We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
Marketing pre-workouts for focus that contain nootropics, which are ingredients that enhance cognition, is a newer trend. Most pre-workouts already contain nootropics in the form of caffeine, even if they aren’t advertised as such. Other nootropics can complement caffeine to boost alertness, sharpen focus, or even improve reaction time and memory.
Pre Lab Pro pre-workout contains several nootropics, including a moderate dose of caffeine with L-theanine and L-tyrosine, to deliver a smooth burst of energy, sans high-stim side effects or post-workout crash. It also boosts nitric oxide levels for better blood flow and endurance, plus contains vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. Our expert tester gave it a go and is sharing all their thoughts in this Pre Lab Pro review.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Our Pros Deliver Dozens of Trusted Pre Workout Reviews
Our product testers personally try all the pre-workouts we review and give their honest feedback on how they perform in real life. To date, GGR testers have tried and rated 68 pre-workouts to find the best pre-workout supplements.
Our testers are fitness and nutrition pros, including certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and competitive athletes. In addition to their experience and expertise, we use our GGR supplement testing methodology to rate each supplement in the following categories:
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Price Per Serving
- Side Effects
- Third-Party Testing
- Customer Service
- Customer Reviews
Pre Lab Pro
Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout
Product Highlights
- Natural berry flavor
- Moderate caffeine content
- Vegan, vegetarian, GMO-free
- 1 serving is 1 scoop
- Nootropic-enhanced
Pros & Cons
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Vegan and vegetarian
- Gluten-free, soy-free
- Non-GMO
- Nootropic-enhanced
Cons
- Moderate dose of caffeine may not be enough for everyone
- Only 1 flavor available
Bottom Line
Pre-Lab Pro is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, allergen-friendly, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and free from artificial flavors and synthetic additives
A Quick Look at Pre Lab Pro
Pre Lab Pro is sold by Performance Lab Group, a supplement company committed to using high-quality ingredients, clean formulations, and third-party testing. Their mission is to help consumers achieve vibrant health and peak athletic performance.
Performance Lab Group claims their products are “the cleanest, safest, and most effective range of health supplements ever seen.” They use NutriGenesis® ingredients, which is a form of cultured vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that replicate nutrients found in nature and are considered more bioavailable and effective than synthetic versions.
Their product line includes general health dietary supplements, such as probiotics, multivitamins for men and women, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as supplements to support joint health, mental performance, vision, energy, and sleep. They also have a line of energy bars, called Nu-:tropic, that contain nootropic ingredients, like omega-3s and choline, to support brain health.
Before You Buy
- This is not a high-stim pre-workout formula; each serving contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee.
- This is an expensive supplement, but there’s a 30-day money back guarantee and you can save by purchasing a four-month supply.
Is Pre Lab Pro Worth It?
If you’re a fan of clean label supplements, Pre Lab Pro is going to catch your eye, although it’s one of the more expensive pre-workouts on the market at $2.95 per serving. It’s not for you if you’re after one of the strongest pre-workouts that leaves you wired and delivers a strong pump. It’s lower in caffeine than many pre-workouts, making it a good option for anyone who is caffeine-sensitive or prefers a smoother, more balanced energy flow.
Great for:
- Anyone looking for more natural energy enhancement
- Athletes who undergo routine drug testing
- Individuals sensitive to caffeine
Not recommended for:
- Shoppers with a limited budget
- Anyone looking for a pre-workout with creatine, beta-alanine, or branched-chain amino acids
- Fans of high-stim pre-workouts
Pre Lab Pro Specs
| Price per serving | $2.95 |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (13 g) |
| Flavors | Natural Berry |
| Caffeine dosage | 80 mg |
| L-citrulline dosage | 1,100 mg |
| Beta-alanine dosage | N/A |
| Creatine dosage | N/A |
| Other notable ingredients | L-theanine, L-tyrosine, L-glutathione, beetroot powder, B vitamins, vitamin D3, iron |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
| Benefits | Enhances energy, alertness, and focus; supports muscle strength, endurance, and hydration |
Experience Using Pre Lab Pro
We had GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, put Pre Lab Pro to the test. She used this pre-workout for about a week, both before running and kettlebell workouts. While she didn’t love the taste and didn’t experience a pump, her overall experience was positive. “The reason I keep taking this despite its not-so-great taste is because of the effects. I really like it,” says Nicole. “If it tasted better I’d give it a 5, for sure.”
It’s worth mentioning that we had a second product tester who normally prefers high-stimulant pre-workouts give this one a try. He strongly disliked it and reported it did nothing for him.
Price Per Serving
Pre Lab Pro is one of the most expensive supplements you’ll come across. One tub sells for $59 and contains 20 servings, which is $2.95 per serving. That’s extremely high compared to other pre-workouts, which typically contain 30 servings and cost $1 to $2 per serving, depending on the formulation. At nearly $3 per serving, we have to rate Pre Lab Pro 1 out of 5 stars for price.
If you like it, you can save 25% by purchasing the four-month supply, which gets you four tubs for the price of three.
Formulation
Pre Lab Pro doesn’t contain some of the standard pre-workout ingredients, like beta-alanine, but it is free from artificial ingredients and is naturally sweetened. It’s also gluten-free, non-GMO, and allergen-free. Despite its cleaner, more natural ingredients, it earns a 2.5 out of 5 for formulation due to the lack of some expected ingredients.
The active ingredients include:
- Caffeine
- L-theanine
- L-tyrosine
- Setria Performance Blend (l-citrulline, l-glutathione)
- Red beet powder
- B vitamins (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, riboflavin, folate)
Each serving also contains 63% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin D, 14% of iron, and small amounts of potassium and sodium to support hydration.
There are 80 milligrams of natural caffeine from coffea robusta seeds per serving. For comparison, there are about 100 milligrams of caffeine1 in an 8-ounce cup of coffee. L-theanine and l-tyrosine are amino acids linked to enhanced cognitive function. Studies have found taking these aminos with caffeine2 boosts energy levels and focus more than caffeine alone.
L-citrulline, l-glutathione3, and beetroot powder are nitric oxide boosters, which dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Muscles need a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients during intense exercise to support energy production. Nitric oxide boosters can enhance muscular strength, power, and endurance4 and ultimately muscle growth.
Taste and Solubility
Nicole rated this pre-workout 4 out of 5 for solubility. As per package directions, she used a shaker cup to mix it with water and found most of the powder dissolved, but some settled to the bottom of her cup. “There was a little bit of graininess at the bottom,” reports Nicole. Adding a little extra water helped her get all the product out of the cup and into her system.
Unfortunately, our testers found the taste leaves something to be desired. Nicole rated it a 2 out of 5. “It’s a bit acidic-tasting, but it’s all natural, so I kind of chalk it up to that,” she says. She also notes it’s not overly sweet. Our other product tester really disliked the taste, likening it to vomit.
Side Effects
Nicole gave Pre Lab Pro a 5 out of 5 for side effects. “I’m fairly sensitive to stimulants but one serving of this product gives me great energy and focus without getting jittery or experiencing a crash,” says Nicole. She also notes she didn’t experience any tingles or other negative side effects after taking it.
Third-Party Testing
If you’re subject to routine drug testing, you can rest easy knowing that Pre Lab Pro is free from banned substances and other contaminants. It’s third-party tested by Informed Sport, which is one of the most recognized third-party certifications for athletes, and Clean Label Project. We have no complaints in this department and give Pre Lab Pro a 5 out of 5 for third-party testing.
Pre Lab Pro vs Onnit Alpha Brain
Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout
Onnit Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout
Product Highlights
- 200 mg of caffeine
- Includes beta alanine and L-citrulline
- Priced around $3/serving; subscribe-and-save option available
- 2 flavors currently available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 200 mg of caffeine
- Tiger's Blood flavor tastes great
- Includes 225 mg of ashwagandha extract
- Contains beta alanine and L-citrulline
- Subscribe-and-save option is available
Cons
- Only 2 flavors available, and Yuzu Peach isn't popular among our product testers
- $3/serving is expensive
- Key ingredients like citrulline and beta-alanine are under-dosed
Bottom Line
Onnit's Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout is a unique blend of ingredients that our testers enjoyed for workouts where they wanted to be focused and energized. It only comes in two flavors; the Tiger's Blood flavor is our preferred choice.
Onnit Alpha Brain is another pre-workout that contains multiple nootropics that we’ve also reviewed. Alpha Brain is more potent, with 2.5 times more caffeine. It also contains beta-alanine and the nootropics ashwagandha, Dynamine, and theobromine. Our testers reported they brought more laser focus and mental clarity to workouts after taking Alpha Brain.
Like Pre Lab Pro, it’s Informed Sport certified and not cheap at $3 per serving. As for taste, neither of these products especially wowed our testers. But if either pre gives you an edge that surpasses other products, benefits outweigh the taste.
Read our full Onnit Alpha Brain pre-workout review to learn more about it.
| Pre Lab Pro | Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout | |
| Price per serving | $2.95 | $3.00 |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (13 g) | 1 scoop (10.4 g) |
| Flavors | Natural Berry | Tiger’s Blood, Yuzu Peach |
| Key ingredients | Caffeine, L-citrulline, L-theanine, L-tyrosine, L-glutathione, beet root powder, B vitamins | Beta alanine, L-citrulline, African oil palm extract, ashwagandha extract, caffeine anhydrous, Alpha-GPC, theobromine, Dynamine |
| Third-party tested | Yes | Yes |
| Benefits | Enhances energy, alertness, and focus; supports muscle strength, endurance, and hydration | Aids with muscular fatigue, endurance, mental focus, and alertness |
Customer Experience
Performance Lab Group provides a ton of information about their products, including ingredient benefits, how to use them, and what to expect. They also have a thorough FAQ section to answer common questions.
Pre Lab Pro is backed with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. You can get a full refund even if you use all of the product, but you’ll cover the cost of return shipping and the guarantee only applies to your first order.
For all other returns, the return window is 14 days from delivery for unopened products only. To initiate a return or get help with another issue, you can contact Performance Lab’s customer service by email at cs@performancelab.com.
Ordering Pre Lab Pro
Pre Lab Pro is only available through the Performance Lab website. Ordering is as straightforward as selecting what you want, adding it to your cart, and checking out. There’s no subscribe and save option, but there is a discount of 25% if you order four tubs of pre.
Orders are processed within one to two days and ship USPS Priority with tracking. Shipping costs $9.95 and purchases over $100 qualify for free shipping.
Customer Reviews
There are 55 reviews for Pre Lab Pro on the Performance Lab website, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Most customers report this pre gives them a boost of clean energy without negative side effects. Several reviewers note it doesn’t taste great, but they keep using it for the quality ingredients and benefits.
Final Verdict of Our Pre Lab Pro Review
Do the additional nootropics in Pre Lab Pro deliver smoother, cleaner energy for better workout performance? In our experience, it does. With a much lower dose of caffeine compared to other pre-workouts, it’s an excellent choice for anyone avoiding high-stim products. The clean ingredients and Informed Sport certification will also appeal to athletes and people who prefer natural pre-workout.
- Our tester agrees with other customers who say it doesn’t taste great, but the energy and focus from clean ingredients are worth using it.
- This pre does not contain beta-alanine, creatine, or branched-chain amino acids.
- You can try Pre Lab Pro risk-free, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Full Rating
Pre Lab Pro
Pre-Lab Pro is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, allergen-friendly, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and free from artificial flavors and synthetic additives
Product Brand: Performance Lab
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 59.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.2
Pre Lab Pro: FAQs
Is Pre Lab Pro safe?
Pre Lab Pro isn’t stim-free, but it’s low-stim. It contains 80 milligrams of caffeine, which is less than the amount found in one cup of coffee. This amount of caffeine is much lower than many other pre-workouts and is less likely to cause side effects, like jitters or headaches. Pre Lab Pro is free from artificial flavors and sweeteners and is third-party tested by Informed Sport.
Do pre-workouts work?
Yes, many people find pre-workouts are ergogenic, meaning they effectively boost energy and mental focus for better training sessions. Some pre-workouts also contain ingredients that enhance blood flow to muscles, an effect known as pump.
What is the best brand of pre-workout?
The best brands of pre-workout have been independently third-party tested, formulated with evidence-backed ingredients, and contain safe amounts of caffeine or other stimulants. Ideally, the best pre-workouts are also free from artificial ingredients and proprietary blends and sweetened with natural ingredients.
How do you take Pre Lab Pro?
Pre Lab Pro is designed to be taken before exercise. Simply add one level scoop of the product to 12 ounces of water. Mix in a shaker bottle and drink 15 to 30 minutes before starting your workout.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- USDA FoodData Central. Brewed coffee. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171890/nutrients
- Zaragoza J, Tinsley G, Urbina S, et al. Effects of acute caffeine, theanine and tyrosine supplementation on mental and physical performance in athletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019;16(1):56. Published 2019 Nov 26. doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0326-3
- Cabre HE, Greenwalt CE, Gould LM, Smith-Ryan AE. The effects of L-Citrulline and Glutathione on Endurance performance in young adult trained males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2023;20(1):2206386. doi:10.1080/15502783.2023.2206386
- Arazi H, Eghbali E. Possible Effects of Beetroot Supplementation on Physical Performance Through Metabolic, Neuroendocrine, and Antioxidant Mechanisms: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Front Nutr. 2021;8:660150. Published 2021 May 13. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.660150
Further reading
Looking for an exercise bike to take on a spin without breaking the bank? Find the best budget exercise bike for your needs here. Read more
In this REP Adonis review, we’re taking a first look at the versatility and weight capacity of this single cable tower machine. Read more
Find out if this meal kit is worth the subscription in our honest Gobble reviews. Read more
We breakdown taste, solubility, formulation, and price in our Sunwarrior protein review to help you decide if Warrior Blend protein powder is worth trying. Read more