THE CREATINE CRAZE

Written By Justin Thompson

Creatine isn’t “new”—it’s been around for decades. 20 years ago your parents told you creatine was a steroid and that they would disown you if you took it. 10 years ago they said creatine caused kidney failure and they would disown you if you took it.

Yesterday your parents stopped into the local supplement store to buy a 6 months supply of creatine monohydrate.

What changed?

A few things have put creatine in the spotlight lately.

1. It actually works (and is heavily researched)

Creatine is one of the most studied supplements in existence, and the core benefits are well-supported:

  • Improves strength and power output

  • Helps you get more reps / train harder

  • Aids recovery between high-intensity efforts

It works by boosting your body’s ATP (energy) system, which fuels short, explosive movements like lifting or sprinting

👉 Translation: people like it because it gives noticeable performance benefits.

2. It’s no longer just a “gym bro” supplement

This is the biggest shift.

Creatine used to be seen as only for bodybuilders. Now it’s being used for:

  • Brain function (memory, focus, mental fatigue)

  • Healthy aging (muscle preservation, cardiovascular health, cognitive health)

  • General wellness

New research is exploring these areas, which has expanded the audience way beyond athletes.

3. Social media + influencers blew it up

Creatine has gone viral on:

  • TikTok

  • Podcasts

  • Fitness YouTube

That visibility has pushed it into mainstream health culture, not just gym circles.

4. It’s cheap and accessible

Unlike a lot of supplements:

  • It’s inexpensive

  • Easy to take (just 3–5g daily)

  • Widely available

That combo makes it a “no-brainer” for a lot of people.

5. It’s considered safe for most people

Research consistently shows:

  • Minimal side effects for healthy adults

  • Long-term use is generally safe when taken correctly

  • The idea of bloating, hair loss, and kidney function issues have been disproven

  • Creatine is natural and taking it exogenously has no ill-effects in healthy people

That lowers the barrier compared to trendier, riskier supplements.

6. The market is exploding

Creatine is booming right now:

  • Huge growth in supplement and functional drink markets

  • Demand expanding to women, older adults, and everyday consumers

  • A 25-27% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is expected through 2030

The simple truth

Creatine is popular because it hits the perfect combo:

  • Proven results

  • Low cost

  • Safe

  • Now marketed beyond just muscle

Justin Thompson
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