- 11 Aug 2025
- Blog
No Supplements Available? Try These 5 Pre-Workout Drinks Instead

In the world of fitness and performance, pre-workout drinks have gained immense popularity. Whether it’s to sharpen mental focus, increase endurance, or simply get the energy to show up at the gym, more people are turning to such supplements to optimise their workout routines.
But let’s face it—life isn’t always that organised. There are bound to be times when you forget to pack your supplements or get invited to a spontaneous gym session after work. Not everyone walks around with sachets of drink mix or tubs of powder in their bag. Luckily, there are easy, accessible drinks that can stand in when your usual pre-workout isn’t available.
Here are 5 readily available pre-workout drink alternatives to power you through your next session—no scooping or mixing required.
1. Coffee
Coffee is one of the most natural pre-workout drinks out there. A regular cup contains around 95 mg of caffeine,1 which is known to enhance endurance, improve mental focus, and even promote fat oxidation during exercise.2 Plus, it’s available almost everywhere—from home kitchens to corner cafés.
Best for: Mental focus and a steady energy boost.
2. Energy Drinks
Commercial energy drinks offer a combination of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and caffeine, making them decent stand-ins for sports-specific supplements. They may help replenish lost fluids and provide quick energy before a short, intense session. Just be mindful of the sugar and artificial ingredients in some formulas.
Best for: Quick energy and hydration support.
3. Chocolate Milk
Yes, you read that right. Chocolate milk contains a good ratio of carbs to protein, making it a surprisingly effective choice as a pre-workout drink.3 The natural sugars provide quick energy, while the protein supports muscle recovery. It’s also affordable and delicious—what’s not to love?
Best for: Moderate exercise and taste-loving gym-goers.
4. Fruit Juice
Fruit juices like orange or apple juice are rich in natural sugars, giving your body fast-digesting carbohydrates to fuel your workout. Many also offer a dose of vitamin C and potassium, which can support hydration and reduce muscle cramping.4
Best for: Quick bursts of energy and light training sessions.
5. 5-hour ENERGY®
If you’re looking for something fast, potent, and portable, 5-hour ENERGY® checks all the boxes. Packed with B-vitamins, caffeine sourced from green tea, and zero sugar, it delivers a clean energy boost without the crash.
Each 57 ml bottle is small enough to fit in your pocket, making it the perfect last-minute pre-workout drink. Additionally, it’s conveniently sold at a wide variety of supermarkets, convenience stores, lifestyle marts, and petrol kiosks, meaning it’s likely available whether you’re on your way to the gym or about to hit the treadmill at home.
Best for: Lasting energy and B-vitamin support.
Energy on Demand: 5-hour ENERGY®
Specialised pre-workout drinks aren’t always within reach—but energy doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s coffee, juice, or chocolate milk, there are plenty of options to tide you over.
Still, none offer the convenience and concentrated energy that 5-hour ENERGY® provides. Its portable bottle, no-sugar formula, and focus-enhancing ingredients make it an ideal back-pocket solution for workouts, spontaneous or scheduled.
Headed to your next workout? Stock up on your own shots now at the 5-hour ENERGY® e-store.
References
1. The Nutrition Source. (2020). Coffee. The Nutrition Source. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/coffee/
2. Nicastro, R. (2018). Coffee and Fat Metabolism. ISSA. https://www.issaonline.com/blog/post/coffee-and-fat-metabolism
3. Bradfield, H. (2025). Why Chocolate Milk is a Gold-Standard Recovery Drink, According to Science. Men’s Health. https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/food-drink/a65565045/chocolate-milk-performance-recovery-benefits/
4. Nelson, A. (2024). Foods That May Help With Muscle Cramps. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ss/slideshow-muscle-cramps-foods