Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by admin
Are you looking for the best mass gainers on the market?
You might be buying mass gainer for the first time or considering other options to what you’re taking now. Either way, this guide provides a full list of the best mass gainer supplements that you can buy today.
Mass gainer, despite often getting a bad reputation, is one of the most popular dietary supplements on the market.
It’s not just a workout supplement for bodybuilders and gym regulars, but an effective dietary supplement for those who find it hard to gain weight.
There is a lot to consider when buying mass gainer but it doesn’t have to be tricky.
This guide will break it all down for you, point you in the direction of the best mass gainers you can buy today, before finishing up with a few useful FAQs about mass gainer.
So, with all of that said and out of the way, let’s get into it.
Mass Gainer Explained
Firstly, what is mass gainer exactly? If you know what mass gainer is, go ahead and skip this part. But if you are new to mass gainer supplements, keep on reading to find out everything you need to know before you buy.
Put simply, mass gainer is a dietary supplement in powder form that is used to support weight gain and muscle growth.
Bodybuilders use it to “bulk”, but it can also be used by “hard gainers” or anyone who finds it hard to gain weight due to their metabolism.
The main ingredients of main gainer supplements are protein and carbohydrates with a high amount of calories. So, taking mass gainer promotes muscle growth and fat gain simultaneously.
In a typical mass gainer serving (one heaped powder scoop), you can expect to get, in general, up to 50 grams of protein and around 250 grams of carbs with a total calorie intake of between 1000 and 1500 calories.
Mass gainer comes in a range of flavors, sometimes with added ingredients (additional amino acids, BCAAs, vitamins, and minerals), with options that are vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
It is widely available from fitness stores, supplement stores, and online sellers.
Mass Gainer Pros
What are the pros of taking mass gainer?
The obvious advantage of taking mass gainer is that it is an effective method for putting on mass (weight) quickly.
The high calorie, protein, and carbohydrate content promotes weight gain across the board, ideal for bodybuilders and anyone who struggles with weight gain.
Another advantage is that it is convenient and easy to take. As a powder supplement, you simply mix it with water and/or milk, and then drink it.
It is also affordable for most people and generally safe to take in its recommended amount.
Due to its ingredients, mass gainer can even support muscle recovery and repair, boost general energy levels, and improve workout performance.
Mass Gainer Cons
What are the disadvantages of taking mass gainer?
The clear disadvantage of mass gainer is that it supports muscle and fat growth simultaneously. That said, this is not a problem if that is your goal.
But if you are looking to build muscle mass while keeping your carb/calorie intake low, you will be better off looking elsewhere.
Another disadvantage is that it can pose the risk of side effects.
Although generally considered not serious or harmful, the side effects of mass gainer may include bloating, digestive problems, loss of appetite, flatulence, and stomach cramps.
More serious side effects are kidney damage and liver damage.
But, like any supplement or medication, mass gainer should be taken sensibly in its recommended amount.
This promotes safe usage and reduces the risk of any possible side effects.
The 10 Best Mass Gainer Supplements to Buy
Now, for the main part: the best mass gainer supplements that you can buy online today.
For your convenience, we have gone ahead and rounded up 10 of the best mass gainers on the market.
Our list includes a range of mass gainers to cater to any dietary preference or goal, taking into account ingredients, manufacturer, total servings, and price.
So, no matter your budget or preference, you’re going to find a mass gainer that will catch your eye and serve your needs from our complete mass gainer list below.
1. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
- Vitamin C, Zinc and Vitamin D Provide Immune Support along with Vitamin E
- Packaging may vary – New look, with the same trusted Quality
- High Calorie Weight Gainer: 1,250 Calories per 2-Scoop Serving
- 50 Grams of Protein per Serving for fueling Intense Workouts
- Over 250 Grams of Carbohydrates per Serving
Optimum Nutrition is no small name in the supplements industry.
In fact, Optimum Nutrition is the go-to sports supplement chain for everyone from casual gym-goers to high-level athletes, delivering real value at an affordable price.
In other words, you can’t go wrong with Optimum Nutrition. And Serious Mass, their official mass gainer supplement, is no exception here.
In a 12-pound bag, you’re getting 1250 solid calories with 50 grams of protein and 252 grams of carbohydrates.
This equates to 16 servings in total (which is a good amount) if used as recommended.
On top of the basics, Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass packs in over 25 vitamins, 500 milligrams of glutamine, and 3 grams of creatine, which all support muscle repair and performance.
Pros
- Optimum Nutrition – upfront, it’s a supplement brand you can trust
- 16 servings – a good amount when it comes to mass gainer supplements
- Flavors – choose from chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla, and more
- Ingredients – a good all-round package of protein, carbs, and calories, with bonus performance-enhancing ingredients
- Value for money – overall, you’re getting your money’s worth in 16 high-quality servings
Cons
- None – Optimum Nutrition delivers on all fronts and you can’t go wrong no matter whether you are a first-time buyer or supplement enthusiast
2. 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
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- 1310 calories and 245g carbs per serving to help even the hardest gainers pack on mass
- 52 grams of protein per serving (a blend of fast, medium, and slow digesting proteins) for muscle support
- 17 vitamins and minerals to support balanced nutrition, healthy muscle tissue and muscle recovery
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer comes in a 6-pound tub offering 1310 calories, 52 grams of protein, and 245 grams of carbs per serving.
In total, you’re getting 8 servings, but that includes close to 11 grams of BCAAs, which might be a selling point for you if you want to combine your mass gainer and branched-chain amino acids in one convenient scoop.
Of course, due to the size, Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is also cheaper. This makes it ideal if you simply want to try mass gainer for the first time.
We like Dymatize as a supplement manufacturer, so you can expect good quality from their mass gainer.
You also get a mouth-watering selection of three flavors that include Cookies & Cream, Gourmet Vanilla, and Rich Chocolate.
Pros
- Ingredients – 1310 calories, 52 grams of protein, and 245 grams of carb content makes this mass gainer a good all-rounder
- BCAA – this mass gainer packs in 10.7 grams of BCAAs for increased workout performance and recovery
- 8 servings – want to try mass gainer for the first time? Don’t feel you have to invest as much with this 6-pound tub
- Dymatize – a trusted name in the supplement industry
- Flavors – three appealing flavors including Cookies & Cream, Gourmet Vanilla, and Rich Chocolate
Cons
- Size – while Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is budget-friendly, this isn’t for you if you want a supplement that provides more servings in the long-term
3. BSN True-Mass
- Ultra-premium super mass gainer
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- Over 1200 calories per serving
- 50 grams of multi-source protein per serving
- 215 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily rolled oats. BCAAs and other essential and non-essential amino acids
BSN True-Mass Mass Gainer 1200 comes in a 10-pound bag providing 15 servings in total. And with each scooped serving, you receive 50 grams of protein, 215 grams of carbs, and 1288 calories.
This is a mass gainer that keeps it simple, offering the main mass gainer ingredients at a more affordable price.
So, if you like to keep your BCAA and creatine supplements separate, this is a great option to consider.
As for flavors, BSN keeps it simple here as well, offering Chocolate Milkshake, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry Milkshake, and Vanilla Ice Cream.
Pros
- Complete package – 1288 calories, 215 grams of carbohydrates, and 50 grams of protein
- Pure mass gainer – keeps it simple with no added BCAAs, amino acids, creatine, and vitamins
- 15 servings – a good amount for mass gainer
- Affordable – BSN True-Mass sits at a cheaper price for 15 servings
- Flavors – Chocolate Milkshake, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry Milkshake, and Vanilla Ice Cream is a choice that will satisfy most preferences
Cons
- Mass gainer only – while this might be a pro for most people, it’s mass gainer at its most basic, offering no added vitamins, minerals, or performance-enhancing ingredients
4. NAKED Mass
- ONLY FIVE INGREDIENTS: Naked Whey, Naked Casein, Organic Maltodextrin (made from gluten free organic tapioca), Organic Coconut Sugar, and Organic Raw Cacao. Chocolate Naked Mass contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors and is GMO Free, No rBGH or rBST, Soy Free and Gluten Free.
- MAXIMUM NUTRITION: 50g of Protein, 251g of Carbs, 1,360 Calories, 11.6g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) per serving.
- MULTI-PHASE CLEAN PROTEIN: All natural whey and casein provides your body with healthy amino acids to keep protein synthesis up throughout the day.
- PREMIUM COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES: Unlike other weight gainers that use wheat-based maltodextrins, our chocolate mass gainer uses gluten free organic tapioca maltodextrin for clean source complex carbohydrates.
- PROTEIN SHAKES AND RECIPES: Our natural chocolate weight gain protein powder is versatile in making protein shakes, smoothies and recipes. Boost calories and nutrition by adding Naked Mass to chocolate weight gainer shakes, pancakes, cookies and other recipes.
NAKED Mass is another mass gainer that sticks to the basics, which is by no means a bad thing.
For those of you who like it simple, this 8-pound mass gainer has five ingredients only — Organic Maltodextrin, Naked Whey, Naked Casein, Organic Coconut Sugar, and Raw Organic Cacao Powder — providing 1360 calories, 215 grams of complex carbs, and 50 grams of protein.
On top of that, NAKED Mass mass gainer has 11.6 grams of BCAAs. It’s also gluten-free and soy-free with no artificial ingredients.
The casein content is an added bonus here, as it provides a slow release of protein that is absorbed over a longer period.
Overall, this is the mass gainer for you if you have specific dietary requirements or just want to keep ingredients to a minimum.
Pros
- Simply organic – 5 non-artificial ingredients that are soy-free, GMO-free, and gluten-free
- Casein – includes whey and casein for a good balance of fast-release and slow-release protein
- More calories – this mass gainer sits above other mass gainers with a whopping 1360 calories in total
Cons
- Flavors – a limited choice of chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored might not be enough to satisfy your tastebuds
- Expensive – as with any organic product, expect to pay extra for this particular mass gainer
5. MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000
- MASS GAINER PROTEIN POWDER – Mass-Tech Extreme 2000 is a 5-in-1 hardcore mass gainer designed for individuals looking to put on extreme mass. Mass-Tech Extreme 2000 has everything you need to bulk up, pack on muscle and smash through strength plateaus
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- MUSCLE BUILDER – Mass-Tech Extreme 2000 delivers more protein per serving than most other mass gainers. With a whopping 80g of premium protein, your body will have all the building blocks it needs to build the size and muscle you’re looking for
- 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 – Mass-Tech Extreme 2000 contains a clinically validated 10g dose of creatine monohydrate to help you increase strength and regenerate ATP stores that are reduced during resistance training
Henry Cavill uses and endorses MuscleTech supplements, so this is a no-brainer mass gainer if you want to look like Superman.
That’s a joke but, in all seriousness, MuscleTech is well-known for manufacturing industry-leading supplements that deliver premium quality.
Like all MuscleTech supplements, MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000 comes in a showy tub that might put off newcomers.
There’s always a lot of information displayed on MuscleTech packaging, but the ingredients and benefits are not that complicated.
Mass Tech Extreme offers 7 pounds of mass gainer with one serving providing 2000 calories, 60 grams of protein, and 457 grams of carbs, in addition to vitamins A-K, biotin, calcium, 10 grams of creatine, and 8.3 grams of leucine.
That’s a lot, but it’s all there to improve physical performance and boost recovery. As a result, this mass gainer is a bit more expensive than other mass gainers for a 7-pound tub.
Pros
- MuscleTech – a trusted brand that delivers premium supplements
- Protein-packed – with 60 grams of protein, this mass gainer offers more than other supplements
- Vitamins and minerals – MuscleTech Mass Tech mass gainer includes over 20 vitamins and minerals
- Creatine – Mass Tech includes 10 grams of creatine, which is a natural substance that can improve performance in the gym
Cons
- Expensive – you’re getting top of the line mass gainer, but it’s still expensive for a 7-pound container
- Complicated – there’s no doubting MuscleTech’s quality, but the sheer amount of ingredients might scare off some first-time supplement buyers
6. MusclePharm Combat XL Mass Gainer
- POWERFUL PROTEIN POWDER: MusclePharm Combat XL is a revolutionary weight-gaining supplement, formulated with dense, functional calories, protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
- SMART WEIGHT-GAIN POWDER: This mass-gainer protein powder features essential fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, and four sources of protein that work together to promote muscle recovery, which allows you to get big and stay big
- TRANSPARENT INGREDIENTS: Combat XL Mass Gainer Powder features MCTS, flax, and chia seeds, 1270 calories, 50 grams of protein, and 252 grams of carbohydrates per serving for maximum weight gain
- BANNED-SUBSTANCE TESTED and certified by Informed-Choice. Athletes who see the Informed-Choice logo on a product can be assured it has undergone rigorous checks and testing to ensure that it is not contaminated with banned substances and is safe to use
- 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: All MusclePharm products are backed by a 30-day full money-back guarantee
Like MuscleTech, MusclePharm is another leading supplements manufacturer that’s used by pro athletes and bodybuilders.
This 12-pound mass gainer offers over 16 servings, each providing 1270 calories, 50 grams of protein, and 252 grams of carbs.
On the whole, MusclePharm Combat XL Mass Gainer is a pure mass gainer with not as much else added, except for calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium.
MusclePharm supplements are more costly, though, so be prepared to pay extra for the quality.
Pros
- MusclePharm – one of the best supplement manufacturers around
- Simple mass gainer – protein, carbs, lots of calories, and a few vitamins and minerals for good measure
- Gluten-free – MusclePharm Combat XL is 100% suitable for gluten intolerant individuals
Cons
- Expensive – you’re getting 16+ servings of top quality mass gainer, but at a higher price
7. Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer
- Vitamin C and Zinc Provides Immune Support along with Vitamin E
- 650 CALORIES – delivering calories that count to support your gains
- 60G PROTEIN BLEND – support your mass gaining goals with high-quality protein
- 85G CARBOHYDRATES – help restore energy levels
- 7g SUGAR (OR LESS)
We mentioned Optimum Nutrition earlier, but Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer is a different kind of mass gainer that has an increased protein content with reduced carbohydrates and calories.
Think of Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer as the whey isolate of mass gainers. It’s ideal if you want to bulk up, but with more focus on muscle mass as opposed to body fat.
Due to this, it’s also more expensive and not for consumers with a tight budget.
Pros
- Optimum Nutrition – the industry standard for sports supplements
- High protein – a single serving packs 60 grams of protein for muscle growth
- Low carbs and cals – with 650 calories and just 85 grams of carbs per serving, this mass gainer is ideal for “lean bulking”
- Low in sugar – just 7 grams of sugar per serving
Cons
- Expensive – for a 10-pound bag of premium high protein mass gainer, it’s great but not for those on a tight budget
8. Mutant Mass Mass Gainer
- ENHANCED GAINER SUPPLEMENT | Mutant’s most popular weight gainer supplement that is packed with BCAAs/EAAs and waxy maize to help with growth and bulking.
- PROTEIN CONTENT | It offers 1100 calories per serving plus 56 g of quality protein from whey isolate, concentrate and casein blend.
- Made with Natural Whole Foods | Made from natural whole-foods to include barley, sweet potato, rolled oats, avocado, coconut oil, flaxseed, pumpkin seed and sunflower oil.
- LEAN GAINER | Our Mass has 56 g of 100% pure protein, 192 g of clean carbs with 12 g of fat plus naturally present 26.1 g of EAAs and 12.2 g of BCAAs.
- GOURMET TASTE | Engineered in our own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to maintain gold-standard quality and it comes with a great Gourmet taste.
Mutant Mass makes high-quality supplements so this list wouldn’t be complete without their mass gainer, which tops the rest in size at 15 pounds (5-pound bags are also available).
What we like about Mutant Mass supplements are the gourmet flavors and their muscle mass is no exception, offering Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Banana, Triple Chocolate, and Vanilla Ice Cream.
As for the contents, each serving provides 1100 calories, 56 grams of protein (from a whey isolate and casein blend), and 192 grams of carbs.
The whey isolate and casein blend is also a selling point, giving you clean protein paired with the slow-releasing benefits of casein.
Pros
- Mutant Mass – some of the best supplements you can buy
- Gourmet flavors – take your pick from Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Banana, Triple Chocolate, and Vanilla Ice Cream
- BCAAs – includes 36 grams of branched-chain amino acids
- Big size – at 15 pounds, this mass gainer gives you a lot more for your money
Cons
- Not budget-friendly – Mutant Mass mass gainer is larger than other mass gainers, so it’s expected that this doesn’t come cheap
9. MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass
- High-Speed Macronutrient Delivery: Proteins and carbohydrates that are absorbed at high speeds can help spike your blood amino acid and glucose levels. In turn, this stimulates the potential for higher speeds of protein and glycogen synthesis (anabolism), which can result in faster gains in muscle mass.
- Properly-Timed Insulin Optimization: Insulin is a powerful muscle growth and recovery hormone, so much so that pro bodybuilders and athletes seek to increase their natural product and proclaim amazingly fast gains. Yes, insulin is that anabolic and effectively triggers muscle growth, especially in combination with a fast acting protein. Read on to discover how CARNIVOR MASS can help you reap insulin’s extreme muscle building effects.
- 350% more concentrated in amino acids than steak and more concentrated than whey, with no fat or cholesterol, and without gelatin or collagen. Plus, CARNIVOR MASS is further enhanced with BCAAs for additional anabolic power.
- Item Package Weight: 6.0 pounds
MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass is a “clean” mass gainer that is ideal for you if you want to keep your fat and sugar intake to a minimum.
In fact, MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass has zero fat and zero sugar, so it’s perfect for guilt-free bulking.
From one serving, you get 50 grams of protein, 720 calories, and 125 grams of carbs. So, like Optimum Nutrition’s Pro Gainer, this is a mass gainer that focuses on muscle gain over fat gain.
Another thing worth mentioning is that Carnivor Mass comes in different sizes and flavors, including 6-pound or 10-pound bags of Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies, Strawberry, or Vanilla Caramel.
Pros
- 0 sugar and 0 fat – MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass is a clean mass gainer for those watching their body fat percentage
- Range of flavors – satisfy your tastebuds with Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies, Strawberry, or Vanilla Caramel
- Lactose-free – ideal if you have lactose intolerance
- Hydrolyzed beef protein isolate – 50 grams of clean, fast-acting protein
Cons
- Expensive – Carnivor Mass boasts clean, high-quality ingredients, but you’re paying the same price for half the size
10. Muscle Milk Gainer
- Contains one (1) 5 pound cannister (about 14 servings) of Muscle Milk Pro Series Gainer Protein Powder Supplement. Packaging may vary. Shaker bottle sold separately.
- HELPS SUPPORT MUSCLE RECOVERY AND MASS++ – Muscle Milk Pro Series Gainer supplies your body with high quality protein to support muscle maintenance, recovery and growth while delivering calories to support gains after exercise. ++
- KEY FEATURES – Based on 1 serving, Muscle Milk Pro Series Gainer contains 32g high-quality protein, 109g carbs, 650 calories, 2g MCTs, and an excellent source of 20 vitamins and minerals.
- VERSATILE AND EASY-TO-MIX – Muscle Milk Pro Series Gainer dissolves easily in water; just mix 4 scoops into 10-16 fluid ounces of water using a shaker bottle. Shaker bottle sold separately. ++
- SCIENCE BEHIND PROTEIN – Provides a blend of high-quality slow releasing and fast releasing proteins to help increase amino acid levels. These essential amino acids play a role in muscle growth and maintenance of muscle mass. ++
Last but not least, Cytosport Muscle Milk Gainer is a gluten-free, low-sugar mass gainer that also provides low carb and calorie content.
It’s also relatively low in protein, but this isn’t a bad thing if you are new to mass gainer and just want to give it a trial run.
Overall, Muscle Milk Gainer is a 5-pound tub, giving you 14 servings in total, with each serving containing 650 calories, 109 grams of carbs, and 32 grams of protein.
What sets this mass gainer apart, though, is the fact it only has 6 grams of sugar per serving.
That makes Muscle Milk Gainer the mass gainer with the lowest amount of sugar on this list, which is a big deal if you prefer to avoid sugar as much as possible.
Pros
- Low in sugar – with just 6 grams of sugar per serving, it’s one of the best low-sugar mass gainers on the market
- Gluten-free – safe to take for gluten intolerant people
- Low carbs and calories – ideal for the calorie-conscious
- Affordable – for a 5-pound tub, the price is just right
Cons
- Low protein – with just 32 grams of protein, this mass gainer might be enough to satisfy hardcore bodybuilders or anyone looking to build muscle quickly
Buyer’s Guide
Mass Gainer Ingredients
Before buying any mass gainer supplement, the most important thing to check is the ingredients.
Always check the protein, carbohydrate, and calorie content, as these are the key ingredients of any mass gainer.
In general, mass gainers will provide around 50 grams of protein, around 250 grams of carbs, and between 1000 and 1500 calories (per serving).
If desired, it’s also worth checking if the mass gainer includes BCAAs/other amino acids, creatine, and vitamins and minerals.
Mass Gainer Flavor
Like whey protein and casein, mass gainer powder comes in a range of flavors that you mix with water and/or milk before drinking.
This is important as mass gainers contain multiple servings, so it’s worth making sure that you will enjoy the flavor.
Mass gainer flavors can include chocolate, banana, vanilla, cookies and cream, strawberry milkshake, chocolate peanut butter, and more, although this will depend on the manufacturer.
Unflavored mass gainer is also available if you prefer to blend with other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Better Whey Protein or Mass Gainer?
Whey protein is used to increase dietary protein intake and therefore promote muscle growth. Mass gainer, on the other hand, promotes weight gain overall with a high concentration of protein, carbohydrates, and calories.
Which is better will depend on your goals. If you just want to put on more muscle, whey protein is the better supplement.
If you want to get bigger overall or “bulk”, mass gainer will help you to gain weight by increasing your general calorie, carb, and protein intake.
Is Mass Gainer Dirty Bulk?
A common misconception about mass gainer is that it is “dirty bulking”. But taking mass gainer and dirty bulking are not the same thing.
Mass gainer promotes weight gain (fat gain and muscle gain) through a high intake of carbs, calories, and protein in supplement form.
Dirty bulking, on the other hand, refers to eating any kind of food – including fast food, junk food, and refined foods – for fast weight gain results. This method is not healthy, hence the term “dirty bulking”.
Is Mass Gainer Harmful?
Mass gainer is not harmful in any way unless taken excessively.
To make sure you do not experience any side effects when taking mass gainer, always supplement it in its recommended amount as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Possible side effects of taking mass gainer, however, may include bloating, flatulence, digestive problems, and diarrhea.
It’s also important to remember that mass gainer should be used for supplementation only and never as a meal spa0fd-20nt.