CREATINE
Powder vs Gummies
Compare serving size, convenience and cost per serving.
Compare →Formats
Capsules vs Powders vs Gummies
How format affects amount per serving, other ingredients and cost.
The short answer
Powders usually give the most active ingredient per dollar and the fewest other ingredients. Capsules and tablets are convenient and tasteless but limited by capsule size. Gummies are the most convenient to take but typically contain less active ingredient per piece, add sugars or sugar alcohols, and cost more per standardized amount.
Key takeaways
- Format changes cost per standardized amount a lot.
- Gummies add sugars and more “other ingredients”.
- Large-dose ingredients (like creatine) fit best in powders.
Powders
Best for ingredients taken in gram amounts — creatine, protein, fiber. Often the lowest cost per gram. Unflavored powders frequently list no other ingredients; flavored ones add sweeteners and acids.
Capsules, tablets and softgels
Good for milligram and microgram amounts. Capsule size limits how much fits, so bulky forms (like magnesium glycinate) need several capsules per serving. Check capsule material if you avoid gelatin.
Gummies
Convenient and pleasant, but each gummy holds a limited amount of active ingredient, and the rest is syrup, sugar, pectin or gelatin, acids and flavors. Cost per standardized amount is typically highest. Some gummy products have faced questions about label accuracy, so named third-party testing matters more.
Sources & references
- Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. fda.govRegulatory
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This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.