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Brand owned by Glanbia (Ireland) · about the brand
Gold Standard Pre-Workout
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 4.5 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This pre-workout supplement is formulated for adults, providing a blend of performance-enhancing ingredients like creatine, beta-alanine, and L-citrulline, alongside natural caffeine. However, it contains several synthetic additives, including the artificial sweetener sucralose and the artificial color Ponceau 4R, which is required to carry a hyperactivity warning in the EU. While these ingredients are permitted, their presence contributes to a highly processed formulation. Individuals sensitive to artificial colors or those monitoring their intake of artificial sweeteners should be aware of these components.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Beta Alanine
- L-Citrulline
- L-Tyrosine
- L-Theanine
- +1 more →
Adult pre-workout with performance ingredients, artificial sweetener, and color
This adult pre-workout supplement contains a blend of amino acids, creatine, and natural caffeine for performance. It includes the artificial sweetener sucralose and the artificial color Ponceau 4R, which is linked to hyperactivity in children by EU regulations. The product is highly processed due to its multiple synthetic additives.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Artificial Color (INS 124) is declared.
Personal check · free
Is this right for you or your family?
Just checking whether the product is safe? The analysis above is yours, no account needed. To know if it is safe for you, your father or your child, add a profile and we check this label against them.
- Allergies. Peanut, milk, gluten, egg and more, checked against the ingredient list.
- Diet. Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, no egg, no dairy.
- Health and goals. Sugar, salt, protein, steady blood sugar, heart-friendly, weight.
- Everyone you buy for. Save a profile for Papa or the kids and switch in one tap.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for supplement. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Other audiences
AvoidThis is an adult pre-workout supplement that contains caffeine. Packs of this kind state that they are not recommended for children, or for pregnant or lactating women.
Why the score is capped
Highly processed (NOVA); contains artificial sweeteners
Rule F-CAP-09
Contains an intense artificial sweetener (named by INS code). Sweeteners are judged by name, and a protein powder is not exempt
Rule S-CAP-01 · Source: Declared ingredient list; EFSA and JECFA acceptable-daily-intake reviews of the named sweetener
Stacks several synthetic additives (intense sweetener + synthetic colour + 4 thickeners/gums). Each is permitted on its own; the combination is what makes this a heavily engineered powder
Rule S-CAP-05 · Source: Declared ingredient list and the printed additive codes; one additive is not penalised here, the combination is
What's good
Contains well-researched performance-enhancing ingredients like Creatine Monohydrate, Beta Alanine, and L-Citrulline.
Includes L-Theanine, which can help balance the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Fortified with essential vitamins.
Watch out for
Presence of multiple synthetic additives, including artificial flavor, artificial color, and an artificial sweetener, contributing to a highly processed formulation.
Ponceau 4R (INS 124) is a synthetic color that requires a hyperactivity warning in the EU.
Carrageenan (INS 407) is a thickener that has been linked to gut inflammation in some studies.
Sucralose (INS 955) is an artificial sweetener with ongoing research regarding its long-term health effects.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Ponceau 4R (E124)
Ponceau 4R (E124) is a synthetic azo dye and one of the six Southampton-study colours. The EU requires foods containing it to carry the child-activity warning. Some people with aspirin or azo-dye sensitivity react to it. It is not permitted in every market (for example it is not an approved food colour in the United States).
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex V (mandatory warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"); McCann et al., Lancet 2007; EFSA re-evaluation of food colours (2009)
Ponceau 4R: regulation, sources and other products →Carrageenan (E407)
Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived thickener and emulsifier widely used in dairy alternatives and processed foods. Animal and cell studies suggest it may promote intestinal inflammation, though regulatory agencies still permit it. People with inflammatory bowel conditions may wish to avoid it.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: Bhattacharyya et al. 2008; IARC; Consumer Reports
Carrageenan: regulation, sources and other products →Sucralose (E955)
Sucralose is an approved intense sweetener with an established acceptable daily intake. The WHO (2023) advises against relying on non-sugar sweeteners for weight control, and research into long-term gut and metabolic effects is ongoing. Heating it at very high temperatures is not recommended.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (2023); EFSA/JECFA acceptable daily intake
Sucralose: regulation, sources and other products →Caffeine
The EU food safety authority found that up to 400 mg of caffeine a day (about 3 mg per kg of body weight a day in children and adolescents) does not raise safety concerns, and that pregnant and breastfeeding women should stay at or below 200 mg a day. Caffeine added to a drink or supplement counts toward that total alongside coffee and tea. Energy drinks and fat-burner stacks are judged by their own caps; this record explains the substance.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine, EFSA Journal 2015;13(5):4102
Caffeine: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Ponceau 4R (INS 124), a synthetic azo color. The EU requires a warning on products containing this color, stating it 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'.
Contains Carrageenan (INS 407), a thickener linked to gut inflammation in some studies.
Contains Sucralose (INS 955), an intense artificial sweetener. The long-term effects of regular consumption are still under research.
Contains Natural Caffeine. Adults should limit total daily caffeine intake to approximately 400 mg. This product is not suitable for children, pregnant, or lactating individuals.
Combined Effects interactions
L-Theanine may modulate the stimulating effects of caffeine, promoting a more focused and less jittery experience.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
This is a regulatory designation that cannot be checked from the ingredient list.
The label states 0g of sugar, so it is not possible to confirm the presence of naturally occurring sugars.
The nutrition information states 2105 mg of Caffeine per 100g, and with a serving size of 9.5g, this equates to approximately 200 mg per packet.
The ingredients list Sweetener (INS 955), which is a non-caloric sweetener.
The ingredients list Sweetener (INS 955), which is Sucralose.
The nutrition information states 0g of sugar and 0g of added sugar per 100g.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
-
1.
Creatine Monohydrate
-
2.
Beta Alanine
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3.
Artificial Flavor (Fruit Punch)
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4.
Acidity Regulator (INS 330)
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5.
L-Citrulline
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6.
Anti Caking Agents (INS 552, INS 551)
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7.
L-Tyrosine
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8.
Acidity Regulator (INS 296)
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9.
Natural Caffeine
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10.
Thickeners (INS 460, INS 415, INS 407, INS 414)
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11.
L-Theanine
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12.
Sweetener (INS 955)
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13.
Vitamins (Niacin, Ergocalciferol, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid)
-
14.
Artificial Color (INS 124) synthetic colourPonceau 4R (INS 124)
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 13 g |
| Total Sugars | 0 g |
| Added Sugars | 0 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 221 mg |
| Creatine Monohydrate | 32 g |
| L-Citrulline | 8,073 mg |
| Caffeine | 2,105 mg |
| L-Tyrosine | 2,812 mg |
| L-Theanine | 1,181 mg |
| Niacin | 211 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 21 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 21 mg |
| Folic Acid | 1,853 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 132 mcg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
Compare with other pre workout products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
What are the ingredients in Gold Standard Pre-Workout?
The label of Gold Standard Pre-Workout lists 14 ingredients, in label order: Creatine Monohydrate, Beta Alanine, Artificial Flavor (Fruit Punch), Acidity Regulator (INS 330), L-Citrulline, Anti Caking Agents (INS 552, INS 551), L-Tyrosine, Acidity Regulator (INS 296), Natural Caffeine, Thickeners (INS 460, INS 415, INS 407, INS 414), L-Theanine, Sweetener (INS 955), Vitamins (Niacin, Ergocalciferol, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Artificial Color (INS 124). Flagged by the analysis: Artificial Color (INS 124), Thickeners (INS 460, INS 415, INS 407, INS 414), Sweetener (INS 955), Artificial Flavor (Fruit Punch), Natural Caffeine.
Is Gold Standard Pre-Workout safe to eat?
Gold Standard Pre-Workout scores 4.5/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This adult pre-workout supplement contains a blend of amino acids, creatine, and natural caffeine for performance. It includes the artificial sweetener sucralose and the artificial color Ponceau 4R, which is linked to hyperactivity in children by EU regulations. The product is highly processed due to its multiple synthetic additives.
Why does Gold Standard Pre-Workout score 4.5/10?
What the analysis notes: Presence of multiple synthetic additives, including artificial flavor, artificial color, and an artificial sweetener, contributing to a highly processed formulation. Ponceau 4R (INS 124) is a synthetic color that requires a hyperactivity warning in the EU. Carrageenan (INS 407) is a thickener that has been linked to gut inflammation in some studies.
Who should avoid Gold Standard Pre-Workout?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive to artificial colors (Ponceau 4R); Avoiding artificial sweeteners (Sucralose); Sensitive to caffeine; Individuals with gut inflammation (Carrageenan).
How much sugar is in Gold Standard Pre-Workout?
0 g of total sugar per 100 g. The label declares 0 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Does Gold Standard Pre-Workout contain caffeine?
Yes — the ingredient list names Natural Caffeine, a source of caffeine. Check the pack for the amount per serving, especially when buying for children or during pregnancy.
Are the claims on the Gold Standard Pre-Workout pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 6 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN, PREGNANT OR LACTATING WOMEN" — can't be verified from the label. "CONTAINS NATURALLY OCCURRING SUGARS" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Gold Standard Pre-Workout vegetarian?
Gold Standard Pre-Workout is marked vegetarian.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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