Lineage Creatine Monohydrate Review: Two Ingredients, Zero Fillers

Creatine monohydrate is the most researched dietary supplement on the planet, yet most brands sell the same powder with different labels. Lineage Provisions claims their Micronized Creatine Monohydrate stands apart with just two ingredients, rigorous third-party testing, and a sea salt addition designed to improve absorption.

The Lineage Provisions creatine delivers 5g of micronized creatine per serving with about 90 servings per container. Its formula skips the artificial fillers, flavoring, and additives that clutter many competitors.

I put this supplement through real-world testing to see if it lives up to the purity and performance claims. From mixability tests with just a spoon and water to evaluating its place in my daily workout routine, I wanted to know if the premium price tag is justified.

The short answer? Lineage delivers on purity and mixability, but there are a few things worth considering before you commit.

What I Liked

Lineage Provisions Creatine impressed me in several areas during testing. Here are the standout strengths.

Third-Party Testing and Transparency

Lineage submits every batch to independent third-party lab testing, screening for over 380 contaminants including heavy metals, glyphosate, and pesticides. The result is a verified 99.9% purity level, which puts it among the cleanest creatine supplements available.

This level of transparency matters in a supplement market where labels don’t always match contents. Knowing exactly what’s in each scoop gives genuine peace of mind, especially for those following an animal-based diet or clean label supplement approach.

Clean Two-Ingredient Formula

The ingredient list is refreshingly simple: micronized creatine monohydrate and sea salt. That’s it. No artificial sweeteners, no anti-caking agents, no mystery fillers.

The sea salt serves a functional purpose beyond taste. It provides electrolytes that support cellular hydration and may improve creatine absorption at the muscle level. This electrolyte balance approach sets Lineage apart from competitors that use pure creatine monohydrate alone.

Mixability and Taste

I ran a live cup-and-spoon test, and the results were notable. The micronized powder dissolved smoothly with just a spoon and water — no clumps sitting at the bottom of the glass and no chalky residue on the sides.

The unflavored formula has virtually no taste, which makes it versatile. Users report mixing it into matcha lattes, protein shakes, and plain water with equal success. Compared to other unflavored creatine supplements I’ve tested, this one leaves no gritty aftertaste.

Strength and Power Output

Creatine monohydrate increases ATP production in muscle cells, which is the primary energy currency for short-burst, high-intensity movements. This translates to measurable gains in strength training and resistance training performance.

The 5g per serving dose aligns with the clinically studied maintenance dose for creatine supplementation. Over time, consistent daily use supports lean muscle mass development, faster post-workout recovery, and even cognitive performance benefits that researchers continue to document.

What Needs Improvement

No supplement is perfect, and the Lineage Creatine has a few areas worth considering before purchasing.

Price Per Serving Breakdown

At $44.99 for 90 servings, Lineage costs roughly $0.50 per serving. That’s competitive with brands like Thorne but significantly more expensive than generic creatine monohydrate, which can run as low as $0.10-0.15 per serving for the same 5g dose.

The premium covers third-party batch testing and the sea salt addition. Whether that justifies a 3-4x markup depends on how much you value verified purity over a commodity ingredient. Budget-conscious buyers can find effective creatine for less.

No NSF Certified for Sport Status

Lineage’s third-party testing is thorough, but the product lacks NSF Certified for Sport certification. For recreational lifters, this likely doesn’t matter. For competitive athletes subject to drug testing, NSF certification is the gold standard that organizations recognize.

Thorne and a handful of other brands carry this certification, which may be a deciding factor for anyone competing at a tested level.

Some users on Reddit have noted that the heavy influencer marketing around Lineage — including widespread discount codes — raises questions about whether the product stands on its own merits. The creatine supplementation community generally advises that “brand is irrelevant” for creatine monohydrate, though Lineage’s testing transparency does provide a counterargument.

Water retention of 3-5 lbs during initial use is standard across all creatine products and not specific to Lineage. This is expected physiology, not a product flaw.

How It Compares to Other Creatine Supplements

The creatine monohydrate market is crowded. Here’s how Lineage stacks up against the most popular alternatives for workout performance.

Lineage vs Thorne Creatine

Thorne Creatine is the top pick across multiple expert publications including Healthline and Men’s Health. It delivers the same 5g creatine monohydrate per serving at roughly $0.48 per serving — nearly identical to Lineage’s pricing.

Thorne’s key advantage is its NSF Certified for Sport status, which matters for tested athletes. Lineage counters with its sea salt electrolyte addition and screening for 380+ contaminants. For recreational lifters focused on protein synthesis and muscle mass goals, both deliver the same core ingredient at similar cost.

Lineage vs Optimum Nutrition Creatine

Optimum Nutrition’s Micronized Creatine is a globally trusted option at a lower price point. The micronized form dissolves well and the brand carries strong third-party testing credentials.

Where Lineage differentiates is its two-ingredient simplicity and batch-specific contaminant testing. Optimum Nutrition is the safer choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want quality. Lineage appeals more to the clean label and animal-based nutrition community.

Budget creatine from Costco or generic brands delivers the same active ingredient at a fraction of the cost. The trade-off is less rigorous batch testing and no added electrolytes. For price-sensitive buyers, generic monohydrate is an effective alternative.

Final Verdict

Lineage Provisions Creatine Monohydrate delivers on its core promise: a clean, well-tested creatine supplement with a simple formula. The two-ingredient approach, verified 99.9% purity, and smooth mixability make it a standout in a category full of generic options.

I’m giving the Lineage Creatine a 4.6 out of 5.

The premium pricing and lack of NSF Certified for Sport status prevent a perfect score. But for anyone who values ingredient transparency and a no-filler formula, these are minor trade-offs. With 4.9 stars across 576+ customer reviews, the broader consensus supports the quality here.

Bottom line: If you want a creatine monohydrate supplement that prioritizes purity and clean ingredients over rock-bottom pricing, Lineage is an easy recommendation. If cost is your primary concern, effective alternatives exist for less.