Don’t Be Duped by the Scoop’: Comparing Pre-Workouts

Author: Brad Sloss, HBSSc.,MA, CPT

b.sloss@inutrition.com

Do you remember the first time you purchased a significant item ‘new’ or ‘used’? The unsettling feeling in your stomach; your parent’s advice of ‘be smart with your money’ replaying in your head, or your high school business teacher’s caution of ‘buyer beware’? It could have been a car, gaming system, or phone; whatever it was you never forgot the feeling associated with it, especially if it did not turn out in your favour. Those internal cautions should also be alerting you when you are shopping for your supplements.

A recent social media ad popped up on my feed with the bold statement “Strongest Pre-Workout!”. That statement grabbed my attention, and I am sure the attention of a wide range of individuals; if the statement was true, it would undoubtedly be the next big thing.

Out of pure curiosity, I put it to the test against my ‘go-to’ pre-workout, ‘mano- a –mano’.

Here are the results:

The Result: They are NOT the best-priced gram for gram.

Let’s break it down evenly. Here is what you get for each dollar spent, maybe that’s where they are ‘stronger’:

The Result: When comparing the amount of product the customer is getting on a dollar-to-dollar basis, the ‘strongest’ was NEVER the strongest…like EVER! Ok, to be fair, let’s do a side by side comparison (approx 500 g):

OHHH, that’s when I got it!! Do you see it?

We have just found out is how this brave callout was made…a 40-gram scoop!!! WOW, that will definitely make it strong-est!

Question: So are they the ‘strongest’ though? OR Do they just have the customer taking the ‘largest’ dose?

Duped by the Scoop

The more we start to compare what is written on the front of a label versus what is on the back label, the sooner we will realize we may be getting duped by the sneaky marketing tactics of a supplement company. (This is when you should probably go grab the new pre-workout you just bought to check if the claims on the front line-up with the dosage & ingredients on the back label)

The current trend in pre-workouts is to adjust the scoop size. It affects the servings per container and cost per serving (aka the cost to you). It also increases your stimulants to questionable levels. It is not uncommon to find labels with claims like “significantly increased performance and enormous doses of ingredient-X per scoop!” But what they are really saying is ‘we have increased the size of our scoop from 10 grams to 30 grams – so now you pay more and get less - isn’t that fantastic!?!!’

Being fully aware that I am poking fun at some of the marketing around pre-workouts to make a serious point, as a consumer, it is important to know you are comparing things ‘mano a mano’ or ‘apples to apples’.

As mentioned, a number of companies are dropping the standard 7-9 gram size and simply doubling, tripling or even quadrupling it! It is our job and your job to be aware of what to look for in order to make the best choice for you.

Regardless of the marketing on the label, the specific scoop size information is found on the back of the container. Side note: If the scoop size is not disclosed at all, walk away; just printing ‘serving size’ is not full disclosure.

You will most likely come across any of the following, based on the companies’ philosophy and sales techniques:

1. The standard full dose 9-gram scoop:

2. A standard 8-gram scoop with a double-scoop option listed:

3. The new approach, double-scoop listed as the serving size at 18 grams (with ½ scoop option):

4. The concerning super-scoop option:

The reality is, the difference between a mediocre and great pre-workout comes down to the formula, NOT simply taking more! So, verify what is in the pre-workout and most certainly, check the scoop size (dosage) before you buy. It is also strongly encouraged to look into how taking too much caffeine and other pre-workout ingredients can actually decrease performance. Studies already exist, so please do your personal research; it is your body after all. No dose of a properly formulated and effective pre-workout should ever be higher than 18 grams.

It is best to stick with a 7-9 gram scoop and if you’re really having a bad day, like really bad, then double scoop!

My “Go-To” Pre-workout:

Believe it or not, even before I was part of the #mamfam, Mammoth PUMP was the pre-workout I spent my money on. While I do try new brands and popular flavours, I have used PUMP consistently as my choice for almost 5 years. It increases my focus, provides an amazing boost with intense pumps; without artificial colours, dyes and the nasty crash associated with some pre-workouts. My favourite flavour is a solid tie between Purple Rain and Black Cherry.

The other factors that lead me this way are:

*based on pre-workouts of the same size container and category (of course #transparency).

*based on figures stated above: equal serving size, container size, servings per container