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Beyond Raw Creatine HCL is formulated with hydrochloride.
The HCL (Hydrochloride) helps to improve the body’s absorption rate and water solubility of creatine.
This allows for better absorption into the body promoting more ATP production.
Ultimately leading to improved gym performance, recovery, strength gains, and muscle growth.
Beyond Raw Chemistry Labs is an extension of the GNC brand.
They do not have their own store or website.
Although they’re a relatively new company, their parent brand, GNC has been around since 1935.
This is why I did not hesitate from purchasing a tub of their Creatine HCL for myself.
Table of Contents
Beyond Raw Creatine HCL Review
I have been using creatine on and off in my fitness journey for roughly 5 years.
Creatine Monohydrate was always my go-to.
Coincidently enough, the only reason I made the switch from mono to HCL was that my local GNC only had HCL pills left in stock.
After switching to Creatine HCL almost 4 months ago, it’s safe to say I will never go back to monohydrate.
For starters, I have noticed little to no water retention whatsoever while taking HCL. On the other hand, creatine monohydrate bloats me like a sponge.
Another thing to note with creatine HCL is that there is no loading phase required.
Meaning you don’t have to consume higher dosages when you first start using it to hone the benefits.
I have been taking one scoop, roughly 2 grams, about 45 minutes before my workouts, including active rest days.
The effects in the gym were noticeable within a few days of starting it.
Such as increased pumps, better muscle contractions, and overall performance boosts in both my hypertrophy and strength training.
In terms of recovery, I have noticed that my muscles are repairing maybe 8 hours sooner than normal.
Mind you I have also been getting an average of 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
The HCL combined with quality sleep has made for a powerhouse of recovery for me.
It’s important to note that before taking Beyond Raws Creatine HCL in powder form,
I was taking GNCs Creatine HCL 189 in pill form.
The powdered form seems to be working better for me in comparison to the pills, taking roughly the same dosages.
Although noticeable benefits have been taking place, they’re nothing to go crazy over.
Creatine HCL is a supplement, therefore it’s not a requirement for working out and building muscle.
If you do have the extra money to spare it’s something that will be worth your investment for a performance boost.
Pros and Cons
These are the pros I have noticed while taking Beyond Raw Creatine HCL:
- Minimal water retention
- Since taking creatine HCL I have gained maybe two lbs while in a maintenance phase.
- Gluten-Free
- Improved muscular strength and endurance
- Improved muscular fullness and pumps
- Creatine HCL improves ATP production
- Mixes well in 8-12 ounces of water
- Very good benefits for very few dosages
Here are the cons:
- Tastes absolutely horrible
- Needs to be mixed with something else to taste somewhat decent
- In comparison to Monohydrate, it is somewhat pricy
- Beyond Raw Creatine HCL is $39.99 on Amazon for 60 servings as of 1/02/2023
- Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate is $34.99 on Amazon for 85 servings (not including the loading phase)
- Mild water retention
- Foot cramps more than usual for me
Beyond Raw Creatine HCL: Taste Test
The first time I took Beyond Raw Creatine HCL I mixed it with my pre-workout.
So when I did finally drink it without a flavor masking additive I was shocked by how disgusting it tasted. It has a bitter, sour, sweet taste that is dreadful.
This is because the only ingredient it contains is CON-CRET Creatine HCL.
There are no other ingredients or added flavors. Mixing it with your pre-workout or some sort of water flavoring may be a good idea.
However, it is still drinkable on its own.
Below is a video taste test and review that I filmed.
Nutrition Facts
Beyond Raw Chemistry Labs Creatine HCL is lab-grade micronized creatine with hydrochloride.
Micronized means that the creatine has been separated into smaller bits to allow for easier absorption into the body.
There’s not much to go over with this because there’s only one ingredient listed on the nutrition label for this creatine.
As you can see from the label the only listed ingredient is CON-CRET Creatine HCL.
FAQs for Creatine HCL
How Much Beyond Raw Creatine Should I Take a Day?
Generally, the consensus is to take between 2-4 grams (1-2 scoops) of Beyond Raw Creatine HCL per day.
I recommend speaking to your healthcare provider before starting any supplementation regimen.
Do I Take Creatine Before or After a Workout?
Consuming creatine pre-workout helps increase energy reserves and optimize strength gains during exercise.
While taking it post-workout can help the muscles recover more quickly.
Ultimately, the best time to take creatine will depend on your personal goals and preferences.
Final Thoughts
On a scale of 1-10 here is how I rank Beyond Raw Creatine HCL:
- Effectiveness:
- 8/10
- Flavor:
- 0/10
Although I despise the taste it can easily be masked. The biggest thing for me is the fact that it doesn’t bloat me.
This is the form of creatine that I will use from now into the foreseeable future.
Sure it’s a bit more expensive than monohydrate, but for a good reason.
For me, any supplement that was shown to improve gym performance and muscular recovery with minimal side effects is worth trying out.
Nonetheless, if you’re interested in taking creatine, but don’t want the excess bloat, give creatine HCL a try.
If you enjoyed reading this Beyond Raw Chemistry Labs Creatine HCL reviews opinion of the product, check out my Psychotic Pre-workout review here!
