Read more supplement reviews from Men’s Health
Sure, you could eat meat daily, but not everyone wants to devour massive portions of steak or salmon every day. (A 1kg steak has around 5 grams of creatine, for reference.) That’s where supplements come in. Creatine is one of the most extensively researched supplements on the market, and its benefits are well-documented, but only a handful of creatine supplements are worth your money.
In collaboration with two sports nutrition experts, we evaluated multiple creatine products. Here’s what we’ve found: choose pure creatine monohydrate with five grams per serving — and ideally no fillers or extra ingredients.
Ready to take your gains to the next level? Keep scrolling to explore our top picks of the best creatine supplements to shop this year.
What to Consider
Dosage
Research suggests that a daily dosage of 3 to 5 grams of creatine monohydrate is effective for most individuals. Stick to this recommended dosage to maximise the benefits without overdoing it. Looking to load? ‘The classic dosing schedule for creatine monohydrate is to perform a loading phase of 20g per day spread over 4 doses throughout the day for 5-7 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 3-5g thereafter,’ says mens’ health specialist dietitian Rick Miller.
‘This has been shown to increase muscle creatine content faster but in my experience, can lead to gastric side effects in some individuals. If you have a more sensitive stomach, go for the slower approach, such as 3-5g, and let the levels build gradually.’
Type of Creatine
Look for a supplement that contains micronised creatine. ‘Micronised creatine is processed to reduce its particle size which improves its solubility in liquids,’ says Miller. The theory goes that more finely ground creatine particles are easier for your body to absorb and utilise. This enhanced absorption can lead to better results and reduced stomach discomfort.
Also ensure you’re choosing creatine monohydrate. ‘It’s the best in terms of effectiveness vs cost,’ says nutritionist Yiannis Fleming. ‘This is the most well-researched form of creatine and the powder is easily mixed with protein powders, squashes or juices.’ Miller agrees, adding that he recommends creatine monohydrate over other types to his clients. ‘Other forms of creatine such as Creatine Ethyl Ester, Creatine HCL, Creatine pyruvate and malate have not shown improved performance outcomes in the research over creatine monohydrate.’
Ingredients
Creatine monohydrate should always be the key ingredient, but some supplements may include other additives. Opt for a single-ingredient, pure creatine whenever possible. If you are set on adding some extras — say electrolytes, or would prefer a flavoured option — we’ve included the best of those below as well.
Certification
Supplements in the UK are subject to EU regulations regarding safety and health claims, so unless you’re buying from some dodgy third party on the internet (please don’t do this), you can trust your supplement is legit. However, a certification from a reputable organisation, such as Informed Sport, provides an extra layer of confidence in the product’s reliability and integrity. ‘I would always recommend looking for certification of purity and quality, such as those offered by Informed Sport which have been certified to ensure no banned substances,’ says Miller.
Format
Creatine comes in multiple formats, with powders, capsules/tablets and gummies being the most common (more on creatine gummies below). ‘What’s best for you depends on your personal preferences, budget and lifestyle,’ says Fleming. ‘Powdered forms of creatine are the most cost-effective and research-backed option. Gummies tend to prioritise taste, convenience and portability. Capsules are preferred to avoid mess and for a precise way to take creatine without the need for mixing.’
Generally, powders are considered best, and that’s what we’ve tested and included below. ‘A creatine powder will always allow for more personalised and precise dosing for the individual and versatility with how you take your creatine (e.g. straight with water or mixed into a beverage),’ says Miller. ‘The other benefit to a powder is on the whole there are fewer additional ingredients (such as fillers, binders or sugars), which may not suit everyone or cause an intolerance reaction.’
Read more: How Much Muscle Can I Gain on Creatine?
Remember, consistency is key when taking creatine. Stick to a creatine that you don’t hate, so that you’ll actually take it. And of course, consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns or medical conditions.
Are Creatine Gummies Effective?
Recent discourse around creatine gummies has been less than favourable, with some sources claiming that third-party testing has revealed the levels of creatine in some products is far lower than advertised — if not nonexistent. This has even led to a class-action lawsuit in the US.
‘This depends on the brand, but recent findings have shown that creatine gummies can contain a smaller dose of creatine per serving, potentially to account for the additives required to make the gummies taste better.’ says Fleming. ‘While research on creatine gummies is still in its infancy, to avoid any discrepancies, it is recommended to go for established brands that are batch tested, rather than cheaper or well-marketed options.’
It’s also worth bearing in mind too that a creatine gummy, by design, is instantly a less pure form of creatine than a powder, as it has to include additives, binding ingredients and sweeteners to give it that distinctive gummy texture and taste. They also don’t tend to be as cost-effective as other supplements. ‘If getting your dose of creatine is the priority, then powdered or capsule forms are going to be more effective; however, if you’re prioritising taste and portability, then gummies can be a great option. Just keep in mind that they will not exclusively just contain creatine,’ adds Fleming.
Read more: Best whey protein powders | Best protein powders | Best meal replacement shakes | Best mass gainers | Best protein bars | Best vegan protein powder | Best pre workout | Best energy gels and chews | Best casein protein powder
How We Tested
” data-next-head/>
Skip to Content
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
For this story, we spent hours interviewing registered dietitians, medical doctors, and fitness professionals, as well as researching the top-rated and best-selling creatine supplements on the market.
We then took our selections to the test kitchen. Using a standard ball protein shaker, for each product we followed the instructions on the pack, mixing with water, and where appropriate blending with a protein powder too. We assessed how easily each creatine powder mixed, the texture and the taste.
All of the creatine supplements we tested and recommend below are made up of creatine monohydrate, and many are also micronised. We’ve flagged where supplements have extra certifications too, and paid close attention to evaluate the most important features, such as ingredients, dosage, price, and quality.
The below guide represents our carefully chosen picks of the best creatine supplements worth buying in 2025.
Best Creatine Supplements to Shop in 2025
Best creatine supplement
Protein Works Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine powder ticks every single box, and in our opinion is a complete no-brainer. It’s micronised, blends to a super smooth drink and has the most neutral taste of all the supplements we tested. And, as a 3g serving equals 3g of micronised creatine monohydrate, you can simply take more than the serving size to tailor your dose to your needs.
The packaging is easy to tear open and seals up tight to keep your creatine fresh. There’s a handy scoop included, and it blends really well with protein powder too — we had no lumps, grit or powdery texture at all.
Plus, all the ingredients in Protein Works’ creatine products are sourced from BRC-accredited suppliers; this accreditation involves annual audits by independent bodies to ensure strict compliance with quality and safety standards.
| Creatine per 3g serving | 3g |
|---|---|
| Servings | 83 (250g bag) |
| Ingredients | Creatine Monohydrate |
| Form | Powder |
| Micronised? | Yes |
| How to take | Add one 3g scoop to 150-200ml chilled water, shake well for 10 seconds and drink |
Best creatine supplement subscription
Verve Creatine Monohydrate Powder
If you’re looking for a quality creatine supplement to last you, this is it. With a whopping 147 servings in one 500g tub, Verve’s Creatine Monohydrate represents seriously good value — particularly when you can save up to 27% when you can subscribe.
Made with 99.98% micronised creatine, this powder serves serious efficiency and mixes well — it dissolves fast, leaves no gritty texture whatsoever and blends seamlessly with protein powders and electrolyte powders. Plus the taste is as plain as you can get, essentially sitting next to water.
And it’s no wonder, given Verve’s commitment to quality — the brand uses premium-grade creatine monohydrate sourced from reputable suppliers, and its manufacturing facilities are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)-certified, ensuring the product is produced in a controlled, clean environment that meets rigorous quality and safety standards.
A long-handled scoop is included, which is seriously useful. Do bear in mind that the powder settles a bit in transit, so be sure to give the bag a shake before first use to avoid it falling out the scoop in clumps and causing a mess.
Overall this is a good, solid, get the job done option, with the added bonus that you don’t have to remember to re-order.
| Creatine per 3.4g serving | 3.4g |
|---|---|
| Servings | 147 (500g bag) |
| Ingredients | Creatine Monohydrate |
| Form | Powder |
| Micronised? | Yes |
| How to take | Mix 3.4g (1 level 5ml scoop) with 250ml of water, shake and consume |
Best for easy blending
Optimum Nutrition Micronised Creatine Powder
Optimum Nutrition is renowned for making great big tubs of powdered supplements that just work. And things are no different for this micronised creatine monohydrate, which ticks all the boxes — except the giant tub (not really necessary when your serving size is 3.4g).
We were seriously impressed with how easily this creatine supplement dissolved and blended with other powders. Although the texture of the powder is akin to cornflour (so looks a little clumpy), once mixed you can barely tell you’ve added anything to your water. There’s no grit, lumps or filmy coating on the tongue, and we didn’t feel like we needed to give it an extra shake while drinking, so you could blend this in a glass with a spoon with no problems. We tried it with a traditional whey protein and a clear whey powder and it worked brilliantly.
The taste was barely discernible and not far off plain water at all. A brilliant all-rounder and beginner option — plus it comes in a smaller or larger tub.
| Creatine per 3.4g serving | 3g |
|---|---|
| Servings | 93 (317g tub) |
| Ingredients | Creatine Monohydrate |
| Form | Powder |
| Micronised? | Yes |
| How to take | Add 3-4 g (approx. 1 level scoop) to 240ml cold water and mix until powder is dissolved |
Best flavoured creatine
Bulk Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Pros
- Good flavour selection
- 4-4.4g creatine per serving
- Smooth, non-gritty texture
Cons
- You might need to dig around for the scoop
Bulk does make an unflavoured creatine monohydrate (which boasts 4.4g creatine per 5g serving), but we included it here for its flavour offering. There are seven, including passionfruit, which we tested and were pleasantly surprised by. It’s not too sweet or artificial-tasting (which cannot be said for all flavoured creatine supplements).
Texture-wise this cannot be faulted. It’s smooth, blends quickly and easily and any clumps that form as you add it to water are quickly shaken away. We did experience a very slight coating on the tongue — it’s hard to tell if that’s down to the flavour or the creatine itself — but it was by no means unpleasant.
We would recommend using a shaker rather than a glass, so you can keep mixing as you go to avoid any settling, but if you’re drinking it quickly this shouldn’t be an issue. The scoop is provided, but be warned, it easily gets lost in this big bag (we had to fish around with a teaspoon for a while).
| Creatine per 5g serving | 4g |
|---|---|
| Servings | 100 (500g bag) |
| Ingredients | Passionfruit flavour: Creatine Monohydrate, Flavouring, Acid (Citric Acid), Sweetener (Sucralose), Colours (Beta Carotene, Beetroot Red) |
| Form | Powder |
| Micronised? | Yes |
| How to take | Mix 2 scoops (approx. 5g) with 200ml water or a pre/post workout shake |
Best for muscle building
Protein Works Creatine Extreme
Pros
- 7g creatine per serving
- Added ingredients to boost performance
- Ingredients sourced from BRC-accredited suppliers
Cons
- Some may not like the flavours
Looking for more from your creatine supplement? This Protein Works blend combines three different types of creatine (micronised creatine monohydrate, tri-creatine citrate, creatine pyruvate), plus a 2.4g dosage of beta-alanine. Not familiar? Beta-alanine is an amino acid that aids the production of the compound carnosine, which in turn plays a role in muscle endurance.
There’s also taurine, for energy, and Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG), a compound that helps increase nitrogen oxide production, which is beneficial for muscle growth and recovery.
Science lesson over! And if that made no sense to you, all you have to know is that this creatine supplement was designed to boost the effects of creatine as well as increase strength, endurance and performance during high intensity exercise.
It’s available in five flavours — we tried the Orange Burst, which we found a little overpowering (if you chug on strong squash you’ll have no problems), but got used to fairly quickly. Mixing-wise it felt more like a ‘blend’ than other creatine supplements, as you’d expect given the serving size of 20g, but it was still smooth and we had no clumps — however we would recommend giving the drink an extra shake or two as you go.
| Creatine per 20g serving | 7g |
|---|---|
| Servings | 20 (400g bag) |
| Ingredients | Creatine Matrix [Creatine Monohydrate, Tri-Creatine Malate, Creatine Pyruvate], Dextrose Monohydrate, Beta Alanine, Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate, Taurine, L-Glycine, Flavouring, Citric Acid, Colours (Beetroot Powder, Curcumin), Sweetener (Sucralose), Chromium Picolinate |
| Form | Powder |
| Micronised? | Partially |
| How to take | Add 5 scoops (20g) to 200-300ml water, shake well for 10 seconds and drink |
Best for hydration
Warrior Creatine Plus Electrolytes
Pros
- Added electrolytes to fight dehydration
- Thorough third-party testing
- Available in mixed berry or unflavoured
Cons
- Slight chalky texture
Electrolyte drinks can help replenish your stores and speed up recovery, so the clever folks at Warrior included them in its creatine monohydrate blend. With 4g micronised creatine per serving, this mixes quickly and with no clumps. On the texture-front it is slightly chalky, but this isn’t unpleasant, and it shakes up well with protein powders too.
There is a slight taste too, as you’d expect from an electrolyte drink, but again, it’s by no means unpleasant and not at all salty.
The brand conducts third-party testing that exceeds the requirements for the Informed Sport certification, and has a keen focus on quality, ensuring 200 mesh creatine (this means the creatine has been so finely ground it can pass through a screen with 200 opening per linear inch), which dissolves fast and is digested easily.
While not our favourite on this list, this is an ideal product if you’re looking to add electrolytes to your drink and can’t really be bothered to blend separately. It gets the job done and offers a good dose at 4g of creatine.
| Creatine per 4.5g serving | 4g |
|---|---|
| Servings | 80 (360g tub) |
| Ingredients | Micronised Creatine Monohydrate, Maltodextrin, Anti-caking Agent (Silicon Dioxide), Electrolytes Blend (Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Di Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide) |
| Form | Powder |
| Micronised? | Yes |
| How to take | Add 1 serving (1 level scoop – 4.5g) to 200-300ml of water or juice |
Best for added benefits
Holland & Barrett TriActive Nutritional Boost with Creatine
PSA: Do not do what we did (for the sake of testing; we can read) and go against the instructions here and drink this on its own. It’s unpleasant, and not how it’s meant to be consumed. Instead, this creatine blend is designed to be mixed with a protein shake or smoothie.
As well as 3g micronised creatine monohydrate, in every dose you’re also getting 26 vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, which research says could increase muscle mass and strength. There’s also mango leaf extract, which may enhance cognitive function, and antioxidant-rich haskap berry.
Presumably because of all these extras, we found this initially didn’t blend quite as smoothly as other creatine supplements — on our first mix (solely with water) there were a few very small, but visible, lumps. However, once we mixed it with a protein powder (we went for a clear whey berry blend), it was all smooth sailing. We were also impressed by how easily the taste was masked — there was a faint aftertaste, but that was all.
| Creatine per 7.5g serving | 3g |
|---|---|
| Servings | 30 (225g tub) |
| Ingredients | Creatine Monohydrate, Multimineral Premix Blend (Calcium Salts of Orthophosphoric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Fumarate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulphate, Cupric Citrate, Chromium Picolinate, Potassium Iodide, Powdered Haskap® (Lonicera caerulea) Berries, ZynamiteTM Mango Leaf Extract (Mangifera indica), Natural Flavouring, Vitamin Premix Blend (Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E(D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate), Anti-Caking Agent (Silicon Dioxide), Niacin (Nicotinic Acid), Vitamin A (Retinyl Acetate), Pantothenic Acid (Calcium D-Pantothenate), Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin), Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Folic Acid (Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid), D-Biotin, Molybdenum (Sodium Molybdate) |
| Form | Powder |
| Micronised? | Yes |
| How to take | Mix 7.5g (1 rounded teaspoon) into your flavoured protein shake or smoothie |
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a naturally occurring molecule produced by our bodies and found in foods like meat, fish, and eggs. It’s also available as a popular sports nutrition supplement known as creatine monohydrate.
As a type of amino acid, creatine serves as a building block for proteins, which are essential for muscle, bone, and tissue development. Think of it as your muscles’ secret fuel reserve, keeping them firing on all cylinders, particularly during intense activities.
Now, here’s a cool fact: despite its incredible performance-boosting benefits, creatine is not banned in any college or professional sports. That means you can confidently incorporate it into your training regimen without worrying about violating any rules or regulations, no matter who you are. (Although, as always, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before adding new supplements into your diet.)
Benefits of Creatine
When you hit the gym and take creatine monohydrate, it supplies energy to your muscles, keeping them fuelled for exercises. This leads to sustained power and endurance during workouts.
By elevating your energy levels, creatine helps you push harder during strength training. It enables you to perform more reps, resulting in increased muscle stimulation and, consequently, more gains.
Creatine is thoroughly studied, too. A 2022 analysis of 35 studies revealed that when combined with resistance training, creatine supplementation leads to a significant increase in lean body mass. Adults, regardless of age, gained over two pounds of lean body mass. Although it might seem small, it’s a meaningful difference for those aiming to build lean muscle.
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
According to Jose Antonio, a professor in the Department of of Exercise and Sport Science at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, USA: ‘There is absolutely no evidence that creatine supplementation causes baldness.’
So, what’s with the rumours about creatine and hair loss? Concerns arose from a single study involving college rugby players who took high creatine doses. This study reported an increase in a testosterone metabolite linked to hair loss. However, it’s vital to note that this study was short-term and on a small sample size, not replicated, and the observed variable in the creatine group remained within normal clinical limits.
Other research on creatine and testosterone levels found no significant changes. While the initial study raised questions, there’s no solid proof linking creatine to hair loss. So, rest assured, creatine doesn’t seem to be the culprit.
What Is the Best Creatine Supplement?
Throughout years of testing, we’ve found several excellent options. Yet, our standout choice for the best creatine supplement is Protein Works Creatine Monohydrate powder. It’s as pure as they come, offering gram-for-gram value of micronised creatine, and adheres to quality and safety standards. It can’t be faulted on both the blending and taste fronts, and offers decent value too (particularly when on sale).
A close runner up is Verve’s Creatine Monohydrate Powder, which offers excellent quality, purity and convenience via the large bag and a useful subscription service.
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.
Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
Hattie Parish is the Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor for Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World, covering the best gym wear, latest fitness tech and wellness launches worth investing in, plus the best deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. As well as clocking up the miles in myriad running socks, pummelling her muscles with massage guns, testing out fitness mirrors and donning dry robes every other weekend, Hattie consults leading experts in the health and fitness industry to help readers make informed decisions when shopping online. Brought up by two medics, Hattie worked in health clinics before completing a BA in English at King’s College London. She qualified as a journalist in 2015 and has since written for titles such as Healthy magazine, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Red, as well as worked commercially with health and wellness clients such as Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug. Hattie is passionate about arming readers with honest, unbiased product reviews and has a particular interest in the role of technology in our wellbeing, as well as gender-based inequalities in healthcare. When she’s not putting gym wear through its paces on the Pilates reformer or kitting out her home gym (garage) with the latest equipment, she’s attempting to make progress on her teetering pile of bedside books, cycling round South East London or sampling wellness retreats for the Women’s Health travel pages.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
