Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout
by Optimum Nutrition
"The trusted mainstream pre-workout — 175mg caffeine with creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline from the Gold Standard brand"
Overview
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout provides a balanced, moderate-stimulant formula with 175mg caffeine (from natural sources), 3g creatine monohydrate, 1.5g beta-alanine, 750mg citrulline malate, and 250mg AstraGin for absorption enhancement. The moderate caffeine dose (175mg — about 1.5 cups of coffee) makes it accessible for a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced athletes who train later in the day. With 20,000+ Amazon reviews, it's one of the most popular pre-workouts ever created.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Caffeine (Natural Sources) | 175 mg |
| Creatine Monohydrate | 3000 mg |
| Beta-Alanine | 1500 mg |
| Citrulline Malate | 750 mg |
| AstraGin | 250 mg |
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- Moderate caffeine (175mg — accessible)
- Creatine included (3g)
- 20,000+ Amazon reviews
- Gold Standard brand trust
- Informed Choice Certified
What Could Be Better
- Underdosed citrulline (750mg vs 6-8g clinical)
- Underdosed beta-alanine (1.5g vs 3.2g clinical)
- 3g creatine (below 5g clinical dose)
- Proprietary blend elements
Who Is This For?
Best For
- Pre-workout beginners
- Those wanting moderate caffeine
- Evening trainers
- Those who trust ON brand
Not Ideal For
- Those wanting clinical doses
- Experienced stim users
- Those wanting transparent labels
Our Verdict
ON Gold Standard Pre-Workout is the accessible, moderate pre-workout for the masses. The ingredient doses are below clinical levels, but the moderate caffeine and trusted brand make it ideal for beginners and those who don't want overstimulation.