25 for 2025: Creatine Monohydrate Powders (Scorecard)
Creatine is the rare supplement that’s simple, well-studied, and actually useful for a lot of lifters and athletes. This guide distills hundreds of product pages and reviewer claims into one ranked list of the 25 best creatine monohydrate powders for 2025—scored with a transparent rubric you can trust. If you’re here to buy, jump to the rankings; if you want to buy smart, scan the sections below first to learn what separates great tubs from good ones, why value matters more than marketing, and how to dose without overcomplicating it. For recovery habits that amplify creatine’s benefits, see How to Recover Smarter After a Workout.
What Is Creatine — In 60 Seconds
Creatine helps regenerate ATP (your body’s quick energy) via the phosphocreatine system, so you can squeeze out a few more quality reps and recover faster between short, hard efforts. Most people take it to boost training volume over time—leading to more strength and muscle. It’s not a stimulant, not a steroid, and not a miracle; it’s a consistency tool. If you train year-round and care about recovery, pairing creatine with solid cooldowns can help you show up fresher next session—start with Best Post-Workout Recovery Techniques.
What Separates Great Creatine Powders (The 5 Pillars)
A label can look perfect and still disappoint in your shaker. Here’s what actually matters and how we score it:
Label accuracy & dose integrity — clean, truthful panels and a real 5 g serving.
Solubility & particle quality — micronization and mixability that encourages daily use.
Additives & clean label — unflavored, single-ingredient powders get top marks.
Price per 5 g — our value math normalizes every product to a standard daily dose.
Brand transparency & history — clear QA claims, visible certification/COA hubs, and a clean track record.
Hydration also affects how consistently people take creatine (and how good they feel doing it). If you sweat a lot or train hot, compare options in 25 for 2025: Hydration & Electrolyte Packets Scorecard.
Why Value Matters More Than Hype (Our Price Rule)
Marketing can’t outlift math. We judge the price per 5 g of creatine (not scoop weight), using the Amazon one-time price only—no coupons or Subscribe & Save. That’s the fairest way to compare brands and sizes, and it prevents flashy labels from masking weak value. Because creatine is a daily habit, small per-serving differences add up across months.
How to Use Creatine (Dose, Timing, Loading, Consistency)
Most people do best with 3–5 g per day, any time you’ll remember. A 5–7 day “loading” phase (e.g., 20 g/day split into 4 doses) saturates faster but isn’t required; you’ll end up at the same place after a few weeks of daily 3–5 g. Timing is flexible—take it with a meal or your shake. If your stomach’s touchy, start at 2–3 g and work up. Keep the habit simple, and stack it with smart cooldowns from How to Recover Smarter After a Workout to see steadier progress.
Common Myths & Side Effects (Short, Practical)
“Creatine = fat gain.” The first few weeks can add water inside muscle, not fat. Clothes fit the same; lifts feel better.
Hair concerns. Evidence remains mixed and indirect. If you’re worried, run the smallest effective dose (3 g) and track over time.
GI upset/bloating. Usually dose-related or dehydration. Split the dose, take with food, and don’t dry-scoop.
Creatine Monohydrate Scorecard Methodology
Global Rules
Scope: 100% creatine monohydrate powders only. Excludes blends, HCL/nitrate, capsules/gummies, stimulants.
Normalization: All value math uses price per 5 g creatine (not scoop mass).
Variant Rule: Score the unflavored tub if it exists; otherwise the plainest variant.
Evidence Order: Brand spec → official certification pages (NSF/Informed Choice/Informed Sport/USP) → lot-specific COAs → consistent third-party labs/photos → multi-reviewer consensus.
Missing Data Rule: Missing/ambiguous → conservative bin. Identical inputs → identical subscores. No rounding before binning.
Disqualifiers (Auto DENY): Not monohydrate, stimulant added, proprietary blend, or unresolved recall/adulteration.
Weights & Scoring (sum = 100)
Label Accuracy & Dose Integrity × 2.5
Solubility & Particle Quality × 2.5
Additives & Clean Label × 2.0
Price per 5 g (Amazon one-time) × 2.0
Brand Transparency & History × 1.0
Each category is scored 0–10, multiplied by its weight; totals are reported directly /100.
1) Label Accuracy & Dose Integrity (0–10) ×2.5
Collect: labeled creatine per serving (g), scoop mass (g), servings per container; confirm across brand site + major retailers; check for conflicting images or old labels.
Bins (choose highest fully met):
10 – Label clearly lists creatine/serving (g), scoop mass (g), and servings/tub; the same facts appear on the brand site, Amazon, and ≥1 other major retailer; no conflicts; all current tub sizes show identical dose clarity.
9 – Label clearly lists all three fields (creatine/serving, scoop mass, servings/tub) and matches between brand site + Amazon (or another major retailer).
8 – Label lists creatine/serving (g) plus either scoop mass or servings/tub; the missing field can be inferred from net weight; no conflicts across sources.
7 – Label lists creatine/serving (g) and servings/tub but no scoop mass (or uses a vague “rounded teaspoon” with grams missing).
6 – Label lists creatine/serving (g) only; either scoop mass or servings/tub is missing; images somewhat ambiguous.
5 – Dose shown only as “per scoop” with no gram mass or variable serving (e.g., 1–2 scoops) without grams.
4 – Ambiguous dose wording or grams not stated; partial/unclear images.
3 – Conflicting dose info between label images and retailer copy (e.g., different grams/serving).
2 – Repeated consumer reports of dose confusion or mislabeling (last 24 months), substantiated across ≥2 major retailers.
1 – Misleading labeling patterns (e.g., implying blends or non-mono) without correction.
0 – Not monohydrate (auto DENY overall).
Adjusters (cap 0–10):
Multi-size consistency: +1 when ≥2 tub sizes (or regional SKUs) show identical dose fields and math in current listings (last 24 months).
Label drift: −1 if current retailers show mixed old/new labels with materially different dose fields (uncorrected within last 12 months).
Real-world satisfaction: +1 if Amazon US shows ≥ 4.5★ average across ≥ 1,000 ratings for this SKU family (or identical formulation) with no sustained recent complaints about under-dosing or serving confusion (last 24 months).
2) Solubility & Particle Quality (0–10) ×2.5
Collect: micronized and/or Creapure claims on the label/brand page; cross-check wording on Amazon and ≥1 other major retailer; scan recent consumer/editorial reviews for mixing/grit/clumping/caking notes (last 24 months).
Bins (choose highest fully met):
10 – Labeled micronized or Creapure, and multiple credible sources (brand + at least 2 of Amazon/major retailer/editorial reviews) consistently describe easy/quick mixing with no meaningful clumping/grit; no recent moisture/caking trend.
9 – Labeled micronized/Creapure and at least 1 major retailer or reputable review outlet notes easy mixing; very few recent complaints of clumps/grit.
8 – Labeled micronized/Creapure with no substantial mixing complaints across ≥2 sources; neutral/positive mixing sentiment overall.
7 – Labeled micronized/Creapure with occasional grit/clump mentions but generally positive mixing feedback.
6 – Not labeled micronized, but overall reviews indicate it mixes fine in a shaker; some grit comments.
5 – Frequent mentions that a shaker is required for full dispersion; notable sediment/grit comments.
4 – Noticeable clumping reported by many users; vigorous shaking typically needed.
3 – Persistent clumps even with shaker and repeated gritty mouthfeel reports.
2 – Moisture/caking complaints documented across ≥3 retailers/review sites in the last 12 months.
1 – Substantiated foreign particulates reported across ≥2 credible sources.
0 – Confirmed adulteration/foreign matter.
Adjusters (cap 0–10):
Creapure® verified: +1 (if base ≤9).
Review consensus boost: +1 if Amazon US shows ≥4.5★ average across ≥1,000 ratings (SKU family or identical formulation) and recent review text (last 24 months) shows minimal “grit/clump/caked” complaints.
3) Additives & Clean Label (0–10) ×2.0
Collect: full ingredients; sweeteners/dyes/flow agents; allergen/vegan statements.
Bins (choose highest fully met):
10 – Single ingredient only: “Creatine monohydrate.”
9 – Single ingredient + processing note (e.g., “micronized”).
8 – Natural flavor only.
7 – Natural flavor + one non-nutritive sweetener; no dyes.
6 – Natural flavor + two non-nutritive sweeteners; no dyes.
5 – Artificial sweetener or dye present (one).
4 – Artificial sweetener and dye present.
3 – Multiple excipients/flow agents beyond flavor carriers.
2 – “Absorption aids”/proprietary additive complexes with monohydrate.
1 – Undisclosed “proprietary flavor system.”
0 – Stimulant or non-creatine actives (auto DENY overall).
Adjusters (cap 0–10):
Verified allergen-free & vegan/vegetarian: +1 (if base ≥8)
Undeclared allergen discovered: −2
4) Price per 5 g (Amazon one-time) (0–10) ×2.0
Collect: Amazon Featured Offer one-time purchase price at the time of scoring (no Subscribe & Save, coupons, or Lightning Deals). Record net weight (g), labeled creatine/serving (g), and servings/tub. If the one-time price is not visible, defer this category until confirmed.
Formula: Total creatine (g) = servings × labeled creatine/serving.
Price per 5 g = Amazon one-time price ÷ (total creatine g ÷ 5).
Bins (choose highest fully met):
10: ≤ $0.160
9: $0.161–0.180
8: $0.181–0.200
7: $0.201–0.230
6: $0.231–0.260
5: $0.261–0.300
4: $0.301–0.350
3: $0.351–0.420
2: $0.421–0.500
1: $0.501–0.600
0: ≥ $0.601
Adjusters (cap 0–10):
Large size parity: +1 if a ≥1 kg size is also offered on Amazon at the same or better $/5 g (if base ≤9).
Street price ≥15% lower across 3+ major retailers (last 60 days): badge only.
5) Brand Transparency & History (0–10) ×1.0
Collect: QA/quality pages; facility certs (cGMP/ISO/FSSC); batch/COA lookup; recall/quality notices; return policy URL; contact details.
Bins (choose highest fully met):
10 – QA page with facility certs and batch/COA lookup and recall/quality notices page and return policy (≥30 days) + direct contact.
9 – As above, minus recall page, with batch lookup.
8 – QA/cGMP page + return policy + contact; COA on request stated.
7 – QA claims + return policy + contact; no COA mention.
6 – Minimal QA claims + return policy only.
5 – Vague return policy; generic QA.
4 – No QA page; return policy present.
3 – No QA page; unclear return policy; contact form only.
2 – Prior recall/controversy disclosed but resolved; otherwise minimal transparency.
1 – Unresolved QC controversy/regulatory warning in last 36 mo.
0 – Active recall/ban unresolved.
Adjusters (cap 0–10):
Independent manufacturing certification posted (ISO 22000/FSSC 22000): +1 (if base ≥7)
Documented poor support responsiveness (multiple unresolved QA complaints in 12 mo): −1
Badges (Non-Scored)
Sport-Safe (NSF/Informed Choice/Informed Sport/USP)
Creapure® (verified origin)
Budget (≤ $0.18 per 5 g at Amazon one-time)
Large Sizes (≥ 1 kg)
Posted COA (≤ 12 mo)
Unflavored
Micronized
25 Creatine Monohydrate Powders (Scored & Ranked)
T1. Orgain Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 88.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; reviews report easy mixing with minimal grit; no notable moisture/caking trend.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (16/20): $19.99 for 500 g → $0.1999 per 5 g (2025 bin 8).
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): Standard QA/returns/contact; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized
T1. Horbäach Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 88.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 5 g creatine per serving, 1 scoop (5 g), and ~100 servings clearly stated across listings.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; reviews consistently report easy mixing with minimal grit; no notable moisture/caking trend.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (16/20): $19.16 for ~500 g → $0.1916 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): Basic QA/returns/contact; no batch COA portal or dedicated recall page.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
T1. Micro Ingredients Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 88.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g tub; micronized stated on listing.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; broadly reports easy mixing with minimal grit; no notable moisture/caking trend.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (16/20): $19.95 for 500 g → $0.1995 per 5 g (2025 bin 8).
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): Returns/contact posted; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
T1. Double Wood Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 88.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per ~500 g (1.1 lb) tub; micronized and third-party tested noted on listing.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; broadly positive mixing feedback.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (16/20): $19.95 for ~500 g → $0.1995 per 5 g (2025 bin 8).
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): QA/third-party testing claims; no public batch COA lookup located.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized
5. BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 87.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g tub; micronized stated on label.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; mixes easily overall, with occasional light grit mentions.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (14/20): $21.97 for 500 g → $0.2197 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (8/10): QA/cGMP and returns/contact; COAs available on request; no public batch lookup.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
6. Naked Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 86.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g tub (EU/UK label: “Approx. 100”).
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; fast-dissolving/rapidly absorbed noted across sources; minimal grit complaints.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (14/20): $21.99 for 500 g → $0.2199 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): QA/FAQ present; no public batch COA portal; not sport-certified for this SKU.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
7. Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 85.5 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): Clear and consistent across sources: 1 scoop (5 g), 5 g creatine per serving, 100 servings per tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (22.5/25): Micronized; cross-site/editorial reviews report easy, quick mixing with minimal grit; no notable moisture/caking trend.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (10/20): $27.95 for 500 g → $0.2795 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (8/10): Informed Sport tested (certified listing live); third-party tested/cGMP messaging on brand site; no public batch COA portal found.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Sport-Safe • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
8. NatureBell Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 85.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; generally easy mixing with minimal grit mentions.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (14/20): $21.99 for 500 g → $0.2199 per 5 g (2025 bin 7).
Brand Transparency & History (6/10): Basic QA/returns/contact; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
9. Force Factor Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 84.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g tub; micronized stated on label.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; mixes easily with minimal grit across retailer/review feedback.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (14/20): $21.99 for 500 g → $0.2199 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (5/10): Generic QA/contact; limited posted returns/QA detail; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
10. Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 83.5 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g tub; micronized stated on label.
Solubility & Particle Quality (17.5/25): Micronized; mixes well overall with some light sediment/grit mentions.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (14/20): $21.50 for 500 g → $0.215 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): GMP/third-party tested claims; no public batch COA portal; not sport-certified for this SKU.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
11. Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine – 300 g
Base Score: 83.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 60 servings per 300 g tub (Supplement Facts).
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; brand notes easy mixing with broadly positive mixability feedback across retailers.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (10/20): $17.97 for 300 g → $0.2995 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (8/10): Informed Choice certified (banned-substance tested); no public batch COA lookup; not Informed Sport/NSF for this SKU.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Sport-Safe • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
12. Cellucor COR-Performance Creatine – 360 g
Base Score: 80.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 72 servings per 360 g tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized (explicit on brand & Amazon pages); reviews note easy mixing.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (8/20): $24.99 ÷ 72 = $0.347 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): Returns/contact posted; not listed for this SKU on NSF/Informed Sport directories; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized
13. Momentous Creatine Monohydrate (Creapure®) – 450 g
Base Score: 79.5 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 90 servings per 450 g tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (22.5/25): Micronized/Creapure; consistently reported easy mixing with minimal grit.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (4/20): $39.95 for 450 g → $0.444 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (8/10): Robust QA/returns/contact; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Creapure® • Sport-Safe
14. Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate – 425 g
Base Score: 79.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 85 servings per 425 g tub; “mixes easily” and micronized stated on listing.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; retailer copy and reviews indicate easy mixing with minimal grit.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (6/20): $34.99 for 425 g → $0.412 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (8/10): cGMP statement on listing; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
15. Thorne Creatine Monohydrate – 450 g
Base Score: 78.5 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): Clear and consistent across sources: 1 scoop (5 g), 5 g creatine per serving, 90 servings per tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (22.5/25): Micronized; cross-site/editorial reviews report easy, quick mixing with minimal grit; no recent moisture/caking trend.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single ingredient, unflavored; no sweeteners, dyes, or excipients.
Price per 5 g (4/20): $43.00 for 450 g → $0.478 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): Solid QA/returns/contact; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Sport-Safe
T16. Bucked Up Pure Micronized Creatine Monohydrate – 250 g
Base Score: 78.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 50 servings per 250 g tub; micronized stated on the Amazon listing.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; retailer page and customer feedback cite easy mixing/minimal grit.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (6/20): $17.68 for 250 g → $0.354 per 5 g (2025 bin 3).
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): Basic QA/returns/contact; no public batch COA portal found.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized
T16. MuscleTech Platinum 100% Creatine – 400 g
Base Score: 78.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 80 servings per 400 g tub; micronized called out on listing.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; brand/retailer copy notes easy mixing/minimal clumping.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (6/20): $32.99 ÷ 80 = $0.412 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): Established brand; QA language on site; no NSF/Informed Sport listing and no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized
T18. Isopure 100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate – 500 g
Base Score: 77.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (15/25): Not labeled micronized on the US 500 g listing; mixability feedback generally positive.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored; no fillers.
Price per 5 g (10/20): $27.99 for 500 g → $0.2799 per 5 g (2025 bin 5).
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): Established brand; standard QA/returns; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored
T18. ONNIT Creatine Monohydrate – 150 g
Base Score: 77.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 30 servings per 150 g tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; reviews note easy mixing with minimal grit.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (4/20): $14.99 for 150 g → $0.4997 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (8/10): Policies/contact posted; not sport-certified for this SKU; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized
T20. Fitness Labs German Creatine (Creapure®) – 500 g
Base Score: 76.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g; marketed as 100% Creapure®.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Creapure® powder with broadly positive mixability feedback; no consistent caking trend.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored.
Price per 5 g (4/20): $42.34 for 500 g → $0.423 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (7/10): Standard QA/returns/contact; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Creapure®
T20. BIRDMAN Micronized Creatine – 400 g
Base Score: 76.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 80 servings per 400 g tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; mixes easily overall with minimal grit mentions.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (6/20): $29.99 for 400 g → $0.375 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (5/10): Basic returns/contact; no public batch COA portal; limited QA detail.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Large Sizes (≥1 kg)
T22. Klean Athlete Klean Creatine – 315 g
Base Score: 75.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): Serving size 1 scoop (≈5 g); ≈60 servings per 315 g tub (on-label).
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Not micronized; mixes well overall with occasional sediment noted in plain water.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (2/20): $32.80 ÷ 60 servings = $0.547 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (8/10): NSF Certified for Sport; solid QA/returns/contact; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Sport-Safe
T22. Santa Cruz Paleo Creatine Monohydrate – 400 g
Base Score: 75.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 80 servings per 14.1 oz / 400 g tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; brand notes fluffy, fine powder that avoids grainy texture.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (4/20): $39.99 ÷ 400 g × 5 = $0.4999 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (6/10): Small brand; basic contact/returns; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized
T22. Bare Performance Nutrition Creatine (Creapure®) – 300 g
Base Score: 75.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 60 servings × 5 g; 300 g tub (5 g per scoop).
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Creapure®/micronized; broadly reported easy mixing.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (2/20): $34.99 ÷ (300 g / 5) = $0.583 per 5 g.
Brand Transparency & History (8/10): NSF Certified for Sport; robust QA notes; no public batch COA portal.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized • Creapure® • Sport-Safe
T22. EHP Labs CREA-8 – 500 g
Base Score: 75.0 / 100
Label Accuracy & Dose (25/25): 1 scoop (5 g); 100 servings per 500 g tub.
Solubility & Particle Quality (20/25): Micronized; reviews note easy mixing with minimal grit.
Additives & Clean Label (20/20): Single-ingredient, unflavored creatine monohydrate.
Price per 5 g (4/20): $43.29 for 500 g → $0.4329 per 5 g (2025 bin 2).
Brand Transparency & History (6/10): Policies/contact posted; no public batch COA portal; not sport-certified for this SKU.
Badges: Unflavored • Micronized
How to Pick Between Close Scores (Your Use-Case Filter)
When two powders sit within a point or two, choose by priority:
Mixability king? Favor the higher Solubility & Particle Quality subscore.
Ultra-clean label? Pick the product at the top of Additives & Clean Label.
Budget-first? Let Price per 5 g decide—especially if you’ll stay on creatine year-round.
Brand trust? If you value documentation and recall posture, lean toward the higher Transparency subscore.
Smart Stacks: Creatine + Hydration (and When Carbs Help)
Creatine mixes well with plain water, but some find a quick swirl in slightly warm water eliminates clumps before adding cold. For harder sessions, a small dose of carbs around training can aid uptake and performance—think a banana, yogurt, or your normal carb source. If cramping or headaches are a theme on hot days, your hydration strategy—not creatine—is likely the culprit. Compare low-sugar vs. full-sugar options in Hydration & Electrolyte Packets Scorecard and pair that with tools from Top Recovery Tools to Ease Muscle Soreness and Improve Sleep.
Storage, Travel, and Consistency Tips
Keep the tub dry and sealed tight; don’t toss the silica pack. For trips, pre-portion 5 g scoops into a small screw-top container and keep it in your shaker. If you struggle to remember daily doses, anchor creatine to an existing habit (morning coffee, post-workout shake, or nightly toothbrush). If soreness limits your consistency, gentle mobility work helps you come back the next day—start with the step-by-step routine in 10 Best Sciatica Stretches for Fast Nerve Pain Relief (Step-by-Step Guide) (it’s great as a general nerve-glide/mobility circuit even if you don’t have sciatica).
Quick FAQ
Do I need to load?
No. Loading (e.g., ~20 g/day for 5–7 days) just fills your muscle stores faster. If you take 3–5 g daily, you’ll reach the same saturation in about 3–4 weeks.
Does timing matter?
Not much. Consistency beats timing. Take it whenever you’ll remember—post-workout, with breakfast, or at night. With food can help if your stomach is sensitive.
Is “micronized” better?
Micronized creatine has smaller particles that typically mix and drink smoother. That’s a convenience win, not a purity guarantee—purity depends on manufacturing quality and testing, not particle size alone.
Final Thoughts
Creatine works best when you keep it boringly consistent: 3–5 g, every day, and let your training plan do the talking. Choose a tub based on your priorities—mixability if you hate gritty shakes, clean single-ingredient labels if you’re a minimalist, or best price per 5 g if you’re in it for the long haul. Then stop tinkering and give it a real runway. Most lifters notice the payoff not in one dramatic session but in the accumulation of slightly better sets and steadier recovery over 6–12 weeks.
Keep the basics tight while you run your tub: train with intent, eat enough protein and total calories to support progress, and protect your sleep. If your stomach is touchy, start at 2–3 g and work up; if you’re worried about “bloat,” remember early scale bumps are mostly water inside muscle, not fat. Store the powder dry, measure your doses, and track the only numbers that matter—reps, loads, and how you feel session to session. Do that, and creatine becomes what it should be: a quiet, reliable assist that compounds behind the scenes while you stack better workouts.
By Altruva Wellness Editorial Team
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