You’ve probably seen those bodybuilders at the gym with ridiculously huge muscles and wondered how in the world they got them. Chances are, they’re taking some sort of creatine supplement to help them pack on the pounds of muscle.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at the best creatine supplements on the market and see what makes them so special. You might be surprised to find out that not all creatine supplements are created equal! So without further ado, let’s get started.
We Know A Lot About Creatine
When it comes to creatine supplements, we are well-versed in the subject matter. Our team not only regularly tests the supplements we discuss, but it also consists of certified personal trainers, coaches, Strength and Conditioning coaches, and competitive athletes who have extensive experience with these supplements in their training routines.
In order to compile our list of the best creatine supplements, we conducted thorough testing on each product, taking into account factors such as quality, price point, and overall value for the consumer. The resulting list features some of the finest options available, empowering you to make an informed decision when selecting a creatine supplement for your fitness goals.
Topping off our list, we have the best creatine on the market today with Ultimate CRN-5 from Crazy Nutrition.
This product is designed for fitness professionals and strength athletes and has been extensively researched. It uses only the highest quality proven ingredients to help promote strength, size, and speed.
This bad boy uses a blend of 5 different creatines to give you the benefits of each.
Ultimate CRN-5 uses mostly creatine monohydrate which has been proven to be the best form of creatine. Then they also use Creatine HCL, which is faster absorbing and doesn’t lead to any bloating.
Creatine Ethyl Ester is also absorbed faster and penetrates deep into the muscle. Then they round it out with Tri Creatine Malate for improved muscle energy, endurance, and recovery, without the gassy side effects, and Creatine Pyruvate, which has actually been shown to accelerate fat loss.
Put all of these together, and you have a serious powerhouse of a creatine supplement. It’s perfect for anyone looking to gain strength and size quickly, as well as those wanting to get the most out of their workouts.
CRN-5 creatine mixes up very easily and has a great taste. However, it does use artificial sweeteners which of you some won’t like.
Another great thing about Ultimate CRN-5 is the price. It is one of the least expensive creatine supplements on this list, which I am sure you won’t mind. On top of the already low price you can save when you buy in bulk. Buy 2 tubs and save $8 or buy 3 tubs and save $21.
They even have a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if you aren’t happy, you can get your money back.
Gnarly creatine is another really nice creatine, and it’s actually the creatine I am using right now.
This bad boy uses Creapure, which is the purest form of creatine monohydrate that was developed in Germany. Creapure replenishes your ATP reserve sooner and delivers better results than standard creatine monohydrate.
One of the things I like most about the Gnarly Creatine is that you get 90 servings per pouch. That will last you three months if you take it every day.
The creatine is unflavored, so you can mix it with whatever drink you like and it won’t affect the flavor. I usually just add it to my protein shake, and you can’t even tell it’s in there. Kills two birds with one stone.
Gnarly Creatine is both NSF Content Certified and NSF for Sport Certified. It has been screened for heavy metals, microbes, and pesticides, and it was tested for over 270 substances that are banned by professional sports leagues. Translation: it is as pure as the driven snow.
Pricewise it is above average, but it’s worth it.
Pros
Uses Creapure – purest form of creatine monohydrate
90 servings per pouch
Tested for over 270 sport ban substances
Unflavored, so you can mix it with whatever drink you like
When it comes to muscle building, the best choice is Creatine HMB from Transparent Labs.
What makes it so great?
Creatine HMB uses a 5-gram dose of creatine monohydrate. While there are many forms of creatine out there nowadays, they have yet to be shown to be better than Creatine Monohydrate.
On top of that, they also include 1.5 grams of HMB. HMB has been shown to increase strength, lean body mass, and decrease fat mass when combined with weight training.[1]
Why use Creatine and HMB together?
This meta-analysis researching the effectiveness for both strength and increased muscle mass found creatine and HMB to be the only two supplements to significantly increase net lean mass gains and strength gains. [2]
On top of that, a study done by the Institute of Sport and Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland, found that combining Creatine and HMB resulted in more significant increases in strength and increased lean muscle mass when used together, compared to when they are used independently of each other.[3]
On top of that, this supplement doesn’t use anything artificial or any preservatives. It is made with natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any fillers. Plus it comes in twelve different flavors, so you have a lot of options, including unflavored.
Creatine HMB is above average in price, but you can save money if you get a subscription, and you can also save 10% when you use the coupon code TL10.
In our opinon, if you want to build strength and muscle, Creatine HMB is the best choice.
If you are looking for the benefits of a blended creatine, then our best overall selection would also be the best option.
This creatine supplement contains five different types of creatine: Creatine Monohydrate, Tri-Creatine Malate, Creatine Hydrochloride, Creatine Ethyl Ester, and Creatine Citrate Pyruvate.
Why use a blend of creatines?
Each of the five types of creatine has its own unique properties, so combining them all together gives you a supplement with more extensive benefits.
For instance, Creatine HCL requires smaller doses and Creatine Ethyl Ester may be absorbed better. Blending them together gives you the benefits of each.
Ultimate CRN-5 comes in 2 great flavors and is easily one of the best-tasting creatines on the list but it does use artificial sweeteners, which may turn some people off.
You will be glad to hear that this is one of the cheapest creatines on the list as well. You can also get a subscription which will lower the price by 20% and get you free shipping.
As someone who has taken Re-Kaged as a post-workout supplement, I can say that it truly checks all the boxes for those looking for a high-quality product with creatine.
At first, it may appear to be just another protein powder, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Re-Kaged contains an impressive 28 grams of whey protein isolate, which is crucial for muscle repair and recovery. But what sets it apart is the addition of 1.5 grams of Creatine HCL, which significantly helped me to build muscle mass and increase strength.
I also noticed the inclusion of 1.5 grams of betaine anhydrous, which helped improve my power output and overall strength. And with 3 grams of Glutamine included, I could feel my muscles recovering faster after intense workouts.
What’s great about Re-Kaged is that it doesn’t contain any artificial flavorings and is free of banned substances, which is important to me as an athlete. It also includes digestive enzymes that helped me digest it easily without any stomach discomfort.
Pricewise is above average but when you consider everything it has to deliver the price is actually pretty cheap.
In my experience, this is an excellent post-workout supplement with creatine that delivers on many levels.
Pros
28g of high-quality whey protein isolate
1.5g of Creatine HCL for building muscle mass and strength
I get it, you want some decent creatine, and you don’t want to spend a lot of money to get it. If that’s the case, then Creatine Monohydrate is for you.
Creatine Monohydrate is 100% pure creatine monohydrate and nothing else. No other ingredients are included that would raise the cost, just creatine to keep the price low. Not even any fancy packaging.
This creatine powder is also unflavored, so you can mix it with your favorite beverage or just add it to a protein shake, as I like to do.
This creatine supplement also has 85 servings in a container so you are getting a good amount that will last a while.
Pros
100% pure creatine monohydrate
85 servings per container
Very affordable
Unflavored, mix it with whatever you want
NSF Certified for Sport and NSF Content Certified
Cons
No additional ingredients or benefits beyond sheer muscle building.
Those of you who are looking for a Creatine that is effective and has a great taste should look no further than Creature from Beast Sports.
Creature also has a more extensive variety of flavors than you will find with most creatine supplements. We absolutely love how each one tastes. There’s Cherry Limeade, Pink Lemonade, and Fruit Blast, contained in a bright aqua blue packaging that’s easy on the eyes. If I had to pick one, I would pick Fruit Blast as the best flavor overall.
Creature uses a blend of 5 different creatines that are designed to work in synergy. Each serving contains 4g of creatine, and the mix includes Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Gluconate, Creatine Anhydrous, Creatine Citrate, and Di-Creatine Malate.
This five-creatine blend is made to give you short-term muscle endurance, long-term strength, and faster recovery times.
Furthermore, the powder mixes well, and the final consistency is that of pure juice. You can not stir it and just shake it before drinking, and there won’t be any leftover powder at the bottom.
The last thing you are going to like is the price. Creature is one of the cheapest creatines on the list, so it is also easier on your wallet.
Pros
5-creatine blend for endurance, strength, and recovery
Naked Nutrition has taken its no-nonsense approach to creatine and made it possible for vegans. The cleanliness of this product is sure going to meet demand from those looking forward to taking advantage without having any concerns about ingredients or purity.
Naked creatine is a 100% premium Creatine Monohydrate with nothing to hide. You get the staple form of this supplement that increases muscle mass, exercise performance, and strength while not containing heavy metals or gluten, which can cause side effects in some people.
There are also no dairy products included, so you don’t have any worries about getting sick from them.
This is a micronized creatine powder which means it is easier to dissolve in liquid, which ensures better absorption and utilization by your body. The powder can be mixed with any drink you prefer, like water, juice or even a smoothie if you want something more exciting.
Pricewise this is one of the less expensive creatines on the list as well.
Pros
100% vegan friendly
No heavy metals, fillers, preservatives, gluten or dairy products
Some people prefer Creatine HCL because it is produced with a higher level of solubility, which can help you get better absorption when taken. It can also be less apt to cause water retention and requires much smaller doses.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCL is a patented formula that uses the highest grade of Creatine HCL for maximum effectiveness.
Kaged Muscle offers C-HCL Creatine Hydrochloride in either powder or pill form, depending on your preference.
This creatine comes in Unflavored and Lemon Lime flavors. I have had the unflavored and can tell you that it has a flavor and it’s not good. I would go with the Lemon Lime if I were buying it again, it has to be better than the unflavored. The Lemon Lime does use Sucralose though, which can be a negative.
Pricewise this one is about average but it does come with 76 servings per container, which makes it a pretty good deal.
Creapure is the answer. Developed in Germany, Creapure is an ultrapure form of Creatine Monohydrate.
Regular Creatine Monohydrate is around 99% pure, while Creapure is 99.9% pure. Does that 1% make a difference? Of course, it does, the higher purity means you get a better quality supplement.
One of the best things about about Gnarly Creatine on top of its purity, is the fact that they give you a lot. One pouch has almost 90 servings, which will last you a long time and deliver some nice gains.
Gnarley Creatine is unflavored, and it mixes well. You can mix it with just about anything and not even know it is in there.
Pricewise, it on the more expensive side, but you are getting a higher grade of creatine and a lot of it.
Athletes have a different set of needs from a creatine supplement. For example, they don’t have much use for huge pecs. They prefer explosive power and speed, and athletic performance. Being huge will just slow them down.
Thorne Creatine is a product that was created with the needs of athletes in mind. It’s NSF certified, so you know it will be safe for your body–and can even help improve performance.
Creatine by Thorne is different than most bodybuilding products because it has a unique formula to support athletes’ training regimens and physiology. The NSF Certified for Sport means that every bottle passes all banned substance tests major organizations put in place, ensuring you’re getting clean creatine without any beta-2 agonists or diuretics.
Thorne is a supplement company that has partnered with the Mayo Clinic and 11 US Olympic Teams. They’re also trusted by 100+ pro teams, which makes them one of America’s favorite wellness brands today.
Thornes supplements are all natural so they can help you achieve your health goals in an easy way.
This creatine monohydrate supplement is unflavored and each tub has 90 servings.
Pricewise it is about average which makes the cost per serving pretty low.
Optimum Nutrition is one of the best-known supplement companies in the world, and with good reason. Their Micronized Creatine Monohydrate is an excellent product that can help you reach your goals.
This creatine has been specially treated so it will dissolve better and faster in liquids. This gives you more bang for your buck since it won’t just sink to the bottom of your shaker bottle.
It’s also unflavored, so you won’t have to worry about any funky tastes when you dissolve it in water or juice.
Pricewise this one is about average in price. There are several different sizes you could buy, so the price can vary a bit, the largest size has a whopping 300 servings.
This creatine does come in capsule form, which you may or may not like.
Also, the serving size is only 2.5 grams. Maybe they did this to make it look like there are more servings per container. Five grams is the optimal dose, so be advised that you may need more than 2.5 grams to meet your needs.
When we made this list of the best creatine supplements, we considered several factors.
These are the factors we used:
Type of Creatine Used
While we like Creatine Monohydrate as the best choice for creatine, there are other solid types of creatine like Creatine HCL and Creatine Magnesium Chelate. There are also some nice blended creatines out there that give you the advantages of multiple forms or creatine in one.
Quality/Grade
The grade of creatine is also important. We prefer a creapure-certified brand that has at least 99% pure creatine monohydrate in it. Lower-grade products can have a lot of fillers and poor-quality ingredients.
Absorption/Bioavailability
Creatine is pretty useless if it just passes right through you without being absorbed. We made sure the products on our list had an absorption rate of at least 80%, as this is considered to be high.
Price
Price was a factor but not necessarily the deciding one when it came to choosing the best creatine supplement. We looked for good value with high-quality and performance-enhancing properties. There are definitely some good deals on this list though.
User Reviews
Finally, we looked at what others had to say. We read through hundreds of reviews on Amazon and other websites to get an idea of the real-world experience people were having with these supplements. This was definitely a deciding factor for some products, as it indicated how reliable the supplement actually is.
What is Creatine and How Does it Work in the Body?
Creatine is a natural substance that is found in the human body, mainly in muscle cells. It helps supply energy to all cells in the body, but is especially important for muscle cells. During high intensity exercise and activities, the body needs more energy than it can produce aerobically (through oxygen) so creatine helps provide this extra energy.
Creatine is synthesized in the liver from three amino acids: arginine, glycine, and methionine. It can also be obtained from dietary sources such as red meat and fish, although not all of it is absorbed by the body.
When creatine enters the muscle cells it is converted into phosphocreatine (PCr) which is a form of stored energy. During intense exercise, PCr is broken down to release energy and help fuel the body’s cells.
This helps muscles contract more forcefully, leading to increased power output and improved performance in activities requiring short bursts of energy such as sprinting or weight lifting.
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle strength and endurance, as well as reduce fatigue during exercise. In addition, creatine may have a protective effect on muscles, helping to reduce muscle damage and speed up recovery between workouts.
Overall, creatine is an important molecule for energy production in the body and can be beneficial for athletes who are looking to improve their performance.
The Benefits of Creatine Supplementation
There are many benefits to creatine supplementation that are not all muscle and strength related, let’s take a look at some of the main ones.
Benefits include:
Enhanced Muscle Volume – That’s fancy talk that means it will give you bigger muscles. This study by Penn State University found that creatine” enhanced fat-free mass, physical performance, and muscle morphology in response to heavy resistance training”. Creatine has also been shown to increase IGF-1, which is a key hormone that leads to increased muscle building.
Increased Strength – This is one I can personally attest to. Creatine increases your muscle’s ATP production, which increases strength and power. This 4-week study at Texas Woman’s University found an 18-lb (8-kg) increase in bench press 1-rep max and 20% greater workload at a lower weight. This study from Spain also found that taking creatine “leads to significant improvements in lower-body maximal strength, maximal repetitive upper- and lower-body high-power exercise bouts.” If you still aren’t convinced, here is yet another study, this was a 9-week study done at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, where they gave creatine to college football players. The results were strength increases in the bench press, squat, and power clean as well as increases in the high-intensity anaerobic capacity as high-intensity anaerobic peak power. I think I have made my point.
Enhanced Brain Function – Ooh, fancy. This one is pretty cool; creatine actually helps your brain function better! It has been shown to increase cognitive abilities such as memory and focus. One study at Baylor University found that those taking the supplement “performed significantly better on tests of cognitive flexibility than those not taking it”.
Helps depression – Studies show that creatine is a significant help when taken with an antidepressant to fight depression. You can read the study yourself here.
Is Creatine Really Safe?
Creatine is entirely safe, don’t believe the myths that say otherwise.
Don’t believe me? This study on the long-term side effects of creatine found, “Results indicate that long-term creatine powder supplementation (up to 21 months) does not appear to adversely affect markers of health status in athletes undergoing intense training in comparison to athletes who do not take creatine.”
There is more, though, this 3-year study on football players who were taking creatine found that they had fewer cases of muscle cramps. dehydration, or muscle injuries than those not taking it. They also missed fewer training sessions due to illness or injury.
Creatine also does not affect your kidneys or liver like some people say it does. This long-term study found that creatine “has no long-term detrimental effects on kidney or liver functions in highly trained college athletes in the absence of other nutritional supplements”.
So there you have it; creatine powder is entirely safe.
Micronized creatine is designed to be easier to absorb and more effective than traditional, non-micronized varieties. Creatine helps provide energy for intense exercise, aiding both strength and endurance athletes in their efforts. This additional energy can help increase muscle size and strength by allowing you to push yourself harder and longer in the gym.
Micronized creatine is broken down into smaller particles, allowing for faster absorption by the body, which can lead to greater results. It is also more soluble than regular creatine, reducing its potential to cause stomach discomfort or other digestive issues. With the help of micronized creatine, you can take your workouts to the next level and maximize your gains.
What is Buffered Creatine?
Buffered creatine is a form of creatine that has been bonded to an alkaline molecule. This bond helps increase the stability and solubility of the creatine, making it easier for your body to absorb and utilize. The alkaline component may also provide additional benefits such as improved muscle pH levels and reduced water retention.
Additionally, buffered creatine can help reduce the potential for stomach discomfort or other digestive issues when compared to regular creatine. Ultimately, buffered creatine is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their gains and get the most out of their supplement.
Other Key Ingredients:
These are some of the other key ingredients to look for that manufacturers will add to the creatine to give it an extra punch. Some good ones to look for include:
HMB – Has been shown to increase muscle size and strength as we have already mentioned
Bioperine – Increased bioavailability which means better absorption, so the creatine doesn’t just pass right through you
Betaine Anhydrous – Has also been shown to increase strength
Taurine – Works together with beta-alanine and has been shown to decrease next-day muscle soreness
Cinnulin – Improves glucose and insulin metabolism, meaning more energy to get through your workouts.
When Should You Take Creatine?
Although the research isn’t 100% conclusive, it seems that the best time to take creatine is either before or after your workout with a slight edge given to post-workout.
I personally take it after my workouts, but as long as you take it around the time you work out, you should be good. Have you experimented with taking creatine at different times? What has been your experience? Let us know in the comments below.
What to Mix Creatine With?
For me personally, I usually mix creatine with water or add it to a protein shake if the creatine is unflavored. However, creatine absorption is increased by a quick spike in insulin, so we suggest Gatorade/Powerade mixed with water or even Kool-Aid watered down.
Fruit juices don’t work as well because they mainly contain fructose, which will not cause an immediate spike in insulin which is needed. There might be a few health nuts that will come at us for suggesting such drinks, this is our opinion and what we recommend. It works.
Which is the Best Creatine Supplement Available Today?
Creatine is one of the most popular supplements on the market today, and for a good reason. Creatine has been shown to increase muscle mass, improve strength and endurance, and speed up recovery times. However, with so many different creatine supplements available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
Creatine HMB by Transparent Labs is a great option for those looking for a high-quality creatine supplement. Creatine HMB is a combination of creatine and beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutrate (HMB), which has been shown to further improve muscle mass and strength gains.
In addition, Creatine HMB is third-party tested for purity and potency, so you can be sure that you’re getting exactly what you expect. If you’re looking for the best creatine supplement available, Creatine HMB by Transparent Labs is a great option.
Any Side Effects From Creatine?
Fortunately, creatine is considered to be very safe when taken in the recommended dosages. In fact, creatine has been extensively studied and no evidence of any serious side effects have been found. That being said, some users may experience slight digestive issues such as bloating or cramps.
To reduce the potential for these side effects, it’s essential to make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated. You may also find that the use of a buffered creatine supplement can help reduce the potential for stomach discomfort or other digestive issues when compared to regular creatine.
Ultimately, buffered creatine is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize the benefits of creatine without any potential for negative side effects.
How To Choose The Best Creatine For You
Deciding to buy a creatine supplement can be a bit dizzying with all the choices out there. You’ve got to think about things like price, dosage, the specific type of creatine, and how it’s formulated. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through each of these to help make this a thrilling adventure rather than a headache.
Price
Money matters, right? The price tags on creatine can range from as low as $0.39 to as high as $2.24 per serving, and this varies by things like formulation and type of creatine.
If you’re eyeing creatine monohydrate, your wallet will be happier since it’s usually the cheapest. More basic supplements without a lot of extras might also save you some bucks, so pick what fits your needs and budget.
Dosage
How much creatine you take can vary, and there’s even a loading phase some folks do, though it’s not required. A typical loading phase might mean taking 0.3 grams per kilogram of body weight daily for the first week, and then dropping to 0.03 grams after that.
If you have more muscle or are super active, you might need up to 10g daily. It’s worth doing a little math to figure out the perfect amount for you, whether you like the precision of pills or the flexibility of powders.
Type of Creatine
Several types of creatine are out there, and one might suit you better. Creatine monohydrate is a good budget-friendly choice, while micronized creatine mixes better.
If regular creatine gives you stomach problems, you might prefer a buffered formula or something with a different pH. Creatine HMB could be your thing if you’re after fat loss and strength gains. Ultimately, pick the type that meshes with your lifestyle and goals.
Formulation
Choosing the right formulation is like picking the perfect tool for a job. Maybe you prefer pills, or perhaps a powder is your style, especially if you want to mix it with other stuff like beta-alanine or post-workout supplements.
Flavored or unflavored, straight-up creatine or a blend with other ingredients, the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and what you want to achieve with your supplement.
There you have it: a breakdown of what to think about when you’re choosing the right creatine for you. It’s all about finding what fits with your needs, your lifestyle, and your goals.
How Much Does Creatine Cost?
Looking to buy some creatine but confused about the price range? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy on the wallet and the brain. Creatine is actually one of the more budget-friendly supplements out there, but the price can change based on what type you’re after and what else might be mixed in.
Creatine monohydrate is the basic option and usually the cheapest. If you want something that might be easier on the stomach and absorb better, creatine hydrochloride (or HCL) might be the way to go. It’s a bit more expensive than monohydrate, but some athletes swear by it.
And then there’s the high-end stuff: creatine enhanced with other supplements, like HMB. These versions can be the costliest, as they offer potentially more potent effects.
Though the prices can range anywhere from $0.39 to $2.24 per serving, or $20 to $60 for a whole container, the average you might pay is around $1.11 per serving. Of course, it can go up or down based on what you specifically need.
So there you have it. Creatine’s cost isn’t a one-size-fits-all, but understanding what you’re after can help you pick the right supplement for your pocketbook and your performance.
FAQs
Which creatine is the best and safest?
Creatine Monohydrate is the best form of creatine as it has been extensively studied and is considered to be the safest. However, other forms of creatine such as Creatine HMB or buffered creatine, may also be effective and are worth considering depending on your goals.
What creatine mixes the best?
The best mixing creatine would be micronozed creatine, this has very small particles that make it mix very easily. Creatine HCL is also a solid choice if you want creatine that mixes well.
What are the negatives of taking creatine?
There are few potential negatives of taking creatine, but the most common side effect is digestive discomfort such as bloating or cramps. To reduce the potential for this, it’s essential to stay hydrated and consider using a buffered creatine supplement. In addition, those with kidney or liver problems should consult their doctor before taking creatine.
Is Creatine worth using?
Yes, definitely. Creatine is the most effective supplement you can buy for muscle and strength building. It has been extensively studied and is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended amounts. It can also help improve endurance and recovery, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to increase their performance. There really isn’t any downside to using creatine, so it’s definitely worth considering.
Are there any long-term side effects of taking creatine?
No, there are no known long-term side effects associated with taking creatine. In fact, there have been numerous studies showing that creatine is safe and effective when taken in recommended doses. However, it is important to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated while taking creatine.
Final Word
All in all, these are some of the best creatine supplements on the market. While they each have their own unique benefits, they’re all effective at helping you build muscle mass and improve your overall performance when working out. If you’re looking for a quality creatine supplement to help take your workouts to the next level, any one of these would be a great option.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
