Myprotein THE Pre vs Applied Nutrition ABE: Pre-Workout Compared
Quick Verdict
Applied Nutrition ABE delivers more caffeine and is more widely available. Myprotein THE Pre-Workout is gentler, cheaper, and better for caffeine-sensitive users. Both are solid mid-range pre-workouts.
Ingredient Comparison
| Ingredient | Myprotein THE Pre | Applied Nutrition ABE |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | 150mg | 200mg |
| Citrulline Malate | 4g | 4g |
| Beta-Alanine | 2g | 2g |
| Creatine | 3g | 3g |
| Taurine | 0g | 0.5g |
| B Vitamins | Yes | Yes |
| Servings per tub | 30 | 30 |
| Price (approx.) | ~£22 | ~£20 |
| Cost per serving | ~£0.73 | ~£0.67 |
The ingredient profiles are remarkably similar. The key difference is caffeine: ABE packs 200mg (roughly two coffees) while Myprotein sits at 150mg (one strong coffee).
Caffeine and Energy
ABE (200mg): A noticeable kick that most regular caffeine consumers will appreciate. Enough to sharpen focus and increase intensity without being overwhelming. If you already drink 2–3 coffees a day, this will feel moderate.
THE Pre (150mg): Gentler energy that won’t leave you wired. Better for evening sessions, smaller individuals, or anyone who finds 200mg+ jittery. You could always double-scoop for 300mg on days you need more, though that burns through tubs faster.
Taste
ABE: Known for great flavours. Icy Blue Raz is the signature — sweet, tangy, and refreshing. Baddy Berry and Candy Ice Blast are also popular. ABE’s flavour game is arguably the best in the UK pre-workout market.
THE Pre: Solid but less exciting. Blue Raspberry and Orange Mango are the best options. Some flavours lean overly sweet. Myprotein has improved their flavour range but ABE still has the edge here.
Availability
ABE is sold in supermarkets (Tesco, Asda), gyms, vending machines, and ready-to-drink cans in corner shops. This makes it the most accessible pre-workout in the UK. Myprotein is primarily online-only, which means waiting for delivery.
Value for Money
| Metric | THE Pre | ABE |
|---|---|---|
| Full price per serving | £0.73 | £0.67 |
| Sale price per serving | £0.45–0.55 | £0.60–0.67 |
| Best value route | Myprotein sales | Subscribe & save |
Myprotein becomes cheaper during sales, but ABE offers better everyday value. If you buy Myprotein during a 40%+ off event, it undercuts ABE significantly.
What’s Missing from Both
Neither product hits clinical doses for citrulline (6–8g recommended) or beta-alanine (3.2g recommended). Both use 4g citrulline and 2g beta-alanine — effective but not optimal. For fully dosed formulas, you’d need to look at Gorilla Mode or similar premium options.
Who Each Pre-Workout Suits
Choose ABE if you:
- Want 200mg caffeine for a stronger kick
- Value in-store availability
- Love the ABE flavour range
- Want consistent everyday pricing
Choose THE Pre if you:
- Prefer moderate caffeine (150mg)
- Train in the evening and want less stimulation
- Time your supplement purchases around Myprotein sales
- Already order from Myprotein regularly
Final Recommendation
For most gym-goers, ABE is the easier choice — widely available, slightly cheaper, and more caffeine. If you’re caffeine-sensitive or a Myprotein loyalist who buys during sales, THE Pre is a perfectly good alternative. Neither will disappoint.
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