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Top 7 Creatine Powders to Build Muscle and Strength
[Upd. 2024]

7

Creatine Powders Reviewed

88

Hours of Research

93

Reviews Examined

3

Experts Interviewed

A Lean Life Owner & Founder

Published by David Williams

As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.

If you spend some time in the gym, you might have wondered what is the best creatine powder to amplify results. Creatine powder has become a mainstream staple for many a fit folks trying to maximize their workout results.

In this article, we’ll review the top creatine powders on on the market in 2024, and the pros and cons of each. We’ll also cover everything creatine: 

  1. What creatine is?
  2. Best ways to take it?
  3. Benefits of creatine?
  4. Side effects?
  5. How it can help your fitness regimen?

So if you’re training hard, eating well, and recovering, but you can’t seem to get the results you’re hoping for, you are not alone. It happens to everyone, and plateaus sometimes pass on their own. But certain cases call for action, especially if you’ve been feeling stuck for many weeks in a row. And sometimes even months and years.

To that end, we’ve put together this post to compare the six best creatine powders and help you make the right choice to kickstart progression again. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

CRN-5 Best Creatine Powder

Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5

Ingredient Quality

Price

5.0
5/5
4.7
4.7/5

Overall Score

4.85
4.85/5
Optimum Nutrition Creatine Powder

Optimum Nutrition Creatine

Ingredient Quality

Price

4.9
4.9/5
4.7
4.7/5

Overall Score

4.8
4.8/5
MyProtein Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine Monohydrate

Ingredient Quality

Price

4.6
4.6/5
4.9
4.9/5

Overall Score

4.75
4.75/5

1. Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5 Creatine Powder

CRN-5 Best Creatine PowderThis is a premium product and premium brand.

Ultimate CRN-5 creatine powder is produced by Crazy Nutrition. They are quickly become a very strong leader for top quality in the supplements industry. Their creatine powder, Ultimate CRN-5, is top-notch in every respect.  

Ultimate CRN-5 contains 5 unique creatines, so your body won’t build a tolerance to a single creatine, which can make gains more challenging over time. When you create tolerance to one creatine, you find yourself needing to supplement to achieve the same gains. 

This is where the unique power of Ultimate CRN-5 comes in. Having the 5 unique creatines working in tandem reduces the chance for building tolerance. This is a top-rated quality by those serious about lifting, gains, and PR’s, and they are seeing the promised results.

Unlike many other creatine formulas, this one comes with delicious flavors. They include:

  • Lemon & Lime
  • Orange & Mango

Here is an overview of Ultimate CRN-5 and how it works.

Brand Overview

Ultimate CRN-5 is a product of Wolfson Brands (UK) Limited under the brand name Crazy Nutrition. Wolfson Brands is an established and trusted sports nutrition brand that has been providing high-quality supplements since 2019.

Additionally, the company only uses clinically tested and proven premium natural ingredients to deliver results safely. Every one of their products comes from FDA-approved facilities and follows GMP practices. Plus, thanks to a tight-knit team of nutritionists, designers, and engineers, all the formulas undergo a dose evaluation to guarantee maximum effectiveness.

Product Benefits

Just one scoop of this powerhouse creatine will support increased muscle growth and quicker recovery.

CRN-5 boosts your energy, endurance, strength, muscle mass, and hydration. This cutting-edge breakthrough formula contains highly effective organic compounds designed for athletic performance.

Ultimate CRN-5 contains the most researched ergogenic nutritional compound called creatine. It’s by far the most effective supplement that helps professional athletes, bodybuilders, and regular gym goers reach their fitness goals. It increases intensity exercise capacity and builds lean muscle mass by providing energy to the muscles.

And it’s not just creatine. The Ultimate CRN-5 formula contains five types of creatine and electrolytes. With all those, you get maximum energy to push you through those strenuous workouts. It also offers faster recovery by improving muscle hydration and reducing the accumulation of lactic acid.

Key Ingredients

  • 30 servings per container
  • 3,750 mg Creatine Monohydrate
  • 500 mg Tri-Create Malate
  • 500 mg Di-Creatine Malate
  • 250 mg Tri-Creatine Pyruvate
  • 1000mg Creatine Hydrochloride
  • 1.25 mg Sodium
  • 128 mg Potassium
  • 300 mg Calcium
  • 56 mg Aquamin® Magnesium

Pros

Cons

Additional Ingredients

Crazy Nutritions Ultimate CRN-5 utilizes nine super ingredients. They work together to deliver explosive energy for those highly intense workouts. Each works differently to offer maximum results. Here is how they work.

Creatine Monohydrate. This amino acid is the most common form of creatine. It is also the most researched and studied performance supplement. When consumed, it converts to creatine phosphate, a compound that helps create adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

This molecule acts as an energy source for your muscles during exercise. It increases the intensity of your workout, allowing you to lift more weights and perform more reps in a shorter time. One study shows that taking 5 grams of creatine daily increases fat-free mass and strength.

Tri-Creatine Malate. Bodybuilders are not strangers to Tri-Creatine Malate. It is a form of creatine that offers more muscle hydration and improved stamina. It increases glucose uptake into the cells while decreasing lactic acid buildup.

Di-Creatine Malate (DCM). DCM combines creatine and malic acid, which has superior absorption compared to other forms of creatine. It supplies your muscles with more energy and oxygen, allowing you to train longer and harder. Studies suggest DCM can significantly increase stamina and performance.

Di-Creatine Pyruvate (TCP). This supplemental blend contains magnesium phosphate, monohydrate, malate, and pyruvic acid. Primary, it boosts muscular energy pathways hence increasing athletic performance.

Creatine Hydrochloride. This form of creatine is responsible for improved muscle mass. It also enhances gut health to alleviate symptoms of bloating and gas.

Sodium. This ingredient is necessary for muscle contractions and nerve conduction. It helps maintain the proper function of the cells in your body. It also balances your electrolytes.

Potassium. This mineral is rich in electrolytes that support muscle strength and maintain hydration. It may also reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. Additionally, it increases endurance and energy.

Calcium. Calcium is essential for bone health, strength, and muscle hydration. It prevents cramping, boosts maximum power output, and maintains muscle contraction.

Aquamin Magnesium. Magnesium supports protein synthesis for strength, muscle growth, and repair. It promotes recovery after exercise.

Ultimate CRN-5 Price & Value

One container of Ultimate CRN-5 with 30 servings costs $44.99 for a one-time purchase. But if you opt for the subscription option, the same will cost you $31.49.

Customer Reviews

Ultimate CRN-5 has plenty of positive reviews from users. Most people raved about how the supplement increases energy and enhances athletic performance. They say it helps them battle fatigue, lift more weights, and perform better during their workouts.

On the brand’s website, Ultimate CRN-5 has an average of 4.7/5 star rating. One customer, Donald C, wrote, “Am completing a previous product. Tried yours and to be honest, I can’t wait to use yours for 2 reasons: 1. I see the difference in results between the two and secondly I loved the flavor.”

Another one, Ronald R, said, “Delicious flavor and mixes well. I’ve been taking creatine since high school as a wrestler. Its effects seemed to become less as I got older such that I would have to use 2 scoops. Sometimes this overdose would make me gassy. I looked up the best creatine and saw CRN-5 on a list so I thought I’d check it out. The flavor is good. It’s not too sweet but still really fruity. So far the effects are awesome. I feel way stronger than before with lots of energy. And no stomach issues. This stuff works.”

2. Optimum Nutrition | Micronized Creatine Powder

Optimum Nutrition Creatine PowderUnless you’ve just started taking fitness supplements, you’re probably familiar with the Optimum Nutrition brand. Well-known for their high-quality Gold Standard protein powders, ON is a company that carries a lot of weight in the fitness industry.

As with their protein powders, ON also makes some fantastic creatine powder. Specifically, they offer pure creatine monohydrate, which is affordable and incredibly effective. With over 38,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, it’s safe to say that people love this creatine.

ON’s Micronized Creatine Powder is touted for its purity and potency, and is micronized. This means the particles are smaller, and hence liquifies better for improved absorption. So if you’re mixing manually you won’t have to worry (as much) about clumping in the base.

Micronized Creatine by Optimum Nutrition is the gold standard for performance-enhancing supplementation. Unlike most sports nutrition products made with raw ingredients, this one uses ultra-pure creatine for maximum absorption and results. It promises to increase strength, build lean muscles, and power your workouts.

Brand Overview

Micronized Creatine is a product of Optimum Nutrition (ON), one of the most reputable and trusted brands in sports nutrition. Started in 1986, the company has been making quality performance supplements for over four decades. It’s behind some of the most innovative and popular products, including protein powders, nutrient stacks, amino acid compounds, and more.

In fact, some of its most popular products include Gold Standard Whey and Gold Standard Protein Shake. The company strictly adheres to the highest quality standards thanks to its cGMP-certified facility. As such, you only expect the best regarding ingredients, quality control, and innovation.

Micronized Creatine is no different from its other high-quality products. While it’s not the only creatine supplement that offers the same benefits, it’s the best in purity and absorption.

Product Benefits

Optimum Nutrition utilizes pure micronized creatine monohydrate to provide an explosive burst of energy. It powers the phosphagen energy system, which helps increase strength, power, and endurance.

With this rapid energy, you can perform longer and more intense workouts.

What Is Micronized?

You might have heard about creatine before, but wonder what all this “micronized” business is about? To understand, you must first know that creatine has several iterations. They include monohydrate, hydrochloride (HCL), and ethyl ester.

The micronized version means dividing or cutting molecules into minuscule particles. The process increases the surface area of creatine by 20 times. As a result, it becomes easier to dissolve in water and absorb in your body, which translates into better results.

If you’ve ever used any creatine supplement powder, you know it clumps in the water, making it hard to drink without gagging.

Fortunately, Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine eliminates this problem by offering an easy-mix formula. Plus, it also makes them easier to digest hence having less stomach bloating and gas.

Pros

Cons

Price & Value

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine comes in several packages. The first one is a 60-serving container that goes for $39.99. The second one is a 120-serving bottle, which costs $68.99.

The third one is a 240 servings container that retails at $101.99. The last and the biggest one is a 400-serving tub that sells for $145.99.

Customer Reviews

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine is one of the most popular creatine supplements. It enjoys a 4.8/5 star rating from over 240 customers on its website. Most of these comments praise the product for its effectiveness and quality.

We looked at customer reviews from independent sites such as Amazon, and the response was equally positive. Most buyers had nothing but good things to say, which speaks for itself. Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine has an average rating of 4.6/5 stars from over 75,575 users. Over 91% of these customers gave it a four and five-star rating, which speaks volumes.

One satisfied user wrote, “I feel stronger with more endurance. I take one rounded teaspoon of Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine daily. It feels like I’m on steroids but in a more calm manner. It also helped with my anxiety as well.”

Another one said, “Must have for every gym rat. I don’t particularly appreciate taking too many powder-form supplements, so this one works great. No mess, easy to carry in the bag.”

3. MyProtein Creatine Monohydrate Powder

MyProtein Creatine MonohydrateMyProtein is a relatively new company that took the fitness world by storm and showed the old dogs that new players can make an impact. Specifically, MyProtein (the brand) are known for their high-quality supplements, but their creatine monohydrate shouldn’t be overlooked.

The market has endless brand options promising to provide high-quality creatine. However, choosing the best one out of the sea of options can take time and effort. Of the many brands, one that stands out is the My Protein Creatine Monohydrate powder.

It’s a concentrated creatine dose, it’s affordable, and it’s proven to improve performance and speed up recovery. What more could a person ask for?

Unlike some products on the market, MyProtein’s creatine also mixes well with water or juice, making it easier to consume. However, it doesn’t taste that well, which we can say for most creatine products on the market.

This concentrated dose of creatine promises explosive energy and unmatched strength gains. It can also help you build lean muscles and increase physical performance. It’s just the right supplement to boost your workout and let you archive the maximum result.

What’s more? My Protein Creatine Monohydrate comes in two delicious flavours that motivate you to take it daily. They include:

  • Berry burst
  • Tropical V2

It also caters to those who don’t like flavors with unflavored options. That means you can mix it with your favorite beverage.

Brand Overview

My Protein is a UK-based sports nutrition brand that offers innovative bodybuilding supplements. The company has been manufacturing quality products since 2004, developing some of the most sought after enhancers today. A few of its popular products include MP Activewear, Myvegan, Myvitamins, and MyPRO.

My Protein produces Creatine Monohydrate powder with the highest purity to guarantee maximum effectiveness. Made with Creapure, the world’s purest form of creatine monohydrate, this supplement promises high-performance gains and improved physical energy.

Highlighted Features

  • 62 servings per container
  • 3g creatine monohydrate

Creatine supplements support your workout regime by increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This energy-carrying molecule gives your muscles explosive power, strength, and intensity. It gives you more stamina and helps you push out a few extra repetitions or rounds of your exercises.

Unlike pre-workouts and protein powders containing various ingredients, creatine monohydrate powder is pure and simple. It’s simply an amino acid and a homogenous product available in bulk powder. In fact, its manufacturing process is the same for almost every brand.

For some reason, people often get excited about supplements that seem new and innovative but forget about the tried and tested stuff. While new products promise a lot, they mostly fall short of proven results. But when it comes to creatine monohydrate, it is the same old powder that has undergone thorough research and approval.

My Protein strictly sticks to what works. Its Creatine Monohydrate powder is quality-tested and formulated with Creapure – the purest form of creatine monohydrate available. There is no gambling with additives and hype.

My Protein provides both sweetened and unflavored options. Some people may find the taste a bit sickly, particularly the flavor-free, but when mixed with protein powders, you get no taste. However, mixing with water is okay if you can tolerate the slightly odd taste, nothing too off-putting.

Pros

Cons

My Protein Creatine Monohydrate Price

A 62 servings bag or 0.5 lb of creatine monohydrate from My Protein costs $29.99. The bigger one containing 125 servings or 2.2 lb will cost you $89.99.

You can buy My Protein Creatine Monohydrate from the brand’s main website.

Customer Reviews

My Protein Creatine Monohydrate has overwhelmingly positive reviews from users. For example, it has an average of 4.71/5 star rating from over 4230 customers on the main website.

Most users report an increase in strength and power while using the product. Many have also reported increased muscle mass, more intense workouts, and better recovery times. Others praised it for easier mixability.

For instance, one satisfied user wrote, “Better than most. I’ve tried a few other brands of creatine, but I will say this one mixes. It’s way better than them and actually comes with a scoop inside so that’s a plus.”

Another one said, “Pretty good product. I have been using it for three weeks only but I can definitely see a change. There is improvement in my ability to train harder. But I did have bloating for a bit but it’s fine now. I would recommend.”

Overall, My Protein Creatine Monohydrate is an outstanding supplement. It can help you train longer and harder. And it definitely works.

4. Transparent Labs Creatine

Transparent Labs CreatineWhat do most creatine powders on the market offer? That’s right – a good dose of creatine. What makes Transparent Labs different is the formula they’ve chosen for their creatine product. Specifically, Transparent Labs has combined creatine with another product that shows a lot of promise – β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate, or HMB for short.

Interestingly, the company didn’t simply decide to put these two ingredients together. They held human trials to determine the synergistic qualities of both products, which gave birth to their unique product idea.

Here is how it works:

HMB supposedly improves muscle strength and can lead to fat loss, thus improving definition. At the same time, creatine speeds up recovery and improves our ability to build new muscle.

Creatine HMB by Transparent Labs is one of the most effective ergogenic nutritional supplements. It primarily offers creatine but has a unique formula that combines other ingredients like HMB. While this combination is somewhat unusual, one study suggests it can significantly enhance endurance and strength. It can also prevent lean muscle loss and accelerate fat loss.

If you’re not new to creatine powder, you already know how massive an effect it can have on your workout performance. For those who don’t know, creatine helps to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This molecule is the primary energy source for muscle contractions, and having more of it can increase strength and power.

Most creatine powders come without any flavor. While it can be a bit off-putting, especially for those new to the taste, you quickly get used to it. However, Transparent Labs offers a few flavors to make it more palatable. Here are a few:

  • Blue Raspberry
  • Sour grape
  • Tropical punch
  • Fruit punch
  • Watermelon
  • Unflavored

Brand Overview

Transparent Labs is a US-based sports and nutritional brand that has been active since 2015. The company earned a place among the top supplement brands with its Bulk and Lean Pre-workout supplements.

One of the reasons for Transparent Labs’ success, despite being relatively new, is its high-quality products. It offers premium ingredients that deliver the intended results providing value for money. Its Creatine HMB is no exception.

The company also strictly adheres to the highest industry standards and, as its name suggests, transparency. It provides all ingredients and dosages of its products, letting you know what you are taking.

So what can you expect from Creatine HMB Read on to find out more.

Highlighted Features (Unflavored)

  • 30 servings per container
  • 12.5 mcg vitamin D
  • 5000mg creatine monohydrate
  • 1500mg beta-hydroxy beta-methyl-butyrate
  • 5mg BioPerine

Pros

Cons

The effectiveness of Creatine HMB by Transparent Labs lies in its simple and transparent formula. With its four main ingredients, this workout-enhancing supplement can help you achieve your fitness goals safely and effectively.

How the Ingredients Work

But how does each ingredient work? Here’s a brief overview:

  1. Vitamin D. Most creatine supplements only focus on the workout element. Not that it’s bad or wrong, but a little help from other micronutrients can go a long way.
    Vitamin D, for instance, is essential in the muscle protein synthesis. Adding as little as 12.5mcg to your daily diet allows you to grow your muscles and improve mental focus. You also reduce fatigue when training.
  2. Creatine Monohydrate. Creatine is a popular supplement among bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. Its monohydrate form is the most widely used and extensively studied. It increases muscle strength and power, providing the extra energy required for intense workouts and heavy lifting exercises.
  3. Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB). HMB is one of the components that makes Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB unique. It’s worth mentioning that it’s similar to creatine monohydrate, particularly regarding benefits. However, when combined, you get a few more boosts.
    HMB is the primary metabolite in leucine. This branched-chain amino acid helps prevent muscle protein breakdown. That way, you get to retain more muscle mass while losing fat.
  4. BioPerine. This ingredient is an extract derived from black pepper fruit. In patented form, it enhances other nutrients’ bioavailability or absorption rate. In this case, it increases the effects of creatine monohydrate and HMB.

Price & Value

Creatine HMB by Transparent Labs comes in two packaging sizes; 210g and 420g. The smaller one containing 30 servings costs $49.99 for a one-time purchase. If you opt for the subscription model, the same goes for $44.99.

The 420g bottle containing 60 servings costs $89.99. With the subscription model, you get it for $80.99. Only the subscription model comes with free shipping to the contiguous US states.

Customer Reviews

Creatine HMB by Transparent Labs is generally well-received among customers. For example, one customer on the main website wrote, “Fast Results! I’ve been using the creatine HMB for a little over a week. So far, I can already feel/see the results. It is so clear that I placed another order. I will likely sign up for a monthly auto-ship.”

Another one, Derek S, wrote, “After two months using HMB, it seems to be an effective creatine product. I am taking it for progressive strength and stamina increases. Highly recommend it.”

5. Thorne Creatine

Thorne CreatineThorne Creatine is produced by Thorne Research. They have built a solid reputation for quality and results. As with other creatine supplements, Thorne Creatine provides support for energy production, building lean body mass, muscle endurance, and power output.

Its edge among many other competing creatine powder supplements? Thorne Creatine is NSF Certified for Sport. It is trusted by athletes, coaches, dietitians, and regular consumers, too.

It goes through four rounds of testing and is manufactured by its own company, Thorne Research. So you can expect exceptional standards with Thorne Creatine. 

More than 2,400 reviews with an average of 4.7 stars is pretty convincing evidence that this creatine supplement stands tall among much of the competition. You’ll find other creatine powders with more quantity of reviews, but not many with higher marks.

It all boils down to the product quality. In the case of Thorne Creatine, the most crucial factor is its pharmaceutical-grade creatine. It ensures it meets the highest standards for purity and safety.

Here, we’ll offer an honest Thorne Creatine review to help you decide if its supplement is worth your money.

Brand Overview

Thorne Creatine is a product of Thorne Research, a sports nutritional brand based in South Carolina. The company started in 1984, founded by Paul Jacobson. Since then, it has been manufacturing some of the best performance-enhancing supplements.

As you would expect from a supplement brand with nearly four decades of experience, Thorne has perfected its formulas with scientific research and testing. It selects the finest ingredients and tests for quality to ensure its products are safe and effective. Additionally, its production facility is NSF Certified.

With the highest-quality ingredient and a dedicated team, it wouldn’t be a surprise that Thorne Creatine made it to this review.

Highlighted Features

  • 90 servings per container
  • 5g creatine monohydrate

Pros

Cons

The brand has an NSF Certified for Sport. That means it allows third parties to independently test its creatine supplement and ensure it’s free from harmful substances.

But what makes it pure? The secret is in micronization. It is a process that reduces creatine particles to tiny sizes, as little as 20 microns. It increases the particles’ surface area, meaning faster absorption and better utilization.

Furthermore, its creatine is free from fillers or additives. While there is nothing wrong with added flavors like in other brands, Thorne prefers to keep it simple and natural.

Of course, without them, you get a slightly unusual taste, but it’s nothing too off-putting. You should get used to the first few scoops as soon as you take them.

As for performance, Thorne Creatine offers plenty of benefits, including endurance and strength. Its micronized particles not only make it faster-acting but also more efficient. That means you don’t have to go through the loading phase like other brands.

For anyone who might be unfamiliar with creatine powders, you might not know about a “loading phase.” It’s the period when you consume higher doses of creatine for a few days to get your muscles saturated. Creatine only offers maximum benefits when your muscles get saturated with it.

But with Thorne Creatine, you don’t have to worry about that. The 5g per serving is enough to get your muscles saturated with the right amount of creatine in no time.

Thorne Creatine Price

One container of Thorne Creatine with 90 servings or scoops costs $40 for a one-time purchase. But if you opt for a subscription model, you get a 20% discount.

Customer Reviews

The internet has plenty of positive reviews from Thorne Creatine users. Most comments cite the product’s purity and effectiveness in enhancing performance. Many say they would recommend it in a heartbeat.

For example, Thorne Creatine has an average of 4.5/5 star rating from over 230 comments on the brand’s website. While those aren’t many, they are primarily positive.

One customer wrote, “Never seen anything dissolve like this before and it has absolutely zero taste.” Another one said, “Thorne has the cleanest and best creatine I’ve ever put in my body. I love it.”

On independent sites such as Amazon, the response was similar. It has an average of 4.6/5 star ratings from over 7,925 customers. That speaks volumes about Thorne Creatine’s quality and effectiveness.

One user wrote, “Such an excellent product. Not grainy and easy to scoop. I love it! I realized improvements to my muscle gains immediately, after only one week, (didn’t even load, just took the 5g scoop).”

6. MuscleTech Platinum Creatine

MuscleTech Platinum CreatineMuscleTech is another reputable brand in the fitness industry. As with the previous creatine supplements on our list, MuscleTech’s platinum supplement is also beneficial and worth considering. Most notably, this creatine consists of 100 percent pure monohydrate, which means each dose is entirely made of creatine. 

Like other creatine powders on the market, this one also delivers fantastic benefits, improves ATP regeneration, allows us to train harder, and hopefully make quicker progress in the gym.

Some research also finds direct benefit from supplementing with MuscleTech, though the effects are only studied in the short run. 

In any case, with over 24,000 reviews on Amazon (most of which are positive), it’s safe to say that MuscleTech is a safe bet.

Brand Overview

Platinum Creatine is a product of Iovate Health Sciences under the brand name MuscleTech. This Canadian company has been providing quality sports nutrition supplements since 1995.

It’s the parent company to some of the most popular brands, such as StrongGirl, Six Star Pro Nutrition, Hydroxycut, and many more. Having been in the supplement industry for close to three decades, MuscleTech has built a reputation for high-quality products backed by science.

The company also manufactures its creatine in cGMP-certified facilities. Such a certification ensures the product meets strict regulatory standards to guarantee its safety for human consumption. Additionally, its Platinum Creatine is third-party tested and verified to ensure it meets its label claims.

Highlighted Features

  • 80 servings per container
  • 5g of creatine monohydrate

Pros

Con

Platinum Creatine contains 100% pure creatine monohydrate. And to make it even better, it’s micronized. That means its particles get cut into smaller sizes, about 20 times smaller than your regular creatine. It makes it easier to digest and faster to absorb into the bloodstream.

It’s also unflavored, making it ideal for mixing with your favorite beverage or water. While the taste can be slightly off-putting for the first few scoops, you get used to it quickly.

Price & Value

One bottle of MuscleTech Platinum Creatine containing 80 servings costs $32.99 for a one-time purchase. However, if you opt for the auto-ship program, you get a 20% discount at $26.39 for the first order. For recurring orders, you save 15%.

MuscleTech Platinum Creatine is available on the brand’s website. You can also get it from authorized sites such as Amazon.

Customer Reviews

MuscleTech Platinum Creatine has an overwhelmingly positive response from customers. Most rave about the newfound strength, better performance, and quicker recovery.

Platinum Creatine has an average of 4.5/5 star rating from over 30,510 customer reviews on Amazon. Over 89% give it four stars and above. If that doesn’t scream quality and how good this supplement is, then we don’t know what does.

One customer, Yui Kaiami, wrote, “So far so good. First time taking creatine. I am not very sure it will work for me. But so far, it is easy to drink and mixes really well. As I was browsing, I saw lots of negative reviews about creatine powders. Naturally, I had worries and didn’t know which one I should get! But I’m pleased with my decision! If you are a beginner of creatine, I recommend this product!”

Another one, Lance Van Horn, wrote, “So fine you can’t even tell it’s in u you our drink. I have always hated the grittiness of creatine but this one is the best and gym time has improved.”

7. Bulk Supplements Creatine

Bulk Supplements CreatineBulk Supplements is another company that’s been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years. 

Specifically designed to build stamina and speed up recovery, their creatine product is fantastic. Unlike other products on the market, this supplement is made of 99 percent micronized creatine monohydrate. Supposedly, that improves absorption and allows the body to use a greater percentage of it.

Additionally, Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate comes in powder and capsule options. You can buy one, depending on your preferences. For example, if you like convenience, then capsules would be great. But powder is the better option if you want to mix it with your favorite beverage.

Brand Overview

Bulk Supplements is a sports and nutrition brand based in Henderson, Nevada. The company has been providing quality supplements since 2012. And true to its innovativeness, it has one of the largest product lineups in the industry.

The company prides itself on producing high-quality nutritional supplements ranging from proteins and vitamins to pre & post-workouts and superfoods. It uses the best ingredients to formulate top-of-the-line supplements.

And it doesn’t end there. The company has rigorous quality control procedures guaranteeing that all its products meet purity, potency, and safety standards.

Additionally, Bulk Supplements produces its supplements in an NSF Certified and FDA Registered facility. It also follows every cGMP regulation to ensure all products are safe and effective.

Its creatine monohydrate is one of this brand’s hottest products. So what does it contain? Keep reading to find out.

Highlighted Features (100 Grams (3.5 oz))

20 servings per bag
5g creatine monohydrate

Pros

Con

Price & Value

Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate comes in several sizes with different costs. They include:

  • 100 Grams (3.5 oz) $14.96
  • 250 Grams (8.8 oz) $19.96
  • 500 Grams (1.1 lbs) $22.96
  • 1 Kilogram (2.2 lbs) $43.96
  • 5 Kilograms (11 lbs) $208.96

If you opt for the capsules, prices may differ slightly.

  • 100 Gelatin Capsules $11.96
  • 300 Gelatin Capsules $20.96
  • 210 Gelatin Capsules $19.96

Customer Reviews

Similar to Optimum Nutrition’s creatine, this product also has a stellar rating on Amazon. With over 25,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, it’s safe to say that people love it.

It’s obvious such a high-quality creatine, yet affordably priced, will have plenty of users. Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate has a 4.8/5 star from over 9,900 customers on its website.

Many customers praised the product for its quality and effectiveness. One customer wrote, “I recommend this product. Gets it done, best pricing for good bulk packaging.”

Another wrote, “I’ve only been using it for a few weeks. But it’s working for me so far. I take it before lifting weights, and it helps get me through all of my sets and reps.”

We also looked at independent sites such as Amazon, and the response was the same. Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate has an average of 4.6/5 star rating from over 42,298 users. If that’s not a testament to its quality, what is?

But Why Bother With Creatine, Anyway?

If you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering why creatine gets so much praise. For one, because creatine is one of the best-researched supplements on the market, proven to deliver many benefits with minimal side effects. And second, creatine is cheap, and you don’t have to bother with timing it perfectly.

Your body is in a constant state of breaking down adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules for energy. It then has to regenerate them, so it can continue to do function. As we train, our need for ATP skyrockets as much as 1000-fold. We typically reach exhaustion because our demand for ATP outgrows our ability to generate it. Then, by taking a break, the body produces an ATP reserve, and we can do another set or round.

Acceleration of ATP

As we supplement with creatine and saturate our muscles, we primarily store it as phosphocreatine. When we exercise and break down large numbers of ATP, they get converted to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Creatine swoops in, donates its phosphate group, thus accelerating the production of ATP from ADP. 

As a result, we can train a bit harder and do more work. We also feel a bit stronger, which benefits our training and hopefully allows us to make slightly quicker progress in the gym.

In essence, if you want to maximize your gym results, creatine is the most affordable and best-studied supplement you should consider.

Best Creatine Powder

Knowing the best creatine powder to assist with muscle growth is key. All of us like to stay fit and be physically active. We love to take that hike around the park, ride the bicycle, or even run a few laps to get that cardio going. But did you know that our muscles get worn out when we perform repetitive tasks over a period of time? 

Muscle exhaustion, also known as muscle fatigue, is very common for body-building enthusiasts, sports athletes, and ordinary people. Even you who might be sitting on your desk reading this! 

As common as it may be, muscle fatigue is more severe for people exposed to strenuous activities such as exercising, running, and weightlifting.

As a result, our bodies produce more energy, causing an increased amount of breakage on muscle and tissues. However, there are several supplements to help in maintaining our muscles’ health.

What is Creatine?

Best Creatine Powder for Getting LeanCreatine is a synthetic compound found in our body responsible for storing energy that our body will use in return. Energy storage happens when creatine attaches to a phosphate molecule, forming creatine phosphate.  It helps give strength and energy to muscle cells for them to perform well.

You’ve probably come across ads or seen a bottle labeled creatine in your local health food store. Perhaps some celebrities, professional athletes, or even your next-door neighbor might be talking about how creatine has helped them gain muscle, improve their athletic performance, or recover from workouts faster. But what is it, and how does it work?

Creatine Is Found Naturally in the Body

It is a substance found naturally in the body, primarily in muscle tissue. It is also found in the brain, liver, and heart in small amounts. The body produces creatine from three amino acids: glycine, arginine, and methionine. About 95% of it gets stored in skeletal muscle.

It allows muscles to produce short but powerful bursts of energy. While it’s naturally occurring, sometimes your body needs more, especially for high-intensity activity. You can get it in abundance from meat and fish, but you’ll need to eat a lot to see any benefits. Most people who want to improve their athletic performance or build muscle opt for a creatine supplement instead.

Creatine can also be consumed from protein-rich products such as fish, meat, chicken, pork, beef, beans, and the like.  However, the amount of creatine we can get from these is only half of what our bodies can not make. 

Creatine is known in the bodybuilding and sports community as the cheapest and safest supplement to take. It is also easy to include in their busy schedules while also enjoying their benefits from taking creatine.

Creatine Supplements

Creatine supplements are widely available in the market and have various them to choose from. They come mostly in powder form and have different flavors to choose from. It can easily be made into your favorite after-workout juice or shake. Make sure to know the difference in taking powder vs pills, and the important advantages of powder (Hint: absorption).

However, knowing the right supplement for you is a must to fit your choice best. As creatine provides you more than enough energy to do your physical tasks that require muscle strength, it also renders the benefits of maintaining muscle growth and recovery. (1)

Creatine has a lot of known types. There may be many of them but let us be more familiar with the most well-known ones. Click to see other types of creatine.

How Does Creatine Work?

Creatine is a vital substance in energy metabolism. It helps supply energy to cells by serving as a reservoir of phosphate molecules that can regenerate Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), particularly in the muscle cells. ATP is the body’s primary source of energy. When ATP gets broken down, it releases a phosphate molecule, which then binds to creatine to form phosphocreatine (PCr).

As such, this process provides energy for muscle contractions. When your muscles run out of ATP, they can turn to PCR for an immediate energy source. During short, high-intensity activities, like sprinting or lifting weights, your body uses ATP for energy.

While your body can store enough ATP for about 10 seconds of activity, it needs to replenish its supply. That’s where creatine comes in. It helps resynthesize ATP, so your muscles can continue working. Taking a supplement increases the amount of PCR in your body, which can help you perform better during short bursts of activity.

Benefits of Creatine

Benefits of CreatineCreatine has a variety of benefits for different types of athletes.

Increases Anaerobic Threshold

Creatine increases your anaerobic threshold. This is the point at which your body can no longer produce energy fast enough to keep up with the demand of your activity. You get tired and have to slow down when you reach this point.

Creatine Powder Reduces Lactic Acid Buildup

It also reduces lactic acid buildup. Lactic acid is a waste product that your muscles produce when they don’t have enough oxygen to generate energy aerobically. It causes stiffness and fatigue.

Creatine Delays Muscle Fatigue

Creatine delays muscle fatigue. And this is key, because muscle fatigue results from the depletion of your ATP stores. Creatine provides your body with a reserve of energy to delay muscle fatigue and help you power through your workout.

Supports Muscle Growth

Creatine helps you build muscle by providing your muscles with the energy they need to grow. You create tiny tears in your muscles each time you lift weights. For your muscles to repair and grow, they need energy. Creatine provides just that, allowing you to build muscle mass.

Creatine Improves Cognitive Function

Research has shown that creatine can improve memory, focus, and mental energy. It is beneficial for both athletes and non-athletes alike! However, if you’re a fitness nut, this is where the real benefit is!

Is Creatine Proven to Work?

Yes, there is much scientific evidence to support the use of creatine. Most studies show that it is safe and effective for healthy people. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) shows that creatine monohydrate supplementation can improve brain performance. (2)

Since the brain needs ATP for energy, the researchers believe that by providing it with phosphocreatine, creatine can help improve brain function. It also aids the brain’s work by increasing mitochondrial function and dopamine levels.

Additionally, another study by the NLM has found that creatine can help lower blood sugar levels and hence fight against diabetes. The 12-week clinical trial shows that it increases the functions of the molecule (4 (GLUT-4) that transport glucose into the muscle cells.

Another study by the NLM found that supplements can help add muscle mass. In the 6-week controlled experiment, participants who had taken creatine added an average of 4.4 pounds (2 kg) more muscle mass than those who didn’t. (3)

Since creatine directly influences ATP production, it can drastically improve high-intensity exercise performance. This includes:

  • Strength
  • Sprint ability
  • Ballistic power
  • Muscle endurance
  • Muscle mass
  • Resistance to fatigue
  • Brain performance
  • Recovery

However, there are some risks involved, as with any supplement. Talk to your doctor before starting creatine or any other supplement.

Are There Side Effects With Creatine?

Side Effects of CreatineCreatine is among the most researched supplements on the market. It’s generally safe and effective for most people. But that does not mean it’s free of side effects.

Most supplements aren’t under the same standards or regulations by the FDA as medications. That means it’s hard to know what is in them and what amounts.

Research is yet to conclude all the potential long-term side effects of creatine supplements, especially in young people. Youth taking them on many occasions do so without medical supervision. It can be dangerous as they might take more than the recommended amount and put too much strain on their kidneys.

Like everything done in excess, too much creatine can be harmful. Although most healthy people can take creatine supplements safely, some exceptions exist. If you have any chronic health conditions or take medication, check with your doctor first.

Some users may experience gastrointestinal issues, like bloating and diarrhea, when they first start taking it. Others may experience adverse effects such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Fever
  • Kidney problems
  • Rash
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach upset
  • Headache
  • Weight gain

When taking creatine, ensure you drink enough water to prevent dehydration, as it can cause your muscles to retain moisture. Also, no matter how healthy you feel, consult a doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The Different Types of Creatine

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine MonohydrateThis form of creatine is the most common and well-studied among the other types. Studies also show that creatine monohydrate has the best record when it comes to safety intake. It is also the easiest form to find and cheapest.

This is the most common and cheapest form. It’s also the most researched and probably the most effective. It comes in powder form, and you can mix it with water or juice.

Creatine monohydrate is composed of a creatinine molecule and a water molecule. Muscle mass and formation are based on its capacity to absorb water. Creatine monohydrate helps in the absorption of water in the muscle cells, increasing their mass and growth. (4)

Creatine Hydrochloride or Creatine HCL

Creatine hydrochloride (or HCL) is often compared to creatine monohydrate, and is considered by some superior when it comes to water solubility. When dissolved in water, creatine HCL leaves almost no sediments and is easily mixed with water. 

This form is supposed to be more easily absorbed by your body than creatine monohydrate. But there is little evidence to support this claim. It comes as a powder that you mix with water or juice.

However, it may have promising results, but not enough studies have been conducted to fully support its benefits.

Creatine Ethyl Ester

Creatine Ethyl Ester is a more expensive and less researched form of creatine. Manufacturers claim that the ester attached to the creatine makes it more absorbable. It directly infiltrates your muscles without wastage.

Buffered Creatine

This form of creatine is also known as Kre-Alkalyn – buffered creatine monohydrate. It is a form of creatine that has added magnesium to make it easier to be absorbed when taken, which also helps in reducing stomach bloating. Much like the creatine HCL, there are not enough studies to fully validate the benefits and value.

Creatine Magnesium Chelate

This is a newer, more expensive form of creatine. It’s bound to magnesium, thought to make it more absorbable. One study on two groups suggested that it might be just as effective as the monohydrate.

Whey Protein Powder

Whey Protein Powder

This supplement is most commonly known as “protein powder.” Like creatine, whey protein powder is widely known and used among athletes. While creatine is an organic compound found in the body, whey protein is found in most dairy products. Click to learn more about creatine vs. protein powder.

Protein powder assists in performing high-intensity workouts, building lean muscle, and recovery assistance. 

But these powerhouse powders do contain a decent amount of calories. So if you’re overweight and trying to get lean, make sure to watch the calories! And you might consider a TDEE calculator to make sure you stay on track. 

Conclusion

We all yearn for a fit and toned body, don’t we?  

Creatine is a valuable supplement that helps in boosting our body’s strength, growth, and wellness. More than physical health and benefits, some scientific studies also have that creatine helps in neurological health.

And knowing the best time to take creatine powder is also an important consideration. To maximize the impact, make sure to take it at the right time!

Keep in mind that these powerhouse supplements alone are not enough to make the magic work. The right diet, consistent exercise, and self-discipline are all cornerstones in achieving a lean and healthy physique.

Click to see our top creatine powders.

CRN-5 Best Creatine Powder

Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5 Creatine Powder

  • The Only Daily Creatine Packed with 5 Unique Creatines
  • Added Electrolytes for Optimum Muscle Hydration
  • All Natural Ingredients
  • Vegan Friendly
  • 60-day money back Guarantee
David Williams

David Williams

A diet and fitness enthusiast, David is an ex-Army Airborne Ranger and Infantry soldier with decades of fitness and wellness experience. A West Point graduate with a degree in engineering, he focuses on technical research related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He loves the beach, and spending time with his wife and daughters.

References

  1. English, N. (2021). 13 best Creatine supplements on the Market (2021 UPDATED). BarBend.
    https://barbend.com/best-creatine-supplements/.
  2. Rae, C., Digney, A. L., McEwan, S. R., & Bates, T. C. (2003, October 22). Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation improves brain performance: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Proceedings. Biological sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1691485/
  3. RL;, N. S. L. S. (n.d.). Effect of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: A meta-analysis. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12433852/
  4. Creatinine. Creatinine – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (2010).
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/creatinine#.