Creatine: what's in the tub and how to compare
The forms of creatine you will see on the shelf, what to check on the label, and how to compare products on cost per gram of creatine.
Updated 15 November 2026 · Published by Radiant Life Distributors
What's in the tub
Most creatine sold in Australia is creatine monohydrate powder, either unflavoured or blended into pre-workout and recovery products. Some labels name a specific branded raw material — Creapure, for example, is a brand of creatine monohydrate made in Germany.
Other forms exist — creatine hydrochloride (HCl), buffered creatine and creatine ethyl ester — and are usually sold at a higher price per gram. Whatever the form, the label should state how much creatine is in each serve.
Reading a creatine label
- Creatine per serve — the scoop size and the grams of creatine it supplies are not always the same thing in blended products.
- Single ingredient or blend — an unflavoured powder should list creatine monohydrate and nothing else.
- Food or medicine — check whether the label carries a nutrition information panel (sold as a food) or an AUST L number (sold as a medicine). See how to check a supplement.
- Sport testing — athletes subject to drug testing should look for products tested under a recognised batch-testing program, and check with their sport's anti-doping guidance.
- Directions — follow the serve size and directions on the label.
How to compare creatine products
Divide the price by the total grams of creatine in the tub to get a cost per gram, or per serve. Unflavoured monohydrate is almost always the cheapest per gram; flavoured blends and capsules cost more for the same amount of creatine.
| Example | Price | Creatine | Cost per gram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unflavoured powder | $40 | 500 g | $0.08 |
| Capsules | $40 | 150 g (in total) | $0.27 |
Illustrative figures only, to show the calculation.
Compare creatine powders
Our specialist site compares the creatine monohydrate powders stocked in Australia, with live prices.
General information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet. Always read the label and follow the directions for use, and check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting a supplement, especially if you take other medicines, are pregnant or are managing a health condition.
Questions
What is the most common form of creatine?
Creatine monohydrate, sold as an unflavoured powder or blended into other sports products.
What is Creapure?
A brand of creatine monohydrate raw material made in Germany. Products using it usually say so on the label.
How do I compare creatine prices?
Divide the price by the total grams of creatine in the pack to get a cost per gram.
Is creatine sold as a food or a medicine in Australia?
Check the label: a nutrition information panel means it is sold as a food; an AUST L number means it is a listed medicine.