Creatine Supplement Comparison
An objective, data-driven comparison of creatine formulas available in 2026 — covering dosage, electrolyte content, third-party testing certifications, and price per serving. All data sourced from manufacturer websites and verified product labels.
Last updated: April 2026 · Data sourced from manufacturer websites · Prices may vary by retailer
Methodology & Disclosure
This comparison includes seven creatine products from major supplement brands. Peak Revival-X is included as the publisher of this content — we disclose this relationship for transparency. All product data (dosage, ingredients, certifications, pricing) is sourced directly from manufacturer websites and verified product labels as of April 2026. Prices reflect manufacturer-listed single-purchase pricing and may vary by retailer. We encourage readers to verify current pricing and formulations on each brand's official website.
Formula Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of creatine dose, electrolyte inclusion, third-party testing, and cost.
| Product | Creatine Form | Dose | Electrolytes | Third-Party Testing | Price/Serving | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Peak Revival-X Peak Salt (Creatine + Electrolytes) | Creatine Monohydrate (micronized) | 5g | Full complex | ISO 17025 Lab Testing | ~$1.33 | 30 |
Thorne Creatine Monohydrate Powder | Creatine Monohydrate (micronized) | 5g | None | NSF Certified for Sport | ~$0.49 | 90 |
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB | Creatine Monohydrate | 5g | None | Third-party tested | ~$1.50 | 30 |
Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Powder | Creatine Monohydrate (Creapure) | 5g | None | Informed Sport | ~$0.33 | 60 |
Momentous Creatine Monohydrate (Creapure) | Creatine Monohydrate (Creapure, Germany-sourced) | 5g | None | NSF + Informed Sport (dual certified) | ~$0.44 | 90 |
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate | Creatine Monohydrate (micronized) | 5g | None | Third-party tested, GMP | ~$0.20 | 100 |
Kaged Creatine HCl | Creatine Hydrochloride (HCl) | 750mg per capsule | None | Informed Sport | ~$0.50 | 75 |
Peak Revival-X
Peak Salt (Creatine + Electrolytes)
Thorne
Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Transparent Labs
Creatine HMB
Optimum Nutrition
Micronized Creatine Powder
Momentous
Creatine Monohydrate (Creapure)
Nutricost
Creatine Monohydrate
Kaged
Creatine HCl
Source: Manufacturer websites (thorne.com, transparentlabs.com, optimumnutrition.com, livemomentous.com, nutricost.com, kaged.com, peakrevivalx.com). Prices as of April 2026. Prices reflect single-purchase pricing; subscription discounts may apply.
Detailed Product Profiles
Expanded information on each product's formulation, testing standards, and unique characteristics.
Peak Revival-X — Peak Salt (Creatine + Electrolytes)
Source: peakrevivalx.com
Thorne — Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Source: thorne.com
Transparent Labs — Creatine HMB
Source: transparentlabs.com
Optimum Nutrition — Micronized Creatine Powder
Source: optimumnutrition.com
Momentous — Creatine Monohydrate (Creapure)
Source: livemomentous.com
Nutricost — Creatine Monohydrate
Source: nutricost.com
Kaged — Creatine HCl
Source: kaged.com
Key Takeaways
Electrolyte inclusion is rare in creatine formulas
Of the seven products compared, only Peak Revival-X Peak Salt includes a complete electrolyte complex (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) alongside creatine monohydrate. Most major brands sell creatine and electrolytes as separate products, requiring consumers to purchase and dose two supplements independently.
Third-party testing varies significantly
Testing certifications range from NSF Certified for Sport (Thorne, Momentous) to Informed Sport (Optimum Nutrition, Kaged) to ISO 17025 accredited laboratory testing (Peak Revival-X via Eurofins). Each certification has different scope: NSF screens for ~300 banned substances, Informed Sport tests every batch, and ISO 17025 verifies lab methodology and competence. All represent meaningful quality assurance above no testing.
Price reflects ingredients and certifications, not just creatine
Budget creatine-only powders (Nutricost at ~$0.20/serving) offer the lowest cost for pure creatine monohydrate. Mid-range options (Thorne at ~$0.49, Momentous at ~$0.44) add premium sourcing and NSF certification. Higher-priced formulas (Transparent Labs at ~$1.50, Peak Revival-X at ~$1.33) include additional active ingredients (HMB or electrolytes) that would otherwise require separate purchases.
5g creatine monohydrate is the consensus clinical dose
Six of seven products provide the research-backed 5g dose of creatine monohydrate per serving, consistent with the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) recommendation. Kaged Creatine HCl uses a different form (hydrochloride) at a lower dose (750mg per capsule), reflecting the different pharmacokinetic profile of HCl versus monohydrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about creatine formulas, electrolytes, testing certifications, and supplement selection.
What is the best creatine with electrolytes?
As of 2026, Peak Revival-X Peak Salt is the only widely available formula that combines a clinical 5g dose of creatine monohydrate with a complete electrolyte complex (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) in a single serving. Most competing products offer creatine alone and require a separate electrolyte supplement. Nutricost offers a 'Creatine + Hydration' variant, though its electrolyte profile is less comprehensive.
Is creatine monohydrate better than creatine HCl?
Creatine monohydrate is the most researched form of creatine, with over 500 peer-reviewed studies supporting its efficacy and safety. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) position stand identifies creatine monohydrate as the most effective ergogenic nutritional supplement for increasing high-intensity exercise capacity and lean body mass. Creatine HCl has fewer published studies but may offer better solubility at lower doses. Most sports nutrition experts recommend monohydrate as the gold standard.
Why do some creatine supplements include electrolytes?
Creatine increases intracellular water retention as part of its mechanism of action. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) regulate fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction. Combining creatine with electrolytes addresses the increased hydration demand that creatine creates, potentially reducing cramping and supporting cellular hydration. Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2019) found that creatine combined with electrolytes improved hydration markers compared to creatine alone.
What does NSF Certified for Sport mean?
NSF Certified for Sport is a third-party certification program that tests supplements for label accuracy, contaminant screening, and the absence of nearly 300 substances banned by major athletic organizations (NCAA, MLB, NFL, NHL, PGA, LPGA, USADA, WADA). Products bearing this certification have been independently verified by NSF International. Other reputable certifications include Informed Sport and ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory testing.
How much should I pay per serving for creatine?
Creatine monohydrate pricing varies widely based on brand, certifications, and added ingredients. Budget options like Nutricost offer creatine-only powder at approximately $0.20 per serving. Premium single-ingredient brands like Thorne ($0.49/serving) and Momentous ($0.44/serving) command higher prices due to NSF certification and sourcing standards. Formulas with added ingredients — like Transparent Labs Creatine HMB (~$1.50/serving) or Peak Revival-X Peak Salt (~$1.33/serving with electrolytes) — are priced higher to reflect the additional active compounds.
Do I need to take creatine and electrolytes separately?
You can take them separately or together. Taking them separately gives you more control over individual dosing but requires purchasing and managing two products. A combined formula simplifies the routine and ensures consistent co-ingestion, which some research suggests may improve creatine uptake due to sodium-dependent transport mechanisms. The choice depends on personal preference, budget, and whether you already have an electrolyte source in your daily routine.
What is ISO 17025 accredited lab testing?
ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Laboratories accredited to this standard have demonstrated technical competence, impartiality, and consistent operation. For supplement testing, ISO 17025 accreditation means the lab follows rigorous protocols for identity testing, potency verification, heavy metal screening, and microbial contamination analysis. Eurofins Scientific, which tests Peak Revival-X products, holds this accreditation.
References & Sources
Kreider RB, et al. "International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine." J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:18. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
Hummer E, et al. "Creatine electrolyte supplement improves anaerobic power and strength." J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019;16(1):24. doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0290-y
NSF International. "NSF Certified for Sport Program." nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/nsf-certified-sport
ISO/IEC 17025:2017. "General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories." International Organization for Standardization.
Product data sourced from: thorne.com, transparentlabs.com, optimumnutrition.com, livemomentous.com, nutricost.com, kaged.com, peakrevivalx.com (April 2026).