Quick links
- Best all-rounder (powder) – Optimum Nutrition
- Best cheap creatine (powder) – Nutricost
- Cheap creatine alternative (powder) – Bulk Supplements
- Best capsule – Optimum Nutrition
- Best cheap creatine capsule – Nutricost
We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 creatine supplements based on their effectiveness and overall value. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, these supplements can help you take your performance to the next level. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 5 creatine supplements on the market today.
Why Take Creatine?
- It’s the safest supplement you could ever take. It’s been through so much testing that we can essentially guarantee it’s safe.
- Studies show that it has a range of physical benefits such as increased strength, endurance and performance.
- Newer studies show that there are also some cognitive benefits to taking creatine monohydrate
- It’s relatively cheap!
What’s the best creatine for bulking?
This is a bit of a trick question. Creatine monohydrate is a one ingredient product, meaning that all creatine products are as good as each other for bulking if all other variables are the same (dosage, time of ingestion, training etc). Makes things simple doesn’t it!
The biggest questions you have to ask are: what am I willing to pay for a more established brand (and the quality control that comes with that)? and what form would I prefer to take? Personally, I go for pills to save the time and effort of sorting out a shaker, but whatever floats your boat.
| Brand | $ per ounce | Pros | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OM Powder | $2.57 | High-quality product, popular | ★★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
| Nutricost Powder | $1.39 | Cheaper alternative, reputable | ★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
| Bulk Powder | $1.25 | Cheapest! | ★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
| OM Capsules | 29c/cap | High-quality product, popular | ★★★★★ | See Prices |
| Nutricost Capsules | 9c/cap | Very cheap | ★★★★ | SEE PRICES |
How should I take creatine
Back in the day bro magazines would recommend loading your creatine heavily to begin with. We wouldn’t recommend it, 5g every day is enough. More than 5g won’t hurt you but the jury’s out on whether it will help you.
What’s most important is that you’re exercising to recruit the creatine into your muscles. Considering this, taking your dose after a workout is best. You are going to get heavier because you’ll be taking on a lot more water, but your performance will most likely improve. Moreover, the additional water is mostly being taken into your muscles which is a good thing.
Supplement Guides: Protein | Pre-Workout | Fat Loss | Natural Testosterone
Best All-rounder – Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine powder
As one of the most popular and established options on the market, ON were likely to be close to the top of our list. Whilst this option is a little pricier than some of the other options, its quality is guaranteed. Here’s what they have to say about their product:
“Creatine is proven to increase performance during high intensity training. From the World’s No. 1 Sports Nutrition brand, each serving supplies a full 3.4 g of Creatine Monohydrate to increase muscle power in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity, repeated exercise*. Optimum Nutrition MICRONISED CREATINE POWDER always mixes easily and unlike other Creatine powders, there is no gritty taste or texture.”
$2.57/ounce
Best Cheap Creatine – Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate
If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, Nutricost may be the option for you. Whilst the brand isn’t as established as Optimum Nutrition, this creatine product has all of the accreditations you would look for from a quality perspective. One thing to consider there the recommended dose for creatine is 3-5g, therefore you may not necessarily need the full 5g dose this brand offers. Here’s some specific information:
- 5 grams of pure creatine per serving
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Micronized creatine monohydrate
- 100 servings or 200 servings available
$1.39/ounce
Budget Creatine Alternative – Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate
This bulk supplements product offers all of the same benefits as the Nutricost creatine above. The main difference is that there is a wider range of product size options to choose from that may suit your goals/plans. 1.1, 2.2 pound and 3.5 ounce and 8.8 ounce packages are available. Furthermore, as with all of these products, they’ve been 3rd party tested.
$1.25/ounce
Supplement Guides: Protein | Pre-Workout | Fat Loss | Natural Testosterone
Best Creatine Capsule – Optimum Nutrition Creatine Capsules
Would capsules suit your routine better? A lot of athletes find them more convenient than powders as you don’t need to mix them with liquid. If you think capsules could be right for you, take a look at the gold standard on the market from Optimum Nutrition. Whilst we’re confident in this brand, the price per capsule vs competitors may put some people off. This is why we’ve included a budget competitor below.
$0.29/capsule
Best Cheap Creatine Capsule – Nutricost Creatine Capsules
At $0.07 per capsule it’s hard to argue with the value of Nutricost. As we’ve mentioned before, Nutricost doesn’t have the same reputation and track record as Optimum Nutrition but it’s a clear winner on price. These capsules have been 3rd party tested and will be as safe as anything else on the market. You may see some marginal drops in quality but these will be hard to notice, especially in capsule form.
$0.07/capsule
Olly is a CIMSPA accredited personal trainer with a BSc degree in sport management from Solent University. He has over 10 years experience helping clients reach their health & fitness goals.