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).
| Rank | Product | Price (retailer) | R per 6 g |
|---|
| 1 | My Whey Pure Citrulline Malate 2:1, 250 g | R199 (Takealot) | R4.78 |
| 2 | Muscle Works Citrulline Malate 180 g | R159 (Takealot) | R5.30 |
| 3 | ATP Fitness Citrulline Malate 250 g | R280 (ATP shop) | R6.72 |
| 4 | Biogen L-Citrulline Malate 250 g | R329.99 (Dis-Chem Living Fit) | R7.92 |
| 5 | NPL L-Citrulline Malate 240 g | R344.99 (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
| Product | Size | Price (source, date) | Servings | R per 6 g | Sweeteners |
|---|
| My Whey Pure Citrulline Malate 2:1 Powder 250 g | 250 g | R199 (Takealot (listing via PriceCheck), 2026-10) | — | R4.78 | not stated |
| Muscle Works Citrulline Malate 180 g | 180 g | R159 (Takealot (listing via PriceCheck), 2026-10) | — | R5.30 | not stated |
| ATP Fitness Citrulline Malate | 250 g | R280 (ATP Fitness shop, 2026-10) | — | R6.72 | None |
| Biogen L-Citrulline Malate Powder Unflavoured 250 g | 250 g | R330 (Dis-Chem Living Fit, 2026-10) | — | R7.92 | not stated |
| NPL L-Citrulline Malate Powder 240 g | 240 g | R345 (Dis-Chem Living Fit, 2026-10) | — | R8.62 | not stated |
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.