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Brand owned by Glanbia (Ireland) · about the brand
Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour
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 amino acids, creatine, and caffeine to support exercise performance. While it offers beneficial active ingredients, consumers should be aware of the presence of artificial sweeteners like sucralose and synthetic colors such as Brilliant Blue FCF (INS 133), which is restricted in some countries. The product also contains carrageenan, a thickener linked to gut inflammation in some studies. Individuals sensitive to artificial additives or those with pre-existing gut sensitivities may wish to exercise caution.
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 artificial sweeteners and synthetic color
This adult pre-workout supplement contains beneficial active ingredients like creatine, beta-alanine, and L-citrulline, alongside natural caffeine. However, it includes artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, and the synthetic color Brilliant Blue FCF (INS 133), which has a reduced acceptable daily intake by EFSA and is restricted in some countries. The thickener carrageenan is also present, which has been linked to gut inflammation in some studies. This product is intended for adults and not suitable for children.
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 + 3 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 mitigate potential jitters from caffeine.
Fortified with several B vitamins and Vitamin D2.
Contains Curcumin, a natural colour with antioxidant properties.
Watch out for
Presence of artificial flavouring.
Contains multiple thickeners, contributing to a highly processed formulation.
The combination of artificial sweetener and synthetic colour contributes to a high additive load.
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.
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 →Brilliant Blue (E133)
E133 is a synthetic triarylmethane dye. It is banned or restricted in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden. May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. No strong carcinogenic evidence, but the precautionary principle applies.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA; CSPI
Brilliant Blue: 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 Carrageenan (INS 407), a thickener linked to gut inflammation in some studies. Individuals with pre-existing gut sensitivities may wish to exercise caution.
Contains Sucralose (INS 955), an intense artificial sweetener. The long-term effects of regular use are not settled, with some research suggesting potential impacts on gut microbiota.
Contains Brilliant Blue FCF (INS 133), a synthetic blue dye. EFSA's re-evaluation reduced its acceptable daily intake, and it is banned in several countries due to potential health concerns.
Contains Natural Caffeine. The adult limit for caffeine intake is about 400 mg/day, and 200 mg during pregnancy. This product is not intended for children.
Combined Effects interactions
L-Theanine can modulate the effects of caffeine, potentially reducing jitters and promoting a more focused, calm alertness without diminishing caffeine's performance benefits.
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 general benefit claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition facts alone.
This is a product designation and target audience claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition facts.
This is a regulatory designation that cannot be checked from the ingredient list.
The ingredient list includes 'Artificial Flavor (Apple)', which supports the green apple flavour claim.
The label states 'Caffeine 200 mg' per scoop, and the nutrition information shows 2105 mg per 100g, which translates to 200 mg per 9.5g serving (scoop).
The label states 'Creatine Monohydrate 3 g' per scoop, and the nutrition information shows 32 g per 100g, which translates to 3.04 g per 9.5g serving (scoop).
The label states 'L-Citrulline 767 mg' per scoop, and the nutrition information shows 8073 mg per 100g, which translates to 766.935 mg per 9.5g serving (scoop).
The ingredient list includes 'Vitamins (Niacin, Ergocalciferol, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid)', which are B and D vitamins.
The ingredient list specifies 'Natural Caffeine'.
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 (Apple)
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4.
L-Citrulline
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5.
Acidity Regulator (INS 330)
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6.
Anti Caking Agent (INS 552, INS 551)
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7.
Acidity Regulator (INS 296)
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8.
L-Tyrosine
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9.
Natural Caffeine
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10.
Thickener (INS 463, INS 415, INS 407, INS 424)
-
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.
Curcumin (INS 100)
-
15.
Colour (INS 133) synthetic colourBrilliant blue FCF (INS 133)
-
16.
Polysorbate
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 |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 189 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.
What are the ingredients in Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour?
The label of Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour lists 16 ingredients, in label order: Creatine Monohydrate, Beta Alanine, Artificial Flavor (Apple), L-Citrulline, Acidity Regulator (INS 330), Anti Caking Agent (INS 552, INS 551), Acidity Regulator (INS 296), L-Tyrosine, Natural Caffeine, Thickener (INS 463, INS 415, INS 407, INS 424), L-Theanine, Sweetener (INS 955), Vitamins (Niacin, Ergocalciferol, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Curcumin (INS 100), Colour (INS 133), Polysorbate. Flagged by the analysis: Colour (INS 133), Thickener (INS 463, INS 415, INS 407, INS 424), Sweetener (INS 955), Artificial Flavor (Apple), Natural Caffeine.
Is Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour safe to eat?
Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour scores 4.5/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This adult pre-workout supplement contains beneficial active ingredients like creatine, beta-alanine, and L-citrulline, alongside natural caffeine. However, it includes artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, and the synthetic color Brilliant Blue FCF (INS 133), which has a reduced acceptable daily intake by EFSA and is restricted in some countries. The thickener carrageenan is also present, which has been linked to gut inflammation in some studies. This product is intended for adults and not suitable for children.
Why does Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour score 4.5/10?
What the analysis notes: Presence of artificial flavouring. Contains multiple thickeners, contributing to a highly processed formulation. The combination of artificial sweetener and synthetic colour contributes to a high additive load.
Who should avoid Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive to artificial sweeteners (sucralose); Sensitive to synthetic food colours (Brilliant Blue FCF); Sensitive to carrageenan or gut inflammation concerns; Pregnant or breastfeeding (caffeine).
How much sugar is in Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour?
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 Green Apple Flavour 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 Green Apple Flavour pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 9 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Supports Performance, Energy & Focus" — can't be verified from the label. "Preworkout powder for healthy adults" — can't be verified from the label. "Nutraceutical" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour vegetarian?
Gold Standard Pre-Workout Green Apple Flavour 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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