When it comes to selecting the best creatine supplement to boost strength, power, and muscle growth, factors like purity, dosing options, and value for money are key. (1) With so many creatine products available, finding a reliable brand that consistently delivers high-quality results is important. XWERKS, a trusted name in the fitness supplement world, aims to provide effective, research-backed creatine options for a variety of users.
In this review, our team of fitness and nutrition experts evaluates the XWERKS creatine lineup, focusing on their Lift creatine powder and Build creatine gummies. Whether you prefer a straightforward powder or the convenience of gummies, XWERKS offers solutions that cater to different lifestyles and fitness goals.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Key product features
What you should know
XWERKS Lift is a straightforward creatine monohydrate supplement that’s free from dairy, soy, gluten, and sugar. Here’s what you should know:
- The micronized form of creatine monohydrate mixes easily with liquids, reducing the gritty texture common with other creatine powders.
- At $0.61 per serving, the price is competitive and roughly average compared to other creatine supplements, especially with the option to subscribe and save an additional 5%.
- It’s ideal for individuals looking for a simple, one-ingredient creatine supplement to boost strength and performance. (1)
XWERKS Lift Creatine overview
XWERKS Lift Creatine offers a simple, straightforward approach for those seeking to enhance strength and performance with creatine monohydrate. (1) Each serving contains 5 grams of pure, micronized creatine monohydrate, a form known for its improved solubility.
Creatine supplementation is widely recognized for its benefits in enhancing performance, particularly in activities involving short bursts of high-intensity effort. Research has consistently shown that creatine can increase strength and power, helping users lift heavier weights and perform more repetitions in the gym. (2) It supports the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s primary energy source during intense exercise, allowing for improved workout performance and reduced fatigue. The more energy you have stored, the more you will have available during your next workout.
With XWERKS Lift Creatine offering a clinically supported dose of 5 grams per serving, users are getting an optimal amount to experience those benefits.
Additionally, creatine has been linked to increased lean muscle mass when combined with resistance training, as it aids in water retention within muscle cells, promoting healing. (3) Emerging studies also suggest potential cognitive benefits, particularly in brain health and protection, which makes creatine a versatile supplement for both physical and mental performance enhancement. (4)
The unflavored powder mixes easily into water or other beverages, making it a versatile option for users who prefer to add it to their pre-workout or post-workout shakes. Being free of dairy, sugar, soy, and gluten, XWERKS Lift is suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions, and its clean ingredient list is a plus for those who want to avoid unnecessary additives.
Our team product tester rated XWERKS Lift a 5 out of 5 for both flavor and solubility, saying that it “mixes great.”
While XWERKS doesn’t mention any third-party testing for quality or banned substances, Lift is a single-ingredient supplement, so the lack of testing may not be a major concern for the average user. However, athletes in tested sports should always prioritize supplements that are third-party tested to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Another potential downside is the lack of flavor options, which might not appeal to users who prefer flavored supplements. However, the unflavored formula is a benefit for those who like to customize their drink without clashing flavors.
XWERKS Lift ships within the U.S. with a $5 flat shipping fee, though orders over $75 qualify for free shipping. At $49 for 80 servings, XWERKS Lift Creatine comes out to approximately $0.61 per serving, which places it in the mid-range compared to other creatine products on the market. Some budget-friendly options are priced as low as $0.23 per serving, while premium products can exceed $1.67 per serving.
With the option to subscribe and save an additional 5%, the cost per serving drops even further, making it a competitive choice for an effective and affordable creatine supplement.
XWERKS Lift Creatine side effects
Although XWERKS Lift Creatine is widely considered safe for most individuals, misconceptions surrounding creatine supplementation persist. Many believe that creatine always leads to bloating, water retention, or more serious issues like kidney damage. In reality, these concerns are often unfounded. A thorough review of the scientific literature concludes that creatine does not always cause water retention, nor does it result in kidney damage in healthy individuals. Additionally, despite rumors, creatine supplementation has not been shown to cause hair loss, muscle cramping, or dehydration when taken at recommended dosages. (5)
A loading dose of creatine involves taking higher amounts, typically 20 grams per day split into four doses, for five to seven days to rapidly saturate muscle creatine stores. While this method helps users see benefits faster, it increases the likelihood of mild side effects such as bloating, water retention, and stomach discomfort compared to the standard daily dose of 5 grams. These effects are generally temporary and subside once the body adjusts. A standard 5-gram dose is less likely to cause these issues and is often sufficient for long-term use without a loading phase. You do not need to cycle creatine, and you can continue taking it for a long period of time.
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting creatine, especially if you have any kidney-related concerns. Furthermore, some studies have shown that taking creatine and caffeine together may blunt the ergogenic effects of creatine. (7) Research on the true effects and mechanisms is still unclear, but it may be a good idea to take them at different times.
What customers are saying
Lift Creatine has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, from 354 reviews. Amazon customers appreciate the quality and effectiveness, often praising the value for money and mixability of the product.
“I love this supplement and use it in my protein shake. I love that it is not gritty, mixes easily, and is tasteless. Best of all are the results.”
Miss M., Amazon
Mark S. Emery, another Amazon customer, notes, “High quality creatine that is easy to digest and mixes very well. Pretty straightforward.”
All of the 1-star ratings are one to two years old. Multiple customers reported a bad, fishy smell when they opened the product.
Specs
| Form | Powder |
| Creatine per serving | 5 grams |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (5 grams) |
| Servings per container | 80 |
| Price per serving | $0.61 |
| Calories per serving | 0 |
| Flavor | Unflavored |
Key product features
What you should know
XWERKS Build Creatine Gummies offers 1 gram of creatine monohydrate in each lemon-flavored gummy. Here’s what you should know:
- The customizable dosing makes it easy to adjust your intake based on your specific needs, making it a flexible option for different training goals.
- At $1.63 per serving, these gummies are pricier than many creatine powders but still competitive with premium options on the market.
- Build is ideal for those who prefer a convenient gummy supplement and don’t mind the added sugars and calories.
XWERKS Build Creatine overview
XWERKS Build Creatine Gummies offer a convenient alternative to traditional powder-based creatine supplements. Each gummy provides 1 gram of creatine, allowing users to easily adjust their intake by taking fewer or more gummies as needed. However, if you increase your dose beyond the recommended four gummies, the package will deplete faster, offering fewer servings overall.
One thing to consider is that each four-gummy serving contains 40 calories, whereas XWERKS Lift creatine powder has zero calories. This may not be a concern for most users, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re tracking calorie intake closely.
Additionally, the 4 grams of added sugar per serving, sweetened with a mix of glucose syrup, sucrose, stevioside, and allulose, is another factor to consider. Using multiple sweeteners helps achieve the desired flavor profile, but the added sugars may not appeal to those looking for a sugar-free option. The gummies only come in a lemon flavor, which limits variety.
Our team product tester wasn’t a big fan of the flavor of these gummies, describing the lemon taste as “artificial” despite being naturally sweetened and flavored. They rated the taste a 3 out of 5. They noted that while the 4 grams of creatine per serving is an effective dose, they personally didn’t care for the extra carbs and calories that come with a gummy supplement.
XWERKS Build is third-party tested, and test results are available on the product page, providing peace of mind for those who prioritize quality assurance. Like other creatine supplements, Build may help improve strength, power, and workout performance by increasing phosphocreatine stores in muscles. (6)
Creatine supplementation has been extensively researched for its ability to boost strength and power, particularly in high-intensity exercises like weightlifting. Studies have shown that creatine can help increase one-rep max performance in movements like squats and bench presses, as well as enhance endurance by allowing users to complete more reps at maximum effort. Additionally, when combined with a strength training program, creatine has been linked to greater gains in lean muscle mass, making it a go-to supplement for athletes aiming to build muscle. (1, 2)
With 30 servings per container, the price per serving is $1.63, which is higher than XWERKS Lift powder but still comparable to premium creatine supplements on the market, which can exceed $1.67 per serving. For those seeking convenience and a more enjoyable way to consume creatine, the higher price may be justified.
XWERKS Build Creatine side effects
XWERKS Build Creatine Gummies, like other creatine supplements, are generally safe when taken as recommended. However, consuming higher doses, especially during a loading phase, may cause mild side effects such as bloating, gastrointestinal discomfort, or water retention. The added sugar in the gummies may also be a concern for individuals sensitive to sugar intake or those looking to limit extra calories in their diet.
Specs
| Form | Gummies |
| Creatine per serving | 4 grams |
| Serving size | 4 gummies |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Price per serving | $1.63 |
| Calories per serving | 40 |
| Flavor | Lemon |
Compare XWERKS Lift
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| XWERKS Lift | XWERKS Build | Transparent Labs Creatine HMB | Legion Athletics Creatine | Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate | Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Cost per serving | $0.61 | $1.63 | $1.67 | $0.50 | $0.23-$0.38 | $0.28-$0.30 |
| Form | Powder | Gummies | Powder | Powder | Powder | Powder |
| Creatine dose | 5 grams | 4 grams | 5 grams | 5 grams | 5 grams | 5 grams |
How we test creatine supplements
Supplements have the ability to play a pivotal role in your health and fitness goals. Our team strives to provide detailed and trustworthy reviews that can help you decide whether or not a product is worth adding to your routine. We also prioritize testing the products we recommend, to provide genuine and impartial feedback. You can read our full creatine testing methodology here.
Here’s how we evaluate creatine products:
Form—50%
There are many forms of creatine available. In order to score a product, our team will look at the following forms of creatine and rate it based on overall effectiveness.
- Creatine monohydrate
- Creatine anhydrous
- Creatine hydrochloride
- Micronized creatine monohydrate
- Creatine ethyl ester
- Buffered creatine
Price per gram of creatine—25%
Assuming the form of creatine you’re purchasing has proven effectiveness, there’s no reason to opt for a more expensive option. We break down this category’s scoring as follows:
- $0.05-$0.15 per gram
- $0.16-$0.25 per gram
- Over $0.26 per gram
Cost per serving—15%
We also evaluate cost effectiveness, opting to award higher scores for more affordable options. Here’s how we break down a creatine product’s cost per serving:
- Under $1 per serving
- $1-1.50 per serving
- $1.50-$2 per serving
- Over $2 per serving
Type—10%
The type of creatine product you choose can impact absorption, taste, potency and effectiveness, and overall convenience. We break this category into the following classifications:
- Creatine powder
- Creatine capsules
- Liquid creatine
Certifications
We appreciate when brands go above and beyond to ensure they’re providing a high-quality product. Because of that, we award small boosts to a product’s overall score when the following certifications have been earned:
- Third-party testing
- Informed Choice (ICFS)
- NSF
- U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
Bonus points
Similarly to acquiring a certification, we appreciate when a brand does a little more to innovate. We add bonus points to a product’s overall score for the following:
- No proprietary blends
- Sustainable packaging
FAQs
Is XWERKS Lift creatine worth it?
Yes, XWERKS Lift Creatine is worth it for those seeking a high-quality, single-ingredient creatine supplement at a mid-range price. It provides 5 grams of micronized creatine monohydrate per serving, which is the clinically recommended dose for improving strength, muscle mass, and recovery. (1) Additionally, the cost per serving is competitive, especially with the option to subscribe and save.
Is XWERKS Lift creatine effective at building muscle?
Yes, XWERKS Lift Creatine can help support muscle building, but it’s important to note that creatine alone doesn’t build muscle. For optimal results, creatine should be taken alongside a strength training program. Creatine monohydrate, the form used in XWERKS Lift, helps increase strength, power, and workout performance by boosting phosphocreatine stores in muscles. This enhances energy production during high-intensity exercise—a key factor in muscle growth. (1)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She is an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago & Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses.
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS
Dr. Jen Roper is an associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in physical education, sports and exercise science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in exercise science and biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.
Jessica Coulon
Jessica is a contributing editor and writer who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Melissa Boufounos
Certified Holistic Nutritionist
About Author
Melissa Boufounos is a certified holistic nutritionist, nutrition writer, and lifelong athlete in the greater Ottawa, Ontario, Canada area. She specializes in sports nutrition and works with teen hockey players and competitive obstacle course race athletes in her virtual private practice MB Performance Nutrition.
References
- Kreider, R. B., Kalman, D. S., Antonio, J., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Wildman, R., Collins, R., Candow, D. G., Kleiner, S. M., Almada, A. L., & Lopez, H. L. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14, 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
- Mills, S., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Neary, J. P., Ormsbee, M. J., & Antonio, J. (2020). Effects of Creatine Supplementation during Resistance Training Sessions in Physically Active Young Adults. Nutrients, 12(6), 1880. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061880
- Wu, S. H., Chen, K. L., Hsu, C., Chen, H. C., Chen, J. Y., Yu, S. Y., & Shiu, Y. J. (2022). Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021. Nutrients, 14(6), 1255. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14061255
- Forbes, S. C., Cordingley, D. M., Cornish, S. M., Gualano, B., Roschel, H., Ostojic, S. M., Rawson, E. S., Roy, B. D., Prokopidis, K., Giannos, P., & Candow, D. G. (2022). Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Brain Function and Health. Nutrients, 14(5), 921. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14050921
- Antonio, J., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Gualano, B., Jagim, A. R., Kreider, R. B., Rawson, E. S., Smith-Ryan, A. E., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Willoughby, D. S., & Ziegenfuss, T. N. (2021). Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w
- Wax, B., Kerksick, C. M., Jagim, A. R., Mayo, J. J., Lyons, B. C., & Kreider, R. B. (2021). Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations. Nutrients, 13(6), 1915. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061915
- Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE. Creatine and Caffeine: Considerations for Concurrent Supplementation. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2015 Dec;25(6):607-23. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2014-0193. PMID: 26219105. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26219105/