10 Best Creatine Supplements Compared & Fully Reviewed
By Steph Coelho
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If you’re looking for an additional supplement to help you out with your workout performance, creatine may be an option.
It’s one of the most popular supplements out there and there’s a good reason for that popularity. Creatine can help you get stronger and can help you improve your workout performance. It’s not a magical solution, though. A healthy diet and active lifestyle are still an important part of the equation. But there’s no harm in adding creatine supplements to your diet. It’s a safe and effective way to enhance your performance and there are plenty of quality brands and options available on the market. We’ve done a bit of the legwork for you by browsing and researching hundreds of creatine supplement options and evaluating them on effectiveness, toleration, taste, and price.
Below, you’ll find our top picks for creatine supplements.
- Bulk Supplements
Our rating- Blends well
- Price: See Here
- Beast Sports Creature
Our rating- Effective
- Price: See Here
- BSN N.O.-XPLODE Pre-Workout
Our rating- No energy crash
- Price: See Here
10 Best Creatine Supplements
1. Bulk Supplements
This creatine supplement option comes in powdered form, is flavorless and is suitable for use by vegans. Reviewers tolerated it well, liked that it had no aftertaste, and blended well into whatever liquid they were using.
Expand to see moreEffectiveness
Reviewers consistently raved about the results achieved with this monohydrate creatine powder. Some were so impressed that they went on to purchase multiple products from the company. Reviewers felt they had more energy and were able to perform better during their workouts.
Toleration
Reviewers tolerated this creatine supplement quite well. Some even pointed out that the powder did not cause bloating that others did. Digests well without causing upset an stomach.
Taste
The micronized powder blends very well into water and other liquids so the taste is barely there. The flavorless powder is easy to swallow and has no yucky aftertaste. Requires a shake every once in a while if you let it sit and some did find it tasted chalky but it was immeasurably better than similar products on the market. Some reviewers did note an unpleasant aftertaste but they were in the minority.
Price
The product offers superior value for the amount paid. Cheaper than similar products on the market.Pros
- Vegan
- Easily digestible
- Works effectively
- Great value
- Blends well into various liquids
Cons
- Tends to settle and requires a shake to mix in again
2. Beast Sports Creature
This creatine powder comes in a variety of flavors and is meant to help muscle growth and increase endurance during training. The special blend of creatine is meant to digest quickly and act fast.
Expand to see moreEffectiveness
Reviewers felt good when using this supplement and felt that it helped with recovery. Users also felt stronger after using the supplement a little while and were able to lift heavier weights.
Toleration
No upset stomachs here and virtually no bloating. This may depend on the unique user, but commenters felt they tolerated the powder well. Capsules are also available from this brand which some reviewers appreciated and found easier to take.
Taste
Taste is an individual preference and comments on the powder's taste varied significantly. Some found the flavored powder tasted just right, while others complained the artificial flavoring was much too strong. Some users compared certain flavors to Gatorade. The product does not leave a lot of residue since it mixes in well which reviewers appreciated.
Price
One tub provides 30 servings. There is also another larger tub available with 60 servings. Users felt the price was good but complained that it didn't last as long as they might have liked since they were using it so often.Pros
- Effective supplement consistently helps with strength and endurance
- Tolerated well by athletes
- Mixes well
- Comes in a few flavours and in capsule form
Cons
- Mixed reviews about the taste
3. BSN N.O.-XPLODE Pre-Workout
This supplement is a pre-workout blend made with creatine to improve endurance and performance. There's even a caffeine free version for those who are sensitive to stimulants. If you prefer an extra energy boost, the caffeinated version contains 275mg of the stuff to wake you and your body up. The blend also comes in various flavors like Fruit punch and Watermelon.
Expand to see moreEffectiveness
Reviewers agreed that the product delivers on its promise to increase energy levels and endurance. Users didn't experience uncomfortable jitters after taking the product. They felt ready to take on hard workouts and keep pumping iron. Reviewers who tried the caffeinated version liked how much energy it gave them, even for early morning workouts.
Toleration
Thankfully, there are caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions of this product. For those who can tolerate it, the caffeine provides an extra boost. A few reviewers found that they could not tolerate the high caffeine content and opted for the un-caffeinated version. If taking the caffeinated version, avoid taking the supplement at or before bedtime. A few users did find they felt a bit bloated after using the powder but didn't cite this as a deal breaker. Users liked that they could get an energy boost without the crash.
Taste
The creatine supplement comes in a variety of flavors that mix well with water. Reviewers liked the taste. Reviewers have their particular flavor favorites but many liked the watermelon and fruit punch versions. One reviewer suggested mixing in the flavored powder with sparkling water to mimic a soda drink. Some users complained that the formula doesn't do well in a Shaker cup as it tends to foam up so just make sure to mix well with a spoon before drinking.
Price
You get a lot for the price. Reviewers were happy with the value they received when buying this creatine supplement. The serving count on the tub is accurate, you get your money's worth.
Pros
- Provides an intense energy boost
- No energy crash
- Enhances endurance
- Good value
- Palatable flavors
- Mixes well without sediment
- Well-tolerated by users
Cons
- Caffeinated version may not be tolerated by some users
4. Optimum Nutrition
This performance enhancing creatine supplement is the number one seller in its category on Amazon and there's a good reason for it. It gets consistently high ratings from reviewers. The unflavored supplement delivers micronized Creatine that's 99.9 percent pure.
Expand to see moreEffectiveness
Delivers on its advertised promise. It helps increase strength, boost energy, and improve focus. The majority of reviewers agreed that the product was very effective.
Toleration
The fact that it's micronized means that it's easier to digest. Micronization ensures that the supplement is rapidly absorbed by the body. There are no other ingredients in this mix that might cause stomach issues.
Taste
There's only one flavor option with this powder: unflavored. Some might prefer to have a wide selection of flavors to mix in with water but reviewers did like the tasteless powder. There's no gross aftertaste when mixed with water. The product doesn't mix as well as other options, though. Users noticed a lot of sediment forming at the bottom of their cups or bottles and extra shaking is necessary to mix it up. Some users also complained of a gritty texture when using this powder. If you're worried about texture and taste getting in the way, just mix it with something already flavored like a protein shake or juice.
Price
Super inexpensive compared to other product options. You won't run out of this stuff very easily because you get a lot of it. One tub will likely last up to a year.
Pros
- Delivers results
- Unflavored option has no bad aftertaste
- Very good value
- Large quantity
- Rapidly absorbed by the body
- No fillers
Cons
- Mixes poorly
- Results in a gritty texture
- Doesn't come with a scoop or spoon
- Difficult to get powder out of the tub
5. Musclepharm Creatine
This brightly branded creatine powder is super high-quality. It helps with energy levels and aids with gains. With his powder, you get 5 grams of creation with each serving. Each scoop can be easily measured out with the handy scoop included. The unflavored powder is great when added to protein shakes.
Expand to see moreEffectiveness
Reviewers noticed a difference in their performance and body when taking this creatine supplement regularly. Effectively improves strength and muscle mass. Reviewers who were weight training commented that they definitely saw visible results when using the product.
Toleration
Reviewers liked that the creatine supplement did not cause excess bloat. None faced any kind of stomach issues. It has no unpronounceable additives which reviewers appreciated.
Taste
The supplement mixes very well with water and reviewers didn't note any bad aftertaste with the unflavored powder. Dissolves well with no gross sediment. Reviewers felt that this brand mixed in better than others they had tried in the past. Some did note that they felt the powder tasted a bit bitter and was better when mixed with something flavored like Gatorade or orange juice. While it does dissolve well, it takes a while to stir it enough so that it's completely mixed in.
Price
This inexpensive formula is a great option for those who want to take the supplement every day. One tub provides quite a few servings. 60 servings should last a user about 2 months if taken once a day.
Pros
- Effective product
- Doesn't cause bloating
- No significant taste
- Mixes well
- Great price
Cons
- Takes long to dissolve
6. NOW Sports
This orange-branded creatine powder contains zero GMOs and is fine enough that it dissolves easily in liquid. Because it's so fine, it also gets absorbed by the body much easier than creatine powders with larger granules.Expand to see moreEffectiveness
Does what it's supposed to do. Reviewers noticed they got tired less quickly and had more energy to get through tough workouts. Users felt that they were getting a quality product for a good price.
Toleration
Reviewers pointed out that they felt the need to drink more water due to the dehydration caused by creatine intake. This was particularly noticeable with this powder. Does not contain tons of sugar. Some users did point out they did experience some nausea when taking the product but they were in the minority.
Taste
Some pointed out that the powder had a chalky taste when mixed with liquids. It also tends to clump up at the bottom but that's nothing a little extra mixing can't solve. Because it's flavorless it's easy to mix with your breakfast drink or smoothie.
Price
It's a low-cost powder that's effective and doesn't taste disgusting. One of the cheapest options for quality creatine.Pros
- Works like it's supposed to help with increasing muscle mass, etc.
- Well tolerated by users
- Is not laden with additives
- No nasty aftertaste
- Great price
Cons
- Doesn't always mix well
- Some felt it had a chalky taste
7. MET-Rx
If you're not a fan of powder formulations when taking supplements then here's a capsule version. This creatine supplement is easy to swallow and there's no need for mixing or tolerated unpleasant flavors. It's a quick way to take your desired supplement. This product is available in a 120-capsule version and another version with double the amount.
Expand to see moreEffectiveness
Reviewers found this supplement was comparable to other quality products on the market. The pill format makes it easy to take these along when traveling or hitting the gym. Reviewers felt that taking this supplement helped them to feel stronger. Allows users to power through workouts and increase calorie burn by giving them the energy to go longer.
Toleration
Some reviewers didn't like the large serving size of 6 capsules since it meant having to swallow that many pills. Does dehydrate so it's important to drink a lot of water.
Taste
There's no need to worry about flavor with his creatine supplement since it's in capsule form. A serving size is 6 pills, though, so make sure you're comfortable swallowing that many pills a day! The pill format helps reduce overall waste since there's no need to worry about sediment or properly mixing the powder into liquid. You know exactly what you're taking each time you swallow a pill.
Price
Reviewers felt they were getting quite a bit of value with this creatine supplement. The bottles of this supplement are quite big so you get a lot for the price you pay and the capsules should last a long time. Just keep in mind that one serving is equal to six pills.Pros
- Comparable performance with powder formulations
- No need to mix into water
- Easy to take, no mixing involved
- Mess-free
- Excellent value
Cons
- One serving is six pills, which some reviewers didn't like
8. Integrated Supplements Creapure
This creatine supplement is another micronized option which means it's absorbed fast and blends really well. The flavorless micronized creatine powder is easier on the stomach, too.Expand to see moreEffectiveness
Reviewers consistently agreed on the quality of the product and were happy with the results they got when using it. Users noticed increases in strength and muscle size over time.
Toleration
The micronized powder is thinner than other formulations making it easier to digest. It's less likely to cause bloat and indigestion.
Taste
It's flavorless and doesn't have a terrible aftertaste but some reviewers found that it had a chalky texture even when well blended.
Price
It comes in a really big tub so you get a lot of bang for your buck with this creatine supplement.Pros
- Well-tolerated by most
- No discernible taste
- Does what it's meant to
- Quickly digested
Cons
- Chalky texture even when well mixed
9. CON-CRET
Con-Cret. Get it? Like concrete because this stuff is meant to help make you stronger. It's not just a clever name. This stuff works according to the rave reviews. It's easily absorbed by the body and doesn't produce unwanted symptoms like intestinal upset or bloating. That, and the packaging is pretty snazzy.
Expand to see moreEffectiveness
Work well and is a great help for recovery. Reviewers were happy with their increased endurance. Users felt they were able to lift more and heavier weights when taking the supplement and enjoyed the extra energy they got from taking it.
Toleration
The formulation of this creatine supplement ensures that users won't get upset tummies, bloating or any other nasty side effects. Reviewers liked that they didn't need a heaping scoop of powder to get an effective dose.
Taste
The powder comes in seven different flavors including an unflavored option. According to reviewers, the unflavored does have a bit of an aftertaste but it's rather pleasant. Most likened the unflavored option to drinking a lemon or citrus drink. Most flavors had some kind of sour aftertaste. Because one serving is smaller than with other types of creatine powders, it's easier to mix in and down all in one go which reviewers really appreciated. Some felt the flavored options were a bit too artificial tasting. The supplement also mixes super well into liquids.
Price
A little more expensive than other types of creatine supplements but it's definitely a quality formulation that delivers results. It also provides a good serving amount. Small scoops mean that you're not using up the stuff as fast as you would with other supplements. Some found the capsule format was a better value.Pros
- Great for recovery
- Helps build muscle
- No unpleasant side effects
- Unflavored option has a nice taste to it strangely enough
Cons
- Expensive but a good investment
10. BPI Sports
This combination blend mixes six different types of creatine for maximum benefit. Helps promote muscle growth and endurance. The specific blend helps to eliminate potential bloating that comes with other products. Comes in three flavors and two tub sizes.
Expand to see moreEffectiveness
This product doesn't contain caffeine but even without a caffeinated formula reviewers felt they got an energy boost from the powder. Overall, reviewers were impressed with the results they achieved when taking this creatine supplement.
Toleration
The special formula is meant to prevent nasty stomach issues but a few reviewers still said that the product caused some stomach upsets. Those with sensitive digestive systems may need to be more careful when taking supplements. Most reviewers liked that it was easy on the stomach and found that they experienced no ill effects from taking the supplement.
Taste
Most reviewers liked the taste of this creatine supplement but some found it a bit too sweet. There's no chalky taste or texture with this powder and it mixes quite well into liquids. There's no sugar added which users also appreciated. This creatine supplement has many positive comments regarding taste compared to other formulations. Reviewers particularly liked the Snow Cone flavor adding that it didn't taste like a supplement at all.
Price
The creatine supplement is priced fairly and provides enough servings that it should last a little while. Users appreciated the low price and felt it was well worth it. Many even mentioned they went back to buy more once their first tub was finished.
Pros
- Provides a decent energy boost
- Improves strength and endurance
- Doesn't cause stomach issues
- Taste yummy
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Some found the flavored options too sweet
Evaluation Criteria Explained.
When evaluating the above creatine supplements we relied on the many reviews of the product to give us insight into their quality, effectiveness, toleration, taste, and value. Each of our picks received high praise from reviewers in all these areas. We selected the creatine supplements with consistently high reviews but also those with top scores in the most important areas. A creatine supplement, like all other types of supplements, should be effective, because otherwise why are you buying it? It should be well-tolerated. It also needs to taste good so you can get it down, and it should be affordable.
Effectiveness
What does it mean for a creatine supplement to be effective? It’s a tough thing to test unless you’re conducting some kind of strict scientific experiment. How did we determine the effectiveness of the products? We sifted through hundreds, if not thousands of reviews to find out what users had to say about the formula they were taking. A good creatine powder or capsule should help athletes gain muscle, endurance, and strength. Creatine is not a magical formula, of course, since users should be strength training, and following a healthy lifestyle. In other words, you can’t expect a creatine supplement to make you swole if it’s the only thing you’re doing for your health. If it’s all you’re doing, it’s not exactly the healthy way to go. With all the above creatine supplements, reviewers mentioned noticeable changes in their bodies and/or their ability to complete workouts. Some formulations with caffeine are meant to provide users with more energy and if that’s the promise, that’s what they should deliver.Toleration
What do we mean by toleration? Simply put, a good creatine supplement shouldn’t make you feel sick. Some users will be more sensitive to supplementation than others, but for the most part, you don’t want to ingest something if it’s going to make you feel bad. Results aren’t worth it if you’re going to get an upset stomach every time you take your creatine. Some folks are more prone to bloating when taking creatine but there are plenty of formulations that are meant to reduce the chances of this happening. Caffeinated options may deliver a big energy boost but may be less well tolerated by some with caffeine sensitivity. Careful when choosing a creatine supplement if you are very sensitive to stimulants and if you choose to go with a caffeinated option, don’t take it near your bedtime as it could interrupt your sleep.Taste
You want a creatine supplement to work as advertised and go down easy without causing bloating or indigestion. You also want it to taste good. It’s incredibly difficult to make a habit out of taking a supplement if you’re having to choke it down every time. Creatine powders can come in both flavored and unflavored options. Unflavored powders are a great choice for those who can’t seem to find a good tasting supplement. If you’re picky and don’t like artificial taste going for a plain version is a good idea. You can mix this kind of powder with anything. Flavors are a good choice for those who prefer to mix their supplement into the water. We attempted to choose creatine supplements without unpleasant aftertastes and without overly chemical tasting flavors.You also want your creatine supplement to blend well. Creatine powders do have a tendency to create sediment or residue at the bottom of your drinking vessel, but most of the options on this list blended well enough that they didn’t have a nasty overpowering texture when ingested. If you are not interested in dealing with taste and want an easy no-mess way to include creatine in your supplementation routine, choose a capsule form. You just swallow it with water, no need for it to dissolve!
Price
Price matters, especially when it comes to supplementation. You’re taking supplements which are an additional part of your nutritional routine. That means they’re not necessary for performance but they do help. If you’re going to purchase something that not technically needed for results, it should be worth your while. It’s an extra boost and purchasing creatine supplements shouldn’t break the bank. If you’re concerned about overall value, look for creatine powders with small serving sizes. Usually, micronized options offer up smaller scoop sizes because they are finer powders. Pay attention to serving size. Does one creatine supplement require two scoops for one serving versus another brand that’s one scoop per serving? What does the container say about the servings included? Does the tub talk about scoops instead of servings? You may need to do a bit of math to figure out whether a product is really worthwhile.Other Considerations
Here are a few additional things to think about when considering adding creatine to your diet.
Side Effects?
You can get creatine from natural sources so it’s not necessarily bad to take it in supplement form. You should never exceed the recommended serving size per day of creatine and users with health conditions like diabetes should always ask their doctor before using supplements. Otherwise, it’s safe to take creatine supplements. But some users may experience gastrointestinal side effects like loose stools, upset stomach, or cramping.Natural Sources of Creatine
While you can get creatine from natural sources some people, like vegans and vegetarians may find it particularly useful to supplement. Creatine powders and capsules are also absorbed quicker than food-sourced creatine. A few important natural sources of creatine include beef and fish such as tuna and salmon.FAQ
Q. Will taking creatine mess with my hormones?
A. While some supplements may interact with your body’s hormones, creatine does not.
Q. Will taking creatine supplements make me gain weight?
A. Technically yes. The point of taking creatine is to help you increase your muscle mass so it should make you gain weight but not necessarily fat, as long as you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle as your supplement. It’s also important to note that creatine does encourage the body to retain water which may result in bloating and apparent weight gain on the scale.
Q. Is creatine the same thing as a protein powder?
A. Creatine works a little differently than protein powder as it’s not a macronutrient. It helps with performance but won’t make your muscles bigger on its own.
Q. When is the best time to take creatine?
A. It doesn’t actually matter too much but since it tends to cause dehydration, some recommend that it be taken post-workout.
Q. Can women take creatine supplements?
A. Absolutely. There’s no reason why women cannot supplement with creatine. It has no effect on hormones so it’s totally fine for women to use it.
Q. What’s the best way to take creatine?
A. Although powder form can have its drawbacks (mess, potential taste issues, and problems blending), it’s the form most likely to be quickly absorbed by the body.
Sources
- , Creatine Supplementation in Athletes: Review, Medical Review, Jun 19, 1998
- , 6 Side Effects Of Creatine: Myths Debunked, Informational Article, Aug 27, 2017
- , Creatine: What It Is, What It Does, and Its Side Effects, Men's Health Article, Sep 02, 2013
- , Creatine Vs. Protein Powder, Health & Fitness Website, Oct 03, 2017
- , Creatine: What Are The Benefits and Health Risks?, Medical News Website, Nov 01, 2016
- , FOODS HIGH IN CREATINE, Nutrition Website, Oct 13, 2016
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