Applied Nutrition is a UK-based sports nutrition brand trusted by gym-goers, competitive athletes and elite performers around the world. Best known for ABE (All Black Everything) pre-workout, Critical Whey, ISO-XP and Critical Mass, the brand combines bold, modern flavour profiles with evidence-aligned formulas that support strength, muscle growth, fat loss, performance and recovery. Whether you train for bodybuilding, CrossFit, endurance sport or general fitness, Applied Nutrition offers a complete supplement toolkit to help you push further and recover smarter.
On Welzo, Applied Nutrition products integrate seamlessly with core performance ranges including protein, pre-workout, creatine, amino acids, slimming & weight management and sports supplements, making it easy to build a coherent, goal-focused supplement stack.
What is Applied Nutrition?
Applied Nutrition is a modern, performance-driven supplement company specialising in high-quality protein powders, powerful pre-workouts, creatine, endurance blends, health support products and ready-to-drink options. The brand has grown rapidly from a UK favourite into a global name, supplying products in dozens of countries and supporting athletes in professional football, combat sports and strength disciplines.
Its portfolio spans:
- Advanced protein powders such as Critical Whey, ISO-XP and Clear Whey.
- Iconic pre-workouts, especially ABE (All Black Everything).
- Creatine monohydrate and performance-enhancing ergogenics.
- Critical Mass and other high-calorie gainers for size and strength.
- Amino acid formulas (EAAs, BCAAs, glutamine) for recovery.
- Hydration, endurance and intra-workout blends.
- Collagen, health and wellness products for long-term training longevity.
Applied Nutrition is particularly popular with lifters, bodybuilders, functional fitness athletes and sports teams seeking a combination of flavour, performance and value.
Brand ethos and background
Applied Nutrition grew out of the gym culture, with formulas originally developed to meet the demands of serious trainers who wanted noticeable performance benefits without sacrificing taste or quality. Over time, the brand scaled into a global company with distribution across more than 60 countries, investing heavily in manufacturing standards and batch testing.
Core aspects of the Applied Nutrition philosophy include:
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Performance first: products built to make a difference in the gym, on the pitch and in competition.
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Evidence-aligned ingredients: creatine, citrulline, beta-alanine, quality whey and clinically recognised actives at practical doses.
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Quality manufacturing: modern facilities and robust quality control processes.
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Bold flavour profiles: shakes, clear whey and pre-workouts that are genuinely enjoyable to drink.
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Accessibility: making high-performance sports nutrition available to everyday lifters, not just professionals.
Benefits and features of Applied Nutrition supplements
Applied Nutrition’s range is designed to unlock several key benefits for people who train regularly:
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Muscle growth & recovery: high-quality proteins like Critical Whey and ISO-XP support muscle protein synthesis and post-workout repair.
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Strength & power: creatine monohydrate and performance stacks help increase strength over time when paired with resistance training.
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Workout intensity: ABE and other pre-workout formulas enhance focus, energy and training drive.
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Body composition: diet-friendly whey, clear protein and targeted weight management products help support lean mass while managing calories.
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Endurance & hydration: intra-workout formulas with electrolytes and amino acids support longer sessions and better recovery.
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Long-term wellness: collagen, omega and vitamin-based products complement performance by supporting joints, connective tissue and general health.
Whether the goal is a lean, athletic body, maximum strength, endurance performance or overall fitness, Applied Nutrition provides modular tools that can be combined to match the user’s training phase.
Why choose Applied Nutrition for your training goals?
Training progress is shaped by three pillars: exercise stimulus, nutrition and recovery. Applied Nutrition supplements support the latter two, ensuring that every session is properly fuelled and that the body has what it needs to adapt afterwards.
People often choose Applied Nutrition because they:
- Struggle to meet protein targets through food alone.
- Want powerful pre-workout effects without mixing several separate ingredients.
- Need reliable, great-tasting shakes to stay consistent with their plan.
- Are in a bulking or cutting phase and require more structured support.
- Prefer to run most of their stack from one brand for simplicity and flavour harmony.
The brand is especially useful during demanding training blocks, where optimised nutrition and targeted supplementation can be the difference between stagnation and progress.
Applied Nutrition product families explained
1. Protein powders
Applied Nutrition’s protein range is one of its strongest pillars, with options tailored to different goals and dietary preferences. These products sit naturally in Welzo’s protein collection.
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Critical Whey: a blend of whey concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate, offering a balance of cost, taste, mixability and amino acid profile for use post-workout or between meals.
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ISO-XP: a very high-protein, low-sugar, low-fat whey isolate designed for users who want maximum protein with minimal calories, ideal during cutting phases or when managing carbohydrate intake.
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Clear Whey: a light, juice-style whey protein that offers a refreshing alternative to creamy shakes, perfect for summer or intra-day sipping.
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Casein & night-time proteins: slow-digesting options designed for overnight recovery and sustained amino acid release.
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Plant proteins: critical plant-based options for those who avoid dairy, tying in with Welzo’s vegan & plant-based supplements range.
2. Critical Mass and weight gainers
Critical Mass is one of Applied Nutrition’s flagship mass gainers, built for “hard gainers” and athletes with very high calorie expenditure. It combines premium protein sources with complex carbohydrates and added functional ingredients to make hitting calorie and macro targets easier.
Critical Mass is typically used by:
- Individuals with fast metabolisms who struggle to gain weight.
- Strength athletes and bodybuilders in bulking phases.
- Team sport players with multiple weekly training sessions.
These products align with Welzo’s broader bodybuilding supplements and sports supplements categories.
3. ABE & other pre-workouts
ABE (All Black Everything) is Applied Nutrition’s iconic pre-workout, known for delivering strong energy, focus and pump. It typically combines caffeine, beta-alanine, citrulline, creatine and choline, among other ingredients, to support physical and mental performance.
Alongside ABE, Applied Nutrition offers:
- Different flavour variants to suit taste preferences.
- Alternate pre-workout formulations with varying stimulant levels.
- Ready-to-drink versions in some markets.
These products integrate with the Welzo pre-workout collection, and are most useful when taken 20–30 minutes before training to maximise session quality.
4. Creatine and performance boosters
Applied Nutrition provides creatine monohydrate, widely regarded as one of the most effective and researched sports supplements. Creatine helps replenish ATP during high-intensity exercise, supporting strength, power and training volume over time.
Some formulations also combine creatine with other ergogenic aids or include it as part of pre-workout stacks. These products correspond to Welzo’s creatine category and are a staple in many serious training programmes.
5. Amino acids, EAAs and intra-workouts
Amino acid products help support muscle maintenance, recovery and hydration, particularly when training frequently or during calorie deficits. Applied Nutrition’s range typically includes:
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BCAA formulas: leucine-rich blends to support muscle retention and reduce perceived soreness.
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EAA blends: full essential amino profiles to more comprehensively support muscle protein synthesis.
- Glutamine and other recovery-focused amino acids.
These sit within Welzo’s amino acids and endurance collections and are particularly useful for high-volume or two-a-day training schedules.
6. Weight management and diet support
While many Applied Nutrition proteins are naturally diet-friendly, the brand also offers more targeted support for fat-loss and recomposition phases. This can include:
- Lower-calorie whey and isolate options such as ISO-XP and Clear Whey.
- Thermogenic or metabolism-support products in some ranges.
- High-protein, lower-sugar options that help control appetite and preserve lean mass.
These products complement Welzo’s slimming & weight management collection, and should always be combined with an appropriate calorie-controlled nutrition plan.
7. Collagen, health and wellness products
Applied Nutrition also offers collagen and health support products that extend beyond pure performance into joint, skin and connective tissue maintenance. These tie in with Welzo’s collagen and joints, bones & muscles collections and are particularly relevant for athletes wanting long-term durability.
How to choose the right Applied Nutrition stack
Your supplement choices should align with a clear goal. Here is a simple decision framework:
Goal: Build lean muscle and strength
- Critical Whey or ISO-XP as a daily protein base.
- Creatine monohydrate (3–5 g daily).
- ABE pre-workout on your most important training days.
- Optional EAAs/BCAAs intra-workout during higher-volume sessions.
Goal: Cut body fat while maintaining muscle
- ISO-XP or Clear Whey for high protein with low calories.
- ABE or a moderate pre-workout to maintain training intensity in a calorie deficit.
- EAAs during training for muscle retention.
- Carefully controlled calories and a structured training plan.
Goal: Performance and endurance
- Pre-workout or energy formulas that support sustained focus and endurance.
- Intra-workout amino and electrolyte formulas.
- Post-workout protein to support repeated training bouts.
Goal: General health, wellness and appearance
- Daily protein intake from Critical Whey or plant-based options.
- Collagen or joint support products for long-term tissue resilience.
- Balanced use of performance products alongside good sleep, stress management and whole foods.
How to use Applied Nutrition supplements effectively
Good timing and consistency increase the impact of any supplement stack:
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Protein powders: take within 1–2 hours after training, and/or between meals to hit daily protein targets.
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Pre-workout (ABE): use 20–30 minutes before training; avoid late evening use if sensitive to caffeine.
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Creatine: take daily at the same time; timing is flexible, consistency is key.
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Amino acids: use before, during or immediately after sessions, especially when training fasted or cutting calories.
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Mass gainers: use between meals or post-workout to boost overall calories without resorting to low-quality foods.
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Collagen & wellness products: take daily according to the label, as benefits typically build gradually.
Always follow the serving instructions on each product, and consider your total daily caffeine intake if stacking pre-workouts, coffee and energy drinks.
Best Applied Nutrition products ranked
The best choice depends on your goal, but the following categories are consistently popular across athletes and everyday gym users:
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ABE All Black Everything Pre-Workout
Flagship pre-workout offering strong energy, focus and pump support, widely used before heavy lifting and high-intensity sessions.
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Critical Whey
A versatile whey blend suitable for most users, providing great taste, mixability and a robust amino acid profile.
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ISO-XP Whey Isolate
High-protein, low-sugar whey isolate favoured during cutting phases or when managing carbohydrate intake tightly.
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Critical Mass Gainer
A high-calorie mass gainer designed for hard gainers and athletes with demanding training volumes.
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Creatine Monohydrate
A simple, evidence-backed performance staple that supports strength, power and training volume.
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Clear Whey Protein
A light, refreshing protein drink for those who prefer juice-like textures over creamy shakes.
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Plant Protein
A vegan-friendly protein option that fits neatly into vegan & plant-based regimes.
The science behind Applied Nutrition formulations
Applied Nutrition draws on established sports nutrition science, particularly around:
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Protein & muscle protein synthesis: whey and isolate products provide essential amino acids, particularly leucine, which triggers muscle-building pathways when combined with resistance training.
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Creatine & ATP regeneration: creatine monohydrate increases intramuscular phosphocreatine stores, supporting short-burst, high-intensity performance.
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Pre-workout ergogenics: ingredients like citrulline, beta-alanine, caffeine and choline can enhance blood flow, fatigue buffering, alertness and mind-muscle connection.
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Amino acids & recovery: EAAs and BCAAs provide building blocks for repair, particularly useful when training often or under calorie restriction.
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Energy balance & body composition: higher protein intake and smart use of shakes can help preserve lean mass while managing hunger during fat-loss phases.
The most meaningful results, however, come when these supplements are used within a complete plan: progressive training, adequate sleep, appropriate nutrition and realistic timelines.
How Welzo selects Applied Nutrition
Welzo uses a robust framework to evaluate sports nutrition brands before adding them to the platform. Applied Nutrition is included because it meets criteria such as:
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Ingredient quality: use of recognised, research-aligned actives such as whey, creatine and citrulline.
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Manufacturing standards: modern production facilities and appropriate quality controls.
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Transparent labelling: clear disclosure of macronutrients and key active ingredients.
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Real-world performance: strong adoption by serious gym-goers and competitive athletes.
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Range depth: coverage of protein, pre-workout, creatine, aminos, gainers and wellness, allowing users to build cohesive stacks.
Trust, quality and safety
While Applied Nutrition products are generally well tolerated by healthy adults, it is important to use them responsibly:
- Do not exceed the stated dose on pre-workout and stimulant products.
- Monitor total caffeine intake from all sources throughout the day.
- Stay hydrated, especially when using creatine, pre-workouts and thermogenic products.
- People with cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes or other medical issues should speak to a healthcare professional before using strong performance supplements.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those on prescription medication, should seek medical advice before starting any new supplement stack.
Supplements should always complement, not replace, sound nutrition, good sleep, stress management and appropriate medical care.
Customer reviews and real-world experiences
Users often highlight the following themes in feedback on Applied Nutrition:
- ABE provides noticeable energy and focus without needing multiple scoops.
- Critical Whey and ISO-XP are easy to mix, taste good and sit well digestively for most users.
- Critical Mass helps hard gainers increase scale weight and training performance when combined with a surplus of calories.
- Clear Whey is a popular alternative for those who dislike thick, milky shakes.
As always, individual experiences vary. Training quality, sleep, overall diet and consistency will strongly influence the results you see from any supplement stack.
Applied Nutrition FAQs
1. Is Applied Nutrition suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners often start with basics like whey protein, creatine and a moderate pre-workout serving. It is sensible to assess your tolerance by beginning with slightly lower doses and building up.
2. Is ABE pre-workout very strong?
ABE is designed to be a potent pre-workout. Users sensitive to caffeine should start with a half scoop and avoid other stimulants when using it. Always check the label for caffeine content.
3. Can I use Applied Nutrition products every day?
Protein, creatine and some wellness products are commonly used daily. High-stimulant pre-workouts and thermogenic products may be better reserved for training days or specific phases to avoid tolerance and dependency.
4. Do I need supplements to make progress?
No. Progress is driven primarily by training, nutrition and sleep. Supplements from Applied Nutrition can make those foundations easier to maintain, helping you hit protein targets, train harder and recover more effectively.
5. Are Applied Nutrition products suitable for tested athletes?
Many athletes use Applied Nutrition, but if you are subject to strict anti-doping rules you should always review ingredient lists and, where possible, look for batch-tested products or seek guidance from your governing body.
6. Can I stack Applied Nutrition with other brands?
Yes, but many users prefer to keep most of their core stack within one brand for simplicity and flavour consistency. If you do mix brands, avoid duplicating high doses of the same ingredient (particularly caffeine and creatine).
7. Is Applied Nutrition suitable for women?
Absolutely. All standard products are unisex. Women may simply choose serving sizes that reflect their body weight and training intensity.
8. How long does creatine take to work?
When used consistently, creatine typically supports noticeable strength and performance changes within 2–4 weeks. Benefits accumulate further with long-term use alongside progressive training.
9. Can Clear Whey replace normal whey shakes?
Yes, provided the protein content per serving fits your needs. Clear Whey is simply a different texture and flavour experience; it still contributes to your daily protein target.
10. What is the best Applied Nutrition stack for a lean, athletic look?
A common choice is ISO-XP or Clear Whey, creatine monohydrate, ABE pre-workout 2–4 times per week, and a balanced diet with sufficient calories to support performance but not fat gain.
Medical & Editorial Review
Medically reviewed by:
Dr Sameer Nakedar, MBBS (London), MRCGP – Chief Medical Officer, Welzo.
GMC Registration: 7041062
Content reviewed by:
Paola Drexlar, BA (Hons) – Senior Medical Writer & Content Manager, Welzo.
Last reviewed: December 2025
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Applied Nutrition supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet, structured training or appropriate medical care. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing medical conditions, are taking prescription medication, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.