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When I first began my fitness journey decades ago, like many others, whispers of "creatine" buzzed around my gym. But I wasn't one to jump on the bandwagon without solid proof.
Through research and experience as a certified trainer, I've witnessed creatine's transformative power on myself and my clients. It's more than a supplement; it's a scientifically-backed game-changer.
In this article, I've combined insights with a nutritionist friend and tested vegan creatine with a team, including clients. The outcome is a carefully selected list of vegan creatine supplements, each rigorously evaluated for effectiveness, safety, and quality to enhance your fitness routine.
The Best Vegan Creatine Supplements
- Best Overall Vegan Creatine Supplement: Transparent Labs Creatine
- Cheapest Vegan Creatine Supplement: Optimum Nutrition
- Best Non-GMO Vegan Creatine Formula: Transparent Labs Creatine
- Best Creatine Blend for Vegan Weightlifters: BulkSupplements
- Best Vegan Creatine Powder for Bulking: Transparent Labs Creatine
- Best Plant-Based Creatine Formula for Endurance: Optimum Nutrition
Our Top Vegan Creatine Supplements (April 2024)
1 - Transparent Labs Creatine (Best Overall & Non-GMO)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 2,000 mg of β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) adds proven strength enhancement
- 5,000 mg of creatine helps your muscles repair and bulk up
- No artificial sweetening or coloring
- GMO and Gluten free
Cons
- More flavor options would be nice
I've explored various vegan creatine brands, but Transparent Labs stood out. They prioritize efficacy and ingredient quality over flashy packaging, aligning with what fitness enthusiasts like me value.
Their vegan creatine notably boosted my strength more than others, a sentiment echoed in online reviews.
This edge comes from the added HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate), enhancing pumps and endurance during workouts.
You may also want to check out the article on the best creatine supplement, where Transparent Labs Creatine is also the best pick.
2 - BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate (Best for Weightlifting)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Verified 99.99% pure
- 100% vegan micronized creatine monohydrate
- Ideal for weightlifters and CrossFitters
- Helps increase both power and endurance in the gym
Cons
- Packaging doesn’t always stay closed on its own
I've personally recommended BulkSupplements to several of my clients.
What I love about them is their no-nonsense approach, focusing on delivering high-quality nutritional supplements without the fluff. It resonated with my personal ethos of prioritizing health over hype.
Their Pure Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder boosts pre-workout energy. Taken post-workout, it aids in muscle repair and rebuilding. Mix it with water or with your regular protein shake to make it effective and enjoyable.
3 - Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Powder (Cheapest & Best for Endurance)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Increases your power and endurance
- Shortens recovery times after strenuous workouts
- Ideal for health-conscious vegans
- Increases energy reserves
Cons
- Not ground as fine as some other creatine supplements
I've trusted Optimum Nutrition's high-potency creatine powder since my early training days, and both I and my clients have seen notable results.
Their CreaPure creatine powder, a pure monohydrate suitable for vegans, matches the purity of other top brands.
It's designed to mix with shakes, juice, or other beverages. Our research shows it's most effective when taken just before intense workouts.
While not as finely ground as BulkSupplements, making it slightly harder to mix with water, it blends well with thicker drinks like protein shakes or orange juice.
It's 100% vegan-friendly, aiding in achieving greater strength and fitness.
4 - MuscleTech Platinum Creatine
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Creatine monohydrate crystals are extraordinarily pure
- Blends into your shake without leaving a trace
- Flavorless, so it doesn't interfere with other tastes
- Can help build lean muscle mass and increase stamina
Cons
- Might cause diarrhea for some people
During testing, MuscleTech Platinum Creatine impressed me with its exceptional mixability, thanks to its extra fine, fluffy texture.
Ideal for vegans seeking a pure creatine supplement, it blends smoothly into shakes and beverages. MuscleTech ensures purity and safety by manufacturing in a GMP-certified facility, avoiding cross-contamination.
This vegan creatine is free from sugar, salt, artificial flavors, colors, and fillers, making it suitable for those with conditions like diabetes or for anyone preferring a natural-tasting beverage.
5 - Jarrow Formulas Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Pure, lab synthesized, monohydrate creatine
- 100% free of gluten, soy, eggs, fish, peanuts or any other additives
- Certified vegetarian-friendly
Cons
- Comes in a huge container so if you don't like it, you're stuck with a kilo of it
Jarrow Formulas Creatine Monohydrate Powder is the secret ingredient that will help you power through your workouts.
This vegan creatine supplement is made pure and unsullied by additives, fillers, or artificial flavors.
Our research also noted that it also helps increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is essential for the creation of lean, hard, muscle mass.
I recall introducing Jarrow Formulas Creatine into an intense workout session during the test phase. It gave me that extra push and the recovery was generally faster than when not using any supplement.
6 - NOW Foods Creatine Monohydrate
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Certified vegan-friendly
- Promotes robust muscle growth and fast recovery
- Helps enhance brain function and clarity
- No additives, fillers or artificial extenders
Cons
- Recently shifted production to China
NOW Foods stands out in my search for top vegan creatine supplements. Their creatine monohydrate crystal powder has been a game-changer for my clients and me.
This vegan, organic supplement is 100% pure, free from modifiers, additives, colors, and allergens, aimed at boosting ATP production for enhanced workouts.
NOW Foods commits to high-quality, science-backed products. Their plant-based supplement ranks among the purest, featuring an ultra-smooth, micro-fine powder that mixes seamlessly with water, juice, or shakes.
7 - Battle Ready Fuel
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 100% certified plant-based protein (25.5g per serving)
- Digestive enzymes added to speed up absorption
- Isolated from pea and hemp sources
- No artificial or chemical sweeteners
Cons
- Only available in Peanut Butter flavor
Based on my experience and results, I recommend the best vegan creatine supplements to everyone, not just vegans. Battle Ready Fuel stands out in this category.
Its pea and hemp protein content is highly absorbable and bioavailable, ensuring efficient uptake. Each serving provides 5g of protein, with a significant portion being effectively digested.
Research and user feedback highlight the benefits of its added digestive enzymes, which enhance protein absorption. This quicker absorption aids in faster muscle recovery post-exercise.
How We Chose the Products
Choosing this list of the best vegan creatine supplements was not just about personal preferences. Our selection process was data-driven and based on factors such as.
- Purity and Quality of Ingredients We rigorously evaluated the purity and quality of ingredients in each supplement. Our focus was on the effectiveness and safety of the components, ensuring they met the highest standards.
- Vegan Certification Ensuring no animal derivatives were present, we strictly checked for vegan certification. This was a crucial step to align with ethical and sustainable health practices.
- Mixability and Texture Practical tests were conducted to assess each product's mixability and texture. We aimed for supplements that blended smoothly with various beverages, enhancing user experience.
- Additives and Fillers We scrutinized each supplement for unnecessary additives or fillers, prioritizing products that offered pure, unadulterated creatine benefits.
- Manufacturing Standards Products manufactured in GMP-certified facilities were preferred, as this ensured adherence to strict quality control and safety guidelines.
In this selection process, my team and I combined scientific analysis with practical testing, including feedback from a diverse group of testers. This approach led us to a carefully curated list of the best vegan creatine supplements.
Factors to Consider When Buying Creatine
When picking a vegan creatine supplement, keep these in mind:
- Vegan-Friendly: Despite claims, not all creatine is vegan. Watch out for "organic creatine" made from animal sources. Always look for a clear "vegan-friendly" label. No label? Better skip it.
- Powder vs. Gelcaps: Many prefer micro-fine powder, easily mixed in shakes, over gelcaps which might contain animal by-products. Choose vegetarian powder or check gelcaps for a "vegan-friendly" assurance.
- Monohydrate vs. Nitrate: Monohydrate is often seen as purer, while nitrate absorbs faster but is less studied and potentially risky. Decide based on your preference for purity or absorption speed.
- Micronized or Not: Micronized powder has ultra-small particles for better solubility, but this doesn't change its fundamental properties. Choose based on your preference for mixability.
- Additives: Some vegan creatine supplements include extra compounds for broader appeal. Ensure these additives aren't animal-derived if you're strictly vegan.
What is Creatine & How Is It Made?
Creatine is an amino acid found mostly in the muscles of the body and the brain and is made naturally and synthetically in laboratories.
The amino acid is vital for the ATP-PCr energy system, boosting energy use in high-intensity activities and muscle contraction.
It also exists in both animal and plant forms. Lab-made plant-based creatine comes from sarcosine and cyanamide, mixed and heated to form a fine powder.
Most body creatine is stored in muscles, enhancing energy during activities like weight lifting, and helps produce ATP, the body's energy cell equivalent.
Do Vegans Need Creatine?
Yes, vegans need creatine, especially for vegan athletes, the absence of meat can lead to reduced muscle creatine stores.
Studies published by the National Institutes of Health reveal equal brain creatine levels in vegans and non-vegans, but a significant difference in muscle creatine, with vegetarians having less [1].
This underscores the need for creatine supplements for vegan athletes. Fortunately, vegan-friendly creatine supplements, synthesized in labs, offer ample choices.
The video below also shows the thoughts of Brian Turner, a Fitness Guru, if you need creatine in your body as a vegetarian.
Is Creatine Vegan-Friendly?
Yes, creatine is vegan-friendly. It can be quickly and easily synthesized in the laboratory from sarcosine and cyanamide, and neither of these compounds is typically derived directly from animal products.
However, always check labels for a vegan stamp, as some brands may add non-vegan fillers.
If you're unsure of what to look for, ask nutrition experts for more information.
"If I were to recommend one supplement for vegans who train, my choice might surprise you: I'd say creatine monohydrate."
- Tobias S., Crossfit Trainer, BJJ Practitiooner
What Are the Benefits?
The benefits of consuming sufficient creatine levels in your system are improved strength, increased lean muscle mass, and quicker muscle recovery after exercise, as shown by studies published by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition [2].
We explain them in more detail below.
- Strength and Body Composition: Studies show creatine may boost energy production by up to 10%. Vegans using plant-based supplements can achieve a stronger physique, though results vary individually.
- Anaerobic Endurance: Enhanced muscle strength and leanness contribute to better anaerobic endurance, beneficial in weightlifting or CrossFit.
- Cognitive Abilities: Creatine also improves brain function, making users feel more alert, even with less sleep.
FAQs
What Is the Best Vegan Creatine Supplement on the Market?
The best vegan creatine supplement on the market is synthetic creatine monohydrate since natural creatine can be derived only from animals. We consider Transparent Labs Creatine HMB to be one of the best ones out there.
What Are Vegan Creatine Supplements Made From?
Vegan creatine supplements are made from creatine monohydrate synthetically grown in laboratories. These work the same as animal-derived creatine.
Can Creatine Increase Testosterone Levels?
No, creatine cannot increase testosterone levels. However, some research suggests that creatine can significantly help in increasing total testosterone levels.
Should You Take Creatine Supplements Every Day?
You should not take creatine supplements every day if you don't engage in rigorous daily training. It's unnecessary because your body produces enough creatine to cover what your muscles need during rest days.
Should You Take Creatine Before or After a Workout?
It's best to take creatine before a workout to give your body enough time to absorb it for muscle repair and post-workout recovery. If you're planning on having a longer training session, you can take it in the middle of your workout. It's important to understand the recommended dosage and whether a loading phase can further enhance its effectiveness.
Our #1 Vegan Creatine Powder Is...
After testing a diverse portfolio of vegan creatine supplements, I was sold the moment I tried Transparent Labs Creatine HMB. Each serving not only amplified my workouts but also hastened my recovery.
It's a blend of performance and purity, free from gluten and GMOs, and produced by a reputable manufacturer. It mixes seamlessly with my drinks and offers a potent and natural boost.
While the flavor options could be broader, the efficacy is undeniable. It’s a staple for those seeking an ethical, potent ally in muscle building and fitness enhancement.
Our #1 Vegan Creatine Supplement
Transparent Labs Creatine (Best Overall & Non-GMO)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- 2,000 mg of β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) adds proven strength enhancement
- 5,000 mg of creatine helps your muscles repair and bulk up
- No artificial sweetening or coloring
- GMO and Gluten free
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of April
- More flavor options would be nice
About The Author
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I find it challenging for me to find a solid, organic creatine supplement that’s perfect for vegans like me. Glad I stumbled upon this article.
In addition to increasing muscle strength and athletic performance, creatine may also play a beneficial role in recovery, rehabilitation, thermoregulation, and injury prevention. However, more research is needed to determine the best use cases for creatine supplementation