Pre-workout boosters combine several ingredients in a blend to take before training. Compare GN Laboratories, Gods Rage, Peak and other brands by caffeine content, composition and flavour. Whether you prefer beta-alanine or a caffeine-free option, choose the formula that suits your preferences.
The composition determines what you are buying. Before comparing two boosters, check the reference quantity in the ingredient table: are the amounts given for one scoop, two scoops or 100 g? The figures only give you a clear picture when read alongside the directions for use.
The selection below shows what to look for. With Valhalla, for example, the reference quantity in the table differs from the serving described in the directions.
| Product | Information in the ingredient table | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Valhalla Pre-Workout Powder | 400 mg caffeine per 30 g | The stated 15 g serving works out at 200 mg. |
| No Jokes by Peak | 222 mg caffeine per 20 g | 200 mg anhydrous caffeine plus 22 mg from guarana extract. |
| Narc Pump by GN Laboratories | Caffeine-free formula | A caffeine-free blend with citrulline malate, arginine HCl and glycerol powder. |
These figures refer to the formulas currently described in our shop. Check your product version and flavour when buying. A higher caffeine figure is neither a measure of quality nor a recommendation to take more.
Many boosters combine amino acids, caffeine, plant extracts and sometimes vitamins or minerals. They differ in their choice of ingredients, amounts and forms. These three points help you read the formula:
Terms such as “energy”, “focus” or “hardcore booster” do not represent a standard composition or a particular effect. What matters when choosing is the individual ingredients and their amounts. A longer ingredient list does not automatically mean a better fit for your training either.
Would you like to use a booster as part of your training routine while avoiding caffeine? Our selection of pump boosters includes suitable formulas, such as Narc Pump and Valhalla Fenrir White Pump. The word “pump” alone, however, does not guarantee that a product is caffeine-free. Check the specific product.
This distinction is particularly relevant if you train in the evening: caffeine can affect sleep. Being caffeine-free does not mean a product is suitable for everyone. The instructions for the particular formula still apply.
Flavour and preparation are part of the choice, because you should enjoy the taste of your training drink too. The recommended amount of water varies considerably: No Jokes is mixed with 400 to 500 ml of water, Narc Pump with 500 to 700 ml. Valhalla specifies 200 to 300 ml for the stated 15 g serving.
Compare not only flavours but also the volume going into your shaker. Use the amount in grams to measure your serving. “One scoop” is not a fixed quantity across different products, and a heaped scoop is not the same as a level scoop.
When to take your booster depends on the product: No Jokes and Valhalla specify 30 to 45 minutes before training, while Narc Pump specifies 30 minutes. Always follow the directions for your product version; one timing recommendation does not automatically apply to every formula. Allergen and storage information is also provided on the product page and packaging.
Coffee, energy drinks and other supplements can provide additional caffeine.
If you are still choosing between a blend to take before training and a supplement for use during your session, our overview of workout boosters can help you find the right category.
¹ German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment: Beta-alanine in food supplements and fortified foods.
Product information: current ingredients, ingredient tables and directions for the linked products, checked on 18 September 2026.
