CREATINE
Monohydrate vs HCl
Research depth, dose claims and cost per 5 g.
Compare →Creatine form
Creatine Monohydrate
In short
Creatine bound to one water molecule — the form used in the large majority of creatine research. It’s typically sold as an unflavored powder with no other ingredients.
At a glance
- Research base
Published research - Most-studied form by a wide margin
- Creatine content
SuppScout calculation - ~88% creatine by weight
- Typical formats
General reference - Powder, capsules, gummies
- “Micronized”
General reference - Smaller particles; mixes more easily, same compound
- Typical price
General reference - Usually lowest cost per 5 g as a plain powder
SuppScout calculation About 88% creatine by weight; 5 g of creatine monohydrate provides about 4.4 g of creatine.
About creatine monohydrate
What it is
Creatine monohydrate is the form studied in most of the research behind creatine’s reputation for high-intensity performance. “Micronized” monohydrate has smaller particles to help it mix, but it is the same compound.
What the research says
The ISSN position stand describes creatine monohydrate as the most extensively studied and clinically effective form of creatine for nutritional supplementation. Alternative forms have not consistently shown advantages over monohydrate.
How to compare monohydrate products
- Confirm grams of creatine monohydrate per serving (many powders use 5 g; some use 3 g).
- Check the “other ingredients” line — plain powders often have none.
- Calculate cost per 5 g to compare across tub sizes and formats.
Compare Monohydrate
Creatine Monohydrate products
Cost comparison
| Product | Format | Per serving | Servings | Price | Cost / serving | Cost per 5 g creatine | Other ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainlabel Creatine Monohydrate Powder Plainlabel Nutrition · demo |
Powder 1 scoop (5 g) |
5 g creatine | 100 | $34.99* | $0.35 | $0.35 | None listed |
| Kestrel Sport Creatine Monohydrate Kestrel Sport · demo |
Powder 1 scoop (5 g) |
5 g creatine | 60 | $29.99* | $0.50 | $0.50 | None listed |
| Kestrel Sport Creatine Gummies 5 g Kestrel Sport · demo |
Gummies 4 gummies |
5 g creatine | 30 | $44.99* | $1.50 | $1.50 | 6 |
| Bright Daily Creatine Gummies (Berry) Bright Daily · demo |
Gummies 3 gummies |
3 g creatine | 30 | $29.99* | $1.00 | $1.67 | 7 |
SuppScout calculation Sorted by cost per 5 g creatine. * Demonstration prices from fictional listings, used to show the calculation — not current market prices.
Products
Bright Daily Creatine Gummies (Berry)
Bright Daily · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Per serving
- 3 g creatine
- Servings
- 30
- Format
- Gummies
- Price
- $29.99*
- Per serving cost
- $1.00
Not verified
Kestrel Sport Creatine Gummies 5 g
Kestrel Sport · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Per serving
- 5 g creatine
- Servings
- 30
- Format
- Gummies
- Price
- $44.99*
- Per serving cost
- $1.50
Manufacturer claim only
Kestrel Sport Creatine Monohydrate
Kestrel Sport · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Per serving
- 5 g creatine
- Servings
- 60
- Format
- Powder
- Price
- $29.99*
- Per serving cost
- $0.50
Manufacturer claim only
Plainlabel Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Plainlabel Nutrition · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Per serving
- 5 g creatine
- Servings
- 100
- Format
- Powder
- Price
- $34.99*
- Per serving cost
- $0.35
Not verified
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Other creatine forms
Sources & references
- Kreider RB, Kalman DS, Antonio J, et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 14:18. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0173-zPosition stand
- Jäger R, Purpura M, Shao A, Inoue T, Kreider RB (2011). Analysis of the efficacy, safety, and regulatory status of novel forms of creatine. Amino Acids 40(5). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govReview
SuppScout links to primary and authoritative sources wherever possible. See our editorial policy for how sources are selected and how corrections are handled.
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.