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Creatine has long been a tried and true supplement for active people whether they want to gain more lean muscle mass or support performance. Not only does this amino acid replenish energy stores and have positive effects on muscle strength and size, other creatine benefits include potential improvements to brain function and even a reduction in fatigue. 

That said, while the benefits of creatine are well known, the sheer number of types, forms, and brands on the market can make it difficult to pick out which is most effective or most worth your money.

Many of the people on our team here at Garage Gym Reviews take creatine daily, and in an effort to find the best creatine supplement, we researched more than 50 products and personally tested nearly 40 creatine powders, gummies, and pills. We also consulted with sports science and nutrition researcher, Dr. Krissy Kendall, Ph.D., to analyze the formula and ingredients of each product. 

We then rated them based on factors that include:

  • Formula: Is there the clinically-supported dosage of 5 grams of creatine?
  • Ingredients: Are there additional ingredients, and if so, do they support sports performance?
  • Solubility: Will this dissolve well in liquid?
  • Third-party testing: Is the label transparent and accurate?

Our in-depth testing process has resulted in the list below of the best creatine supplements on the market.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

The 16 Best Creatine Supplements of 2024

Best Creatine Video Review

What Is Creatine and How Does it Work?

Creatine is an amino acid (derived from arginine) that’s found in both animal proteins and within our own muscle cells. It’s used by the body to replenish ATP1 (adenosine triphosphate) stores. ATP is the energy source your body uses for explosive movements, like sprinting and heavy lifting.

Creatine supplementation has been researched fairly extensively, and has been shown to boost the effects of short-duration, high-intensity exercise on muscle strength and size2. Approximately 95% of your body’s creatine is stored within your muscles, with the other 5% stored in your brain tissue. 

In the brain, creatine also acts as an energy source; nascent clinical trials3 show that creatine supplementation may slow cognitive decline in elderly patients with early memory loss.

If you stop taking creatine supplements, your body will simply go back to producing ATP the way it did before supplementation. This may lead to some strength and muscle loss, but it won’t be anything too drastic.

RELATED: Is Creatine A Protein?

How To Dose Creatine

According to Dr. Krissy Kendall, Ph.D., to maximize the benefits of creatine, you need to saturate your body’s stores of creatine, and there are two ways to do this:

  • Loading protocol: The creatine loading phase involves taking 20 grams of creatine a day, typically divided into four equal doses of 5 grams, for five to seven days. This has been shown to be an effective method to fully saturate your muscle’s creatine stores in one week’s time. Following the loading phase, it’s recommended to drop down to 5 grams of creatine daily to maintain creatine stores. 
  • Low-dose protocol: The alternative method is to simply take 5 grams of creatine every day, without a loading phase. This approach will eventually get your muscle’s creatine stores maximally saturated, it just takes a bit longer—about four weeks compared to one week with a loading protocol. 

Both the loading phase and the low-dose maintenance protocol have been shown to produce significant improvements in muscle strength and size when used alongside a resistance training program

RELATED: Best Protein Chips

Compare Side by Side

Transparent Labs Creatine Nutricost Creatine Sports Research Creatine Legion Recharge Swoly Creatine Gummies Crazy Muscle Three-Atine ProHealth Creatine Jocko Creatine Jacked Factory Growth Surge Onnit Creatine Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate Crazy Nutrition Creatine Promix Micronized Creatine Optimum Nutrition Creatine Pills Kaged Creatine HCl
Rating
Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers and coaches, use a multi-point testing methodology to determine average ratings out of 5 stars.
Price Per Serving $1.67 $0.33 $0.31 – $0.33 $1.00 – $1.33 $1.17 $0.82 – $0.83 $0.56 $0.44 $0.92 – $1.17 $0.50 $1.50 $0.37 – $0.50 $1.50 $0.32 – $0.96 $0.46 – $0.60 $0.33
Grams Per Serving 5 g 5 g 5 g 5 g 4 g 4.8 g 5 g 5 g 10 g 5 g 5 g 5 g 5 g 5 g 2.5 g 750 mg
Third-party Tested?
Type Creatine monohydrate Creatine monohydrate Creatine monohydrate Micronized creatine monohydrate Creatine Monohydrate Three types Creatine monohydrate Creatine monohydrate Creatine monohydrate Micronized creatine monohydrate Creatine monohydrate Creatine monohydrate Creatine monohydrate Creatine monohydrate Creatine monohydrate Creatine HCl
Flavors Multiple Flavors Multiple Flavors Unflavored Multiple Flavors Strawberry Capsules Unflavored Unflavored Multiple Flavors Unflavored Multiple Flavors Unflavored Lemon & Lime, Orange & Mango Unflavored Capsules Unflavored, Lemon Lime, Fruit Punch

Best Creatine Overall: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB 

Good for: Those looking for an all-around premium creatine supplement  

Best Creatine Overall

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

product image
GGR Score: 4.5

Product Highlights

  • Uses research-backed doses 
  • Available in more than 10 fruit flavors and an unflavored option
  • Free from artificial sweeteners, colored dyes, fillers, and harmful additives

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 10+ flavors, 1 unflavored option
  • Includes B-Hydroxy B-Methylbutyrate (HMB)
  • 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
  • Contains no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, dyes, or fillers
  • 10% off and free shipping with subscription

Cons

  • No stimulant (for those looking for pre-workout boost)
  • Some reviews say supplement is overly sweet
  • Mixed reviews on solubility (not dissolving thoroughly)

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB puts a unique twist on the more traditional creatine monohydrate by adding HMB to more effectively build strength, stamina and recovery. It's available in a dozen different flavors, including an unflavored option; some reviews criticize the taste of some flavors, though, saying that they're overly sweet.

If you’re looking for creatine to support your strength training goals, like muscle gain—or the best creatine for bulking—Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is a good choice. Each serving contains the recommended 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, which has repeatedly been shown to increase power4, repeated sprinting ability5, maximal strength6, and muscle mass7.

It puts a twist on a traditional creatine supplement because it also contains 1.5 grams of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) per serving. 

“HMB is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine, which helps to prevent the breakdown of muscle protein and can help speed up the recovery process from strenuous exercise,” explains sports nutritionist Dr. Krissy Kendall, Ph.D.

Basically, HMB is anabolic and acts synergistically with creatine to enhance muscle growth8.

We gave it a 4 out of 5 for taste, with two of our testers saying they got a “weird” taste from it.

Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and a certified personal trainer, tried Black Cherry and wasn’t a huge fan of the taste. “It tasted a bit watered down, even with the right amount of water,” she says. “Some people may prefer this though! There were floaties after I finished mixing, but it didn’t interfere with the overall drinking of it.”

We also had Amanda Capritto, certified nutrition coach and former GGR senior staff writer, give another flavor a try. “I got the Peach Mango flavor, and there’s something weird about it. The flavor itself is good and strong enough, but I think the BioPerine, which is a derivative of black pepper, is altering the taste,” she explains. “When you smell it, it smells spicy in a weird way. It’s kind of off-putting. When mixed, it tastes a bit bitter unless mixed with more than the recommended amount of water.”

transparent labs creatine in a white container, next to a clear shaker cup with a deep red color.

BioPerine, a patented form of piperine, has been shown to increase the absorption rate of numerous compounds it is taken with9, which in this particular case are creatine and HMB.

Both testers also scored this a 3.5 out of 5 when it came to solubility. “I got chunks and it settles if you don’t drink it all in one go,” Amanda says.

There are 13 flavors of Creatine HMB available—Sour Grape, Peach Mango, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Orange, Tropical Punch, Hawaiian Splash, Cherry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranate, Sour Grape, and Strawberry Lemonade—plus an unflavored option if you just want to stick to the basics. Know, too, that there are no artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives in any flavor of this supplement either.

Read our full Transparent Labs creatine review for even more info on this top-notch product.

RELATED: Best Protein Bars

Price$1.50 or $1.67 per serving/$49.99 or $89.99 per container
Servings per container30 or 60
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (7 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate, beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), BioPerine
FlavorsUnflavored, Sour Grape, Peach Mango, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Orange, Tropical Punch, Hawaiian Splash, Cherry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranate, Sour Grape, and Strawberry Lemonade
Third-party tested?Yes
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)Stevia

Best Budget Creatine: Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate

Good for: Someone who’s looking for an inexpensive, yet high-quality, creatine supplement

Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate

product image
GGR Score: 4.3

Product Highlights

  • Powder creatine monohydrate supplement 
  • 5 g of creatine per serving 
  • Improved strength and muscle growth 
  • May help prevent injuries
  • Supports cognitive and bone health

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Subscribe and save options
  • Non-GMO and gluten-free
  • Manufactured in cGMP-compliant facility
  • Affordable at under $0.40 per serving
  • Unflavored variety has 1 ingredient, micronized creatine monohydrate

Cons

  • Some flavors sold out
  • Flavored versions contain sucralose which may cause stomach upset
  • Mixed reviews on mixability not dissolving entirely
  • Mixed reviews on some flavors, saying sweetener was overpowering

Bottom Line

Nutricost Creatine Powder contains 5 grams of creatine per serving and is available in both flavored and unflavored varieties. Nutricost shares that their creatine supplement can help with muscle building and strength, injury prevention, and cognitive and bone health. There are mixed reviews on the taste of certain flavors, saying that the sweetener used was too much.

Our best budget creatine supplement goes to Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate simply because it’s one of the least expensive creatine supplements on the market. GGR editor Frieda Johnson, CNC, notes, “Creatine is one of the more affordable sports nutrition supplements, but this is impressively affordable even with that expectation.” At about $0.33 per serving, this is one of the best deals available, earning it a 5 out of 5 for price per serving.

Someone dumping a scoop of Nutricost Creatine into a shaker

All you’re getting with this supplement is pure creatine monohydrate—5 grams each serving to be exact. Because of that, don’t expect any fancy flavors or sweeteners; Nutricost creatine comes simply unflavored. Still, it scores high on taste at a 4.5 out of 5, with Frieda remarking that it really is unflavored. “I added it to water and couldn’t tell the difference,” she says.

RELATED: Best Creatine for Teens

The solubility is what you’d expect from most creatine; it swirls around in water while stirring and then settles once the stirring stops.

Creatine monohydrate is the most researched form of creatine, with over 500 peer-reviewed publications devoted to the potential benefits of this supplement. Better yet, Nutricost claims to have their supplements third-party tested, although they don’t disclose who from. Just to be sure, athletes should only stick to Informed Choice or Sport and NSF-Certified for Sport certifications to be sure their supplements are free from banned substances.

Read our full Nutricost Creatine review for more information.

Price$0.33 per serving/$32.95 per container
Servings per container100
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (5 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate
FlavorsUnflavored, Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Pineapple Mango
Third-party tested?Yes, but not specified from whom
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)Sucralose

Best Creatine for Weight Loss: Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate

Good for: Trainees who want to lose weight while maintaining lean muscle mass

Best Creatine for Weight Loss

Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate

product image
GGR Score: 4.9

Product Highlights

  • 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
  • Less than $0.50 per serving
  • Third-party certified
  • Unflavored

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to mix
  • Research-backed dose of creatine
  • Third-party certified
  • Subscribe and save options

Cons

  • No flavor options
  • Some reviews say it doesn't mix or dissolve well

Bottom Line

Our testers love Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate because it's less than 50 cents per serving, is truly tasteless, and is third party-certified so athletes can take it knowing there's no junk inside.

Creatine is often brought up during discussions of bulking and muscle gain, but a 2019 meta-analysis10 found its just as effective in helping people who are already doing resistance training to lose weight. We like Sports Research for people who are on a weight loss journey because it only has one ingredient and is backed by third-party organizations that have tested it for heavy metals and banned substances.

Studies11 also show that a 5-gram dose of creatine monohydrate, which is exactly what you’ll find in Sports Research creatine, can help slow down the loss of muscle mass in adults. Because it contains the clinically-recommended dose and has no additives, we’re giving it a 5 out of 5 on formulation. This is great for those who are concerned with weight loss and muscle preservation. We could call this product best creatine for bodybuilders, too, just for that reason.

scooping sports research creatine monohydrate into a white shaker cup

It was hard to find a downside for this product, but if we had to pick one, it’s that there are no flavored options. On the bright side, the unflavored creatine powder makes it easy to mix with your electrolytes, pre-workout, and other supplements. “I mixed this with water, and if I hadn’t poured the powder in myself I wouldn’t have been able to tell there was anything in the shaker bottle,” says Anthony O’Reilly, a certified personal trainer and GGR performance editor. “There’s no taste to this.”

He adds there’s no aftertaste, so we’re giving it a 5 out of 5 on taste (we know, that sounds weird for an unflavored supplement).

At under 50 cents per serving, and even cheaper if you put it on a subscription, this creatine supplement gets a 5 out of 5 on pricing.

Price$0.31 or $0.33 per serving/$19.95 or $30.95 per container
Servings per container60 or 100
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (5 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate 
FlavorsUnflavored
Third-party tested?Yes, Informed Sports
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)N/A

Best Creatine Powder: Legion Recharge 

Good for: Trainees who want to maximize their post-workout recovery window

Best Creatine Powder

Legion Recharge

product image
GGR Score: 4.7

Product Highlights

  • Nature-based post-workout drink designed to improve recovery and increase muscle growth
  • Contains 5 grams of micronized creatine, 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate, 10.5 milligrams of corosolic acid
  • Research-backed levels of ingredients
  • Made in a cGMP, FDA-inspected, and NSF-certified facility
  • Money-back guarantee

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Great customer service
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Can view actual lab results
  • All natural
  • No added sugar
  • Subscribe and save 10%

Cons

  • Stevia flavor is too sweet for some
  • Unflavored is actually sweetened

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an all-natural post-workout supplement that is made of research-backed ingredients, Recharge post-workout supplement is one worth considering. Its taste and positive impact on performance is appreciated by the vast majority of users.

We all know whey protein powders or the best protein shakes are the go-to post-workout drink, but we like Legion Recharge as a post-workout drink because you’re getting a few research-backed ingredients that will help with muscle recovery and repair. Plus, it’s one of the tastiest and most soluble creatine powders we’ve tested, receiving perfect scores in both categories.

RELATED: Creatine Vs Whey

“Pretty sweet but also pretty tart,” Nicole says of the Strawberry Lemonade flavor of Recharge. She noted it dissolved perfectly with absolutely no sediment at the bottom of her shaker glass. She liked it so much, she ordered another tub after finishing her first container.

legion recharge creatine product shot. The container is black and the clear shaker cup has a pink liquid

Beyond the 5-gram dose of micronized creatine, you’re also getting 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate, which sports nutritionist Dr. Krissy Kendall, Ph.D., says has been shown to combat muscle soreness and improve muscle repair.

Additionally, 10.5 milligrams of corosolic acid is there to enhance post-workout nutrient absorption.

Available in an unflavored variety and six flavors—Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Strawberry Lemonade, and Watermelon—Recharge has zero added sugar and no artificial food dyes or fillers, plus it’s naturally sweetened with Stevia. It’s also third-party tested so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Our full Legion Recharge review has thoughts from multiple certified personal trainers and nutrition coaches who tested this post-workout supplement. (Also, check out our Legion Athletics coupon code page to see the latest ways you can save on this brand!)

Price$1.00 or $1.33 per serving/$39.99 or $59.99 per container
Servings per container30 or 60
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (8.91 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsMicronized creatine monohydrate, L-carnitine L-tartrate, corosolic acid, Stevia leaf extract, calcium silicate, citric acid, and red beet powder 
FlavorsBlue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Strawberry Lemonade, and Watermelon, Unflavored
Third-party tested?Yes
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)Stevia

Best Creatine Gummies: Swoly

Good for: People who aren’t fans of powdered creatine 

Best Creatine Gummy

Swoly Creatine Gummies

product image
GGR Score: 4.25

Product Highlights

  • Creatine in gummy form
  • Strawberry-flavored
  • 4 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
  • 5 gummies per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Yummy way to get your creatine in
  • Some may prefer over the powder
  • Customers say flavor is just like gummy bears
  • Subscribe and save 30%

Cons

  • Does contain added sugar
  • Only 4 grams of creatine per serving
  • 5 gummies per serving

Bottom Line

Swoly's creatine gummies are a delicious way to take your creatine daily, especially if you don't care for the powdered form. You'll need five of these to reach a serving, and a serving is only 4 grams of creatine (not the research-backed dose of 5 grams that we like to see), but they taste great nonetheless.

If you’d rather take your creatine in gummy form, look no further than Swoly creatine gummies. We tested a few of the best creatine gummies on the market, and Swoly in particular had our testers in shock with how great they are! 

RELATED: Creatine Gummies vs Powder

You’ll have to take five gummies to get 4 grams of creatine—slightly lower than the 5-gram dose we like to see—but Kate Meier, GGR senior director of content, said she’d happily eat 50 of these in one sitting, giving them a perfect 5 out of 5 score for taste.

An image of a red Swoly creatine gummies that's in the shape of a bear

“These are friggin’ delicious. Like, need-to-make-sure-my-child-doesn’t-find-these-or-she-will-eat-them-all kind of delicious! They remind me of the BEST fruit snacks ever (Annie’s Homegrown Organic).” 

Other reviewers echo Kate’s sentiment, saying Swoly’s creatine gummy bears make taking creatine much easier for them and that there’s no weird taste or texture. Be aware, though, that there are 15 calories in a five-gummy serving as well as 2.5 grams of sugar. 

Check out our in-depth Swoly Creatine Gummies review for our full thoughts on these yummy creatine snacks.

Price$1.17 per serving/$34.99 per container
Servings per container30
FormGummy
Dose5 gummies
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate, sucrose, dextrose, maltodextrin, natural and artificial flavors, stearic acid, citric acid
FlavorsStrawberry
Third-party tested?N/A
Creatine per serving4 g
Sweetener(s)Sucrose, Dextrose

Best Creatine Pills: Crazy Muscle Three-Atine

Good for: Those who are on-the-go and can’t take a powder with them

Best Creatine Pills

Crazy Muscle Three-Atine

product image
GGR Score: 3.7

Product Highlights

  • Clinically-recommended dose of creatine monohydrate
  • Three types of creatine
  • Under $1 per serving
  • May not be as easily absorbed as powdered creatine

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Research-backed dose of creatine monohydrate
  • Three types of creatine in every serving
  • Portable
  • Under $1 per serving
  • Subscribe-and-save options

Cons

  • Multiple capsules per serving
  • May not be absorbed as well as powdered creatine

Bottom Line

Crazy Muscle Three-Atine is an affordable and easy to take supplement with a research-backed dose of one of the most effective muscle-building ingredients, creatine monohydrate.

Certified nutrition coach and personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly used Crazy Muscle Three-Atine during a two-week trip in Ireland, and he felt the creatine pills helped him maintain his muscle mass even when he wasn’t training as often as he does at home. “These definitely help prevent any muscle or strength losses while I’m on vacation,” he says. “I’m going to keep this in my travel bag at all times,” he says.

Crazy Muscle Three-Atine contains three types of creatine. We’ll get to the other two forms of creatine in a second—the main star here is the 4.8 grams of creatine monohydrate. Studies have shown this type of creatine, along with progressive overload, can help increase muscle mass14.

RELATED: Best Creatine for Muscle Growth

Now, does three types of creatine have any more impact than just one? Not necessarily, says registered dietitian Bob Iafelice. “Monohydrate is clearly the best creatine,” he says. “No need for the other unproven forms.” Plus, he adds, the other two are present in low doses that aren’t likely to have much added benefit.

Man holding crazy muscle three-atine. There are six capsules of a white color

Still, we’ll rate the formulation a 5 out of 5 due to the research-backed amount of creatine monohydrate and the fact that there are no artificial ingredients in it.

These are capsules, which some people may have trouble with, but Anthony says the swallowability is a 4 out of 5. Each capsule is about the circumference of a quarter and you can easily split your daily dose into two or three parts.

“I like that you can take these with you wherever,” Anthony says. “It’s a lot less messy than a powdered creatine.”

Price$0.82 or $0.83 per serving/$24.98 or $48.99 per container
Servings per container30 or 60
FormTablet
Dose3 tablets
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate, creatine alphaketoglutarate, creatine pyruvate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate, creatine alphaketoglutarate, creatine pyruvate
FlavorsN/A
Third-party tested?Yes
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)N/A

Best Vegan Creatine: ProHealth Longevity Creatine

Good for: Someone who needs to know their creatine is free from any animal products

Best Vegan Creatine

ProHealth Longevity Creatine

product image
GGR Score: 4.4

Product Highlights

  • 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
  • Allergen-free
  • Affordable
  • 90 servings per bag

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Research-based dose of creatine monohydrate
  • Under $0.60 per serving
  • Subscription plan available
  • Free of all common allergens
  • 75-day money back guarantee

Cons

  • No flavor options

Bottom Line

ProHealth Longevity Creatine is an allergen-free and affordable creatine supplement that costs less than 60 cents per serving.

ProHealth Longevity Creatine is free of all common allergens and animal products such as eggs, dairy, and fish. That’s because the only ingredient is creatine monohydrate, making it a perfect choice for those living a vegan lifestyle or anyone who wants minimal ingredients in their supplements.

RELATED: Best Vegan Creatine

Because it has 5 grams of creatine monohydrate and no additional ingredients, it gets a 5 out of 5 on formulation. “An excellent product,” says registered dietitian Bob Iafelice. “I would recommend.”

A purple bag of ProHealth Longevity creatine next to a black shaker cup

You don’t have to be plant-based to enjoy this creatine. Caine Wilkes, a GGR senior staff writer who placed 9th in Olympic weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, says, “it’s a good creatine powder and does its job.”

His one major complaint was with the taste. It’s an unflavored creatine, but according to Caine there’s a slight “chemical” aftertaste. “My wife mentioned she noticed a metallic aftertaste,” he adds. “With a sports drink, I didn’t notice it though.” He gave the taste a 4 out of 5.

He adds that it mixes better than other creatines he’s used, but that it will settle if you leave it for a few minutes. “If you had this immediately after mixing, it’d be great,” Caine says, rating it a 5 out of 5 for solubility.

As an Olympian, Caine looks for products that are third-party tested to ensure they’re free of banned substances that might show up on a drug test. While ProHealth products are tested by an independent lab, it’s not done by a major organizations such as NSF or Informed Sport so we’re giving it a 3 out of 5 for that category. “Since I’m an athlete, I try to stick to those athlete-specific certifications,” Caine says. “That said, I’d probably use it again.”

Price$0.56 per serving/$49.95 per container
Servings per container90
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (5 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate
FlavorsUnflavored
Third-party tested?Yes
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)N/A

Best Creatine Monohydrate: Jocko Creatine

Good for: Folks who just want clinically-dosed creatine monohydrate and nothing more

Best Creatine Monohydrate

Jocko Creatine

product image
GGR Score: 4.4

Product Highlights

* 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving * Ingredients to help support muscular strength, athletic performance, cognitive function, and cellular energy * Well-reviewed among users * Unflavored

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Budget-friendly at $0.45/serving
  • 90 servings per container
  • Third-party tested
  • Subscribe & Save program available

Cons

  • Only 1 ingredient (some users may want more of a blend)
  • Some reviewers had issues with the scoop itself

Bottom Line

Jocko Creatine is as simple as they come with a clinically-effective dose of 5 grams of creatine monohydrate (and that’s it.) Those who just want creatine or wish to mix their creatine with other supplements will appreciate the uncomplicated formula and 90 servings per container.

Jocko Fuel is the brainchild of John “Jocko” Willink, a retired Navy SEAL, podcaster, and author whose goal with this brand was to create simplified nutritional supplements using the best raw ingredients. So, when picking the best creatine monohydrate, we had to go with Jocko Creatine, as its only ingredient is 5 grams of clinically-dosed creatine monohydrate—aka the most well-studied type of creatine

person-mixing-jocko-creatine-into-shaker-cup

Kate Meier, a GGR editorial team member and a weightlifting coach, tried Jocko Creatine and gave it high marks for its simple formula and excellent value. Kate gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for flavor, marking it down half a point as this unflavored creatine powder still had a lingering taste when mixed with water. 

As for solubility, she gave the powder a perfect score of 5 out of 5, saying, “It dissolves completely with just a few shakes and after about 30 seconds.”

Further, customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive on both the Jocko website and Amazon, with ingredient quality, value, and mixability praised among users. Additionally, each container comes with 90 servings, making it a bargain at $0.45 per serving. 

Price$0.45 per serving, $39.99 per container
Servings per container90
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (5 g)
Type of creatineCreatine Monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine Monohydrate
FlavorsUnflavored
Third-party tested?Yes
Creating per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)N/A

Best-Tasting Creatine: Jacked Factory Growth Surge 

Good for: Those who appreciate flavor options 

Best-Tasting Creatine

Jacked Factory Growth Surge

product image
GGR Score: 3.5

Product Highlights

  • Designed to build muscle and reduce fat
  • Three key ingredients: Creatine Monohydrate, Betaine Anhydrous, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
  • The ingredients aide in muscle recovery, muscle building, and are formulated to reduce recovery time and soreness
  • Also contains BioPerine, which is said to improve absorption
  • Made in a cGMP-certified facility
* 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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Creatine monohydrate is scientifically shown to improve muscle growth
  • Tastes good, particularly Cherry Limeade
  • Mixes well
  • Can be used for recovery and muscle growth
  • Overwhelmingly positive reviews
  • Subscribe-and-save options

Cons

  • Contains sucralose, which can cause digestive issues for some
  • No protein
  • Some notice a slight aftertaste

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a post-workout drink that tastes good and is designed to promote muscle growth and recovery, Growth Surge could be a good option.

If you’re looking for more of a post-workout cocktail, consider Jacked Factory Growth Surge. Not only is there a variety of flavor options in this line for those who don’t want to choke down unflavored powder, but according to Dr. Krissy Kendall, Ph.D., a sports nutritionist, Growth Surge contains three key ingredients to support muscle growth and recovery.

RELATED: Does Creatine Help Build Muscle?

“The solubility of this one isn’t great,” says Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and our expert product tester, giving it a 3 out of 5 in that category. “But I tried Cherry Limeade and liked the flavor. I thought there was an aftertaste, though—not horrible, but super noticeable.”

There are 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, plus each serving also contains 2.5 grams of betaine anhydrous. “Similar to creatine, betaine promotes cell hydration and resilience to stressors,” Dr. Kendall explains. “It may also lead to increases in workout volume and enhance endurance. In a 2021 study12, two weeks of betaine supplementation improved upper- and lower-body muscle endurance in young athletes.” 

jacked factory growth surge next to a shaker bottle with pink liquid

You’ll also find 2 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate per serving of Growth Surge, which can help fight muscle soreness post-exercise. Dr. Ceahla McGeady, M.D., says, “Of note, L-carnitine L- tartrate can have some unfavorable side effects, including stomach upset, diarrhea and heartburn. It is also not appropriate for people with seizure disorders, as it lowers the seizure threshold13. This means if you have ever had a seizure before, you should avoid L-carnitine L-tartrate.”

This post-workout supplement is available in 10 great-tasting flavors—Cherry Limeade, Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Blueberry Lemonade, Swoleberry, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Sour Peach Rings, Strawberry Lemonade, and Unflavored—and costs $1.33 per serving. Just keep in mind, you’ll only be getting 3 grams of creatine in one serving, so you may need to consider more supplementation to follow recommendations on dosage for maximal benefits. 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Women

Price$0.92 or $1.17 per serving/$34.99 or $54.99 per container
Servings per container30 or 60
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (10 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate, betaine anhydrous, L-carnitine L-tartrate, BioPerine
FlavorsCherry Limeade, Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Blueberry Lemonade, Swoleberry, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Strawberry Lemonade, and Unflavored
Third-party tested?N/A
Creatine per serving3 g
Sweetener(s)Sucralose

Best Creatine for Athletes: Onnit Creatine Monohydrate 

Good for: Those who need to be sure there are no banned substances in their supplements 

Best Creatine for Athletes

Onnit Creatine Monohydrate

product image
GGR Score: 4.75

Product Highlights

  • Unflavored to mix with your favorite drink
  • Dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan
  • Designed to improve anaerobic performance, muscle recovery, and explosiveness
  • One serving, or two scoops, provides 5 grams of creatine monohydrate
  • Third-party tested to be competition-safe and certified by Informed Sport
  • Formulated to promote the regeneration of ATP and  increases in muscle mass

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No poor aftertaste when mixed with a flavored drink
  • Dairy-free, soy-free, vegan
  • Informed Sport Certified
  • Affordable
  • Website provides studies on the effectiveness of creatine
  • Subscribe and save 15%

Cons

  • Customer complain of gritty texture
  • Small container

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a pure, low-cost creatine monohydrate, Onnit Creatine Monohydrate may be a good fit for you.

Athletes need to take special care with supplementation that no WADA-banned substances are present, as it could disqualify them from the competition. That’s why we like Onnit’s Creatine Monohydrate powder—they certify all of their sports products through Informed Sport, which means that what they say on the label is confirmed accurate. 

As we know, creatine monohydrate has been shown to support increases in muscle mass, strength, and power, plus promotion of positive adaptations in body composition, and athletes are allowed to consume it.

onnit creatine product, a white powder with some clumps, shot on a marble countertop

Onnit’s particular unflavored powder is gluten and soy-free, suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and mixable in almost any liquid. Plus, at less than 40 cents per serving (with a subscription), you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck. 

Nicole Davis, GGR senior editor and our expert product tester, says that this is indeed a flavorless powder, giving it a 5 out of 5 for having no taste. “I mixed it with water and sipped just to be sure,” she says. “It dissolves well and mixes in unnoticeably into your post-workout drink.”

Read our full Onnit creatine review for a more comprehensive take on this creatine.

Price$0.50 per serving/$14.99 per container
Servings per container30
FormPowder
Dose2 scoops (5 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsMicronized creatine monohydrate
FlavorsUnflavored
Third-party tested?Yes
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)N/A

Best Pre-Workout with Creatine: Gorilla Mode

Good for: Anyone wanting creatine with their pre-workout pump

Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

product image
GGR Score: 4.1

Product Highlights

  • Ingredients shown to improve mental focus, muscle endurance, and energy
  • 11 flavors
  • Can be bought in bulk for discount

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Ingredients shown to improve mental focus, muscle endurance, and energy
  • 11 flavors
  • Can be bought in bulk for discount

Cons

  • A bunch of reviewers did not feel its effect
  • Expensive at $2.50 about per serving
  • Contains stimulants
  • Mixed reviews on taste, mostly that it's too sweet

Bottom Line

While Gorilla Mode receives mixed reviews, it is formulated with all the key ingredients you want in a pre-workout drink to improve performance in the gym. However, if you are sensitive or want to avoid stimulants, this may not be the supplement for you.

If you’re looking for a pre-workout with creatine, our favorite is Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout, simply due to the potency of ingredients. As far as creatine goes, a maximum two-scoop serving provides 5 grams of creatine—but only 2.5 grams of creatine in one scoop.

Whether you want one or two scoops is up to you, since Gorilla Mode also contains 200 milligrams of caffeine in each scoop, too. Caffeine-sensitive users may want to avoid two scoops. With 5 grams of L-citrulline in one scoop, and other effective ingredients like L-tyrosine and betaine anhydrous, you’ll get plenty of benefits for your pre-workout pump.

RELATED: Creatine Vs Pre-Workout

Gorilla Mode Pre Workout Drinking in a white shaker cup

Jacob Penner, a USA Weightlifting coach and part of the GGR expert panel, tried out Gorilla Mode and almost immediately felt the effects. “I took this 15 minutes before my workout,” he says, “and two hours later, I still have a pump. I felt calm but energetic throughout my workout. I also felt warm. There’s no tingling though, since there’s no beta-alanine.” He rates the effects a 4.5 out of 5.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout for Men

“The taste isn’t the selling point here,” Jacob adds. He tried Bombsicle, and it tasted sweet, “like all three flavors of a Rocket Pop combined,” he says. If you like sweet, this might be your jam, but otherwise, know that the effects of the pre-workout are the reason to take this supplement.

As a quick note, the pre-workout isn’t third-party tested, although it is transparent in its ingredients. Glycerol is included as well, which is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, so athletes beware. Check out our Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout review for our full thoughts.

Price$1.50 per serving/$59.99 per container
Servings per container40
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (20.1 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
Key ingredientsCreatine monohydrate, caffeine, L-citrulline
FlavorsTigers Blood, Bombsicle, Cherry Blackout, Fruit Punch, Cotton Candy Grape, Blackberry Lemonade, Orange Rush, Jungle Juice, Strawberry Kiwi, Volcano Burst, Watermelon, and White Gummy Bear
Third-party tested?No
Creatine per serving2.5 g
Sweetener(s)Sucralose

Best Creatine for Muscle Growth: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate

Good for: A trainee whose main goal is to increase muscle size

Best Creatine for Muscle Growth

Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate

product image
GGR Score: 4.5

Product Highlights

  • 5 grams per scoop
  • Free shipping if you subscribe to monthly deliveries
  • 30-200 servings per container
  • $0.50 or less per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 5 grams per scoop
  • Affordable, at $0.50 or less per serving
  • Unflavored
  • Subscribe-and-save options
  • Multiple size options

Cons

  • Some customers say it's hard to mix
  • Is not third-party tested
  • Lacks other ingredients known to improve strength and muscle mass

Bottom Line

Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate contains a large dose of a proven muscle-building supplement at an affordable price.

Most studies show you need up to 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per day to achieve peak muscle-building effects, which is exactly what you get with Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate. In fact, that’s the only ingredient you’ll find in this supplement, which is why we rated its formulation a perfect 5 out of 5. We also gave this a perfect score for its price point, as it clocks in at just 50 cents or less per serving.

While flavored creatine does have its perks, we like this unflavored powder because of its versatility—you can mix it into any drink of your choosing, and it won’t alter the taste. Score!

GGR’s senior director of content, Kate Meier, tested this creatine by drinking it with water and also by mixing it into her pre-workout. She gave the product a 5 out of 5 for taste (well, for a lack of taste), and a 4 out of 5 for solubility.

Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate with a scoop and a glass

“My water just tasted like water,” she says. “I couldn’t detect the powder at all, other than a very small bit of sediment that settled at the bottom of my glass. But that’s because I mixed it with a spoon. If you’re putting this in a blender or using a shaker bottle, like I did with my pre-workout, you can’t tell the powder is in there at all.”

The only real area where we feel this product falls short is that it isn’t third-party tested. Therefore, we can’t guarantee that it’s free from contaminants or has any other issues.

Check out our Jacked Factory creatine monohydrate review for more details.

Price$0.37-$0.50 per serving/$14.99-$31.49 per container
Servings per container30-85
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (5 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate
FlavorsUnflavored
Third-party tested?No
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)N/A

Best Creatine for Men: Crazy Nutrition CRN-5 

Good for: Men looking for a creatine that will help increase their strength and muscle mass

Best Creatine for Men

Crazy Nutrition Creatine

product image
GGR Score: 3.8

Product Highlights

  • Contains 5 types of creatine
  • Added electrolytes
  • Has recommended 5-gram dose of creatine
  • 2 flavor options

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Contains 5 types of creatines
  • Has electrolytes including sodium and potassium
  • Comes in 2 flavors
  • 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • More expensive than other types of creatine supplements
  • Contains artificial ingredients
  • Not third-party tested

Bottom Line

Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5 is a decent option for people looking for a flavored creatine with added electrolytes. It provides the recommended dose of creatine.

Although people of all genders can take the same creatine supplement, we think Crazy Nutrition CRN-5 is a good choice for men (and anyone else) who are focused on gaining strength because it has the clinically-recommended 5-gram dose of creatine monohydrate and is loaded with other ingredients that can help with weightlifting and recovery.

RELATED: Best Creatine for Men

We particularly like the inclusion of HCL, because it could help reduce bloating while you bulk. According to Dr. Krissy Kendall, Ph.D., a sports nutritionist, HCL doesn’t require a loading phase, either.

Additionally, there are 56 milligrams of magnesium, 1,250 milligrams of sodium, and 300 milligrams of potassium. Electrolytes are essential for athletic performance and recovery, two important aspects of bulking. As Sydney Lappe, registered dietitian, puts it, “Electrolytes are absolutely essential for life as we know it.” It gets a 5 out of 5 on formulation.

Dr. Caehla McGeady notes one thing to watch for, however: “Importantly, potassium supplementation is not safe in patients with underlying heart and kidney conditions,” she says. “Too much potassium can cause abnormal and potentially dangerous heart rhythms, as well as confusion and difficulty breathing.”

RELATED: Best Electrolyte Powder

woman drinking crazy nutrition crn-5, the liquid and creatine container are both a light orange color.

Kate Meier, competitive weightlifter and senior director of content at Garage Gym Reviews, tested CRN-5. She gave the Lemon & Lime flavor a 4 out of 5 for its taste. “Pretty good! A little tangy, but not too sweet or sour,” she says. “I like lemon-lime things, so this is something I would drink for sure.”

As far as solubility, Kate notes that when she stirred it in a glass with a spoon, it didn’t fully dissolve and she should taste the grains, so she gave it a 4 out of 5 on that front. However, mixing it with a shaker cup and a metal ball broke up the chunks.

There are two significant callouts we have on this product. The first is that it isn’t third-party tested, from what we can tell. Also, at $1.50 per serving, it’s one of the most expensive creatine products on our list.

Read our full Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5 review for all of our thoughts.

Price$1.50 per serving/$44.99 per container
Servings per container30
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (10 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, juice powder blend, flavoring, sucralose, and others
FlavorsLemon & Lime, Orange & Mango
Third-party tested?No
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)Sucralose

Best Creatine for Women: Promix Creatine Monohydrate

Good for: Women trainees looking for an easily digestible creatine supplement

Best Creatine for Women

Promix Micronized Creatine

product image
GGR Score: 4.6

Product Highlights

  • Micronized monohydrate creatine 
  • Non-GMO 
  • Third-party tested
  • 30- or 180-serving containers

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Does not contain allergens
  • 90-day guarantee policy
  • Under a $1 per serving
  • Subscribe and save 10%

Cons

  • Does not name third-party testing labs
  • Some customers don't like the bag, as it is sealing improperly

Bottom Line

Promix Micronized Creatine offers a non-GMO creatine monohydrate. It’s unflavored and can be mixed with pre-workout or protein powders. While the website shows the third-party testing results for this Promix Micronized Creatine product, it doesn’t offer the name of the independent lab where it was tested.

Women looking for a creatine supplement that won’t cause bloating or other digestive issues should turn to Promix Creatine Monohydrate, which is easy to digest and free of all common allergens. They accomplish this by only having one ingredient: creatine.

“I took this on an empty stomach and didn’t notice any negative side effects,” says Caine Wilkes, a member of the 2020 United States Olympic weightlifting team. “It’s consistent with other creatines I’ve taken, and helps me last a hair longer on my strength workouts.”

Promix creatine monohydrate mixed into water

There are 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, earning it a 5 out of 5 on formulation, and you can choose between a 30- or 180-serving bag. At $0.96 per serving, the 30-serving bag gets a 3.5 out of 5 on pricing and the 180-serving bag gets a 5 out of 5 for being $0.32 per scoop.

We gave it a 4 out of 5 on solubility because two of our testers noticed leftover residue at the bottom of their glass. “It mixes really well with a spoon,” says certified personal trainer Matt Dustin.

It’s also only available as an unflavored supplement, and it lives up to its name for the most part. “I notice a very slight bitter taste in plain water, but it disappears completely in a protein shake,” says Matt, who gave the taste a 4 out of 5.

Price$0.32 or $0.96 per serving/$29 or $59 per container
Servings per container30 or 180
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (5 g)
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsMicronized creatine monohydrate powder
FlavorsUnflavored
Third-party tested?Yes
Creatine per serving5 g
Sweetener(s)N/A

Best Creatine Capsules: Optimum Nutrition Capsules 

Good for: Someone who’d rather swallow a creatine pill 

Best Creatine Capsules

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules

product image
GGR Score: 3.8

Product Highlights

  • Supports muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance
  • Provides 2.5 grams of creatine monohydrate per 2-capsule serving (5 grams recommended daily)
  • Easy to take on the go
  • Should be taken with a meal
  • Receives great reviews for its effectiveness

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Capsule form is more convenient for some
  • No need to worry about mixability or taste
  • Main ingredient is high-quality creatine monohydrate
  • Fewer reported digestive side effects
  • Multiple size options
  • Free shipping on orders over $75

Cons

  • Must take four pills for 5-gram dose
  • More expensive than powder form

Bottom Line

If you prefer capsules over powder, the Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules provide the same dosage and affect on performance as seen in the traditional powder supplement.

If mixing creatine powder in a liquid doesn’t sound appealing to you, don’t fret—there are quite a few creatine capsules available on the market. We like Optimum Nutrition creatine because the brand is widely respected and the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. 

Creatine in capsule form tends to be much easier to transport, if you want to take your supps on the go with you during the day, and you don’t have to worry about mixing or measuring. Plus, you won’t have to deal with any flavors (or aftertaste) you don’t like. 

optimum nutrition creatine capsule, a small white capsule

Kate Meier, GGR head of content and competitive weightlifter, tested out the ON capsules, giving it an overall 4.2 out of 5 stars. “This is rated high because it’s third-party tested, the serving size is affordable, and taste and solubility aren’t an issue,” she says.

“However, you have to take four pills to get 5 grams of creatine,” she goes on. ON defines a serving size as 2.5 grams on the bottle, which is shy of the recommended 5-gram dosage. So if you consider 5 grams a serving, you actually only get 25 servings per bottle, which takes the price to nearly $2 a serving.

RELATED: How Much Protein Do I Need?

Price$0.46-$0.60 per serving/$29.99-$68.99 per container
Servings per container100-300
FormCapsules
Dose2 capsules
Type of creatineCreatine monohydrate
IngredientsCreatine monohydrate, gelatin, magnesium stearate
FlavorsUnflavored capsule
Third-party tested?Yes
Creatine per serving2.5 g
Sweetener(s)N/A

Best Creatine HCl: Kaged Creatine HCl

Good for: People who want an alternative to creatine monohydrate

Best Creatine HCl

Kaged Creatine HCl

product image
GGR Score: 4.35

Product Highlights

  • Only patented form of creatine HCL
  • Kaged Creatine HCl skips the loading phase
  • Available in capsule form as well
  • Third-party tested
  • Available as Unflavored or Lemon Lime
  • Free from artificial flavors and colors
  • Formulated to avoid gastrointestinal issues

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Only patented form of creatine HCL
  • Clean formula
  • No loading phase
  • Available in capsule form
  • Third-party tested
  • Lemon Lime mixes well and tastes good
  • Helps avoids stomach issues

Cons

  • Expensive

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a pure creatine HCL and are willing to pay for high quality, Kaged Creatine HCl may be for you.

Whereas most creatine supplements use creatine monohydrate—the most researched form of creatine—Kaged Creatine HCl uses a patented form of creatine hydrochloride (HCL) which may aid in faster absorption rates and reduced bloating15.

According to Dr. Kendall, benefits of HCL include that it’s super soluble and easy to mix in any liquid, it doesn’t require a loading phase and can help you combat gastrointestinal disturbances, like occasional gas, cramping, and bloating, and temporary weight gain from water retention, which may occur with creatine use.

This is great for those who are concerned with weight loss and muscle preservation. We could call this product the best creatine for bodybuilders, too, just for that reason.

RELATED: Creatine HCL Vs Monohydrate

A close up view of someone scooping Kaged Creatine HCl from the container.

It’s available in powder form in unflavored, Fruit Punch, and Lemon Lime, as well as a capsule form. Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and a certified personal trainer, rates the taste a 5 out of 5, saying, “I tried the Lemon Lime flavor and really liked it—it was tart and not too sweet.” Solubility also gets top marks, as Nicole mentions, “It completely dissolved, so for solubility it gets an A+.”

At 750 milligrams of creatine HCl per serving, it’s severely underdosed, earning just a 1 out of 5 for its formulation. And although it only costs $0.33 per serving, the instructions recommend you take 4 servings per day—this means one container wouldn’t even last you three weeks. 

Each batch is also certified by Informed Sport, meaning it’s tested for banned substances (on the WADA banned list). Read our Kaged Creatine HCl review for an in-depth look at this creatine supplement.

Price$0.33 per serving/$24.99 per container
Servings per container75
FormPowder
Dose1 scoop (750 mg)
Type of creatineCreatine HCl
IngredientsCreatine HCl
FlavorsUnflavored, Lemon Lime, Fruit Punch
Third-party tested?Yes, Informed Sport
Creatine per serving750 mg
Sweetener(s)Sucralose

Other Creatine Powder We Tried and Researched 

Creapure Creatine: This is a type of branded creatine monohydrate produced in Germany and distributed by a handful of partners including Proteinfactory and BPN. It is touted to be high-quality, but there seemingly isn’t anything special about this product versus another micronized creatine monohydrate. 

Beast Sports Creature Creatine: This product contains a blend of five types of creatine, totaling only 4 grams—less than the ideal 5-gram serving size. Plus, creatine monohydrate is the most studied type of creatine with the most proven benefits, so we opted for products mostly containing just that.

Cellucor Cor-Performance Creatine Monohydrate: Another micronized creatine monohydrate powder at an affordable price point of less than 50 cents per serving. We’d call this a solid runner-up for sure. (We also love Cellucor’s C4 pre-workout, and even have a special coupon code for GGR readers.)

Ghost Creatine: Ghost Creatine contains 5 grams of a branded type of creatine monohydrate and contains other ingredients proven to increase muscle size and strength, but at $1.50 per serving there are more price-effective options on this list. Read more in our Ghost creatine review.

RedCon1 Tango Creatine: RedCon1 is one of the most well-known sports nutrition brands, and while certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly enjoyed the effects it is pricier than most of the options on this list. Read our RedCon1 Tango Creatine review for our unfiltered thoughts.

Bulk Supplements Creatine: Bulk Supplements specializes in giving you no-nonsense products with minimal ingredients, as we explain in our Bulk Supplements Creatine review.

Swolverine Creatine Monohydrate: This unflavored creatine supplement was fine but we found more affordable options.

Lineup of best creatine supplement products

How We Picked and Tested the Best Creatine

We narrowed down our list of the best creatine products with our GGR supplement testing methodology. We personally tested nearly 40 products to evaluate them on factors such as the ones below.

Formulation and Serving Size

Does the product contain strictly creatine, and how much? If there are other ingredients present, are they research-backed and included with a purpose?

The ideal dosage of creatine is 3 to 5 grams per day12—how many servings do you need to hit this?

We also took into account the different types of creatine that may be included:

  • Creatine monohydrate, which is the most researched
  • Creatine HCL has limited research available
  • Kre-Alkalyn is a patented form of creatine and may help with better absorption
  • Creatine plus HMB
  • Creatine plus nitrate

Solubility

If powdered, does the product dissolve completely in liquid? 

To test this, we mixed powders into water in a clear glass and observed the results. We also tasted the mixed drink to determine if we could detect any remnants of the powder.

Efficacy

Does the creatine do what it’s supposed to—i.e. help with strength and body recomposition?

To gauge this, we had our testers use the creatine for at least 30 days (the time period most researchers use) to see if there were any changes in their strength levels.

Cost

What’s the price per serving? We found that the average creatine product falls between $0.50 and $1 per serving. We call out when products are significantly higher or lower than that, assessing if the quality is a reflection of the difference.

Third-party testing

Has the product been tested for banned substances by Informed Sport, NSF, or Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG)? This is an important factor to us, because third-party testing indicates that the product is free from contaminants and has an accurate label.

When products do not have third-party testing, we look for other trust signals, such as clear labeling and no proprietary blends.

Taste/Flavors

Is there more than an unflavored option? How do all of them taste? While taste is subjective, we did make notes of our experiences and also looked to other customer reviews for support.

Ingredients

Does it just contain creatine, or are there other ingredients included to help with bioavailability?

Safety and Side Effects

To make sure there would be no adverse side effects, we again looked for third-party testing and asked our testers to note if they felt any indigestion or other symptoms while taking the creatine.

scooping CRN-5 into glass of water

How to Choose the Best Creatine for You

Before you whip out your credit card, decide what creatine supplement is the best fit for you. 

Decide What Your Goals Are

Are you strictly concerned with getting stronger or muscle-building while staying lean? Creatine monohydrate is the most-researched type of creatine, but is known to have some minor side effects like gastrointestinal issues and water retention. Creatine HCL has fewer reported side effects. Also creatine with HMB has been shown to help prevent the breakdown of muscle protein and enhance strength gains.

Consider Dosage

If you’re in a loading protocol and need to take 20 grams of creatine per day, consider the serving size of the supplement. Some containers only come with 30 servings, and if you need to take four per day, you’ll run through it quickly.  

And Also Cost Per Serving

Whether you purchase from Amazon or directly from the manufacturer, creatine can range from less than 40 cents per serving on the low end, to $3 per serving on the high end. The most affordable options are usually just creatine monohydrate, while the more expensive options tend to have other ingredients in them.

Pill or Powder?

Would you rather swallow a few pills to hit your creatine dosing, or does powder sound more appealing? Plenty of unflavored powders are available—you can mix them with almost any drink—or you can find flavored options as well. 

Choose Third Party-Tested Products

This is especially important if you’re an athlete, but really anyone taking supplements should heed this advice. Look for Informed Sport, NSF, or BSCG logos on the products to ensure they’ve been batch-tested for banned substances. 

“Another consideration when purchasing nutritional supplements is that they are not fully regulated by the FDA,” says Dr. Caehla McGeady. “Many supplements on the market, creatine included, have been found to have16 a wide range of contaminants, including everything from harmless unlisted fillers to poisonous heavy metals and illegal levels of BPAs. Third-party testing mitigates the risk of harmful substances in your supplements.”

RELATED: Best Organic Protein Powders

Subscription Options

You can put the best creatine for your fitness goals on a monthly subscription. There are two reasons why you should do this: one, it ensures you’ll never run out of your favorite muscle-building supplement. Secondly, you’ll also likely get a discount so you end up paying less.

Benefits of Creatine

Creatine monohydrate is one of the most widely studied nutritional supplements, which is great news for you—this means that there’s research-backed evidence around the effects of creatine on performance and strength during high-intensity exercise.  

  • Can enhance performance in high-intensity workouts and endurance:  When you participate in short bouts of intense exercise—like a 10-second sprint or a one-rep-max squat—your body uses its anaerobic system and stores of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for energy. ATP, which is produced by phosphocreatine stores inside your muscles, is limited. So, the idea is that if your creatine stores are not full, you may be missing out on potential ATP production, or in other words—leaving some untapped strength and power on the table.
  • Can promote muscle growth and strength: “While your body makes around 1 to 2 grams of creatine per day, individuals who train regularly may need to consume 5 to 10 g of creatine daily to maintain creatine stores,” says Dr. Krissy Kendall, Ph.D. “Creatine supplementation appears to be most useful for short-duration, high-intensity, intermittent exercise, and has been shown to boost the effects of resistance training on muscle strength and size, as well as athletic performance overall.”
  • Improves muscle recovery: Supplementing with creatine orally can help increase your intramuscular stores of creatine and phosphocreatine by as much as 40%, as shown in several studies17. Studies have also analyzed creatine monohydrate supplementation’s effect on strength and performance in resistance training exercises like leg press and bench press18, as well as explosive movements like jump height19, and a great majority have found improved results from the creatine supplementation group versus the control group. 
    In fact, a meta-analysis20 of 22 studies found that the average increase in muscle strength following creatine supplementation was 8 percent greater than with just resistance training alone. Also, the increase in weightlifting performance was 14 percent greater than with just training alone.
  • May help improve brain function: We often talk about creatine’s effect on muscles, but emerging research is showing it may have similar benefits on our brain. A 2022 review21 of studies on creatine supplementation found there was sufficient evidence that it may help increase cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression, concussions, and certain traumatic brain injuries. Further evidence shows that exogenous creatine may also have protective effects in early neurodegenerative disorders22.

While your body makes around 1 to 2 grams of creatine per day, individuals who train regularly may need to consume 5 to 10 g of creatine daily to maintain creatine stores,” says Dr. Kendall. “Creatine supplementation appears to be most useful for short-duration, high-intensity, intermittent exercise, and has been shown to boost the effects of resistance training on muscle strength and size, as well as athletic performance overall.

Dr. Krissy Kendall, PhD

Potential Side Effects of Creatine

Studies examining the effects of long-term creatine supplementation have demonstrated no negative effects on liver, kidney, blood, bone, brain, or muscle function. More so, there is no data that shows creatine causes muscle cramps or leads to dehydration. On the contrary, according to Dr. Krissy Kendall, Ph.D., creatine supplementation has been proposed to increase total body water, which can help to maintain hydration status. 

RELATED: Creatine Myths

Potential Risks of Creatine

Taking creatine, especially larger doses, may cause some occasional, minor gastrointestinal issues. “It’s estimated around 5 to 7% of people who take creatine may experience stomach aches; however, taking smaller doses (3-5 grams) or using a micronized form of creatine may help reduce gastrointestinal distress,” Dr. Kendall says. “Creatine loading may also lead to an initial weight gain of 1 to 2% body mass in the first few days due to water being pulled into the muscle; however, this is less likely to occur if following a low-dose protocol.” 

“Generally, these side effects are more likely if you have an underlying gastrointestinal disorder such as IBS,” Dr. McGeady adds.

RELATED: Creatine Side Effects

Although it’s widely recognized as a safe supplement, it’s always a good idea to consult your physician or a nutrition expert before taking creatine, especially if you take the following medications due to potential interactions in the kidneys:

  • Anything that affects the kidneys
  • Diuretics
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

RELATED: Is Creatine A Steroid?

Who Should & Should Not Take Creatine?

While creatine is most often recommended to athletes, bodybuilders, or everyday gym-goers (and those people should absolutely take 3-5 grams per day), there are many other people who should take creatine on a regular basis. For example, there is some research that indicates it might be beneficial to those who experience chronic headaches, dizziness, or brain injuries (such as athletes who play in impact sports).

Other studies have shown that creatine, when paired with a resistance training regimen, could slow down signs of aging. Additionally, the supplement and regular exercise may help improve bone density to prevent injuries. Women and other pre- and post-menopausal people may also experienced increased bone density.

Although creatine doesn’t appear to affect kidney function in healthy individuals, it’s recommended that people with pre-existing kidney problems avoid taking creatine. Additionally, people with liver disease or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor first before taking creatine as there may be possible interactions with medications they are currently prescribed. Check out our Creatine Alternatives page for our top picks that offer the same benefits without the side effects.

RELATED: Creatine Monohydrate Dosage

Man scooping Beast Creatine into a shaker cup

What Are the Different Types of Creatine?

  • Creatine monohydrate is the most studied and popular form of creatine used in supplements, but it’s not the only form available on the market. Three other popular variations include creatine hydrochloride (HCL); Kre-Alkalyn, which is creatine buffered with bicarbonate; and creatine nitrate (creatine bound to a nitrate molecule). Creatine monohydrate is the least expensive form of creatine and the one most commonly used in research studies—so you know it works. Additionally, creatine monohydrate is the most stable form of creatine on the market and the least likely to be contaminated by exogenous substances or breakdown byproducts12.
  • Creatine HCL is a creatine molecule bound to hydrochloric acid to enhance its solubility and overall absorption rates. Because of this, Dr. Kendall explains, you may be able to take a smaller dose (1 to 2 grams) and still observe the same benefits as taking 5 grams of creatine monohydrate. Consuming less product may help curb bloating and other minor gastrointestinal symptoms you may experience when taking larger doses of creatine monohydrate.
  • Kre-Alkalyn. “Manufacturers of Kre-Alkalyn claim that the addition of an alkaline powder (like bicarbonate) reduces the breakdown of creatine in the stomach leading to improved creatine uptake in the muscle,” says Dr. Kendall. “Improved absorption rates may mean you can skip the loading phase and still get the gains.”  
  • And lastly, similar to the other forms of creatine, creatine nitrate is thought to have greater solubility, meaning you may receive equal benefits from a smaller dose of creatine nitrate (3 grams) compared to creatine monohydrate.
  • There are other creatine formulas—including creatine magnesium chelate, creatine ethyl ester, creatine citrate, and liquid creatine—but they’re not nearly as popular, and research surrounding their effects is limited.

The Best Time to Take Creatine

Creatine is the most-researched supplement in the world, and yet no study has been able to conclusively determine the best time to take creatine. We found three studies showing that there were no significant differences in people who took creatine before or after their workout, with one study23 saying it’s best to take it shortly prior to or following your training sessions rather than at a random time during the day.

RELATED: Do You Take Creatine Before or After Workout?

The Best Way to Take Creatine

The best way to take creatine is by starting with a creatine loading phase—or taking 5 grams of creatine monohydrate four to five times per day for a week, and then 5 grams per day going forward. This will ensure your creatine stores are fully loaded and that you’re reaping the most benefits from the supplement.

Best Creatine FAQS

How much creatine should I take?

If you’re taking creatine for the first time, it’s recommended to take 5 grams four to five times per day for a week (this is known as the “loading phase”, and then take 5 grams of creatine monohydrate every day after that. Some people may require closer to 3 grams per day, so it’s best to check with a nutritionist or physician.

Does creatine cause hair loss?

No, creatine does not cause hair loss. You might found some studies claiming it does, but the overwhelming amount of evidence states that there is no link between creatine supplementation and balding, according to a review of more than 500 studies.

Does creatine make you gain weight?

Creatine may increase your weight by helping you build and retain muscle mass, but if you’re wondering if it increases body fat the answer is no, according to a review of more than 500 studies on the supplement.

Is creatine safe?

For the vast majority of people, yes creatine is safe when consumed at the recommended dose (3-5 grams). A review of more than 500 creatine studies found it’s safe to use for adults, teens, and even children.

Is creatine a steroid?

No, despite the urban legends you may have heard creatine is not an anabolic steroid.

References

  1. Riesberg, L. A., Weed, S. A., McDonald, T. L., Eckerson, J. M., & Drescher, K. M. (2016). Beyond muscles: The untapped potential of creatine. International Immunopharmacology, 37, 31-42. 
  2. Wax, B., Kerksick, C. M., Jagim, A. R., Mayo, J. J., Lyons, B. C., & Kreider, R. B. (2021). Creatine for exercise and sports performance, with recovery considerations for healthy populations. Nutrients, 13(6), 1915.
  3. Li, Z., Wang, P., Yu, Z., Cong, Y., Sun, H., Zhang, J., … & Ju, X. (2015). The effect of creatine and coenzyme q10 combination therapy on mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease. European Neurology, 73(3-4), 205-211.
  4. Izquierdo, M. I. K. E. L., Ibanez, J. A. V. I. E. R., González-Badillo, J. J., & Gorostiaga, E. M. (2002). Effects of creatine supplementation on muscle power, endurance, and sprint performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 34(2), 332-343.
  5. Bogdanis, G. C., Nevill, M. E., Aphamis, G., Stavrinou, P. S., Jenkins, D. G., Giannaki, C. D., … & Williams, C. (2022). Effects of oral creatine supplementation on power output during repeated treadmill sprinting. Nutrients, 14(6), 1140.
  6. Wang, C. C., Fang, C. C., Lee, Y. H., Yang, M. T., & Chan, K. H. (2018). Effects of 4-week creatine supplementation combined with complex training on muscle damage and sport performance. Nutrients, 10(11), 1640.
  7. Wu, S. H., Chen, K. L., Hsu, C., Chen, H. C., Chen, J. Y., Yu, S. Y., & Shiu, Y. J. (2022). Creatine supplementation for muscle growth: a scoping review of randomized clinical trials from 2012 to 2021. Nutrients, 14(6), 1255.
  8. Holeček, M. (2017). Beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate supplementation and skeletal muscle in healthy and muscle‐wasting conditions. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 8(4), 529-541.
  9. Kesarwani, K., & Gupta, R. (2013). Bioavailability enhancers of herbal origin: An overview. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine, 3(4), 253-266.
  10. Forbes, S. C., Candow, D. G., Krentz, J. R., Roberts, M. D., & Young, K. C. (2019). Changes in Fat Mass Following Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training in Adults ≥50 Years of Age: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology, 4(3), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk4030062
  11. De França, Elias & Avelar, Bruno & Yoshioka, Caroline & Santana, Jeferson & Madureira, Diana & Rocha, Leandro & Zocoler, Cesar & Rossi, Fabrício & Lira, Fabio & Rodrigues, Bruno & Caperuto, Erico. (2015). Creatine HCl and Creatine Monohydrate Improve Strength but Only Creatine HCl Induced Changes on Body Composition in Recreational Weightlifters. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 06. 10.4236/fns.2015.617167
  12.  Antonio, J., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Gualano, B., Jagim, A. R., Kreider, R. B., Rawson, E. S., Smith-Ryan, A. E., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Willoughby, D. S., & Ziegenfuss, T. N. (2021). Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w
  13. Hussein, A. M., Adel, M., El-Mesery, M., Abbas, K. M., Ali, A. N., & Abulseoud, O. A. (2018). l-Carnitine Modulates Epileptic Seizures in Pentylenetetrazole-Kindled Rats via Suppression of Apoptosis and Autophagy and Upregulation of Hsp70. Brain sciences, 8(3), 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci8030045
  14. Wu, S. H., Chen, K. L., Hsu, C., Chen, H. C., Chen, J. Y., Yu, S. Y., & Shiu, Y. J. (2022). Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021. Nutrients, 14(6), 1255. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14061255
  15. de França, E., Avelar, B., Yoshioka, C., Santana, J. O., Madureira, D., Rocha, L. Y., … & Caperuto, É. C. (2015). Creatine HCl and creatine monohydrate improve strength but only creatine HCl induced changes on body composition in recreational weightlifters. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 6(17), 1624.
  16. Moret, S., Prevarin, A., & Tubaro, F. (2011). Levels of creatine, organic contaminants and heavy metals in creatine dietary supplements. Food Chemistry, 126(3), 1232-1238.
  17. Hall, M., & Trojian, T. H. (2013). Creatine supplementation. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 12(4), 240-244.
  18. Arciero, P. J., Hannibal, N. S., 3rd, Nindl, B. C., Gentile, C. L., Hamed, J., & Vukovich, M. D. (2001). Comparison of creatine ingestion and resistance training on energy expenditure and limb blood flow. Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental, 50(12), 1429–1434. https://doi.org/10.1053/meta.2001.28159
  19. Lamontagne-Lacasse, M., Nadon, R., & Goulet, E. D. (2011). Effect of creatine supplementation jumping performance in elite volleyball players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 6(4), 525-533.
  20. Rawson, E. S., & Volek, J. S. (2003). Effects of creatine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and weightlifting performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 17(4), 822–831. https://doi.org/10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017<0822:eocsar>2.0.co;2
  21. Forbes, S. C., Cordingley, D. M., Cornish, S. M., Gualano, B., Roschel, H., Ostojic, S. M., Rawson, E. S., Roy, B. D., Prokopidis, K., Giannos, P., & Candow, D. G. (2022). Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Brain Function and Health. Nutrients, 14(5), 921. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14050921
  22. Riesberg, L. A., Weed, S. A., McDonald, T. L., Eckerson, J. M., & Drescher, K. M. (2016). Beyond muscles: The untapped potential of creatine. International Immunopharmacology, 37, 31–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2015.12.034
  23. Ribeiro, F., Longobardi, I., Perim, P., Duarte, B., Ferreira, P., Gualano, B., Roschel, H., & Saunders, B. (2021). Timing of Creatine Supplementation around Exercise: A Real Concern?. Nutrients, 13(8), 2844. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082844

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