To clarify, supplements aren’t necessary to enhance sports performance or muscle mass gains. Yet, adding supplements to your regimen—like whey protein powder, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and creatine—might give you an edge if you’re consistent with the fundamentals.
Careful consideration went into selecting Redcon1 Tango Creatine as one of the best supplements for muscle growth. But what sets it apart, and is it right for you?
In this Redcon1 Tango Creatine Review, I, a registered dietitian, will explore its composition and benefits. Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor, will also share his personal experience with Tango. Let’s scoop into it!
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
First-Hand Testing and Honest Reviews by Fitness Industry Leaders
GGR’s expert testing team—composed of seasoned personal trainers, nutritionists, dietitians, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, and weightlifting coaches—commits to providing unbiased and comprehensive reviews. We evaluate products using our specialized GGR supplement testing methodology, rating each one on a scale from 1 to 5 based on several factors, including:
- Price per serving
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
- Customer service
- Customer reviews
We offer honest insights to help you make informed decisions, which you’ll find in this Redcon1 Tango review.
Redcon1 Tango Creatine
Redcon1 Tango Creatine
Product Highlights
- Multi-form creatine
- Contains creatine monohydrate, HCl, and patented Creatine Magnapower
- 7 grams of creatine per serving
- Available in 7 flavors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 7 grams of creatine per serving
- Three forms of creatine used
- Comes in 7 flavors
- Many customers say this creatine does not bother their stomachs
Cons
- Pricier than unflavored creatine
- Creatine may cause GI distress in some people
Bottom Line
Redcon1 Tango creatine is a multi-form creatine that contains 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, 1 gram of creatine HCl, and 1 gram of patented Creatine Magnapower. You can choose from seven flavor options, and although it's on the pricier side for creatine, many customer say this product doesn't bother their stomachs like other creatine has the tendency to do.
A Quick Look at Redcon1 Tango Creatine
Inspired by the military term “Readiness Condition,” Redcon1 formulates products to help individuals achieve peak readiness. Its best-sellers include Redcon1 Total War pre-workout and Redcon1 MRE protein products, but Tango’s ultra-loaded formula excites bodybuilders and fitness-goers alike.
Each serving of Tango delivers 6.75 grams of creatine—a blend of creatine monohydrate, CON-CRET Creatine HCl, and Creatine Magnapower™—and betaine, taurine, and L-ornithine enriches the formula. Although Tango stands out from typical, flavorless creatine powders, consider the following aspects before buying.
Before You Buy
- Redcon1’s website currently lists two flavors, down from seven, but exploring other sellers will likely reveal more variety.
- It’s unclear if Redcon1 tests for banned substances in sports, an essential factor for athletes.
Is Redcon1 Tango Creatine Worth It?
At $1.33 per serving, Redcon1 Tango Creatine is pricier than some of the best creatine supplements, typically averaging about $0.80 per serving. However, the ultra-loaded creatine may justify the price for some.
Great for:
- Anyone seeking flavored creatine options
- Consumers with higher creatine needs
- Individuals seeking to boost resistance training benefits
Not recommended for:
- Budget-conscious consumers
- Athletes needing a confirmed third-party-tested product free of banned substances
- People who prefer to avoid additives and artificial sweeteners
Redcon1 Tango Creatine Specs
| Price per serving | $1.33 |
| Flavors | Rocket Bomb, Strawberry Kiwi |
| Type of creatine | Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine HCl, Creatine Magnapower™ |
| Other notable ingredients | Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, L-Ornithine |
| Serving size | 1 scoop or 13.1-13.4 g (depending on flavor) |
| Sweetener | Sucralose, Acesulfame K |
| Third-party tested? | No |
Experience Using Redcon1 Tango Creatine
Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor and certified nutrition coach, tested out Redcon1 Tango Creatine and tells us: “My biggest pro, personally speaking, is that this is one of the few creatines that hasn’t made me feel overly bloated. Beyond that, I noticed an almost immediate improvement in my lifts and felt less sore after rigorous training sessions. I will be putting this on a subscription—it’s that good.”
Price Per Serving
A 30-serving container of Tango costs $39.99, equating to $1.33 per serving before tax.
Tango is unique but more expensive than other high-quality creatine powders available for as little as $0.50 per serving, resulting in a 2-out-of-5-star rating for its price value.
Formulation
We rated Tango’s unique formulation a solid 5 out of 5 stars, and here’s what you should know about it.
Key Ingredients
Tango’s standout feature is its 6.75 grams of creatine from three different sources, but it also includes other key ingredients:
- Creatine monohydrate (5 grams): Creatine monohydrate is the most-studied form of creatine, proven to increase muscular strength, power, and endurance. It may also reduce injury risk, promote muscle recovery, and enhance cognition, among other creatine benefits.
- CON-CRET Creatine HCl (1 gram): CON-CRET is a patented form of creatine hydrochloride (HCl), in which creatine is bound to hydrochloric acid to increase solubility and absorption.
- Creatine Magnapower (750 milligrams): Also known as magnesium creatine chelate, Magnapower is a patented form of creatine bound to magnesium claimed to “improve ATP production (energy), enhance performance, and promote muscle growth.”
- Betaine anhydrous (2.5 grams): Betaine1 helps enhance muscle endurance, power, and strength while supporting weight loss and muscle gain goals. It may also boost creatine’s bioavailability.
- Taurine (1 gram): Taurine2 may reduce muscle damage and improve recovery. Emerging evidence3 suggests taurine stimulates protein synthesis and regulates anabolism (muscle-building) in muscle cells.
- L-ornithine (1 gram): L-ornithine4 is a non-essential amino acid produced from arginine, the primary precursor for creatine, that may delay exercise-induced fatigue by reducing ammonia levels.
Despite Tango’s claims of superior muscle-building and post-workout recovery, a 2022 critical review5 and meta-analysis6 uphold creatine monohydrate as the “gold standard,” challenging the effectiveness of “novel forms” like creatine HCl and Magnapower. Most importantly, Tango’s almost 7-gram creatine serving exceeds the International Society of Sports Nutrition7 (ISSN) recommendation of 3 to 5 grams daily.
One thing to note is discrepancies in Tango’s product labels on the Redcon1 website, including varying amounts of betaine (2.5 grams versus 1 gram) and artificial flavors. I requested clarification and will provide an update once I have more information.
Other Ingredients
Tango also includes:
- Natural flavor
- Citric acid
- Malic acid
- Silicon dioxide
- Calcium silicate
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame potassium
- Beetroot powder
These ingredients help enhance the solubility, texture, flavor, sweetness, and color.
Taste and Solubility
Anthony sampled Tango’s Strawberry Kiwi flavor and raved, “It tastes exactly like what it says and isn’t overly sweet. The kiwi actually comes through pretty nicely.” This sweet victory awards Tango a 5 out of 5 for taste.
Tango nearly achieves perfection on the mixability front, earning a 4.5 out of 5. Anthony notes, “Mixes pretty easily, but I’ve found lumps from time to time.”
Side Effects
Anthony reported no negative side effects and even mentioned, “Felt stronger, near-instant results.” Given such positive feedback, we award Tango a 5 out of 5 in this category.
However, while creatine side effects are generally mild and temporary, some individuals might experience bloating, water retention, and weight gain.
Third-Party Testing
Redcon1 prides itself on its transparent labeling, but Tango’s packaging and website do not show visible proof of third-party testing, resulting in a 2 out of 5 rating.
Redcon1 Tango Creatine vs Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
Product Highlights
- Uses research-backed doses
- Available in more than 10 fruit flavors and an unflavored option
- Free from artificial sweeteners, colored dyes, fillers, and harmful additives
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10+ flavors, 1 unflavored option
- Includes B-Hydroxy B-Methylbutyrate (HMB)
- 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
- Contains no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, dyes, or fillers
- 10% off and free shipping with subscription
Cons
- No stimulant (for those looking for pre-workout boost)
- Some reviews say supplement is overly sweet
- Mixed reviews on solubility (not dissolving thoroughly)
Bottom Line
Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB puts a unique twist on the more traditional creatine monohydrate by adding HMB to more effectively build strength, stamina and recovery. It's available in a dozen different flavors, including an unflavored option; some reviews criticize the taste of some flavors, though, saying that they're overly sweet.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is another creatine product with unique features. Although both contain creatine monohydrate, here’s how Transparent Labs Creatine HMB stands out:
- Creatine content: Supplies 5 grams of creatine monohydrate versus Tango’s additional 2 grams.
- Key ingredients: Features HMB8 to improve body composition and exercise performance, vitamin D for overall health, and BioPerine to enhance ingredient absorption.
- Ingredient quality: Free from artificial sweeteners, dyes, fillers, and additives.
- Flavors and tub sizes: Provides a broader range of flavors with a 30- or 60-serving tub option.
- Cost: Higher than Tango, but similar with a subscription for Creatine HMB’s 60-serving tub at around $1.35 per serving.
- Third-party testing: Undergoes third-party testing by Informed Choice, ensuring it meets international purity standards and is free from banned substances.
For a detailed comparison, refer to the table below and our Transparent Labs Creatine Review.
| Redcon1 Tango Creatine | Transparent Labs Creatine HMB | |
| Price per serving | $1.33 | $1.49-$1.66 |
| Flavors | Rocket Bomb, Strawberry Kiwi | Unflavored, Blue Raspberry, Sour Grape, Tropical Punch, Peach Rings, Cherry Kiwi, Fruit Punch, Watermelon Black Cherry, Orange, Hawaiian Splash, Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Blueberry Pomegranate |
| Key ingredients | Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine HCl, Creatine Magnapower, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, L-Ornithine | Creatine Monohydrate, Vitamin D, HMB, BioPerine |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (13.1-13.4 g depending on flavor) | 1 scoop (9.9 g) |
| Other ingredients | Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Calcium Silicate, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Beet Root Powder | Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Stevia Extract |
| Sweetener | Sucralose, Acesulfame K | Stevia Extract |
| Third-party tested? | No | Yes |
Customer Experience
Redcon1 boosts customer satisfaction with a comprehensive FAQ section, multiple support options (email, phone, chat), a rewards program, and discounts for military and first responders.
Details on shipping and returns are provided, but here’s a recap:
Shipping:
- Locations: Ships only in the United States, although Redcon1 products are available worldwide.
- Delivery time: 5 to 7 days with UPS shipping and 1 to 3 business days with USPS priority.
- Cost: Shipping costs aren’t stated upfront. For a Missouri address, UPS standard shipping was $6.99, and USPS standard shipping was $7.16, with no priority shipping option available.
Returns and Refunds:
- Damaged and missing items: Notify within 3 days of receipt for a free replacement and shipping.
- All other returns and exchanges: Accepted within 30 days of receipt, but refunds are issued once all original and promotional items are returned.
Ordering Redcon1 Tango Creatine
Order Tango through the Redcon1 website or third-party retailers like Amazon, Vitamin Shoppe, and GNC.
For maximum savings, take advantage of Redcon1’s rewards program and subscription service for 30 percent off and free shipping. Although the monthly delivery schedule is set, you can cancel or postpone shipments as needed.
Customer Reviews
Anthony had great things to say about Tango, verified by its 4.5-out-of-5-star rating on Amazon from over 400 reviews at the time of this writing. Customers highlight noticeable improvements in performance and recovery, although some find it too sweet.
Final Verdict of Our Redcon1 Tango Creatine Review
Redcon1 Tango Creatine is a multi-loaded formula featuring three types of creatine and additional ergogenic (sports performance) aids. If you’re considering adding it to your supplement stack, consider these final thoughts:
- Provides 6.75 grams of creatine per serving, delivering 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, 1 gram of CON-CRET Creatine HCl, and 750 milligrams of Creatine MagnaPower.
- Exceeds the recommended daily creatine intake of 3 to 5 grams, though some may benefit from the higher dose or by halving the serving size.
- Pricier than other effective creatine powders but is flavored and formulated with taurine, betaine, and L-ornithine to enhance exercise performance and recovery.
- It offers transparent labeling but lacks third-party testing.
Full Rating
Redcon1 Tango Creatine
Redcon1 Tango creatine is a multi-form creatine that contains 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, 1 gram of creatine HCl, and 1 gram of patented Creatine Magnapower. You can choose from seven flavor options, and although it’s on the pricier side for creatine, many customer say this product doesn’t bother their stomachs like other creatine has the tendency to do.
Product Brand: Redcon1
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 39.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
Redcon1 Tango Creatine: FAQs
When should I take Tango Creatine?
Redcon1 recommends taking 1 scoop of Tango immediately after a workout, although the timing of creatine supplementation9 is less critical than consistently taking it.
What is the best creatine to take?
A 2022 critical review5 and 2022 meta-analysis6 highlight creatine monohydrate as the best choice and “gold standard” for its proven effectiveness, safety, and affordability.
How much water should I consume with creatine?
Although there are no formal guidelines for how much water you should drink with creatine, hydration needs increase since water draws into muscles. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8 ounces of water with your creatine dose in addition to your total daily water intake.
What are the different types of creatine?
Creatine monohydrate is the most popular and studied, yet other types of creatine include creatine hydrochloride, creatine magnesium chelate, and creatine phosphate, among many others.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Cholewa JM, Wyszczelska-Rokiel M, Glowacki R, et al. Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Aug 22;10(1):39. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-39. PMID: 23967897; PMCID: PMC3844502.
- Kurtz JA, VanDusseldorp TA, Doyle JA, et al. Taurine in sports and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 May 26;18(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s12970-021-00438-0. PMID: 34039357; PMCID: PMC8152067.
- Hao Q, Wang L, Zhang M, et al. Taurine stimulates protein synthesis and proliferation of C2C12 myoblast cells through the PI3K-ARID4B-mTOR pathway. Br J Nutr. 2022 Nov 28;128(10):1875-1886. doi: 10.1017/S0007114521004918. Epub 2021 Dec 9. PMID: 34881695.
- ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Ornithine. Ornithine – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/ornithine
- Kreider RB, Jäger R, Purpura M. Bioavailability, Efficacy, Safety, and Regulatory Status of Creatine and Related Compounds: A Critical Review. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 28;14(5):1035. doi: 10.3390/nu14051035. PMID: 35268011; PMCID: PMC8912867.
- Fazio C, Elder CL, Harris MM. Efficacy of Alternative Forms of Creatine Supplementation on Improving Performance and Body Composition in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 Sep 1;36(9):2663-2670. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003873. Epub 2021 Feb 11. PMID: 36000773.
- Kreider RB, Kalman DS, Antonio J, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017 Jun 13;14:18. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z. PMID: 28615996; PMCID: PMC5469049.
- Kim D, Kim J. Effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplementation on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage: a mini-review. Phys Act Nutr. 2022 Dec;26(4):41-45. doi: 10.20463/pan.2022.0023. Epub 2022 Dec 31. PMID: 36775650; PMCID: PMC9925108.
- Ribeiro F, Longobardi I, Perim P, et al. Timing of Creatine Supplementation around Exercise: A Real Concern? Nutrients. 2021 Aug 19;13(8):2844. doi: 10.3390/nu13082844. PMID: 34445003; PMCID: PMC8401986.
