6 Best Creatine Monohydrate Supplements in 2026, Tested by Dietitians

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The Fast Facts

We tested six of the best creatine supplements, including creatine monohydrate and creatine hydrochloride options.
Our dietitians and testers considered quality, ingredients, and taste to find the best creatine supplement.
Their top choice? Thorne Creatine: a single ingredient, high quality option with no aftertaste and an affordable price point.

A quick look at the best creatine supplements

Best creatine monohydrate overall: Thorne Creatine | Skip to review

Most affordable creatine: Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate | Skip to review

Best creatine for muscle growth: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB | Skip to review

Best creatine hydrochloride supplement: Kaged Creatine HCI Powder | Skip to review

Best creatine for athletes: Momentous Creatine | Skip to review

Best creatine capsules: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules | Skip to review

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Creatine is a go-to supplement among athletes for boosting energy, performance, and strength.

The products on our best creatine list have been tested by registered dietitians Kelli McGrane, MS, and Rachael Ajmera, MS, and our pick from Momentous was tested by Performance athlete Jackie Cruz. Every product was first vetted by our Medical Standards and Insights team.

The creatine powders and capsules were batch-tested and reviewed for their taste, texture, mixability, ingredients, and packaging.

Healthline’s picks for the best creatine monohydrate supplements

For a fair comparison, all the powders listed below were mixed in a glass of water and stirred with a spoon, rather than shaken. The amount of water used varied from 6 to 12 ounces (177 to 355 milliliters), depending on each manufacturer’s directions.

What to look for in a creatine supplement

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What are the benefits of creatine?

Creatine is commonly known to enhance athletic performance, and its benefits may extend beyond fitness as well.

Research has found that creatine supplements may help:

Increase strength and muscle growth: Creatine supplementation can promote muscle growth and increase strength, especially when combined with resistance training.
Reduce muscle damage: Creatine may help reduce muscle damage and inflammation, thereby speeding recovery after intense workouts.
Support brain health: Some research indicates that it can help reduce the impact of concussion and traumatic brain injury.
Regulate blood sugar: Creatine may support healthy blood sugar levelsTrusted Source when combined with exercise.
Improve performance in high intensity exercise: Creatine can increase phosphocreatine levels, a compound your body uses to form adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Your body breaks down ATP for energy. For this reason, people typically use creatine supplements for high intensity exercise.

»MORE:Discover more potential health and performance benefits of creatine.

Who should not take creatine supplements?

While creatine is generally considered safe for most people, certain groups should exercise caution or avoid taking it, such as:

Pregnant or breastfeeding people: There is limited research on the safety of creatine during pregnancy and breastfeedingTrusted Source, so it’s best to avoid it unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Individuals with kidney or liver disease: While research has dispelled the myth that creatine puts too much strain on the kidneys and liver in healthy individuals, it is best to use caution and consult a doctor if you have a history of kidney or liver concerns.
People taking certain medications: Creatine can interact with some medications. For example, because creatine can help improve blood sugar levelsTrusted Source, those taking medication to help manage blood sugar should use caution to avoid low blood sugar. It’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting creatine if you take any medications.

The bottom line

Creatine supplements are available in various forms, flavors, and doses. Additionally, some taste better and have a smoother consistency than others.

Be sure to review the product formula to determine whether it meets your needs. To ensure the product contains what it claims to be on the label, choosing a product that’s been tested by a third-party organization is a wise idea.