Best Citrulline Malate Supplements (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed
Citrulline malate is a powerful pre-workout supplement that combines L-citrulline with malic acid to boost nitric oxide production, enhance muscle pumps, and improve exercise performance. If you’re looking to maximize blood flow and endurance during training, you’ll find our top-tested citrulline malate supplements below.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: PrimaForce L-Citrulline Malate – proven 2:1 ratio formula
- Best Value: Nutricost L-Citrulline Malate – quality at budget price
- Best Premium: Type Zero L-Citrulline Malate – ultra-clean 6g servings
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Features | Form | Servings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PrimaForce 500g | 2:1 Ratio, Non-GMO | Powder | 100 | Overall use |
| PrimaForce 200g | Vegan, Lab-Tested | Powder | 40 | Trial size |
| Citrulline Malate 100g | Pure Formula | Powder | 33 | Budget option |
| Purisure 1kg | Bulk Size, 334 Servings | Powder | 334 | Long-term use |
| Violence Pre Workout | Complete Formula, 180mg Caffeine | Powder | 20 | Intense workouts |
| Genius Pre Caffeine-Free | Nootropics, No Stimulants | Powder | 20 | Caffeine-free option |
| PEScience Alphamine | Thermogenic Fat Burner | Powder | 42 | Weight loss support |
1. PrimaForce L-Citrulline Malate 500g – Best Overall
- This unflavored powder is a perfect addition to your daily regimen, smoothie, or stack.
- 500g L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 Powder Per Container
- 250 Servings L-Citrulline Malate at 2g Per Serving
- Non-GMO, No Additives, No Preservatives, No Artificial Colors, No Flavors, No Soy, No Fillers and No Gluten.
- Lab-tested for potency and purity. PrimaForce uses only the highest quality ingredients that are backed by the latest research and development to enhance your workout.
PrimaForce delivers pharmaceutical-grade citrulline malate in the proven 2:1 ratio for maximum nitric oxide production and muscle pumps.
This 500-gram container provides 100 servings of pure L-citrulline malate in the clinically studied 2:1 ratio. The unflavored powder mixes easily into any pre-workout or smoothie. Lab-tested for potency and purity, it contains no GMOs, additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
What We Like
- Proven 2:1 citrulline to malate ratio
- 100 servings per container for excellent value
- Lab-tested for purity and potency
- Non-GMO with no artificial ingredients
- Unflavored for versatile mixing options
What Could Be Better
- Unflavored may taste bitter to some users
- Requires measuring for accurate dosing
Bottom Line: PrimaForce L-Citrulline Malate offers pharmaceutical-grade quality at an excellent price, making it the top choice for serious athletes seeking reliable pump and performance enhancement.
2. PrimaForce L-Citrulline Malate 200g – Best Trial Size
- Five Star Quality: Lab-tested for potency and purity. We use only high quality ingredients that are backed by the latest research and development.
- 200g L-Citrulline Malate (2:1) Per Container
- 2000mg L-Citrulline Malate Per Serving
- 100 Servings Per Container
The smaller 200-gram version of PrimaForce’s proven formula is perfect for first-time users or those wanting to test citrulline malate.
This compact container provides 40 servings of the same high-quality 2:1 citrulline malate formula as the larger version. Vegan-friendly and lab-tested, it allows you to experience the benefits without committing to a large container. Ideal for athletes new to citrulline supplementation.
What We Like
- Perfect trial size for new users
- Same premium quality as larger container
- Vegan-friendly formulation
- Lab-tested for quality assurance
- Lower upfront investment
What Could Be Better
- Higher cost per serving than bulk options
- May run out quickly for daily users
Bottom Line: PrimaForce 200g is the ideal starting point for athletes curious about citrulline malate benefits without investing in a large container upfront.
3. Citrulline Malate 100g – Best Budget Option
This pure citrulline malate powder delivers essential muscle pump and vascularity benefits at an ultra-affordable price point.
The 100-gram container provides approximately 33 servings of unflavored citrulline malate. Despite the budget-friendly price, it maintains quality standards for nitric oxide boost and muscle vascularity enhancement. Perfect for athletes on tight budgets who still want effective pre-workout supplementation.
What We Like
- Extremely affordable entry price
- Pure citrulline malate formula
- Effective for muscle pump enhancement
- Unflavored for flexible use
- Good quality despite low cost
What Could Be Better
- Small container size requires frequent reordering
- Less information about sourcing and testing
Bottom Line: This budget-friendly citrulline malate is perfect for cost-conscious athletes who want effective pump enhancement without premium pricing.
4. Purisure L-Citrulline Malate 1kg – Best Bulk Value
- Optimal Athletic Performance: Elevate workouts with Citrulline Malate 2:1 Powder, enhancing endurance, reducing muscle fatigue, and providing greater workout capability.
- Enhanced Nitric Oxide Production: Boost nitric oxide levels for improved blood flow, more robust pumps, and enhanced cardiovascular fitness during exercises.
- Muscle Recovery Support: Aid in faster post-exercise muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and support overall muscle repair for athletes and bodybuilders.
- Improved Exercise Capacity: Experience extended and intense workouts with our precise 2:1 ratio Citrulline Malate, promoting more significant strength gains.
- Versatile Mixing, No Fillers: Easily incorporate into smoothies, shakes, or water. Our Citrulline Malate 2:1 Powder is free from fillers and artificial flavors.
Purisure delivers massive value with 334 servings of premium citrulline malate for dedicated athletes using it daily.
This 1-kilogram container provides the precise 2:1 citrulline to malate ratio in a bulk format. The formula enhances nitric oxide production for improved blood flow, robust muscle pumps, and enhanced cardiovascular fitness. Free from fillers and artificial flavors, it mixes easily into smoothies, shakes, or water.
What We Like
- Massive 334-serving container for long-term use
- Best per-serving value for regular users
- Premium 2:1 ratio formulation
- No fillers or artificial ingredients
- Supports muscle recovery and endurance
What Could Be Better
- Large size may be excessive for occasional users
- Higher upfront cost despite better value
Bottom Line: Purisure 1kg offers unbeatable value for athletes who use citrulline malate daily and want to minimize cost per serving over time.
5. Violence Pre Workout Powder – Best Complete Formula
- Steady Energy, No Crash: 180mg of Caffeine + L-Theanine delivers clean energy without jitters, rapid heart rate, or crash typical of high-caffeine supplements; Perfect pump pre workout powder for men and women
- Sharper Focus, Enhanced Mood: Blend of nootropics and adaptogens—Alpha GPC, Rhodiola Rosea, Ashwagandha—sharpens focus, elevates mood, and keeps you driven through tough workouts; A gold standard preworkout for men and women
- Optimized Workout Efficiency: Precision dosed Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine boost athletic performance, power, endurance, and muscle pumps, maximizing every training session; Great beta alanine powder for intense workouts
- 100% Transparent Formula: No proprietary blends—know exactly what you're getting. Each ingredient is clinically dosed and backed by research for optimal results; A clean pre workout you can trust
- Premium Quality & Safety: Made in a cGMP-certified facility in the USA, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in every batch; Perfect for those seeking a tested, natural pre workout
Violence combines clinically dosed citrulline malate with 180mg caffeine for explosive pre-workout energy and performance.
This comprehensive formula delivers citrulline malate alongside other performance enhancers for maximum training intensity. With 180mg of caffeine per serving, it provides mental focus and physical energy. Clinically dosed ingredients ensure effective results for both men and women seeking intense workout performance.
What We Like
- Clinically dosed citrulline malate
- 180mg caffeine for intense energy
- Complete pre-workout formula
- Suitable for men and women
- Enhanced focus and performance
What Could Be Better
- High caffeine content not for everyone
- More expensive than pure citrulline malate
Bottom Line: Violence Pre Workout is ideal for experienced athletes who want citrulline malate combined with high-stimulant energy for maximum training intensity.
6. Genius Pre Caffeine-Free – Best Stimulant-Free Option
- Mind-to-Muscle Pre-Workout: Genius Pre by The Genius Brand is a stimulant-free, nootropics-based pre- workout. Get your muscles into pump mode, support your endurance, and reduce muscle soreness after exercise with clean, scientifically-backed ingredients.* It also doubles as a productivity booster, helping you perform better both mentally and physically.* 20 scoops per container. Grape Limeade flavor.
- Made for Pushing Your Limits: Made with the highest quality ingredients and manufactured in the USA with strict quality control standards. Genius Pre is packed with efficacious doses of AlphaSize, L-Citrulline Malate, and CarnoSyn Beta Alanine to boost nitric oxide, increase blood flow, and bolster the mind-muscle connection to help you train longer and harder.*
- Stimulant- and Artificial Sweetener-Free: Perform better without the crash, jitters, or disrupted sleep typical of mass-market pre- workouts.* Genius Pre is free of caffeine and other stimulants, using a synergistic matrix of nootropics and ergogenic ingredients to naturally boost energy levels. No artificial colors, dyes, flavors, or sweeteners. 100% transparent label and vegan formula.
- How to Use: Mix 1 scoop in 14 oz of water and drink 15-30 minutes before a workout or engaging in cognitively demanding work. Since it contains no caffeine or other stimulants, it can be used for daytime or nighttime workouts.
- Supplement Smarter: Genius Brand supplements are a rejection of backwards industry dogma that misled generations of health and wellness enthusiasts. For us, innovation and science-backed ingredients come first. Whether you’re a pro athlete, stay-at-home parent, retiree, or anything in between, our products can be of benefit to you. We’re all humans, and we are in this together.
Genius Pre delivers citrulline malate with nootropics for enhanced performance and focus without caffeine or stimulants.
This innovative formula combines citrulline malate with brain-boosting nootropics for complete workout support. The caffeine-free design makes it perfect for evening training sessions or athletes sensitive to stimulants. Focus on clean energy from citrulline and cognitive enhancement from nootropic ingredients.
What We Like
- Caffeine-free for any time of day
- Nootropics enhance mental focus
- Citrulline malate for muscle pumps
- Clean ingredient profile
- Perfect for evening workouts
What Could Be Better
- May lack intensity for some users
- Premium price for stimulant-free option
Bottom Line: Genius Pre is the top choice for athletes who want citrulline malate pumps and mental focus without caffeine or harsh stimulants.
7. PEScience Alphamine – Best for Fat Loss
- Smooth, Focused Energy - Alphamine combines caffeine with Infinergy (dicaffeine malate) to deliver rapid onset and sustained energy—without the spike-and-crash cycle common in standard formulas. L-theanine and L-tyrosine complement the blend to promote cognitive clarity and focus and to give you a clean burn, smooth energy, and no crash.
- L-Carnitine Enhanced - Standalone L Carnitine supplements often fail to elevate tissue levels. Alphamine includes 2g L-Carnitine L-Tartrate alongside 1g choline bitartrate, a pairing supported by human data to enhance carnitine absorption and support fatty acid metabolism. Without choline combined with carnitine, the carnitine can't do it's intended job. Something many pre workout fat burner products don't understand.
- Evidence-Backed Thermogenics - Alphamine includes Aframomum melegueta (Grains of Paradise), shown in clinical research to increase energy expenditure through brown adipose tissue activation. Combined with ENERGIC Portulaca oleracea, a novel herbal extract, this duo supports thermogenesis without adding unwanted jitters or stimulation. For a fat burning pre workout, we want users to enjoy the feeling of Alphamine.
- Designed for versatility - Alphamine functions as a true thermogenic pre-workout or as your go-to morning energy drink. Whether you're training fasted or just need clean energy to get you through the day, Alphamine works with you to support your routine. It contains NO beta-alanine or creatine, and can be used by both men and women.
- Unmatched Value: 60 Precision-Scooped Servings - With 60 scoops per bottle, Alphamine outlasts most thermogenics and energy powders on the market. That’s 30 full servings, or flexible dosing that stretches your supply further—without sacrificing effectiveness or flavor. Alphamine is the original, pioneering preworkout fat burner.
PEScience combines citrulline malate with thermogenic ingredients for fat burning alongside workout performance enhancement.
Alphamine provides citrulline malate for pump and endurance while adding thermogenic compounds to support fat loss goals. This dual-purpose formula helps you maintain muscle pumps and training intensity while working toward a leaner physique. Great-tasting flavors make it enjoyable to consume pre-workout.
What We Like
- Combines pump with fat-burning support
- Citrulline malate maintains performance
- Thermogenic ingredients boost metabolism
- Delicious flavor options
- Supports body recomposition goals
What Could Be Better
- Lower citrulline dose than dedicated pumps products
- Stimulants may affect sleep if used late
Bottom Line: PEScience Alphamine is perfect for athletes who want citrulline malate pump benefits combined with thermogenic fat-burning support during training.
How to Choose the Best Citrulline Malate Supplement
When selecting a citrulline malate supplement, prioritize products using the proven 2:1 ratio of citrulline to malic acid. This ratio has been studied extensively and shows the best results for nitric oxide production and performance enhancement. Products that don’t specify their ratio may contain insufficient citrulline for optimal benefits.
Consider whether you want pure citrulline malate or a complete pre-workout formula. Pure citrulline malate powder offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to control dosing and combine it with other supplements as needed. Complete pre-workout formulas provide convenience but typically cost more and may contain ingredients you already take separately or don’t need.
Evaluate the serving size and recommended dose carefully. Effective doses range from 6-8 grams per serving, with some athletes using up to 10 grams for maximum pump. Check how many grams are in each scoop and calculate whether the container size meets your usage needs. Underdosed products won’t deliver the performance benefits you’re seeking.
Look for third-party testing and quality certifications. Reputable brands will have their products tested by independent labs to verify purity, potency, and the absence of contaminants. Check for non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free certifications if these align with your dietary requirements. Avoid products with excessive fillers or artificial additives.
Finally, calculate the true cost per serving to determine value. While bulk containers appear expensive upfront, they often provide the best per-serving value for regular users. Smaller containers work better for occasional use or testing a new supplement. Factor in how frequently you’ll use citrulline malate and your budget to find the optimal balance between quality and affordability.
Benefits of Citrulline Malate Supplements
Citrulline malate significantly boosts nitric oxide production in your body, leading to enhanced blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles. This increased circulation creates the coveted muscle pump during training while also improving nutrient delivery for better performance and recovery. The enhanced blood flow helps remove metabolic waste products more efficiently, reducing fatigue during intense exercise.
Research demonstrates that citrulline malate improves exercise performance by reducing perceived exertion and increasing training volume. Athletes supplementing with citrulline malate can perform more repetitions before reaching failure, maintain higher power output during endurance activities, and recover faster between sets. The malic acid component may also enhance ATP production, providing additional energy for high-intensity exercise.
Citrulline malate helps reduce muscle soreness after intense training sessions. Studies show significant decreases in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following workouts when supplementing with 6-8 grams of citrulline malate. This faster recovery allows you to train more frequently and maintain consistent performance across training sessions, accelerating overall progress toward your fitness goals.
Beyond athletic performance, citrulline malate may support cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood pressure levels and improving arterial function. The amino acid helps regulate blood flow throughout the body, potentially benefiting heart health over time. Combined with its performance benefits, citrulline malate serves as both a powerful workout supplement and a compound that may support overall cardiovascular wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is citrulline malate and how does it work?
Citrulline malate is a compound combining the amino acid L-citrulline with malic acid in a 2:1 ratio. In your body, citrulline converts to arginine, which then produces nitric oxide. This nitric oxide dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to muscles during exercise. The malic acid component may also help with energy production during intense training by supporting ATP synthesis.
When should I take citrulline malate for best results?
Take citrulline malate 30-45 minutes before training for optimal pre-workout benefits. This timing allows the amino acid to be absorbed and converted to arginine, maximizing nitric oxide production when you start exercising. Some athletes also take it intra-workout during prolonged training sessions to maintain pump and blood flow throughout extended workouts.
How much citrulline malate should I take per dose?
Effective doses range from 6-8 grams of citrulline malate per serving. Some athletes use up to 10 grams for maximum pump effects. Start with 6 grams to assess tolerance, then increase if needed. Remember that citrulline malate 2:1 means you’re getting about 4-5 grams of actual citrulline from a 6-8 gram serving.
What’s the difference between citrulline malate and pure L-citrulline?
Citrulline malate is L-citrulline bound to malic acid, typically in a 2:1 ratio. This means a 6g dose contains approximately 4g citrulline and 2g malic acid. Pure L-citrulline contains only the amino acid, so you need less total powder for equivalent citrulline content. Citrulline malate may offer additional benefits from malic acid for energy production, though research directly comparing the two is limited.
Can I stack citrulline malate with other supplements?
Yes, citrulline malate stacks excellently with other supplements. Common combinations include beta-alanine for endurance, creatine for strength and power, BCAAs for muscle protection, and caffeine for energy and focus. Many pre-workout formulas already contain these ingredients together. Avoid combining with arginine supplements, as citrulline converts to arginine more efficiently than direct arginine supplementation.
Are there any side effects of citrulline malate?
Citrulline malate is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. A small percentage of users report mild stomach discomfort or heartburn, especially at higher doses. Starting with smaller amounts (4-6g) and gradually increasing can help minimize digestive issues. The supplement may also cause a slight tingling sensation similar to beta-alanine in some individuals, though this is harmless.
Will citrulline malate help with muscle growth?
Citrulline malate supports muscle growth indirectly by enhancing workout performance, allowing you to train harder and longer. The improved blood flow delivers more nutrients to muscles and removes waste products more efficiently, supporting recovery. However, it doesn’t directly stimulate muscle protein synthesis like protein or certain amino acids. For best muscle-building results, combine citrulline malate with adequate protein intake and progressive training.
Is citrulline malate safe for daily long-term use?
Yes, citrulline malate is safe for daily long-term use when taken at recommended doses. Studies examining prolonged supplementation show no adverse effects from daily use. Most athletes use it only on training days to match their workout schedule, though some take it daily for cardiovascular benefits. As with any supplement, consult a healthcare provider if you have pre-existing health conditions or take medications.
