We Reviewed Animal's Smarties-Flavored Creatine Chews. Here's Why They've Earned a Spot in Our Supplement Stack

If it seems like everyone is suddenly talking about creatine, that's because they kind of are. Creatine is a supplement that’s gained recent popularity for its benefits in the gains department, despite being a longtime staple for regular gym goers. Historically, gym bros have slugged it down in powder form. But recently, more supplement companies have rolled out alternative options, like gummies and chewable tablets, to appeal to the masses. Such products are meant to taste better, making it easier to stay consistent with intake, which is where the biggest benefits come from.

"Men looking to improve their exercise performance, improve strength, build muscle, or feel more energized in their workouts can benefit from creatine," says Avery Zenker, RD, MAN,
at MyCrohnsandColitisTeam. "Creatine is one of the most well-researched and effective supplements, helping provide quick energy to muscles during short bursts of high-intensity exercise like weightlifting or sprinting."

One company that’s leaned into this new wave is Animal with their creatine chews. They sell them in a few different flavors, but their collaboration with Smarties has quickly become a fan favorite. The nostalgic flavor and convenience combined make it easier to stick with, especially if you struggle with chugging down powders. Read on for our full review.

Animal Creatine Smarties Review

If you're a fan of Smarties, you'll probably be a fan of Animal's Smarties-flavored creatine chews. The taste is very similar, with that slightly chalky texture and powdery aftertaste. It’s not quite candy-level sweet, but it’s definitely more enjoyable for the folks who struggle to get down traditional creatine powders. As for dose, taking four tablets will get you to the general recommendation of 5 grams.

Chewable tablets like Animal's tend to be a more reliable middle ground compared to gummies. Dosing is usually more precise, whereas creatine gummies are sometimes underdosed, Helen Tieu, RD, MAN, CDE, founder of Diet Redefined, says. Plus, creatine can degrade into creatinine when exposed to heat, moisture, or acidic conditions, which may make some gummy formats less effective over time. Tablets, being compressed powder, carry less of that risk.

Each serving includes 2 grams of added sugars and 25 mg of AstraGin, as Dana Angelo White, MS, RDN, ATC, points out. AstraGin is sometimes used in supplements to support nutrient absorption in the gut. And though it isn’t necessarily a concern at typical use levels, it does add another ingredient beyond just creatine.

Related: Does Creatine Actually Cause Hair Loss? We Asked an Expert to Explain the Science

Why You Should Trust Me

I’m a health and fitness writer for Men’s Journal and an ACE-certified personal trainer. I've spent years putting fitness products to the test, from creatine products and pre-workout formulas to sweatproof headphones and weightlifting shoes. My goal is simple: provide you with experience-backed advice so you can figure out what’s actually worth your time and money for an elevated workout experience.