Creatine is having a moment as of late. Thanks to the amino acid’s widely-studied influence on athletic performance, cognitive function, and body composition, more athletes than ever are adding one of the best creatine supplements to their regimen. (1) The best creatine for men (and people of any gender, really) 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, women, and nonbinary people can all 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 top picks for creatine supplements for male athletes.
The 10 Best Creatine for Men of 2024
- Best Creatine for Men Overall: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
- Best Creatine for Men’s Muscle Growth: Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate
- Best Creatine Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate
- Best-Tasting Creatine for Men: Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate
- Best Creatine Gummies for Men: Swoly Creatine Gummy
- Best Creatine for Men Over 50: Legion Recharge
- Best Vegan Creatine for Men: Pro Health Longevity Creatine
- Best Creatine Monohydrate for Men: Onnit Creatine Monohydrate
- Best Creatine Pills for Men: Crazy Muscle Creatine Pills
- Best Mixing Creatine for Men: Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate
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.
Best Creatine for Men Video Review
Join BarBend tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they answer some common questions about creatine and also share their picks for the best creatine powders, pills, and gummies.
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. Transparent Labs is also offering 25% off sitewide from November 28 through December 3, and all orders over $150 will receive a free gift bundle including a gym bag, shaker bottle, and free samples of popular products.
Transparent Labs makes some of the best protein powders, pre-workouts, and other supplements we’ve tested, so we weren’t surprised by how much we ended up loving Creatine HMB. 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?]
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 relive muscle soreness, 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 for Men’s Muscle Growth: Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate
This unflavored micronized creatine is available in two different size options and is Informed Sport certified, vegan, and gluten-free. You can even subscribe to recurring deliveries and save 15 percent.
Does creatine help build muscle? According to research, it certainly can. Much of the research into creatine is around its potential to boost energy, support recovery, and, of course, build lean muscle. (2) We like Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate because it delivers 5 grams of creatine monohydrate — on the “upper end of what research shows is ideal,” per Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer — and has been third-party tested for purity. (9) Bourgeois scored its formulation a 5 out of 5.
Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate’s formula is Non-GMO Verified and gluten-free, but being Informed Sport Tested for Banned Substances was a big deal for one of our testers, a USA Olympic weightlifter. “I really appreciate the third-party testing,” they said. “It’s just an added layer of confidence that there won’t be any banned substances in there.”
Bourgeois adds, “I also like that this creatine supplement only contains micronized creatine monohydrate, making it easy to stack with other sports supplements,” adds Bourgeois. Our tester is a big fan of maximizing their gains with supplement stacks. “I typically mix my creatine with protein or BCAAs.” Because these micronized creatine particles can be up to 20 times smaller than typical creatine, they can mix more smoothly into your drink. (19)
While this can help avoid some of the clumping in the bottom of your cup or bottle, another competitive weightlifter on the BarBend team, Kate Meier, noted that the liquid you use might make a difference. “I took this every day for a week, sometimes stirring it with a spoon, sometimes in a shaker cup,” she said. “When I just used water, there was still a little sediment at the bottom of the cup. When I threw it in electrolytes or protein shake, I couldn’t notice anything. I’d give its solubility a 4.5 out of 5.”
This is, if you couldn’t tell, a pretty straightforward product, so if you like flavored creatine or a formulation rounded out with other post-workout ingredients, this pick may not be for you. And, Bourgeois notes, “You might be able to find a more cost-effective creatine supplement.” You’ll have to ask yourself if the peace of mind that comes from third-party testing is worth those extra cents per serving.
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.
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.”
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.
[Related: What Does Creatine Do?]
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.
Best-Tasting Creatine for Men: Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate
This extremely inexpensive creatine is micronized for extra solubility.
In our opinion, the best-tasting creatine is one that you cannot taste at all (or comes with some fabulous flavors). While this may sound counterproductive, it actually opens the door for you to enjoy creatine’s benefits with any beverage of choice. Nutricost offers both unflavored and flavored options, giving you plenty of variety.
“The Unflavored version of this creatine truly has no taste,” our tester said, rating this product a 4.5 out of 5 for flavor. “Many unflavored creatine powders are a little bitter but that’s not the case here.”
Our RDN was also a fan of the formula. “Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder scores a 4 out of 5 for its formulation since the flavored options contain sucralose and other additives,” she said. “However, I’d score the unflavored option a perfect 5.”
The creatine monohydrate used here 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)
The only reason we give this top creatine for men a 3 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.
Nutricost creatine is also plenty affordable at a mere $0.31 per serving, which equates to $23.95 for an 76-serving package. Naturally, this product received a 5 out of 5 rating for value — plus, it’s available on Amazon.
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.
Who said supporting your high-intensity exercise with creatine couldn’t be fun? For men (and athletes of any gender) that really want to make their creatine intake as enjoyable as possible, we recommend Swoly Creatine Gummies, some of the best creatine gummies we’ve tested. 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.
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.
[Related: Creatine Gummies vs. Creatine Powder: Weighing the Pros and Cons]
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.
Read our full Swoly Creatine Gummies Review.
Best Creatine for Men Over 50: 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.
We like Legion Recharge for men and any adult over 50 for two reasons. One, it packs 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, and studies have shown that older adults most benefit from a daily dose of 3 grams or more. (21) Secondly, the formulation also includes 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate, which research indicates can have positive effects on fatigue and fat metabolism in older adults. (22)(23)
“I love that Legion Recharge is formulated with science-backed ingredients and doses,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer. “Each scoop provides a whopping 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate, and 10 milligrams of corosolic acid. It’s a major plus that this supplement is third-party tested and I love, love, love that Legion posts the lab’s results for customers to review.” She scored the formulation a 4 out of 5.
We also like that this creatine is micronized, which is finer than other formulations on the market and may lead to faster absorption after consumption. (17) We scored 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.
It also tastes good. “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.” Taste scored a 5 out of 5.
Naturally, though, we understand that Recharge may not be the perfect fit for every athlete. After all, it’s more of a post-workout supplement than a straightforward shot of creatine. “Legion Recharge is [also] sweetened with stevia, which isn’t tolerated by everyone. Even the unflavored option includes the natural sweetener,” adds Bourgeois.
Lastly, we do appreciate Legion’s reliance on ingredients containing no artificial food dyes, fillers, or, as the brand puts it, “other unnecessary junk.” 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 Vegan Creatine for Men: Pro Health Longevity Creatine
This product packs 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, which is more than many other brands. You can also subscribe to recurring purchases and save 30 percent.
When you take a glance at the label for Pro Health Longevity Creatine, it will probably be a short one. Along with its single ingredient — creatine monohydrate — there’s also a reassuring message for vegan athletes, “DOES NOT CONTAIN: Dairy, egg, soy, wheat, gluten, corn, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts.” Its simplicity was a welcome sight for Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., who rated its vegan-friendly formula 5 out of 5.
“Analyzing creatine supplements is pretty straightforward, and Pro-Health Longevity Creatine keeps it simple,” she says. “Each serving provides five grams of creatine monohydrate and that’s it.” Research indicates that daily intake of three to five grams of creatine is most effective for building muscle, so the five grams in Pro Health Longevity Creatine lands at the top end of that range. (9)
[Related: Pros and Cons of Creatine]
Bourgeois was also impressed with Pro Health’s transparency. “I also like that they provide the product’s certificate of analysis on their website, giving customers access to the lab results from its third-party testing.”
While our tester, a USA Olympic weightlifter, appreciated that third-party testing, they noted it’s lacking a few other stamps of approval. “Having the formula third-party tested is obviously a good thing,” they said, rating their overall experience 4 out of 5. “But as an athlete, I usually like to see certifications from NSF, Informed Choice, or Informed Sport.”
When it came to actually drinking it, our tester noted two distinctions from other powdered creatine. “It was way more powdery than most creatines I’ve used, so it mixed up super smoothly,” they said when they rated its solubility 5 out of 5. The other distinction, however, won’t win Pro Health any medals. “When I mixed it with water, my wife and I both noticed a metallic aftertaste. With Gatorade though, I didn’t notice at all.” Since they don’t usually mix creatine with water anyways, our tester only knocked its “unflavored” taste one point — 4 out of 5.
Best 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.
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]
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: Foods with Creatine to Fuel Your Next Workout]
Best Creatine Pills for Men: Crazy Muscle Creatine Pills
For those who don't want to add yet another powdered supplement to their usual stack, you can get creatine in pill form. Crazy Muscle's Creatine Pills offer a three-type creatine blend.
For those looking for a quick, down-the-hatch method for their creatine supplementation, Crazy Muscle’s Creatine Pills eliminate the need to bust out your shaker bottle. Not only can you opt for a 30-day or 60-day supply, these pills are available in tablet or capsule form. No matter which you choose, you’ll get a hearty, research-backed 5-gram dose of creatine.
As Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., points out, “Research highlights three to five grams of creatine as most effective for muscle growth, and this supplement provides the upper end of that recommendation.”
Whether you go for the 90- or 180-pill variety, each serving consists of three tablets or six capsules. You can swallow these pills at once or throughout the day, but either way, you’ll be ingesting the recommended five grams of creatine in each dose. (9) Bourgeois did, however, note one peculiarity regarding the types of creatine in the formula when she rated it a 4 out of 5. “I like that this is an evidence-based dose, but I’m just curious as to why they include creatine alpha-ketoglutarate and creatine pyruvate when they’re so understudied.”
Most of the five grams (4.8 grams) that make up each serving are the well-researched creatine monohydrate, but 51 milligrams and 150 milligrams are composed of creatine alpha-ketoglutarate and creatine pyruvate, respectively. “While this doesn’t ring any alarms, it’s just important to note that research surrounding them is limited and outdated,” Bourgeois says. “Also, there’s no mention of third-party testing for safety and purity.”
Personally, I prefer a pill to the fuss of mixing in a shaker bottle, but I have to say the tablets seemed enormous. While I only had the chance to take the tablet and not the capsule, it was a little tough to get down. The capsules may be a little easier, but I rated the tablets’ swallowability just 2 out 5.
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.
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?]
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.
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.
For more information on how we test supplements, see the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology.
- Form: 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. 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.
- 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. We also aimed to include products with between 3 and 5 grams of creatine per serving, as that is the dose recommended by experts to reap creatine’s benefits. (12)
[Related: Should You Take Creatine Before or After a Workout?
What Does Creatine Do For Men?
First, what is creatine? Creatine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in the body and is stored in both the brain and in skeletal muscles. Once ingested, it’s stored in muscle cells as creatine phosphate. There, it can help to increase and refill ATP (adenosine triphosphate), an energy source that supports short-duration, high-intensity exercises, such as weightlifting or sprinting.
What does it do? Well, increasing your creatine stores allows that energy to replenish more quickly, thus giving you more energy for those exercises, meaning more reps and longer pushes. According to a vast number of studies, supplementing with creatine is safe and beneficial for increasing muscle strength, muscle mass, athletic performance, and even brain function in both young and aging males. (19)(20)
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, regardless of your gender. 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 re-synthesize. (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 for Men’s Muscle Growth | Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate | $0.31-$0.33 |
| Best Creatine Powder for Men | Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate | $0.25-$0.50 (Powdered), $0.40 (Capsuled) |
| Best-Tasting Creatine for Men | Creatine Monohydrate | $0.31 |
| Best Creatine Gummy for Men | Swoly Creatine Gummy | $1.17 |
| Best Creatine for Men Over 50 | Legion Recharge | $1-$1.33 |
| Best Vegan Creatine for Men | Pro Health Longevity Creatine | $0.39-$0.56 |
| Best Creatine Monohydrate for Men | Onnit Creatine Monohydrate | $0.50 |
| Best Creatine Pills for Men | Crazy Muscle Creatine Pills | $0.83 |
| Best Creatine for Mixing for Men | Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate | $0.08-$0.80 (Powdered), $0.60-$0.80 (Capsuled) |
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 remain 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.
Creatine for Men 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)
Is creatine safe for men over 50?
Yes! In fact, studies have shown creatine supplementation in men over 50 to have beneficial effects on strength, physical performance, and aging muscle, bone, and fat mass when paired with resistance training. (21)
Is there different creatine for men and women?
Men, women, and nonbinary people can all benefit from creatine supplementation.
References
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- 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/
- Exercise.com (2024, July 2). What is Micronized Creatine?. Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource. https://www.exercise.com/learn/what-is-micronized-creatine/
- Wu, S.H., Chen, K.L., Hsu, C., Chen, H.C., Chen, J.Y., Yu, S.Y., Shiu, Y.J. (2022). Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021. Nutrients. 2022; 14(6):1255.
- Baker, T.P., Candow, D.G., Farthing, J.P. (2016). Effect of Preexercise Creatine Ingestion on Muscle Performance in Healthy Aging Males. J Strength Cond Res. 30(6):1763-6.
- Candow, D.G., Scott, C. Forbes, B.K., Gustavo, D. (2021). Current Evidence and Possible Future Applications of Creatine Supplementation for Older Adults. Nutrients 13; 3: 745.
- Badrasawi, M., Shahar, S., Zahara, A.M., Nor, F.R., Singh, D.K. (2016). Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty status and its biomarkers, nutritional status, and physical and cognitive function among prefrail older adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Clin Interv Aging. 11:1675-1686.
- Chee, C., Shannon, C.E., Burns, A., Selby, A.L., Wilkinson, D., Smith, K., Greenhaff, P.L., Stephens, F.B. (2021). Increasing skeletal muscle carnitine content in older individuals increases whole-body fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise. Aging Cell. 20(2):e13303.
