5 Popular Creatine Supplements in 2025

Our Choice

by Primal Harvest [1]

• US-Made with Globally Sourced Ingredients
• Easy-To-Use
• Made in GMP facility and Third-Party Tested
• 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Based on 3739 Reviews of Primal Harvest

CITATIONS

Traditionally associated with athletes and bodybuilders, creatine’s benefits extend far beyond muscle building. Recent research highlights its potential to support overall vitality, energy levels, and physical recovery—making it a valuable addition for people of all ages, especially older adults looking to maintain an active lifestyle.

If you’re curious about creatine’s wide-ranging benefits, this guide will break down everything you need to know, including why it’s worth considering and how to choose a suitable product for your needs.

by Optimum Nutrition

PROS

• 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving
• Micronized for enhanced absorption
• Banned substance tested

CONS

• Limited 30-day return policy 
• Single-ingredient formula without additional recovery benefits

BOTTOM LINE

Optimum Nutrition offers a reliable creatine powder manufactured to high standards. While it’s effective for muscle-building and strength, it lacks extra features like an added amino acid blend. The limited return policy could also be a drawback for some.

3. Micronized Creatine

4. Creatine Powder

by Alani Nu

PROS

• 5g of creatine per serving
• No artificial flavors
• Gluten free and sugar free

CONS

• Limited 30-day return policy (approval only)
• Basic formula without additional benefits for recovery

BOTTOM LINE

Alani Nu Creatine Powder offers a clean and simple formula at an affordable price. Its lack of artificial additives and focus on purity make it a great choice for budget-conscious users. However, its bare-bones approach and restrictive return policy leave room for improvement when compared to more versatile products like Primal Creatine.

by Thorne

PROS

• 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving
• NSF-certified for purity and safety
• 60-day return policy

CONS

• High price compared to similar products
• Lacks added ingredients for enhanced benefits

BOTTOM LINE

Thorne Creatine is an excellent option for those who prioritize quality and safety certifications. Its simple, unflavored formula is NSF-certified and backed by rigorous manufacturing standards. However, it’s relatively expensive and doesn’t offer additional potential performance-boosting ingredients like amino acids.

2. Creapure Creatine

by Muscle Feast

PROS

• 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving
• Gluten Free
• Made in a GMP compliant facility

CONS

• 30-day return policy only partially covers opened products
• Lacks additional ingredients for recovery benefits

BOTTOM LINE

Creapure Creatine is a solid budget-friendly option for those seeking a straightforward, no-frills creatine powder. It’s free of additives and prioritizes purity, but it doesn’t include enhancements like amino acid blends for additional muscle recovery support.

Primal Creatine stands out not just for its high-quality micronized creatine monohydrate but also for its carefully crafted amino acid blend. With a generous serving size and 60 servings per container, it delivers excellent value while supporting energy production and physical performance for everyday activities and exercise. While it may lack multiple flavor options, its clean and effective formula makes it a superior choice on this list.

• 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving (clinically supported dose)
• Unique amino acid blend (1g), including L-Arginine HCl, L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Lysine HCl, and L-Glutamine
• Micronized formula for better absorption
• 60 servings per container, providing excellent value
• Low-calorie, no artificial sweeteners, and uses natural flavors
• Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Well-rounded benefits for both physical performance, energy, and recovery*

by Primal Harvest [1]

PROS

CONS

• Limited flavor options (natural flavor only)
• May not be as widely available in retail stores as larger brands

BOTTOM LINE

A+

GRADE

B+

GRADE

B

GRADE

C+

GRADE

C

GRADE

5. Creatine

DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Primal Harvest provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.

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Creatine and Muscle Mass & Strength

Kreider, R. B., Kalman, D. S., Antonio, J., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Wildman, R., Collins, R., ... & Lopez, H. L. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1), 1-18.

Link to study

ATP Resynthesis and Energy Production

Wyss, M., & Kaddurah-Daouk, R. (2000). Creatine and creatinine metabolism. Physiological Reviews, 80(3), 1107-1213.

Link to study

General Safety of Creatine

Buford, T. W., Kreider, R. B., Stout, J. R., Greenwood, M., Campbell, B., Spano, M., ... & Antonio, J. (2007). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1), 1-12.

Link to study

Recommended Dosage

Tarnopolsky, M. A., & Parise, G. (1999). Direct measurement of high-energy phosphate compounds in muscles from patients with neuromuscular disease. Muscle & Nerve: Official Journal of the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, 22(9), 1228-1233.

Link to study

• Experience muscle loss or reduced strength with age.*
• Seek to recover more effectively from physical activity.*
• Are looking to support an active lifestyle.*

Creatine can be beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their physical well-being and overall vitality. It’s especially useful for individuals who:

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Creatine? 

Physical Benefits

• Building/maintaining lean muscle mass and strength.*
• Enhancing endurance during high intensity activities.*
• Supporting faster recovery after exercise or activity.*

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• Boosting energy production for day-to-day activities.*
• Helping to reduce feelings of fatigue.*
• Supporting recovery from physical exertion.*

​

Note: Benefits are based on personal experiences and feedback. Individual results may vary.

• Want to promote overall vitality and healthy aging.*
• Follow a diet low in natural creatine sources (e.g., vegetarian or vegan diets).*

What To Look For

What To Avoid

Important Criteria

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Third Party Tested

Subscription Service

Creapure Creatine by Muscle Feast

Optimum Nutrition Creatine

Alani Nu Creatine Powder

Thorne Creatine

No Artificial Sweeteners 

Popular Creatine Supplements in 20255

5g Creatine Monohydrate

Micronized formula 

Extra Amino Acids 

While everyone’s experience with creatine may vary, here are some potential benefits:

What to Look For (and What to Avoid) in Creatine Supplements

Choosing the right creatine supplement doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what you should prioritize:

Look For

• Creatine Monohydrate: The most researched and proven form.
• Micronized Formulas: Easier to dissolve and digest.
• Amino Acid Blends: Look for supplements with amino acids like L-Arginine HCl, L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Lysine HCl, and L-Glutamine. Amino acids are known for their roles in protein structure and metabolic function.
• Third-Party Testing: Ensures purity and quality.
• Transparent Labels: No unnecessary fillers or artificial additives.

Try To Avoid

• High Sugar Content: May not align with health goals.
• Overly Complex Formulas: Simple and clean is often better.
• Under-Dosed or Over-Dosed Products:The ideal creatine dose is 3–5g per serving. Less than 3g may be ineffective, while more than 5g could lead to unwanted side effects, making this range key for optimal results.

Energy and Vitality

*Based on the individual experience of the Smarter Choices team and on a number of user reviews of the product. 

Note: We try to update product information as often as we can. Please visit product websites for more information. 

What is Creatine?

Creatine is a compound naturally found in the muscles and brain, as well as in certain foods like meat and fish. It plays a role in supporting energy production during physical activities.

The body stores creatine in muscles, where it helps support energy levels and performance during exercise. While the body produces creatine on its own, supplementation can help maintain optimal levels, supporting muscle health, recovery, and physical performance when combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet.*

Creatine is one of the most studied supplements and has been shown to support strength and energy.*

Who Might Benefit From Creatine?