What Does Creatine Taste Like? (unflavored, raw, inside water)

January 9, 2024 |

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What does creatine taste like? Some people say it has a slightly sweet, tangy flavor, while others describe it as being somewhat salty.

Whether you’ve heard a lot about creatine’s “not-so-delectable” taste that has made you skeptical about using it, or you’ve got yourself one big tub of this supplement and are regretting your purchase because it is not going well with your taste buds.

We’ve got you covered!

For today’s read, not only that I have discussed different theories regarding creatine’s taste, but also have shared ways you can make it better.

Moreover, if you want to get your hands on a creatine supplement that tastes just like fruit juice and contains a well-balanced blend of 5 different types of creatine to help you perform optimally in the gym, feel free to consider our recommendation that we’ve shared by the end of this article.

So, keep reading to find all this and much more, starting with the basic question that we get asked from most of the newbies;

What Does Creatine Do?

Creatine supplement sales are estimated to be over around 400 million/year – making it one of the most popular and regularly-used supplements worldwide. (source)

It is a naturally occurring endogenous amino acid found in our muscles.

And since it plays a vital role in maintaining a continuous supply of energy to the body’s working muscles, it is also widely used as a supplement by gym fanatics and athletes to boost their recovery time, muscular strength, endurance, and lean mass build-up.

Especially creatine monohydrate is a commonly used form of creatine as it is backed by science and approved by numerous medical experts to be used for enhancing performance in a high-intensity workout, eventually leading to a gain in muscle mass.

This might have you wondering if creatine does that all safely.

Fret not, because the answer is Yes!

Here’s what the author of The Sports Medicine Journal concluded:

“There is no scientific evidence that can support any claim of adverse effects shown by using Creatine.”

So, rest assured, it can safely improve your upper and lower body strength.

Moreover, according to different other researchers, creatine may:

  • Help an athlete enhance fat-free muscle mass during the workout.
  • After intense exercise, it helps you to recover.
  • Reduce the intensity of muscle damage.
  • Help the athlete to bear intensive training.
  • Improve your overall performance.
  • Lower myostatin level.

Now that we know what creatine does to your body, let’s get down to the details you were looking for:

What Does Unflavored Creatine Taste Like?

Unflavored does not mean “flavorless”; rather, it has a more literal meaning: “no artificial sweeteners or taste builders added,” which some of you might find highly unpleasant as with no flavors, creatine powder sometimes gives off a pretty distinct sulfur-like taste (as reported by the majority of users).

But then there are some users who describe the taste of it as more like water for the most part, and then there is an aftertaste which is surprisingly not bad either.

For example, a Reddit user said that he used unflavoured creatine and made it clear that it didn’t taste like anything at all.

So for me, it is entirely an individual’s choice!

But for those who never liked the taste of creatine, I have got an effective solution to make your tastebuds dance.

What’s the Best Thing to Mix Creatine With?

If you intend to take a low dose of creatine for an extensive period or a higher dose for a relatively shorter period, it assures you a gain in muscle strength and mass.

And there are plenty of options for you to mix this magic supplement to make it taste yummier and increase its ergogenic effect.

Here are some of the liquids with which you can mix your creatine:

1. Water

Taking creatine with water is undoubtedly the most convenient way.

Many experts say that creatine can make you dehydrated. So, in case you’re not bothered by its taste, I’d recommend you take it with as much water as you prefer. Just stay hydrated!

MedlinePlus suggests taking 20 grams of creatine per day for a week with water. You may take 10 grams of it per day if you want to switch to a lower dose.

2. Milk

If adding water to your creatine does not work for you, you may add milk.

Milk can mask the bitter taste of creatine with its sweet and creamy flavor. Plus you will have all the goodness of milk in your drink. Moreover, it will increase your protein uptake.

Also, using this combination is safe as no anecdotal evidence is seen.

However, mixing milk with creatine has some drawbacks.

Firstly, someone who wants to achieve a calorie deficit to lose weight will end up consuming more fats and carbohydrates. Secondly, if you are lactose intolerant, then it can cause digestive distress.

3. Whey Protein

Whey protein and creatine are both considered safe to consume. A combination of these can make powerful means to fuel your body and provide your muscles with many essential amino acids.

Moreover, whey protein has got a very mild taste and promotes satiety.

Some people say it hinders absorption, but I’m afraid I have to disagree as there is no scientific confirmation.

4. Juices

Juices are rich in nutrients and minerals.

Mixing creatine in juice would do wonders, but it depends on whether you are using fresh juice or pre-made juice with tons of added sugar.

You can have any juice with creatine, but it is recommended to use veggies in juices.

You can add spinach, celery, apple, lemon, and some ginger to make your green juice. But this juice would leave you hungry as they are less filling. So unless you’re on a calorie deficit and want to stay satiated for as long as you can in order to lower your food intake, this would make a good option.

Other than green juices, some other options for you to mix your creatine with are apple, beet, blueberries, and carrot juice.

Besides that, I would suggest you don’t take creatine with citrus juice because it changes the chemical nature of the compound and turns it into creatinine, which is useless for your muscles.

Also, if its concentration increases beyond the safety level, it can affect your health badly.

Studies have shown that when taken with juice, creatine’s absorption increases up to 60%.

You can also make a smoothie of these fruits and add creatine to them. I would suggest you have it before doing your intense workout.

What Should You NOT Mix Creatine With?

Just like some foods increase the efficacy of creatine, others jeopardize it.

Although the data collected from different sources suggest very few contraindications because creatine goes very well with, if not all, mostly liquids, it would be best to be cautious with what you take creatine with.

For example, alcohol has a diuretic effect which means it can leave you super dehydrated if taken with creatine. It is because creatine alone will already be sucking water molecules from your body and providing them to the muscles, and when combined with alcohol, the effect could be dangerously pronounced.

Also, since alcohol interferes with protein synthesis, it may cause muscle breakdown.

What Does Creatine Taste Best With?

I hear you want to make your creatine taste the best without affecting its ergogenic effect; here’s the best solution to that;

Creatine tastes best when you mix it with juices.

When choosing the juice to mix your creatine, you should look for one with more vitamins and minerals.

However, please avoid taking pre-made juices with loads of preservatives added to them.

Most of the people who struggled to chug down creatine found it easy to have their daily dose of it when mixed with juice.

Following are a few pure fruit and vegetable juice recommendations you can try to mask creatine’s bland taste:

  • Orange juice
  • Grape juice
  • Carrot juice
  • Beet Juice

Looking for a creatine supplement that tastes good? We’ve got you.

Creatine has many benefits, but you always have to look for the liquids in which you can mix it, so it does not taste bad.

Isn’t it very agonizing? So, what if I tell you there is a solution?

Crazy Nutrition’s Ultimate CRN-5 Powder

This is the ultimate solution to all your creatine problems. Crazy Nutrition’s Ultimate CRN-5 promises to give you 5X more strength than any other creatine formula available on the market.

It can help double your workout gains and explodes the reps with that well-balanced blend of electrolytes and five types of creatine.

CrazyNutrition Creatine

This product comes in the two most demanding flavors, mango, and orange.

Both flavors are equally advocated by both female and male muscle builders. My absolute favorite is the one that comes in the mango flavor.

It gets mixed instantly in 300-400ml of water, and voila – You are all set to perform like a beast in the gym!

But why would you buy this one when plenty of other products are on the market?

Because no matter what a product promises, it all comes down to what its ACTUAL users have to say about it. And Ultimate CRN-5 has got plenty of such testimonials to prove its efficacy.

For instance;

  • Nick Manning, a fitness model, says he gained more out of CRN-5; according to him, it tastes like a popsicle.
  • Another CRN-5 user says she has never gone hard with any other creatine formula, and it is the best around.

What is Ultimate CRN-5 made up of?

Let’s have a look at the active ingredients of this powerhouse of nutrients.

crazy nutrition creatine powder

  • Creatine monohydrate is so far, the most researched form of creatine and is considered the safest form of creatine. Besides that, it helps to increase the fat-free mass(up to 2.2kg) and strengthen your muscles.
  • Creatine hydrochloride minimizes the chance of bloating and other gastric problems associated with creatine.
  • Creatine Ethyl Ester is mainly useful for those who are underweight.
  • Aquamin promotes protein synthesis and helps in muscle gain.
  • Creatine citrate pyruvate is particularly helpful for those involved in a tough exercise involving hand gripping.
  • To maintain muscle growth, Tri-sodium is highly beneficial.

Cost

  • $34.99

Pros

  • Increase in lean muscle mass.
  • Wholesome flavors.
  • Boosts your stamina and fuels ATP for more strength.
  • Enhance your focus for better productivity.
  • Keeps your muscles hydrated.
  • It is 100% safe and has natural ingredients.
  • Gets mixed readily in water or any liquid.
  • It gives you a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • The only website you can get authentic Crazy Nutrition’s Ultimate CRN-5 is its official website.

FAQs on Creatine’s taste

What does thorne Creatine taste like?

To some people taste of thorne creatine is unnoticeable. It’s just a bit gritty. While to some people, it Is sour and has a salty taste.

What does raw creatine taste like?

Users reported that Raw creatine is super sour and salty. So it really needed to be mixed with something.

What does creatine HCl taste like?

Hcl creatine tastes sour as a hydrochloride group is attached to strengthen its stability. It becomes acidic in the presence of HCL, making it taste sour.

Conclusion

Let’s put it all together that despite creatine being devoid of good taste, it has taken the world by storm because of its indispensable benefits.

It would be unjust to overlook its benefit because it does not taste pleasant. Therefore, in the article, we have listed all the best options you can opt for to make creatine taste better.

Or you can just pick our recommended creatine powder to cut the hassle of experimenting with your supplement for making it palatable because CRN-5 comes in 2 distinct delectable flavors you wouldn’t regret trying!

Important Disclaimer: The information contained on MAX HEALTH LIVING is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and any information or products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before making changes to your diet or taking supplements that may interfere with medications.

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