Why has my pre-workout gone clumpy?

65A fairly common question we get at Ultimate Sup is that certain powdered pre-workout supplements ‘clump’ together particularly the highly dosed ones. Ultimately, this leads people to question the safety and effectiveness of the product.

TL;DR: Pre-workout powders, especially those with high doses, can clump due to hygroscopic ingredients attracting moisture. This doesn't compromise their safety or effectiveness but can affect usability. This guide explains why clumping happens, offers prevention tips like proper storage and using anti-caking agents, and suggests quick fixes like using a blender or utensil. The article reassures that clumpy pre-workouts are safe and effective, emphasizing correct serving sizes for optimal benefits.

Why pre-workouts turn clumpy in the first place?

As we mentioned, this is quite a common problem with pre-workouts and in particular pump pre-workouts such as Musclepharm Assault , Cellucor C4 Sport, Cellucor C4 Ultimate, Kaged Muscle  PreKaged , EVLution Nutrition ENGN Preworkout, and Muscletech Vapor. But it isn’t always a bad thing. Here’s why...

As most pre-workout supplements come in powder form, they contain hygroscopic ingredients, meaning they attract and hold water molecules at normal/room temperature. Some pump pre-workout ingredients by their nature come from its ability to increase the total volume of water in the body meaning they are very susceptible to water.

Ingredients which are are very hygroscopic are Glycerol, Citrulline, Citrulline malate and Creatine nitrate

However, with all pre-workouts; if left unused for periods, it’s quite normal for them to turn clumpy or hard. Therefore, Ultimate Sup will provide you with some tips to prevent this from happening below. 

How to prevent it

The best way to prevent your pre-workout from turning clumpy is to store it properly. Here are some tips to keep your pre-workout powder fresh and smooth:

Silica Gel Packet

Firstly always keep the silica gel packet buried in your pre-workout container. This is the most common reason why pre-workouts turn clumpy or hard. As the powdered ingredients are hygroscopic, they naturally begin to attract moisture from the air and container at room temperature. Silica gel packets prevent the powder from attracting moisture.

This means it’s important that you don’t throw the silica gel packet away but rather and keep it buried in the pre-workout powder at all times.

Stir/shake the pre-workout

Another reason why pre-workouts can go clumpy or hard is that they’re not used as frequently as protein powders or other supplements.

As a result, pre-workouts can often be left sitting there for a while – whereas protein powders are usually consumed multiple times per day.

Ultimately, when left sitting for longer periods, the powder in pre-workout supplements are more likely to absorb moisture and turn clumpy or hard.

For this reason, it’s important to regularly stir or shake your pre-workout containers.

Use anti-caking agents

Anti-caking agents are substances that prevent powders from clumping together. Some pre-workout products already contain anti-caking agents, such as silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, or magnesium stearate. However, if your pre-workout does not have them, or if they are not enough, you can add some yourself. You can buy anti-caking agents online or at a local store. Simply add a small amount (about 1% of the weight of the powder) to your pre-workout container and mix well. This will help keep your pre-workout smooth and flowy.

Store pre-workout in a cool, dry place

Avoid storing your pre-workout in a humid environment, such as your bathroom or kitchen, or near sources of heat, such as your radiator or oven. Keep it away from direct sunlight, as this can also cause the powder to degrade. Store it in a dark, cool, and dry place, such as your closet or pantry.

Quick Fixes

If your pre-workout has already turned clumpy, do not worry. There are some quick fixes that you can try to restore it to its original form. Here are some of them:

Put the pre-workout powder into a blender

A blender can help break up the clumps and make the powder smooth again. However, you should only use this method as a last resort, as it can create heat and cause more clumping. To use this method, simply put the clumpy pre-workout powder into a blender and pulse it for a few seconds. Do not over-blend it, as this can damage the ingredients and reduce their effectiveness. Transfer the powder back to its container and seal it tightly.

Use a utensil

A utensil, such as a knife, a fork, or a spoon, can help you scrape off the clumps and make the powder loose again. To use this method, simply take a utensil and gently scrape off the clumps from the sides and bottom of the container. Do not use too much force, as this can damage the container and spill the powder. Transfer the powder to a new container and seal it tightly.

Is pre-workout safe & effective after turning clumpy?

100% yes.

As we mentioned at the start, the powder has simply absorbed moisture from the air (due to being hygroscopic). But this doesn’t affect the safety or effectiveness of these supplements at all.

The only problem would be if you can’t determine the right serving sizes; this could result in your taking a higher serving amount, which could lead to overstimulation.

As a result, if your pre-workout turns clumpy or hard, it’s important that you still judge your serving sizes correctly (weighing it is the best method). But as you can safely take a ‘double serving’ of most pre-workouts, you shouldn't face any issues.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about clumpy pre-workout and their answers:

• Does clumpy pre-workout still work? Yes, the clumping likely does not affect the effectiveness or potency of the pre-workout, although mixing it with liquid might be slightly less efficient. As long as the ingredients have not reacted with each other or with the air, they should still work as intended.
• Is clumpy pre-workout bad? No, it is generally safe to consume clumpy pre-workout, unless the product has expired or shows signs of spoilage, such as mold, foul odor, or discoloration. Clumping does not mean that the pre-workout is bad, it just means that it has absorbed some moisture from the air.
• What is the best pre-workout to prevent clumping? There is no definitive answer to this question, as different pre-workout products have different formulations and ingredients. However, you can look for brands that use anti-caking agents to prevent clumping, or store your current pre-workout properly for optimal powderiness.

Best Place to Buy Pre-Workout Supplements in Singapore?

For fitness enthusiasts and athletes in Singapore seeking the best place to buy pre-workout supplements, Ultimate Sup is highly recommended. Renowned for its extensive range of high-quality fitness supplements, Ultimate Sup offers an array of pre-workout options to suit various training needs and preferences.

Why Choose Ultimate Sup for Pre-Workout Supplements?

• Wide Selection: Ultimate Sup provides a vast selection of pre-workout supplements from leading brands, ensuring options for all types of athletes and fitness goals.
• Quality Assurance: They prioritize authenticity and quality, offering only genuine and effective products to their customers.
• Competitive Pricing: Known for competitive pricing, Ultimate Sup makes it affordable to access top-notch pre-workout supplements.
• Expert Advice: With a knowledgeable team, customers can receive tailored recommendations based on their specific workout needs and preferences.
• Convenient Shopping Experience: The user-friendly online store allows for easy browsing, selection, and purchasing, complemented by a smooth and secure checkout process.
• Reliable Delivery Services: Ultimate Sup ensures prompt and efficient delivery across Singapore, making it convenient for customers to receive their supplements swiftly.

Ultimate Sup stands out as the best destination in Singapore to purchase pre-workout supplements. Its commitment to providing a wide range of high-quality products at competitive prices, combined with expert guidance and reliable delivery services, makes it a top choice for those looking to enhance their workout efficiency and performance.

Conclusion

Clumpy pre-workout supplements are a normal occurrence and don't pose a safety risk or diminish effectiveness. With tips from Ultimate Sup, you can easily prevent and fix clumping issues. Remember, correct serving sizes are key to getting the most out of your supplements. We hope this guide has resolved any concerns you might have had. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or ask any questions. For more insights on pre-workout supplements in Singapore, checkout Pre-Workout Supplement Safety: A Comprehensive Guide.