The Pre-Workout Supplement by Alani Nu promises to produce energy, endurance, and “pump” specifically for women.
Does it deliver?
See where Alani Nu ranks on our 2022 Best Pre-Workouts for Women list.
Is Alani Nu Pre-Workout one of the best supplements for women on the market right now?
Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement—Key Takeaways
- The inclusion of TheaKalm, a brand name of the amino acid L-Theanine, helps avoid the post-exercise crash that often follows the use of pre-workout supplements.
- The Hawaiian Shaved Ice flavor is so popular that some users report actually looking forward to drinking the prepared powder supplement itself, not just the energy it gives them.
- The formulation promotes muscle growth without a focus on bulking, which makes the supplement suitable for people with a wide range of fitness goals beyond merely building mass.
Alani Nu Pre-Workout Hawaiian Shaved Ice Supplement Score: 42/50
- Flavor: 8.5/10
The fruity, coconut-heavy taste of the most popular flavor of Alani Nu’s Pre-Workout supplement, Hawaiian Shaved Ice, is well-liked, but we wish the taste were a little more distinct.
- Value: 8.5/10
Although the cost per dose of Alani Nu’s Pre-Workout supplement puts its price point in the average range for pre-workout powders, we felt that Alani Nu’s quality of ingredients and crash-reducing formulation gives it an above-average value.
- Strength of formula: 8/10
Alani Nu’s formula isn’t one of the more potent options on the market, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Generally, its formulation covers all of the most integral ingredients for a pre-workout powder at doses that make it effective for a broad audience of exercise enthusiasts.
- Quality of ingredients: 8/10
We like that the ingredients found in Alani Nu’s Pre-Workout supplement come from high-quality sources and include special ingredients, like TheaKalm to prevent post-exercise crashes.
- Experience: 9/10
To gauge the overall experience of taking the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement, we took into account both the effectiveness of the supplement and the side effects reported. We gave the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement a 9 out of 10 score for experience based on our own perceptions and reports from other users weighing the supplement’s benefits against side effects—influenced in part by the Alani Nu’s avoidance of post-workout crashes.
What Are the Benefits of Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement?
Users’ overall experiences with the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement are overwhelmingly positive. People often praise the extra energy they feel accompanies the use of the supplement as well as the tropical taste of the popular Hawaiian Shaved Ice flavor. If you use Alani Nu’s Pre-Workout supplement, you’re likely to find that you’re able to exercise harder and even enjoy your workout more.
With its all-natural formula, the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement covers all of the most important bases with ingredients you can feel good putting in your body. The addition of amino acids makes the formula great for muscle growth and post-workout recovery of exhausted muscles and helps avoid the “crash” that often follows the use of pre-workout supplements.
The supplement has a 4.9-star rating (out of five stars) on the manufacturer’s website based on more than 19,000 reviews. On Amazon, the product listing boasts a 4.6-star rating based on more than 16,000 reviews.
Does It Actually Work?
Is Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement good? If you use it, you will probably notice a non-unpleasant tingling feeling as it starts to work, along with increased energy, endurance, and focus. Post-workout crashes are common when using pre-workout supplements but are rarer with Alani Nu.
Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement Formulation
The unique ingredients found in the formula of pre-workout supplements are what distinguish one brand or product from another.
What’s in a Pre-Workout Supplement?
Let’s start with the basics: what ingredients will you find in the formula of a pre-workout supplement in general?
Pretty much all effective pre-workout supplements are going to include these three ingredients, which have been widely studied and consistently proven effective for getting more out of your workouts:
- Caffeine to boost your energy
- L-Citrulline to resupply blood flow to your muscles
- Beta-Alanine to increase muscular endurance and decrease your perception of fatigue
Based on our own experiences, we’re partial to pre-workout supplements that also include the following:
- Creatine to increase strength, facilitate muscle growth, and improve body composition
- Nitrates from sources like beet root and red spinach to enhance blood flow
Many pre-workout supplements also include ingredients like the following, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
- Other amino acids to produce energy, repair and grow muscles and reduce soreness after a strenuous workout
- Glucose—in other words, sugar—to give you more energy to get through the toughest workouts
- B vitamins to get the most energy out of your food and convey the nutrients you take in throughout your body
Now let’s explore how the formulation of Alani Nu Pre-Workout works to help you keep moving toward your goals.
Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement Ingredients
One 10g scoop of Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement powder contains the following:
- Caffeine: 200mg derived from coffea arabica (bean) extract
- L-Citrulline Malate: 2:1 6g
- Beta-Alanine: 1.6g
- L-Tyrosine: 500mg
- L-Theanine: 200mg of TheaKalm derived from Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Other ingredients found in the Alani Nu Pre-Workout Hawaiian Shaved Ice supplement include:
- Potassium bicarbonate
- Silica
- Citric acid
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame potassium
- Turmeric extract
- Spirulina extract
Quality and Quantity of Ingredients in Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement
It isn’t only which ingredients a supplement contains that matters. We also evaluated the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement based on the strength of its formula and the quality of its ingredients.
Caffeine
How much caffeine is in Alanine pre-workout? At 200mg, Alani Nu is in the range of what we would consider a good dose, if on the lower side of that range. The coffea arabica bean is a green coffee bean, so you can rest assured that the caffeine you’re getting is from quality natural sources.
L-Citrulline Malate
L-Citrulline Malate may sound similar to L-Citrulline, but beware—Citrulline Malate is actually a blend of L-Citrulline and malic acid. You’re only getting around 2/3 the dose of pure L-Citrulline. We would prefer a 6-8g dose of pure L-Citrulline, so this dose of L-Citrulline Malate is a little lower than we would like to see.
Beta-Alanine
This dosage is a bit low for our preferences, with 2-5g being the ideal dose range in our estimation.
Amino Acids
Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplements contain two amino acids: L-Tyrosine and TheaKalm, a name-branded L-Theanine product.
Tyrosine is commonly taken as a supplement used to enhance focus, attention, and alertness, according to Healthline. Your body makes tyrosine naturally from phenylalanine (another type of amino acid).
The TheaKalm brand name for the amino acid L-Theanine is derived from Camellia sinensis leaf extract, as found in green tea. TheaKalm is known for producing calmness and relaxation without sedation so that you can stay alert, according to JustBeWell. Alani Nu includes the amino acid in its formula to keep you from “crashing” during or after your workout.
Overall, we have to give the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement an 8 out of 10 for the strength of its formula and an 8/10 for the quality of its ingredients.
What Ingredients Are Missing From Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement?
Alani Nu Pre-Workout formula contains all the essential ingredients of an effective supplement. Still, it’s missing some ingredients we would like to see.
The formula lacks creatine, which Alani Nu sells as a separate product, as well as nitrates. Ultimately, these omissions may not bring down the performance of the supplement much. The L-Citrulline Malate also serves to improve blood flow to the muscles, if not as effectively as nitrates, nitric oxide precursors, or pure L-Citrulline. The amino acids support muscle growth and repair, needs that creatine might otherwise meet.
You will also note that glucose is missing from the formulation of this sugar-free pre-workout supplement. The sugar-free formula makes Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplements a potentially healthier choice for those watching their sugar intake. (That said, you should always check with your doctor before taking pre-workout supplements, especially if you have diabetes or another blood sugar condition.)
Who’s It For?
No one pre-workout supplement is the right fit for every individual body. Find out who should—and shouldn’t—use this supplement.
Who Should Use Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement?
While Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplements can be used by people of all genders, the woman-founded brand is strategically aimed at supporting women’s fitness journeys. Some female users have reported that the supplement doesn’t affect their hormones in the same way that some other pre-workout supplements do.
The goal of building muscle without bulking up, which the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement excels at facilitating, is also more closely aligned with traditionally feminine fitness goals. However, men who are looking to build muscle without necessarily bulking up shouldn’t shy away from trying this wildly popular pre-workout supplement option.
Who Shouldn’t Use Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement?
People who are sensitive to caffeine, including those with medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, should avoid using any pre-workout supplement unless directed otherwise by their doctor.
Additionally, you should watch your overall caffeine content when taking a pre-workout supplement that contains caffeine. Avid coffee drinkers and energy drinkers should cut back on their caffeinated beverage consumption if they are planning to use this pre-workout supplement.
Alani Nu does make a caffeine-free pre-workout supplement, Alani Nu PUMP Stim-Free.
In general, neither Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplements nor other pre-workout supplements (especially those that contain caffeine) are recommended for people who meet the following criteria without first consulting a doctor:
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People taking medications
- People with medical conditions, including thyroid disorders
- People under the age of 18
It’s generally considered wise to consult your doctor before starting a new supplement, diet, or fitness routine, even if you aren’t aware of any medical conditions that could put you at risk of serious adverse effects.
The inclusion of ingredients like acesulfame and sucralose in the formulation means that Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplements do not fully align with KETO lifestyles.
In terms of performance and effectiveness, Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplements may not be for you if your goal is specifically to bulk up rather than simply building muscle.
Alani Nu Pre-Workout Hawaiian Shaved Ice Supplement Flavor Review: How Does It Taste?
Flavor is one of the biggest concerns for users of pre-workout supplements. A good (or at least acceptable) flavor can help keep you on track with both taking the supplement and crushing your workout. An exceptionally bad flavor may derail your progress.
Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplements come in 10 flavors:
- Cosmic Stardust
- Hawaiian Shaved Ice
- Island Crush
- Breezeberry
- Rainbow Candy
- Mimosa
- Galaxy Lemonade
- Arctic White
- Rocket Pop
- Blue Slush
According to customer reviews, the best flavor of Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement appears to be Hawaiian Shaved Ice. Rainbow Candy appears to be the next most popular flavor of the supplement.
What does Alani Nu’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice flavor taste like? The tropical coconut flavor has some fruity elements, including flavors of cherry and watermelon. People sometimes describe the taste as “like Malibu.”
Taste is, of course, subjective. Many Alani Nu users report loving the taste and even looking forward to drinking the supplement. The taste is a common point mentioned in positive reviews of the supplement.
Personally, we like that its flavor is smooth without being as chalky as some other supplements but disagree with the manufacturer’s description of the flavor as “crisp.” Although the taste isn’t bad, the flavor is a little dull and not distinct enough for our liking.
Overall, we have to give the Hawaiian Shaved Ice flavor of Alani Nu’s Pre-Workout supplement an 8.5 out of 10 in terms of taste.
Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement Price and Buying Options
How much is the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement?
One 306g (10.79-oz.) container of Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement contains 30 servings. That’s enough for about one month if using once per day (two weeks if taking the maximum recommended dose of twice per day).
If you buy Alani Nu direct from the manufacturer at the time of this writing (September 2022), you will pay $39.99 for a one-time purchase or $37.99 for a subscription that includes delivery every four weeks. This pricing structure puts the cost per dose at around $1.33, declining to about $1.27 for subscribers. The 5% savings available to subscribers amounts to just $2 per four-week period, or $26 over the course of a year, compared to paying the one-time purchase price each time.
Alani Nu’s Pre-Workout supplement in Hawaiian Shaved Ice flavor is also available from online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. At the time of this writing, Walmart has the lowest price, $37.79. Amazon offers a one-time purchase price of $37.79 and a $35.90 price for subscribers.
Alani Nu’s price point is about average for pre-workout supplements. It compares favorably to the cost of the pre-workout powders produced by some of the other bestselling brands we have reviewed, such as Bucked Up, although it’s more expensive than the regular subscriber rate for REDCON1 TOTAL WAR.
The supplement isn’t among the cheapest on the market, some of which go for a cost per dose of under $1. However, it’s on the more affordable side, especially since higher-end pre-workout powders sometimes cost more than $2 per dose.
All in all, we have to give Alani Nu’s Pre-Workout supplement a score of 8.5 out of 10 for value.
What Are the Side Effects of Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement?
Every pre-workout supplement poses the potential for side effects. Some side effects that have been reported by users of the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement include:
- Tingling—a known result of the ingredient Beta-Alanine—that can progress to uncomfortable itchiness
- Jitters or a jittery feeling (usually because of the caffeine)
- Upset stomach, nausea, or indigestion/acid reflux, especially with first uses or if taking too large a dose
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially with first uses or if taking too large a dose
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Chills and sweats
- Unpleasant aftertaste
Supplements and drugs can affect every person’s body differently. For most users of the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement, side effects were minimal or short-lived.
Most side effects listed above may result from taking other pre-workout supplements, as well. In our experience, it’s more common for people to find that they experienced fewer or less severe side effects using Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplements compared to other pre-workout supplements. In particular, experiencing a “crash” after working out is a much rarer phenomenon with the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement than with other supplements.
Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Popular taste
- Natural, effective ingredients
- No post-workout crash
- Reasonable price point
Cons:
- Less effective for bulking
- The strength of ingredients may not be sufficient for some users
Overall, the Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement in the Hawaiian Shaved Ice flavor is a well-loved and consistently highly rated product, and for a good reason. We give it a total score of 42 out of 50 and recommend it to anyone interested in trying a pre-workout supplement that will help them get stronger and perform better without bulking up.
Purchase Alani Nu
