Creatine is a natural amino acid that is found in the body. It helps to produce energy in the muscles, and is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders.
There are many different supplements on the market that claim to improve creatine uptake, but which ones actually work?
In this blog post, we will discuss the best supplements for creatine and how they can help you achieve your fitness goals!
A few things to keep in mind:
Please keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.
Food is your best source of nutrition, especially for fitness! You do not need creatine. Please check with your doctor before starting any supplement program.
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Creatine is an extremely common ingredient, and there is much similarity between products on this list. We’ve tried to pick the best, not necessarily variety, if we missed one of your favorites then let us know in the comments.
Finally be sure to check out the frequently asked question section below our top picks – now let’s dive in!
Best Creatine Supplements
Best Creatine Monohydrate Powder – Bulk Supplements
Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder Runner-Up – Thorne
Best Creatine Alternative – Bulk Supplements
Best Price – Life Extension
Best Micronized Creatine Monohydrate – Optimized Nutrition
Best for Athletic Performance – Brickhouse Nutrition
Micronized Powder Creatine Runner-Up – Nutricost
1 – Best Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Price = $28.46
# of Servings = 100
Price per Serving = $0.30
Product Reviews = 4.6/5 (32,799 reviews)
Serving Size = 5 Grams (about 2 tsp)
Taste / absorption = Unflavored
Labeled Effect = Supports muscle growth
Food Allergens = Safe
Pros = High quality pure creatine monohydrate, competitive price per serving
Cons = No other vitamins, minerals or herbs
About Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Creatine Monohydrate powder is one of the most popular bodybuilding supplements that can help you achieve gains.
Furthermore, Creatine is also backed by robust research. See science on creatine, which concludes after studying 721 participants across several studies, “creatine supplementation increases lean tissue mass and upper and lower body muscular strength during resistance training of older adults“.
Even better, this powder is easier for your body to absorb, making it more effective in increasing your strength and power.
Creatine one of the most popular supplements for a reason, and this supplement is the standard.
Made By Bulk Supplements:
Bulk Supplements started in 2011 and is based in Nevada. Its main facility is FDA registered. According to ReviewMeta.com, average adjusted rating is 4.4/5 from 39,370 verified reviews.
Start = 2011
Revenue = $10 million
Employees = 50
Third Party Certifications = NSF, cGMP
Third Party = Reviews = 4.4/5 from 39,370 reviews
2 – Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder Runner-Up
Price = $36.00
# of Servings = 90
Price per Serving = $0.40
Product Reviews = 4.7/5 (4,383 reviews)
Serving Size = 1 Scoop (5g)
Taste / absorption = Unflavored
Labeled Effect = Support in energy management, endurance
Food Allergens = Safe
Pros = Pure creatine
Cons = No other vitamins, minerals or herb, similar to other products on this list
Thorne Creatine is a muscle-building supplement that has been shown to promote lean body mass, increase muscle endurance, and improve power output.
Admittedly, when researching the best creatine supplements we found many that are similar to each other. Aside from the similarity, this is still a high quality supplement.
It is also NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that it meets high standards for safety and purity. Thorne is a trusted brand that’s been around since 1984.
Made By Thorne:
Founded in 1984 and based out of New York. According to ReviewMeta.com, Thorne Research gets a 4.4/5 average adjusted rating from 8,718 verified reviews.
Start = 1984
Revenue = $171 million
Employees = 496
Mission = empower individuals to live healthier for longer through scientific testing and solutions
Third Party Certifications = NSF, cGMP, TGA
Third Party Reviews = 4.4/5 average adjusted rating from 8,718 verified reviews
3 – Best Creatine Alternative
Price = $12.96
# of Servings = 133
Price per Serving = $0.09
Product Reviews = 4.8/5 (1156 reviews)
Serving Size = 750 milligrams
Taste / absorption = Unflavored Powder
Labeled Effect = Support muscle and cognitive function
Food Allergens = Safe
Pros = Highly competitive price, alternative to creatine monohydrate
Cons = Less scientific research
Have you gotten an upset stomach when you’ve tried Creatine in the past? If so, Creatine HCL is a great alternative.
You’ll notice Creatine HCL is made by Bulk Supplements, which also makes the Creatine Monohydrate supplement we listed above.
However, Creatine Monohydrate is different than Creatine HCL.
The most researched form of creatine is creatine monohydrate, which consists of a creatine molecule and a water molecule.
It best simulates the body’s natural form created by the liver. This is the active ingredient in most creatine products found throughout the world.
Creatine Hydrochloride (HCL), on the other hand, is a creatine molecule linked to a hydrochloric acid ion. This form is more absorbable and soluble than monohydrate, making it the choice of those who experience stomach issues when taking creatine monohydrate.
However, Creatine HCL has less research so you can’t be as certain.
If you’re looking for a alternative specifically because you got an upset stomach this is one of the best alternatives.
Made by Bulk Supplements:
Bulk Supplements started in 2011 and is based in Nevada. Its main facility is FDA registered. They produce supplements in bulk and keep costs low by using minimal packaging. According to ReviewMeta.com, average adjusted rating is 4.4/5 from 39,370 verified reviews.
Start = 2011
Revenue = $10 million
Employees = 50
Third Party Certifications = NSF, cGMP
Third Party Reviews = 4.4/5 from 39,370 reviews
4 – Best Price
Price = $9.75
# of Servings = 60
Price per Serving = $0.16
Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (37 reviews)
Serving Size = 2 Veggie Capsules
Taste / absorption = Unflavored
Labeled Effect = Supports healthy muscle function
Food Allergens = Safe
Pros = Contains Vitamin C, competitive pricing, capsules
Cons = Less creatine per serving
Creatine Capsules by Life Extension are exactly what you’d think – creatine capsules. Instead of the popular powder form, this supplement delivers creatine via capsules.
If you’re looking for a supplement that can help support your overall exercise performance, capsules may be a good option for you.
Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that can be found in meat and seafood. It’s known for its ability to promote healthy muscle function and energy.
Best if you’re looking for inexpensive, creatine capsules without sacrificing quality.
Made by Life Extension:
Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24, 224 verified reviews.
Start = 1980
Revenue = $168 million
Employees = 500
Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
5 – Best Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
Price = $23.99
# of Servings = 57
Price per Serving = $0.42
Product Reviews = 4.8/5 (60 reviews)
Serving Size = 1 Rounded Teaspoon (5.25 g)
Taste / absorption = Unflavored
Labeled Effect = Support muscle strength, power, and size
Food Allergens = Safe
Pros = Pure creatine powder, mixes more easily
Cons = No other vitamins, minerals or herbs
About Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Have you ever struggled mixing Creatine supplement powder into water? Or does your creatine supplement settle in the bottom of your water bottle?
Micronized Creatine Powder is micronized (to make the particles smaller), so it mixes more easily and remains suspended in liquid longer than non-micronized creatine supplements. It’s formulated with Creapure, a creatine monohydrate recognized for its high purity.
Made by Optimum Nutrition:
Made and trusted by athletes, Optimum Nutrition has decades of experience. According to ReviewMeta.com, Optimum Nutrition receives a 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 67,776 verified reviews.
Start = 1986
Revenue = $21 million
Employees = 112
Mission = helping performance-focused athletes achieve their goals
Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF
Third Party Reviews = 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 67,776 verified reviews
6 – Best for Athletic Performance
Price = $54.95
# of Servings = 30
Price per Serving = $1.83
Product Reviews = 5.0/5 (1,390 reviews)
Serving Size = 4 Capsules
Taste / absorption = Unflavored
Labeled Effect = Fight muscle fatigue and increase workout endurance
Food Allergens = Safe
Pros = High quality transparent science, effective ingredients, outstanding reviews
Cons = 4 capsules, higher price per serving
About Foundation Creatine + REAL ATP
Foundation Creatine + REAL ATP is science-backed supplement helps fight muscle fatigue while increasing nutrient and oxygen delivery to your muscles.
ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is an important energy source for your cells. By combining creatine and ATP, this supplement provides your body with the tools it needs to work out longer and recover faster.
Studies have shown that both creatine and ATP supplements can improve lean mass and strength, so you can be sure this supplement will help you take your workout to the next level.
However, the serving size is 4 capsules and the price per serving is higher than most. These cons notwithstanding, this is one of the best creatine supplements on the market simply because of the transparent science.
Made By Brickhouse Nutrition:
Founded in 2016 in Ohio. According to Judge.Me, Brickhouse Nutrition gets a 4.9/5 average rating from 7,882 reviews.
Start = 2016
Revenue = less than $5 million
Employees = less than 25
Mission = Aimed at improving your health, performance, and overall life
Third Party Certifications = GMP
Third Party Reviews = 4.9/5 average rating from 7,882 reviews
7 – Micronized Powder Creatine Runner-Up
Price = $26.24
# of Servings = 100
Price per Serving = $0.26
Product Reviews = 4.7/5 (8,798 reviews)
Serving Size = 1 Scoop (5g)
Taste / absorption = Unflavored, easier to absorb
Labeled Effect = Support ATP levels
Food Allergens = Safe
Pros = Pure micronized creatine, nice price with enough servings
Cons = No other vitamins, minerals or herbs
About Monohydrate Micronized Powder
Nutricost’s Monohydrate Micronized Powder provides 500 grams of creatine monohydrate per bottle, and each serving (scoop included) has 5 grams of this powerful workout supplement.
As mentioned earlier, micronized creatine is easier to absorb and mixes better. However, micronized creatine doesn’t have as much science backing.
Nonetheless, as far as creatine monohydrate supplements go with a strong brand, decent pricing and quality ingredients it’s very solid option
Made By NutriCost:
Nutricost is located in Utah and founded in 2012. According to ReviewMeta.com, Nutricost gets 4.1/5 with 4,628 verified reviews.
Start = 2012
Revenue = $5 million
Employees =
Mission = providing quality products while keeping prices affordable
Third Party Certifications = GMP
Third Party Reviews = 4.1/5 with 4,628 verified reviews
What factors do we use to rank supplements?
1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?
At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration.
2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?
We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.
3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission?
We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.
4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?
5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?
6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?
7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?
8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?
Who benefits most from creatine supplements?
When it comes to who benefits most from creatine supplements, there are a few groups of people that tend to benefit the most.
These groups include athletes, bodybuilders, and people looking to improve their overall physical performance.
Creatine has been shown to help increase strength, endurance, and power output, making it an ideal supplement for those looking to improve their physical performance.
Additionally, because creatine helps to reduce recovery time after intense exercise, it can also be beneficial for those who are training for competitive events or who are trying to build muscle mass.
So if you’re looking for a way to boost your physical performance or build muscle mass, creatine supplements may be right for you.
When should I take creatine supplements?
Creatine supplements are typically taken 30-60 minutes before workouts or athletic endeavors.
Who may not benefit from creatine supplements?
Some factors for not benefiting from creatine supplements include:
Being a nonresponder to creatine supplementation
Having kidney or liver disease
Taking certain medications (e.g., diuretics, steroids)
Being pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to speak with your doctor before taking creatine supplements.
Additionally, if you experience any negative side effects while taking creatine supplements, be sure to discontinue use and speak with your doctor.
How to take supplements for creatine
The recommended dose of creatine is 0.03 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.
For example, a person who weighs 80 kilograms (176 pounds) would need to take about two and a half grams of creatine per day.
How soon after taking creatine supplements will I feel better?
Creatine begins to work immediately, but it can take up to two weeks for the full effects to be felt.
If you’re not seeing the results you want after two weeks, you can try increasing your dose. However, be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage of .03 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Best Supplement with Creatine – Summary
Creatine supplements are a great way to improve your physical performance, reduce recovery time after intense exercise, and build muscle mass.
However, it’s important to speak with your doctor before taking creatine supplements if you have any risk factors or experience negative side effects.
Additionally, be sure to follow the recommended dosage and wait at least two weeks before increasing your dose if you’re not seeing the results you want.
Do you have any questions about creatine supplements? Leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer them!
One final note – be sure to check out our complete database of supplement reviews so you can find the best supplement for your personal situation!
If you aren’t sure how to conduct personal research on various supplements, read our beginner’s guide to supplements and vitamins.