Skip to Content

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

10 best creatine supplements to support brain health and boost strength, approved by nutritionists

It’s not just for hardcore athletes and bulky bodybuilders

By
VerifiedTested by Health and Fitness Tester
best creatine supplements

The best creatine supplements have long been popular with beefy gym buffs to support fitness and boost muscle growth, but mounting evidence has revealed that we could all reap the rewards of creatine supplementation, with benefits including enhanced cognitive function, improved mood and higher energy levels.

Some studies show it could be particularly beneficial for women, who naturally have lower creatine stores than men.

Wondering if you should start adding the fitness supplement to your morning smoothie? The Good Housekeeping Institute got scooping to find out.

The best creatine supplements for 2025

These are the best creatine supplements in one quick list, with a range of budget options and premium buys to choose from.

To find the powders that are worth considering, we asked a team of nutritionists to help us assess a range of products from popular sports nutrition brands. We also enlisted a panel of at-home testers to use the supplements daily for a month before sharing their experiences via an in-depth survey.

You'll find a full breakdown of our rigorous testing process below our reviews, along with everything you need to know about creatine, including the potential benefits and when to take it.

Meet the experts: Megan Foulsham, senior nutritionist at Calo, is a registered nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a master’s degree in eating disorders and clinical nutrition. Ruby Chauhan is an AfN registered nutritionist with an MSc in nutrition sciences.

1
Best creatine powder

Protein Works Creatine Monohydrate (250g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Creatine Monohydrate (250g)

Score: 96/100

According to the nutritionists, this Protein Works product is creatine in its purest form, with no additives or fillers on the ingredients list. It's also been micronised to a fine powder for quick absorption. You can either opt for the unflavoured version or choose the fruity orange flavour if you fancy something sweet.

It earned full marks for mixability, with panellists noting that it dissolved in water within moments, with no unpleasant gritty taste or texture. They also found the instructions simple to follow, they liked the resealable pouch and appreciated the handy scoop for easy measurements.

In terms of performance, several testers noticed the benefits, with one saying, “Taking this creatine is definitely helping my recovery and allowing me to throw everything into my next session.” Another tester told us: “I've noticed an increase in my energy levels and a slight improvement in my performance.”

Key specifications

Serving size5g
Flavours availableUnflavoured, orange burst, berry blitz
2
Runner-up creatine powder

Verve Creatine Monohydrate Power (500g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Creatine Monohydrate Power (500g)

Score: 89/100

We’re big fans of Verve’s supplements (the brand features in our best greens powders and best mushroom coffee roundups) so we were keen to see how its creatine powder fared, and it didn't disappoint.

Panellists praised its fine texture, saying it dissolved in an instant – no excessive stirring required. They also appreciated the neutral flavour and aroma. The pouch is resealable, and it comes with a long-handled scoop for fuss-free measuring without scales. Crucially, it also had a positive impact on testers’ athletic performance, with one saying, “I definitely felt more energetic in my workouts" and another telling us: "It helped me recover faster."

Made from 99.98% pure creatine monohydrate with no nasties clogging up the ingredients list, it earned our experts' seal of approval. Like our Protein Works winner, it's been micronised for speedy absorption.

Key specifications

Serving size3.4g
Flavours availableUnflavoured
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Best third party-tested creatine supplement

Precision Engineered Creatine Monohydrate (210g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Creatine Monohydrate (210g)

Score: 88/100

This powder is Informed Sport certified, which, according to our experts, provides an extra layer of quality assurance and guarantees that what’s on the label is what you’re purchasing. The experts also rated the ingredients list, which simply includes pure creatine monohydrate.

There are no flavoured options to choose from, but our panel members said they liked the lack of flavour and aroma, which allowed them to combine it with other supplements. It also earned a thumbs up for ease of use and dissolvability, with our tester commenting: “It was a lot easier to drink than other creatine products I’ve tried, which helped me stay consistent”

In terms of exercise performance, testers noticed they experienced less muscle fatigue and had more energy during training, while others found it helped them to recover from intense exercise faster.

Key specifications

Serving size5g
Flavours availableUnflavoured
4
Best for ease of use

Vivo Life Creatine Monohydrate (252g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Creatine Monohydrate (252g)

Score: 87/100

This is another third party-tested option, ensuring the ingredients list is accurate and the product is free from contaminants, pesticides and heavy metals.

The reusable packaging (which is also 100% recyclable) was convenient for keeping the powder fresh, and the small scoop ensured accurate measurements. On the whole, testers agreed it dissolved well in water, with no unpleasant aftertaste or side effects.

Some panellists weren’t sure whether it had a major impact on their athletic performance, but others were impressed with the results. “I felt there was a noticeable difference in muscle definition and strength,” commented one, while another told us: “I would continue using this product as it helps me with my exercise.”

Key specifications

Serving size3-5g
Flavours availableUnflavoured
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Best for mixability

Applied Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate (500g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Creatine Monohydrate (500g)

Score: 87/100

This Informed Sport-approved supplement, which features 100% micronised creatine monohydrate, earned a thumbs up from our nutritionists, who rated the no-nonsense ingredients list. It also received rave reviews from our panel for ease of use. It comes with a scoop to ensure you get the dosage right, and the fine powder blends seamlessly with liquid for a lump-free drink.

Testers were also impressed with its impact on physical performance and body composition. One panellist described the product as a “game-changer”, saying it allowed them to lift heavier weights and helped feel more energised and alert at work. Another told us: “My training has been the same but I’m seeing differences in muscle tone.”

We sampled the brand’s unflavoured powder, but there’s also cherry & apple, icy blue razz and strawberry & raspberry. Just note, these include additional ingredients like sweeteners.

Key specifications

Serving size5g
FlavoursUnflavoured, cherry & apple, icy blue razz and strawberry & raspberry
6
Best for flavour options

Bulk Creatine Monohydrate Powder (500g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Creatine Monohydrate Powder (500g)

Score: 86/100

Bulk’s supplements tend to perform well on test (it also appears in our best protein bars and best matcha powders roundups), and the brand’s creatine monohydrate also impressed. Whether you prefer a neutral taste or fancy something sweet to add to your morning shake, there are five flavours on offer.

“It felt like a natural performance enhancer,” said one tester, adding that they had more energy for their workouts, without experiencing any nasty side effects like anxiety or overheating. Other panel members agreed it made them feel more powerful during exercise, with many saying they would continue to use it following the trial period.

The taste was pleasant, and the texture was smooth when stirred into water. A few testers noted that the instructions on the back of the packet were too small, and some had issues with resealing the pouch, but these are minor quibbles.

Key specifications

Serving size5g
Flavours availableUnflavoured, apple & lime, blue raspberry, mixed berry, vanilla
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best for smoothies

Optimum Nutrition Micronised Creatine Powder (317g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Micronised Creatine Powder (317g)

Score: 85/100

From pre-workout supplements to protein powders, ON’s supplements are popular with gym-goers, and for good reason. Its creatine powder contains 100% micronised creatine to enhance exercise performance and supercharge recovery.

Though it dissolved well in water, testers liked mixing the unflavoured powder into their post-workout protein shakes, praising the fine texture and lack of aftertaste. Crucially, it also made a difference to their performance in the gym, with several testers saying that they felt stronger and recovered quicker.

“I slept better, my muscle definition was better, and I felt like I had a bit more endurance after a couple weeks of use,” said one happy tester.

Key specifications

Serving size3g
Flavours availableUnflavoured
8
Best value

Free Soul Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder (204g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder (204g)

Score: 84/100

As the name suggests, this supplement from female-focused brand Free Soul contains 100% pure micronised creatine, swerving any artificial flavours, sweeteners or sugars.

Panellists appreciated the neutral flavour and smell, which made it easy to mix into juices, protein shakes and even breakfast cereals. “Most creatine powders have a bit of a funny flavour, but I couldn’t taste this one at all,” commented one panellist. It also dissolved quickly in water, with minimal stirring required.

Performance-wise, several testers reported improvements to their energy levels and endurance in the gym. Others said their recovery was faster, and the supplement helped with memory and focus, too. “I felt better and could lift more in the gym,” said one, while another told us: “I’ve noticed subtle improvements to my muscle definition.”

Key specifications

Serving size3.4g
Flavours availableOriginal
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Warrior Creatine Monohydrate Powder (300g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Creatine Monohydrate Powder (300g)
Now 34% Off

Score: 81/100

From blue raspberry to cola, Warrior's range of tasty flavours means loading up on creatine will be something you look forward to each day.

The product proved popular with panellists, who thought the neat little tub was ideal for popping in their gym bags and taking on the go. The lid is easy to unscrew, the powder dissolves well, and the measuring scoop eliminates the need for weighing scales.

What about performance, you ask? “This is my new go-to creatine,” said one satisfied tester, telling us they had more energy and less injuries after incorporating it into their routine.

The unflavoured version contains just micronised creatine monohydrate, but our experts noted that if you opt for a flavoured powder, there are some added flavourings and sweeteners on the ingredients list, which could cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Key specifications

Serving size5g
Flavours availableUnflavoured, blazin’ berry, blue razz, cool cola, lightning lemonade, savage strawberry, tropical sunrise
10
Best for added benefits

Ancient + Brave True Creatine+ (180g)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
True Creatine+ (180g)

Score: 77/100

Alongside creatine monohydrate, this powder also contains taurine (an amino acid that may enhance endurance and reduce fatigue), vitamin D and marine magnesium. According to the brand, it’s designed to “elevate energy, muscles, bone and cognitive health.”

Testers rated the “premium packaging and branding”, saying they would happily show off the sleek glass jar in their kitchens. It also ticked the box in terms of flavour, (it's neutral and inoffensive) and it scored well for dissolvability, with no unwanted residue at the bottom of the glass. Panellists would have appreciated a measuring scoop, though.

“I hit several personal bests while taking this supplement,” noted one panel member, saying that they would continue using creatine as part of their routine. Another tester said: “It’s hard to quantify an improvement but I would say it’s aided my training.”

Just keep in mind, it's not a pure creatine product and combining it with other ingredients impacts the levels included. Each 6g serving contains 4.1g of creatine, so you might need to take more if you want to hit the 5g mark. That said, it's a top choice if you like the addition of other health-boosting ingredients.

Key specifications

Serving size6g
Flavours availableUnflavoured
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How we test creatine supplements

how we test creatine supplements

We sourced a range of creatine supplements from market-leading brands and presented them to our nutrition experts, Megan Foulsham and Ruby Chauhan from Calo.

They got to work assessing each product, reviewing the quality of ingredients and nutritional make-up.

We also sent the supplements to a panel of testers, who used them daily over a four-week period before reporting back on ease of use, drinkability and whether they noticed any benefits.

Back at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts collated the feedback and awarded overall scores.

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

This is an image

Our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, and our senior sleep and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, have both been working at the Good Housekeeping Institute for a number of years, testing and reviewing sports nutrition supplements including the best protein powders, the best greens powders and the best energy gels, bars and chews, among many others.

For this test, we also enlisted the help of two nutritionists to analyse the products and help you make an informed decision on creatine supplements.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

More health and wellness reviews

This is an image
This is an image

What is creatine?

“Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that’s made up of three amino acids: glycine, arginine and methionine. It’s produced naturally in our bodies and stored in the muscles and brain,” explains Suria Darley, product developer at Holland & Barrett.

It can be found in foods like red meat, fish and poultry, but Darley notes it can be difficult to get the recommended 3-5g of creatine per day from your diet alone – even if you’re a meat eater. That’s where the best creatine supplements come in.


What are the benefits of creatine?

According to Darley, creatine is one of the most clinically studied and science-backed sports supplements out there. Here are some reasons to get scooping.

Enhances exercise performance: “Creatine helps to increase physical performance and strength during successive bursts of short-term, high-impact exercise,” says Darley. It works by increasing the body’s store of phophoscreatine, which helps produce a molecule called adenosine tripohsphate (ATP). Put simply, ATP is the main source of energy for muscle contractions, so increasing the levels in your cells can allow you train at a higher intensity for longer. Research suggests creatine supplementation may help your body recover quicker after exercise, too.

Increases muscle mass: When combined with resistance training, Darley says creatine can help you build and maintain muscle more effectively. As we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength (the official term is sarcopenia). So, the best creatine supplements can help counteract age-related muscle loss and support balance, coordination and stability.

Improves mood and cognitive function: Physical benefits aside, evidence shows that creatine can help boost mental clarity and focus, combatting decline in cognitive function associated with ageing. One study also found that creatine may help mitigate the effects of a poor night’s sleep, so you feel more alert and engaged. Some studies suggest it may even help with depressive disorders, though research is still in its infancy.

Helps with menopause symptoms: “Creatine has been shown to have positive effects for menopausal women over 55,” says Darley. “As women progress into menopause and oestrogen declines, there’s an increased risk of osteoporosis, so creatine paired with strength training can help support stronger bones.” With beneficial effects for brain health, taking a creatine supplement could also alleviate menopause-related brain fog and help stabilise mood.


How much creatine should I take a day?

I recommend between 3-5g daily via a powder, capsule or gummy,” says Darley. “3g is the efficacious dose that all scientific and clinical studies are tested on, which means there’s evidence that it works when taking this amount.


When is the best time to take creatine?

Whether it’s first thing in the morning, before a workout or after a session, the time of day you take your creatine supplement doesn’t matter. Creatine builds up in your muscles over time, so the main thing is that you're consistent and getting it in your system regularly.


Is creatine safe for everyone?

Creatine is a low-risk addition to most supplement routines. That said, Darley offers an important reminder: “Creatine is safe for most, but some people may experience side effects, particularly if they don’t stick to the recommend dosage. It’s always best to consult a doctor if unsure.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The verdict on creatine supplements

This is an image

Easy to use and effective, Protein Works' Creatine Monohydrate is a solid choice, whether you’re new to creatine powders or want to try something different.

If a third party-tested option is priority, consider the Precision Engineered Creatine Monohydrate or Vivo Life's creatine powder, which are both Informed Sport approved.

Look to Bulk’s Creatine Monohydrate powder if you want to experiment with flavours, and choose Ancient + Brave's premium powder if the addition of vitamin D, taurine and magnesium could do you some good.

Headshot of Priyankaa Joshi
Priyankaa Joshi
Sleep & Wellness Editor

Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.   Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills. 

Headshot of Kim Hawley
Tested byKim Hawley
Health and Fitness Tester

Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.

Watch Next 
best creatine supplements
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below