Fake Creatine Monohydrate

How to Identify Fake Creatine Monohydrate

Warning: Fake creatine may contain harmful fillers or contaminants that can cause health risks including kidney strain or allergic reactions.

1. Check the Packaging

• Legitimate Branding: Authentic products have high-quality printing with no spelling errors or blurry logos
• Safety Seals: Look for intact tamper-evident seals - broken seals indicate potential tampering
• Batch Numbers: Genuine products display clear batch numbers and expiry dates

2. Verify the Product Label

• Ingredient List: Should clearly state "creatine monohydrate" as the primary ingredient
• Avoid Proprietary Blends: Products with undisclosed ingredient ratios are suspicious
• Certifications: Look for third-party verification like Informed-Choice or NSF

3. Examine Physical Characteristics

• Texture: Pure creatine is a fine white powder with slight grittiness
• Solubility: Should dissolve in water with some stirring (not completely insoluble)
• Taste/Smell: Genuine creatine is nearly tasteless - strong odors indicate impurities

4. Authentication Methods

• QR Codes/Scratch Panels: Major brands provide verification codes on packaging
• Brand Apps: Many supplement companies have authentication apps
• Purchase Sources: Buy only from authorized retailers or brand websites

5. Price and Seller Red Flags

• Suspiciously Low Prices: If it's much cheaper than market average, it's likely fake
• Seller Reviews: Check for complaints about counterfeit products
• Missing Contact Info: Legitimate sellers provide customer service details

Key Takeaways:

• Always purchase from reputable supplement stores or brand websites
• Verify products through official brand authentication systems
• Report suspected counterfeit products to the platform and brand