What is Pre-Workout?
Pre-workout powders are popular throughout the fitness industry as a way of providing an energy boost before a workout, but many people are still unclear about their ingredients and why clumps form in the tubs. Pre-workouts come in many different formulations with differing ingredients, but the main ingredients are typically beta-alanine, various branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), green tea, creatine, B Vitamins and caffeine (unless, of course, it's a stimulant free mix).
What ingredients are in Pre-Workout?
All these ingredients are specifically composed to provide maximum energy, focus and pump. Beta-alanine is a none-essential Amino Acid that 'buffers hydrogen ions in the muscles' which, in short, increases endurance - it's also worth noting that it is this ingredient in pre-workout that makes your skin tingle. Caffeine, as I'm sure you're aware, improves alertness and energy levels, providing a short-term boost in cognitive function. Increased creatine saturation helps to improve muscle performance, you can find out more about Creatine in our article; "Creatine use - what does it do and how safe is it?". For a comprehensive breakdown of ALL the ingredients typically found in pre-workout, our friends at WheyItUp have the A-Z of pre-workout ingredients and their effects.
What causes clumpy pre-workout?
These are mostly all active ingredients which means that they attract water molecules. The clumps in pre-workout therefore form when water bonds with the ingredients. Interestingly, pretty much all supplement powders will turn clumpy over time, it's just that some act quicker than others. Conversely, you will notice that inside your pre-workout tub(s), there are often silica gel pouches – this is an attempt to soak up any moisture and divert it from the active ingredients.
How can I stop my pre-workout clumping?
Silica gel pouches. The more, the better. Now I know that you probably won’t have an abundant supply of silica gel to hand but from this day forward, why not start saving them and throwing them into your next pre-workout tub? BTW – use the secret discount code ‘STOPTHECLUMP’ for 10% off your next tub, shop pre-workouts here 😉. Continuing, you’ll also find that burying your silica deep in the pre-workout will have a much better impact on moisture protection than simply leaving them on top of the powder.
Another simple tip would be to mix or shake your pre-workout powder regularly. Whether it be with the scoop, a knife, or even in a blender – just don’t give the powder time to clump. Now we, and many other conscious brands, always recommend that you take intermittent tolerance breaks from pre-workout when the effects seem to ware, because of this it’s probably the one supplement that, for most of us, endures long periods without use. It is during this time where it is critical to keep your pre-workout powder in check.
These guys from down under do a great job demonstrating how to stop pre-workout clumping!
Is clumpy pre-workout safe?
Yes! Just like all other dietary supplements, when left un-opened, the pre-workout powder remains safe to consume up until its use-by date (found on the packaging). There is also usually a ‘when opened, use-by' period, again identified on the packaging. So, as long as your pre-workout is stored correctly (in accordance with the manufacturer's specification) and the use-by dates are adhered to, it remains safe to use. As discussed, the clumps will occur naturally when moisture finds its way into the tub, but you can rest assured that it is still perfectly safe to consume in this state.
Clumped pre-workout – summarised
So, to round everything up – your pre-workout clumps because the ‘active ingredients’ that are present naturally attract moisture. It is indeed completely normal and remains safe to consume providing that both use-by dates are adhered to. Steps that you can take to minimise the clumping include burying the silica gel pack in the pre-workout and repeated mixing/breaking up of the powder. Ultimately though, there is absolutely no need to worry about your pre-workout clumping!
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By: Ethan Wright | Founder
