Skip to content

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine Monohydrate suppliers and sourcing guide

Creatine monohydrate is creatine crystallized with one molecule of water. Commercial material is made by chemical synthesis, typically by reacting sarcosine (as sodium sarcosinate) with cyanamide, then crystallizing, drying and milling the product, so it contains no animal or plant raw materials. It is sold by purity and particle size, with micronized grades milled fine (commonly to 200 mesh) for easier mixing.

Also known as
creatine · micronized creatine · creatine monohydrate 200 mesh · N-(aminoiminomethyl)-N-methylglycine monohydrate · CAS 6020-87-7
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of creatine monohydrate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Standard crystalline

    Coarser crystalline powder (often around 80 mesh). Flows well but disperses more slowly in liquids.

  • Micronized (200 mesh)

    Milled to a fine particle size for faster dispersion in shakes and drink mixes; lower bulk density, which affects fill volumes.

  • Branded single-source

    Trademarked creatine from a named manufacturer and plant, sold with lot-level traceability and co-branding or label seal programs.

  • Granulated or tableting grades

    Grades with particle size and flow adjusted for capsules, tablets and chewables.

  • Other creatine forms

    Creatine anhydrous, creatine HCl and creatine nitrate are separate ingredients with different specifications and regulatory status; they are not interchangeable with monohydrate on a label.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay and identity
Creatine content by HPLC and identity by IR or HPLC retention time. Confirms purity against the specification.
Synthesis-related impurities
Creatinine, dicyandiamide (DCD) and dihydrotriazine (DHT) by HPLC. These by-products of synthesis differ between manufacturers and are the main quality difference buyers compare.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, reported against the buyer's or compendial limits.
Particle size and bulk density
Sieve analysis (percent through 200 mesh, for example) and bulk or tapped density, which affect mixing and capsule or scoop fill weights.
Loss on drying and residue on ignition
Water content should be consistent with the monohydrate form; residue on ignition shows inorganic residues from processing.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Dry creatine monohydrate is a stable powder; keep it sealed in a cool, dry place to prevent caking. In water, especially when acidic or warm, creatine slowly converts to creatinine, so moisture pickup during storage and blending is the main risk. Shelf life and retest dates come from the manufacturer's COA.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the manufacturer and country of production on every lot, because impurity profiles depend on who made it, and check creatinine, DCD and DHT on each COA. Particle size can vary from lot to lot and change how the powder runs on capsule or stick-pack lines. Use FEFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Creatine Monohydrate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

  • AIDP

    Distributor · City of Industry, CA

    California ingredient supplier that sources branded and commodity ingredients for supplement and food makers, from amino acids and vitamins to magnesium L-threonate and a plant-based vitamin D3.

  • AlzChem

    Manufacturer · Trostberg, Germany

    Sells it as Creapure

    German specialty chemicals company that synthesizes creatine monohydrate in its own plant in Trostberg, Bavaria, and sells it under the Creapure brand.

  • Prinova

    Distributor · Itasca, IL

    Global ingredient distributor and premix maker that supplies supplement and food brands with proteins and other bulk ingredients, including whey and pea proteins, collagen peptides and creatine monohydrate.

Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.

Frequently asked questions

What forms of creatine monohydrate can brands buy?

Common forms include standard crystalline, micronized (200 mesh), branded single-source, granulated or tableting grades and other creatine forms. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for creatine monohydrate include?

Expect assay and identity, synthesis-related impurities, heavy metals, particle size and bulk density, loss on drying and residue on ignition and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should creatine monohydrate be stored?

Dry creatine monohydrate is a stable powder; keep it sealed in a cool, dry place to prevent caking. In water, especially when acidic or warm, creatine slowly converts to creatinine, so moisture pickup during storage and blending is the main risk. Shelf life and retest dates come from the manufacturer's COA.

What is the regulatory status of creatine monohydrate?

FDA GRAS Notice GRN 931 (AlzChem Trostberg GmbH, creatine monohydrate for use in foods such as beverages, protein bars and powders) closed on Nov 12, 2020 with a "no questions" letter.

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing