While creatine isn’t reserved exclusively for guys, men make up a large contingent of creatine shoppers. Historically, male creatine enthusiasts leaned towards those who spent a lot of time pumping iron in the gym or strutting across bodybuilding stages. But recently, men of all ages—and with more wide-reaching goals—have been embracing the many other health benefits of this popular supplement. That’s right, not only does creatine work muscle-building magic, a growing body of research has found that it can also support cognitive function and bone health, as well as improved healthspan.
So, what are the best creatine supplements for men at The Vitamin Shoppe? From the top-selling BodyTech brand to the emerging True Athlete, here are five you should seriously consider trying.
BodyTech Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is the most studied form of creatine, closely resembling the natural creatine synthesized by the body. BodyTech, the #1 creatine brand at The Vitamin Shoppe, offers a variety of options, including unflavored and flavored powders, easy-to-take capsules, delicious chews, and even beadlets, which boast a next-gen formula that supports prolonged muscle feeding and uptake with a concentrated 2,100mg dose of creatine utilizing patented NovaQSpheres® technology.
100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder:
60 servings: $27.99
102 servings: $44.99
181 servings: $74.99
Creatine Monohydrate Capsules:
100 count: $24.99
300 count: $39.99
Creatine Soft Chews:
90 count: $29.99
Creatine Beadlet Capsules:
120 count: $29.99
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
When you want your creatine to pack a one-two punch, pair it with HMB to support optimal muscle growth and performance. HMB, or beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, is a metabolite of leucine, a branched-chain amino acid, and is thought to play a role in muscle protein synthesis and preventing muscle breakdown. Cult favorite Transparent Labs offers unflavored and Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, and Tropical Punch options.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB (30 servings): $49.99
Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Powder
Optimum Nutrition has been a major player in the sports nutrition arena for many years, so you can’t go wrong by choosing a classic creatine monohydrate product like Optimum Nutrition’s Micronized Creatine Powder. For the uninitiated, micronized creatine consists of smaller creatine particles to promote faster absorption. Win-win! The formula comes in unflavored and Blueberry Lemonade options.
Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Powder:
60 servings: $29.99
120 servings: $52.99
True Athlete Kre-Alkalyn Powder
While your typical creatine monohydrate has a more acidic pH, buffered creatine monohydrate, which is available in a patented form named KreAlkalyn, goes through a process to improve its pH to be more alkaline. This pH-corrected form increases bioavailability and stability and minimizes digestive distress. And, the improved bioavailability means you can get the same results with a smaller dose. Not totally convinced? This review of True Athlete Kre-Alkalyn Powder from vitaminshoppe.com might tip the scales: “I have been bodybuilding for years and this creatine is hands down the best I’ve tried. Excellent product. Top tier quality at a great price.”
True Athlete Kre-Alkalyn Powder (200 servings): $44.99
BodyTech Creatine + Glutamine with Beta-Alanine
BodyTech’s Creatine + Glutamine with Beta-Alanine combines three essential nutrients that can take your training regimen to the next level: creatine monohydrate to support strength and performance during exercise; beta-alanine to support endurance; and glutamine to promote muscle growth and recovery. Glutamine also offers a dose of digestive and immune support to boot. Try this powder in unflavored or Fruit Punch options.
BodyTech Creatine + Glutamine (31 servings): $39.99