Most people prefer to take protein powders alongside their workout routine as a straightforward way to bulk up. However, not all protein powders are made to suit everyone. For instance, many contain the amino acid creatine, which, while beneficial for most, allegedly has long-term side effects. While most of the fears about creatine have now been proven wrong, it still may not suit those with kidney problems.
Whatever your reason for avoiding creatine, several brands offer high-protein workout supplements without it. However, there are only a few worth spending on. Below we have reviewed the six best mass gainers and protein powders that don't contain creatine, so you only have the top products to choose from.
Best Protein Powders & Mass Gainers without Creatine
1. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powder
One of the most popular protein supplements without creatine is the Dymatize ISO100 isolate Protein Powder. With 25g protein that is 100% whey isolate, it can help you build a muscular body over time.
The Dymatize ISO 100 is a gluten-free protein Shake and has less than 1g of fat and sugar per serving. It is available in 15 different flavors, from birthday cake to chocolate variants, fruity pebbles, and cinnamon bun. The formula is easy to mix and is easily digested and quickly absorbed into the body. One common complaint from a few customers is that most flavors are too sweet for their taste.
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2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Protein Without Creatine
One of the best creatine-free protein powders is the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder. It has four chocolate variants and a French Vanilla flavor.
This product is a blend of 24 g whey protein isolates, concentrates, and peptides, which have significant muscle-building benefits. It’s gluten-free, with minimal carbohydrates and fats. You can have it either right after waking up, or pre- or post-workout.
While there are mixed reviews about the taste, it’s not that bad, and you may even like it as most customers do. You may also find it a bit expensive, but the ideal solubility, good nutrient composition, and high-quality ingredients make it worth a try.
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3. BSN TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer Without Creatine Review
The BSN TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer is another creatine free protein powder worth considering. This is primarily meant for those with above-normal caloric needs, such as intense athletes who require a lot of energy or people with fast metabolism like ectomorphs.
With around 700 calories per serving, it is indeed a weight gainer shake. It has as many as 90g carbohydrates per serving, with the protein content being 46 to 50g. The serving size is pretty big too, but you could always cut the recommended serving size to half if you’re not very athletic.
If you need a great-tasting mass gainer, this one has many positive reviews, especially the chocolate milkshake and vanilla ice cream flavors. However, it is quite expensive and doesn’t mix easily.
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4. Isopure 100% Keto-friendly Protein Isolate Powder
Another excellent protein shake without creatine is the Isopure 100% Whey Protein Isolate, having vitamin C and zinc for extra nourishment.
This low-carb supplement has 25 g protein and comes in various flavors, from apple pie to mint chocolate chip and espresso. While all variants have zero sugar, some are marked 'low carb' while others have 'zero carbs.' It's gluten-free and lactose-free to suit those with any sensitivity to gluten or dairy, and can also be used as part of a Keto diet.
The taste seems to be debatable, so you’ll have to see for yourself if it suits you. While it may cause clumping when stirred, it does blend well. Overall, it’s something you might be going back for, once you try it!
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5. Chocolate creatine free Vegan Naked Mass Gainer Review
The NAKED ultra-high calorie weight gainer without creatine has lots of energy packed into a vegan product. Containing pea and rice protein, organic maltodextrin, organic coconut sugar, and organic cacao, this protein supplement is free from any artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. It also doesn’t contain any GMOs, soy, dairy, growth hormones, and gluten.
Each 1280-calorie serving has 237g carbs and 50g protein, making the ultimate drink to boost energy for intense physical activity and weight gain. However, this serving size is massive and might cause digestive issues if taken all at once.
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6. ON Pro High-calorie Weight Gainer Review
Another top product by Optimum Nutrition, the Pro Gainer contains casein, albumen, glutamine, and whey protein without creatine.
Along with zinc, and vitamins C and E, each (large) serving contains 60g protein and 85g carbs, the equivalent of 650 calories.
ON Pro mass gainer is definitely worth a try if you’re having a hard time packing on muscle. It can either serve as a post-workout drink or as some extra fuel between meals. While multiple flavors are available, double chocolate seems to be the most popular of them.
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Conclusion
While mass gainers and protein powders are generally expensive products, adding them to your routine can be worth the bucks if you choose wisely. Our top picks are the BSN Nutrition Mass Gainer for those needing high-calorie supplements, or the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard protein powder if you’re going for a low-carb option.