Creatine is having a moment as of late. Thanks to this amino acid’s widely-studied influence on athletic performance, cognitive function, and body composition, more athletes than ever are adding the best creatine supplements to their regimen. (1) The best creatine for men comes in a variety of forms, all designed to help you increase energy stores, build lean muscle, recover more efficiently, and support your fitness journey. (2)
When searching for an ideal creatine supplement, there are a ton of options to sift through. Outside of creatine forms including creatine monohydrate and creatine hydrochloride, you also need to think about your supplement’s form, its dosage, available flavors, and (of course) price. While creatine isn’t inherently gender-specific — both men and women can boost their performance with this helpful amino acid — we’ve combed through the studies and personally tested over 40 different profiles to land on our favorite creatine supplements for male athletes.
The 8 Best Creatine Supplements for Men
- Best Creatine for Men Overall: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
- Best Creatine Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate
- Best Tasting Creatine for Men: XWERKS Lift
- Best Pure Creatine Monohydrate for Men: Onnit Creatine Monohydrate
- Best Creatine Drink for Men: Legion Recharge
- Best Mixing Creatine for Men: Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate
- Best Creatine Gummies for Men: Swoly Creatine Gummy
- Best Creatine Pills for Men: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended to diagnose, prevent, and/or treat health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Creatine for Men
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best creatine for men available today, we’ve tested 41 different profiles from the industry’s best brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.
Form
You most often take creatine products in either a pill, gummy, or powdered form. They each have their advantages and drawbacks. Pills and gummies, while more portable and better for on-the-go, can be a lot to swallow, especially if you have to take multiples for a full dose. Powders, while easier to ingest for some, can have a gritty texture if solubility isn’t up to snuff. They’re also less convenient when it comes to traveling with your supplements.
To satisfy the needs of every man who may be interested in taking creatine, we included a mix of creatine forms including powders, pills, and gummies. We also took into consideration how well each creatine powder mixes along with any available flavors.
Price
Creatine by itself is usually among the cheaper supplements, but should you choose an intra-workout that contains creatine, a creatine combination product, protein, or some other type of creatine, the price may be significantly higher.
[Related: So, Do You Really Need a Creatine Loading Phase After All?]
We factored in the price compared to what the ingredients would cost on their own to see whether a supplement was a good choice or not. Those who ended up being much more expensive per serving without providing some substantial difference or advantage weren’t ranked as highly during our trials.
Research and Dosing
Despite creatine monohydrate specifically having a ton of research backing it, the other, often newer and synthesized versions of creatine may not have as robust a ledger. For that reason, creatine monohydrates ranked higher unless there was some research provided and a specific benefit explained — such as Creatine HCl. Research suggests that this highly-soluble formulation can be better suited for athletes with sensitive stomachs, as the creatine is absorbed quickly leading to less GI distress internally. (17)
The dosing also had to be correct for us to consider a supplement for the list. If a product, for example, contains only 1,500mg of creatine monohydrate, then we would expect to see a solid dose of another type of creatine too, or that product would be considered underdosed and not make this list. (12)
[Related: Should You Take Creatine Before or After a Workout?]
Best Creatine for Men Overall: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
We like that this product includes hydroxymethyl butyrate, the main metabolite in leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. Plus, the blue raspberry flavor is tasty, and the blend contains no artificial sweeteners.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.50-$1.67
- Creatine Per Serving: 5,000mg
- Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
- Available Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Unflavored, Sour Grape, Tropical Punch, Peach Rings, Cherry Kiwi, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Orange, Hawaiian Splash, Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Blueberry Pomegranate
- Servings Per Container: 30, 60
Pros
- The 5,000-milligram dosage of creatine monohydrate is aligned with the recommended daily serving for increased power, strength, and muscle mass. (15)
- The included 1,500 milligrams of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB) may help promote better muscle recovery. (16)
- This high-quality creatine comes in 14 available flavors, perfect for fighting flavor fatigue over extended supplementation.
Cons
- Our tester said the added BioPerine has a tendency to alter the taste away from the listed flavor.
- There’s no stimulants listed in the formulation, so it’s not the best option for a pre-workout energy boost.
- Even when purchasing the bulk-priced 60-serving tub, this is one of the most expensive creatine supplements we’ve tested.
Transparent Labs makes some of our favorite protein powders, pre-workouts, and other supplements, so finding Creatine HMB at the top of our list when looking at creatine for men wasn’t all too surprising. This creatine monohydrate powder delivers 5 grams of the amino acid per serving, which can be excellent for ATP turnover and increased energy levels. (9)
In our trials, we also liked the abundance of flavor options at play with this creatine supplement. You have 14 various tastes to choose from, including an unflavored option that’s great for mixing with other shakes and beverages throughout your day. We give this a 4 out of 5 for taste, though, because the included 5 milligrams of BioPerine tends to throw off the flavor profile, according to our tester.
“When you smell it, it smells spicy — not an ideal way to describe creatine,” says our tester after tasting the Peach Mango offering. “I think the BioPerine, which is a derivative of black pepper, is altering the taste. I found the mixture bitter until adding more water.”
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., also appreciated the inclusion of BioPerine, stating, “I like that this creatine formula contains 5mg of black pepper extract to help increase bioavailability. I’m all about maximizing the bang for your buck!”
[Related: Does Creatine Expire? A Certified Nutrition Coach Gives Their Insight]
While the flavor profiles may leave a little to be desired for some, we do love the inclusion of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB) in this formulation. Studies indicate that when combined with creatine, HMB has the potential to help with muscle recovery, allowing you to tackle high-intensity training sessions with less burnout and rest required post-workout. (16)
As with other supplements from Transparent Labs, Creatine HMB is free of any artificial sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives. Plus, the formulation is third-party tested by Informed Choice, which makes it a great pick for athletes that need to be wary of banned substances in their nutritional plan.
You can also purchase Creatine HMB in 30-serving or 60-serving tubs, making it a good option for athletes who prefer to buy in bulk. We found, though, that even in the larger quantity, you’re paying more per serving than other creatines out there. It’s sort of a premium price at $1.50 to $1.67 per dose, but what else can you expect from such a premium product?
Read our full Transparent Labs Creatine HMB Review.
Best Creatine Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate
Jacked Factory's Creatine Monohydrate is about as straightforward a creatine as they come. It's also one of the best prices we've found on the market at just under 15 cents per serving.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.25-$0.50 (Powdered), $0.40 (Capsuled)
- Creatine Per Serving: 5,000mg (Powdered), 3,000mg (Capsuled)
- Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
- Available Flavors: Unflavored
- Servings Per Container: 30, 50 (Capsuled), 85, 200
Pros
- This creatine monohydrate powder is unflavored, so it can be easily added to any beverage without flavor cross-contamination.
- The 5,000-milligram dosage is in-line with the daily recommended intake for optimal ATP turnover. (15)
- Jacked Factory also offers this creatine supplement in capsuled form for powder-averse athletes.
Cons
- Our tester experienced some sediment at the bottom of their cup when spacing out sips over an extended period of time.
- While the formulation is pretty straightforward, a lack of third-party testing may deter some athletes.
- Those looking for a flavored creatine option will be better supported with other options.
If you’re looking for a powdered form of creatine monohydrate, this pick from Jacked Factory is one of our favorites. The simple, unflavored makeup makes it easy to add to a protein shake, smoothie, pre-workout, or any beverage throughout the day to help you build muscle and improve your recovery times. Plus, we like how Jacked Factory keeps the dosage at 5,000 milligrams per serving, which is on par with recommended intakes for optimal ATP turnover. (15)
In terms of the formulation, this workout supplement keeps things pretty bare-bones, according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.. “Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate keeps it simple by providing 5 grams of creatine per serving. No unnecessary fillers or dyes, and no other ingredients that will bump the cost per serving,” she adds.
Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, also rated this a 4 out of 5 for solubility. “It mixes pretty easily, but I did see some gritty sediment at the bottom of my cup if I let my drink sit too long,” she noted. “A simple swish or shake helps stir up any settled powder, though, so it’s an easy fix.”
[Related: What Does Creatine Do? Here’s How the Mass-Boosting Supplement Actually Works]
We also appreciate the fact that Jacked Factory has a capsule version of its Creatine Monohydrate. This can be ideal for athletes who’d rather down their daily creatine dosage in a pilled form over a blended drink.
Additionally, we like this capsuled option for travel, since it’s much easier to tote some protected creatine capsules around over loose powder. We do want to note, though, that the capsules provide less creatine monohydrate per serving than the powder — 3,000 milligrams to 5,000 milligrams.
There’s also a good bit of variety when it comes to container sizes. While the capsules are only sold in 50-serving bottles, you can get Creatine Monohydrate powder in 30-serving, 85-serving, and even 200-serving tubs. The price can also get down to as low as $0.25 per serving when opting for the bulk sizes, which can be great for budget-conscious athletes. For reference, the capsuled offering is still approachable at $0.40 per dosage.
Additionally, while we’re fans of this creatine monohydrate supplement, it may not be the best choice for strength athletes. We think Jacked Factory is a pretty transparent brand, but men looking for a third-party certification will not find it with this profile.
[Related: Does Taking Creatine Lead to Weight Gain?]
Best Tasting Creatine for Men: XWERKS Lift
Xwerks Lift is a straight-forward creatine that contains 5 grams of pure micronized creatine monohydrate per serving. It comes in an unflavored option for easy mixing.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.61
- Creatine Per Serving: 5g
- Type of Creatine: Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
- Available Flavors: Unflavored
- Servings Per Container: 80
Pros
- The unflavored makeup allows you to add this supplement to other beverages without cross-contaminating flavors.
- This unflavored creatine powder mixes well without any grainy texture during sips thanks to its micronized design.
- XWERKS Lift is very affordable at less than $0.62 per serving.
Cons
- Our tester said residue can be found at the bottom of your shaker on occasion.
- Those looking for a flavored creatine supplement will not find it here.
- Some customers have noted shipment delays and lack of communication on order mishaps.
In our opinion, the best-tasting creatine is one that you cannot taste at all. While this may sound counterproductive, it actually opens the door for you to up your creatine stores with any beverage of choice. XWERKS Lift’s unflavored profile earns our title of “Best Tasting Creatine for Men” thanks to its versatile makeup that gives you the power to choose your palate-pleasing formulation. “Because it’s unflavored and easy to digest, it can mix into your favorite drink without concerns over tolerance,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D..
The creatine monohydrate used in Lift is micronized, lending to its excellent solubility. Studies indicate that micronized creatine powder is finer than other creatine forms, which helps improve the absorption rate and water solubility. (17)
[Related: 6 Creatine Benefits All Lifters Should Know About]
The only reason we give this top creatine for men a 4.75 out of 5 for solubility is due to the leftover grit our tester found at the bottom of their blender bottle during a handful of trials. “I did notice some grainy residue at the bottom of my cup when I mixed this with plain water,” they said. “Thankfully, though, there’s no gritty mouthfeel when taking this creatine down the hatch.”
In terms of formulation, XWERKS Lift has a pretty straightforward makeup. The lone ingredient to this unflavored creatine monohydrate powder … is 5 grams of creatine monohydrate. We appreciate this bare-bones approach, as it makes adding the powder to our protein shakes and pre-workouts a breeze (no flavor cross-contamination). Plus, the 5-gram serving is right in-line with the recommended daily intake for athletes. (15)
XWERKS Lift is also plenty affordable at $0.61 per serving, which equates to $49 for an 80-serving package. We do recommend paying close attention to your orders, though, as some customers have noted issues with customer service.
“Tried reaching out to support, got a reply asking if it came late. When I said it did not, I never heard back,” said one customer. This shouldn’t deter you from trying the product — there are far more positive customer reviews than negative responses — but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Read our full XWERKS Lift Creatine Review.
Best Pure Creatine Monohydrate for Men: Onnit Creatine Monohydrate
This unflavored powder offers a truly neutral taste (something that is surprisingly hard to come by on the supplement market). And at just $0.50 per serving, it's a steal.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.50
- Creatine Per Serving: 5g
- Type of Creatine: Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
- Available Flavors: Unflavored
- Servings Per Container: 30
Pros
- This creatine supplement contains no added ingredients for a simple, straight-to-the-point formulation.
- The 5 grams per serving is aligned with recommended dosages for lean muscle gain, improved strength, and boosted recovery time. (15)
- Onnit offers a subscription service that can save you 15 percent per container.
Cons
- Onnit only offers Creatine Monohydrate in one container size.
- There are cheaper creatine supplements available providing similar dosages.
- This is not an ideal pick for those wanting more flavor variety with their powder.
For men wanting to keep their nutrition regimen as simple as possible, we recommended this Creatine Monohydrate from Onnit. There’s just one ingredient in the formulation — 5 grams of unflavored micronized creatine monohydrate — making it a pure offering without any frills or additives like artificial flavors.
We appreciated the simplicity of this supplement, as stacking it with our other daily powders was a breeze. “It’s a pretty neutral flavor, and I had no issues with the micronized powder dissolving in my shakes,” says our tester, a certified nutrition coach. As such, we gave this Onnit profile a perfect 5 out of 5 in both taste and solubility.
[Related: Creatine Vs. Pre-Workout — Differences and When to Take Each]
Additionally, “Onnit’s biggest flex with this creatine monohydrate powder might be its price point. Each serving provides 5 grams of creatine and is around $0.50 (or less if you subscribe and save), making it one of the most affordable options on the market.” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D..
You can schedule repeat deliveries every 7, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, or 90 days, so there’s little room for your stock to run out. We also appreciate the versatility across this schedule layout, giving you more power to match your purchases to your supplement habits.
While having the ability to subscribe for repeat orders is a nice perk, we do wish that Onnit offered Creatine Monohydrate in larger containers. For bodybuilders, Olympic weightlifters, powerlifters, and other fitness enthusiasts that prefer buying in bulk, this could be a detriment despite the option to subscribe for repeat orders.
[Related: 14 Foods with Creatine to Fuel Your Next Workout]
Best Creatine Drink for Men: Legion Recharge
Legion Recharge is a well-rounded option that includes a solid dose of creatine monohydrate, along with l-carnitine l-tartrate, which may help to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and improve recovery.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1-$1.33
- Creatine Per Serving: 5g
- Type of Creatine: Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
- Available Flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Artichoke Blast, Fruit Punch, Sour Candy, Unflavored, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Grape, Strawberry Kiwi
- Servings Per Container: 30, 60
Pros
- Our tester said this post-workout creatine drink provided great flavor and dissolved easily in water.
- The creatine is micronized, making it more water soluble and easier for the body to absorb. (17)
- Each serving contains 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate, which may help support increased muscle mass, lower body weight, and alleviated fatigue. (18)
Cons
- This creatine is produced in a facility that may also process ingredients containing milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, soybeans, and wheat.
- The unflavored offering is, in fact, sweetened with stevia leaf extract, which may deter some athletes.
- Those looking for a more straightforward creatine supplement have more simplified options at their disposal.
The best creatine drink for men is a concoction that supports muscle gain, brain function, and boosted recovery from workout soreness in one fell swoop. In testing, we believe Legion’s Recharge post-workout powder is prime for hitting these metrics thanks to its easily-sippable flavor offerings, excellent solubility, and robust ingredients makeup designed to help you get the most out of your in-gym efforts.
[Related: The Best Post-Workout Supplements For Muscle Recovery, Mass Gain, And More]
In each single-scoop serving of Recharge, you get a hearty 5 grams of micronized creatine monohydrate. Studies indicate that this micronized creatine powder is finer than other formulations on the market, which may lead to faster absorption after consumption. (17)
Additionally, we appreciate the 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate, which has been linked to better recovery by supporting increased muscle mass accompanied by lower body weight and lessened fatigue both physically and mentally. (18)
Aside from its robust makeup, Recharge earns its “Best Creatine Drink for Men” moniker through the simple fact that it’s a pleasant treat to take down after training. “I tried the Strawberry Lemonade offering,” says our tester, a certified nutrition coach. “I really enjoyed the blend of sweet and tart in every sip.”
We also rated this post-workout powder a 5 out of 5 for solubility, as we found no clumps or gritty residue after mixing multiple drinks in both shaker bottles and countertop blenders.
Naturally, though, we understand that Recharge may not be the perfect fit for every athlete. After all, the formulation is more focused toward post-workout recovery than straightforward creatine supplementation. “Legion Recharge is [also] sweetened with stevia, which isn’t tolerated by everyone. Even the unflavored option includes the natural sweetener,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D..
Lastly, we do appreciate Legion’s reliance on ingredients containing no artificial food dyes, fillers, or, as the brand puts it, “other unnecessary junk.” It is noteworthy, though, that athletes sensitive to specific allergens may want to steer clear of this post-workout powder. According to the ingredients label, Recharge is produced in a facility that may also process ingredients containing milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, soybeans, and wheat.
Read our full Legion Recharge Review.
Best Mixing Creatine for Men: Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine is clean and simple. It comes with 2.5 grams of micronized creatine per serving, and you can buy it in bulk to save money. Plus, it's tested both in-house and by a third party for any impurities.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.08-$0.80 (Powdered), $0.60-$0.80 (Capsuled)
- Creatine Per Serving: 5g
- Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
- Available Flavors: Unflavored
- Servings Per Container: 20, 30 (Capsuled), 50, 60 (Capsuled), 100, 200, 1,000, 5,000
Pros
- Our tester states that this simple creatine monohydrate powder dissolves well with no grittiness or residue.
- Bulk Supplements offers this creatine supplement in powdered form up to 5,000 servings per container, making it a great pick for athletes that prefer to buy in bulk.
- In testing, we experienced no side effects, such as bloating or GI distress.
- This formulation is gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and additive-free.
Cons
- The capsuled offerings call for seven pills per serving, which may be too much for some.
- For powdered purchases, be mindful that you’ll need to supply your own scoop.
- Those looking for a flavored creatine powder may want to opt for a different formulation.
Mixability is a big concern when it comes to powdered supplements, let alone creatine. You don’t want a profile that leaves you with a beach’s worth of residue at the bottom of your shaker cup. With this Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate, though, you just might question whether you added the powder in the first place. Its impressive solubility earned a 5 out of 5 from our tester, a certified personal trainer, who reported zero flakes or grit when mixing it with their beverage of choice.
Additionally, this Bulk Supplements creatine makes its way onto our list thanks to its simple, cost-effective formulation. “I love that there are no unnecessary fillers added to Bulk Supplements Creatine powder. Costs are kept low by providing just what the product advertises. There is no added sugar, dairy, yeast, or soy included, and it’s third-party tested and quality inspected,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.
[Related: Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? Here’s What the Science Says]
We also rated the taste at 5 out of 5, because, well, there is no taste. This creatine powder mixed easily with any beverage of our liking, allowing us to reap the beneficial nutrition creatine can bring to your regimen without much effort. In terms of making an actual beverage, though, you will need to have some tools, namely, a scoop — Bulk Supplements does not include one in any of the powdered offerings.
For those more attuned to capsuled creatine, this profile is available in 30- or 60-serving capsule bottles, giving you a little more versatility than other creatine supplements on the market. However, we found that each capsule serving calls for 7 pills, which may be too many pills to swallow (literally) for a worthwhile dosage.
Lastly, this Bulk Supplements creatine can be an excellent pick for athletes that prefer to buy in bulk. Yes, there is a subscription service (that can knock your price down by 5 percent), but the fact that the brand offers this powder in containers up to 5,000 servings virtually eliminates the need for repeat orders. For a creatine powder that blends well and doesn’t require the strain of repeated orders, this offering is tough to beat.
Read our full Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate Review.
Best Creatine Gummies for Men: Swoly Creatine Gummy
These gummies boast 4g of creatine monohydrate and come in a delicious strawberry flavor. You do need to chew 5 for a full dose, but they're so tasty, we don't think you'll have any complaints about that.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.17
- Creatine Per Serving: 4g
- Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
- Available Flavors: Strawberry
- Servings Per Container: 30
Pros
- This supplement offers up a quality 4 grams of creatine monohydrate in a unique gummy formulation.
- The gummies are “dangerously delicious,” according to our tester.
- Swoly gummies are gluten-free, gelatin-free, and low in sugar at 2.5 grams per serving.
Cons
- The cost per serving is higher than other creatines we’ve tested.
- Other creatine supplements offer higher dosages per serving.
- This product does contain artificial flavors, which some may try to avoid.
Who said supporting your high-intensity exercise with creatine couldn’t be fun? For men that really want to make their creatine intake as enjoyable as possible, we recommend Swoly Creatine Gummies. Instead of a bland powder or pill, these take the form of a sweet, tasty gummy bear. Plus, each gummy is gluten-free, gelatin-free, and low in sugar at just 2.5 grams per serving.
We enjoy how easy it is to get our daily dose of creatine with these profiles. Five bears gives you 4 grams of creatine monohydrate, although Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, says the taste will require some restraint to eat the recommended serving size. “They’re dangerously delicious. I’d eat these daily without any complaints,” she noted. It’s easy to see, then, why we rate these at a 5 out of 5 for flavor.
[Related: How Using Creatine Can Benefit Your Brain]
These creatine gummy bears are tasty, no doubt, but we do wish that the flavor variety was a little more robust. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., states, “They’re only available in one flavor currently — if you’re not a fan of strawberries, you’re out of luck.”
Swoly Creatine Gummies come in a 150-gummy container for a 30-serving supply at roughly $35. The price is higher than other products in this round-up, but we’re willing to pay the upcharge given how simple (and fun) these make our normal regimens. Plus, we haven’t experienced any side effects, “outside of a (joking) addiction to the gummy bears,” adds Meier.
While these gummies are within the daily recommended creatine dosage per day, they don’t quite stack up to other powders and capsules we’ve tested, which often come in with 5-gram servings. (15)
Additionally, athletes looking to avoid artificial flavors may want to opt for a different creatine formulation. Yet still, if you want your routine to feel less like a chore and more like a trip down the candy aisle, we can’t praise these gummies enough.
[Related: Creatine Gummies vs. Creatine Powder: Weighing the Pros and Cons]
Best Creatine Pills for Men: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules
A portable and convenient way to consume high quality creatine on the go. These capsules are available on Amazon Prime, too and you can buy them in bulk.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.29-$0.47
- Creatine Per Serving: 2.5g
- Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
- Available Flavors: Unflavored
- Servings Per Container: 50, 100, 150
Pros
- Optimum Nutrition offers these creatine capsules in three container sizes, allowing to plan ahead for 25, 50, and 75-day supplies.
- There is no flavor with these capsules, making consumption easy, per our tester.
- These capsules are certified by Informed Sport, meaning they’re free of any banned substances.
Cons
- You will need to take 2 servings to match the recommended 5-gram daily dosage. (15)
- According to our tester, the capsules are somewhat large and may be difficult to swallow for pill-averse athletes.
- You may be able to find a cheaper cost per serving with powdered creatine over this capsuled option.
Okay, so maybe you’d prefer to ingest your daily creatine in a pilled format over a powder. These creatine options can make supplementation a bit easier, as there’s no need to break out a blender bottle for a worthwhile dosage. For our money, Optimum Nutrition’s Micronized Creatine Capsules are the best in the category thanks to a simple formulation that features 2.5 grams of creatine monohydrate … and that’s it (aside from the gelatin and magnesium stearate of the capsule).
Additionally, we like how these creatine capsules are sold in container sizes with 100, 200, and 300 capsules per bottle. This can be excellent for those looking to plan for weeks of regular consumption — up to 75 days with the largest container.
As far as taste and solubility, our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored these Optimum Nutrition capsules at 5 out of 5. “I didn’t notice any lingering aftertaste, and solubility was of no concern — they’re capsules, after all,” they added.
While we did appreciate the simplified capsule makeup of this creatine supplement, we did notice that the pills are somewhat large. This means that some pill-averse athletes may need to ease into this option, or, at least have a hearty glass of their favorite beverage nearby to help wash it down.
[Related: 9 Types of Creatine: Which One Should You Choose?]
Speaking of doses, Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules deliver 2.5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving. While this can be an effective dose before a workout, the brand does recommend taking two servings daily in order to hit the recommended 5 grams of creatine. (15)
Another perk of these creatine capsules is that they’re certified by Informed Sport, meaning they’re free of any potential banned substances and the ingredients list is truthful. This should provide peace of mind for strength athletes that need to be conscious of regulations set forth by their respective governing agencies.
Are creatine pills for everyone? No, but they can be an ideal option for quick supplementation when making a shake is out of the question. If this is your situation more often than not, consider these Micronized Creatine Capsules from Optimum Nutrition.
Read our full Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules Review.
Benefits of Creatine for Men
Creatine is one of the most well-researched supplements, and nearly every article you read will tell you the same thing — creatine is pretty darn awesome. It can potentially give your muscles more energy, improve your power output, and increase muscle mass. (9) All of these sort of build off of one another, so let’s break them down.
Energy for Your Muscles
The energy your muscles use to fuel contractions comes from a molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). (9) Your body creatines ATP by breaking down phosphocreatine, and ingesting a creatine supplement can help increase your free creatine. The creatine supplement is then converted into phosphocreatine, which can lead to more ATP availability for your muscles to use as energy. (10)
More Power
In the first five to 15 seconds of explosive or powerful exercise, your muscles utilize the phosphocreatine system for making ATP to fuel the muscles. Thanks to the increased availability of ATP, the phosphocreatine system (PCS) can be utilized for a longer period of time before the store is depleted and you need to rest between sets to allow it to resynthesize. (11)
Because of the increased use of the PCS, you can potentially perform more repetitions more explosively at a higher weight when supplementing with creatine. (11)
More Muscle Growth and Strength
Thanks to the increased duration of heavy and powerful lifting, your muscles receive a larger training stimulus than they would otherwise have without creatine. This can potentially cause your muscles to respond by increasing their size and strength to accommodate moving a heavier weight more times. (11)
How Much Does Creatine for Men Cost?
Creatine is one of the most prevalent and surprisingly cost-effective supplements on the market, especially when considering pure creatine monohydrate. That said, the prices can fluctuate from as low as $0.08 per serving all the way up to $1.67 per serving and beyond, depending on the type of creatine as well as other ingredients in the formulation.
Best Creatine for Men Overall | Transparent Labs Creatine HMB | $1.50-$1.67 |
Best Creatine Powder for Men | Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate | $0.25-$0.50 (Powdered), $0.40 (Capsuled) |
Best Tasting Creatine for Men | XWERKS Lift | $0.61 |
Best Pure Creatine Monohydrate for Men | Onnit Creatine Monohydrate | $0.50 |
Best Creatine Drink for Men | Legion Recharge | $1-$1.33 |
Best Mixing Creatine for Men | Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate | $0.08-$0.80 (Powdered), $0.60-$0.80 (Capsuled) |
Best Creatine Gummy for Men | Swoly Creatine Gummy | $1.17 |
Best Creatine Pills for Men | Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules | $0.29-$0.47 |
Always look at or calculate the price per serving to ensure that you’re getting a solid deal. For example, a $30 tub may sound cheap until you look and see there are only 10 servings in it, whereas another $30 tub may have 30 servings (or more) in it.
What to Consider Before Buying Creatine for Men
When you’re ready to buy a creatine supplement, the choices may seem overwhelming due to the similarities (and sometimes even stark differences). Some of the most important factors to consider are the price, dosage, and type of creatine.
Price
Price is a huge factor in nearly every supplement purchase. Thankfully, creatine is one of the most cost-effective supplements on the market, but that doesn’t mean it can’t become quite pricey. It’s usually best to look at the price per serving to determine whether you’re receiving a bargain or not. Some creatine supplements will have other ingredients and be more akin to a pre-workout, while some are pure creatine and nothing else. Ensure that the price reflects these nuances before making a purchase final.
Dosage
According to studies, it’s recommended that athletes ingest between 3 and 5 grams of creatine per day. (17) As such, most creatine supplements will cater to this listed dosage, with many profiles coming in near the 5-gram mark. It’s not uncommon, though, to find different creatine types at lower dosages, given their sufficient internal absorption at lower grams per serving. For reference, some creatine HCl products deliver 750 milligrams per serving, yet remains powerful enough for supporting fitness goals given creatine hydrochloride’s rapid absorption rate.
In the end, it’s always wise to look at the ingredients list to ensure your servings are capable of providing ample amounts of creatine. If you’re sticking with creatine monohydrate, we recommend abiding by the 3- to 5-gram range, with some wiggle room for other creatine types.
Type of Creatine
You may have heard of different types of creatine, such as creatine hydrochloride (creatine HCl). They have different and unique chemical makeups, which some folks think make them superior to creatine monohydrate. There is some research that they may be more effective at smaller doses, making taking them more palatable. (12) Research what type of creatine you think will work best for you, and don’t be afraid to try different types for a few months to see what you might respond best to — every guy is different.
Formulation
This factor goes along with the previous ones in that it’s a culmination of dose and creatine type. The formulation of a supplement will list all of the ingredients in descending order starting with the most prevalent by weight, so make sure you read the formula and see what else is in (or not in) the product you’re thinking about purchasing.
Final Word
Creatine has been the subject of much spilled ink in academia for decades, and it’s one of the few supplements that nearly everyone agrees on for potentially boosting athletic performance. (12) There are some new and innovative formulations which hold promise (like creatine HCl), and there’s always the good ole fashioned creatine monohydrate.
After considering all the options, this list can be a helpful resource to choosing the one that’s right for you. We tried to include the best options for a variety of situations so that every guy has at least one option that will fit their needs. Whether you’re an advanced lifter or just starting out, creatine is a supplement that most consider a staple in their stack, and the ones on this list are arguably the best out there.
FAQs
What’s the best creatine for men on the market?
That’s going to depend on how you prefer to ingest creatine and which type you prefer, but for us, Creatine HMB from Transparent Labs has been our trusted supplement of choice. Each serving delivers a sufficient dosage of creatine monohydrate for optimal ATP turnover. (17)
Additionally, there’s plenty of flavors to choose from to help combat flavor fatigue, and the included 1,500 milligrams of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB) may help promote better muscle recovery. (16)
How much do creatine supplements for men cost?
You can typically find creatine supplements between $0.08 and $1.67 per serving, with container prices varying by size. Costs will also fluctuate in reference to the formulation of each creatine supplement. Pure creatine is fairly inexpensive, whereas powders and capsules designed for pre-workout and post-workout consumption will typically cost a bit more.
Do I need to take creatine to become strong and muscular?
In short, no. The real answer is more nuanced, though. No supplement is essential — that’s why they’re called supplements. They may give you an edge, though, or potentially lead to greater gains. Creatine is one supplement that the research has been impressively consistent on over the years — creatine is potentially beneficial for improving muscular power and strength, as well as lean muscle mass, cognitive function, recovery efficiency, and more. (12)
References
- Balsom, P. D., Söderlund, K., & Ekblom, B. (1994). Creatine in humans with special reference to creatine supplementation. Sports medicine, 18(4), 268-280.
- Hultman, E., Soderlund, K., Timmons, J. A., Cederblad, G., & Greenhaff, P. L. (1996). Muscle creatine loading in men. Journal of applied physiology, 81(1), 232-237.
- Taegtmeyer H, Ingwall JS. Creatine–a dispensable metabolite? Circ Res. 2013 Mar 15;112(6):878-80. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.113.300974. PMID: 23493302; PMCID: PMC3646410.
- Green, A. L., Simpson, E. J., Littlewood, J. J., Macdonald, I. A., & Greenhaff, P. L. (1996). Carbohydrate ingestion augments creatine retention during creatine feeding in humans. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 158(2), 195-202.
- https://allamericanpharmaceutical.com/study-improved-creatine-stability-and-ph-profile-for-kre-alkalyn/
- Bogdanis, G. C., Nevill, M. E., Boobis, L. H., & Lakomy, H. K. (1996). Contribution of phosphocreatine and aerobic metabolism to energy supply during repeated sprint exercise. Journal of applied physiology, 80(3), 876-884.
- Examine.com. (2021, October 21). HMB supplement – health benefits, dosage, side effects. Examine.com. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://examine.com/supplements/hmb/
- Greenhaff PL. Creatine and its application as an ergogenic aid. Int J Sport Nutr. 1995 Jun;5 Suppl:S100-10. doi: 10.1123/ijsn.5.s1.s100. PMID: 7550252.
- Naderi A, de Oliveira EP, Ziegenfuss TN, Willems MT. Timing, Optimal Dose and Intake Duration of Dietary Supplements with Evidence-Based Use in Sports Nutrition. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2016 Dec 31;20(4):1-12. doi: 10.20463/jenb.2016.0031. PMID: 28150472; PMCID: PMC5545206.
- Slater, G. J., & Jenkins, D. (2000). β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation and the promotion of muscle growth and strength. Sports Medicine, 30(2), 105-116.
- Bird S. P. (2003). Creatine supplementation and exercise performance: a brief review. Journal of sports science & medicine, 2(4), 123–132.
- Rawson ES, Volek JS. Effects of creatine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and weightlifting performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2003 Nov;17(4):822-31. doi: 10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017<0822:eocsar>2.0.co;2. PMID: 14636102.
- Rawson ES, Volek JS. Effects of creatine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and weightlifting performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2003 Nov;17(4):822-31. doi: 10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017<0822:eocsar>2.0.co;2. PMID: 14636102.
- Examine.com. (2022, 30 December). Creatine – health benefits, dosage, side effects. Examine.com. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://examine.com/supplements/creatine/
- Naderi, A., de Oliveira, E. P., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Willems, M. E. T. (2016). Timing, Optimal Dose and intake duration of dietary supplements with evidence-based use in sports nutrition. Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry, 20(4), 1–12.
- Rahimi, M. H., Mohammadi, H., Eshaghi, H., Askari, G., & Miraghajani, M. (2018). The effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation on recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 37(7), 640–649.
- Examine.com. (2023, August 3). Creatine benefits, dosage, and side effects. Examine. https://examine.com/supplements/creatine/
- Fielding, R., Riede, L., Lugo, J. P., & Bellamine, A. (2018). Erratum: L-carnitine supplementation in recovery after exercise; nutrients 2018, 10, 349. Nutrients, 10(5), 541.