BlackMarket Labs CUTS is the original thermogenic pre-workout that built the brand's reputation among physique athletes, competitive bodybuilders, and anyone training with fat loss and muscle definition as the primary goal. An 11-ingredient fat-burning matrix totaling 5,636mg per serving — with 300mg caffeine as the only disclosed individual dose — covering energy, endurance, fat transport, nitric oxide support, mood, thermogenesis, and metabolic efficiency in a single pre-workout scoop. Creatine-free. 30 servings. The formula that has been a staple of cutting phases for over a decade.†
What's Inside BlackMarket Labs CUTS
The full 5,636mg Fat Burning Matrix (proprietary blend) contains 11 active ingredients. Caffeine Anhydrous is the only individually disclosed dose at 300mg. The remaining ingredients are listed in descending order by weight:†
- Beta-Alanine — the first listed ingredient after caffeine positioning suggests a meaningful dose, with BlackMarket publicly confirming 3.2g of beta-alanine in the CUTS formula. Beta-alanine combines with L-histidine to form intramuscular carnosine, which buffers hydrogen ion buildup during high-intensity training and extends the time before muscle fatigue forces a rep to fail. The familiar tingling sensation (paresthesia) is normal and harmless.†
- L-Carnitine Tartrate — BlackMarket confirms 1g of L-Carnitine Tartrate, the most bioavailable carnitine form. L-Carnitine is the molecular transport vehicle responsible for shuttling long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane where they can be oxidized for energy. Without adequate carnitine, stored fat cannot efficiently enter the mitochondria to be burned — supplemental carnitine directly supports the fat-as-fuel pathway, making it particularly relevant during fasted cardio or calorie-restricted training phases.†
- Agmatine Sulfate — a metabolite of L-arginine that inhibits arginase (the enzyme that breaks down arginine), extending nitric oxide availability and supporting training pumps. Provides the vasodilation and blood flow support that CUTS would otherwise lack as a thermogenic-focused formula. Agmatine also has neuromodulatory properties that may contribute to the overall mood and focus experience of the product.†
- Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl (ALCAR) — the acetylated form of carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier, contributing both peripheral fat metabolism support and central cognitive benefits. ALCAR supports acetylcholine production alongside its carnitine transport function, adding a nootropic dimension alongside L-Carnitine Tartrate's metabolic role. The two carnitine forms in CUTS are complementary — one for the periphery, one for the brain.†
- Caffeine Anhydrous — 300mg (disclosed) — the anchor of the energy matrix at a high-stim dose. 300mg places CUTS firmly in the high-stimulant tier — appropriate for experienced pre-workout users, requiring assessment for those with moderate caffeine tolerance. Caffeine drives the immediate energy, focus, and performance benefits while also contributing to the thermogenic effect through increased catecholamine release and fatty acid mobilization.†
- Choline Bitartrate — a choline precursor that supports the production of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for neuromuscular signaling and cognitive focus. Choline also plays a direct role in fat metabolism as a lipotropic agent — it is involved in the transport and metabolism of lipids in the liver, preventing fat accumulation and supporting the fat-burning orientation of the CUTS formula.†
- Raspberry Ketone — a phenolic compound from raspberries that has been studied for its effects on adiponectin secretion, a hormone involved in regulating fat metabolism and glucose utilization. Included as part of the broad thermogenic and metabolic support profile.†
- Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa) — the standardized extract of velvet bean, the plant-based source of L-Dopa, the direct precursor to dopamine. L-Dopa supplementation raises dopamine levels, producing improvements in mood, motivation, and mental drive. During a cutting phase — where reduced caloric intake, training intensity, and the psychological grind of dieting can all suppress dopamine — Mucuna Pruriens provides meaningful support for maintaining the motivation and mental sharpness needed to stay consistent.†
- Bitter Orange Extract — Advantra Z (Citrus aurantium, unripe fruit) — Advantra Z is a patented, standardized bitter orange extract providing synephrine, the primary active alkaloid. Synephrine is a mild adrenergic compound that activates beta-3 adrenergic receptors to support resting metabolic rate, thermogenesis, and fat mobilization. Research on Advantra Z specifically has shown it increases resting metabolic rate and caloric expenditure, making it one of the more credentialed thermogenic ingredients available since the removal of ephedrine from the market. The patented Advantra Z form has specific safety and efficacy studies that generic synephrine sources lack.†
- Evodiamine — an alkaloid from the Chinese herb Evodia rutaecarpa that is used in thermogenic formulas for its ability to increase core body temperature through mechanisms similar to capsaicin. Evodiamine activates vanilloid receptors to promote heat production, which translates to increased caloric expenditure and supports the thermogenic effect of the formula as a whole.†
- Chromium Picolinate — an essential trace mineral in its most bioavailable form. Chromium activates chromodulin, which amplifies insulin receptor signaling at the cellular level, supporting blood glucose regulation and carbohydrate metabolism. More stable blood sugar means more consistent energy and reduced cravings during a caloric deficit — both directly relevant during a cutting phase.†
Frequently Asked Questions About BlackMarket Labs CUTS
-
What makes CUTS different from a standard pre-workout?
Most pre-workouts are built around pump and energy — citrulline, creatine, beta-alanine, caffeine. CUTS uses a fundamentally different ingredient philosophy: it is built around fat loss as the central goal, with thermogenic, fat transport, metabolic, and mood ingredients that most pre-workouts don't include. The presence of two forms of carnitine for fat transport, Advantra Z synephrine for thermogenesis, evodiamine for heat production, Mucuna Pruriens for dopamine support during a cut, and chromium for blood sugar regulation makes CUTS a pre-workout designed specifically for people who are in a caloric deficit, training to reveal muscle rather than build it. If your goal is looking lean and defined rather than maximally full and pumped, CUTS is the purpose-built option in the BlackMarket lineup.† -
Why does CUTS use a proprietary blend?
CUTS uses a single proprietary blend rather than full label transparency — a formulation decision from the original product's development over a decade ago. BlackMarket does publicly confirm the two key doses most relevant to users: 3.2g beta-alanine and 1g L-Carnitine Tartrate, with 300mg caffeine disclosed on the label. For athletes who prefer full label transparency and don't mind paying more, BlackMarket has since released CUTS Diamond with a completely transparent label and upgraded ingredient profile. CUTS remains in the lineup as the proven, lower-cost thermogenic pre-workout that has built a strong track record with physique athletes over many years.† -
Can I use CUTS during fasted morning cardio?
CUTS is actually one of the better pre-workouts specifically for fasted cardio use. The dual carnitine matrix (L-Carnitine Tartrate plus Acetyl L-Carnitine) directly supports fat oxidation during the fasted state when fat is the primary available fuel. The thermogenic compounds (Advantra Z, evodiamine) elevate metabolic rate and heat production, amplifying caloric expenditure during the session. The 300mg caffeine mobilizes fatty acids into circulation for use as fuel. The Mucuna Pruriens and choline maintain mental sharpness without food in the system. For individuals who do fasted cardio as part of a contest prep or leaning protocol, CUTS covers the specific nutritional needs of that session better than a pump-focused or balanced pre-workout would.† -
How does CUTS compare to CUTS Diamond?
CUTS Diamond is the upgraded, fully transparent version with separate doses for every ingredient, additional pump ingredients (5g straight citrulline), three forms of carnitine at 2.5g total, and a more comprehensive thermogenic profile with specific synephrine and evodiamine doses disclosed. CUTS is the original, proprietary blend version at a lower price point — the same core concept with a decade of user validation behind it. Both are thermogenic pre-workouts built for cutting; Diamond is the premium evolution. Many users who have run CUTS for years continue to use it because of familiarity and consistent results. New users looking for maximum transparency and pump support alongside the thermogenics are better served by Diamond.†
How to Take BlackMarket Labs CUTS
Mix 1 scoop with 8oz of cold water 15-30 minutes before training or fasted cardio. Do not exceed 1 serving in any 24-hour period. Start with half a scoop to assess tolerance if you are new to high-stimulant pre-workouts or have a lower caffeine tolerance. Do not combine with other stimulant-containing products, additional caffeine sources, or MAO inhibitors. Avoid taking within 6 hours of bedtime. California Residents: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information.†
Other BlackMarket Labs Products at Get Yok'd
- BlackMarket CUTS Diamond — the fully transparent, upgraded version with disclosed doses on every ingredient and enhanced pump matrix
- BlackMarket BULK Pre-Workout — the muscle-building counterpart to CUTS for athletes in a caloric surplus
- BlackMarket DEFY — 450mg caffeine extreme high-stim pre-workout with Eria Jarensis and Dendrobium
Why Buy Supplements at Get Yok'd
- Real-time inventory across all five Southern California stores
- Available in Burbank, Glendale, Glendale Galleria, Pasadena, and North Hollywood
- Authorized retailer of BlackMarket Labs
- One of the best loyalty programs in the supplement industry — earn rewards on every purchase
- Owned and operated by fitness enthusiasts who actually use what we sell
Who Should Not Take BlackMarket Labs CUTS
- Not for individuals under 18
- Not for individuals sensitive to stimulants — contains 300mg caffeine plus synephrine (Advantra Z) and evodiamine
- Not for individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, or cardiovascular disease
- Not for pregnant or nursing women
- Do not combine with other stimulant supplements, medications containing stimulants, or MAO inhibitors
- This product may contain ingredients banned by some sports organizations — consult your governing body before use
- This product can raise blood pressure and interfere with other medications — consult your physician
- California Residents: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information.
- Keep out of reach of children
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.