Pre-workout or energy drink: differences and when to take each one
The differences between a pre-workout supplement and an energy drink, why pre-workout supplements cause tingling, and when it is best to take each one.
A pre-workout or energy drink? Both contain caffeine and are taken to boost performance, so it's normal to confuse them. But they're not the same: the dosage, ingredients, and ideal time to take them differ. Here are the differences explained plainly and when each makes sense.
What is an energy drink?
A caffeinated drink designed for everyday life: studying, working, gaming, or getting through a long day. It usually contains a moderate dose of caffeine and other ingredients such as taurine or vitamins. You take it when you need it, at any time of day (preferably not too late).
Z Drinks Energy contains 200 mg of caffeine per serving, taurine, L-tyrosine, L-carnitine, and 13 vitamins, with 0 g of sugar and no carbonation.
What is a pre-workout?
A supplement designed to be taken before training. In addition to caffeine, usually in a higher amount, it contains ingredients commonly used in sports, such as citrulline or beta-alanine.
Z Drinks Ignition is our pre-workout. According to its product sheet, each serving (15 g in 300 ml of water) contains:
- 350 mg of caffeine
- 5,000 mg of L-citrulline-DL-malate
- 4,000 mg of beta-alanine
- 400 mg of N-acetyl L-tyrosine
- BioPerine® black pepper extract
- Magnesium, potassium, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12
- 0 g of sugar and 20 kcal
Differences between pre-workout and energy drink
| Z Drinks Energy | Z Drinks Ignition (pre-workout) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Everyday life: studying, working, gaming | Before training |
| Caffeine per serving | 200 mg | 350 mg |
| Other ingredients | Taurine, L-tyrosine, L-carnitine, 13 vitamins | Citrulline malate, beta-alanine, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, BioPerine®, minerals, and vitamins |
| Preparation | 5 g in 500 ml of water | 15 g in 300 ml of water |
| Sugar | 0 g | 0 g |
| Servings per container | 70 | 30 |
| Tingling | No | Yes, it can occur due to beta-alanine |
Why does pre-workout cause tingling?
It is a known effect of beta-alanine: a tingling sensation on the skin, especially on the face, neck, and hands, which appears shortly after taking it and goes away on its own. If you have never noticed it, it may come as a surprise, but it is normal with this ingredient. Energy drinks do not cause it because they do not contain beta-alanine.
When to take each one
Energy drink
- In the morning or early afternoon.
- For studying, working, or gaming.
- When you want some flavor and moderate caffeine, without thinking about training.
Pre-workout
- Before training. The Ignition label recommends taking it preferably before activity.
- Only on training days.
- Better not too late: 350 mg of caffeine late in the day can affect sleep.
Can you take both on the same day?
We do not recommend it. One serving of Ignition (350 mg) plus one of Energy (200 mg) adds up to 550 mg of caffeine, above the 400 mg per day that the EFSA considers safe for healthy adults. On training days, Ignition and nothing else with caffeine. On other days, Energy.
If you want to drink something during or after training that does not contain caffeine: Hydrize, with electrolytes and no caffeine, is the option.
So, which one should I choose?
- If you train hard and want something specific for before your session: Ignition, in energy drink flavor, lemon or watermelon.
- If you are looking for energy for everyday life, for studying, working, or gaming: Z Drinks Energy.
- If you do both, combine them on different days or at very separate times, without exceeding your caffeine limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an energy drink as a pre-workout?
You can take it before training for the caffeine, but it does not contain the specific ingredients of a pre-workout, such as citrulline or beta-alanine.
Can I take pre-workout to study?
That is not its intended use. It contains more caffeine than is necessary for studying and ingredients designed for exercise. That is what the energy drink is for.
How long before training should I take Ignition?
The label indicates taking it preferably before activity. Many people take it between 20 and 30 minutes before starting.
Who should not take pre-workout?
It is a product for adults. It is not recommended for children or pregnant women, and if you have any health problems or are sensitive to caffeine, consult your doctor beforehand.
