Most of the fitness community is well aware of creatine supplementation, but creatine gummies are new to the scene.
A few too many creatine users have come to dislike the taste and inconvenience of creatine powders, and not everyone enjoys swallowing tablets daily. Could tasty chewable creatine gummies fill this void for consumers?
Creatine supplementation may be a great addition to your workout routine or pre-workout supplement routine to build muscle. Furthermore, consider getting help from a qualified personal trainer if you are serious about building strength.
The benefits of creatine supplements on athletic performance are well-researched.
Since creatine is converted into phosphocreatine (PCr), PCr leads to more adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and more ATP means more available energy to enhance muscle strength and high-intensity training. While the exact mechanisms behind these benefits are a lot more science-y than that, the main takeaway is the more available energy, the better physical performance. Greater physical performance typically translates to more significant results.
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What Are the Best Creatine Gummies?
Since creatine in chewable form is a relatively new concept compared to powders and capsules, there are few on the market in 2023. The best creatine gummies will be from a reputable company, contain creatine monohydrate or creatine hydrochloride (HCL), provide a transparent list of all ingredients, and have good customer reviews.
Most experts will agree that the most tested and efficacious version of creatine is creatine monohydrate. However, more research is needed as HCL may have similar benefits that simply haven’t been tested since this version hasn’t been around as long.
Creatine Monohydrate Gummies
Overview
Bear Balanced creatine gummies are marketed as the “world’s first creatine gummy.” The company was founded in 2020 by Dylan Menter. Bear Balanced partnered with Creapure, a Germany-based company that formulates the main ingredient — pure creatine monohydrate.
Highlights
- These gummies contain a “creatine matrix,” which consists of creatine monohydrate plus these additional ingredients with nootropic effects:
- L-theanine: Boosts memory and muscle function
- L-tyrosine: Increases energy, endurance, and mood
- B12: Enhances brain health, cellular energy, and recovery
- Huperzine A: Improves focus and attention during exercise
- The recommended dosage is to take three gummies daily, which equates to 5 milligrams of creatine.
- One bag contains 90 gummies.
- Users describe the flavor as a nice minty-berry flavor.
- These supplements appeal to several dietary preferences as they are sugar-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
- Ingredients: maltitol, tapioca syrup (IMO), water, pectin, sodium citrate, sorbitol, citric acid, lemon oil, stevia extract, natural blueberry flavor, natural purple plum, organic blue spirulina powder
Pricing
- $41 for 1 bag (90 gummies)
- 10% off for 2 bags
- 15% off for 3 bags
Bottom Line
This is the first creatine gummy of its kind available on the market. If you’re looking for a cutting-edge creatine supplement that also has nootropic properties, this may be the right choice for you.
Overview
Elm and Rye is a company focused on sustainability and ethical practices, and its supplements are featured in reputable publications like Forbes, Men’s Journal, and more. All products are third-party tested and reviewed by a medical advisory board.
Highlights
- Users can choose between capsules or gummies.
- The dosage is lower than other chewables on the list at 2 gummies per day.
- All products are third-party tested.
- Customers may submit a return and refund request within 30 days if they are not satisfied with the product.
- Ingredients: creatine monohydrate, gelatin (capsule), and vegetable magnesium stearate
Pricing
- One-time purchase: $44.99
- Subscribe and save 25%: $33.74
- 2-pack: $84.99
- Subscribe and save 25%: $63.74
- 4-pack: $149.99
- Subscribe and save 25%: $112.49
- Free shipping on orders over $75 in the United States
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to buy from a popular value-based company, Elm and Rye’s creatine supplements may be right for you. If interested, the site offers a “build a bundle” feature where users can add more products to create a complete muscle growth supplement regimen under the guidance of an Elm and Rye representative. The only downside discovered from this product is that the site published lab results for their creatine capsules, but this testing did not include information regarding the gummies.
Overview
Vow Nutrition is a UK-based sports nutrition manufacturer and seller founded by CEO Simon Stevens. The company prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and testing for optimal supplements that are available at a reasonable price.
Highlights
- Vow products are tested in an LGC sports anti-doping laboratory.
- These chews are vegan.
- The dosage is 4–6 chewables per day. Four will provide 3 grams of creatine, whereas six will provide the recommended dose of 5 grams per day.
- Users can choose between a mint or strawberry flavor.
- Mint flavor ingredients: creatine monohydrate, dextrose monohydrate, sorbitol, microcrystalline cellulose, anti-caking agent magnesium stearate, flavoring, sucralose
- Strawberry flavor ingredients: Creatine monohydrate, sorbitol, sucralose, dextrose monohydrate, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, flavoring, anti-caking agent magnesium stearate, beetroot extract
Pricing
- $22.28
Bottom Line
This is an affordable yet effective option for users that want to buy from trusted and established sources. However, when reading through the reviews of Vow’s creatine chewables, a few mentioned that these weren’t as “chewable” as anticipated. Therefore, if you’re looking for something with more of a gummy bear texture, this may not be the right supplement for you.
Overview
Swoly appeals to its customers with a visually appealing and user-friendly website. These strawberry-flavored creatine gummies were developed by gym-goers that were not satisfied with the current creatine supplements and powders on the market.
Highlights
- Taking five gummies per day will achieve the recommended dosage of 4 grams of creatine per day.
- These gummies are low in sugar, gluten-free, and gelatin-free.
- Ingredients: creatine monohydrate, sucrose, dextrose, maltodextrin, natural and artificial flavors, stearic acid, citric acid
Pricing
- $29.98 (150 gummies per container, 30 servings)
Bottom Line
These apparently delicious gummies have excellent reviews and are available at a good value. While the nice flavor comes with additional sugar, it is minuscule for those not on a super strict diet. If you struggle to consistently take supplements, Swoly gummies may help ease you into better supplementation habits to increase your creatine intake.
Creatine Hydrochloride (HCL) Gummies
Overview
Revive’s gummies are the only supplement on the list that uses creatine HCL as its main ingredient, but the company feels strongly that creatine HCL is the superior choice when it comes to taking creatine for muscle gains. Revive stores are located throughout the country selling their tasty gummies.
Highlights
- The recommended use for this supplement is to take two gummies daily before or after a workout.
- The gummies are raspberry flavored.
- Ingredients: creatine hydrochloride, natural cane sugar, bovine gelatin, corn syrup, natural fruit flavoring, citric acid, potassium sorbate, modified corn starch
Pricing
- $29.99
- Subscribe and save up to 18% off
- Use the code “TRYREVIVE” for $5 off your first box
Bottom Line
Customer reviews indicated that these flavored gummies are very tasty and an easy addition to their supplement routine. Additionally, the company is renowned for its customer service and for anyone that prefers to shop for supplements in-store, customers can use the site’s store locator to find their nearest Revive retailer.
What Are Creatine Gummies?
Creatine gummies are an alternative form of a creatine supplement that can be taken any time of day, though some labels may recommend a specific timing, like around a workout. The recommended daily dose of creatine is 3–5 milligrams per day to reap notable benefits like increased muscle mass and enhanced exercise performance.
Creatine 101
The substance creatine is found naturally in muscle cells and is made up of amino acids, primarily glycine and arginine. Roughly half of the creatine in the body comes from food, mostly animal products, and the remaining is produced in the liver and kidneys.
Monohydrate vs. Creatine HCL
As mentioned above, there are two main types of creatine supplements — creatine monohydrate and creatine hydrochloride. On the outside, there appears to be no difference between the two since their differences lie at a molecular level which affects how they are absorbed and used by the body.
As in the name, creatine monohydrate is creatine + a water molecule (monohydrate).
Creatine hydrochloride is creatine + a hydrochloride molecule (HCL).
Creatine monohydrate supplements may require a loading phase, meaning you pump your body with creatine for a short period, typically around a week, to increase water absorption into the muscle at a faster rate.
An HCL supplement does not require any loading and the dosage is lower since the hydrochloride molecule increases water absorption into the muscle much easier and faster. While this enhanced route to muscle gains may be great for professional bodybuilders, for most athletes, creatine monohydrate does the job perfectly.
The right supplement will vary depending on individual goals; however, creatine monohydrate is considered safer due to extensive research and testing, is efficacious for a wider range of athletes, is easier to find, and is less expensive.
Pros and Cons of Creatine Gummies
The main draw to using gummies or chewables instead of other forms of creatine is the ease of use. You don’t need to mix gummies with anything or wince as you choke down a less-than-desirable taste of a powder or pill. Gummies are easy candy-like chewables you can pop on the go.
However, convenience can come with a caveat. Gummies labeled as “sugar-free” use low-calorie artificial sweeteners like sugar alcohols, which may cause gastrointestinal issues like gas and bloating. Additionally, creatine gummies are typically more expensive compared to other forms of creatine due to the added ingredients and extra manufacturing costs that go into creating a chewable.
Alternatives to Creatine Gummies
Like many supplements, creatine comes in various capsules, tablets, or pill forms. Though some don’t appreciate the taste, powders are still a popular option for those wanting to use creatine because they can be added into drinks and smoothies and can come in flavored varieties. On average, creatine powder is the most cost-effective compared to gummies or tablets.
Another alternative to a creatine supplement is a pre-workout supplement. While it is not the case for all pre-workout, many of these products come with added benefits and contain creatine as an added bonus.
Wrap Up
Of all the performance supplements on the market, creatine is perhaps the most popular, but for good reason. It is scientifically proven to enhance athletic performance in addition to other health benefits. Taking creatine gummies can be a great way to consistently use this beneficial supplement, especially if you are looking to take your training to the next level.
At least at this time, the best creatine gummies contain creatine monohydrate, as it is the favorable choice to creatine hydrochloride. However, individual preferences may vary depending on the reason for use. If you’re interested in learning more, consider discussing your health goals with an expert personal trainer at EverFlex.
*The content in this article is for informative purposes only and is not to be used as medical advice. It is always best to consult with your doctor before beginning a new supplement regimen.
