So you’re done the whole protein powder thing, and you’re looking for something different. A new edge. Something to make yourself look and feel amazing. Something to put you on top.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThere%E2%80%99s%20a%20reason%20why%20creatine%20is%20the%20next-most%20popular%20supplement%20out%20there%20after%20protein%20powder.%20For%20starters%2C%20it%20makes%20your%20muscles%20look%20good%2C%20due%20to%20its%20increased%20muscle%20water%20content.%20And%20not%20only%20that%2C%20it%20has%20been%20proven%20to%20increase%20muscle%20power%20and%20explosiveness%20as%20well%20as%20recovery.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
Also, taking creatine may help you lift more weight in shorter bursts, and it may also increase your overall muscular endurance. There are plenty of ancillary benefits, too, including improved cognitive abilities and increased anaerobic capacity. (We’ll get into all of the benefits in a moment, don’t worry.)
In short, creatine is a popular supplement because it makes your muscles look bigger and function better, as well as helping your endurance, recovery time, and potentially even your cognitive abilities.
Next, you’ll just need to decide what type of creatine you’re going to purchase, as well as what the best brand is for you.
Before we get into the list of the best creatine supplement on the market, let’s talk about the best type of creatine to consider purchasing.
Breaking down the pros and cons of creatine
We established early on in this article that creatine is almost a no-brainer for you if you are serious about working out and increasing your muscle mass and endurance.
But, of course, there are two sides to every story. We’ll start with some of the cons first before reiterating why creatine might be a real solution for you.
Potential side effects of taking creatine
While there aren’t really any true “side effects” to taking creatine, there are indeed some potential inconveniences that could come along with the supplement.
Creatine causes the body to retain more water than it typically might, although much of the water is stored inside your muscular cells, thereby reducing any bloating that water retention would typically cause.
Depending on the type of creatine that you ultimately decide to take, it is possible that it could contribute to digestive issues. As always, this type of a side effect depends greatly on the person, so a simple trial and error regarding the type of creatine that might work best for you is probably the best solution.
Benefits of taking creatine
The most obvious and starkly positive benefit of taking creatine is related to the increase in strength and power that comes with supplementing your diet and workout routine with creatine powder or pills.
Anytime you exercise utilizing start-stop activities (such as weight training), your body’s primary energy molecule, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) kicks into action. Creatine assists in providing additional phosphate groups to your muscle tissue that will contribute to synthesizing ATP at a quicker pace. Therefore, you’ll be able to lift more and do it faster and more often.
Additionally, this process will help you gain lean muscle tissue more efficiently as well, as the underlying stimulus for muscle growth is increasing the resistance in your exercises.
Importantly, creatine also helps your muscles look better by requiring additional water to be stored in your muscle tissue, thereby expanding them and making them appear as more defined.
If you consistently use creatine for two to three weeks, your body weight will increase due to the stored water — and your muscles will look great.
Some other benefits: there are no real, clear side effects, and certainly nothing that is long-lasting. Plus, it’s a relatively inexpensive supplement compared to several of the other options out there that are likely not as effective and could very well come with additional side effects.
What is the best type of creatine?
If you’re new to creatine, you may be surprised to learn that the supplement comes in many different varieties.
Creatine monohydrate is the original form of creatine, remains the most popular supplement of its kind around the world, and you’ll notice that it’s quite prevalent on our list that we’ll get to in just a moment.
Creatine monohydrate is also relatively affordable and has shown itself to be the most effective form of creatine for most people. That said, some folks experience stomach discomfort when taking creatine monohydrate as it is not entirely water-soluble, which is virtually the only potential downside to this supplement.
Creatine hydrochloride has a different pH than the monohydrate option and is generally digested more easily. Creatine magnesium chelate and creatine ethyl ester (CEE) powder are both options as well. Both are a little more expensive but effective without some of the mostly tame side effects that could come with creatine monohydrate.
What is the best way to take creatine?
The most popular way to take creatine is as a powder, added to your favorite cold juice or water. Some creatine powders will mix in better than others, of course, so be sure to pay attention to notes regarding the smoothness or grittiness of some of the powders when they are mixed with a drink.
Another way that some folks prefer to get their daily creatine is via pill. A couple of the products on our list offer both pill and powder options, so be sure that you select the form of creatine that you really are intending to purchase.
So, what is the best way to take creatine? That’s completely up to personal preference. The powder is definitely the preferred way to go for many folks; most of the products on this list have flavored options, so that can certainly be the most enjoyable way to take your creatine. Or, grab an unflavored powder and mix it into a post- or pre-workout shake.
When is the best time to take creatine?
This truly depends on the product. Some of the options on this list encourage a scoop of their powder in the morning and one at night. Some suggest either pre- or post-workout, but not necessarily both. There’s at least one product that recommends once at every meal, plus once before bed.
In other words, pay attention to the label, and feel free to do your own research, too. And, as always, consult your doctor (hopefully you were going to do that anyway) and ask him or her what they would recommend as the best time to take creatine.
Now, let’s find out what the best creatine supplement on the market is today.
Best Creatine
[product_tables id=”1903″]
[numbered-heading label=”Transparent Labs Creatine HMB” /]
Transparent Labs’ StrengthSeries Creatine HMB is a creatine monohydrate and HMB combination that have been shown to work together to enhance strength and endurance while decreasing fat mass and assisting to prevent lean muscle loss.
There are no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives, and the product is completely gluten-free and non-GMO. You won’t find any colored dyes or unnecessary fillers or additives, either, and the ingredients that are included are in clinically effective dosages.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThose%20ingredients%20include%20the%20aforementioned%20creatine%20monohydrate%2C%20HMB%2C%20and%20BioPerine%2C%20which%20is%20derived%20from%20a%20black%20pepper%20extract%20and%20increases%20absorption%20and%20bioavailability.%20Other%20natural%20flavorings%20include%20blue%20raspberry%20flavor.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The product can be taken as one scoop 30 minutes after a workout, and a scoop should be taken in the morning for recovery on non-workout days. There is no need to cycle on and off this product. Just go for it and pay attention to how your body responds.
All things considered, this was the best creatine monohydrate that we found on the market.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Natural, non-GMO ingredients included at clinically effective dosages
-No artificial sweeteners, dyes, coloring, or preservatives
-Includes HMB and BioPerine, enhancing the benefits of the powder” cons=”-None” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://www.transparentlabs.com/products/strengthseries-creapure-hmb-creatine-supplement” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThis%20particular%20product%20is%20proud%20of%20the%20relative%20value%20it%20offers%2C%20as%20you%20can%20get%20more%20bang%20for%20your%20buck%20with%20BulkSupplements%20when%20it%20comes%20to%20finding%20the%20best%20creatine%20powder%20on%20the%20market.%20Of%20course%2C%20it%20usually%20isn%E2%80%99t%20the%20best%20idea%20to%20simply%20buy%20the%20cheapest%20supplement%20on%20the%20market%2C%20but%20BulkSupplements%20appears%20to%20offer%20the%20best%20of%20both%20worlds.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The company also lauds the numerous lab tests made on their products, offering a 99.99 percent purity guarantee on their micronized creatine monohydrate. Additionally, it is a vegan product that does not contain any dairy or other additives, all while remaining soy, yeast, and gluten-free.
You can order BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate powder in three sizes: one kilogram, five kilograms, or 25 kilograms. Additionally, they have one of the best creatine pills that we found as well, and you can order those in quantities of 100 or 300 capsules, either gelatin or vegetarian.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Micronized monohydrate creatine powder
-Vegan product with no additives
-Soy-free, gluten-free, yeast-free
-Can be ordered in powder or pills” cons=”-No additives to provide additional health benefits” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/32u2aOy” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Legion Recharge” /]
Recharge includes L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, which are compounds produced from amino acids such as lysine and methionine. It contributes to cellular energy, and helps to reduce muscle soreness while improving muscle repair and insulin sensitivity after workouts. They have also been thought to assist with attention span, reduce fatigue, and boost your cognitive abilities.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20product%20also%20includes%20corosolic%20acid%2C%20which%20improves%20blood%20glucose%20control%20and%20enhances%20the%20signaling%20of%20insulin.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
Legion Recharge is made in cGMP and NSF-certified facilities in the United States and are backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t love the product within the first 60 days of purchase, Legion will provide a full and complete refund.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Base of pure creatine monohydrate
-Includes L-Carnitine L-Tartrate and corosolic acid as enhancements
-Naturally sweetened and flavored
-100 percent money-back guarantee” cons=”-None” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2FRQ61X” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”BSN Micronized Creatine Monohydrate” /]
Each serving includes five grams of creatine monohydrate and is geared towards supporting lean muscle mass, strength and power, and overall performance ability, aiming to take your training to the next level.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThis%20product%20can%20be%20purchased%20unflavored%20in%20order%20to%20be%20added%20to%20your%20favorite%20post-workout%20recovery%20beverage.%20It%20also%20mixes%20in%20smoothly%2C%20so%20you%20won%E2%80%99t%20need%20to%20worry%20about%20a%20lumpy%20drink.%20If%20you%20prefer%2C%20you%20can%20also%20pick%20up%20BSN%E2%80%99s%20creatine%20product%20in%20one%20of%2015%20different%20flavors%20and%20one%20of%20four%20different%20container%20sizes.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Pure creatine monohydrate
-Unflavored and mixes smoothly and easily into virtually any beverage
-15 flavors and four differently-sized containers to choose from” cons=”-Not much additional ingredient information” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2YvBKuz” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThis%20is%20another%20product%20that%20is%20made%20entirely%20of%20creatine%20monohydrate%2C%20so%20you%20know%20exactly%20what%20you%E2%80%99re%20getting.%20Optimum%E2%80%99s%20product%20can%20be%20purchased%20in%20watermelon%2C%20cranberry%20lemonade%2C%20or%20fruit%20punch%2C%20or%20simply%20purchase%20it%20unflavored.%20It%20can%20be%20added%20to%20cold%20water%20or%20juice%20and%20taken%20along%20with%20all%20three%20meals%20plus%20an%20additional%20teaspoon%20prior%20to%20going%20to%20sleep%20at%20night.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Product is based on Creapure Creatine
-Creatine monohydrate
-Multiple players to choose from” cons=”-Product recommends taking at least three times a day, which is more than most creatine supplements
-Doesn’t offer any obvious guarantees about the product being vegan, non-GMO, etc.” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2FXw5Hv” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”MusclePharm Creatine” /]
As with the other creatines, MusclePharm’s product restores muscular energy levels that are depleted during exercise. The powder features five grams of creatine monohydrate and works to maximize its impact on the performance of athletes.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThis%20is%20another%20creatine%20product%20that%20ensures%20that%20their%20product%20will%20be%20rapidly%20absorbed%20by%20your%20body%2C%20avoiding%20the%20need%20for%20%E2%80%9Cloading%E2%80%9D%20by%20stacking%20additional%20supplements.%20Everything%20about%20MusclePharm%20Creatine%20is%20pharmaceutical%20quality.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-A rapidly-absorbed, monohydrate creatine complex that does not require loading
-Pharmaceutical quality product
-One of the most clinically researched compounds on the market” cons=”-Not much additional ingredient information” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2FY7Mcr” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Naked Creatine” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20product%20includes%20five%20grams%20of%20monohydrate%20creatine%20in%20each%20serving%2C%20and%20it%20also%20happens%20to%20be%20the%20only%20ingredient%20in%20each%20serving.%20Naked%20Creatine%20is%20one%20of%20the%20few%20creatine%20powders%20to%20dissolve%20quickly%20in%20liquid%2C%20meaning%20that%20you%20can%20mix%20it%20straight%20into%20your%20water%20or%20juice.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
Because this supplement is pure creatine monohydrate, it will absorb rapidly, increasing strength and overall training capacity. Naked is clear that their product is void of additives simply because they believe that a simple product with pure ingredients is the best way to go.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Only includes 100 percent pure micronized creatine monohydrate
-Non-GMO and free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors
-Soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free
-Easily dissolves in liquid and absorbs rapidly, delivering benefits more rapidly” cons=”-If you’re looking for additives to deliver additional health benefits, you won’t find those here. If you’re looking for a pure product without additives whatsoever, then this might be the product for you.” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3lhBZ6r” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Integrated Supplements Creapure Creatine” /]
Integrated Supplements prides itself on offering creatine that is free of some of the impurities that can be found in many other creatine powders, such as dicyandiamide, thiourea, and dihydrotriazine.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3ECreapure%20Creatine%20is%20an%20entirely%20micronized%20powder%20that%20is%20designed%20specifically%20to%20improve%20recovery%20and%20performance%20and%20increase%20strength%20and%20energy.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-A monohydrate creatine made of 100 percent creapure micronized powder
-Produced at German plant registered with FDA with a unique U.S. patent
-No impurities found in Creapure Creatine” cons=”-No guarantees listed regarding a lack of GMOs
-No additional health benefits outside of the creatine itself” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3jaHfHd” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”BPI Sports Micronized Creatine” /]
This particular product underlines its ability to increase strength, performance, and even muscle growth, reducing fatigue during rigorous workouts. It also increased overall energy levels and promotes optimal recovery.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EBPI%20Sports%20Micronized%20Creatine%20is%20a%20tasteless%20and%20odorless%20powder%20that%20can%20be%20mixed%20with%20any%20drink%20without%20concern%20about%20a%20gritty%2C%20unsmooth%20texture%2C%20and%20it%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20matter%20if%20it%20is%20before%2C%20during%2C%20or%20after%20your%20workout.%20The%20micronized%20nature%20of%20this%20creatine%20also%20contributes%20to%20the%20ease%20of%20absorption%20from%20your%20body%2C%20ensuring%20that%20the%20benefits%20of%20the%20supplement%20can%20be%20enjoyed%20sooner%20rather%20than%20later.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-100 percent pure, micronized creatine
-No additives, sugars, or fillers
-Unflavored powder mixes smoothly with cold beverages” cons=”-Unflavored
-No additional health benefits listed” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/32mRIbG” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Nutricost Creapure Creatine Monohydrate” /]
This product is non-GMO, gluten-free, and made entirely in the United States. You can buy it in bottles of either 500 of 1000 grams, and each serving is five grams of product.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20not%20any%20additional%20flavor%20offerings%2C%20and%20not%20a%20ton%20of%20overall%20additional%20information%20about%20the%20product%2C%20although%20it%20continues%20to%20enjoy%20great%20Amazon%20ratings.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Made of Creapure Creatine Monohydrate
-Non-GMO, gluten-free, and made in the U.S.” cons=”-Not much additional information about the product
-Multiple flavors not offered” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/34yrkhG” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
Final Thoughts
We can’t stress enough that there is virtually no downside to supplementing your workout routine and diet with creatine.
That said, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before making any changes to your day-to-day routine, and that includes taking supplements of any kind. Creatine is just that, and your doctor may also have some insight as to which type of creatine you should try first.
Remember, there’s no way of truly knowing how your body will respond to the various types of creatine supplements until you give it a try.
And this is a fairly universally effective supplement; while its effectiveness will vary somewhat from person to person, it isn’t like we need to find the best creatine for men or for women specifically, or based on your age or activity level. Creatine is generally effective, and that’s the bottom line.
Be sure to check out all of the creatine monohydrates on the list, as well as the pill options listed, and perhaps some hydrochloride and micronized options. Again, this is a personal preference call that you’ll need to make once you have fully educated yourself.
But no matter what you decide, know that you’re selecting a form of the most popular supplement his side of protein powder.