There's a lot to factor in when searching for the best creatine supplement, especially as it can come in a wide variety of forms, making it hard to determine which type is right for you.
Thankfully, we've done some of the research for you to compile a list of our top supplements based on nutrition, price, and reviews, so you can come to an informed decision.
Whether you're after a micronised powder, like this Optimum Nutrition Creatine, or you're after something in a chewable form, like this Universal Nutrition Creatine Chews, then we've got you covered right here.
Best Creatine Supplement
- MyProtein Creatine Monohydrate
- Optimum Nutrition Micronised Creatine Powder
- THE PROTEIN WORKS Creatine Monohydrate Powder
- Optimum Nutrition Creatine Caps
- Universal Nutrition Creatine Chews
Best Creatine Supplement - MyProtein Creatine Monohydrate
MyProtein is one of the leading brands in the supplements market thanks to their large in-house production facilities that produce high-quality items like their Creatine Monohydrate.
This supplement comes in a powdered form and provides you with 3g's of creatine per serving in a wide variety of flavours ranging from tropical to simply unflavoured depending on your preference.
Due to it being powdered, you can buy MyProtein Creatine in packs of 250g, 500g, and 1kg so it should last you a long time if you take this supplement according to the recommended daily intake.
Typically, creatine tends to be slightly cheaper than other supplements like the top pre-workout, and this MyProtein product is no exception, making it a good option if you want something relatively inexpensive to try out creatine for the first time.
Best Micronised Creatine Supplement - Optimum Nutrition Micronised Creatine Powder
Optimum Nutrition is another leading supplements manufacturer that produces one of the best protein powders on the market as well as this Micronised Creatine Powder.
Micronised creatine simply means the molecules have been divided or cut to increase their surface area which should improve absorption and reduce stomach discomfort making it ideal for anyone who feels they have a slightly more sensitive stomach.
This creatine also comes as a powder which helps if you prefer to mix your creatine in a drink like a protein shake or just water.
This product comes unflavoured and therefore mixes easily leaving no gritty taste or texture so you need not worry about any unwanted after-taste.
Best Creatine Supplement For Vegans - THE PROTEIN WORKS Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Although creatine doesn't typically contain any animal products due to it being synthesised from sarcosine and cyanamide, THE PROTEIN WORKS Creatine Monohydrate explicitly states this product is vegan-friendly just in case you're not quite sure.
It comes in a variety of flavours including Berry Blitz, Orange Burst, or, once again, simply unflavoured which should be more versatile to mix with.
One interesting aspect of this supplement is it offers 5g of creatine per serving, which is slightly more than average and should suit a vegan diet that avoids foods that naturally contain creatine like red meat.
Ultimately, if you've got a top pair of weightlifting shoes and want to increase your physical performance even further, then THE PROTEIN WORKS Creatine Monohydrate should help according to the majority of scientific research.
Best Creatine Supplement Capsules - Optimum Nutrition Creatine Caps
Creatine powder may not be for everyone which is why there are a number of products on the market that provide creatine in a capsulated form like these Creatine Caps from Optimum Nutrition.
Per 2 capsules, you get 2.5g's of creatine monohydrate from a German company called Creapure, which is well known for the purity of its products and is tested at the German Olympic Training Center.
Also, thanks to their pill form, you can easily and quickly digest these capsules before a workout which makes them an ideal option for people who want to keep their drink in their top water bottle separate from their creatine.
Another positive aspect of Creatine Caps is that, at just 1.25g's per capsule, it makes it easier to regulate your daily intake, so if you want to take less creatine in a day, simply consume fewer capsules.
Best Creatine Supplement Chews - Universal Nutrition Creatine Chews
Again, if you prefer to take creatine in a form that isn't a powder then you may enjoy these Creatine Chews by Universal Nutrition who have been in the fitness business for more than 40 years and are best known for their products targetting the bodybuilding community.
The key benefit of this supplement is that it offers a quick and convenient way of getting creatine in on the go thanks to it being a chewable wafer capsule that can easily be stored in your top gym bag.
Each capsule contains 1.25g's of creatine but also 1g of sugar to give its taste, so if you're looking for a small sugar boost before your workout then these chews should be perfect.
Ultimately, if can't guarantee you'll have water to hand then these chewable capsules will likely be a great way of supplementing creatine into your diet, and it's also worth noting they are vegetarian as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creatine
People tend to have a lot of questions regarding creatine supplements, especially as there are a lot of common misconceptions, but we're here to clear up some of the more typical queries you may have.
How Does Creatine Work?
While the top BCAAs stimulate protein synthesis, creatine plays a critical role in cellular energy production due to being involved in the formation of ATP.
ATP is the principal molecule for storing and transferring energy between cells, which is why many fitness enthusiasts take creatine supplements to improve their athletic performance.
To give an example, one study into the effects of creatine on training found it increased strength by 8%, weightlifting performance by 14%, and participants bench press one-rep max up to 43%.
If you want to find out more, check out our guide on what creatine does right here.
What Does Monohydrate Mean?
Monohydrate simply means a hydrate containing one mole of water per mole of the compound, so creatine monohydrate refers to one water molecule per one creatine molecule.
Creatine anhydrous on the other hand is the name given for when creatine is processed and the water molecule is removed.
Typically speaking, creatine anhydrous is 100% creatine by weight, whereas the monohydrate form is about 90% creatine by weight.
What Is Micronized Creatine?
Micronized creatine simply refers to when the particles are reduced in size, sometimes through a process called Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solution, to make them up to 20 times smaller than in standard creatine.
The reason for this is to increase the surface area which, in turn, can improve water solubility for quicker absorption.
Another benefit of this increased solubility is it has been linked to the reduction of stomach discomfort and bloating, one of the main side effects found from standard creatine.
If you'd like to find out more, check out our guide on micronized creatine right here.
When Should I Take Creatine?
There is no set rule on when you should take creatine as this will ultimately come down to personal preference.
With that being said, if you take creatine before your workout and feel like it doesn't agree or benefit you, then you can always try and take it after exercising to replenish your energy stores and see if that improves your performance.
How Much Creatine Do I Need To Take?
It is possible to take too much creatine which can lead to stomach discomfort and bloating.
Ultimately, it is typically recommended you consume 3-5g of creatine a day to maintain optimum saturation during periods of training, particularly weight lifting.
Read More: Best Blenders Available Right Now - Our Top Picks