Written by Andrew Lenau | ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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I know that gaining weight and building muscle can be challenging for many individuals. That's why I often recommend incorporating protein powder into my clients' nutrition as a practical and effective way to support their weight gain goals.
Protein is a macronutrient that plays a highly important role in muscle repair, growth, and recovery, making it a fundamental component of any muscle-building regimen. However, with the overwhelming number of protein powders available on the market, choosing the right one is crucial for optimal results.
In this article, I will share my insights and research results on the best protein powders for weight gain, considering protein content, ingredient quality, taste, and value for money. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gym veteran, this article will provide valuable information to help you select the ideal protein powder to support your weight gain journey and achieve your weight gain goals.
SFS Pick
Transparent Labs
SFS Vegan Pick
Naked
SFS GF Pick
Crazy Nutrition
6 Best Protein Powders For Weight Gain
- Overall Best Protein Powder For Weight Gain: Transparent Labs MASS GAINER
- Best Vegan Protein Powder For Weight Gain: Vegan Naked Mass
- Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder For Weight Gain: Crazy Nutrition MASS GAINER
- Best Protein Powder For Weight Gain For Women: Kaged Clean Meal
- Best Protein Powder For Weight Gain Over 1000 Calories: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
- Best Lactose-Free Protein Powder For Weight Gain: MUSCLE MILK Gainer
1. Overall Best Protein Powder For Weight Gain: Transparent Labs MASS GAINER
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries MASS GAINER is a top-notch product offering a highly effective formula for muscle-building and weight gain. With 53 grams of protein per serving, sourced from 100% Grass-Fed Whey Concentrate, it provides a high-quality protein source to support lean muscle mass development.
One standout feature of ProteinSeries MASS GAINER is its commitment to clean and natural ingredients. It contains no artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives, ensuring you put only the best quality ingredients into your body.
Additionally, 750 calories and 109 grams of clean and natural carbohydrates per serving offer a substantial caloric boost for those looking to increase their overall calorie intake.
The two delicious flavors, chocolate glazed donuts and sweet vanilla (we thought it tasted more like vanilla ice cream than a cupcake), make it a pleasure to consume without sacrificing taste. Another positive aspect is the rave reviews this product has received.
With 15 servings per container, it provides a sufficient supply to support your weight gain goals. ProteinSeries MASS GAINER is a top-notch choice for those looking to gain muscle mass and overall weight.
Pros
- No artificial ingredients
- Derived from 100% grass-fed whey concentrate
- Great reviews
- Simple ingredient list
Cons
- Expensive
ProteinSeries MASS GAINER offers one of the purest, and most effective, muscle-building and weight-gaining formulas available. Packed with everything you need to increase your lean muscle mass...
2. Best Vegan Protein Powder For Weight Gain: Vegan Naked Mass
Vegan Naked Mass is the ultimate plant-based weight gainer supplement that offers a powerhouse of nutrients to support muscle growth and weight gain. Combining premium pea protein and brown rice protein provides a complete plant-based protein source and complex carbohydrates to fuel your progress.
With 1230 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving, it substantially boosts your daily caloric and protein intake. One of the standout features of Vegan Naked Mass is its commitment to natural ingredients.
It contains no artificial additives or sweeteners, making it a healthier option for those conscious of what they are putting in their body. Additionally, it offers two vegan flavors and an unflavored option, providing versatility in taste preferences.
Another noteworthy aspect of Vegan Naked Mass is its focus on quality and sustainability. It is gluten-free, made with organic complex carbs from sustainable farming practices, and GMO-free and soy-free.
With only three ingredients derived from sustainable farming, it is a conscious choice for those prioritizing sustainability.
With 11 servings per container, Vegan Naked Mass offers a convenient way to support your weight gain goals.
Made in the USA, it is a premium choice for those seeking a plant-based weight gainer supplement.
Pros
- It contains only three ingredients
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free
- It has 1230 calories and 50 grams of protein in each serving
Cons
- Some people may not like the texture
Vegan Naked Mass is the ultimate plant-based weight gainer supplement. Combining premium pea protein and brown rice protein, it is the perfect blend of complete plant-based proteins and complex carbohydrates...
3. Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder For Weight Gain: Crazy Nutrition MASS GAINER
Crazy Nutrition MASS GAINER formula is a powerful and effective weight gain supplement that delivers a high-calorie punch in every serving.
With 488 calories per serving, including 55 grams of carbohydrates and 40 grams of protein, this formula is designed to help you pack on the pounds and build lean muscle mass.
One of the exceptional features of this mass gainer is the cutting-edge, patented enzyme blend that is backed by science, which improves absorption rate and digestion. This ensures that your body can effectively utilize all ingredients without waste or bloating, making it easier on your digestive system.
The delicious chocolate and vanilla flavors make each serving of this mass gainer a treat for your taste buds, making it a pleasure to consume regularly. Plus, it's fortified with added B vitamins for an extra energy boost, helping you power through your workouts and daily activities.
One of the unique aspects of Crazy Nutrition's MASS GAINER is the inclusion of DigeZyme®. This digestive enzyme blend helps to prevent bloating and discomfort, making it easier on your stomach.
Additionally, it contains MCT oil, a healthy source of fats that can support overall health and well-being.
Another highlight of this mass gainer is its gluten-free formula, which suits those with gluten sensitivities or intolerances. It also utilizes whole food natural carb sources, providing a more wholesome and natural approach to weight gain.
Crazy Nutrition stands behind the quality of its product with 100% satisfaction and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- A great meal replacement that's gluten-free
- Low in natural sugars
- 20 servings per bag
- Delicious flavors
Cons
- Other flavor options would be nice
Crazy Nutrition’s MASS GAINER formula packs every serving with 488 calories — including 55 grams of carbohydrates and 40 grams of protein. But what REALLY makes MASS GAINER better than...
4. Best Protein Powder For Weight Gain For Women: Kaged Clean Meal
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is a fantastic meal replacement option for those who prioritize nutrition and are always on the go. This product offers a convenient and healthy way to enjoy a complete meal without compromising quality.
One of the standout features of Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is the inclusion of 21 vitamins and minerals derived from 9 real fruits and vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, kale, pumpkin, sweet potato, sunflower seed, kelp, chlorella, and maitake mushroom. This ensures a complete micronutrient profile, providing a healthy and nutrient-rich meal replacement option.
Each scoop of Clean Meal contains 240 calories, 18 grams of carbs, and 28 grams of protein, making it a well-balanced meal replacement option. The protein comes from whey protein powder isolate, known for its high-quality and easily digestible nature, making it ideal for muscle recovery and growth.
Clean Meal is also fueled with clean carbs, BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), and MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil, providing sustained energy, muscle-building support, and healthy eating fats for optimal performance and overall well-being.
One of the key highlights of Clean Meal is that it contains zero added sugars, making it a healthier choice for those looking to manage their sugar intake.
Pros
- Three incredible and unique flavors
- 6.5 grams of BCAA per serving
- Third-party tested
- Whole food ingredients
- Reasonable price
Cons
- It contains milk, peanuts, and wheat
Clean Meal™ is a great-tasting, whole-food nutrition meal replacement shake. With whey protein isolate, quinoa, Swedish oats, coconut oil, and 21 micronutrients, Clean Meal™ supports...
5. Best Protein Powder For Weight Gain Over 1000 Calories: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass is a top choice for those looking for a protein powder that provides ample protein and calories and offers a variety of delicious flavors. With 1,250 calories and 50g of protein per 2 scoops, it's a powerhouse for those looking to gain weight or build muscle.
One of the standout features of Serious Mass is the high-quality raw ingredients used by Optimum Nutrition, known for its dedication to quality and testing. This ensures you know exactly what's going into your body, making it a trustworthy option for your nutritional needs.
Serious Mass also stands out for its addition of 25 essential vitamins and minerals, providing a comprehensive and well-rounded source of nutrition. This ensures you get the calories, protein, and essential micronutrients for overall health and well-being.
One of the best things about Serious Mass is its variety of delicious flavors, including banana, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, strawberry, and vanilla. This makes it enjoyable to consume and adds versatility to your use.
In addition to its high calorie and protein content, Serious Mass also provides over 250 grams of carbohydrates per serving, making it a great source of energy for workouts and recovery.
It also contains 3g of creatine, 500mg of glutamine, and glutamic acid, which are known to support muscle growth and recovery.
Pros
- High in calories
- Multiple flavor options
- It comes in two different-sized options
- Includes glutamine
Cons
- Not vegan-friendly
Serious weight gain goals require serious calories. Unfortunately, those who need the extra calories most often have a hard time consuming enough of them....
6. Best Lactose-Free Protein Powder For Weight Gain: MUSCLE MILK Gainer
MUSCLE MILK Gainer is a specialized product designed for hard gainers who struggle to gain size and strength due to their body's tendency to lose more calories than they consume. This unique protein powder is formulated to help increase overall calorie intake and provide high-quality proteins and essential nutrients at specific times to facilitate muscle growth after exercise.
One of the key features of MUSCLE MILK Gainer is its high protein content, with 32 grams of protein per serving. This protein can help muscle recovery and growth, especially with regular exercise and strength training.
Additionally, MUSCLE MILK Gainer contains 3 grams of Leucine, an essential amino acid found in milk proteins known to play a crucial role in muscle protein synthesis, further supporting muscle-building efforts.
With 650 calories in every four scoops (162g), MUSCLE MILK Gainer provides a significant source of calories for hard gainers looking to increase their overall calorie intake.
This can benefit those struggling to meet their daily caloric needs and support muscle growth and weight gain goals. MUSCLE MILK Gainer is also an excellent source of 20 vitamins and minerals, which can help support overall health and well-being.
This comprehensive nutrient profile ensures that users get the necessary vitamins and minerals to support their body's needs during intense exercise and muscle building. Regarding quality and safety, MUSCLE MILK Gainer is tested for banned substances and NSF Certified for Sport, reassuring athletes and those concerned about harmful substances in their supplements.
Additionally, it comes in three flavors, offering variety and options for those who prefer different tastes. Moreover, it is lactose-free, making it suitable for lactose intolerant or dairy sensitivities.
Pros
- Lactose-free
- Designed with hard gainers in mind
- Contains both fast and slow-releasing proteins
- NSF certified
Cons
- It only has 14 servings per container
Muscle Milk offers quality you can trust. Pro Series Gainer protein powder supplement supplies your body with high quality protein to support recovery while delivering calories to support gains...
What is a Mass Gainer?
A mass gainer, also known as a weight gainer, is a type of protein powder specifically formulated to help individuals gain weight, particularly muscle mass. Mass gainers typically contain more protein, carbohydrates, and calories than regular protein powders.
They are designed to provide a convenient and efficient way to increase daily caloric intake, benefiting people who struggle to consume enough calories through whole foods alone. Mass gainers are commonly used by athletes, bodybuilders, and individuals looking to bulk up or add size to their physique.
In addition to protein, mass gainers often contain complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients to provide a balanced macronutrient profile.
The carbohydrates in mass gainers serve as a source of energy to fuel workouts and replenish glycogen stores, while the protein supports muscle repair and growth.
Some mass gainers may also include added vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes to support overall nutrition and digestion further.
Side Effects of a Mass Gainer
It's crucial to remember that everyone's body is different, and individual reactions to mass gainers may vary. Following the recommended dosage and using mass gainers in combination with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can help minimize the risk of potential side effects.
While mass gainers can be a helpful tool, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects that may occur with their use. Here are some possible side effects of mass gainers:
1. Digestive Issues
Mass gainers are often high in calories, protein, and carbohydrates, sometimes leading to digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, and upset stomach. This may be more pronounced in individuals with sensitive digestive systems or who are intolerant to certain ingredients in the mass gainer.
2. Allergies or Intolerances
Mass gainers often contain various ingredients such as whey protein, soy, or other potential allergens. If you have known allergies or intolerances to any of these ingredients, consuming a mass gainer that contains them may result in adverse reactions, such as skin rashes, respiratory issues, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Nutrient Imbalances
Mass gainers may provide high amounts of certain nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrates, while potentially lacking in other essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Relying too heavily on mass gainers as a sole source of nutrition without a balanced diet can result in nutrient imbalances or deficiencies.
Benefits of a Mass Gainer:
Mass gainers are a popular supplement among athletes, bodybuilders, and individuals looking to increase their muscle mass and overall weight. These supplements offer several benefits that can aid in achieving weight gain goals. Here are some key benefits of mass gainers:
1. High-Calorie Count
Mass gainers are designed to provide a significant amount of calories per serving, often ranging from 500 to 1,200 calories or more.
This can help individuals with high caloric requirements to meet their daily calorie intake goals more efficiently, which is essential for weight gain.
2. Loaded With Carbohydrates
Mass gainers typically contain a high amount of carbohydrates, which serve as a quick energy source to fuel workouts, replenish glycogen stores and support muscle recovery. Carbohydrates also help stimulate insulin release, promoting muscle growth by aiding nutrient uptake.
3. High Protein Content
Protein is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and recovery, and mass gainers typically contain a high amount of protein per serving.
This can help support muscle building and prevent muscle breakdown, especially when consumed after resistance training.
4. Added Minerals and Vitamins
Many mass gainers are enriched with essential minerals and vitamins, which can contribute to overall nutrition and support optimal health. These can include nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins, among others.
5. Helps With Muscle Growth
Mass gainers provide the necessary macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) to support muscle growth and repair.
By providing a substantial amount of calories and protein, mass gainers can aid in promoting muscle hypertrophy and increasing muscle size over time when combined with regular strength training.
What to Look For When Buying a Mass Gainer:
When it comes to purchasing a mass gainer, it's crucial to make an informed decision and choose a product that aligns with your specific goals and needs. Here are some key factors to consider when looking for a mass gainer:
1. Ingredients
Carefully review the ingredient list of the mass gainer to ensure that it contains quality ingredients and is free from any potential allergens or harmful additives.
Look for products with recognizable, whole food-based ingredients and minimal or no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives.
2. Protein Content
Protein is a critical component of mass gainers, as it plays a vital role in muscle growth and repair. Look for a mass gainer with a high-quality protein source, such as whey protein, casein protein, or a blend of proteins, with an adequate protein content per serving to support your muscle-building goals.
3. Carbohydrate Content
Mass gainers are typically high in carbohydrates to provide energy and support muscle glycogen replenishment. Consider the type and amount of carbohydrates in the product.
Choose a mass gainer with a carbohydrate content that fits your needs and preferences, such as complex carbs from oats, quinoa, or sweet potatoes.
4. Calorie Count
Mass gainers are meant to provide significant calories per serving to support weight gain. Consider the total calorie count per serving and ensure it aligns with your daily caloric requirements and weight gain goals.
Remember that excessive calorie intake without proper exercise and monitoring can lead to unwanted fat gain.
5. Testing/Transparency
Look for mass gainers from reputable brands that undergo third-party testing for quality, purity, and safety.
Check for transparency regarding ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and testing results to ensure you're getting a high-quality product.
6. Price
Consider your budget and compare prices among different mass gainers. Remember that more expensive does not always mean better quality and vice versa. Look for a mass gainer that balances quality and affordability well.
7. Reviews
Read customer reviews and feedback from other users to get insights on the product's effectiveness, taste, mixability, and overall satisfaction.
This can provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
Protein Powder For Weight Gain FAQs
What protein powder is best for weight gain?
Several protein powders are specifically formulated for weight gain, and one of the top options is Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer. Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is a premium-quality protein powder that supports weight gain and muscle growth.
It contains a well-balanced blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients to help users increase their calorie intake and promote muscle building.
Is it good to take weight gainer?
Whether or not taking a weight gainer benefits you depends on various factors, including your individual goals, dietary preferences, and overall health. Weight gainers, also known as mass gainers, are designed to provide a high-calorie and nutrient-dense source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to support weight gain and muscle building.
They can benefit individuals who struggle to meet their daily caloric and nutrient needs through whole foods alone or those engaged in regular resistance training seeking to increase muscle mass.
Weight gainers can also be convenient for individuals with busy lifestyles or limited time for meal preparation, as they are often available in a powdered form that can be easily mixed into a shake.
Additionally, weight gainers may be helpful for those with higher caloric requirements due to increased physical activity levels, metabolism, or specific health conditions.
Can I drink weight gainer every day?
The frequency of consuming weight gainer depends on various factors, including your individual goals, dietary needs, and overall health.
While weight gainers can provide a convenient and efficient way to increase calorie and nutrient intake for those looking to gain weight or build muscle, it's important to supplement a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle.
Consuming weight gainers daily may be appropriate for some individuals with high caloric requirements due to physical activity levels or specific health conditions. Still, it may only be necessary or suitable for some.
What are the side effects of a weight gainer?
The potential side effects of weight gainers may include digestive discomfort, allergic reactions or sensitivities, and nutrient imbalances.
It's essential to carefully consider overall calorie needs, sugar and fat content, and potential allergens in weight gainers.
Individual tolerance and response may vary, and it's recommended to use weight gainers as a supplement to a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle.
Summary
Proper nutrition and strength training are the key lifestyle factors for gaining weight and building muscle. This involves consuming more calories than your body uses and increasing protein intake.
Some products, like mass gainers, provide a concentrated source of calories and nutrients to directly support weight gain, while others may enhance athletic performance and muscle gains. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that your exercise routine and nutrition plan are optimized for your goals. While the products mentioned in this guide are all top quality, Transparent Labs ProteinSeries MASS GAINER is my highest recommendation.
With many choices available, whether you aim to add muscle with minimal fat or bulk up all around, I hope this guide assists you in comparing different products and making informed decisions.
Andrew Lenau
Author