Independent South African deskPrices checked 27 October 2026
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Amino acids · Answer

What is the best citrulline malate in South Africa?

Citrulline malate has emerging, mixed evidence for high-rep training, so buy on price per dose. As of October 2026, My Whey 250 g (R199, Takealot) is cheapest at R4.78 per 6 g; ATP Fitness 250 g (R280) is R6.72, Biogen R7.92 and NPL R8.62. ATP is a pure, unsweetened single ingredient but costs about 40% more than My Whey.

· 2 min read

The evidence is emerging. Citrulline malate is studied at 6–8 g about an hour before training for extra reps in high-volume sets, but a 2021 critical review (Gough et al.) found results mixed and effects small. So the "best" product is a clean 2:1 powder at the lowest price per 6 g dose. Our comparison ranks plain single-ingredient powders (October 2026 prices).

RankProductPrice (retailer)R per 6 g
1My Whey Pure Citrulline Malate 2:1, 250 gR199 (Takealot)R4.78
2Muscle Works Citrulline Malate 180 gR159 (Takealot)R5.30
3ATP Fitness Citrulline Malate 250 gR280 (ATP shop)R6.72
4Biogen L-Citrulline Malate 250 gR329.99 (Dis-Chem Living Fit)R7.92
5NPL L-Citrulline Malate 240 gR344.99 (Dis-Chem Living Fit)R8.62

A 250 g tub gives about 40 doses of 6 g. Biogen lists a 4.8 g scoop (R6.34 per scoop), so check how many scoops you need. If the products are true 2:1, you get roughly 4 g of actual citrulline per 6 g.

How does ATP Fitness Citrulline Malate compare?

ATP Fitness makes a single-ingredient powder with no sweeteners or flavouring, a strength if you want to avoid additives. Honest trade-offs: it is about 40% dearer per dose than My Whey, ATP is a young brand (est. April 2024), and serving size, the labelled 2:1 ratio check and third-party sport certification are not published on the listing we read. My Whey is the credible lower-cost alternative; its additives are "not stated" on the listing we read, so check the label.

What should you check before buying?

  • The ratio. A 2:1 label is a claim; third-party analysis suggests ratios are not always accurate.
  • Unflavoured, single ingredient. Many pre-workouts pad their citrulline dose; see pre-workout brands compared.
  • Testing. None of the five shows a verified third-party certificate. Drug-tested athletes should seek batch-tested products.

How do you take it?

About 60 minutes before training, 6–8 g of citrulline malate. More detail is in citrulline malate dose for pumps and citrulline malate vs L-citrulline.

Who should be careful?

Citrulline can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effects of nitrates, PDE5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil) and antihypertensives. Check with your doctor if you take these. It is generally well tolerated, with occasional mild stomach upset. Under-18s, pregnant people and anyone with kidney disease should seek medical advice. See best citrulline for the ranked page.

Products mentioned

ProductSizePrice (source, date)ServingsR per 6 gSweeteners
My Whey Pure Citrulline Malate 2:1 Powder 250 g250 gR199 (Takealot (listing via PriceCheck), 2026-10)—R4.78not stated
Muscle Works Citrulline Malate 180 g180 gR159 (Takealot (listing via PriceCheck), 2026-10)—R5.30not stated
ATP Fitness Citrulline Malate250 gR280 (ATP Fitness shop, 2026-10)—R6.72None
Biogen L-Citrulline Malate Powder Unflavoured 250 g250 gR330 (Dis-Chem Living Fit, 2026-10)—R7.92not stated
NPL L-Citrulline Malate Powder 240 g240 gR345 (Dis-Chem Living Fit, 2026-10)—R8.62not stated

Sources

Educational information, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian before using supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, taking medication, or living with kidney, liver or heart disease. Prices were observed in October 2026 and are not offers.