✅ Last tested: May 2026 | Independent review – not sponsored | UK-focused
Creatine is the most well-researched supplement in sports science.
Not one of the most. The most.
Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies. Consistent results. No serious side effects at normal doses. If you’re lifting and not taking it, you’re leaving performance on the table.
The problem isn’t whether to take creatine. That’s settled. The problem is which one to buy.
Open Amazon and you’ll find dozens of options at wildly different prices. Some are genuinely different. Most are nearly identical. Here’s what actually matters when choosing.
Quick Verdict
| Pick | Best For | Price (500g) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyProtein Creatine | Best overall value | ~£9-£13 | 9.1/10 |
| Bulk Pure Creatine | Cheapest per gram | ~£8-£12 | 8.8/10 |
| Optimum Nutrition Creatine | Premium / gifting | ~£18-£22 | 8.2/10 |
| Creapure-certified options | Purity-conscious buyers | ~£20-£35 | 8.5/10 |
Table of Contents
- What Is Creatine Monohydrate?
- How We Evaluated These Products
- Full Comparison Table
- Pros and Cons
- UK Pricing Guide
- Who Should Buy Creatine?
- Our Verdict
- FAQ
What Is Creatine Monohydrate?
Your body already makes creatine. It stores it in your muscles and uses it during short, intense efforts. Lifting heavy. Sprinting. HIIT. That sort of thing.
When you push hard, your body burns through its energy stores fast. Creatine helps top those stores back up quicker, so you can push a bit harder before you hit a wall.
In real terms: one or two extra reps before failure. Over months of consistent training, that compounds into actual strength and muscle gains. That’s why every serious study keeps arriving at the same conclusion.
Creatine monohydrate is the original form and still the most studied. Other versions exist, like HCl or ethyl ester. None of them have proven they work better. They just cost more. Stick with monohydrate.
For more on building a sensible supplement stack, see our UK supplement reviews.
How We Evaluated These Products
We based this on reputation, ingredients, verified user feedback, independent lab testing where available, and value per gram. No paid placements. No brand deals.
Five criteria mattered:
- Purity – is it plain creatine monohydrate or padded with fillers?
- Mixability – does it dissolve cleanly in cold water without going gritty?
- Value – actual cost per gram of creatine, not just the headline price
- UK availability – can you order it easily and get it within a few days?
- Transparency – do they publish test results or hold Creapure certification?
We did not rank on taste. Unflavoured creatine has no real taste. Flavoured versions vary by personal preference, not quality.
Full Comparison Table
| Feature | MyProtein Creatine | Bulk Pure Creatine | Optimum Nutrition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per 500g | ~£9-£13 | ~£8-£12 | ~£18-£22 |
| Serving size | 5g | 5g | 5g |
| Creapure certified | ❌ (own supply) | ❌ (own supply) | ✅ (Creapure) |
| Mixability | ✅ Good | ✅ Good | ✅ Very good |
| UK stock / delivery | ✅ Fast | ✅ Fast | ✅ Amazon Prime |
| Flavour options | Unflavoured + several | Unflavoured only | Unflavoured + few |
| Value score | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Pros and Cons
- ✅ Most researched supplement available
- ✅ Proven strength and performance benefits
- ✅ Costs pennies per dose in the UK
- ✅ No cycling needed – take it daily
- ✅ Works for most training styles
- ✅ Safe for long-term use at standard doses
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- ❌ Early water retention (this is normal, not fat gain)
- ❌ Around 30% of people are non-responders
- ❌ Budget brands rarely publish independent test results
- ❌ Loading phase can cause mild stomach discomfort if rushed
UK Pricing Guide
Creatine monohydrate is one of the cheapest supplements per dose you can buy. At 5g a day, a 500g tub lasts 100 days. That’s about 9-13p per dose on a mid-range option.
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Here’s how UK pricing breaks down:
- Budget (£8-£12 / 500g): Bulk Pure Creatine, supermarket own brands
- Mid-range (£9-£15 / 500g): MyProtein Creatine Monohydrate. Best value pick for most people.
- Premium (£18-£35 / 500g): Creapure-certified brands. German-manufactured, guaranteed purity. Worth it if that matters to you, but won’t change your results.
For most people, mid-range is the right call. The extra cost of Creapure buys you peace of mind on sourcing, not meaningfully better gains.
Who Should Buy Creatine Monohydrate?
Good fit if you:
- Do strength training or HIIT regularly
- Are a beginner looking for a proven, safe first supplement
- Play power sports like rugby, sprinting, or CrossFit
- Are returning to training after a break
- Are vegetarian or vegan (lower natural creatine stores, bigger benefit)
Not the right fit if you:
- Only do steady-state cardio – benefit is minimal
- Have existing kidney problems – speak to your GP first
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding – not enough research, skip it for now
Our Verdict
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Value for money | 9.5/10 |
| Proven effectiveness | 9.8/10 |
| Ease of use | 9.0/10 |
| UK availability | 9.5/10 |
| Overall | 9.2/10 |
If you do one thing for your training this month, make it this. Buy MyProtein or Bulk creatine monohydrate, take 5g a day with water, and stick with it.
Get Your Creatine from Fitness Options Today →
You’ll notice a difference in four to six weeks. Nothing else at this price point comes close to this level of evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best creatine monohydrate in the UK?
MyProtein Creatine Monohydrate is the best balance of price, quality, and availability for most UK buyers. Bulk Pure Creatine is slightly cheaper per gram. If you want Creapure certification for extra purity assurance, expect to pay more. For most people, the own-brand options from MyProtein or Bulk get the job done.
Should I do a loading phase with creatine?
You don’t have to. A loading phase (20g a day for 5-7 days) saturates your muscles faster, but taking 5g a day gets you to the same place in about 4-6 weeks. Skip the loading phase if your stomach is sensitive.
Is creatine monohydrate safe long-term?
Yes. Studies have followed people taking creatine for several years with no problems in people with healthy kidneys. If you have an existing kidney issue, check with your GP before starting any supplement.
When should I take creatine, before or after training?
Honestly, timing barely matters. Some research slightly favours post-workout. What actually matters is taking it consistently every day. Pick a time you’ll remember and stick to it.
Does creatine cause water retention and bloating?
Creatine pulls water into your muscle cells. That’s actually part of how it works. You might see a small weight increase (0.5-1.5kg) in the first week or two. That’s intramuscular water, not fat. It means it’s doing what it should.