
When selecting the best creatine, we evaluated creatine form (monohydrate is the most researched), purity (Creapure certification ensures highest quality), mixability, absence of additives, and value for money. Creatine monohydrate is the most scientifically proven supplement — it increases muscle performance, speeds recovery, and supports muscle mass growth. Other forms (HCL, malate, chelate) offer better mixability but are not more effective than monohydrate. Our assessment is based on hundreds of scientific studies on creatine efficacy and safety.
| Criterion | Why it matters | What to look for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creatine form | Monohydrate is the most effective and researched | Creatine monohydrate (preferably Creapure) | Expensive exotic form without scientific backing |
| Purity | High purity ensures safety and efficacy | Creapure certification, 99.9% purity | Purity not stated, cheap unknown origin |
| Additives | Pure creatine needs no fillers | Only creatine in the ingredient list | Sugar, flavors, fillers in creatine powder |
| Dosage and form | Effective dose is 3-5 g per day | Convenient dosing, 3-5 g per serving | Too low dose (under 3 g) or unclear dosing |
| Price per gram | Creatine should be affordable | Monohydrate: €0.01-0.03 per gram | Over €0.10 per gram without added value |
Beginners benefit most from pure creatine monohydrate without additives — it is the most researched, safest, and most affordable option. Start with 3-5 g per day, no loading phase needed. Powder form is most cost-effective, capsules are most convenient.
Quality creatine monohydrate in Estonia costs €0.01-0.03 per gram. This means a 500 g package should cost €5-15. Creapure-certified creatine is slightly more expensive (€0.02-0.04/g), but the purity guarantee is worth it. Capsules are typically 2-3 times more expensive than powder.
Creatine monohydrate is the most researched and effective form — backed by hundreds of studies. Creatine HCL (hydrochloride) dissolves better and requires a smaller dose, but is significantly more expensive with limited scientific evidence. Monohydrate is the best choice for most people.
A loading phase (20 g per day for 5-7 days) speeds up muscle saturation but is not mandatory. Regular 3-5 g daily achieves the same result in 3-4 weeks. Loading may cause digestive issues and water retention — most people do fine without it.
Creapure is creatine monohydrate made by Germany's AlzChem with 99.99% purity. Regular creatine may contain impurities like creatinine and dicyandiamide. Creapure certification is a quality guarantee, especially important for competitive athletes and long-term use.