Choosing the right pre-workout can feel like a challenge, with many products making bold claims about boosting energy and enhancing performance. Rather than getting caught up in marketing hype, it’s important to focus on what really matters—ingredients, dosages, and real-world benefits. The best pre-workout should align with your fitness goals, deliver effective results without unnecessary fillers or side effects, and fit within your budget.
In this review, I’ll take a deep dive into Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme, breaking down its key ingredients and how they may work together to support your performance. I’ll also share my firsthand experience using Pre-X across multiple workouts, showcasing the product’s impact on energy, endurance, and focus.
Spoiler alert: At its price point, Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme stands out as one of the most powerful and well-balanced pre-workouts available. If you’re searching for an affordable, high-quality supplement to boost your training, this review will help you decide if Pre-X is the right choice.
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.
Key product features
What you should know
Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme is an affordable pre-workout supplement designed to enhance energy, focus, and endurance during workouts. It features a robust blend of ingredients, including key performance-boosting compounds like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine, and caffeine, all included in clinically effective dosages to support your training goals. (1)
- Pre-X Xtreme contains a total of 15 grams of active ingredients per serving. To ensure it dissolves fully, I recommend mixing it with 16 to 20 ounces of water for the best results.
- At just $0.70 per serving for a 60-serving container, Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme provides exceptional value, delivering a powerful formula that won’t strain your budget.
- Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme is a great option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all levels seeking an affordable and effective boost in energy, focus, and endurance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this pre-workout can help you reach your fitness goals.
- The combination of nootropic ingredients in Pre-X, including L-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, DMAE bitartrate, CDP choline, and huperzine A, work synergistically to help athletes maintain peak performance and concentration during workouts. (2 3,4,5)
Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme overview
Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme is a powerful yet affordable pre-workout supplement designed to enhance energy, focus, and endurance during your workouts.
Formula and ingredient quality
At the heart of this formula is a robust blend of key ingredients designed to deliver comprehensive performance-enhancing benefits. For starters, Pre-X contains 300 milligrams of caffeine, a well-known stimulant that’s included to increase energy levels and enhance your focus during workouts. (6) Note that the 300-milligram dose does make this a high-stim pre-workout, which may be too intense for caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Next up is the 4,000 milligrams of L-citrulline, an amino acid known for its ability to boost nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow and optimizes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. (7) Effective doses usually range within 4-9 grams, so this is well within range. Complementing this is 2,000 milligrams of beta-alanine, a staple in pre-workout supplements that effectively prevents muscle acid from building up, delaying fatigue. (8) By doing so, beta-alanine allows users to maintain their intensity throughout extended training sessions.
Beyond these foundational pre-workout ingredients, Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme incorporates a selection of nootropics like L-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, CDP choline, DMAE bitartrate, and huperzine A, designed to elevate cognitive function and mood during workouts. In combination, these ingredients may enhance both physical performance and mental acuity, enabling you to maximize your workouts.
L-tyrosine plays a vital role in producing neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, helping improve mental performance under stress and enhancing focus and concentration during challenging training sessions. (3)
Pre-X Xtreme also includes two choline-containing compounds: alpha-GPC and CDP choline. (4) Alpha-GPC is particularly effective in boosting acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter that sends signals between nerve cells, making it a favorite among those looking to improve mental clarity and motivation during workouts. (9) CDP choline (also known as citicoline), on the other hand, not only supports cognitive performance but also aids in producing phospholipids, which are essential for maintaining healthy cell membranes in the brain. (10)
Additionally, DMAE boosts cognitive function by increasing the production of acetylcholine. (2) Finally, huperzine A, which comes from Chinese club moss, may prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. (5) This action supports the higher acetylcholine levels produced by other nootropic ingredients in this pre-workout.
My experience with Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme
I recently put Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme to the test during a week of bodybuilding-style workouts and was quite impressed with the results. From the get-go, I experienced a noticeable boost in energy levels, largely attributed to the robust 300 milligrams of caffeine in the formula. I also felt very mentally engaged and focused during my workouts, which allowed me to sustain high intensity throughout each training session. The only downside was that despite the 4,000 milligrams of L-citrulline, which is an effective dose, I didn’t achieve the same muscle pumps that other pre-workouts have given me.
As for the flavor, I tried the blue raspberry option, which delivered the distinct taste you’d expect. The formula includes sucralose, a sweetener far sweeter than sugar, but the overall sweetness was surprisingly balanced and not overpowering. If you enjoy sweet pre-workouts, the blue raspberry flavor of Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme should be to your liking.
Nutricost Pre-X side effects
Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme can have a few potential side effects, largely due to its potent formula. The 300 mg of caffeine per serving is quite high and may be too intense for some users, especially those who are sensitive to stimulants. This can lead to jitters, restlessness, anxiety, or trouble sleeping, especially if taken too close to bedtime. (11)
Pre-X also contains two grams of beta-alanine, which can cause a harmless but sometimes uncomfortable tingling sensation known as paresthesia. This tingling typically affects the face, hands, or feet and usually fades after a short time. (12)
Additionally, some users have reported experiencing nausea and reduced appetite, which may occur due to the combination of the ingredients in the formula and their effects on the gastrointestinal system.
If these symptoms occur, try starting with half a serving and slowly work your way to a full dose—it might be helpful with building tolerance to these stimulants.
What customers are saying
Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme is available on Amazon, where it holds a solid 4 out of 5-star rating. Customers highlight its excellent value for money and appreciate the high-stim boost, thanks to its 300 milligrams of caffeine. However, opinions on the taste are mixed, with some enjoying it and others feeling it could be improved.
One verified buyer, Joa, shared her experience with the Peach Mango flavor, offering insights into the product’s overall effectiveness and flavor profile. “I have mixed feelings about this product. On one hand, the peach mango flavor is delicious, and I love that it’s vegetarian, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Plus, it gives me the energy I need for my workouts. However, I must mention that I occasionally experience tingling sensations in my body and mouth itching after taking it. While I believe these are side effects of the product, it’s something to be mindful of for those sensitive to certain ingredients. Additionally, the high caffeine levels may interfere with sleep for some individuals. Overall, it’s a good pre-workout, but I’d recommend trying it cautiously and avoiding consumption close to bedtime.”
“This pre workout is so underrated, I’m glad I was able to try this. Tastes good, affordable and works great, better than other brands that I tried. I would not take this after 8 pm or you won’t sleep. Best pre workout nothing to envy from big brands such as ghost, c4, bulk up.”
Julia Carpio, Amazon
Another buyer, under the Amazon username “M.A.P.,” mentioned in their review that they experience some nausea and appetite suppression after using the pre-workout. “I have a very high caffeine tolerance level, and this pre is actually very strong. I actually feel a difference. On the downside, this is the first pre-workout I’ve ever had that has caused mild nausea and completely suppressed my appetite long after taking it. If you are cutting, this might be a positive thing, but if you are bulking like me, having a suppressed appetite is not desirable. I’ve been taking this product for about 2 weeks now, and every single time I experience the same side effects to my gut / appetite. I like this company a lot, but I will not be buying this particular product again.”
We’ve featured Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme in:
Specs
| Key ingredients | L-citrulline, beta-alanine, taurine, Nitrosigine, betaine anhydrous, caffeine anhydrous, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, DMAE bitartrate, CDP choline, theobromine, huperzine A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin |
| Servings per container | 30 or 60 |
| Serving size | 15 grams |
| Price per serving | $0.93 for 30 serving container $0.70 for 60 serving container |
| Caffeine per serving | 300 milligrams |
| Flavors | Blue raspberry, watermelon, fruit punch, grape, peach mango |
| Third-party testing | Yes |
Compare Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme
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| Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme | Jacked Factory Nitrosurge | Legion Pulse | Transparent Labs Bulk | Ora Organic Renewable Energy | |
| Rating | |||||
| Cost per serving | $0.70 to $0.93 | $0.75-$1.87 | $2.25 | $1.67 | $2.15 |
| Servings per container | 30 or 60 | 15, 30, or 60 | 20 | 30 | 20 |
| Serving size | 15 grams | 8.4-16.8 grams | 23.5 grams | 21.2 grams | 10 grams |
| Caffeine per serving | 300 milligrams | 180-360 milligrams | 350 milligrams | 200 milligrams | 90 milligrams |
How we test pre-workout supplements
Every pre-workout supplement we review is rated across nine primary categories. Each category is assigned a different percentage weight of the total score based on its relative importance when considering whether or not you should purchase a pre-workout product. Pre-workout supplements can also earn bonus credits that boost the overall rating for third-party testing credentials, sustainable packaging, the addition of antioxidants, and more.
Learn more about our pre-workout testing methodology and stim-free pre-workout testing methodology.
Stimulant ingredients–35%
The key ingredient in most pre-workout formulas is a stimulant, typically a form of caffeine. In non-stimulant formulas, B vitamins and plant extracts are often used to support metabolism and improve endurance. We categorize energy sources into two types: stimulant and non-stimulant. We consider the following ingredients:
- Caffeine anhydrous
- PurCaf
- Di-caffeine malate
- Theobromine
Non-stimulant ingredients–10%
In the realm of stim-free pre-workout supplements, non-stimulant ingredients play a crucial role in enhancing performance. Our team evaluates these ingredients based on their research-backed efficacy and potential benefits. Here’s some common non-stimulant ingredients we assess:
- Taurine
- Vitamins B12 and B6
- Niacin
Endurance–10%
In addition to boosting energy and hydration, pre-workout formulas often include ingredients designed to enhance mental and physical endurance during workouts.
Here’s the most common endurance-boosting ingredients we evaluate:
- Beta-alanine
- Ancient peat and apple extract
- Rhodiola rosea
- L-carnitine
- Eleuthero root
- Astragalus root extract
- Astragin
- Senactiv
Nitric oxide production–10%
This category is similar to endurance but specifically focuses on muscular fatigue. We focus on two key ingredients:
- Citrulline malate
- Beetroot
Lean muscle support–10%
We evaluate 11 key ingredients in pre-workout formulas to determine their effectiveness and contribution to building muscle:
- Creatine
- Betaine
- Leucine
- Taurine
- Isoleucine
- Valine
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
- BCAA
- Boron
- Calcium
Sweeteners–10%
Sweeteners may improve the taste profile of a pre-workout supplement, but they don’t add nutritional value beyond sometimes being a fast-burning energy source. We prefer to see minimal sweeteners in pre-workout formulas, and we prefer some over others. Here’s how we rate each sweetener:
- Sugar–3%
- Honey, agave–3%
- Maltodextrin–3%
- Dextrose–3%
- Sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame–10%
- Erythritol, xylitol–5%
- Stevia–10%
- Monk fruit–10%
Focus–5%
Focus-enhancing ingredients can significantly boost the intensity and intentionality of your workout. While many ingredients in pre-workout formulas require more research to confirm their effectiveness, those backed by solid evidence earn higher scores in this category. We focus on the following:
- L-theanine
- Alpha GPC
- Tyrosine
- Huperzine A
- Choline bitartrate
Hydration–5%
Hydration is crucial for muscle performance and recovery, which is why many pre-workout formulas include electrolytes. When evaluating these supplements, we prioritize formulas containing the following key electrolytes or their sources:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Coconut water powder
Cost per serving–5%
Price is a crucial factor for consumers and can often (though not always) reflect the quality of a product. There are high-quality pre-workout supplements that cost below average and low-quality ones that are more expensive. Due to this potential discrepancy, this category carries less weight in the overall score.
We rate each pre-workout based on the price per serving. Here’s the breakdown:
- Less than $1.00 per serving
- $1.00-$1.49 per serving
- $1.50-$1.99 per serving
- More than $2.00 per serving
Certifications
Nearly all reputable supplement companies conduct in-house testing for safety and label accuracy. However, many brands also opt for additional certifications to further ensure quality and safety. We award bonus credits to brands that undertake this additional step. The certifications we look for include:
- Third-party testing
- Informed Choice (ICFS)
- NSF
- U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
- USDA Certified Organic
Bonus points
Since the supplement industry—especially pre-workout supplements—is constantly evolving, we pay attention to products and brands going above and beyond to stand out. That’s why we incorporate bonus credits into our pre-workout supplement scores to recognize innovation and encourage healthy competition among all brands.
Pre-workout formulas are awarded bonus credits for:
- No proprietary blends
- Sustainable packaging
- Added antioxidants
FAQs
Is Nutricost third-party tested?
Yes, Nutricost states that all of its products, including Pre-X Xtreme are third-party tested, though the actual test results aren’t available on the website. If you’re interested in seeing the test results, I suggest contacting the Nutricost customer service team, who can provide the information upon request.
Is Nutricost pre-workout good?
Yes, Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme is a well-regarded pre-workout supplement, appreciated for its comprehensive ingredient list, effective dosages, and affordability. This product distinguishes itself with a formula that includes 12 active ingredients. It combines traditional pre-workout elements like caffeine, L-citrulline, and beta-alanine with nootropic enhancers such as alpha-GPC, DMAE bitartrate, and CDP choline. These additions may help improve focus, mood, and mental clarity during workouts.
Is Nutricost a clean brand?
Nutricost is known for providing simple, straightforward sports supplements like protein powder, creatine, and pre-workout at affordable prices, making them a go-to for those seeking effective, budget-friendly options. To keep costs down, they include artificial sweeteners like sucralose and artificial flavors in their products. However, they avoid artificial colors, which is a plus, as research suggests that artificial colors may pose more potential health risks than artificial sweeteners like sucralose. (13, 14) While Nutricost may not offer the “cleanest” supplements on the market, they do make quality products, some of which I use regularly.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She is an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago & Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Jessica Coulon
Jessica is a contributing editor and writer who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Pete Nastasi, CPT, CSNC
Fortune Recommends Fitness and Nutrition Writer
About Author
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