Which creatines are 3rd party tested?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to reports, numerous creatine supplements fail to meet their label claims or contain harmful contaminants like heavy metals. For this reason, it is crucial to know which creatines are 3rd party tested to ensure you are getting a pure, safe, and effective product.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the importance of third-party testing for creatine, highlighting how certifications like NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Sport ensure product quality. It lists top certified brands and provides a comparative analysis to help consumers choose a safe and reliable supplement.

Key Points

Verify Third-Party Certifications: Always look for recognized logos like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Sport to ensure the creatine has been independently tested for banned substances and contaminants.
Choose Reputable Brands: Opt for trusted brands like Thorne, Transparent Labs, or Momentous, which have a strong reputation for rigorous testing protocols and transparent product information.
Beware of Untested Gummies: Recent tests revealed significant potency issues and contamination in some creatine gummies; stick with tested powders or capsules for reliability.
Prioritize Pure Monohydrate: The most researched and effective form of creatine is pure monohydrate. Look for products with a single, high-quality ingredient and no unnecessary fillers.
Compare Cost and Quality: While tested creatine can be slightly more expensive, many affordable, certified options are available. Don't sacrifice safety for a cheaper, unverified product.
Access Lab Reports: Some brands offer full Certificates of Analysis (COAs) on their website or via a QR code, providing ultimate transparency about what's in your product.
Avoid Misleading Blends: Be skeptical of 'proprietary blends' that don't disclose ingredient amounts, and rely on transparent labeling verified by third-party testing.

Understanding the Importance of Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing is an essential practice in the dietary supplement industry, providing an unbiased evaluation of products by an independent laboratory. Unlike the pharmaceutical industry, the supplement market is not strictly regulated by the FDA, making independent verification crucial for consumer safety. A supplement that is third-party tested has been screened for a variety of potential issues, including:

Purity: Ensuring the product is free from contaminants like heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), pesticides, and harmful microbes.
Potency: Verifying that the supplement contains the exact amount of active ingredients stated on the label.
Banned Substances: Testing to ensure the product is free from substances prohibited by major athletic organizations, which is critical for competitive athletes.

Independent certifications provide transparency and build consumer trust, allowing you to confidently choose a supplement that is both safe and effective. The lack of this testing can lead to inaccurate dosages or dangerous contamination, as seen in recent tests where some creatine products had zero detectable creatine or contained contaminants.

Key Third-Party Certifications to Look For

When shopping for creatine, keep an eye out for specific logos from reputable third-party testing organizations. These logos indicate that the product has been rigorously tested and certified.

NSF Certified for Sport: This is one of the most recognized certifications, ensuring products are tested for over 250 banned substances, contaminants, and that the contents match the label. Brands like Thorne, Klean Athlete, and Momentous are often NSF Certified.
Informed-Sport: This program tests every batch of a product for substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The organization purchases samples from retail stores to ensure unbiased testing. Applied Nutrition and Myprotein are examples of brands with Informed-Sport certified creatine.
ConsumerLab.com: While not a certification program in the same way as NSF or Informed-Sport, ConsumerLab.com is an independent product reviewer that tests supplements for quality and reports its findings to members. Checking their reviews can provide valuable insights into a product's quality.

Leading Creatine Brands with Third-Party Testing

Many reputable brands prioritize third-party testing to ensure their products are high-quality and safe. Here are some of the most trusted options:

Thorne: A well-regarded brand with NSF Certified for Sport products, offering pure creatine monohydrate with no additives.
Transparent Labs: Known for its transparent labeling and third-party testing, their Creatine HMB is a popular option.
Momentous: Offers high-quality, patented Creapure creatine that is NSF Certified for Sport and trusted by professional athletes.
Klean Athlete: Specifically targets competitive athletes, offering a pure creatine monohydrate that is also NSF Certified for Sport.
Optimum Nutrition: A widely available and respected brand, their Micronized Creatine Powder is often mentioned as being tested for banned substances.

Comparison Table of Third-Party Tested Creatine Brands


Brand	Certification	Product Type	Highlights	Approx. Cost per Serving*
Thorne	NSF Certified for Sport	Powder, Capsules	Pure, micronized creatine; single ingredient	Higher
Transparent Labs	Third-Party Tested	Powder (with HMB)	Added HMB and BioPerine for enhanced effects	Higher
Klean Athlete	NSF Certified for Sport	Powder	Pure, unflavored, no additives	Moderate
Momentous	NSF Certified for Sport	Powder (Creapure)	Patented, ultra-pure Creapure creatine	Higher
Optimum Nutrition	Informed Choice (on some products)	Powder	Widely available, budget-friendly option	Lower
BulkSupplements.com	Third-Party Tested	Powder	Cost-effective bulk option for pure powder	Lower
Bare Performance Nutrition	Informed-Sport (Creapure)	Powder	Uses Creapure, third-party tested	Moderate

*Cost is an estimate and can vary based on retailer and product size.

What to Consider When Choosing

Beyond just looking for a certification logo, consider these factors when choosing a creatine supplement:

Form: While creatine monohydrate is the most researched and effective form, some brands offer capsules, gummies, or alternative types. Be aware that some gummies have failed testing for potency.
Price: High-quality, third-party tested creatine may come at a slightly higher price point, but the investment in purity and safety is worthwhile. Budget-friendly, tested options still exist, like those from Optimum Nutrition or BulkSupplements.
Ingredients: Check the label for unwanted fillers, additives, or proprietary blends. The best options are often pure creatine monohydrate with no other ingredients.
Flavor: If you dislike the natural, unflavored taste, look for certified options with natural flavoring to ensure no artificial sweeteners or dyes are used.

Accessing Certification Information and Lab Reports

Many brands committed to transparency will provide information about their testing on their website. Some, like Promix Nutrition, even allow you to access specific lab results by scanning a QR code or entering a batch number. This level of openness is the gold standard for consumer assurance.

For additional context on supplement regulation, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) offers guidance on third-party testing.

Conclusion: Investing in Your Safety and Performance

Choosing a creatine supplement that is third-party tested is one of the most important decisions you can make for your safety and performance. Certifications from organizations like NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Sport are your best defense against inaccurate labels, contaminants, and banned substances. Brands like Thorne, Momentous, and Transparent Labs demonstrate a commitment to quality that empowers you to make an informed and reliable choice. By prioritizing purity and transparency, you can be confident that you are fueling your body with a clean and effective product that will help you achieve your fitness goals safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party testing is crucial because the FDA does not strictly regulate dietary supplements. Independent testing verifies that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label, ensures it is free from harmful contaminants like heavy metals, and screens for banned substances, providing a layer of safety and confidence for the consumer.

Both NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Sport are excellent third-party certifications for athletes. NSF tests for over 250 banned substances and verifies label claims. Informed-Sport also tests for banned substances but notably conducts 'blind' monthly testing by purchasing products from retail stores to ensure consistency.

Creapure is a patented, high-purity form of creatine monohydrate known for its stringent manufacturing standards. While it undergoes internal quality control, brands using Creapure often seek additional third-party certifications like Informed-Sport or NSF to offer maximum assurance to consumers and competitive athletes.

Yes, some creatine gummies exist that have been tested, but you should proceed with caution. Recent tests by independent labs found that several creatine gummy brands had inaccurate potencies or even zero creatine. It is essential to check for specific, current certification on the exact product before purchasing.

Not necessarily. Certification applies to specific products and batches, not the entire brand's portfolio. You must verify that the specific creatine product you are buying has the appropriate certification logo on its packaging, as some brands may offer both certified and uncertified options.

Many brands that are committed to transparency, such as Promix Nutrition, provide a batch number on their packaging that allows you to access the Certificate of Analysis (COA) online through their website. This report details the testing results for that specific batch.

Third-party testing can add to the production cost, which may increase the retail price. However, many affordable options from reputable brands like Optimum Nutrition and BulkSupplements are available that have undergone testing. The slight price difference is a small investment for guaranteed safety and quality.