For a lot of fitness enthusiasts and gym rats, 400 mg of caffeine is the “big leagues” when it comes to pre-workout supplements.
And while that doesn’t mean 400 mg of caffeine is right for everyone, if you’ve been using pre-workouts for a few years and you’re looking for something stronger, the supplements on this list are absolutely worth a look.
We’ll cover pre-workouts with and without illicit stimulants, so if you’re a tested athlete or just conscious about what you put in your body, we recommend trying Pre-Kaged Elite or Loco. You could also check out our list of the best pre workouts for tested athletes.
Let’s get to it.
If you just want to know what the best pre-workout with 400 mg of caffeine is, we recommend Pre-Kaged Elite Pre-Workout.
If you want a strong, overloaded label without any banned or sketchy ingredients, Pre Kaged Elite is what you're looking for.
Sporting a massive 35 gram scoop, Pre Kaged Elite packs more active ingredients into each serving than any other pre workout I've reviewed. Every base is truly covered in this premium supplement.
Table of Contents
Best Pre-Workout Supplements with 400 mg of Caffeine
- Pre-Kaged Elite Pre-Workout – Kaged
- Crack Pre-Workout – Dark Labs
- El Jefe Pre-Workout – ASC Supplements
- Russian Powder Pre-Workout – Badass Labz
- Loco Pre-Workout – Myoblox
- Zeus Pre-Workout – God Status Labs
Pre-Kaged Elite Pre-Workout – Kaged
If you want a strong, overloaded label without any banned or sketchy ingredients, Pre Kaged Elite is what you're looking for.
Sporting a massive 35 gram scoop, Pre Kaged Elite packs more active ingredients into each serving than any other pre workout I've reviewed. Every base is truly covered in this premium supplement.
Pre-Kaged Elite was introduced in 2022 alongside Kaged’s rebranding from Kaged Muscle. It’s an ultra-premium version of their classic Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout. This “elite” version ups the dosages of several ingredients, including caffeine, which clocks in at 388 mg.
While technically not 400 mg of caffeine, it’s close enough for us, especially since it’s such a great pre-workout.
On top of the caffeine you’re getting a massive 10 gram dosage of L-Citrulline for pumps, 2,500 mg of betaine anhydrous for power, and 2,500 mg of L-Tyrosine for focus.
Pre-Kaged Elite is recommended for tested athletes or those who prefer to avoid products with exotic or illicit stimulants. Personally, I really enjoy this pre-workout and like to mix it into my rotation so I’m not using DMAA or DMHA pre-workouts all of the time.
Crack Pre-Workout – Dark Labs
The purple label Crack Pre-Workout is gone.
But don't despair!
Crack Gold, it's stronger brother, is still available.
Plus, the new Crack OG is very similar (I'd say just as good).
For those seeking a pre-workout with 400 mg of caffeine and exotic stimulants, look no further. You’ve arrived.
Crack burst onto the scene in 2019 and quickly became one of the best pre workout supplements, topping “best of” lists in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The reason for this is simple: massive amounts of DMAA, a powerful stimulant.
Don’t get me wrong, there are lots of reasons to like Crack Pre-Workout. It has a surprisingly well-balanced profile of pump ingredients (Citrulline Malate 2:1, Agmatine Sulfate, and Arginine Silicate) on top of 400 mg of caffeine anhydrous and 120 mg of DMAA.
While there are plenty of pre-workout supplements that claim to contain DMAA, the general consensus amongst critics and fans is that Crack is legit. I would agree.
If you want to experience the real deal, scoop up Crack before it’s gone for good.
Notable effects include euphoria and energy.
El Jefe Pre-Workout – ASC Supplements
El Jefe is a powerful pre-workout that delivers euphoric energy and long lasting focus.
One of my personal favorite pre-workouts! Get the peach rings flavor if you can.
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
El Jefe is another pre-workout that has routinely been rated as one of the strongest pre-workouts available over the last few years. From the hardcore masterminds at ASC Supplements, El Jefe contains a stim-heavy blend of 400 mg of caffeine along with DMHA, Eria Jarensis, and a bunch of other focus-enhancing ingredients.
El Jefe also has the special distinction of being one of the few pre-workouts that I recommend despite its proprietary ingredient blend. While I do wish they’d go fully transparent, I can’t argue with the effects.
For those seeking energy, mood elevation, and aggression, El Jefe is absolutely worth a look.
Russian Power Pre-Workout – Badass Labz
Brand spanking new DMHA pre workout for stim junkies from Russia with love.
MASSIVE energy, focus, and motivation without negative side effects.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT= 15% off at Nutri Cartel
The “Russian pre-workout” from Badass Labz came from the delightfully twisted mind of Uncle Eddy over at Muscle Players. After months of testing and tweaking, it was finally ready to introduce to the masses in 2021. It quickly sold out, but is now available once again.
And let me tell you, it’s an absolute belter.
The Russian pre-workout combines 400 mg of caffeine with a proprietary blend that includes DMHA. Expect heaps of energy, focus, and drive. I like to use this for days when I’m doing heavy squats or performing lots of accessories. Intense training sessions feel much more doable with the Russian pre-workout.
Don’t let it’s crazy warning label scare you away. It’s strong, but it’s manageable for experienced users.
Be sure to check this one out before it sells out again.
Loco Pre-Workout – Myloblox
With no beta-alanine, Loco feels more like an excellent energy drink than a pre-workout supplement.
Clean energy + nice mood lift for those who like high doses of caffeine!
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutrition Cartel
- Smooth energy
- Strong focus
- No beta-alanine tingling
Loco is another pre-workout on this list that is great for those looking to avoid illicit or exotic stimulants. It doesn’t contain any ingredients banned by WADA, but it should be noted that it contains synephrine. Some organizations may prohibit the usage of synephrine, which is why I mention it. In reality, it’s not really an intense stimulant and is well-tolerated by most folks.
I like Loco pre-workout for two reasons: the velvety smooth energy from 400 mg of caffeine sourced from green tea leaves and the delicious cherry cola flavor.
It’s also notable for its omission of beta-alanine. In fact, it’s featured on our list of the best pre-workouts without beta-alanine. So if you hate beta-alanine tingling, definitely give Loco a shot!
Zeus Pre-Workout – God Status Labs
June 2023 Update: Back in Stock!
A heavy DMHA hitter.
For those looking for a strong smack of energy for the most intense training sessions.
The real deal.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
LIFTVAULT = 15% off My Supp Plug
God Status has quietly been producing a line of hardcore pre-workouts for a couple of years now. They used to make Krak’n, a well-received DMAA pre-workout that was, unfortunately, a casualty of the March 2021 FDA crackdown of a certain manufacturing facility responsible for, among other products, the infamous Dark Energy (see Dark Energy alternatives).
Zeus pre-workout, like Krak’n, is a hard-hitter. Boasting 400 mg of caffeine and 200 mg of DMHA, it absolutely slaps.
On top of that, Nutri Cartel offers a delicious (and exclusive) peach rings flavor that is a must-try.
