Can I change my creatine? A guide to switching brands and forms

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Creatine is one of the most researched and safest supplements available for healthy individuals, and many wonder, can I change my creatine without losing progress? The good news is that switching brands or even the type of creatine is a straightforward process, but understanding the differences between products is crucial for a seamless transition.

Quick Summary

Changing creatine is simple and safe with the right approach. Whether switching brands or moving from monohydrate to HCL, maintaining a consistent dosage is key to continued results and avoiding side effects.

Key Points

Switching is Simple: You can easily change creatine brands or types without needing a break or disrupting your routine.
Purity Over Brand: For creatine monohydrate, prioritize products with third-party testing or a Creapure logo to guarantee quality and purity, as brands are largely similar otherwise.
Monohydrate is Most Studied: Creatine monohydrate is the most researched, cost-effective, and consistently effective form available.
HCl for GI Sensitivity: If you experience bloating or stomach discomfort with monohydrate, switching to creatine HCl may help, as it is more soluble.
Consistency is Key: Maintaining a consistent daily dosage of 3-5g is the most important factor for success, regardless of the timing or type of creatine.
Dosing is Similar: Despite marketing claims for creatine HCl, a 3-5g daily dose is generally recommended for full muscle saturation, similar to monohydrate.
No Loading Phase Needed After Saturation: If you are already consistently taking creatine, a second loading phase is not necessary when switching forms or brands.

Understanding Your Creatine Options

Before you switch, it's helpful to know the different types of creatine available and how they compare. The vast majority of scientific research has been conducted on creatine monohydrate, establishing it as the gold standard for safety, efficacy, and affordability. Newer forms, such as creatine hydrochloride (HCl), are also on the market with various marketing claims.

The Gold Standard: Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is a creatine molecule bonded to a water molecule. It is the most studied and cost-effective form, with decades of evidence supporting its ability to increase muscle strength, power, and size when combined with resistance training. High-quality monohydrate is typically 99.9% pure, but lower-quality brands may contain more impurities.

Advantages: Proven effectiveness, extensively researched, highly affordable, and widely available.
Potential Drawbacks: Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort or bloating, especially during a loading phase or with high doses, though many report no problems at all.

The Alternative: Creatine Hydrochloride (HCl)

Creatine HCl is a creatine molecule bonded with hydrochloric acid, which increases its solubility in water. Manufacturers often market HCl as being more easily absorbed, requiring a lower dose, and causing fewer digestive issues. However, studies show that while it is more soluble, this doesn't translate to significantly better absorption or effectiveness than monohydrate, which already has near-perfect bioavailability.

Advantages: Higher water solubility, potentially less GI distress for sensitive individuals, and no undissolved powder residue in drinks.
Potential Drawbacks: Significantly more expensive than monohydrate, less long-term research, and smaller doses are not typically sufficient for full muscle saturation.

How to Switch Creatine Safely and Effectively

Switching creatine is a straightforward process, and in most cases, you don't need to take a break. The most important factor is maintaining a consistent daily intake to keep your muscle stores saturated.

Switching Brands (Same Type): If you are moving from one brand of creatine monohydrate to another, simply finish your current tub and start the new one. Ensure the new brand is from a reputable source that uses third-party testing (like Creapure or similar certifications) to guarantee purity.
Switching Types (e.g., Monohydrate to HCl): This also requires no break. The only adjustment you may need to make is the daily dosage. While some HCl products market lower doses, research and expert consensus suggest sticking to a consistent 3-5g daily dose, regardless of the form, to ensure optimal muscle saturation.
No Loading Phase Needed: If you are already consistently taking creatine and your muscles are saturated, a second loading phase is unnecessary when switching.

Comparison of Creatine Monohydrate vs. HCl


Feature	Creatine Monohydrate	Creatine Hydrochloride (HCl)
Research	Extensive, decades of proven efficacy and safety.	Less research, but studies show similar effects to monohydrate.
Cost	Very cost-effective, most affordable option.	More expensive per serving, often 2-3x the cost of monohydrate.
Solubility	Less soluble than HCl, though micronized forms mix much better now.	Highly soluble in water, mixes easily with less liquid.
GI Issues	Possible bloating or discomfort in some individuals at higher doses.	Marketed to cause less GI distress due to lower dose and solubility.
Dosing	Typical daily maintenance dose is 3-5g.	Typical daily dose is marketed lower, but 3-5g is likely still required for full saturation.

What to Look for in a New Creatine Supplement

When you decide to change your creatine, prioritizing product quality is key. Supplements are not as strictly regulated as medications, so due diligence is important.

Third-Party Testing: Look for labels indicating third-party verification, such as NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Sport. These certifications ensure the product has been tested for banned substances, contaminants, and label accuracy.
Creapure: This trademarked form of creatine monohydrate is produced in Germany and undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee high purity. It's often considered the benchmark for quality.
Ingredient Transparency: Check the ingredients list for unnecessary fillers, sugars, or proprietary blends. Pure creatine monohydrate should be the primary—and often only—ingredient.

Conclusion: Making the Right Switch for You

In conclusion, you can change your creatine, whether it's switching brands or moving to a different form like creatine HCl. The most important factors for success are consistency, maintaining a proven 3-5g daily dose, and choosing a quality product. For most individuals, the vast research, affordability, and effectiveness of creatine monohydrate make it the best default option. However, those with a sensitive stomach may find creatine HCl beneficial, though it comes at a higher price. Regardless of your choice, ensuring your new supplement is third-party tested guarantees you're getting a pure, effective product. For more information on creatine supplementation, consult reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic's overview on the topic.

Best practices for a smooth switch:

Don't overthink the timing; creatine works by saturation, so consistency is paramount.
If moving to HCl, be aware that marketing claims of needing a much lower dose may be unsubstantiated; stick to the standard 3-5g to be safe.
Listen to your body. If digestive issues arise, consider an alternative form or adjust your dosage.

By following these simple guidelines, you can make the switch with confidence and continue to see the performance-enhancing benefits of creatine supplementation without interruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is perfectly safe to switch creatine brands. For supplements like creatine monohydrate, the main ingredient is the same regardless of the brand. The key is to choose a reputable brand that ensures product purity through third-party testing.

No, you do not need to take a break or cycle off creatine when switching types. The consensus among experts is that creatine can be taken continuously. The priority is maintaining consistent daily dosing.

The main benefit of switching from creatine monohydrate to HCl is potentially reduced gastrointestinal issues like bloating or discomfort, due to HCl's higher solubility. However, there is no evidence it is more effective for performance.

No, a higher price does not automatically equate to better quality. For creatine monohydrate, the molecule is the same. Extra cost often comes from marketing or additional ingredients. It's best to look for evidence of purity, like third-party testing, rather than relying on price.

If you have already achieved muscle saturation from consistent creatine use, there is no need to perform another loading phase when switching. Just continue with your standard maintenance dose.

Yes, you can mix different types of creatine, such as monohydrate and HCl. Your body utilizes the creatine molecule once absorbed, so mixing different forms is not an issue.

When choosing a new supplement, look for third-party certifications like Creapure or NSF, which indicate high purity and quality. Also, check for unnecessary fillers or additives, especially in more expensive blends.