When it comes to the best gym supplements, there are few that can truly beat the muscle-building power of the best creatine powder.
From preventing dehydration during a tough workout, and assisting in rapid muscle repair, to increased lean muscle mass - creatine is the ultimate pre-workout supplement that you should be taking advantage of. There are mountains of scientific research that have gone into the studies of creatine, and yet there are still many misconceptions about the supplement and any side effects it might cause.
The best creatine powders and supplements at a glance:
Best creatine powder overall: Optimum Nutrition Micronised Creatine Powder - View offer on Amazon
Best creatine powder for beginners: MyProtein Creatine Monohydrate Powder - View offer on Amazon
Best tasting creatine powder: OLIMP Creatine Xplode 500g Orange Flavour - View offer on Amazon
At What's The Best, we aim to give you the straight facts about creatine, its potential side effects and why it is the ultimate workout aid - so you feel as though you can start your exercise journey as knowledgeable and stress-free as possible. From brands you're likely to know well, such as Optimum Nutrition, MyProtein and OLIMP - we've selected the highest quality creatine, varying in flavour and potency, so your workout is the best it can possibly be.
What's more, we've also included some alternatives to the often bloat-inducing creatine powder just to give you that extra freedom of choice when looking for the best gym supplements for you.
The best creatine powders and supplements:
Best creatine powder overall
Optimum Nutrition's micronised creatine powder is one of our favourite creatine supplements – and it isn't difficult to understand why. This pure, potent supplement is made of micronised creatine monohydrate, which is easily dissolved and consumed. It is easy to digest and provides a rapid burst of energy at the gym.
At a whopping 634g with around 186 servings – at its price, Optimum Nutrition's micronised creatine powder is one of the best value options on the fitness supplement market.
While we've noted the lower serving sizes in our 'Pros' and 'Cons' list, some may think otherwise. A smaller serving size can reduce the risk of the dreaded post-workout (or intra-workout) bloat, which often scares gym-goers away from creatine for good. With Optimum Nutrition's micronised protein powder, a smaller dose means you can experience the benefits of excellent quality creatine without gut pain.
Pros
- A high number of servings
- Easily incorporated into a workout routine
- Mixes well into water
Cons
- Serving sizes are fairly small
| Number of Servings: | 186 |
| Amount of Creatine Per Serving: | 3g |
| Suitable For: | Vegans, vegetarians |
| Total Weight: | 634g |
- Customer review: "I only use Optimum Nutrition creatine, as it doesn’t upset my stomach. Definitely notice a difference in training, added a couple of reps to max weight sets and feel stronger. The biggest difference I’ve felt is to Concept 2 rowing and the ski erg, it’s noticeably speeded up muscular contraction. Creatine definitely works and improves your training. Although it’s not going to turn you into a beast or add insane numbers to your maximum lifts. But for the price, safety and the gains you do receive, highly recommended."
Best creatine powder for beginners
MyProtein is a household name, so it is no surprise that they've made our list of the best creatine powders. It's incredible value for money, for around £16 you're getting a whole 250g of creatine powder, with 3g of creatine per serving. It's also unflavoured and vegan, which suits most people's needs.
Pros
- Great value creatine
- Pure creatine monohydrate - perfect for muscle-building
Cons
- Some graininess
| Number of Servings: | 80+ |
| Amount of Creatine Per Serving: | 3g |
| Suitable For: | Vegans, vegetarians |
| Total Weight: | 250g |
- "I can honestly say this is my favourite creatine powder out of several ones that I have tried. There's a noticeable change to my strength and energy levels, and I find myself being able to get in two or three more reps per set. It doesn't taste of anything which means it's really easy to mix in drinks and consume daily. Couldn't recommend this product enough!" Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer, Isabel Martins.
Best budget creatine powder
AmazonWarrior Creatine Monohydrate Powder is a premium creatine supplement, suited for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who look to improve their strength, endurance, and muscle recovery.
This 300g pack contains pure, micronized creatine monohydrate for optimal absorption and effectiveness, ensuring your body receives the highest quality support for intense workouts.
Regular use can significantly improve explosive power, increase muscle mass, and quicker recovery times, making it an ideal choice for anyone serious about their fitness journey. Easy to mix and with no added fillers, it's the perfect addition to your training regimen to help you achieve your performance goals faster and more efficiently.
Pros
- Great value
- Reputable brand
- #1 best seller
Cons
- Certain flavours could be too sweet for some
| Number of Servings: | 60 |
| Amount of Creatine Per Serving: | 5g |
| Suitable For: | Vegans |
| Total Weight: | 300g |
- Customer review: "Mixes really easy, mine's flavourless I so can mix with orange juice or anything. It comes in an easy to open and close tightly tub with scooper, great product, would recommend."
Best creatine powder to buy in bulk
AmazonMuscleTech CellTech Creatine Monohydrate Powder is a scientifically engineered formula designed to maximise those gains.
This advanced, multi-stage supplement contains pure creatine monohydrate and is also enriched with carbohydrates to increase absorption and enhance overall effectiveness.
Ideal as a bulk buy for athletes and bodybuilders, it promotes faster recovery, explosive energy, and significant muscle growth. With CellTech, you can push your limits and transform your performance in every workout.
Pros
- Full of electrolytes and BCAA's
- Great bulk buy option
- Quality supplement brand
Cons
- Could have more flavours available
| Number of Servings: | 54 |
| Amount of Creatine Per Serving: | 3g |
| Suitable For: | Not specified |
| Total Weight: | 2.27kg |
- Customer review: "Nice flavour, it defintely helps fast recovery, I highly recommend."
Best tasting creatine powder
If you're not a fan of the unflavoured creatine powders and prefer one that has some kick to it, then we cannot recommend OLIMP's creatine powder enough. Bursting with fresh, citrusy orange flavour, not to mention its fantastic 5g dose of creatine monohydrate and added magnesium for muscle repair - this is one pre-workout supplement that you simply cannot pass on.
Pros
- Great value
- Explosive pre-workout
- Solid orange flavour - easy to drink
- Good 5g serving
Cons
- Not a huge amount of servings for the price
- Isn't suitable for vegetarians
| Number of Servings: | 50 |
| Amount of Creatine Per Serving: | 5g |
| Suitable For: | Not specified |
| Total Weight: | 500g |
- Customer review: "The OLIMP is probably the best type of Creatine you can buy on the market - supports me with my muscle growth very well."
Best Creatine Monohydrate powder
Bulk's mammoth 1kg bag of creatine monohydrate is simply excellent for the gym-prepper type of person. Creatine is the lifeblood of a great workout, and keeping on top of true muscle saturation is necessary for terrific progress - enter, Bulk.
Bulk's pure creatine monohydrate is simply one the most effective ways of quickly absorbing creatine before a workout - simply grab yourself a fantastic protein shaker, add a single 5g scoop of Bulk's creatine to 150-200ml of water, and (ensuring the lid is well and truly fastened tight), give it a good shake.
Pros
- Has an enormous number of servings per bag
- Pure creatine monohydrate - no additional chemicals
- Dissolves well into water
Cons
- A fairly large investment in pre-workout powder
| Number of Servings: | 200 |
| Amount of Creatine Per Serving: | 5g |
| Suitable For: | Vegetarians, vegans |
| Total Weight: | 1kg |
- Customer review: "I've been using the Bulk Creatine Monohydrate Powder for a while now, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase! This product offers an unbeatable value for the quality it delivers. As someone who's serious about their workouts and fitness goals, I appreciate the purity of this creatine powder – no unnecessary additives or fillers, just pure goodness.
"If you're looking for a reliable source of high-quality creatine that doesn't break the bank, look no further. Bulk Creatine Monohydrate Powder has become an essential part of my supplement stack, and I'm excited to see continued improvements in my fitness journey. Highly recommended for both beginners and seasoned athletes!"
Best pure creatine powder
Vegan, soy-free, milk-free, GMO-free, palm oil free, and gluten-free - Protein Works' 100 per cent pure creatine powder is about as high quality as creatine gets, and that's no exaggeration.
Shake with 150-200ml of water, neck your potent pre-workout concoction and start training within 25-30 minutes.
Pros
- Ultra-high quality creatine
- Very easy to dissolve
- Excellent available flavours
- Good amount of creatine per serving
Cons
- Some users found the taste to be bitter - but this was rare
| Number of Servings: | 250g |
| Amount of Creatine Per Serving: | 50 |
| Suitable For: | Vegetarians, vegans, gluten free |
| Total Weight: | 250g |
- Customer review: "The Protein Works Creatine mixes well and for me personally I take it before and after training and I feel it gives me a bit of a kick a the start of my session. I certainly have noticed a marked improvement in endurance and recovery when taking it, I loaded for two weeks at the start and it seemed to do the trick."
Best creatine supplement
For those that aren't particular fans of chugging creatine moments before a workout, save yourself the bloating and try some creatine capsules.
Take 6-8 capsules per day and all the creatine to do its magic - train harder, build muscle, boost motivation - creatine is the be-all-end-all supplement, and ILN's creatine capsules are some of the best on the market.
Pros
- Fantastic alternative to powder
- Perfect for all-day use
- Excellent workout boost
Cons
- Not as instantly effective as creatine powder
| Number of Servings: | 40 |
| Amount of Creatine Per Serving: | 4,200mg |
| Suitable For: | Vegetarians |
| Total Weight: | 500g |
- Customer review: "I'm 46 years of age and returned to the gym at the start of the year to get back into shape before it's too late! I've not used creatine for some considerable time, in fact it wasn't available in tablet form when I last used it. Although I was training hard and taking whey protein, I was not seeing the results I was after. However, using the ILN capsules along with whey protein has certainly paid off. The tablets are quite large, but still easy to swallow. I'm following the instructions to the letter and loaded up the first week with 10 tablets a day (5 in the morning and 5 in the evening) and then 6 per day (again split morning and evening).
"I did put on some weight in the first week (around 4 lbs), but now stable and seeing a reduction in my bodyfat and an increase in muscle size; exactly what I think we're all after! I'm still in my first 10 week cycle, but have already bought a second tub of these to see me through this cycle and into the next!
"I would highly recommend this to anyone serious about weight training. Yes, they may be more expensive that other brands, but there's a reason for that....."
Best chewable creatine
Save yourself from swigging creatine on the way to the gym and save yourself from taking several trips to the bathroom - ILN's chewable creatine tablets are the perfect way to boost your drive, enhance your pump and break through your exercise thresholds.
Take at least six tablets per day and give them a good chew - don't worry they're delicious. ILN also recommends taking them with a glass of water so you can absorb the creatine much faster - refreshing. ILN's chewable creatine tablets are among some of the best pre-workout supplements, whilst also being a particularly excellent post-workout supplement too, so no more post-workout bloat.
Pros
- Excellent flavour
- Rapid workout boost
- Perfect for pre-workout snack and boost
Cons
- Creatine per serving is less than both pills and powder
| Number of Servings: | 180 tablets |
| Amount of Creatine Per Sering: | 3000mg |
| Suitable For: | Vegetarians and vegans |
| Total Weight: | 540g |
- Customer review: "It's hard to get a decent dose of creatine in a compact format, and so these chunky ILN tabs spread a single serving over six tablets. Most practitioners seem to suggest taking these for a while to build them up in your system, so fortunately, the very palatable nature of the tablets makes this a lot easier than it might be. It's like popping a handful of sweets a day. They're a little like Parma Violets / Refreshers / Love Hearts in taste and consistency, I find, and that's no bad thing.
"'Chewy' is maybe a bit of a misnomer, as they have an ever-so-slightly chalky consistency, which is better to just suck slowly rather than chomp your teeth right down on. They soon crumble and dissolve and can be washed down with a glass of water.
"As with all supplements, they are to be employed as a long-term strategy, so I can't confess to any superman bursts at the gym - yet. However, if you are up for benefitting from the sports science behind creatine in your workouts, then this is a really pleasant, easy format to get your daily dose in."
FAQs:
What is the difference between creatine powder and protein powder?
Protein powder can be useful for increasing your daily protein intake to aid things like muscle gain, recovery, weight loss and overall performance.
While creatine powder increases exercise capacity and is especially great for short intense workouts such as weight lifting or sprinting, as it can help you produce quick bursts of energy and speed.
There are several forms of creatine supplements out there: powders, capsules, or even liquid creatine. There are also many different types of creatine, with creatine monohydrate being the most popular and proven to deliver the best results.
The wonder of creatine also lies in its manufacturing process - creatine can, and often is derived from natural, vegan or vegetarian sources (much like our favourite vegan protein powders), so anyone can experience the incredible benefits of regular creatine intake.
What are the benefits of creatine?
Creatine monohydrate is a form of amino acid found in the skeletal muscles and is essential for energy production in muscles.
Consuming creatine assists in the maintenance and energy upkeep in muscles - while training, muscles begin to tear (don't worry, this is both safe and natural) - muscles use energy to repair these tears, which over time causes your muscles to become much stronger.
Creatine supplements massively boost this repair cycle - making it decisively the greatest workout supplement of all, without contest.
What is creatine loading?
Creatine loading is a process of intaking large quantities of the supplement for roughly a week. In your regular routine, you should consume around 5-7g per day to upkeep creatine saturation in your muscles, but during a loading phase, you can consume up to 20g per day throughout the day.
Loading is important because it saves gym-goers from waiting for weeks for full muscle saturation - loading ensures that you feel the effects of creatine as quickly as possible.
Of course, this isn't without its side effects - bloating and some feelings of nausea are fairly common, after which you should absolutely cut back - a nauseous workout is among one of the worst gym experiences to have, and your health and wellbeing are far more important than total muscle saturation.
Is taking creatine safe?
Taking the recommended creatine dose for your body is safe, the only danger with it comes when people overdo it. Despite plenty of reputable research proving that it is indeed safe to take, plenty of people avoid it due to concerns over kidney damage, as well as weight gain and cramps. Some have even falsely claimed that it is a steroid, however, despite this negative press, creatine in moderation is indeed safe.
The only caveat with creatine is that you should take a week's break from taking it after 6-8 weeks, this is due to the fact that taking the supplement for an extended period of time lessens its effect on your body.
What are the different types of creatine?
There are about 10 different types of creatine, the most popular being creatine monohydrate. This is the creatine most proven to improve and enhance your training sessions, although some research and evidence demonstrate that creatine magnesium chelate is as effective as creatine monohydrate, however, information on this is limited.
Ryan Houghton is a tech writer and reviewer for What's The Best, specialising in PCs and gaming. He is a keen PC gamer and an avid reader.
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