A Look at Creatine in Ready-to-Drink Formulas
Creatine is one of the most widely studied and effective supplements for enhancing strength and high-intensity exercise performance. However, its presence in ready-to-drink (RTD) energy drinks is uncommon due to two primary issues: solubility and stability. Creatine monohydrate, the most common form, can settle and clump in liquid over time, affecting taste and efficacy. This has led some companies to use alternative forms or avoid adding it altogether.
Brands that Contain Creatine
While not the norm, a few specific products on the market do contain creatine, primarily within the performance or pre-workout hybrid category. It's crucial to differentiate these from standard, high-caffeine energy drinks.
Cellucor C4 Energy
C4 is a prime example of a brand that integrates creatine into its formula. Specifically, its C4 Original Pre-Workout formula contains Creatine Nitrate. This form of creatine is believed to have better water solubility and absorption compared to traditional creatine monohydrate. The C4 Sport Pre-Workout also includes Micronized Creatine Monohydrate. These products are clearly marketed as pre-workout supplements, not just a casual energy boost.
Rockstar XDurance
Interestingly, some older formulations and specific flavors of Rockstar XDurance, such as the Cotton Candy variety, have listed creatine monohydrate on their ingredients. However, this is not a consistent feature across the entire Rockstar lineup, and consumers should always check the label for the specific product they are purchasing, as formulations can change over time.
Brands that Do Not Contain Creatine
Most major players in the energy drink space focus on caffeine, B-vitamins, and other stimulating compounds, opting to leave creatine out of their recipes.
- Monster Energy: Standard Monster Energy drinks contain a blend of ingredients including taurine, ginseng, and B-vitamins, but no creatine.
- Reign Total Body Fuel: Positioned as a performance drink, Reign includes BCAAs, CoQ10, and electrolytes, but not creatine.
- Ghost Energy: While Ghost sells separate creatine supplements like
GHOST® BASICS CREATINE, their energy drink line does not contain creatine.
The Bang Energy "Super Creatine" Controversy
Bang Energy, formerly known for prominently advertising "Super Creatine" in its products, was at the center of a major lawsuit for false advertising.
- What was it? Bang's "Super Creatine" was a dipeptide of creatine and L-leucine, marketed as being more stable in liquid.
- What was the issue? A federal court ruled that Bang's claims were misleading and that the patented ingredient did not deliver the promised benefits, leading to a permanent injunction banning the use of the term in marketing.
- The takeaway: The amount of "Super Creatine" was negligible and functionally useless for performance gains, demonstrating that creative branding doesn't always translate to scientific efficacy.
Comparison of Creatine-Containing vs. Standard Energy Drinks
| Feature | C4 Sport (with Creatine) | Standard Energy Drink (e.g., Monster) | Pure Creatine Powder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creatine Inclusion | Yes (Micronized Creatine Monohydrate) | No | Yes (100% Creatine Monohydrate) |
| Caffeine Level | Moderate (e.g., 135mg) | High (e.g., 160mg+) | None |
| Primary Goal | Performance and workout enhancement | Energy, alertness, and focus | Muscle strength and growth |
| Other Active Ingredients | Beta-Alanine, Taurine, Vitamins | Taurine, Ginseng, B-Vitamins | None |
| Dosage | Clinically-dosed (3g of creatine) | N/A | Clinically-dosed (5g per serving) |
Conclusion: Read Labels, Know Your Goals
For anyone searching for energy drinks that have creatine, the options are limited and often fall into the more specialized pre-workout category, like C4 Energy. Standard energy drinks, such as Monster or Reign, typically omit creatine. Furthermore, the Bang Energy "Super Creatine" saga serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that not all branded creatine ingredients are created equal. The most reliable and effective way to supplement creatine remains through a high-quality, standalone powder mixed with your beverage of choice, as the dose in any ready-to-drink product may not be sufficient for optimal performance benefits.
For more detailed information on creatine supplementation, visit the authoritative resource at Examine.com.
Understanding Different Creatine Types
When looking for creatine in energy drinks or supplements, you might encounter several forms. Creatine monohydrate is the most researched and effective form, while Creatine Nitrate (found in C4 Original) and other experimental forms like Bang's former "Super Creatine" are variations with different solubility or marketing claims. Ultimately, the efficacy of any form relies on delivering a sufficient dose.
Mixing Creatine with Energy Drinks: A Practical Alternative
Given the limited and often low-dosed options for pre-made energy drinks with creatine, many people opt to create their own. By purchasing a high-quality creatine monohydrate powder and mixing it with a non-creatine energy drink, you can control the dosage and combine the benefits of both supplements without compromising stability or effectiveness. This is often more cost-effective and ensures you are receiving a clinically effective dose of creatine. However, always be mindful of the total caffeine content if stacking multiple products.
