As a lifelong athlete who spent more than a decade playing the ultra-physical sport of rugby, I learned early on that certain supplements can make a BIG difference in your athletic performance. Obviously, protein powder is the gold standard for muscle growth and recovery, but there’s another familiar face that’s arguably just as valuable: creatine.
Backed by decades of research, this fairly nondescript powder may not look or taste like anything special (most of the best creatine supplements are unflavored), but this is a case where you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
After all, there’s ample anecdotal and scientific evidence that supports the benefits of creatine. So, if you’re looking for a way to enhance your training and recovery, look no further than arguably the most well-known sports supplement.
In this 1st Phorm Creatine review, I’ll dive inside the tub (figuratively, of course) and break down everything from the formulation to the solubility so you know exactly what to expect. I’ll also give some tips on how to incorporate this supplement into your routine alongside one of the brand’s other products for the ultimate one-two, post-workout punch.
Medical Disclaimer: 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.
1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate is an NSF Certified for Sport supplement with 5 grams of pure creatine monohydrate per serving. It’s a simple, unflavored formulation, and we like it for anyone whose priority is third-party certifications.
Main Takeaways
- Creatine is one of the most extensively researched sports supplements, with hundreds of scientific studies supporting its ability to improve muscular strength and explosive power and enhance ATP regeneration. (1)
- While there are many different types of creatine, creatine monohydrate is considered the most effective for increasing high-intensity exercise capacity and lean body mass (aka gains), making it a logical choice for lifters, athletes, and individuals who train frequently.
- 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate provides 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, which falls on the high end of the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s recommended daily range of 3 to 5 grams. (1)
1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Specs
| Price | $29.99 for 50 servings or $39.99 for 100 servings |
| Type of Creatine | Creatine monohydrate |
| Creatine Per Serving | 5 g |
| Subscription Available? | Yes |
| Third-Party Tested? | Yes, Informed Choice & NSF Certified for Sport |
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
While some supplement categories can be complicated, that’s not the case with creatine. In fact, this one is about as cut-and-dry as it gets.
As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, I’m a big advocate of making creatine monohydrate part of your daily routine. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone should use 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate.
Here’s a quick breakdown of who should (and shouldn’t) incorporate this supplement into their stack.
Recommended for:
- Bodybuilders and physique athletes aiming for maximum gains
- Athletes who perform explosive movements like sprinting and jumping
- Lifters looking for a low-cost, high-reward supplement that can support better performance and recovery
- Active individuals who perform high-intensity interval training (HIIT), CrossFit, or similar types of demanding workouts
- Vegans or vegetarians who aren’t able to get creatine through food sources like red meat
Not Recommended for:
- People who have GI sensitivities when taking creatine monohydrate—creatine HMB may be a more tolerable alternative
- Folks who prefer a flavored creatine supplement (check out our best creatine gummies for some tasty options)
- People focused on endurance training, unless they are taking creatine for specific health-related benefits, like brain health
Our Experience With 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
I’ve used several brands of creatine monohydrate over the last 10+ years to help me perform in the gym and on the field, and I’ll be the first to admit that it can be difficult to tell the difference between most of them. After all, most creatine monohydrate supplements are the same: a white, tasteless powder that doesn’t particularly stand out.
However, there’s nothing wrong with being bland and boring if it gets the job done. 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate is as straightforward as it comes, with a simple formulation that supplies your body with the building blocks it needs for optimal performance.
To get a full grasp of what’s inside the tub, I put 1st Phorm through our proprietary supplement testing methodology. Let me give you the inside scoop on each component I evaluated—starting with the all-important factor: cost.
Price Per Serving
While greens powders and pre-workouts can get quite expensive, one of the most appealing aspects of creatine is its affordability. That largely stems from the fact that most formulas contain just one ingredient, resulting in a much lower cost compared to other supplements.
Even in a category where you typically get great bang for your buck, 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate stands out for providing unbeatable value. You have two options when purchasing this product on the brand’s website:
- 50 servings for $29.99
- 100 servings for $39.99
That comes out to $0.60 per serving for the smaller tub and a mere $0.40 per serving for the larger option. Based on our research and testing data, the average creatine supplement costs about $0.67 per serving, so 1st Phorm deserves a tip of the cap for pricing this competitively.
Furthermore, you can get this supplement for less by signing up for a subscription. Doing so allows you to save $3 on the 50-serving tub or $4 for the 100-serving tub, lowering the price per serving to $0.54 and $0.36, respectively.
As a result, we rate the value at a perfect 5 out of 5.
Formulation
Trying to sift your way through a long list of ingredients can be a laborious task that leaves you questioning whether something is actually good for you.
Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about that issue with 1st Phorm creatine.
In fact, there’s just one ingredient: creatine monohydrate.
Each serving provides 5 grams of the most-researched form of creatine, which is exactly what you should shoot for. Between using 100% pure creatine monohydrate (the gold standard in the supplement industry) and not using any fillers or additives, the formulation earns another perfect score.
It’s also worth noting that 1st Phorm creatine is processed in a facility that also processes major allergens, so while there’s nothing in the formula, cross-contamination is still a possibility.
“There’s not much to this supplement, and that’s exactly what I want to see when it comes to creatine,” says Amanda Capritto, BarBend editor and certified sports nutrition coach. “This formula is bare-bones yet effective and backed by clinical recommendations. Not to mention, it’s priced fairly.”
The Perfect Pairing
You can mix Micronized Creatine Monohydrate with 1st Phorm Phormula-1 or 1st Phorm Ignition in your post-workout shake. The latter is a carbohydrate and vitamin drink mix that helps with muscle glycogen replenishment, which is key for recovery and performance. Research shows that taking carbs (especially fast-acting ones) and creatine together can significantly increase total muscle creatine and phosphocreatine accumulation. (2)
Solubility
One of the key areas of concern with any powdered supplement is how easily it mixes into your liquid of choice. Nobody wants to sip on something that’s gritty or has clumps floating around.
After taking creatine consistently for many years, I can attest that some brands do better than others in ensuring you’ll have a smooth sipping experience. And after testing 1st Phorm for several weeks, I can vouch for its excellent solubility.
I tried a variety of delivery methods to evaluate its mixability. I tossed a scoop in with my pre-workout and shook my shaker cup for about 45 seconds. I was pleased that both powders dissolved completely, creating a great-tasting, enhanced pre-workout drink.
In addition, I took a similar approach by adding a serving to my post-workout protein shake (also in a shaker cup). Again, I’m happy to report that the creatine and protein powder blended well with zero grittiness.
Finally, I wanted to see how well it mixed with hot liquids. So, I upgraded my morning cup of coffee with a scoop of creatine. Rather than using a shaker cup or a blender and risking making a mess, I stirred the mixture for about 20 seconds with a spoon. While there was some slight settling at the bottom, the concoction ultimately went down smoothly.
Again, this isn’t exclusive to 1st Phorm, as many creatine powders I’ve tried over the years have yielded similar solubility results. I credit that mostly to the fact that many brands use micronized creatine monohydrate powder, which is ground into much smaller particles for better mixability.
Because 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate follows this approach, I’ll award another 5-out-of-5 rating.
Taste
This category can be a bit challenging to quantify because almost all creatine monohydrate powders are unflavored. That being said, it is possible for an unflavored supplement to have an off-putting aftertaste that makes you less inclined to use it regularly.
Both myself and another BarBend expert product tester rated 1st Phorm’s creatine a 3 out of 5 for taste because you don’t notice it at all, which is exactly what fulfills our benchmark 3-point score.
“It’s truly unflavored, so you can add it to anything,” says one of my colleagues who also put this product through our testing methodology.
As I alluded to earlier, what you mix your creatine with ultimately determines its palatability. If you have a sweet tooth, add it to your favorite protein powder or post-workout smoothie. If you’re a coffee guy (or gal) like myself, you can blend a scoop into your morning latte without changing the flavor.
Side Effects
In my experience, creatine has never given me any digestive issues. However, that’s not always the case, as some folks can experience “creatine bloat” or cramping after consuming it.
For me, 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate went down easily and didn’t cause any disruptions.
Meanwhile, my fellow product tester relayed her experience.
“There was slight bloating initially, but it was not necessarily uncomfortable and passed quickly,” she says.
Overall, you shouldn’t have any issues with this product, and we rate the side effects at a 5 out of 5 since the bloating subsided quickly and wasn’t a hindrance.
RELATED: Does Creatine Help You Build Muscle?
Third-Party Testing
The final area we assess is perhaps the most critical outside of the formulation: third-party testing.
The supplement industry is notorious for being a breeding ground for products made with proprietary blends that don’t disclose all ingredients or specific amounts used. That’s the last thing you want for peace of mind about your purchase—let alone about what you’re actually putting into your body.
That makes third-party certifications particularly important, especially for competitive athletes who must adhere to rigorous testing policies. What I love about 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate is that it not only has an Informed Choice/Informed Sport certification, but it’s also NSF Certified for Sport. That means athletes can take it with complete confidence knowing it’s free from a long list of banned substances.
Furthermore, all 1st Phorm products are manufactured in an SQF Level 3 facility—the highest Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) food-safety tier. If you want even more transparency, the brand even makes batch Certificates of Analysis available on request, which can give you all the details about the testing results.
As a result, we give another perfect 5-out-of-5 score for this critical category.
What to Consider Before Buying 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
If you’re still on the fence about adding this supplement to your stack, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Do you perform high-intensity exercise often? If so, creatine is one of the best supplements you can take to support ATP production, which is the primary form of energy your body uses for these types of activities.
- Are you looking for long-term support at a lower cost? Choose a subscription model that aligns with your needs. You can select from every four weeks or up to every 12 weeks.
- Want to “kill two birds with one stone” and reap more rewards? Combine creatine with a fast-acting carb source like Ignition for efficient refueling.
RELATED: Best Creatine for Women
1st Phorm Creatine Vs. Competitors
There are a ton of creatine powders, pills, and even gummies available. I’ll pit 1st Phorm against a few other options so you can weigh your options accordingly.
| 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate | Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate | Transparent Labs Creatine HMB | |
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $0.36 | $0.22 | Starting at $1.67 |
| Type of Creatine | Creatine monohydrate | Creatine monohydrate | Creatine monohydrate (plus HMB) |
| Creatine Per Serving | 5g | 5g | 5g |
| Subscription Available? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-Party Tested? | Yes, Informed Choice & NSF Certified for Sport | Yes (agency not disclosed) | Yes, Informed Choice |
While 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate is already budget-friendly, you could score even more savings by going with Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate. This supplement provides the same type of creatine at the same dosage at about a third of the cost.
However, it does come with a trade-off.
While Nutricost claims this product has been third-party tested, there’s no specific certification provided. So, if you want ultimate peace of mind, 1st Phorm creatine is a better choice since it’s backed by Informed Choice and NSF for Sport certifications.
On the other end of the spectrum is Transparent Labs Creatine HMB. Significantly more expensive at about $1.67 per serving, this supplement provides creatine monohydrate and HMB (hydroxymethyl butyrate), which has been associated with positive post-workout muscle recovery. (3)
Unlike Nutricost, Transparent Labs lives up to its name by being fully transparent about its third-party testing. While this may factor into your decision, it’s hard to ignore the massive price difference between Transparent Labs and the rest of the pack. So, unless you’re specifically looking for HMB, you and your wallet should do just fine with 1st Phorm.
RELATED: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB Review
Places to Buy 1st Phorm Creatine
You can purchase Micronized Creatine Monohydrate directly from the 1st Phorm website. The process is straightforward; simply select your serving size and whether you want a subscription or one-time purchase. You can modify, skip, or cancel a delivery at any time.
In addition, this product is HSA/FSA eligible, meaning you can use pre-tax dollars to fund your purchase.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate has earned an average rating of 4.9 stars based on 7,613 reviews on the brand’s website. The brand has established a strong reputation for creating high-quality sports performance supplements that range from BCAAs and electrolytes powders to protein powders and pre-workouts.
Here’s some direct feedback from verified buyers who made Micronized Creatine Monohydrate part of their routine:
Final Thoughts on 1st Phorm Creatine
If you’re looking for a supplement that can help improve muscle strength, increase lean muscle mass, and enhance your recovery, creatine monohydrate might just be at the top. Although there are many misconceptions about it, there are literally hundreds of studies and even more people who can vouch for its benefits.
Even though I traded in my rugby cleats for DJ headphones, I still keep creatine in my rotation because it’s inexpensive and effective. You can mix it into just about anything, which means you can flex your culinary muscles, too.
Based on my experience with 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate, I believe this is a well-formulated supplement that offers an ideal blend of value, solubility, and third–party testing. Whether you’re a bodybuilder or more of a casual gym goer, you’ll put yourself in a better position to succeed during and after your workouts (don’t sleep on creatine’s recovery benefits) by making this supplement part of your everyday routine.
Plus, you can get even more bang for your buck by exploring some of the brand’s more comprehensive options. 1st Phorm Endura-Formance is a stim-free pre-workout that delivers 5 grams of creatine per serving, along with other ingredients like beta-alanine and betaine anhydrous. Or, you could go the opposite way and reap the benefits of caffeine, creatine, and more via Project-1 Pro.
So, whether you just want creatine monohydrate or you’re looking for additional supportive ingredients, 1st Phorm’s got you covered.
1st Phorm Creatine Review FAQs
How much creatine should I take per day?
According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, you should take between 3 to 5 grams of creatine per day (1).
Is a creatine loading phase necessary?
As a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and longtime athlete, I don’t believe a creatine loading phase is necessary. This typically involves taking higher doses (typically around 20 to 25 grams per day, broken into smaller doses) for about a week before tapering down to the standard 5-gram dose. While it may speed up muscle saturation results, it’s generally not necessary (4).
Is 1st Phorm creatine good?
After testing 1st Phorm Micronized Creatine Monohydrate for several weeks, I can vouch for its excellent solubility and lack of side effects. If you’re looking to enhance your performance and recovery, I think it can be a great addition to your supplement routine that won’t make a huge dent in your budget.
When is the best time to take creatine?
While there’s a debate about whether you should take creatine before or after a workout, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Timing doesn’t matter as much as consistently taking the recommended dose so you can saturate your muscles completely.
What’s the difference between creatine and creatinine?
Creatine is a natural compound that fuels your muscles with energy, while creatinine is the waste product your kidneys filter out after that energy is used.
References
- 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). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
- Green, A. L., Hultman, E., Macdonald, I. A., Sewell, D. A., & Greenhaff, P. L. (1996). Carbohydrate ingestion augments skeletal muscle creatine accumulation during creatine supplementation in humans. The American journal of physiology, 271(5 Pt 1), E821–E826. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.1996.271.5.E821
- 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. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2018.1451789
- Antonio, J., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Gualano, B., Jagim, A. R., Kreider, R. B., Rawson, E. S., Smith-Ryan, A. E., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Willoughby, D. S., & Ziegenfuss, T. N. (2021). Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w
