| Product | Interval Pre-Workout Shot |
| Category | Pre-Workout |
| Caffeine Content | 200mg per 60ml shot |
| Key Ingredients | Beetroot extract, Beta-alanine, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps |
| Format | 60ml ready-to-drink liquid (Vegan friendly) |
| Price | £10.99 for 6 shots (Approx. £1.83 per shot) |
PLEASE NOTE: I paid for the Interval Pre Shots myself and was not gifted these shots or paid by Interval to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.
Finding the right pre-workout for running is notoriously difficult. The market is saturated with heavy powders designed for gym-goers, packed with artificial ingredients that leave you feeling jittery, bloated, and dreading the inevitable mid-run crash.
But what if you just need a clean, focused energy boost before a tough track session or a 5K PB attempt? Enter the Interval Pre-Workout Shot.
Designed specifically for endurance and hybrid athletes, this 60ml ready-to-drink shot promises to deliver 200mg of caffeine alongside a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms and beetroot extract—all without the uncomfortable tingles.
I have been testing the Interval Variety Pack ahead of my hardest marathon training sessions and races to see if it truly delivers "clean energy." Here is the full review.
INTERVAL PRE-WORKOUT AT A GLANCE
- Who it is for: Runners who want a sharp, focused energy boost before races or hard intervals, but want to avoid the stomach slosh of large pre-workout drinks and the jittery crash of synthetic gym supplements.
- The Experience: Incredibly convenient. The 60ml shot goes down in one gulp and kicks in fast. Thanks to the adaptogenic mushrooms and clean caffeine dose, it delivers a feeling of being dialled in and motivated, completely skipping the uncomfortable skin-tingling sensation.
- The Verdict: An excellent tool to keep in your running bag for race days and PB attempts. The variety pack is the perfect way to test the flavours, and the lack of GI distress makes this a massive winner for endurance athletes.
WHO ARE INTERVAL?
Interval is a sports nutrition brand focused on creating straightforward, performance-led supplements. Their philosophy is centred around keeping supplementation simple, with the brand describing its approach as "simple formats, clear purpose".
Interval positions itself as an alternative to what it sees as the traditional pre-workout market. In its own story, the company talks about an industry focused on quick sales, proprietary blends, and products that can leave you feeling overstimulated, rather than genuinely supporting training. Interval says its aim is to take a more science-led approach, combining proven active ingredients with nootropics and adaptogens to target both physical performance and mental focus.
Their range includes pre-workout, electrolytes, creatine, collagen, and a lactic acid buffer, with products aimed at athletes across endurance, strength, and hybrid training.
HOW DO THEY MARKET THE PRE SHOT?
Interval’s pre-shot is a 60ml ready-to-drink pre-workout shot, designed to be taken before exercise to provide energy, focus, and support for performance.
Interval markets it as a pre-workout without the typical side effects, focusing on clean energy, sustained focus, and endurance rather than the extreme stimulation often associated with traditional pre-workouts. The brand specifically highlights avoiding the jitters and crash. Unlike traditional powdered pre-workouts that need to be measured and mixed into a large drink, the pre-shot is ready to drink straight from the bottle, making it incredibly convenient.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As a runner, I am generally quite interested in trying different pre-workout products. When you’re chasing seconds on your times, I’m open to anything that might give me an extra boost for harder sessions and racing, so I was keen to see how Interval’s pre-shot would work for me, especially as a few other runners had told me some of the benefits they had from consuming caffeine shots.
The Interval Variety Pack contains six small 60ml bottles, with three different flavours to try. Each shot contains 200mg of caffeine, and Interval recommends taking one around 15–30 minutes before exercise.
One of the first things I appreciated was how convenient the format is. Rather than mixing a pre-workout powder into a full bottle of water, you get everything in one small shot. The 60ml bottle is easy to drink in one go, without having to take on a large amount of liquid before going out for a run.
INGREDIENTS
Each 60ml shot contains 200mg caffeine alongside:
- Beetroot extract – 400mg
- Arginine AKG 2:1 – 1,000mg
- Beta-alanine – 1,000mg
- Chaga mushroom – 1,000mg
- Tremella mushroom – 1,000mg
- Lion’s Mane – 500mg
- Cordyceps – 500mg
- Reishi – 500mg
- Vitamin B3 – 16mg
- Vitamin B5 – 9mg
- Vitamin B6 – 2.8mg
- Vitamin B12 – 5mcg
The product is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and Interval states that it contains no artificial colourings or flavourings.
WHAT FLAVOURS ARE AVAILABLE AND HOW DO THEY TASTE?
There is three flavours:
- Cherries & Berries
- Apple & Mango
- Watermelon
When you buy the variety pack it comes with two of each flavour in the box. I like that you get the opportunity to try all three before committing to a particular flavour.
I found all the flavours fruity and refreshing, although there was a slight sourness to them. Personally, I didn’t find this unpleasant, and because you’re only drinking 60ml, it’s easy enough to drink in one go.
If I had to pick a preferred flavour, I’d say that Cherries & Berries was my favourite. It has a nice fruity flavour with just the right amount of sharpness for me, and it’s the flavour I’d be most likely to choose again.
CONVENIENCE & SIZE
At 60ml, it’s a small bottle. There’s no need to mix, measure, or carry around a shaker, and you can drink the whole thing in one go.
The bottles are also small enough that I can see them being easy to carry in a running shorts pocket or running bag. I haven’t personally tried consuming one mid-run or during a session, as I’ve only used these before training and racing, but the size makes that possible.
HOW I’VE USED THEM
I've mainly been using the pre-workout shots before races and some of my harder marathon training sessions. Rather than saving them solely for race day, I wanted to trial them in training first to see how my body responded and get comfortable using them. That's something I'd always recommend with any new fuelling or caffeine product, especially if you're preparing for a longer event such as a marathon.
The biggest thing I noticed was an immediate sense of having a bit more drive and intent. After taking one, I felt noticeably more motivated and ready to run. It almost felt like an extra spark that had me excited to get going, which is an enjoyable feeling.
Of course, it's impossible to attribute a single race result to any one product. However, one of the times I used a pre-shot was before running my current 5K PB of 17:54. While that performance was undoubtedly the result of consistent training, it's fair to say the shot was part of a pre-race routine that left me feeling confident, energised, and ready to give my best effort.
What I particularly like is that the effect doesn't feel overwhelming or jittery. Instead, I experienced a sense of being switched on and ready to perform. For me, the combination of physical energy and mental focus is where the real benefit lies. In racing, getting yourself into the right mindset can be just as important as the physical preparation, and these shots helped me feel mentally dialled in as well as physically prepared.
CAFFEINE AND TIMING
Each pre-shot contains 200mg of caffeine, so it's worth factoring that into your overall intake if you're also using coffee, caffeinated gels, or other supplements alongside your training and racing.
One thing I was particularly keen to see was how I'd respond to taking it later in the evening. Before an 8:20pm race, I took a pre-shot at around 8pm. I was slightly concerned that consuming 200mg of caffeine that late in the day might leave me lying awake afterwards. Thankfully, that wasn't my experience. Despite taking it so late, I slept well that night and didn't notice any significant impact on my ability to switch off after racing.
Of course, caffeine tolerance varies hugely from person to person, so I wouldn't assume everyone will have the same response. However, from my own experience, I found the energy boost and increased focus during the race came without any noticeable downside when it came to sleep.
STOMACH AND SIDE EFFECTS
One of the biggest concerns I always have when trying a new product is how my stomach will respond, particularly before a hard session or race. Thankfully, I haven't experienced any negative side effects while using these pre-shots.
Unlike some pre-workout products I've tried in the past, I didn't get any uncomfortable tingling sensations, stomach cramps, or feelings of discomfort. I also haven't experienced the energy crash that can sometimes follow high-caffeine products, which was reassuring.
Another positive is the serving size. At just 60ml, the shot is quick and easy to take without leaving you feeling overly full or weighed down before a run.
I've deliberately tested these during training before using them in races, which has given me plenty of opportunities to assess how well my stomach tolerates them. So far, they've fitted into my pre-run routine, with no digestive issues or unwanted side effects.
PRICE
The variety pack currently costs £10.99 for six shots, which works out at approximately £1.83 per shot. There is also a subscription option available that reduces the cost further, and I've noticed occasional discount codes being shared online, so it's worth checking for any current offers before placing an order.
I think the variety pack is a great place to start if you're new to the pre-shots. Rather than committing to six of the same flavour, you get the opportunity to try all three and work out which one you prefer before making a larger purchase.
When compared to other pre-workout and caffeine products aimed at runners, the pricing feels reasonable, particularly if you're planning to use them selectively for key workouts, races, or harder training sessions rather than before every run.
WHO WOULD I RECOMMEND THESE TO?
I’d particularly recommend these to runners who:
- Like using caffeine before races or hard sessions.
- Don’t want to consume a large pre-workout drink.
- Prefer something ready-to-drink.
- Want something small enough to take with them to races.
- Are looking for a noticeable boost without the traditional pre-workout “tingles”.
- Want to trial different flavours before committing to one.
For marathon training, I also think they’re useful as part of practising your race-day routine. I’ve specifically been using them before harder marathon sessions so that I’m not introducing something completely new on race day.
PROS & CONS
| The Good | The Bad |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much caffeine is in an Interval Pre-Workout Shot?
Each 60ml bottle contains exactly 200mg of caffeine. This is equivalent to about two strong cups of coffee, making it highly effective for boosting focus and energy before a tough run.
Will it give me the jitters or 'tingles'?
No. Unlike many gym-focused pre-workouts that overload on beta-alanine to create an aggressive skin-tingling sensation, Interval is formulated with adaptogens like Lion's Mane and Cordyceps to provide a smooth, focused drive without the uncomfortable physical side effects.
When should I take it before a run?
Interval recommends consuming the shot 15 to 30 minutes before your workout or race to allow the caffeine and active ingredients to fully absorb and peak right as you start running.
CONCLUSION
I quite like using the Interval pre-shots and they've become part of my pre-race morning routine and some key sessions.
For me, the biggest selling point is the simplicity. They're compact, ready to drink, and don't leave me feeling like I've consumed a large amount of liquid before heading out for a run. I've mainly used them before races and tougher marathon training sessions as part of practising my race-day routine, and I've consistently noticed a boost in how focused, motivated, and ready to perform I feel afterwards.
While no product can take credit for a race result on its own, one of the occasions I used a pre-shot was before running my current 5K PB of 17:54. As a result, they've naturally become part of a pre-race routine that I associate with feeling prepared and confident before a hard effort.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how well I tolerated the caffeine. Ahead of an 8:20pm race, I took a pre-shot at around 8pm and still slept well afterwards. Of course, caffeine affects everyone differently, but in my case, I enjoyed the benefits during the race without noticing any impact on my sleep.
The flavours are slightly sour, but given that each shot is only 60ml, that's never felt like a major issue. It's quick to take, easy to consume, and doesn't hang around long enough to be a concern.
That said, I wouldn't personally use these before every run. Most of my easy and everyday training runs don't require an extra caffeine boost. Instead, I see them as a tool for races, key workouts, and the harder sessions within a marathon training block, where I want to feel sharp, focused, and ready to get the most out of the effort.
Ultimately, what I like most is that these don't deliver the harsh, over-stimulated feeling that some pre-workouts can create. Instead, they provide a noticeable sense of energy, focus, and readiness, which is exactly what I'm looking for before a race or a tough session.