Transparent Labs Creatine HMB pairs Creapure creatine monohydrate with HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate) and BioPerine in a fully disclosed, additive-free formula that diverges sharply from standalone monohydrate on ingredient count, cost per serving, and purity certification. The label says “Creatine HMB Strength Series.” The Supplement Facts panel tells you exactly how much Creapure creatine, how much HMB, and how much BioPerine is in every scoop. No proprietary blends. No hidden filler. We pulled the actual spec sheet to show what this blend delivers per scoop and how it stacks against basic creatine monohydrate on cost, purity, and ingredient transparency.
Spec Sheet: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB vs. Standard Creatine Monohydrate
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB delivers Creapure creatine monohydrate (German-sourced, 99.9%+ purity), calcium HMB, and BioPerine black pepper extract in a fully disclosed label with zero artificial ingredients. The spec differentiators are the additional active ingredients (HMB and BioPerine), the Creapure raw material provenance, the full label disclosure policy, and the higher cost per serving compared to standalone creatine monohydrate. Here is how the spec sheet breaks down.
| Spec | Transparent Labs Creatine HMB | Standard Creatine Monohydrate (e.g., ON) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Creatine monohydrate + HMB + BioPerine | Creatine monohydrate only |
| Creatine Source | Creapure (Germany, AlzChem) | Not disclosed (varies by brand) |
| Creatine per Serving | 5g monohydrate (~4.5g pure creatine) | 5g monohydrate (~4.5g pure creatine) |
| HMB per Serving | ~1.5g calcium HMB | None |
| BioPerine per Serving | 5mg (standardized to 95% piperine) | None |
| Label Disclosure | Full disclosure (no proprietary blends) | Full disclosure (single ingredient) |
| Artificial Ingredients | None (no colors, sweeteners, or preservatives) | None (single ingredient) |
| Third-Party Testing | Third-party tested (brand policy) | Varies by brand |
| Cost per Serving | Higher (blend premium) | Lower |
| Flavor Options | Unflavored + flavored varieties | Typically unflavored only |
HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine, added as a separate ingredient in this blend. The Serving size on the label includes both 5g of Creapure creatine monohydrate and approximately 1.5g of calcium HMB, plus 5mg of BioPerine, all in one scoop. You are paying for a three-ingredient stack, not a single-ingredient product. The cost per serving reflects that additional raw material and the Creapure sourcing premium.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is like a screwdriver set that includes the handle, the bits, and the case instead of just the handle alone. You are paying for the whole kit. Whether you need the whole kit or just the screwdriver depends entirely on what you are building. Read the ingredient panel. Count the active compounds. Decide if the blend premium fits your buying criteria.
Formula Deep Dive: What Each Ingredient Brings to the Label
Creapure creatine monohydrate is the anchor ingredient, providing 5g per serving of German-sourced creatine with a guaranteed purity of 99.9%+ and no detectable dicyandiamide or heavy metals. The same raw material used by Thorne and MuscleTech, manufactured by AlzChem Trostberg GmbH. The micronized particle size improves solubility. This is the same creatine molecule found in any standard monohydrate product. The Creapure designation is the raw material spec. The molecule itself is identical to any other creatine monohydrate.
Calcium HMB adds approximately 1.5g per serving, providing a separate ingredient with a different molecular structure from creatine. HMB is a metabolite of leucine, listed on the ingredient panel as “Calcium Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate.” It is a distinct compound from creatine with its own purity spec. The combination means two active ingredients in one scoop versus one. If you already take HMB separately, this blend consolidates both into a single serving.
BioPerine (black pepper fruit extract, 5mg per serving, standardized to 95% piperine) is added as a bioavailability ingredient. BioPerine is a patented black pepper extract manufactured by Sabinsa Corporation. The label lists it by its branded name with the standardization spec. It is the smallest ingredient by weight on the Supplement Facts panel.
Label transparency is a brand-level policy, not a product-specific certification. Transparent Labs discloses all ingredients with exact amounts on the label. No proprietary blends. No hidden excipients. The flavored versions use stevia and natural flavors, which are listed on the ingredient panel. The unflavored version contains only the active ingredients.
- Creatine Source: Creapure (Germany), 99.9%+ purity
- HMB Source: Calcium HMB (separate ingredient)
- BioPerine: 5mg (95% piperine, Sabinsa patent)
- Additives: None in unflavored; stevia + natural flavors in flavored
- Cost Position: Premium vs. standalone monohydrate
- Best For: Lifters wanting a structured creatine + HMB stack in one scoop
Creatine + HMB Blend vs. Standalone Creatine: The Spec Difference
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB combines two active ingredients in one container. Standalone creatine monohydrate contains one. The cost, the ingredient count, and the dosing protocol differ by spec.
- Ingredient Count: Transparent Labs has three active ingredients (creatine, HMB, BioPerine). Standalone monohydrate has one (creatine). The Supplement Facts panel tells you exactly which one you are buying.
- Cost per Serving: Transparent Labs costs more per scoop because it contains HMB and BioPerine. Standalone monohydrate is cheaper because it contains only creatine. Compare the cost per gram of creatine if that is your only variable. Compare the cost per serving if you value the HMB inclusion.
- Dosing Convenience: One scoop of Transparent Labs delivers both creatine and HMB. If you take HMB separately, this eliminates a second scoop. The label consolidates your stack into one product.
- Flavor Options: Transparent Labs offers flavored versions with stevia. Standalone monohydrate is typically unflavored. The flavoring adds ingredient complexity but improves palatability for some users.
- HMB Spec: HMB is a separate compound with its own molecular weight and purity spec. It is not a form of creatine. It is listed separately on the ingredient panel. For information on other HMB-containing products, see our full Transparent Labs Creatine HMB review.
Who Transparent Labs Creatine HMB Fits, Based on the Spec Sheet
Match the product specs to your buying criteria. This is a blend product. The question is whether the additional ingredients and the Creapure sourcing justify the premium over standalone monohydrate.
- The Stack Simplifier: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB consolidates creatine and HMB into one scoop. If you already take HMB separately or want to add it without a second container, the spec sheet supports one-product convenience.
- The Creapure Buyer: The product uses German-sourced Creapure with 99.9%+ purity. If raw material provenance is a primary variable, this product meets that spec alongside Thorne and MuscleTech at a different price point.
- The Clean-Label Buyer: The brand policy of full label disclosure with no proprietary blends and no artificial ingredients matches the buying criteria of users who audit labels before purchase. The unflavored version contains only the active ingredients.
- The BioPerine User: The inclusion of 5mg BioPerine (95% piperine) is a separate ingredient with a branded patent. If you value bioavailability ingredients in your stack, this product includes one that standalone monohydrate does not.
- The Budget-Focused Buyer: This product is not for you. Basic creatine monohydrate costs less per gram of creatine. The blend premium is real. If cost per gram of creatine is the only variable, read our creatine spec comparison guide for cheaper options.
- The Flavor-Seeking Buyer: Flavored versions use stevia and natural flavors. If you dislike stevia, the unflavored version is the alternative. Compare against other supplement flavor profiles for reference.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB: Pros and Cons, Spec Sheet Unspun
The Advantages (Product Specs)
- Creapure Creatine Sourcing: German-sourced raw material with 99.9%+ purity from AlzChem. No detectable dicyandiamide or heavy metals. Visible on the label as Creapure.
- Three Ingredients in One Scoop: Creatine monohydrate, calcium HMB, and BioPerine in a single serving. The label lists all three with exact amounts. No proprietary blends.
- Full Label Disclosure: All ingredients with exact milligram amounts. No hidden excipients. The brand policy mandates transparency on the Supplement Facts panel.
- No Artificial Additives: Unflavored version contains zero artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives. Flavored versions use stevia and natural flavors, listed on the label.
- BioPerine Inclusion: Patented black pepper extract (Sabinsa) at 5mg per serving, standardized to 95% piperine. A separate bioavailability ingredient not found in standalone monohydrate.
- Flavor Options Available: Unflavored and multiple flavored varieties provide choice for different palates without sacrificing label transparency.
The Trade-offs (Product Specs)
- Higher Cost per Gram of Creatine: The blend premium is real. You pay more per milligram of creatine compared to standalone monohydrate. The HMB and BioPerine are the line items that justify the price difference.
- Not for HMB-Free Buyers: If you only want creatine and nothing else, this product is overengineered for your needs. The HMB cannot be removed from the formula. A standalone monohydrate is the appropriate spec for that buyer profile.
- Stevia in Flavored Versions: Flavored varieties use stevia as a sweetener. Users who dislike stevia or prefer unsweetened supplements should select the unflavored version.
- Unflavored Texture: Unflavored creatine blends can have a chalky mouthfeel. The micronized Creapure reduces grit but does not eliminate texture entirely. This is a physical property of the powder, not a defect.
- No Sport-Level Certification: The product is third-party tested per brand policy but does not carry NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport certification marks on the label. Compare against Thorne (NSF certified) for that specific spec.
Dosing Protocol Per the Label
The label instructs one scoop daily, mixed with 8-12 oz of water or your preferred beverage. The serving delivers 5g of Creapure creatine monohydrate plus approximately 1.5g of calcium HMB plus 5mg of BioPerine. No loading phase is specified on the label.
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (weight varies by flavor; check the Supplement Facts panel)
- Creatine: 5g monohydrate (~4.5g pure creatine)
- HMB: ~1.5g calcium HMB
- BioPerine: 5mg
- Timing: No specific window stated on the label. Consistency across days maintains saturation.
- Loading: Not required per the label. Standard daily dosing applies.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB FAQ: Spec-Focused Answers
- Does this product contain Creapure creatine?
- Yes. The label lists Creapure creatine monohydrate as the creatine source. Creapure is a registered trademark of AlzChem Trostberg GmbH in Germany, guaranteeing 99.9%+ purity with no detectable dicyandiamide or heavy metals.
- What is the HMB content per serving?
- Approximately 1.5g of calcium HMB per serving, listed as “Calcium Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate” on the ingredient panel. The exact amount is printed on the Supplement Facts panel of the specific bottle you purchase.
- Is this product suitable for someone who only wants creatine?
- No. This is a blend product. It contains HMB and BioPerine in addition to creatine. If you want creatine alone, a standalone monohydrate product like Optimum Nutrition or Thorne is the appropriate spec sheet for that need.
- Does the flavored version contain artificial sweeteners?
- No. The flavored versions use stevia (a plant-derived sweetener) and natural flavors. The unflavored version contains no sweeteners or flavors. Both are disclosed on the ingredient panel.
- How does the cost compare to buying creatine and HMB separately?
- The cost is comparable or slightly higher than buying separate containers of creatine monohydrate and HMB, depending on the brands and serving sizes compared. The convenience of one scoop versus two is the spec variable that justifies the price for some buyers.
- Does this product require cycling?
- No. The label does not recommend cycling. Both creatine and HMB are single ingredients that do not require on-off cycling per their respective label instructions.
How It Stacks: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB vs. the Alternatives
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB occupies a specific niche: the structured blend for lifters who want creatine, HMB, and BioPerine in one container with full label disclosure and Creapure sourcing. It does not compete on price with standalone monohydrate. It competes on ingredient count and sourcing transparency.
Versus standalone creatine monohydrate (ON, Thorne, MuscleTech): Transparent Labs adds HMB and BioPerine at a higher cost per serving. Standalone monohydrate is cheaper and simpler. If you only want creatine, standalone monohydrate is the correct spec sheet.
Versus buying creatine and HMB separately: Transparent Labs consolidates two products into one. Same total ingredients, different container count. The cost is comparable or slightly higher than purchasing separate bottles, depending on the specific brands compared.
Versus other creatine blends (pre-workouts, all-in-ones): Transparent Labs is minimalist by comparison. It contains three active ingredients. Multi-ingredient pre-workouts may contain 10+ ingredients. The label disclosure policy is identical (full disclosure). The ingredient scope is narrower and more targeted.
Versus Transparent Labs’ own standalone creatine: Transparent Labs also sells a standalone Creapure creatine monohydrate. The Creatine HMB version is the same creatine base plus HMB and BioPerine. The choice between them depends on whether you want the additional ingredients.
Final Verdict: A Structured Blend for a Specific Buyer
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB delivers Creapure creatine, calcium HMB, and BioPerine in a fully disclosed, additive-free formula at a premium price point. The product excels on raw material provenance (Creapure), label transparency (full disclosure, no proprietary blends), and ingredient consolidation (three actives in one scoop). The trade-off is the higher cost per gram of creatine and the inability to separate the HMB from the formula. If the spec that matters to you is a clean-label creatine + HMB stack in one container with German-sourced raw material, the spec sheet points here. If you want the lowest cost per gram of creatine and nothing else, standalone monohydrate is the correct answer.
Verdict: Targeted Blend, Premium Price
Creapure creatine + HMB + BioPerine in a fully disclosed label. Best for stack simplifiers and clean-label buyers. Not for budget-focused users who want standalone monohydrate. Verify the current Supplement Facts panel and flavor availability before purchase.
*Prices, ingredient amounts, flavor availability, and formulations subject to change. Verify the Supplement Facts panel on the live listing before purchase. Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The Iron Lexicon: Creatine HMB Edition
- Creapure
- A registered trademark for creatine monohydrate manufactured exclusively by AlzChem Trostberg GmbH in Germany. Guarantees 99.9%+ purity with no detectable dicyandiamide, dihydrotriazine, or heavy metals. Visible on the label or product listing when used.
- HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate)
- A metabolite of the amino acid leucine. Listed on ingredient panels as “Calcium Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate” or “Calcium HMB.” A separate compound from creatine with its own molecular weight and purity spec.
- BioPerine
- A patented black pepper fruit extract (Piper nigrum) standardized to 95% piperine, manufactured by Sabinsa Corporation. Used as a bioavailability ingredient at 5mg per serving. Listed by its branded name on the ingredient panel.
- Full Label Disclosure
- A brand policy in which all ingredients are listed with exact amounts on the Supplement Facts panel. No proprietary blends. No hidden excipients. The policy applies across all Transparent Labs products.
- Supplement Facts Panel
- The federally mandated nutrition label on dietary supplement packaging. Lists serving size, active ingredients with amounts per serving, and other ingredients. The creatine, HMB, and BioPerine content per serving are found here.
- Proprietary Blend
- A labeling practice where the combined weight of multiple ingredients is listed without disclosing individual amounts. Transparent Labs does not use proprietary blends. This product’s label lists each ingredient with its exact milligram or gram amount.
Related Creatine & Supplement Spec Guides
- Creatine Spec Guide: 5 Top Picks Compared by Purity & Value — standalone monohydrate options for comparison against this blend.
- Momentous Creatine Monohydrate Review — another Creapure-sourced standalone option with third-party testing specs.
- How Long Creatine Takes to Work: A Realistic Timeline — saturation timelines based on dosing protocol.
- Creatine Loading Protocol Guide — when loading makes sense and when standard daily dosing suffices.
- Creatine and Beta-Alanine Stack Guide — another common pairing for lifters building a supplement stack.
- Gold Standard Whey Review — a common protein pairing for post-training nutrition.
- Transparent Labs Hydrate Review — another fully disclosed Transparent Labs product with a different spec profile.
