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For this Transparent Labs Bulk Black Review, our team was excited to test yet another high-quality supplement from a brand we are certainly no stranger to. From their stim-free pre-workout to their BCAAs and various varieties of protein powder, GGR has been using Transparent Labs to help with our team’s exercise performance for years.
That said, we didn’t hold back in this pre-workout review, as there was plenty to love but also plenty to criticize about what Transparent Labs is calling “the pinnacle of a clinically dosed pre-workout supplement for stimulant lovers.”
Now don’t get us wrong—we think this is one of the strongest pre-workouts out there and many would take one look at the potent formulation and instantly conclude that it’s meant for bodybuilders and hardcore gym-goers. However, fans of Transparent Labs Bulk may be shocked to see how similar they are, just with some fancy tweaks. So, without further ado, let’s discuss what our tester found out.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Elite Health and Fitness Professionals Know Their Elite Pre-Workout Formulas
We have nutrition experts and top-notch fitness trainers on our team that are not only passionate about discussing lifting weights, but are gym-goers themselves. It is for this reason that we do not write a pre-workout review if it is not honest and authentic. To do this, we always test the products we review firsthand, so we can give you the most personalized feedback.
- Price per serving: We curate our rating for price based off of the market average of common brands of pre-workout supplements.
- Formulation: Here, we look for the inclusion of research-backed pre-workout ingredients such as nitric oxide boosters, creatine, and citrulline malate. We also rate based on if ingredients are clinically dosed and the transparency of these dosages.
- Taste: This is based on the subjective opinion of our testers as well as the consensus of online reviews.
- Third-Party Testing: We rate if the product has been tested by an accredited and recognized third-party lab (such as NSF, Informed Choice/Sport, or Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG)) as well as if there is a COA available.
- Side Effects: We get this rating based on both customer reviews that mention side effects like jitters, crashes, or digestive issues along with the experience of our testers.
Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout
Product Type
High-stim pre-workout formulated to help support muscle gain
Price Per Serving
$1.83, or less if you subscribe
Flavors
Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Sour Gummy, Strawberry Mango, Peach Mango, Watermelon Peach, Cherry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranate
Third-Party Testing
Informed Choice
Athletes
Third-party testing means it’s safe for those who may be subject to drug testing
Serious Lifters
With research-backed doses of citrulline malate and beta-alanine to enhance muscular strength and endurance, you’re sure to get the most out of each workout
Natural Shoppers
This formula contains no artificial sweeteners, fillers, or dyes
High-Stim Lovers
With 275 mg of caffeine and 75 mg of sustained-release caffeine, you’ll have plenty of boosted energy and focus for your workout
Pros
Cons
Flavors
Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Sour Gummy, Strawberry Mango, Peach Mango, Watermelon Peach, Cherry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranate
Key ingredients
Citrulline malate, beta-alanine, taurine, L-theanine, caffeine
Transparent Labs BULK Black is a step-up from the original BULK pre-workout with more stimulants for people looking for a bigger energy boost before their workout. It is also very positively reviewed by customers.
What our tester says:
“Peach Mango was a tropical drink served in a shaker bottle. It tastes so good that I actually want to sip it rather than just gulping it down like most pre-workouts.”
A Quick Look at Transparent Labs Bulk Black
Not to be confused with Transparent Labs Bulk, Transparent Labs Bulk Black is a slightly higher-dose version of the Bulk formula along with containing more caffeine and additional types of stimulants. There are no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or colorings. It’s also gluten-free and non-GMO. If you’re familiar with Transparent Labs’ protein powder, you’ll know this is pretty on-brand for the company.
RELATED: Transparent Labs Protein Review
The nootropic content is what Transparent Labs refers to as “hard-hitting,” while also containing clinically dosed muscle-building ingredients. It’s not a pre-workout for beginners, but it’s not one of those insane-o style, shirt-ripping pre-workouts either.
Before You Buy
- Take note of the 350 mg of caffeine per serving
- This pre-workout does not contain BCAAs, electrolytes, or creatine
- Reviewers (and our testers) consistently criticize the taste
Is Transparent Labs Bulk Black Worth It?
The highlight of this pre-workout supplement is the 350 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous in each serving. That comes out to about five espresso shots, boys and girls! So the dough it’ll save you on morning coffee alone could be enough to justify the cost. But, be wary if you’re looking for an all-in-one muscle growth pre-workout: Transparent Labs Bulk Black does not contain creatine.
However, at nearly $2 per serving, you really want to be sure it’ll give you the muscle-building or athletic performance benefits you are looking for. Also, if third-party testing is something that’s important to you, this is one high-stimulant pre-workout that checks that box.
Great for:
- Lovers of high-stimulant pre-workouts
- People who want a third-party tested pre-workout
- Those looking for a clean energy boost with no crash
Not recommended for:
- People on a tight supplement budget
- Those who exercise at night
- Individuals who can’t handle beta-alanine tingles
Transparent Labs Bulk Black Specs
| Price per serving | $1.83 |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Caffeine per serving | 350 mg |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia Extract |
| Other key ingredients | Citrulline Malate 2:1, Beta Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, Bioperine, Huperzine A |
| Available flavors | Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Sour Gummy, Peach Mango, Strawberry Mango, Watermelon Peach, Cherry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranate |
| Third-party testing | Yes, Informed Choice |
Experience Using Transparent Labs Bulk Black
For this pre-workout review, we recruited several testers. One, Anthony O’Reilly, who is a self-proclaimed avid user of pre-workout, has personally tested 25+ pre-workouts, including both stim-free pre-workout and those of the stimulant variety. His experience was generally positive, with some significant notes about the taste and the effects.
RELATED: Transparent Labs Creatine Review
He loved the Peach Mango flavor, saying it tasted like a tropical drink he wanted to sip on rather than chug, and he said the focus this pre-workout provides is undeniable. “Transparent Labs is just too good,” he notes.
However, another tester commented that they wouldn’t rank Bulk Black among the best pre-workout supplements they’ve tried. In fact, they would even rank Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout and their PUMP above Black. In spite of the intense pre-workout formula, they did not get the pump they were expecting and they are sure there are better tasting pre-workout supplements out there, too.
That said, they reported the effects kicked in about 30 minutes after taking it and they lasted for another whopping 45 minutes after the training session was over. They mentioned there were no energy crashes during this time, either.
Price Per Serving
Transparent Labs Bulk Black costs around $1.83 before sales or discounts. Based on our criteria, this resulted in a rating of 2.5 for price, as it’s pretty steep compared to market standards of similar products.
Formulation
The formulation of Transparent Labs Bulk Black Pre-Workout is more robust than their Bulk or Lean pre-workout in terms of caffeine content and variety of active ingredients contained in the pre-workout powder.
The star of the pre-workout formula is the organic caffeine. Caffeine’s positive effects on focus and general physical performance are well documented1, so with 350 milligrams of caffeine, Bulk Black should give you a stronger kick than its sister version Transparent Labs Bulk.
In addition to these active ingredients, Transparent Labs Bulk Black also contains 200 millgrams of l-theanine and 2 grams of l-tyrosine. Both of these pre-workout ingredients have been shown2 to enhance brain function and boost blood flow, especially in conjunction with caffeine.
RELATED: The Best Low-Caffeine Pre-Workout
Bulk Black also contains a high dose of 8 grams of l-citrulline and 300 milligrams of Alpha-GPC. According to a report published in The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research in 20203, L-citrulline may aid in enhancing physical performance and recovery, and alpha-GPC has been shown to boost muscular force production4 which could also translate to muscle growth.
Finally, Transparent Labs Bulk Black contains 4 grams of beta-alanine. Beta-alanine can increase your ability to lift weight, which translates into muscle growth, especially when you engage in a high-intensity training session. One study5, for example, found that men who supplemented with beta-alanine every day for a month were able to do 22% more reps than those who had no beta-alanine.
Taste and Solubility
Based on our tester’s feedback, we gave a 3-out-of-5 rating for taste. Our tester did admit they may have added too much water because the blue raspberry flavor was weak. However, that didn’t excuse how overwhelmingly sweet it was. They also described a “chemically aftertaste” that was likely attributed to the stevia extract.
The good news is they awarded a 5 out of 5 for solubility. They mixed it in a shaker bottle for 10 seconds and report that it dissolved completely with minimal effort and absolutely no grit or residue left behind. While they did note that about an inch of foam did form after shaking, it never settled.
Side Effects
We gave a 4 out of 5 rating for side effects. We didn’t see any reports of negative side effects in the customer reviews and our tester didn’t experience any either. However, while our team member did experience plenty of beta-alanine tingles in his arms, the verdict was out on muscle pumps from our group of testers.
RELATED: Pre-Workout Side Effects
Third-Party Testing
Transparent Labs Bulk Black achieved a 5 out of 5 in the category third-party testing for its testing by Informed Choice, which monitors and assures quality to prevent impurities and banned substances from entering products like pre-workout supplements.
Given this criteria, it’s a lab recognized by college, professional, and elite athletes to screen their supplements for safety and freedom from banned substances. There is also a COA (certificate of analysis) available for consumers to see the lab’s report of the product’s purity for themselves.
Transparent Labs Bulk Black vs Transparent Labs Bulk
Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout
Product Type
Pre-workout formulated to help support muscle gain
Price Per Serving
$1.67, or less if you subscribe
Flavors
Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade, Peach Mango, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, Strawberry Kiwi, Sour Grape, Black Cherry, Pineapple Coconut
Third-Party Testing
Informed Choice
Athletes
Third-party testing means it’s safe for those who may be subject to drug testing
Serious Lifters
With research-backed doses of citrulline malate and beta-alanine to enhance muscular strength and endurance, you’re sure to get the most out of each workout
Natural Shoppers
This formula contains no artificial sweeteners, fillers, or dyes
Pros
Cons
Flavors
Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade, Peach Mango, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, Strawberry Kiwi, Sour Grape, Black Cherry, Pineapple Coconut
Key ingredients
Citrulline-malate, beta-alanine, caffeine
Transparent Labs’ BULK supplement is attractive to those whose primary focus is split between potential muscle gain and a pre-workout pump. While the taste is questionable, the product works well for most users.
What our tester says:
“The Blue Raspberry flavor is exactly what you’d expect from your typical Blue Razz—it’s not too sweet either, which I like.”
Transparent Labs distinguishes between the two similar products by denoting their Bulk pre-workout as “a comprehensive muscle-building pre-workout formula” while Black is labeled as “an elite muscle-building pre-workout formula.” What does that mean exactly?
While the quantity of micronutrients like vitamin B6 in both products is the same, Black contains more milligrams of caffeine and l-tyrosine, as well as additional pre-workout ingredients not found in Bulk pre-workout, such as Huperzine A and ginseng. That said, both Black and Bulk pre-workout lack artificial sweeteners and are instead sweetened with stevia. Both versions of the pre-workout powder have also been subject to third-party testing by Informed Choice.
So, if you’re looking for a more powerful pre-workout with additional ingredients for focus, Bulk Black is your best bet. Check out our full Transparent Labs Bulk review for more information, though.
| Transparent Labs Bulk Black | Transparent Labs Bulk | |
| Price per serving | $1.83 | $1.66 |
| Servings per container | 30 | 30 |
| Caffeine per serving | 350 mg | 200 mg |
| Sweeteners used | Stevia Extract | Stevia Extract |
| Other key ingredients | Citrulline Malate 2:1, Beta Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, Bioperine, Huperzine A | Citrulline Malate 2:1, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Alpha-GPC, Bioperine |
| Available flavors | Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Sour Gummy, Peach Mango, Strawberry Mango, Watermelon Peach, Cherry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranate | Strawberry Kiwi, Pina Colada, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Peach Mango, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Lime |
| Third-party testing | Yes, Informed Choice | Yes, Informed Choice |
Customer Experience
You can only return a product from Transparent Labs for full refund if it’s been unopened. For anything you’ve opened, tried, and didn’t like, you may still be able to return it for store credit or exchange it for another product.
To receive these benefits, you have to order through Transparent Labs rather than through a third-party retailer like Amazon. You also must email customer service at support@transparentlabs.com.
Ordering Transparent Labs Bulk Black
For orders over $99, shipping is free on the official website. Other than that, standard 5- to 7-day U.S. shipping costs $7.99. You can also get free shipping and a 10% discount by enrolling in subscribe & save (which translates to a savings of $6 for Transparent Labs Black), which you can schedule for delivery every 15, 30, or 45 days.
Customer Reviews
Transparent Labs Bulk Black Pre-Workout currently holds an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on nearly 300 reviews on Amazon. While people love the muscle pumps and energy boost it provides along with having no artificial sweeteners, many complain about the taste being bitter.
On the Transparent Labs website, it holds an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars based on nearly 800 reviews. Again, people love the energy boost and its effect on muscle mass, but people consistently dislike the flavor.
Final Verdict of Our Transparent Labs Bulk Black Review
Transparent Labs Bulk Black may not be the best pre-workout if you’re on a budget, but it’s also got a formulation that gives you a bang for your buck and is third-party tested by Informed Choice. Our tester loved the duration of the energy boost without jitters or crashing, but they also echoed customer reviews in that the pre-workout powder definitely has an acquired taste.
However, for some super seasoned weightlifters, low-stim pre-workouts just don’t cut it anymore, so Bulk Black may be just what they need. If you’re on the opposite of the spectrum and not a stimulant sort of person, you can get the exercise performance benefits from the stim-free pre-workout offered by Transparent Labs. You can check out our full Transparent Labs Stim-Free pre-workout review here.
So, if things like zero preservatives, third-party testing, and plenty of clinically dosed pre-workout ingredients are important to you, you may want to consider giving Transparent Labs Bulk Black a whirl, if you dare.
Full Rating
Transparent Labs Bulk Black
Transparent Labs BULK Black is a step-up from the original BULK pre-workout with more stimulants for people looking for a bigger energy boost before their workout. It is also very positively reviewed by customers.
Product Brand: Transparent Labs
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 54.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
Transparent Labs Bulk Black Review: FAQs
What is the difference between Transparent Labs Bulk and Bulk Black?
Black contains more milligrams of caffeine and more active ingredients than Transparent Labs Bulk.
Is Transparent Labs good?
Transparent Labs has emerged in recent years as a trusted brand that offers high-quality supplements for bodybuilders and casual gym-goers alike.
How much caffeine is in Transparent Labs Bulk Black?
Transparent Labs Bulk Black contains 350 mg of PurCaf® Organic caffeine.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- McLellan TM, Caldwell JA, Lieberman HR. A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2016;71(1):294-312.
- Zaragoza J, Tinsley G, Urbina S, et al. Effects of acute caffeine, theanine and tyrosine supplementation on mental and physical performance in athletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019;16(1):56. Published 2019 Nov 26. doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0326-3
- Gonzalez AM, Trexler ET. Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature. J Strength Cond Res. 2020;34(5):1480-1495. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003426
- Bellar D, LeBlanc NR, Campbell B. The effect of 6 days of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on isometric strength. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:42. Published 2015 Nov 17. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0103-x
- Hoffman J, Ratamess NA, Ross R, et al. Beta-alanine and the hormonal response to exercise. Int J Sports Med. 2008;29(12):952-958. doi:10.1055/s-2008-1038678
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