Does Beyond Raw Have Creatine In It? An In-Depth Product Analysis

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

With millions of units sold, Beyond Raw's popular pre-workout formulas, like LIT, are a common choice for gym-goers, leading many to question: does Beyond Raw have creatine in it? The answer is yes, as several of their products, including pre-workouts and a standalone powder, contain this performance-enhancing ingredient.

Quick Summary

Beyond Raw incorporates creatine into various supplements, such as Lit, Lit AF, and Lit V2 pre-workouts, and also sells a dedicated Creatine HCL powder for boosting athletic performance.

Key Points

Creatine in Beyond Raw: Beyond Raw includes creatine in several products, including the popular Lit pre-workout line and a standalone Creatine HCL powder.
Varying Dosages: The amount of creatine differs between products, with Lit at 1.5g, Lit AF at 2g, and Lit V2 at 3g per serving, while the standalone HCL provides 2g.
Creatine HCL vs. Monohydrate: Beyond Raw uses both forms, but research consistently shows creatine monohydrate is the most proven and cost-effective option, despite claims of HCL's superior absorption.
Supplementing for Full Benefits: Due to underdosing in some pre-workouts, a separate creatine supplement may be necessary to achieve the recommended daily intake of 3-5 grams for optimal muscle saturation.
Core Benefits: Consistent creatine use supports immediate energy production, enhances muscle strength and power, aids in muscle growth, and promotes faster recovery.

Beyond Raw Products That Contain Creatine

Beyond Raw, a brand sold exclusively by GNC, offers a range of supplements for enhancing athletic performance. For those specifically asking, "does Beyond Raw have creatine in it?", the answer depends on the product. Creatine is featured in several of the brand's popular items, but the type and amount vary. It is important for consumers to check the supplement facts of each product to understand the dosage they are receiving.

Beyond Raw Lit Pre-Workout

The standard Beyond Raw Lit pre-workout formula includes micronized creatine monohydrate. This is one of the most clinically studied and trusted forms of creatine available. However, at 1.5 grams per serving, the dose is below the commonly recommended maintenance dose of 3-5 grams per day for muscle saturation.

Beyond Raw Lit V2 Pre-Workout

The updated Lit V2 formula improves on its predecessor by offering a higher dose of creatine. Each serving contains 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, which aligns more closely with the clinically supported daily maintenance dose. This makes Lit V2 a more effective option for those seeking the full benefits of creatine directly from their pre-workout.

Beyond Raw Lit AF Pre-Workout

For advanced users, Beyond Raw offers Lit AF. This more potent formula includes a 2-gram dose of creatine monohydrate per serving. While higher than the standard Lit, it still falls slightly short of the 3-5 gram recommended daily dose.

Beyond Raw Chemistry Labs Creatine HCL

For individuals who prefer a standalone creatine product or need a higher daily dose, Beyond Raw offers Creatine HCL as part of its Chemistry Labs line. This product provides 2 grams of creatine hydrochloride (HCL) per serving. Creatine HCL is marketed for its purported superior solubility and absorption compared to monohydrate, though a higher cost and lack of conclusive evidence for superior efficacy compared to creatine monohydrate are noted by experts.

A Closer Look at Creatine HCL

Creatine HCL (hydrochloride) is a form of creatine bound to a hydrochloric acid molecule. This is claimed to increase its water solubility and absorption, which could potentially reduce side effects like bloating and digestive distress sometimes associated with creatine monohydrate. However, scientific consensus on this is not strong, and many experts maintain that creatine monohydrate remains the most proven and cost-effective form. Despite the lack of definitive clinical proof of superior effectiveness, Beyond Raw's Creatine HCL is a popular alternative for those who prefer this form or experience stomach issues with monohydrate.

Benefits of Creatine in Beyond Raw Products

Regardless of the type, creatine provides several key benefits for athletic performance when taken consistently to build muscle stores.

Increased Strength and Power: Creatine aids in the regeneration of ATP, the body's primary energy currency, which is crucial for short bursts of high-intensity activity like weightlifting.
Enhanced Muscle Growth: Consistent creatine supplementation, combined with resistance training, can lead to increased muscle mass by improving workout intensity and aiding in protein synthesis.
Improved Recovery: Creatine can help speed up muscle recovery after intense workouts by aiding in the repair of muscle fibers.

Comparison Table: Beyond Raw Creatine Products


Feature	Beyond Raw Lit Pre-Workout	Beyond Raw Lit V2 Pre-Workout	Beyond Raw Lit AF Pre-Workout	Beyond Raw Chemistry Labs Creatine HCL
Creatine Form	Micronized Creatine Monohydrate	Creatine Monohydrate	Creatine Monohydrate	Creatine Hydrochloride (HCL)
Creatine Dose	1.5 grams	3 grams	2 grams	2 grams
Product Type	All-in-one pre-workout	Upgraded all-in-one pre-workout	Advanced pre-workout formula	Standalone creatine powder
Dose Recommendation	Requires additional creatine for daily 3-5g dose	Meets lower end of recommended 3-5g daily dose	Requires additional creatine for daily 3-5g dose	Can be taken alone or stacked with a pre-workout
Taste	Flavored	Flavored	Flavored	Unflavored (can be sour)

Conclusion

In summary, yes, Beyond Raw does have creatine in its products, and in multiple forms. The brand incorporates creatine into its popular Lit pre-workout lineup as well as offering a separate, standalone Creatine HCL powder. For those who want the most convenient daily dosage directly from their pre-workout, the Lit V2 offers the most effective dose at 3 grams per serving. However, individuals seeking a more cost-effective option or a specific type of creatine may prefer the standalone Creatine HCL. Regardless of the product choice, consistency is key to reaping the full benefits of creatine supplementation. For more information on creatine and its benefits, consult an authoritative source like the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond Raw Lit V2 pre-workout contains the highest creatine dose among their pre-workout line, with 3 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving. The standalone Chemistry Labs Creatine HCL provides 2 grams per serving.

The standard Beyond Raw Lit pre-workout contains 1.5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving. This is below the clinically recommended daily dose of 3-5 grams, meaning a separate creatine supplement is needed for optimal muscle saturation.

Beyond Raw's Creatine HCL is marketed for superior solubility and less bloating. However, creatine monohydrate is the most heavily researched form, and studies have not definitively proven that HCL is more effective.

Yes, you can safely stack a Beyond Raw pre-workout with a separate creatine supplement. This is recommended for products like Lit or Lit AF to ensure you meet the 3-5 gram daily dosage for full effectiveness.

No, not all Beyond Raw products contain creatine. It is important to check the specific product's nutrition label or supplement facts panel, as the inclusion and dosage vary by formula.

The Beyond Raw Chemistry Labs Creatine HCL is unflavored, which can result in a sour or acidic taste when mixed with water. It is often recommended to mix it with juice or a flavored beverage to improve palatability.

Yes, beyond its athletic benefits, creatine has been shown to support cognitive function, including memory and mental clarity, by aiding in brain energy production.