Citrulline malate combines the amino acid L-citrulline with malic acid, creating a compound that boosts nitric oxide production, enhances blood flow, increases endurance, and reduces muscle fatigue. Widely used as a pre-workout staple, citrulline malate supports the Krebs cycle for energy production and helps clear ammonia buildup during intense training, making it one of the most research-backed performance supplements available.
Quick Comparison
Product
Key Ingredient
Form
Best For
Rating
Nutricost L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 (600g)
Citrulline Malate 2:1, 3g/serving
Powder
Best Overall
9.5/10
BulkSupplements L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 (500g)
Citrulline Malate 2:1, 3g/serving
Powder
Best Bulk Value
9.3/10
Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine + L-Citrulline
L-Arginine + L-Citrulline Blend
Capsules
Best Capsule Combo
8.8/10
Nutricost L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 (300g)
Citrulline Malate 2:1, 3g/serving
Powder
Best Starter Size
9.2/10
BulkSupplements L-Citrulline Malate Capsules
Citrulline Malate 2:1, 3000mg/serving
Capsules
Best Capsule Option
8.7/10
Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 1000mg
L-Arginine 1000mg + L-Citrulline
Capsules
Best for Circulation
8.6/10
Violence Pre Workout with Citrulline
Citrulline 180mg + Full Pre-Workout Matrix
Powder
Best Pre-Workout with Citrulline
8.5/10
1. Nutricost L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 (600g) – Best Overall
Nutricost L-Citrulline Malate (2:1) Powder (600 Grams)
High Quality L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 Ratio
600 Grams Per Bottle
3 Grams of L-Citrulline Malate Per Scoop (200 Servings)
Gluten Free and Non-GMO
Manufactured In a NSF Certified, GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
Nutricost’s 600g tub delivers pure citrulline malate in the optimal 2:1 ratio with 200 servings, outstanding third-party testing, and one of the best price-per-serving values in the category.
Each 3g serving provides L-citrulline DL-malate in the research-backed 2:1 ratio (two parts citrulline to one part malic acid). The unflavored powder contains only citrulline malate, calcium silicate, and silica — no fillers, artificial flavors, or unnecessary additives. Manufactured in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility and third-party tested for purity. The 600g size delivers approximately 200 servings, making it an exceptional long-term value for consistent users.
Pros:
200 servings per container at an unbeatable price
Pure, unflavored formula with minimal additives
Third-party tested in a GMP-compliant facility
Cons:
Unflavored — needs to be mixed with a flavored beverage
3g serving is below the 6-8g clinical dose (take 2 scoops for full dose)
Best for: Experienced supplement users who want a pure, high-value citrulline malate to add to their existing pre-workout stack
2. BulkSupplements L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 (500g) – Best Bulk Value
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BulkSupplements.com L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 Powder – Nitric Oxide Boost, Citrulline Malate Supplement – Unflavored & Gluten Free – 3g per Servings, 500g (1.1 lbs) (Pack of 1)
Maximize your Potential: Enhance your active lifestyle with our L-Citrulline Malate powder, in L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1, designed to support your strength and performance goals. Each serving delivers a substantial 3 grams, or 3000mg, dose, catering to both fitness enthusiasts looking to push their limits.
Versatility for all Lifestyles: Whether you’re an athlete, a sprinter, or someone simply looking to stay active, our L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1 powder, a Citrulline supplement, fits seamlessly into your regimen, adaptable to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
Optimized in every Serving: Our L-Citrulline Malate powder, or Citrulline Malate 2 1, is unflavored and free of unnecessary allergens, offering you a high-quality product that easily integrates with other supplements or your preferred shake or beverage.
Transparent and Trustworthy: Experience the confidence that comes with choosing a supplement that not only meets rigorous third-party testing but also upholds the principles of clarity and integrity in its formulation and production.
Commitment to Quality: All of our products are crafted in a facility that adheres to rigorous cGMP standards, ensuring the highest level of quality and safety. This dedication guarantees a consistent and reliable supplement you can trust to support your health and wellness routine.
BulkSupplements is a go-to brand for raw ingredients, and their citrulline malate powder delivers clean, tested citrulline malate at scale with transparent sourcing and rigorous quality controls.
Each 3g serving provides L-citrulline DL-malate 2:1, identical in formulation to lab-grade standards. BulkSupplements subjects every batch to third-party testing and provides available Certificates of Analysis. The 500g bag contains approximately 167 servings. The formula is unflavored, gluten-free, and free from common allergens, making it easy to stack with other supplements or mix into your preferred beverage.
Pros:
Extremely clean formula with no additives
Third-party tested with Certificates of Analysis available
Available in multiple sizes from 100g to 5kg for serious users
Cons:
Unflavored powder requires mixing with something palatable
Bag packaging less convenient than a tub with scoop
Best for: Supplement stacking enthusiasts and high-volume users who want lab-quality citrulline malate in bulk
3. Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine + L-Citrulline – Best Capsule Combo
L-Arginine Capsules with L-Citrulline – Nitric Oxide Supplement – L Arginine and L Citrulline Blend – 120 Count – Vegan, Non-GMO Capsules for Performance, Endurance and Muscle Support – 2 Month Supply
L-Arginine L-Citrulline Complex – Each serving contains a 1200mg blend of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline, ensuring maximum performance and muscle support during physical activities.
Supports Nitric Oxide Production – Our l arginine supplement for men and women helps support nitric oxide production, which may promote peak performance during exercise and support overall physical vitality.
Exercise Endurance – Fuel your active lifestyle with l-arginine for men and women, formulated to assist with endurance and recovery, helping you stay on top of your fitness goals.
Two-Month Supply – With 120 capsules per bottle, our L-Arginine and L-Citrulline supplement offers a convenient 2-month supply, providing long-term support for your fitness and wellness goals with ease.
Vegan & Non-GMO – Crafted with vegan and non-GMO ingredients, our L-Arginine capsules are produced to meet high standards, ensuring you get a reliable and hassle-free supplement for your active lifestyle.
This nitric oxide support formula combines L-arginine with L-citrulline in capsule form for a synergistic approach to blood flow enhancement without the need for powder mixing.
The capsule formula combines L-arginine and L-citrulline — two amino acids that work synergistically to boost nitric oxide production through complementary pathways. L-arginine serves as a direct substrate for nitric oxide synthase, while L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine in the kidneys, providing a sustained release effect. This dual-pathway approach may produce more consistent blood flow improvements than either amino acid alone. The capsule format makes it travel-friendly and convenient.
Pros:
Synergistic L-arginine + L-citrulline combination
Convenient capsule format — no mixing needed
Good for both exercise performance and general circulation support
Cons:
Lower total citrulline dose than standalone powder products
Multiple capsules per serving
Best for: Those who prefer capsules and want the combined benefits of both arginine and citrulline for nitric oxide support
4. Nutricost L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 (300g) – Best Starter Size
Nutricost L-Citrulline Malate (2:1) Powder (300 Grams)
3 Grams of L-Citrulline Malate Per Serving (98 Servings)
More Potent and Less Sour than 1:1 Ratio Versions
Non-GMO & Gluten Free
300 Grams of L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 Powder Per Bottle
Manufactured In a NSF Certified, GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
The same pure, tested formula as Nutricost’s larger size in a more accessible 300g package — ideal for first-time citrulline users who want to try it before committing to a bulk supply.
Identical in formulation to the 600g version, this 300g tub delivers approximately 100 servings of pure L-citrulline malate 2:1 at 3g per scoop. The smaller size is perfect for trying citrulline malate for the first time or for those who don’t want a massive tub taking up shelf space. Same GMP-compliant manufacturing, third-party testing, and non-GMO, gluten-free standards apply.
Pros:
Approachable size for first-time users
Same quality and testing as the larger tub
100 servings still provides excellent value
Cons:
Higher per-serving cost than the 600g size
Unflavored formula requires mixing
Best for: First-time citrulline users and those who prefer a smaller, more manageable container size
5. BulkSupplements L-Citrulline Malate Capsules – Best Capsule Option
BulkSupplements.com L-Citrulline Malate Capsules – as L-Citrulline Malate 2:1, Nitric Oxide Supplement – Gluten Free, 8 Capsules per Serving (3000mg), 240 Count (Pack of 1)
Boost your Potential: Take your active lifestyle to the next level with our L-Citrulline Malate capsules, in 2:1 ratio of L-Citrulline & Malate. Each 3000mg serving is tailored to support your strength and fitness goals, perfect for anyone aiming to enhance their performance and achieve more.
Versatility for all Lifestyles: Whether you’re an athlete, a sprinter, or someone simply looking to stay active, our L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1 capsules, a Citrulline supplement, fits seamlessly into your regimen, adaptable to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
Optimized Servings: With 8 capsules per serving, our Ctirulline Malate capsules are structured to provide both ease of use and the ability to precisely manage intake, tailoring to individual preferences and schedules.
Transparent and Trustworthy: Experience the confidence that comes with choosing a supplement that not only meets rigorous third-party testing but also upholds the principles of clarity and integrity in its formulation and production.
Commitment to Quality: All of our products are crafted in a facility that adheres to rigorous cGMP standards, ensuring the highest level of quality and safety. This dedication guarantees a consistent and reliable supplement you can trust to support your health and wellness routine.
BulkSupplements brings their lab-grade citrulline malate into a capsule format, delivering 3000mg per 8-capsule serving for those who want the benefits of their pure powder in a no-mix form.
Each serving of 8 capsules provides 3000mg of L-citrulline malate 2:1 in bovine gelatin capsules with rice flour. The 240-count bottle provides 30 servings. BulkSupplements applies the same third-party testing standards to their capsule products as their powders, ensuring purity and accurate dosing. The capsule format eliminates taste concerns entirely, though the 8-capsule serving size is substantial.
Pros:
Same BulkSupplements quality in convenient capsule form
Third-party tested for purity and potency
No taste or mixing concerns
Cons:
8 capsules per serving is a lot to swallow
Contains bovine gelatin (not vegan-friendly)
Best for: Those who want BulkSupplements quality without dealing with powder mixing
6. Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 1000mg – Best for Circulation
L-Arginine Capsules with L-Citrulline – Nitric Oxide Supplement – L Arginine and L Citrulline Blend – 60 Count – Vegan, Non-GMO Capsules for Performance, Endurance and Muscle Support – 1 Month Supply
L-Arginine L-Citrulline Complex – Each serving contains a 1200mg blend of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline, ensuring maximum performance and muscle support during physical activities.
Supports Nitric Oxide Production – Our l arginine supplement for men and women helps support nitric oxide production, which may promote peak performance during exercise and support overall physical vitality.
Exercise Endurance – Fuel your active lifestyle with l-arginine for men and women, formulated to assist with endurance and recovery, helping you stay on top of your fitness goals.
One-Month Supply – With 60 capsules in each bottle, enjoy a convenient 1-month supply, making it easy to integrate this L-Arginine and L-Citrulline supplement into your daily routine for consistent support.
Vegan & Non-GMO – Crafted with vegan and non-GMO ingredients, our L-Arginine capsules are produced to meet high standards, ensuring you get a reliable and hassle-free supplement for your active lifestyle.
This 1000mg L-arginine formula with added L-citrulline targets nitric oxide production for both exercise performance and everyday circulatory health benefits.
Each serving delivers 1000mg of L-arginine paired with L-citrulline for enhanced nitric oxide production. While the total amino acid content is lower than dedicated pre-workout products, this formulation is designed for daily circulatory support beyond just exercise performance. The capsule format makes it easy to take with meals throughout the day for sustained nitric oxide support. Suitable for both active individuals and those seeking general vascular health benefits.
Pros:
Dual amino acid formula for sustained nitric oxide support
Suitable for both exercise and general circulation goals
Easy once or twice daily capsule dosing
Cons:
Lower total dose than performance-focused products
Not sufficient as a standalone pre-workout supplement
Best for: Individuals seeking daily L-arginine and citrulline support for cardiovascular and circulatory health
7. Violence Pre Workout with Citrulline – Best Pre-Workout with Citrulline
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Violence Pre Workout Powder for Men & Women, Clinically Dosed Preworkout, 180 mg Caffeine + L-Theanine, L Citrulline Malate, Beta Alanine, Alpha GPC – 25 Servings, Blood Orange – Energy, Focus & Pump
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
For those who prefer an all-in-one approach, this clinically dosed pre-workout includes citrulline alongside caffeine, beta-alanine, and other performance ingredients for a comprehensive training formula.
This full-spectrum pre-workout contains 180mg of caffeine alongside citrulline for nitric oxide support, beta-alanine for endurance, and additional performance-enhancing compounds. It’s designed for those who want citrulline benefits as part of a complete pre-workout experience rather than a standalone ingredient. The formula is transparently dosed with no proprietary blends, so you know exactly what you’re getting per scoop.
Pros:
All-in-one formula eliminates the need for multiple supplements
Transparently dosed with no proprietary blends
Includes caffeine, beta-alanine, and additional performance ingredients
Cons:
Citrulline dose may be lower than standalone products
Not suitable for those who are caffeine-sensitive
Best for: Lifters who want citrulline benefits within a complete pre-workout formula without buying multiple supplements
How to Choose the Best Citrulline Malate Supplement
The optimal citrulline malate supplement should provide the 2:1 ratio of L-citrulline to malic acid, which is the most studied form. Research supports doses of 6-8g of citrulline malate (equivalent to roughly 4-5g of pure L-citrulline) taken 30-60 minutes before exercise for performance benefits. Many products list a 3g serving, so plan to take two scoops to reach the clinical dose.
Powder form is generally preferred for citrulline malate because the doses are large enough that capsule counts become impractical (8+ capsules per serving). Unflavored powders mix easily into water, juice, or your existing pre-workout drink. If you already take a stim-free pre-workout, adding standalone citrulline malate powder is a cost-effective way to boost the nitric oxide component.
Look for products with minimal ingredients beyond citrulline malate itself. Anti-caking agents like calcium silicate and silica are standard and harmless, but avoid products with unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or proprietary blends that obscure actual doses. Third-party testing and GMP-compliant manufacturing are quality essentials.
Consider whether you want pure citrulline malate or a combination product. Standalone powders offer the most dosing flexibility, while capsule combos with L-arginine provide convenience at the cost of lower individual doses. For maximum pump and performance, standalone citrulline malate powder at 6-8g pre-workout remains the gold standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is citrulline malate and what does it do?
Citrulline malate combines L-citrulline (a non-essential amino acid) with malic acid (a compound involved in energy production). In the body, L-citrulline converts to L-arginine, which then produces nitric oxide to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow. Malic acid supports the Krebs cycle for ATP (energy) production. Together, they enhance endurance, reduce fatigue, improve blood flow and muscle pumps, and help clear ammonia buildup during intense exercise.
How much citrulline malate should I take?
The clinically studied dose is 6-8g of citrulline malate taken 30-60 minutes before exercise. For general cardiovascular support, 3g daily may be sufficient. Many supplement labels list a 3g serving size, so you’ll likely need two scoops to reach the performance dose. Start with one scoop to assess tolerance before increasing.
When is the best time to take citrulline malate?
Take citrulline malate 30-60 minutes before training for optimal performance benefits. This timing allows for absorption and peak nitric oxide production during your workout. On non-training days, you can take it at any consistent time for ongoing cardiovascular benefits, though exercise-day timing matters most.
Are there any side effects of citrulline malate?
Citrulline malate is well-tolerated by most people at recommended doses. Some users experience mild stomach discomfort, particularly at higher doses or on an empty stomach. Starting with a lower dose (3g) and gradually increasing helps minimize digestive issues. There are no serious side effects reported in clinical studies at doses up to 8g daily.
Is citrulline malate better than L-citrulline?
Both forms are effective, but they serve slightly different purposes. Citrulline malate (2:1) is preferred for exercise performance because the malic acid component supports energy production through the Krebs cycle. Pure L-citrulline may be slightly better for pure nitric oxide production and blood flow since it contains more citrulline per gram. For pre-workout use, citrulline malate is the more popular and well-studied choice.
Can I take citrulline malate with other supplements?
Citrulline malate stacks well with most supplements. It pairs particularly well with creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, and caffeine for a comprehensive pre-workout stack. It also complements L-arginine through different metabolic pathways. Avoid taking it with blood pressure medications without medical guidance, as the vasodilating effects may compound with blood pressure-lowering drugs.