Best Protein Powders with Creatine [Updated 2024]
6
Protein Powders Reviewed
74
Hours of Research
100+
Reviews Examined
3
Experts Interviewed
Published by David Williams
As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.
Protein powders contain powdered ingredients like soya beans, rice, eggs, or milk. They’re ideal supplements for everyday life, those who work out, and bodybuilders. Some protein powder brands contain creatine, which supports muscle growth, especially when combined with protein. Taking the best protein powders with creatine gives your body a potent formula for muscle gain, recovery, and energy to keep working out.
Table of Contents
What Is Creatine?
It is a naturally occurring compound in your muscle cells, helping them to produce energy when lifting heavy weights and bodybuilding. Since creatine is present in the muscles, supplementing it enhances the benefits to a user.
Incorporating creatine in protein powder as part of your regime helps muscles grow faster and boosts energy levels and general performance.
What Is Whey Protein Powder?
Whey is the watery part of milk, and it’s used to make protein supplements. Since whey protein powders are made from milk, they contain lactose. People with lactose sensitivity can choose plant-based whey protein powder isolate and concentrate supplements.
Why Is Protein Powder with Creatine Popularly Used?
Protein powders with creatine is popularly used after exercise to aid muscle recovery and boost general workout performance. Although both supplements function differently, they may impact people in various ways. However, you can regulate the effects using the correct dosage at the recommended time.
The General Benefits of Protein Powder with Creatine
Both supplements have unique benefits, and how they benefit your body will highly depend on the goals you aim to achieve.
Creatine supplementation aids in gaining lean muscles, making you look more prominent, and boosting your energy levels for more intense workouts. It also:
- Improves women’s health
- Helps to gain muscle mass and fast muscle recovery.
- Likely boosts cognitive function.
- Boosts brain activity and mood.
How Protein Powder with Creatine Supplementation Helps People
Combining protein powder with creatine supplementation can create a synergistic effect where each compound complements the other for maximum benefit. The primary benefit of the best protein powder with creatine is significant muscle growth and strength improvement. For this reason, using the best protein powder with creatine supplementation is much better than ingesting each supplement individually.
How to Choose the Best Protein Powder with Creatine
Once you decide to take protein powder with creatine, there are a few pointers to help you settle for a worthy protein combo. Depending on your ethical preference, animal or plant based-protein, here are more factors to consider.
Protein Quality
For most athletes, protein quality is the main priority. It depends on what you’re looking for; complete protein or incomplete. Your body needs 20 amino acids, seven of which are non-essential, meaning the body can produce them; another four are conditionally essential amino acids, which the body sometimes makes.
The remaining nine are Essential Amino Acids (EAAs); the body can’t create them and they come from food. They play vital roles, like repairing muscle tissues and building hormones and enzymes. Branched-chain Amino Acids (BAAs) are a smaller category of EAAs, with muscle protein synthesis as the key role.
Protein Source (Plant-based or animal protein)
Some protein powders come from plants like rice, peas, beans, and soya. Animal protein is divided into two categories or other animal protein sources: meat, eggs, bone broth, and milk. The most popular protein powders come from milk and are known as complete proteins. Whey protein powders are recommended after exercise and are mainly available as protein isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed formulas.
Processing Method
Protein powders are synthetically produced in different processes. Hence they come in three categories:
- Concentrates – The protein is extracted from plants or animals under high heat and acids or enzymes. They’re the least processed, with 35-80% protein, and are slow to digest.
- Isolates – These proteins undergo further filtration to lessen carbohydrates and fat, allowing high protein intake. They contain 90% protein and are quick to digest.
- Hydrolysates – Protein undergoes more processing under heat, acids, or enzymes to break the protein chains into shorter peptides. They’re the fastest to digest, with a protein concentration of over 90%.
Creatine Content
Before settling for the best protein powder with creatine, ensure you know the creatine content you need. How much creatine monohydrate you need can also be determined by your diet.
Intolerance and Sensitivity
Avoid protein powders with such ingredients if you’re intolerant to specific foods. Protein isolates and hydrolysates are ideal for anyone with digestion issues. They’re more processed and easy to digest. It’s also possible to experience digestive upset when using a new protein powder for muscle gain due to the following factors:
- General diet
- Protein ingredients
- Amount of protein
- Speed of ingestion
6 Best Protein Powders With Creatine
- Kaged Re-Kaged
- Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
- MuscleTech Nitro-tech Whey Protein
- Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- Cellucor Whey Sport Protein
- Body Fortress Whey Protein Powder
Kaged Re-Kaged
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
Serious Mass
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
Nitro-Tech
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
1. Kaged Re-Kaged
Re-Kaged is another product from Kaged that is a blend of protein isolate, creatine Hcl, and L-glutamine. The post-workout recovery powder is formulated for lean muscle growth and to boost recovery.
Highlighted Features
Kaged, the renowned supplement company produces quality products. Re-Kaged is third-party tested and is available in three flavors: strawberry lemonade, orange cream, and iced lemon cake. The product is unique in taste and has no artificial additives like flavors or colors. It, however, contains sucralose which can cause digestive issues to users with highly sensitive stomachs.
The product also contains digestive enzymes to aid digestion and speed absorption. It’s easy to mix and the pleasant taste keeps users returning for more. As a premium product, the price of Re-kaged is higher. Here are the features of Re-Kaged.
- Available in three unique flavors
- No artificial additives
- Free of banned substances
- Contains 1g of sugar
- Contains L-glutamine and creatine
- Highly effective
- Third-party tested
- No banned products
- Contains digestive enzymes.
Pros
- Mixes well
- Great taste
- Ideal for lean muscle and fast recovery
- Highly effective
- Third-party tested
- Natural flavors and colors
- Made from scientific-researched components in appropriate portions
Cons
- Expensive
- Contains sucralose
- Some users find it too sweet
- It may cause digestive issues for some users.
Price
A container of Re-Kaged contains 20 servings, and it costs $44.99. A subscription earns the buyer a 10% discount.
Customer Experience
Users report positive results after using the product. They clue the ease of mixability, pleasant taste, and clean energy.
Here is what some of them are saying.
Mike R. – Mixes well. Tastes great! My go-to re-fuel for my early morning fasted workouts! I love adding a scoop of Outlive 100 Super Greens.
Vince J – This is a superior product. I’ve looked at other recovery options and they don’t match up to the ingredients of Rekaged.
2. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Optimum Nutrition has existed since 1986, providing professional athletes and workout enthusiasts with a brand they can trust. They’ll help you achieve your athletic goals, like muscle building while supporting recovery with top-notch protein powders and shakes.
Highlighted Features
Why Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass? It’s an excellent supplement for muscle gain produced from whey protein concentrate. Those seeking to add body weight will find a solution in Optimum Nutrition. It is even better for muscles since it contains creatine for those with less muscle mass.
Serious Mass will help you gain or lose weight and muscle mass. It’s ideal for use after workouts and in between meals.
The product will provide the right tools to support your weight gain goals. Every serving of 2 scoops contains 1,250 calories, 50g of protein, and 3g of creatine powder.
- Calories – 1250
- Cholesterol – 200 mg
- Protein – 50g
- Creatine monohydrate – 3g
- Total carbohydrate – 251g
- Total sugars – 30g
- L-glutamine – 500g
Here are its pros and cons:
Pros
- The formula has more calories to support muscle building and weight gain
- It contains essential vitamins and minerals for general wellness
- A blend of whey concentrate, egg whites, and calcium casein
- L- glutamine to support recovery
- Available in two sizes (6 and 12 lb) and four flavors: banana, vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate peanut butter.
Cons
- Low in protein per serving
- Expensive
- The 3g creatine supplement is below the recommended 5g for a daily dose
- Contains artificial sweeteners
Price
An Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass container costs $72.78 and $9.10 per serving.
Customer Experience
Serious Mass is enriched with 22 different vitamins, including zinc, vitamin C, and D. It’s versatile and can be mixed with an electric blender; add fresh or frozen fruits, calorie-dense food, and nuts like peanuts to boost weight gain. Here’s what some customers had to say about Serious Mass.
Angelica Gordon – Good product for my family and me.
Ivan – This product is great; I can already see the difference.
3. MuscleTech Nitro-tech Whey Protein
Muscletech is a famous company dating back to 1998 and is the producer of one of our best-ranking protein powders with creatine. Despite being in the nutrition industry for over two decades, Nitro-tech is still recognized as a leading producer of protein powders, shakes, and the most beneficial creatine formula for lean muscle and strength.
Highlighted Features
MuscleTech Nitro-tech Whey Protein is a non-gainer combining protein concentrate, whey peptides, and protein isolate. It makes it fast digesting and is best to use before a workout. MuscleTech Nitro-tech 100 whey protein powder with creatine contains; 5g of glutamine and 3g of creatine monohydrate.
Nitro-tech whey protein powder comprises three medium and fast-digesting proteins, so you’re safe from digestion issues. The affordable protein combo gives users an ideal post-workout treat with 30g of protein, 3g of creatine, and 75% of the protein in each scoop.
This nutritious formula makes nitro-tech whey protein efficient when consumed minimally (1 or 2 scoops). It’s available in three sizes (2.2lb, 4lb, and 10lb) in cream, strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate, but the 10lb is only available in chocolate.
- Calories – 150 per serving
- Protein – 30g
- Total fat – 2g
- Total carbohydrates – 4g
- Creatine monohydrate – 3g
- Cholesterol – 67mg
Pros
- It contains 75% of the protein in a single scoop
- It’s affordable - between $0.93 to $1.59 per serving
- Extra digestive enzymes aid digestion by preventing issues like bloating and gas
- Contains 6.8g of BCAA
- Affordable
Cons
- It contains 3g of creatine, which is lower than the recommended 5g per serving. It means you must supplement the difference, increasing the cost per serving. Alternatively, you may have to dose twice daily to get the required creatine amount.
- It’s not third-party tested, which might be a deal breaker for athletes.
- It contains food additives like sweeteners and color.
- Not ideal for vegans
Price
MuscleTech Nitro-tech whey protein is not only of good quality, but it’s also affordable. A container costs $41.07 and 1.79 per serving.
Customer Experience
A verified customer describes the supplement as excellent and recommends taking it after a workout for lean muscle.
4. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Transparent Labs have existed since 2015. It offers science-backed supplements that are clinically effective for muscle growth and retention. Each formula, including protein shakes, is produced according to scientific feedback and advice for appropriate proficiency.
Highlighted Features
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer isn’t your typical whey protein powder; it contains carbs, fat, and protein. Hence it’s a muscle mass gainer. The protein powder is higher in calories than other whey protein powders and is ideal for athletes struggling to meet their calorie surplus.
The protein combo has more fiber to improve digestion, and stevia and monk fruit as sweeteners instead of artificial sweeteners. Since the Transparent Labs protein combo is a muscle mass gainer, the protein percentage and the breakdown of carbs, fats, and protein is different, unlike other options. (1)
First-time users must take 11/2 scoops of the protein combo daily for a week, then increase to more (2 scoops) servings. The recommended daily serving is two scoops which you can mix with low-fat milk for a creamier shake with more calories.
- Calories – 750g per serving
- Fats – 14g/13g
- Carbs – 114
- Protein – 53g/51
- Creatine monohydrate – 3g/5g
- Dietary fiber – 6g/4g
Here are the pros and cons of Transparent Labs Mass Gainer:
Pros
- No artificial flavors, sweeteners, coloring, or preserves
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- Contains no preservatives
- Lab-tested
Cons
- It only comes in one size in chocolate or vanilla flavor
- The 3g creatine serving is below the recommended amount of 5g
- Expensive as a mass gainer costing $5.33 per serving
Price
For a one-time purchase, the product goes for $79.99. However, subscribers enjoy a discount of $8 and free shipping. It’s available in chocolate glaze and sweet vanilla flavors.
Customer Reviews
Going by the thousands of customer reviews, the product is exceptional as it mixes well and has excellent taste.
Justin C. – Excellent flavor and mixes exceptionally well.
Robot C. – Product combined well, tasted.
5. Cellucor Whey Sport Protein
Cellucor has produced supplement formulas since 2002 from clinically proven ingredients that match all fitness goals. It is a leading producer of popular sports supplements, like the famous pre-workout formula C4. Among their many sports supplements, they offer one of the best whey protein powders with creatine. (2)
Highlighted Features
This whey sport protein powder is a blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, and it’s NSF certified for sports use. It’s available in 18 servings, each consisting of 30g of whey protein, 2.5g of creatine, and 2g of glutamine.
Cellucor whey protein powder is ideal for whole foods and other protein sources. The whey protein concentrate and protein isolate formulation builds muscle and increases muscle strength, recovery, and retention.
The supplement is ideal for people seeking to build muscle and lose weight. Take whey protein 30 minutes after a workout to ensure muscle recovery and readiness for the next session.
- Calories – 160g per serving
- Total fat – 25g
- Cholesterol – 70mg
- Total carbohydrates – 5g
- Sugars – 3g
- Protein – 30g
- Vitamin C – 2mg
- Calcium – 115mg
- Sodium – 190mg
- Creatine monohydrate – 2.5g
- L-glutamine – 2g
Pros
- Each scoop has 75% of protein
- NSF tested
- Gluten and soy free
- It contains glutamine to ensure fast recovery of muscles
Cons
- Available in one size and two flavors: vanilla or chocolate
- The grams of creatine is 2.5g less than the recommended 5g daily dose, meaning you must supplement
Price
A one-time purchase costs $29.99, but subscribers get a 30% discount purchasing it at $20.99. All orders over $55 are shipped for free, with a 60-day-back guarantee. The first order attracts a 30% discount, then a recurring 20% discount after subscribing.
Customer Reviews
After pushing yourself in a workout, enjoy a serving of whey protein powder with creatine in your flavor of choice; chocolate or vanilla. The customer reviews on their site are mainly positive; hence, you’ll be enjoying an already proven formula.
NOLA Guy – Nice flavor, and it blends well in smoothies.
Josu Ortuondo – Best whey protein ever.
6. Body Fortress Whey Protein Powder
Body Fortress is a company from 1987 making body improvement products. Body Fortress is a pioneer in sports nutrition, and its advanced whey protein formula will help your body recover faster after a workout.
Highlighted Features
As one of the best protein powders with creatine, body fortress delivers 30g of protein, 8g of carbs, 210 calories per serving, and 5g of fat. The recipe will replenish your body and build leaner muscle quickly, allowing you to work harder the next time.
The supplement is high in calories and will not affect your calorie or protein intake. However, you must keep track to ensure you aren’t consuming too much. The supplement is ideal for pre-and post-workout, ensuring you meet daily protein requirements.
It also supports muscle build, recovery, body weight, and weight loss and is unsuitable for vegans as the protein source is whey protein concentrate and whey isolate.
- Calories – 210 per serving
- Carbohydrates – 8g
- Protein – 30g
- Creatine monohydrate – 1.5g/serving
- L-glutamine – 1.5g
- Price per serving – $2.78
Pros
- It is made from GMP-certified facilities to ensure no contamination of gluten for users with sensitivities.
- It contains a good amount of protein
- Gluten-free certified
Cons
- A small amount of creatine
- A lower amount of fat and carbs
Price
A container of Body Fortress whey protein powder with creatine costs $46.92 or $2.78 per serving. Two scoops of the combo deliver 30g of protein and 12g of BCAAS.
Customer Experience
Of the 14 217 global ratings, 72% gave the product a five-star rating, with decorated words like excellent, perfect blend, and the powder doesn’t cluster at the bottom when mixing.
Jay Meadow – Perfect with a great price point.
H.L. Mencken Hunk – Good product
Conclusion
The list above outlines the best protein powders with creatine in the market and their benefits. Although there are few protein powders with creatine, you can choose what works for you depending on personal preferences, intolerance, and sensitivity.
All you have to do is pay attention to the ingredients to ensure you’re consuming the correct dosage of each compound. Further, you must choose an established brand to ensure you get quality products, value for your money, and achieve your fitness and meal replacement needs.
Our top-ranking best protein powder with creatine is Whey Protein Powder with Creatine Tri-protein Crazy Nutrition, as it contains the needed dosage of both supplements. You can also purchase your favorite protein powder and creatine monohydrate powder separately and mix them for the same outcome.
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
- Brown, M. J. (2023, February 8). Monk fruit sweetener: Good or bad?. Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/monk-fruit-sweetener#benefits MediLexicon International. (n.d.-a). C4 Pre-Workout Review: What to know. Medical News Today.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/c4-pre-workout-review#c-4-pre-workout
