5 Best Protein Powders With Creatine in 2024

If you are looking to gain muscle mass, you’ve probably heard of the killer combination of protein powder and creatine. While most people take them separately, some might find it a hassle to purchase two different supplements and remember to take them. To make things easier, companies have created protein supplements with creatine. However, how do you know which is the best protein powder with creatine available on the market?

Our team of professional athletes, certified nutritionists, and medical professionals has tested and compared 35 protein powders with creatine to curate the best selections for you, and they have 5 of their top choices to share with you. The powders went through extensive testing across 5 critical factors, with our team dedicating 7 weeks to testing the majority of them. In addition to our research, we’ve also analyzed hundreds of online user reviews. We constantly update our selections, so share your feedback and experiences at the end of the article.

Here we are going to take a closer look at the best protein with creatine to help you take those gains to the next level. 

Top 5 Best Protein Powders With Creatine Reviewed

1. Cellucor Whey Sport Protein – Top Pick
2. MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Whey Protein – Runner Up
3. Body Fortress Whey Protein Powder
4. Transparent Labs Protein Series Mass Gainer
5. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass

Product	Total	Macronutrient breakdown	Taste/Texture	Blending	Content Transparency	Package type	Value for Money
Cellucor	59.5	9.5	10	10	10	10	10
MuscleTech	58.5	9.5	10	10	10	9.5	9.5
Body Fortress	54.5	9	9.5	9.5	9	9	8.5
Transparent Labs	52.5	8.5	8.5	9	9	9	8.5
Optimum Nutrition	52	8.5	8.5	9	8.5	9	8.5

1. Cellucor Whey Sport Protein – Top Pick

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, muscle recovery, and weight loss. 
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Isolate 
• Serving size: 46,5 grams
• Price per serving: $1.67
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 65%
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5 grams
• Fat: 2.5 gram 
• Creatine: 2.5 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 160
• CompanyFounded: 2011
• RecommendedbyAthletes: Brett Mario, Janet Layug, and Erin Stern

The Cellucor company offers some of the most widely popular sports supplements. You’ve probably heard of them since they are the creator of the popular pre-workout supplement C4. But besides having a pre-workout, they offer (in our opinion) one of the best whey protein with creatine. 

Whey Protein Sport Protein by Cellucor mixes whey protein and whey isolate, providing 30 grams of protein per serving. The protein offers 2.5 grams of creatine monohydrate, and while it might not be enough for some, it can be a good way to divide the creatine doses to prevent gastric distress. 

The supplement only comes in two flavors: vanilla and chocolate. It doesn’t contain any added sugars, and the formula comes with protease and lactase, enzymes that can help break down proteins and lactose, making it easier to digest. 

Finally, the company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try the supplement risk-free, and it also offers shipping on orders over $55.

2. MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Whey Protein - Runner Up

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, muscle recovery, and weight loss
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate
• Serving size: 45 grams
• Price per serving: $1.37
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 67%
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1-3 grams (depends on flavor)
• Fat: 0-1 gram (depends on flavor)
• Creatine: 3 grams 
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 150
• Company Founded: 1998
• Recommended by Athletes: Andrew Malcolm, Sara Hall, and Wes Beans

Following Cellucor’s protein shake with creatine, we have Muscle Tech Nitro-Tech Whey Protein, our runner-up for the best protein powder with creatine. Muscle Tech is another widely known company, dating back to 1998. 

The supplement combines whey protein isolate and concentrate on providing you with fast-digesting protein, ideal before and after a workout. In addition, it offers 5 grams of glutamine and 6.8 grams of BCAAs. But most importantly, it provides 3 grams of creatine monohydrate. Again, while this might not be enough for some, it can be a good start. 

This powerful blend is known to help in muscle growth, improve recovery, and increase strength and performance. It comes in two flavors which are cookies and cream and milk chocolate. Both of which are absolutely delicious.

3. Body Fortress Whey Protein Powder

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, muscle recovery, and weight loss
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate
• Serving size: 49 grams
• Price per serving: $2.78
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 61%
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams
• Fat: 5 gram
• Creatine: 1.5 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 210
• Company Founded: 1987
• Recommended by Athletes: Joey Decaminada

Body Fortress Whey Protein Powder is another great creatine and protein combo. The supplement provides 30 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, and 5 g of fats. 

Keep in mind that this supplement is not low in calories since it contains 210 calories per serving (protein shakes typically have 120 to 150 calories). While it won’t throw off your caloric intake, you just need to be aware and keep track of it. 

One of the benefits of this protein powder is that it is made in GMP-certified facilities and is gluten-free certified (for those who are sensitive to gluten, even small amounts that can get into the powder during manufacturing can be a problem). 

With that said, there is one big drawback in this product, and that is its creatine content. The formula only offers 1.5 grams of creatine per scoop, which might not be enough for larger gymgoers. In this case, you can take another scoop (keeping track of the calories and macros) or add a creatine supplement on the side. 

4. Transparent Labs Protein Series Mass Gainer

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate
• Serving size: 187-194 grams
• Price per serving: $5.33
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 27%
• Protein: 51-53 grams (depends on the flavor)
• Carbohydrates: 106-110 grams (depends on flavor)
• Fat: 13-14 grams (depends on flavor)
• Creatine: Unclear
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 730-750 (depends on the flavor)
• Company Founded: 1995
• Recommended by Athletes: Kelsey Henson, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, and Paul Sklar

For some people, a protein and creatine mix might not be enough to provide the recommended calories and macro for muscle growth. In this case, a mass gainer might be more suitable. 

Transparent Labs Protein Series Mass Gainer is our favorite mass gainer to help you reach your goals. Remember that to gain muscle you need to be in a caloric surplus, meaning you need to eat more calories than the body needs. While most people can easily reach this, some have trouble eating a lot of food. 

A mass gainer, such as this one, provides roughly 700 calories per serving, and since it’s a drink, it can be easier to take. The formula comes in two flavors: chocolate glazed donut (which sounds simply amazing) and sweet vanilla. They provide roughly 730-750 calories, 106-110 grams of carbs, 51-53 grams of protein, and 13-14 grams of fat. 

Now, keep in mind that the previous nutritional value is for one serving which is two scoops of the mass gainer. You can always modify the serving if you need fewer (or more) calories. 

The supplement is made from grass-fed whey, and it also provides medium-chain triglycerides and prebiotic soluble fiber. However, one thing that needs to be said is that while it claims it has creatine monohydrate in its ingredients, it is unclear how much it has. 

5. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate
• Serving size: 340 grams
• Price per serving: $6.75
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 15%
• Protein: 50 grams
• Carbohydrates: 253 grams 
• Fat: 5 gram (depends on flavor)
• Creatine: 3 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 1260
• Company Founded: 1986
• Recommended by Athletes: Maria Birova, Evan Johnson, and Taylor Fritz

Another great option if you are looking for a mass gainer is Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass. This supplement offers in two scoops 1,260 calories, 251 g carbs, 50 g protein, and 6 g of fat. 

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass is ideal for those looking to gain weight, and since it has 3 grams of creatine, it can help promote muscle mass growth, especially for those with lower muscle mass. 

Another benefit of this supplement is that it contains essential vitamins and minerals to help ensure overall wellness. This is helpful because when we replace portions of food with high-calorie supplements like a gainer, it's important that the vitamins and minerals come in the same way as they do from regular food.

Another benefit of this supplement is that it contains essential vitamins and minerals to help ensure overall wellness. This is helpful because when we replace portions of food with high-calorie supplements like a gainer, it's important that the vitamins and minerals come in the same way as they do from regular food.

Alternative: Best DIY Protein And Creatine Mix - TL Whey Protein Isolate and Promix Creatine 

Finding a protein powder with creatine might be challenging. In this case, finding the best whey protein and mixing it with a creatine powder on the side can help promote muscle growth and recovery. We've picked up a great alternative for do-it-yourself protein and creatine mix!

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, recovery, and weight loss
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving size: 32-33 grams
• Price per serving: $1.82
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 85%
• Protein: 28 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Fat: 0.5 gram
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 120
• Company Founded: 1995
• Recommended by Athletes: Kelsey Henson, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, and Paul Sklar

Great whey protein powder option is Transparent Labs Protein Isolate. It offers a high protein-by-weight-ratio (85%), with almost no carbs or fats, meaning you mostly get protein. 

One of its benefits is that it comes from grass-fed whey protein isolate, meaning it comes from a high-quality source. And, on top of that, you can mix it with Promix Micronized Creatine.

Promix offers a creatine supplement with no flavor, so you don’t have to worry that it will change the flavor and consistency of the protein shake. It is made from non-GMO micronized creatine, which can support muscle growth, strength, and power.

One of the benefits of doing it this way is that you can adjust the creatine dosage based on your needs, so you get exactly what you need.

Since this alternative mix is not part of our ranking, we will not give you grades like we do for finished products. However, it's important to note the benefits of this option: it offers excellent macronutrient ratios, allows you to customize your creatine dosage according to your preferences, and guarantees a great taste and consistency as we have carefully selected the finest ingredients. 

Moreover, you can have confidence in the outstanding quality and affordability of Transparent Labs and Promix products.

What Is Creatine and Does It Go Well With Protein Powder?

Creatine is a natural molecule produced in the body and comes with foods such as red meat and fish. It helps produce energy in the body, especially fast-acting energy. Creatine works by increasing fast-energy stores called phosphocreatine, stored in the muscles as a result it serves as a rapidly mobilizable reserve of energy. As a result, it helps with explosive and short-duration movements such as high-intensity workouts or heavy lifting. 

The combination of creatine and whey protein can have positive effects on muscle mass. By creatine providing more energy for the workouts, it can lead to increased muscle adaptations, which leads to more muscle mass. On the other hand, whey protein can help in recovery, also promoting muscle growth. 

Most studies show no significant difference when taking whey and creatine together or on their own. However, for those people who tend to forget to take creatine, it can be a good solution when taking it along with their protein shake.

Do I Need to Supplement With Creatine if It Is Already Included in the Protein Powder?

The need to supplement with creatine if it is already included in the protein powder relies on the amount of creatine you need. 

Research shows that an effective creatine intake is around 3-5 grams, but it can be even higher depending on a person’s body weight. This means that bigger people might need a higher intake. 

So, if you are trying to consume 5 grams of creatine per day, one scoop of protein with creatine might not suffice. In this case, supplementing with creatine might be ideal. But for smaller people the creatine might be covered with a scoop of protein powder and creatine. 

Again, it all relies on your creatine needs.

How to Find the Best Protein Powder With Creatine?

1. Determine Your Creatine Needs

First, you need to determine how much creatine you need daily. Experienced athletes with significant lean mass will need at least 5 g of creatine per day, the rest need 3-5 g. Women, beginners, and small men can keep to the lower limit of these values. This can make it easier to select protein powders with creatine that have a lower or higher creatine content. Getting the right creatine amount can be crucial for the results. So make sure you take it daily and reach the recommended intake.

2. Understand Your Protein Needs

Before you start drinking or purchasing protein powders, you need to understand how much protein you need daily and if you need help covering those needs. 

Physically active individuals should consume 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight (0.5 to 0.9 grams per pound of bodyweight) regardless if the individual is a strength or endurance athlete. The upper end of that protein intake is recommended for individuals during periods of higher training frequency and greater intensity and during periods of calorie restriction to maintain muscle mass.

In some cases, a higher protein intake, 2.3 to 3.4 grams per kilogram of body weight (1.04-1.5 g/lb), might be suggested for people trying to lose weight and maintain muscle mass. 

If you are getting enough protein through natural foods such as eggs, chicken, beef, Greek yogurt, and seafood, there might not be a need for a protein shake.However, if you are tracking your food and realize you are short on protein, a protein shake can be a handy way to make sure you cover your needs. 

Also, you need to determine if you need solely a protein shake or if you need a meal replacement. If you are having trouble reaching your calories and other macros, a mass gainer might be the best option. 

3. Type Of Protein Powder

There are different types of protein available on the market. While most people select whey protein as their default protein powder, there are other options, such as casein or plant-based protein. Each option has its unique set of characteristics. 

For example, whey protein, since it is fast-digesting, can be a great option after a workout. But if you are looking to have a longer protein release, casein might be the best option. 

But, if you don’t want to consume any animal products because you follow a vegan approach, a plant-based option can be the best choice. However, keep in mind that it might be difficult to find a plant-based protein powder with creatine. In this case, it’s best to supplement with creatine on the side.

FAQ

Which Protein Is the Best With Creatine?

The best protein powder with creatine (after analyzing several options) is, in our opinion Cellucor Whey Sport Protein. It contains 30 grams of protein per serving and 2.5 grams of creatine. Now, while it might not be enough creatine for everyone, it can be a good way to distribute creatine throughout the day and avoid stomach issues. 

Is It Ok to Take Creatine With Protein Powder?

Yes, combining both options can make it easier to remember to take both. Remember that creatine works by consistency, so it can be easier to take when you grab your protein shake after a workout.

Conclusion

While there are not too many protein shakes with creatine, some options can provide you with the best of both worlds. A whey protein powder with creatine can be the solution to forgetting to take your daily dose of creatine. Taking them together can better increase your muscle growth and gym results. 

Our top pick of Whey Sport Protein from Cellucor. It offers a good protein intake at a relatively low cost. On top of that, it gives you 2.5 grams of creatine to take your results to the next level. 

Which of the previous protein powders with creatine are you going to use? Let us know in the comments. 

Also read:

• Best Low Fodmap Protein Powder
• Best Cookies and Cream Whey Protein
• Best Protein Powder Without Soy
• Best Gluten Free Vegan Protein Powder
• Best Low Fodmap Protein Shake
• Best Budget Protein Powder
• Protein vs Amino Acid
• Best Protein Powder for Coffee

References:

1. BRANCHED-CHAIN AMINO ACIDS (BCAA) // Ais:
   https://www.ais.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/1000417/36182_Supplements-fact-sheets_BCAA-v4.pdf
2. Is an Energy Surplus Required to Maximize Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy Associated With Resistance Training // Ncbi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710320/
3. American College of Sports Medicine roundtable. The physiological and health effects of oral creatine supplementation // Pubmed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10731017/
4. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine // Ncbi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5469049/
5. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance // Sciencedirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221226721501802X
6. A high protein diet (3.4 g/kg/d) combined with a heavy resistance training program improves body composition in healthy trained men and women--a follow-up investigation // Pubmed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26500462/