Whether you’re looking to build muscle mass or gain weight, there’s something for everyone. Check out the best weight gainers for building muscle mass.
Weight gainers are used by many people who are interested in gaining weight. Whether your goal is to gain muscle mass or body fat, it’s essential to choose the right type of weight gainer. You must ensure that you’re eating a nutritious diet and your supplement to build muscle mass effectively. Learn more about how weight gainers can help you get bigger here!
What are Weight Gainers?
Weight gainers are a highly effective muscle-building supplement. They contain high amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and calories in each serving. The primary benefit is that they make consuming enough calories and protein to build muscle and gain weight easier. Eating enough can be the most challenging part when trying to gain weight.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to increase your calorie intake, consider adding a weight gainer supplement to your diet.
These specially formulated supplements are designed for putting on mass. They contain large amounts of protein, carbs, and calories in every serving.
This article reviews the best mass gainers on the market, including whey-based protein powders and vegan formulas.
How Weight Gainers Can Help You Build Muscle Mass
Weight gainers help you gain weight. Whether your goal is to gain muscle mass or body fat, it’s essential to choose the right weight gainer and ensure that you’re eating a nutritious diet and your supplement to build muscle mass effectively.
If you’re trying to build muscle mass, weight gainers can help you consume enough calories and protein to support your goals. These supplements are typically high in protein and carbs, which are essential for building muscle.
In addition to providing calories and protein, weight gainers also contain other nutrients that can help with muscle growth. For example, many weight gainers contain creatine, which has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength.
Build Muscle Mass Safely and Efficiently
There are a lot of misconceptions about building muscle mass and how to go about doing it effectively. Some people believe that you need to eat vast amounts of protein to gain muscle mass in one sitting. The truth is that when you consume an excess amount of protein, your body does not metabolize or process all of it efficiently. So instead of using most of it to build and repair muscle tissue, a significant portion can end up going towards other functions in your body. Instead, when trying to increase muscle mass, it’s best to focus on eating every three hours or so throughout your day and consuming between 1-1.5 grams per pound that you weigh on average each day.
The Importance of Protein in your Diet
When you’re trying to build muscle mass, it’s important to incorporate lots of protein into your diet. Protein provides your body with amino acids, essential for building muscle mass. If you aren’t eating enough protein, your body will begin using existing muscle mass as a source of these amino acids—which means that you may end up damaging your muscles without ever gaining new muscle tissue. Your diet should include 1-1.5 grams of protein per pound that you weigh each day. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to increase water intake throughout the day.
Benefits of Weight Gainers for Building Muscle Mass
Muscle mass is a priority for many individuals looking to maintain or improve their health. Weight gainers are dietary supplements that contain protein and carbohydrates in powder form. These supplements are used to help individuals gain weight when they are unable to do so through diet and exercise alone. Weight gainers, especially those that contain creatine, can increase lean muscle mass, which benefits your health by increasing strength and improving heart health. Consult with your doctor before adding a weight gainer supplement to your diet.
Weight Gainers Help You Build Lean Muscle Mass
Weight gainer supplements may improve the rate at which you build lean muscle mass by increasing your caloric intake. This is especially important if you’re regularly working out because exercise uses up excess calories, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Weight gain supplements provide additional calories and protein. They help prevent your body from using its existing muscle tissue as an energy source during workouts and throughout the day.
Weight Gainers Help You Increase Strength
Weight gainers typically contain creatine, a compound that’s naturally produced by your liver and kidneys. Creatine helps your muscles produce more ATP, the energy they use to contract and move. As ATP levels increase, so does muscle recovery after intense workouts, allowing you to lift heavier weights or add more repetitions per set.
Weight Gainers Help You Improve Performance
Creatine has been shown to improve performance in athletes who compete in sports that require endurance, such as running, cycling, swimming, rowing, and cross country skiing. It also improves performance in power sports like football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).
Weight Gainers Help You Decrease Fatigue
One study found that participants who consumed creatine experienced less fatigue after exercising than those who didn’t take any supplements. Other studies have shown that creatine increases the number of mitochondria – the organelles responsible for producing energy – within cells. When there are more mitochondria, your cells can produce more energy and recover faster after exercise.
Best Weight Gainers for Building Muscle Mass
MuscleTech Mass-Tech Mass Gainer
- MASS GAINER PROTEIN POWDER – MuscleTech Mass Tech is an advanced muscle mass gainer for those who have struggled with adding size, are in their bulking phase or want to break through their strength plateaus
- MUSCLE BUILDER – Mass Tech delivers 20% better amino acid absorption. ProHydrolase is designed to maximize the performance benefits of protein assisting the body in absorbing EAAs for building muscle and improving muscle recovery
- SUPERIOR WEIGHT GAINER – It’s clean and simple. Delivers more protein (80g), better calories and bigger results than other mass gainers, with the macros you need to pack on quality mass
- CREATINE MONOHYDRATE – Each serving delivers 1,000 nutrient-dense calories derived from high-quality protein and quickly digested carbs. Each calorie-dense serving is enhanced with a huge 10g dose of the most studied form of creatine for even better gains
- DAILY WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS – Mix 1 serving with 16 oz of water or skim milk and consume twice daily, either in the morning, between meals or post-workout. For best results, use a blender
MuscleTech’s Mass Tech Mass Gainer is your secret for rapid weight gain and superior muscle growth. Packed with a massive 82 grams of protein, it gives you the extra calories you need to build muscle and carbs fuel your workout. And because it’s so rich in nutrients, you can eat more calories — meaning faster gains in lean mass. This product features a high concentration of the purest forms of fast-digesting protein available, and it has no aspartame sweetener.
MusclePharm Combat XL
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As a quick rundown, the MusclePharm Combat XL supplement satisfies the requirements for a good weight gainer with little in the way of any serious drawbacks. With 50 grams of protein per serving, you’re getting a full protein meal. Not just some paltry amount that’s barely registering as anything worthwhile. As we’ve discussed, this is an essential factor to look at when selecting your weight gainer. Otherwise, you may as well be drinking water and chucking down some almonds or something.
CytoSport Monster Mass
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Our Mass Gainers are formulated to provide quality calories that help increase your overall calorie intake to gain weight and add lean muscle mass. Each serving delivers an estimated 452 calories and 54 grams of high-quality proteins to help facilitate muscle growth after training. 6 grams of CreaPure® whey isolate, a premium level of this powerful amino acid, is included in each serving. It’s time you put your body on a path toward transformation!
MHP Up Your Mass
- ✓ 1350 Nutrient Dense Calories
- ✓ Powerful Gains in Hard, Dense Muscle Mass
- ✓ Optimizes Insulin Response for Maximum Muscle Growth
- ✓ 50g Protein - Fast & Sustained Release Protein Blend
- ✓ Milkshake Tasting Flavors
MHP UYM is a serious mass gainer that tastes great and provides 1350 nutrient-dense calories PER SERVING to help you pack on hard, dense muscle mass. The fast, high-quality protein blend in MHP UYM will have you feeling fuller with fewer cravings. 8 Superfoods combined with 50g of milk protein help optimize insulin response for maximum muscle growth. MHP UYM flavors are the best-tasting masrs, and your taste buds will love them.
Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer
- HIGH CALORIE WEIGHT GAINER: More than 1,200 calories per 2-scoop serving
- 50 grams of blended protein per 2-scoop serving
- Over 250 grams of carbohydrates per 2-scoop serving
- 22 vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc to provide immune support
- With over 20 vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C and Zinc to provide immune support
“This weight gainer is an excellent high-quality protein and carbohydrate blend. Its formula contains digestive enzymes to help with absorption, making it ideal for those who want to gain muscle mass. It’s calorie-dense, high in fiber, and available in various flavors.”
This is another effective product that delivers protein and carbs at a high level.
This product is made by Optimum Nutrition, known for producing high-quality sports nutrition products.
You get 10 grams of protein per scoop and 12 grams of carbs. There are also 150 calories per serving.
Optimum Nutrition’s extreme performance weight gainer is one of the cheapest products available. For just under $10, you can get yourself a large tub of this stuff.
It has a nice vanilla flavor that goes perfectly with smoothies and shakes.
Some people find that this product is relatively slow to show results. Others claim that it helps them gain muscle quickly.
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
- 10.7 grams of BCAAs as building blocks, including 5.1g Leucine, as building blocks to help activate Muscle Protein Synthesis
- 1280 calories and 245g carbs per serving to help even the hardest gainers pack on mass
- 52g protein per serving (a blend of fast and slow digesting proteins) to fuel your muscles throughout the day
- 14 vitamins and minerals to support muscle recovery.
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer provides a whopping 1250 calories per serving. So it’s one of the best weight gainers for bulking up. It also has 252 grams of carbs, which is quite high. This makes sense, considering that they’re catering to those looking to bulk up. It also has 25 vitamins and minerals to provide you with a well-balanced diet. Simultaneously helping you put on some serious muscle mass.
On the downside, Dymatize Super Mass Gainer only has 52 grams of protein per serving and is not certified as organic or vegan-friendly like Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer Weight Gainer Protein Powder. However, Dymatize does offer several tasty flavors. Chocolate peanut butter and vanilla caramel that genuinely tastes great when mixed with water or milk (depending on your preference).
BSN True Mass 1200
- BSN TRUE MASS 1200: The ultra-premium super mass gainer for extreme training
- MAXIMUM CALORIES: Contains over 1200 calories per serving – the highest amount made by BSN
- ULTIMATE CARB-PROTEIN MIX: 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein
- ULTRA-PREMIUM PROTEIN MATRIX: 50g of multi-source protein per serving plus branched chain, essential, and non-essential amino acids
- PEAK CARB COUNT: 213-215g of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from rolled oats.
BSN True Mass 1200 comes in various flavors and delivers 1,250 calories per serving (two heaping scoops mixed with 16 ounces of water or milk) to help you gain weight. There are 50 grams of protein, 250 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of fiber in each serving.
The formula uses a multi-phase carb complex and contains 25 vitamins and minerals and a digestive enzyme complex for better nutrient absorption.
BSN TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer
- TRUE-MASS: 700 CALORIES PER SERVING – the extra nutrition your body needs to build mass in an extreme training program.
- 2:1 RATIO OF CARBS & PROTEIN – provide your body a high-quality mix of carbs and protein to support your mass gaining goals
- 46G-50G PROTEIN FROM ULTRA-PREMIUM PROTEIN SOURCES – whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, micellar casein, hydrolyzed whey protein, and egg whites
- Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) FATS – round out the nutritional value of each shake and complement BSN's legendary great taste
- BSN FLAVOR TECHNOLOGY – Unbeatable taste and consistency for a milkshake-like experience you’ll always love, with several craveable flavor options
From the most trusted source in sports nutrition, TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer lets you gain lean muscle fastpacking in over 700 quality calories per serving.
Carbohydrates and protein provide your body with a quality carbohydrate and protein mix to support your mass-gaining goals. It contains 46g to 50g of protein from ultra-premium protein sources (whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, micellar casein, hydrolyzed whey protein, and egg whites), plus medium-chain triglycerides. These nutrients round out the nutritional value of each shake. They complement the legendary great taste you’ve come to expect from BSN.
Plus, it has 10g naturally occurring BCAAs per serving to help support your recovery efforts from intense bouts of exercise. So put down that weight gainer full of complex carbs and start putting on serious muscle. Every scoop of TRUE-MASS helps power up your physique.
MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder
- Fuel Muscles, Yields Results: MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder was created for athletes who train hard and demand more from their body. Combat Protein Powder offers 25 grams of protein per serving.
- The Athlete's Complete Protein: Engineered for the elite with premium protein from 5 unique sources including whey protein isolate, hydrolysate & concentrate, egg albumin, and milk protein concentrate.
- Dynamic Protein Profile: Combat's diverse protein sources digest at varying rates to deliver comprehensive amino acid infusion, advantageous for efficient muscle growth and recovery. Mouthwatering Chocolate Milk flavor tastes great. Shake & take pre or post workout.
- Crafted by Experts, Delivered with Excellence: MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder is gluten free, banned substance tested and certified by Informed-Choice and Informed-Protein, so athletes can take it with confidence.
- Unleash Your Potential: Our mission is to fuel the relentless pursuit of greatness among athletes. Our cutting-edge, science-backed formulas optimize physical performance, enhance recovery, and ensure you have the tools you need to conquer new heights and redefine your limits.
MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder is a low-fat, high-protein powder used to repair and build muscle after workouts. This supplement has been created with the university athlete in mind and contains quick-digesting proteins to fuel the body’s energy for hours after working out. With this product, you can support lean muscle growth and strength in just minutes a day.
Muscle Milk Chocolate Flavor
- Contains one (1) 5 pound bag (about 66 servings) of Muscle Milk 100% Whey Protein Powder. Packaging may vary. Shaker bottle sold separately.
- HELPS SATISFY HUNGER AND BUILD MUSCLE – Muscle Milk 100% Whey Protein Powder supplies your body with high quality protein to support post-workout recovery and muscle growth. Try taking it to-go in a shaker bottle for an energizing on-the-go breakfast.
- KEY FEATURES – Based on 1 serving, Muscle Milk 100% Whey Protein Powder contains 25g high-quality 100% whey protein and 2g sugar. It’s also low in fat.
- VERSATILE AND EASY-TO-MIX – Muscle Milk 100% Whey Protein Powder dissolves easily in water; just mix 1 scoop into 8 fluid ounces of water using a shaker bottle. Shaker bottle sold separately. Also add to recipes when you are looking for a protein boost.
- SCIENCE BEHIND PROTEIN – Muscle Milk 100% Whey provides a blend of high-quality whey protein isolate and concentrate to help increase amino acid levels. These essential amino acids play a role in muscle growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Muscle Milk 100% Whey Protein Powder supplies your body with high-quality protein for rapid essential amino acid delivery that can aid recovery and support muscle growth following a workout.
This protein is sourced from grass-fed, hormone-free cows and is produced using Advanced Microfil® processing to ensure whey protein fractions for fast absorption, maximum assimilation, and unparalleled purity.
One serving of Muscle Milk also offers 5.5g of naturally occurring BCAAs from bound whey protein, including 2.6g leucine – the critical trigger for muscle growth.
Should I Use Whey Protein or Meal Replacement Powders?
When considering which protein powder to use, it’s essential to look at what kind of protein you want. Some powders have whey protein, while others are made up of whey and casein proteins. The best weight gainer powders contain whey as their main ingredient because it is fast-digesting and can be used for immediate muscle repair after a workout. On the other hand, Casein is slower-digesting and can be used before bed or between meals.
How to Choose Your Weight Gainer
When choosing a weight gainer, you want to focus on ingredients that will help you build muscle mass. There are several proteins for muscle growth: whey isolate, micellar casein, and milk protein isolate are great options for your supplement regimen. When selecting your weight gainer, look for one with at least 20 grams of protein per serving. Aim for more than one gram of carbohydrates and less than three grams of fat in each scoop.
Supplements To Take With your Weight Gainer
Proper supplementation is a must to get optimal results from your weight gainer. A good rule of thumb is to take one gram of protein per pound, so if you weigh 200 pounds, you would want to take 200 grams of protein (for example). The best part about supplementation with a weight gainer is that it comes with most supplements already included in it. If we use Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass as an example, then one serving contains 25 grams of fast-acting proteins, which means all we would need is six servings per day, and our daily intake of protein would be 150 grams-or triple. What it should be!
Recommended Dosage of Weight Gainers
The recommended dosage for weight gainers varies from person to person based on body size, gender, age, and other factors. However, the general recommendation is around 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day. This means that someone who weighs 70 kilograms would need to consume about 70 grams of weight gainer daily. You may find it helpful to follow a guide like this to determine how much you should be consuming.
Side Effects of Weight Gainers
Weight gainers are safe for most people when used as directed. However, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- bloating
- gas
If you experience any of these side effects, try reducing your dosage or taking the weight gainer with food.
Eat a Calorie Surplus, Not A Calorie Deficit
It’s essential to eat enough calories if you’re looking to add muscle mass. But, it’s not just about eating a lot of food. Instead, eat a calorie surplus, which is more likely to help you build muscle mass than trying to live on protein shakes alone or following something like IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros). When you eat a calorie surplus, that is, when you consistently eat more calories than your body needs each day, you store those extra calories as glycogen in your muscles and liver. Glycogen is essentially sugar and will eventually be broken down and burned off for energy, but it can serve as an essential energy source during that period.
There are many different weight gainers to help you get the most out of your workout.
If you’re on a mission to pack on muscle, bulk up and gain weight, there’s no one “right way” to do it. Most weight gainers available today have between 500 and 1,000 calories per serving, which can help you gain anywhere from 0.5 pounds to 1 pound per day (depending on your current body weight). The best weight gainer for one person may not be the best option for another-so. It’s essential to understand what your goals are before choosing a product.
There are many different weight gainers. Some are designed specifically for people who want to build muscle mass. Others are more appropriate for athletes looking to add quality calories without adding fat. You must read the label of any product before purchasing so you know exactly what ingredients you’re consuming and what kinds of benefits or nutritional values can be gained by taking them regularly.
FAQ about Weight Gainers for Building Muscle Mass
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.