The answer for most athletes is yes, even during contest prep. However, everyone’s body processes creatine a bit differently, so you’ll have to assess if it’s an issue for your own physique.

When you mix unflavored Creatine HCl into a scoop of another product, like Pre-Kaged or Hydra Charge, it doesn’t alter the taste or texture. On its own, it has a slightly tart taste. If you plan on drinking Creatine HCl on its own, we recommend you go for the amazing lemon-lime flavor.

CreaClear® is a creatine monohydrate with an advanced microencapsulation technology that allows it to overcome one of creatine monohydrate’s biggest drawbacks: wasted powder sinking to the bottom of your shaker cup. Creatine hydrochloride is a different molecule that also allows for easy mixing and a highly soluble creatine solution that gets into your muscles, where it needs to be to work. Ultimately, they each have their advantages and both will saturate your muscles to lead to gains in size and strength.

No, you do not need to load Creatine HCl, or any creatine. All creatine, if you choose not to load, takes at least 28 days to accumulate in the body before providing full benefits.