Best pre-workout drinks for high-intensity training compared
There's a lot of choice when you want energy, hydration and recovery support for hard training. Some brands lead on natural ingredients and convenience, others on price or coaching content. If you race Hyrox or just want every session to feel good, the details on the label matter. Here's how six brands compare for high-intensity work.
Table of contents
Interval
At a glance
Interval makes pre-workout and hydration products for people doing high-intensity sport. Pre-Shot is a 60ml ready-to-drink shot and Electrolyte+ comes in single-serve sticks. If you want a quick, clean boost without the tingles or an artificial aftertaste, it's built for you.
Core features
Pre-Shot has 200mg caffeine, 400mg beetroot extract, mushroom extracts including lion's mane, cordyceps, chaga, reishi and tremella, plus adaptogens and B vitamins. It comes in Cherries & Berries, Apple & Mango and Watermelon. Each Electrolyte+ stick has 1500mg electrolytes, 500mg lion's mane and 500mg maca in Summer Fruits. Everything is made in the UK and allergen free.
Pros
- Energy without the tingle: there's no beta-alanine in Pre-Shot, so you get the lift without the pins and needles.
- Natural flavours: it tastes like a proper drink, so you won't dread it before a session.
- A 60ml shot: nothing to measure or mix, and it fits in a kit bag or pocket.
- Focus as well as drive: the adaptogens and mushroom extracts are there for concentration when the session gets messy.
- Good reviews: customers rate both the effect and the taste.
Who it's for
Hyrox athletes and anyone doing intervals or circuits who wants a fuss-free lift before a hard session. If you hate powder mess and want the same steady effect every time, it suits your routine.
What makes it different
Most pre-workouts are tubs you scoop and shake. Interval puts the dose in a ready-to-drink shot with ingredients that each have a clear job, so you're more likely to take it consistently and get the same result each time.
Real-world use
Drink a Pre-Shot 15 minutes before your warm-up for a morning Hyrox session, hold your pace through the stations, then top up salts afterwards with an Electrolyte+ stick.
Pricing
Pre-Shot is £10.99 for 6. Electrolyte+ is £19.99 for 20 sticks.
Website: https://useinterval.co.uk
MyProtein UK
At a glance
MyProtein sells sports nutrition and activewear and appeals to athletes on a budget. Its strengths are range, regular sales and free standard delivery over £30. Ingredient detail isn't always easy to find.
Core features
The catalogue covers whey, creatine and other protein powders, plus jackets and fleeces. Expect frequent promotions, customer reviews and next-day delivery options.
Pros
- Big range: protein, creatine and training kit in one order.
- Regular sales: it's easier to buy staples consistently on a budget.
- Fast delivery: you can replace an empty tub before a key training block.
- Customer reviews: handy for checking flavour and effect before you buy.
Cons
- Mixed ratings: reviews vary a lot from product to product.
- Prices move around: with constant sales, it's hard to know when to buy.
- Ingredient detail: breakdowns aren't always clear, which matters if you have sensitivities.
Who it's for
Busy athletes who want cheap, reliable staples like protein and creatine and like a good sale.
What makes it different
Range and price. You can build a whole supplement stack and kit order in one go.
Real-world use
Ahead of a Hyrox build, you order whey, creatine and a training jacket in a sale and get it in time to start a four-week block.
Pricing
Varies by product. Creatine starts from £3.99 and whey from £21.99.
Xendurance UK
At a glance
Xendurance sells performance supplements for endurance, energy, strength and lean mass, dosed to research levels. Products are certified free of banned substances, and the brand adds training guides alongside them.
Core features
The range includes creatine, a lactic acid buffer, immune support, omega+D3 and energy gels, plus bundles for daily energy and recovery. Every product is tested for banned substances and contaminants.
Pros
- Research doses: formulas are built around the amounts used in studies.
- Certified clean: reassuring if you compete and get tested.
- Focused range: easy to pick products for energy, recovery or strength.
- Training content: daily guides help you fit supplements into a wider plan.
Cons
- Performance only: there's little for general wellbeing.
- Bundle pricing: subscription and bundle costs aren't clearly explained.
- Small catalogue: you won't find every niche supplement here.
Who it's for
Athletes who train often and want certified, evidence-led products for endurance and recovery.
What makes it different
Clinical dosing with contaminant-free certification and short, practical training guides.
Real-world use
A competitive athlete uses creatine and a lactic acid buffer through high-volume blocks, then leans on recovery and immune products when travelling to races.
Pricing
From £24.99. Examples include Lactic Acid Buffer £44.99, Creatine £29.99, Immune Boost £34.99, Omega+D3 £29.99, Fuel 5 £29.99, Energy Gels £24.99 and Focus £39.99.
Nuun Hydration
At a glance
Nuun makes low-sugar electrolyte tablets and powders that are easy to carry and mix. The range is big enough to feel confusing, and it costs more than a standard sports drink. It's a good pick if you want sugar-free hydration.
Core features
Effervescent tablets and powdered mixes in lots of flavours, with no added sugar. There are bundles, subscriptions, a rewards scheme and hydration quizzes and guides.
Pros
- Electrolytes without sugar: sodium, potassium and other key minerals with very few calories.
- Plenty of flavours: single tubs or mixed packs.
- Habit building: guides and quizzes help you drink consistently day to day.
- Subscription savings: regular users can spread the cost.
Cons
- Too much choice: it's hard to know which version suits your training.
- Price: costs add up compared with supermarket sports drinks.
- Availability: mostly online, with limited shops.
Who it's for
Runners, functional fitness and Hyrox athletes who want to cut sugar and like trying flavours.
What makes it different
Portable, sugar-free tablets backed by content that helps you build a daily hydration habit.
Real-world use
A runner carries tablets on long runs and drops one into a 500ml bottle every 45-60 minutes to keep sodium and potassium topped up.
Pricing
From $7.49 for a single pack, with bundles around $23.99.
bodi
At a glance
bodi is a fitness and nutrition app with structured programmes, simple meal plans and supplements. It leans on motivation and community to keep you consistent. Exact pricing and programme detail are hard to pin down.
Core features
At-home and on-the-go workouts through the app, named programmes like LIIFT4 and 21 Day Fix, meal plans, supplements and community challenges.
Pros
- Lots of programmes, so you can switch between weight loss, muscle and mobility in one place.
- Meal plans and supplements sit alongside the training.
- App-based, so you can train at home or in a hotel.
- Community support helps with accountability through long blocks.
- A money-back guarantee on products.
Cons
- Most of the information is promotional, so it's hard to judge the workouts before you sign up.
- It's a subscription, so costs keep going.
- It's unclear which plan suits high-intensity racing without trying several.
Who it's for
People who want guided home training and nutrition and like community support.
What makes it different
Training, meal plans and supplements in one app, so you follow the plan and skip the decisions.
Real-world use
You do an app workout at home before work, have a shake afterwards and join a community challenge to stay on track.
Pricing
Not listed. Promo codes give discounts on subscriptions and products.
Klean Athlete
At a glance
Klean Athlete sells sport-specific nutrition such as sport packs and glutamine, with education and an online community. Ingredient and pricing detail on the homepage is thin, so you may need to dig before buying.
Core features
A short product line, an affiliate scheme for coaches and healthcare professionals, and recipes and fuelling tips on the blog.
Pros
- Made for athletes: products are aimed at training and recovery needs.
- Professional partnerships: coaches and practitioners can recommend it through the affiliate scheme.
- Education: recipes and fuelling tips help you put it into practice.
- Community: social channels and the blog share tips from other athletes.
Cons
- Thin ingredient detail: ingredients and certifications aren't shown up front.
- No prices on the homepage: you have to look further before buying.
- Narrow range: little for general wellbeing.
Who it's for
Competitive and recreational athletes, coaches and healthcare professionals who want sport-focused products with some education behind them.
What makes it different
Supplements paired with practical education and a route for professionals to recommend them.
Real-world use
An athlete takes glutamine after hard sessions while their coach shares the blog's recipes with the squad.
Pricing
Not listed on the homepage.
Sports supplement comparison
Here's how the six brands line up on features, pros, cons and price.
| Brand | Key features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | 60ml pre-workout shots; Electrolyte+ sticks; Adaptogens |
No tingle; Convenient shot; Natural flavours |
Small product range | Pre-Shot £10.99 for 6 |
| MyProtein | Whey, creatine and activewear |
Big range; Regular sales; Fast delivery |
Prices move around; Mixed reviews |
From £3.99 (creatine) |
| Xendurance | Research-level doses; Bioavailable ingredients |
Evidence-led; Certified clean |
Performance products only | From £24.99 |
| Nuun Hydration | Effervescent tablets; No added sugar; Subscriptions |
Sugar-free; Lots of flavours; Hydration guides |
Confusing choice; Pricier than sports drinks |
From $7.49 |
| bodi | Fitness and nutrition plans in an app; Community |
Training and nutrition together; Community support |
Vague programme detail; Ongoing subscription |
Not listed |
| Klean Athlete | Sport-specific supplements; Education |
Made for athletes; Professional partnerships |
Thin ingredient detail; No upfront pricing |
Not listed |
A natural pre-workout for high-intensity training
If you want steady energy and focus for hard sessions without jitters or a crash, Pre-Shot is a 60ml shot you drink 15-30 minutes before you start. See the full range at Pre-workout | Interval.
For hydration during and after training, Electrolyte+ is at Electrolyte | Interval. Everything else is at https://useinterval.co.uk. Pre-Shot is £10.99 for 6.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key benefits of using pre-workout drinks for high-intensity training?
A pre-workout drink can lift your energy, focus and endurance in hard sessions. Take it about 15-30 minutes before you start.
How do I choose the right pre-workout drink for my needs?
Start with your training goal, then check the label for the caffeine dose, anything for focus and whether it covers hydration. Pick the one that matches what you need from the session.
Are there any side effects I should be aware of when using pre-workout drinks?
Jitters, poor sleep and an upset stomach are the common ones, usually from a lot of caffeine. Watch how your body responds and keep the dose moderate.
How do pre-workout drinks differ from regular energy drinks?
Pre-workouts are made for training and often include ingredients like beetroot, creatine or beta-alanine. Energy drinks tend to rely on caffeine and sugar. Read the label to see what you're getting.
Can I make my own pre-workout drinks instead of buying them?
Yes. You can mix your own with ingredients like caffeine, BCAAs and natural sweeteners. Start with small amounts of each so you can judge your tolerance.
How long before my workout should I consume a pre-workout drink?
About 15-30 minutes before you train. Adjust it based on how quickly you feel it.