin-id215671/)
- efsa.europa.eu (2015): Risikobewertung zu Koffein
(https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/corporate_publications/files/efsaexplainscaffeine150527de.pdf) - bfr.bund.de (2015): Fragen und Antworten zu Koffein und koffeinhaltigen Lebensmitteln
(https://www.bfr.bund.de/de/fragen_und_antworten_zu_koffein_und_koffeinhaltigen_lebensmitteln__einschliesslich_energy_drinks194760.html)