Reviews Creatine Supplements

6 Best Creatine Supplements for Bulking in 2024

Looking for the best creatine for bulking? We’ve got you covered.

In this article we’ll be going over 6 of the best creatine supplements on the market, especially if you’re looking to bulk up. Creatine is one of the most highly researched and popular supplements out there, especially for those looking to put on muscle. 

However, with so many different options to choose from, it can be difficult to make a decision. If your goal is to bulk up, keep reading to find the best creatine to gain weight.

Our team of certified nutritionists and professional athletes has extensively tested 18 creatines for bulking and only 6 made the cut. All products were evaluated on 4 key criteria and our experts spent 6 weeks testing them.

Along with rigorous testing, they have also combed through hundreds of online user reviews to bring you the most accurate information. This list is updated on a regular basis, so don’t be shy and share your experiences with us in the comment section!

6 best creatine for bulking

Top 6 Best Creatine Supplements for Bulking Reviewed

  1. Transparent Labs CREATINE HMB – Top Pick
  2. Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine – Runner-Up
  3. ProSUpps CREAGEN
  4. Genius, Micronized Creatine
  5. NAKED Creatine Monohydrate
  6. JACKED FACTORY CREATINE
ProductTotalSupplement
Facts*
Nutrition Label
Transparency
SolubilityValue for
Money
Transparent Labs38.510109.59
Optimum Nutrition38109109
ProSupps37.59.51099
Genius3799109
NAKED36.588.51010
Jacked Factory369999
*We evaluate such characteristics as creatine type, additional ingredients, third-party safety tests and doping control.
TOP PICK

1. Transparent Labs CREATINE HMB

transparent labs creatine HMB
  • Form: Powder
  • Servings per Container: 60
  • Type: Creatine Monohydrate
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Other Ingredients: HMB, Vitamin D, BioPerine
  • Price per Serving (5g): $0.75 (Note: Serving size is 10g)
  • Company Founded: 2012
  • Recommended by Athletes: Hafthor BjornssonPaul SklarSean Harris

Transparent Labs is one of the most trustworthy and recognizable brands in the supplement space. Founded in 2012, they have been providing some of the best supplements on the market for over a decade.

Their Creatine supplement is no exception. Featuring a classic creatine monohydrate, the formula is boosted by the addition of HMB, Vitamin D, and BioPerine.

HMB is the most important additional ingredient, as it is shown to have similar effects to creatine, namely increasing strength.

BioPerine is a black pepper extract included to increase absorption and could possess anti-inflammatory properties. Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D may have a positive influence on immune and musculoskeletal functions in athlete.

While these added ingredients are not necessary for an effective creatine supplement, there do appear to be some real benefits to them being included. The strength increasing properties of the extra ingredients make Transparent Labs an all around great choice for bulking.

On top of this, Creatine HMB comes in a wide range of flavors, including blue raspberry, watermelon, grape, and many others.

Because many creatine supplements are exclusively unflavored, this makes Transparent Labs’ supplement a great choice for those who enjoy flavored supplements. For those who prefer unflavored, that option is available as well.

38.5 EXPERT SCORE

The strength increasing properties of the extra ingredients make Transparent Labs an all around great choice for bulking.


Supplement Facts:0
Nutrition Label Transparency:0
Solubility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Contains HMB for increasing strength
  • Contains BioPerine for increased absorption and reduce inflammation
  • Contains Vitamin D for immune and musculoskeletal functions
  • Wide variety of flavors

Could be better:

  • Somewhat expensive compared to other options
  • Not micronized so may not mix well
RUNNER-UP

2. Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine

optimum nutrition micronized creatine
  • Form: Powder
  • Servings per Container: 120
  • Type: Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Other Ingredients: N/A
  • Price per Serving (5g): $.53
  • Company Founded: 1986
  • Recommended by Athletes: Taylor FritzJustin “Jets” JeffersonMorgan Willett

One of the most iconic supplements brands of all time, Optimum Nutrition has been around for the better part of 4 decades. On top of their signature Whey Protein, they offer a great, simple creatine supplement as well, making it our runner up for the top creatine for bulking.

Featuring no other ingredients aside from creatine monohydrate, this is a great supplement for those looking to bulk up with creatine. At an effective dose of 5g per serving, each serving contains the upper limit of a recommended daily dose.

The fact that Optimum offers a micronized creatine also means it will mix better and absorb better than non-micronized alternatives. This is due to micronized creatine having a smaller grain than the alternative, leading to greater surface area, and quicker absorption.

With Optimum being one of the most trusted supplement brands of the last several decades, you can have faith that their creatine supplement is one of the best out there. On top of this, at only $.53 per serving, it is one of the cheaper options on our list, giving you great value for your money.

38 EXPERT SCORE

Featuring no other ingredients aside from creatine monohydrate, this is a great supplement for those looking to bulk up with creatine.


Supplement Facts:0
Nutrition Label Transparency:0
Solubility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Micronized for better absorption
  • Effective dose at 5g per serving
  • Comes from longstanding trusted brand

Could be better:

  • Some reviews suggest bloating
  • No scoop included

3. ProSupps CREAGEN

prosupps creagen
  • Form: Powder
  • Servings per Container: 30
  • Type: Creatine Monohydrate
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Other Ingredients: Calcium HMB, Betaine Anhydrous
  • Price per Serving (5g): $.79
  • Company Founded: 2012
  • Recommended by Athletes: Kamaru UsmanTilly KingDerick Ansah

Up next on our list is CREAGEN from ProSupps. ProSupps was founded in 2012, and being a relatively new company, it doesn’t have the same brand recognition as many of the other options on our list. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t offer a great supplement.

Like the Transparent Labs supplement, it also features HMB. On top of this, CREAGEN also features Betaine Anhydrous in its formula.

We’ve already covered why HMB can be beneficial when taken along creatine in our section on Transparent Labs, but what about Betaine? From a study on Betaine’s effect on performance, it was found that supplementation increased both force production and muscular endurance after 2 weeks of supplementation.

This shows that Betaine should help these metrics especially when taken alongside creatine and HMB, making ProSupps product some of the best creatine for mass gain available.

Especially considering this as a bulking supplement, increases in strength and endurance will help you better push yourself in the gym. Accompanied with proper nutrition, this supplement should greatly increase your ability to put on both strength and size.

One thing to note is that this supplement only contains 3g of creatine per serving. While this is still in the recommended dosage range of 3-5g per day, it is on the lower end. Keep this in mind if you are bigger, or if you just want to take a higher dose.

37.5 EXPERT SCORE

Accompanied with proper nutrition, this supplement should greatly increase your ability to put on both strength and size.


Supplement Facts:0
Nutrition Label Transparency:0
Solubility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Includes HMB and Betaine Anhydrous to help with muscle growth and strength
  • Several flavors to choose from
  • Includes Vitamin C

Could be better:

  • Relatively low dose of creatine at 3g per serving
  • One of the more expensive options on our list

4. Genius, Micronized Creatine

genius creatine
  • Form: Powder
  • Servings per Container: 25
  • Type: Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Other Ingredients: AstraGin, Beta-Alanine
  • Price per Serving (5g): $1
  • Company Founded: 2018
  • Recommended by Athletes: Nate RobinsonChris HyppaAaron Lee

Next up is a Micronized Creatine from Genius. Being founded only 5 years ago, Genius is one of the newest brands featured on our list, but in that time they have garnered an impressive reputation in the supplement space.

This is because of their commitment to only producing the best products possible. At 5g per serving, as well as providing a micronized formula, Genius offers everything necessary for a simply effective creatine supplement.

The supplement also contains a blend called AstraGin which the brand claims will help boost creatine absorption (it’s worth noting that we can’t find studies that support this claim, although there is some evidence that it may increase absorption and bioavailability of some nutrients such as amino acids, peptides, and fatty acids).

And Beta-Alanine which is shown to increase overall power and decrease fatigue with continual supplementation. While things like AstraGin and Beta-Alanine aren’t necessary to an effective creatine supplement, they are common ingredients in things like pre-workout, and may serve as effective boosts to your training.

The one major downside to this supplement is its price. At $1 per serving, it is the most expensive creatine supplement on our list. While it is certainly a high quality supplement, you will need to decide if the hefty price tag is worthwhile, especially if you are planning on using the supplement daily.

37 EXPERT SCORE

At 5g per serving, as well as providing a micronized formula, Genius offers everything necessary for a simply effective creatine supplement.


Supplement Facts:0
Nutrition Label Transparency:0
Solubility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Contains astragin and beta-alanine
  • Micronized for better absorption
  • Several flavors to choose from

Could be better:

  • Most expensive option
  • Not many servings per container
  • Claims about ingredient AstraGin may not be true

5. NAKED Creatine Monohydrate

Naked Creatine
  • Form: Powder
  • Servings per Container: 200
  • Type: Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Other Ingredients: No
  • Price per Serving (5g): $.22
  • Company Founded: 2014
  • Recommended by Athletes: Daniel Victor

Next on our list is Naked Creatine from Naked Nutrition. Naked is a brand founded in 2014 that prides itself on being 100% open and honest with their labeling, hence the name.

Naked offers a classic creatine monohydrate supplement with no additional ingredients. While these extra ingredients can often provide a real boost to a creatine supplement, you may be looking for a pure creatine supplement, in which case this is a great choice.

Like several of the other options on our list, it is a micronized supplement, making for better solubility and absorption.

naked creatine on a table
Photo by @don.p.wilson

What truly sets this supplement apart is the value for the money. With 200 servings per container, the cost per serving is only $.22, making it the cheapest supplement on our list by far.

Especially if you plan on taking creatine every day for a long time span, this is a very attractive price point. Naked even offers a subscription service which will take 10-20% off your order, making it even cheaper.

36.5 EXPERT SCORE

While extra ingredients can often provide a real boost to a creatine supplement, you may be looking for a pure creatine supplement, in which case this is a great choice.


Supplement Facts:0
Nutrition Label Transparency:0
Solubility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Cheapest option on our list
  • Micronized for better absorption
  • Independent third-party tested for heavy metals
  • Subscription discount available

Could be better:

  • Contains no additional beneficial ingredients
  • The brand recommends a loading phase on their site which is likely unnecessary for most

6. JACKED FACTORY CREATINE

jacked factory creatine
  • Form: Powder
  • Servings per Container: 85
  • Type: Creatine Monohydrate
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Price per Serving (5g): $.41
  • Company Founded: 2006
  • Recommended by Athletes: Morgan MacMike OliverBhuwan Chauhan

The final entry on our list comes from Jacked Factory which has been around since 2006. Similar to many of the other options on our list, Jacked Factory offers creatine supplement that features no other ingredients.

It is the second cheapest option on our list at only $.41 per serving. On top of this, Jacked Factory offers a 100% money back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the product, making this a great risk-free option for those looking to try creatine for the first time.

While many of the other products on our list feature additional ingredients, there is something to be said for choosing a product that solely contains creatine, as you can better gauge the effect this individual supplement has on you.

This is especially true if you’re trying creatine for the first time. This makes Jacked Factory, and the other 100% creatine options on our list great choices for people who have little to no experience with creatine supplementation.

36 EXPERT SCORE

Similar to many of the other options on our list, Jacked Factory offers creatine supplement that features no other ingredients.


Supplement Facts:0
Nutrition Label Transparency:0
Solubility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

Could be better:

  • No additional beneficial ingredients
  • Not micronized so may not mix the best

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Is Creatine Good For Bulking?

While creatine is not a replacement for an effective training regime, and high protein diet when looking to gain weight, it will certainly help.

Studies have shown that creatine does increase muscle size and fat free mass in both men and women through causing more water retention in your body. This will lead to a slightly higher body weight as your muscles are saturated with creatine.

While this is not necessarily a long term solution for putting on mass over time, it will still help you put on a couple of pounds when you begin supplementation. From there, creatine will help with your strength and recovery, meaning if paired with proper diet and exercise, should eventually help you gain significant muscle mass.

Which Form of Creatine is Most Studied and Safest

The most studied and safest form of creatine is monohydrate. There are no studies that show other new forms of creatine improve performance or intake any better than monohydrate, despite many marketing claims that imply this. While most other forms of creatine are likely just as effective as creatine monohydrate, they are most likely no better.

Aside from this, the best way to determine if a creatine supplement is 100% safe is finding a product which contains a Creapure label (branded creatine created to high quality standards), or by ensuring the manufacturer has passed GMP certification and third-party testing.

By doing so, you can make sure that you are buying a product that is completely safe to consume, and is of the highest pharmacological grade.

Transparent Labs Creatine Powder Review

What Additional Ingredients Does The Best Creatine For Bulking Contain?

1. HMB

HMB has been shown to have very similar effects to creatine, namely improving overall strength and lean muscle mass. This makes it an obvious choice to be paired with creatine. While HMB does not necessarily increase the effects of creatine, it may act synergistically with the supplement leading to an overall greater set of results.

2. Betaine Anhydrous

Similar to HMB, Betaine Anhydrous has been shown to increase endurance and overall force production. Once again, while this is not necessary to creatine being effective, it may work alongside the supplement to increase results, especially in training volume and strength.

3. Beta-Alanine

Finally, just like the other 2 ingredients listed above, Beta-Alanine is shown to help increase endurance, and reduce fatigue. This, once again, makes it an effective pairing with creatine, despite not having any real effect on how creatine is absorbed.

Note: While other ingredients can be useful alongside creatine, it may be best to choose a supplement that is 100% creatine when first starting out. This will give you a good point of reference for how you respond to creatine before adding other supplements into the mix.

Are There Real Advantages to Other Forms of Creatine Over Monohydrate?

Probably not. While there are plenty of other kinds of creatine out there, they are mostly marketing gimmicks seeking to make themselves out to be different from other creatine supplements on the market.

They often claim that users will require less product to achieve similar results, even though these claims are rarely backed up by anything.

It is also proven that 3-5 grams of creatine monohydrate a day effectively support muscle saturation, the supplement has a reasonable cost and trying to reduce the dose by inventing alternative forms of creatine makes no sense.

The science states that creatine monohydrate is the most well researched and effective form of creatine available. While many of these other products will have similar effects, they are not likely to do anything significantly different than classic creatine monohydrate.

Kaged Creatine Powder Review

FAQ

Is Creatine Good For Bulking or Cutting?

Because creatine can lead to water retention in the muscles and weight gain, it is great for gaining muscle mass. However, this does not mean that you should give it up if you plan to cut back. Creatine helps you train hard, which is a condition for maintaining muscle mass while losing weight. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference.

How Much Creatine Is Good for Bulking?

We recommend taking anywhere from 3-5g of creatine per day to get maximal results from the supplement. Anything lower than this and you will not achieve optimal results, and anything higher is likely overkill.

Conclusion

Creatine is one of the best supplements available for those looking to bulk up. While there are plenty of great options to choose from, the best creatine for bodybuilding is Transparent Labs CREATINE HMB supplement.

Do you have much experience using creatine to bulk up? Any supplements you recommend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Also read:

References:

  1. Effects of nine weeks of beta-hydroxy-beta- methylbutyrate // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19387396/
  2. Piperine and Its Role in Chronic Diseases // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27671817/
  3. Role of Vitamin D in Athletes and Their Performance // NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071499/
  4. The Effect of Betaine Supplementation // OpenCommons: https://opencommons.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1078&context=gs_theses
  5. Creatine // CreightonPrep: https://tinyurl.com/4rd8ds5m
  6. Effect of Astragalus membranaceus // AlliedAcademics: https://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/effect-of-astragalus-membranaceus-and-panax-notoginseng-extract-on-arginine-absorption-intestinal-permeability-microbiota-populati-24081.html
  7. EFFECTS OF BETA-ALANINE // DigitalCommons: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol8/iss8/67/
  8. 5 Common Athletic-Performance Supplements // UNM: https://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article folder/commonSupplements.html
  9. Does Creatine Supplementation Increase Muscle Strength in Women? // TheKeep: https://thekeep.eiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2489&context=theses
  10. Safety and efficacy of creatine // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28615996/
  11. HMB supplementation // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20607321/
  12. Effects of betaine // NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3844502/
  13. Beta-Alanine // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26175657/

Why Trust Us?

With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.

All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.

The product testing process is described in more detail here

Oleksandr Maksymenko

Author: Oleksandr Maksymenko
Certified Sports Nutritionist,
MSc Sports Dietetics

Experience: 7 years
Specializing in: Weight management, Fitness / Sports nutrition

Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist certified by the Fitness Professional Association (FPA). He follows the principles of evidence-based dietetics and fosters a healthy relationship with food in his clients, ensuring there are no strict prohibitions on their favorite foods or frequent lapses. His primary goal is not only to achieve results for you but also to sustain them over the long term, all while enjoying tasty and delicious food.

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