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The caloric content of mass gainer supplements can range anywhere from 250 calories all the way up to 1000 calories or more.
If you’re someone who struggles with gaining weight, this might seem like the ideal solution.
But is it?
As a certified fitness trainer, I teamed up with a few colleagues, examined countless reviews, and tested over 30 mass gainers for over 4 months. Here's our list of the best mass gainers.
The Best Mass Gainer Supplements
- Best Overall Mass Gainer Supplement: Transparent Labs
- Cheapest Mass Gain Formula: Crazy Nutrition
- Best Mass Gainer Supplement for Energy Boost: Optimum Nutrition
- Best Mass Gainer Supplement for Weight Gain: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
- Best Tasting Mass Gainer Supplement: BSN True-Mass
- Best Mass Gainer Supplement for Customizable Caloric Intake: CytoSport Cyto Gainer
- Best Mass Gainer Supplement for Athletes: Universal Nutrition Real Gains
- Best Lactose-Free Mass Gainer Supplement: MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass
- Best Protein-Rich Mass Gainer Supplement: MuscleTech Mass Tech
Our Best Weight Gainer Supplements (September 2024)
1 - Transparent Labs Mass Gainer (Best Overall)
- Price per serving : $2.67
- Key ingredients : Grass-fed whey protein, MCTs, tapioca starch
- Flavors : Chocolate, Vanilla
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes in sweet vanilla and cookies and cream flavors
- Easily mixed with water shakes, and smoothies
- No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
- Made with 100% grass-fed whey protein concentrate
Cons
- The cookies and cream flavor is not gluten-free
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes needing high calorie intake
- Those preferring natural ingredients with no artificial additives
Who is it not for?
- Budget-conscious consumers due to high price per serving
Final Verdict
Perfect for athletes and bodybuilders seeking a high-calorie, clean diet supplement. It's nutritionally rich and free from artificial additives, but comes at a higher cost.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer contains 750 calories, 53 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat, and 109 grams of carbs per serving, which makes it a reliable mass gainer supplement available on the market to help you build muscle mass and gain weight quickly and effectively.
You can use this mass gainer to make weight gainer protein shakes or even as a meal replacement for muscle building while still getting all the important nutrients you need.
Supplement Facts:
Having tried Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, I can vouch for the quality. Each shake feels like a healthy, nutrient-packed meal that supports my muscle-building goals without the artificial stuff.
The cookies and cream option is not gluten-free though, but you can still try the sweet vanilla flavor.
Get 10% off using coupon code: TOTALSHAPE
2 - Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer (Cheapest Option)
- Price per serving : $2.50
- Key ingredients : Tri-Protein formula, Carb10, MCTs
- Flavors : Chocolate, Vanilla
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has Vanilla and Chocolate flavors
- No sugar crash
- Rich amino acid profile for better muscle recovery
- Claims muscle gains within two weeks of exercising
Cons
- Only available through its official website
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Beginners to mass gainers
- Those preferring a tri-protein blend for sustained release
Who is it not for?
- Those who avoid synthetic additives
Final Verdict
Ideal for newcomers to bodybuilding, providing a sustained protein release. It offers a balance of quality and cost, though it contains synthetic ingredients.
I remember the first time I tried Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer; I was a bit skeptical. There are countless products out there promising results, but not all deliver. Knowing they offered a 60-day 100% money-back guarantee gave me the confidence to give it a shot.
To my surprise, not only did I not need to utilize that guarantee, but I also saw noticeable gains within the first few weeks. It became a staple in my mass gaining journey.
This mass gainer has 672/695 calories, 4.4 fat, and 100 g carbs, which makes it great for muscle building.
Supplement Facts:
If Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer fails to meet your expectations, they offer a 60-day 100% money-back guarantee. In my experience, however, it’s unnecessary.
3 - Optimum Nutrition: Pro Gainer (Best for Energy Boost)
- Price per serving : $3.50
- Key ingredients : Whey protein, Casein, Egg albumen, Creatine, Glutamine
- Flavors : Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Packed with 650 calories per serving to support weight gain
- Helps boost energy for high-explosive workouts
- Easily mixed with water, shakes, and smoothies
Cons
- The unflavored variant does not taste good
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing calorie-dense supplements
- People who prefer multiple flavor options
Who is it not for?
- Those who prefer a low-carb diet
Final Verdict
A go-to for rapid weight gain, offering significant calories and nutritional content. However, it's not suitable for those on carb-restricted diets.
With the right balance of macronutrients, Pro Gainer makes a perfect supplement that can also be used at any time during the day.
What stood out for me with the Pro Gainer was the 5 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Having tried it, I noticed a stable energy level during my workouts, thanks to the improved blood glucose control.
ON Pro Gainer also contains a nice blend of whey, casein, as well as egg protein, so this will be a good option for those who tend to struggle with having too much whey protein (lactose intolerant people) in their diet.
Supplement Facts:
This mass gainer supplement also contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are a type of fat that serves as a good energy source in the body that can help with maintaining optimal body composition and preventing obesity, as noted by a study [1].
4 - Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass (Best for Weight Gain)
- Price per serving : $2.50
- Key ingredients : Whey protein, Micellar Casein, BCAAs, Creatine, Glutamine
- Flavors : Gourmet vanilla, Rich chocolate
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Another high-quality weight gainer from ON
- Contains 1,250 calories per serving for better gains
- Speeds up muscle recovery after workouts
Cons
- Texture is not really good when mixed with water
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- High-performance athletes
- Those looking for added nutrients like BCAAs and Creatine
Who is it not for?
- Individuals with lactose intolerance
Final Verdict
Offers a robust formula enriched with vitamins and minerals, ideal for intensive trainers. Not recommended for lactose intolerant due to dairy components.
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass was created as a high-quality mass gainer protein powder for those who want to gain weight.
When I incorporated Serious Mass into my routine, the 1,250 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving made a noticeable difference in my energy levels and recovery.
We found that this muscle gain supplement helps provide the nutrients needed to gain weight without forcing yourself to overeat.
It also speeds up muscle recovery after intense exercise sessions to get you ready for the next gym day. Packed with 25 vitamins and minerals, Serious Mass helps keep you energized while adding gains.
Supplement Facts:
You can take this supplement between meals, during post-workout, or before going to bed.
Pro tip: If you want to gain some serious size, mix this with whole milk.
5 - BSN True-Mass (Best Tasting)
- Price per serving : $3.75
- Key ingredients : Protein blend (Whey, Casein), Hydrolyzed whey protein
- Flavors : Chocolate milkshake, Vanilla ice cream
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Contains 700 calories per serving to support weight gain
- Provides 2:1 ratio of carbs and protein
- Tastes great in shakes and smoothies
Cons
- Not advisable to take during post-workout
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Bodybuilders needing high protein and calorie intake
- Those looking for muscle recovery support
Who is it not for?
- Dieters or those on a calorie deficit
Final Verdict
Excellent for serious athletes focusing on building size and recovery. Its high calorie content makes it unsuitable for those cutting weight.
This product contains 700 calories per 3-scoop serving and provides you with 17 grams of dietary fat, 90 grams of carbs - 15 of those from sugar, and 6 grams from fiber, as well as 50 grams of protein.
When I tried BSN True-Mass, the balanced nutritional profile fit perfectly into my dietary plan. It supported my muscle gain without compromising my overall health.
This is a higher-fat product, so it is a good option later on in the day. Use it at a time other than the post-workout period.
Supplement Facts:
It also contains 10 grams of naturally-occurring branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which our nutritionist suggests are effective in supporting anabolism and muscle recovery in the body.
6 - CytoSport Cyto Gainer (Best for Customizable Caloric Intake)
- Price per serving : $1.75
- Key ingredients : Whey protein concentrate, Creatine Monohydrate, L-Glutamine
- Flavors : Chocolate, Vanilla
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Recommended for those who want to take lighter supplements
- Promotes muscle recovery after high-energy workouts
- Tastes good with whole milk
Cons
- We find it hard to mix with other liquid
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes in bulking phase
- Individuals who prefer a supplement with minimal fat
Who is it not for?
- Those seeking organic or natural ingredient profiles
Final Verdict
Great for adding muscle bulk efficiently with minimal fat. Not ideal for those who prefer natural ingredients over synthetic blends.
CytoSport is a well-known manufacturer of protein powders and weight gainers. Their Cyto Gainer is a mass gainer supplement that contains a lower overall caloric content at just of only 550 calories per serving.
In my earlier days of training, getting enough calories was a challenge. CytoSport Cyto Gainer became a game-changer for me. The flexibility to double the serving size ensured I was getting the calories I needed to see real muscle growth.
Supplement Facts:
Aside from the presence of artificial flavors and sweeteners, it is also hard to mix with other liquids so you might have to double your shaking efforts to have a satisfying and smooth drink.
7 - Universal Nutrition Real Gains (Best for Athletes)
- Price per serving : $3.00
- Key ingredients : Whey protein, Micellar Casein, Complex carbs
- Flavors : Chocolate Ice Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Contains healthy fats you need for muscle gain
- With regular workouts, you’ll see gains in bulk and strength
- Plenty of calcium to help build a stronger skeleton
Cons
- Fairly high in sodium and cholesterol
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Hardcore trainers requiring dense nutrients
- People who need extra dietary fibers and fats
Who is it not for?
- Those sensitive to artificial ingredients
Final Verdict
Designed for hard gainers looking to pack on serious muscle. It packs high nutrients and calories but contains artificial components.
Real Gains Weight Gainer makes no bones about the fact that it’s high in carbs.
It's based on the old-school bulk building that focuses on producing large, powerful muscles and leaves any arguments over which diet is better for another day.
The drawbacks of this mass gainer supplement include the addition of a few artificial ingredients, as well as sugar and salt (possibly for flavor enhancement), but based on our testing, it works.
Supplement Facts:
If the kind of physique that gets attention is what you’re after, Real Gains will provide it for you. Your job then is to get into the weight room, build muscle, and sculpt that muscles into the body you want.
8 - MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass (Best Lactose-Free)
- Price per serving : $3.00
- Key ingredients : Beef protein isolate, Creatine, BCAAs
- Flavors : Chocolate fudge, Vanilla caramel
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Made with 100% hydrolyzed beef protein isolate
- Helps build lean muscle mass
- Good for those with sensitive stomachs
Cons
- Not vegan-friendly
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those who prefer beef protein
- Athletes looking for high protein efficiency
Who is it not for?
- Vegetarians or those who prefer traditional protein sources
Final Verdict
Unique for utilizing beef protein, making it highly efficient for muscle gain. Not suitable for vegetarians or those who dislike beef.
If you are really watching your sugar and carb count in your quest for lean muscle mass, you’ll want to consider Carnivor Mass by MuscleMeds.
As someone who is lactose intolerant, finding a suitable mass gainer was a struggle. Discovering MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass was a breakthrough for me. Made from beef, it was free of lactose and supported my muscle gains without upsetting my stomach.
With 0 grams of sugar, it’s one that will keep insulin levels stable, preventing unwanted body mass gain.
Supplement Facts:
With only 2 grams of fat, it’s also one that’s a good choice following a workout session.
9 - MuscleTech Mass Tech (Best Protein-Rich)
- Total calories : 830
- Protein : 63 grams
- Fat : 6 grams
- Carbs : 132 grams
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A generous 17 grams of BCAAs per serving
- One of the few mass gainer supplements and protein powders to include muscle building creatine monohydrate
- A well-balanced combination of slow and fast-digesting proteins
- 80 grams of protein per serving is among the best in class
Cons
- Like most protein powders, the taste is average
Mix a single serving of Mass Tech with a couple of cups of skim milk, and you'll get 1,000 calories and an astonishing 80 g of protein.
Mass Tech is loaded with 17 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) per serving to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and shorten recovery times.
MuscleTech doesn't stop there, however. They go all-in on muscle growth by providing 10 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving as well.
Supplement Facts:
Muscle soreness was a constant battle for me until I tried MuscleTech Mass Tech. The reduced recovery time was evident, and I found myself spending more productive hours in the gym, pushing my limits.
How We Tested the Best Mass Gainers
For reliable recommendations on mass gainers, we focused on these key criteria:
- Protein content. Evaluated the amount and quality of protein, essential for muscle growth.
- Carb and fat content. Assessed the balance of carbohydrates to protein and the quality of fats.
- Flavor and taste. Tested for palatability, as enjoyable flavor encourages consistent use.
- Price per serving. Compared cost-effectiveness to ensure value for money.
- Third-party testing. Gave preference to products with quality and purity certifications.
This streamlined approach enabled us to effectively rate and recommend the best mass gainers based on essential factors.
What to Look for in a Weight Gainer?
Here are a few things to look for in a weight gainer:
- Calorie requirements - You can opt for mass gainer supplements that can supply more than 450 calories in one serving to maximize your gains and meet your daily calorie requirements.
- High-quality protein (whey or casein) - The best types of protein are casein and whey, for muscle development, since they contain all the essential amino acids needed by the body.
- Carbohydrates - carbohydrate is the body's primary source of energy during exercise and strenuous physical activity, so a good amount of carbs won't only fuel your performance, but will also ensure weight gain.
- Ingredients - Knowing how to read the food label protects you from consuming ingredients that are not good or healthy for the body. Understanding the macronutrients (and micronutrients) on your favorite supplement is essential when planning your diet.
- Serving size - An average of 1-3 scoops per serving should be ideal for giving you the right amount of calories, vitamins and minerals while still being easy to ingest.
- Dietary Restrictions and Allergies - Those with lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or vegan preferences should look for specially formulated mass gainers to cater to these specific needs.
- Environmentally friendly mass gainers - Look for eco-friendly packaging, sustainable sourcing of ingredients, and cruelty-free testing.
Ingesting casein and whey (which most weight gainers have) results in net anabolism and muscle growth following exercise.
This will, however, depend on the calorie content of the drink and how fast your individual metabolism is.
What you should aim to do is match the weight gainer to your metabolic level. If you are a pure ectomorph and really struggling to increase your weight, you’ll want to look for a product that has 500+ calories per serving.
Additionally, if you support a very active lifestyle, burn a lot of energy but still gain fat, then a weight gainer in the 250-400 calorie range is more appropriate to support enhanced muscle endurance and growth.
See related post:
How to Choose Mass Gainer Supplements
To choose mass gainer supplements, you must consider the ingredients, evaluate the price, asses the taste and mixability, research the brand reputation, and analyze the nutritional profile.
- Ingredients. Analyze for high-quality proteins, complex carbs, vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes.
- Price evaluation. Calculate cost per serving, considering the number of servings and nutrient density, to compare value for money across similar price ranges.
- Taste and mixability trials. Test for flavor and mixability with water and milk, rating each product on taste, aftertaste, and texture.
- Nutritional profile analysis. Examine calorie content and macronutrients to ensure suitability for mass gain goals, noting additional beneficial ingredients like BCAAs, creatine, or omega-3s.
- Brand reputation and consumer feedback. Research brand presence, customer service, and manufacturing transparency. Analyze consumer reviews for satisfaction and recurring issues.
Reasons To Take A Weight Gainer
People take these calorie dense drinks because of two reasons:
- They struggle to hit their daily calorie requirement because of their busy lifestyle.
- They're an ectomorph or "hardgainer".
Weight gainer or mass gainer supplements are products designed to help you gain weight. Think supercharged protein powders, more or less [2].
Mass gainers are not just about packing in a surplus of calories; there's a science that underscores their efficacy. These supplements are meticulously formulated, combining proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in specific ratios to optimize muscle growth and recovery.
The synergy of these macronutrients, fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, ensures that athletes and fitness enthusiasts can push beyond their limits, aiding in efficient muscle recovery and impressive gains.
"Weight gain protein powders are helpful for increasing calories when you can't increase your calories from food alone."
- Susan Kleiner & Maggie Greenwood-Robinson (Human Kinetics)
How Much Weight Gainer Should I Drink?
You should drink one serving of a weight gainer. Generally, that will be enough for most people, but it will still depend on the calorie content of the drink and how fast your individual metabolism is [3].
What you should aim to do is match the weight gainer to your metabolic level. If you are a pure ectomorph and really struggling to increase your weight, you’ll want to look for a product that has 500+ calories per serving.
If you are someone who lives a very active lifestyle and burns a lot of energy but gains fat if they aren’t careful, then a weight gainer in the 250-400 calorie range is more appropriate to support enhanced muscle endurance and growth.
FAQ
Who Should Drink Weight Gainers?
People who struggle to gain any weight, i.e., those who are naturally thin and have an ectomorph body type, should drink weight gainers.
Mass gainer supplements may also be used by athletes who are expending a very high amount of energy daily and need extra calorie support.
A good rule of thumb is that if your daily calorie needs are higher than 3000 per day, looking into a weight gainer is a smart move. Eating more than 3000 calories per day from whole food sources can be hard to stomach, which is where a mass gainer comes in handy.
When Should I Drink My Mass Gainer?
You should drink your mass gainer post-workout so your muscles can soak up all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids to aid in your recovery.
However, you can always drink it for breakfast, between meals (as a snack), and before going to bed. You can mix mass gainers with water in your shaker, or if you want to add more calories, you can add milk.
If the texture is too thick, you can use a blender to get a better consistency. See more information on How to use mass gainers in this related post.
Can I Use A Mass Gainer Before My Workout Session?
You can use a mass gainer before starting your workout session, but it may make you feel bloated and/or sluggish while at the gym. For more efficient results, try using it after your workout or at another point during the day.
Should I Take My Mass Gainer With Food?
You shouldn't take your mass gainer supplements with food. Weight gainer supplements are very calorie-dense, and taking them with food may cause even more bloating to occur.
Can I Take It On Days I Don't Train In The Gym?
You can take a mass gainer on days you don't train in the gym if it helps you reach your calorie intake needs. Remember that your calorie intake may not be as high on non-training days, so you need to adjust your intake accordingly.
You may decide to only take half the serving size on non-training days as an easy way to achieve better calorie control.
Our Verdict on The Best Mass Gainer Supplement
The best weight gainer protein powder not only helps with weight gain and muscle growth, but also contains the essential vitamins and minerals and skips the unhealthy ingredients to achieve a good overall health.
According to our tests, that's exactly what you're going to get with the Mass Gainer from Transparent Labs.
With this high protein content, this mass gainer will optimize your results, helping you gain muscle and weight.
Since it comes from 100% grass-fed whey protein concentrate, you would be assured that the calories you are consuming are of top quality.
Use it as a high protein shake or a meal replacement. Either way, you can’t go wrong with the Mass Gainer for the results you want.
Our #1 Weight Gainer Supplement
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer (Best Overall)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Comes in sweet vanilla and cookies and cream flavors
- Easily mixed with water shakes, and smoothies
- No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
- Made with 100% grass-fed whey protein concentrate
- Get 10% off using code: TOTALSHAPE
- The cookies and cream flavor is not gluten-free
About The Author
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Thanks for this awesome weight gain supplements review! I followed your recommendation by buying ON Pro Gainer and so far, I have gained a few pounds by drinking this mass gainer. I know I’m on the right track with this product. Cheers!
These tips are awesome, I was looking for something like that. Thanks
Thanks for sharing such a great information, it is really helpful. Keep up the work.
The Transparent labs mass gainer is legit! Super delicious and i’ve already put on 4 pounds of muscle.
Indeed, these are some of the best weight gainers on the market. Thanks for sharing them with us!