The Best Mass Gainers That Actually Work

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.

In this article, we break down the best mass gainer supplements in the industry. These supplements, when utilized in conjunction with a healthy diet and vigorous training program, have exactly what you need to pack on some serious size and muscle mass.

Originally designed for individuals looking to gain weight who struggled to consume enough calories through food alone, these high calorie shakes are used in a variety of different ways. For instance, they are the perfect base for a meal replacement shake if you’re on the go and need some fast and easy calories.

They’re also very effective for athletes who train multiple times per day and need an abundance of calories, protein and carbohydrates for optimal performance. No matter the reason, if your goal is to gain weight and build muscle, then a mass gainer supplement is most likely the right choice for you.

These are my top picks for the best mass gainers on the market, plus a comprehensive guide on how to find the best one for you. In the guide, I’ll cover why mass gainers are beneficial, what types are available and how to use them effectively. I’ll also do my best to answer any questions and alleviate any concerns you may have.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for the Best Mass Gainer:

• Best Grass-Fed Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
• Best-Tasting Mass Gainer: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
• Best Vegan Mass Gainer: Vegan Naked Mass
• Best Meal Replacement Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
• Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
• Best Mass Gainer with BCAAs: BSN True-Mass
• Best Value Mass Gainer: Dymatize Super Mass Gainer

Best Grass-Fed Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Key features:

• Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate
• Size Options: 6.42 pounds
• Protein Per Serving: 53 grams
• Servings Per Container: 15 servings
• Calories, Protein, Carbs & Fat Per Serving: 790 calories, 53 grams of protein, 114 grams of carbs, 14 grams of fat

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer provides consumers with 53 grams of protein per serving in the form of 100 percent grass-fed whey concentrate. This is about the same amount of protein you would find in an eight ounce piece of chicken breast. In addition to the protein, this mass gainer also contains 114 grams of carbohydrates and 14 grams of fat, which results in a grand total of 790 calories per serving. This is a staggering amount of calories per shake; however, this formula is designed for individuals who struggle to gain weight and have difficulty consuming enough calories through food alone. This gainer is also an ideal choice for athletes and bodybuilders who train multiple times per day and need a quick and easy source of additional nutrients and calories.

If you’re struggling to gain weight, my recommendation is to start by consuming a single scoop of this product for a few weeks in addition to your regular meals. This still adds an additional 395 calories and 27 grams of protein per day. Over the course of those two weeks, track your progress using a scale and assess if the full two-scoop serving size is necessary to put on weight.

Pros:

• 100 percent grass-fed whey concentrate
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
• Three grams of creatine monohydrate per serving

Cons:

• Only two flavor options currently available

Best-Tasting Mass Gainer: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer

Key features:

• Protein Source: Whey protein and milk protein concentrates
• Size Options: 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms)
• Protein Per Serving: 39.73 grams
• Servings Per Container: 20
• Calories, Protein, Carbs & Fat Per Serving: Varies by flavor, 487.92 calories (kcal on the label), 39.32-39.73 grams of protein, 55.29-56.61 grams of carbs and 9.9-10.42 grams of fat

Crazy Nutrition offers just four products: pre-workout, protein powder, creatine and mass gainer. This limited line-up is part of the company’s effort to simplify your supplements to as few products as possible. If you’re looking to pack on pounds rapidly, Crazy Nutrition might not be the product for you. At just 487 calories per serving, Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer is lighter on your stomach than other products on our list, and the formula also includes DigeZyme®—a patented enzyme blend—to help keep you from feeling bloated.

However, if you’re looking for the best tasting mass gainer to get extra calories that will help you add pounds over time then Crazy Nutrition is a great option. This mass gainer only comes in two flavors, Chocolate and Vanilla, but reviews rave about the taste. Reviewer Junior C gives the taste 5/5 stars. Ryan R. says that not only does he love the taste, but his weight has increased from “the low 140s to around 150 in two and a half months.”

Crazy Nutrition uses natural (not artificial) ingredients in this mass gainer formula to craft the flavors, and that may be responsible for the well-reviewed taste. The Chocolate mass gainer contains real chocolate and cacao powder, and the Vanilla flavor contains real vanilla extract. Many supplement products on the market use artificial flavors to mimic real flavors which can leave aftertastes that consumers may not enjoy.

Additionally, Crazy Nutrition mass gainer is sweetened with sucralose. Sucralose has gotten a bad rap in recent years because studies in mice found that long-term use could potentially lead to damaged gut bacteria and weight gain. However, reviews of these claims by experts around the world indicate that this cannot be replicated in humans, and sucralose is considered safe for long-term use.

Pros:

• Flavors come from natural sources like real cacao powder and vanilla extract
• Contains digestive enzymes to help combat bloating
• Cheaper per serving than most other mass gainers on our list

Cons:

• Only two flavor options (Chocolate and Vanilla)
• Lower calories than other mass gainers

Best Vegan Mass Gainer: Vegan Naked Mass

Key features:

• Protein Source: Yellow Pea Protein and Organic Brown Rice Protein
• Size Options: Eight pounds
• Protein Per Serving: 50 grams
• Servings Per Container: 11 servings
• Calories, Protein, Carbs & Fat Per Serving: Varies by flavor, 1,230-1,280 calories, 50 grams of protein, 237-248 grams of carbohydrates, four to 15 grams of fat

In addition to their whey and casein mass gainer, Naked Nutrition also offers a plant-based alternative for their vegan and vegetarian consumers. Aside from the protein source, there isn’t much of a difference between the two products. This plant-based mass gainer still has around 1,250 calories and 50 grams of protein—this time from yellow peas and organic brown rice. This combination of protein sources ensures that Naked’s Vegan Mass Gainer provides a complete protein, meaning that it contains all the essential amino acids our body needs.

One of the downsides to this product is the four-scoop serving size, which is difficult to mix and consume in one sitting. I would suggest splitting the shake in two and consuming it at different points throughout the day—perhaps as a morning and afternoon snack.

If you’re familiar with the Naked brand, then you know their commitment to providing consumers with quality ingredients free from any artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. Their Vegan Naked Mass is also GMO-free, soy-free and gluten-free, which makes it a great option for people with specific dietary preferences or food allergies.

Pros:

• Vegan and vegetarian mass gainer
• Zero artificial additives
• GMO-, soy- and gluten-free

Cons:

• Only two flavor options available in addition to Unflavored (Chocolate and Vanilla)
• Four-scoop serving size is a lot, and will be difficult to mix

For another great tasting protein powder option, check out our Naked Nutrition Whey Protein review.

Best Meal Replacement Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Key features:

• Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate
• Size Options: 6.42 pounds
• Protein Per Serving: 53 grams
• Servings Per Container: 15 servings
• Calories, Protein, Carbs & Fat Per Serving: 790 calories, 53 grams of protein, 114 grams of carbs, 14 grams of fat

I recommend Transparent Labs Mass Gainer as my top choice for a meal replacement option because the high calorie count and macronutrient breakdown best resembles a well-balanced meal. However, mass gainers, including Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, are not typically formulated to provide all of the nutrients that the body needs. In order to round out this shake, my advice would be to add some fruit, such as a banana or berries, and some greens powder or spinach for added micronutrients.

In regards to taste, this product comes in only two flavors, but Transparent Labs is known for their delicious protein supplements, and you can’t go wrong with classic flavors like Chocolate and Vanilla.

Pros:

• 100 percent grass-fed whey concentrate
• Zero grams of added sugar
• Three grams of creatine monohydrate per serving

Cons:

• Only two flavor options currently available (Chocolate and Vanilla)

Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass

Key features:

• Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, egg whites, sweet whey
• Size Options: Six-pound and 12-pound options available
• Protein Per Serving: 50 grams
• Servings Per Container: Eight to 16 servings per container, depending on size selected
• Calories, Protein, Carbs & Fat Per Serving: 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein, 252-254 grams of carbohydrates (depending on flavor), 4 grams of fat

Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass is a high calorie mass gainer that’s formulated to help individuals gain weight and build muscle mass. Each serving provides a staggering 1,250 calories, 50 grams of carbohydrates, around 250 grams of carbohydrates and additional benefits like 3 grams of creatine monohydrate and 25 different vitamins and minerals.

One of the potential downsides to using this product is that Optimum Nutrition uses artificial ingredients, including artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors. However, many consumers don’t seem to mind and have great things to say about the taste of Serious Mass. The flavors include Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

One of our expert testers tried Serious Mass twice a week for three weeks. He liked the taste of the Vanilla flavor at first, though it started to lose its appeal pretty quickly. He found that it mixed very well with water and ice in a shaker bottle or a blender but less so with a spoon. Although our tester says he prefers Transparent Labs Mass Gainer in terms of flavor and texture, he likes the higher protein content and calories of Serious Mass.

If you plan to consume the full two-scoop serving size, I recommend mixing the powder into 24 ounces of liquid and using an electric blender to mix it instead of a shaker bottle. This high calorie mass gainer is definitely a tasty option to consider if you’re having trouble putting on some weight.

Pros:

• 1,250 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving
• Includes 3 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
• Contains 25 added vitamins and minerals

Cons:

• Not suitable for consumers with dietary allergies (contains eggs, milk and soy)
• Contains artificial sweeteners, colors and flavors

Best Mass Gainer with BCAAs: BSN True-Mass

Key features:

• Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, micellar casein, hydrolyzed whey protein, egg whites
• Size Options: 5.82 pounds
• Protein Per Serving: 46-50 grams, depending on flavor
• Servings Per Container: 16 servings
• Calories, Protein, Carbs & Fat Per Serving: Varies by flavor, 700 calories, 46-50 grams of protein, 85-88 grams of carbohydrates, 18 grams of fat

BSN’s True-Mass is a weight gainer supplement designed to help individuals increase their muscle mass and overall body weight. It’s a high-calorie, protein-rich formula that uses 18 grams of fat instead of excessive amounts of carbohydrates to bump up the calorie numbers. In fact, True-Mass contains the least amount of carbohydrates out of the mass gainers we included on our list.

This supplement uses seven protein sources, along with glutamine peptides, to promote muscle building and recovery. This allows it to contain 20 grams of essential amino acids and 10 grams of branched chain amino acids per serving. BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine and valine), particularly leucine, have anabolic effects on protein metabolism by increasing the rate of protein synthesis and decreasing the rate of protein degradation in resting human muscle. This makes True Mass a great choice for individuals who participate in rigorous resistance training programs to build muscle mass.

The flavor options include Chocolate Milkshake, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry and Vanilla Ice Cream, and are all delicious. BSN does use artificial flavors and sweeteners, but this allows them to offer great flavor profiles.

Pros:

• 10 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs per serving
• Includes added minerals calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium
• Four flavor options to choose from

Cons:

• Contains artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors
• Not suitable for consumers with dietary allergies (contains eggs, milk, soy and wheat)

Best Value Mass Gainer: Dymatize Super Mass Gainer

Key features:

• Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, micellar casein
• Size Options: Six-pound and 12-pound options available
• Protein Per Serving: 52 grams
• Servings Per Container: Eight to 16 servings per container, depending on the size
• Calories, Protein, Carbs & Fat Per Serving: 1,280 calories, 52 grams of protein, 245 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of fat

Super Mass Gainer from Dymatize is a hard-gainers dream supplement. This budget-friendly mass gainer powder, available on Amazon, has a whopping 1,280 calories and 52 grams of protein per serving. According to Dymatize, Super Mass Gainer is intended for athletes and bodybuilders who are looking to increase their weight, muscle size and overall strength. The formula contains a high quality protein blend of both fast and slow digesting protein, includes vitamins, minerals and creatine, and is banned substance tested and therefore safe for athletes.

Currently, the only flavor options available are Rich Chocolate and Gourmet Vanilla, but these will go well in a variety of different shakes and smoothies. From the consumer reviews, you can see that people enjoy the taste. If you head to the Dymatize website, you can also find some recipes that use the mass gainer, such as protein french toast sticks and lemon poppyseed protein cookies.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly mass gainer
• Includes creatine monohydrate
• Contains 14 added vitamins and minerals
• 10 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs per serving

Cons:

• Contains artificial sweeteners and flavors
• Limited flavor options available

What Are Mass Gainers?

Mass gainers are nutritional supplements that are specifically designed to help people gain weight and build muscle mass by dramatically increasing their caloric intake. These supplements are usually powders or shakes, typically high in calories, and contain a combination of proteins, carbohydrates and other nutrients. Most commonly used by bodybuilders, athletes and other individuals who are looking to increase their muscle mass and improve their physical performance, they’re also incredibly useful for individuals struggling to gain weight through their diet alone.

How Do Mass Gainers Work?

Mass gainers work by providing the body with a concentrated source of calories, protein and other nutrients that can help support both weight gain and muscle growth. Protein, in particular, is the building block for new muscle tissue and necessary for muscle growth and repair. Carbohydrates are also important, as they provide the body with energy and can help replenish glycogen stores in the muscles after exercise.

In order for them to be effective, mass gainers should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise program. People often misuse a mass gainer as a meal replacement powder, rather than as an addition to their current diet. This is a mistake because they likely need the extra calories from the mass gainer, along with their normal food intake, to achieve a caloric surplus and actually put on weight.

Benefits of Using a Mass Gainer

There are several potential benefits of using a mass gainer supplement, including:

• Improved muscle growth and recovery: Mass gainers can help support muscle growth and repair by providing the body with a concentrated source of protein and other nutrients necessary for muscle building and recovery.
• Increased energy and endurance: Mass gainers often contain large amounts of carbohydrates, which provides the body with energy and replenishes muscle glycogen stores after exercise. This helps to improve endurance and physical performance, and is a potential benefit to individuals who train multiple times a day.
• Convenience: Mass gainers can be a convenient way to get additional calories, protein and nutrients, especially for individuals who have busy schedules or who have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs through food alone.

How to Choose the Best Mass Gainer for You

Macronutrients

The three macronutrients that provide our body with the nutrition and energy it needs are protein, carbohydrates and fats. All three are found in abundance in mass gainer supplements in order to provide the high caloric load intended to help individuals gain weight and muscle mass.

One important factor to consider when purchasing a mass gainer supplement is the protein-to-carbohydrate ratio. This is determined by your health and fitness goals. For example, an endurance athlete would prioritize around a five-to-one carbohydrate-to-protein proportion. This would be different from a bodybuilder, who would choose a two-to-one carbohydrate-to-protein ratio. Here are some reference ranges for different goals:

• For bodybuilders, sufficient protein (1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram/day) should be consumed and distributed evenly throughout the day (three to six meals), including within one to two hours pre-workout and post-workout. Carbohydrates (three to five grams per kilogram/day) should support the energy demands from resistance exercise, and fat should be consumed in moderate amounts (0.5-1.5 grams per kilogram/day).
• For endurance athletes, the recommended intake is 1.3 grams of protein and 7.9 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight/day, respectively.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in your mass gainer are nice to have rather than a necessity. Since these shakes are intended to be additions to your regular diet (not standalone meal replacement shakes), you should be able to get all of your necessary micronutrients through the food you consume.

Protein source

The protein source in a mass gainer is far less important than in a protein powder. This is because the majority of calories in a mass gainer are coming from the large amounts of carbohydrates and fats, not protein. Therefore, a high quality, low calorie protein whey isolate is lost in a mass gainer, since you’re already prioritizing an excess of calories to gain weight. It makes more sense for supplement companies to use whey protein concentrate and casein protein to make up the bulk of the protein because they already have some additional carbohydrates and fats included.

Other ingredients

Typically, the first ingredient in a mass gainer should be a carbohydrate source, complex if possible, and will usually be a form of maltodextrin, oat flour or sweet potato powder. The next ingredient should be a protein source or protein matrix (mix), and will usually consist of a whey protein concentrate for an animal-based protein powder or a pea protein for a plant-based formula. The fat source is usually medium chain triglycerides (MCT). The other ingredients you may find can include creatine monohydrate, vitamins and minerals and components used to flavor or sweeten the product.

Customer reviews

As with any product you purchase, it’s always a valuable practice to read some of the customer reviews. This will give you great insight into how the product mixes, the best flavors to choose and even how the supplement digests. You can also learn some valuable information about the company regarding their customer service and returns policy.

Cost

It’s important to remember that the cost of a supplement does not necessarily reflect the quality or effectiveness of the product. You should never break the bank on the purchase of a supplement. If a mass gainer is too expensive for you, my suggestion would be to buy a budget-friendly protein powder and combine it with oats and peanut butter in a blender with milk.

How We Chose the Best Mass Gainer Supplements

In order to determine which mass gainers are the best, we looked at a number of different factors, including the overall quality of ingredients, the macronutrient profile, online customer reviews, the price point and our own first-hand experience using these products. We want to ensure you are getting a high quality supplement that generates the results you’re looking for.

Mass Gainer FAQs

Do mass gainers actually work?

Whether a mass gainer actually works depends on a variety of factors including an individual's diet and exercise habits, their metabolism and their body’s ability to absorb and utilize the nutrients in the supplement. There is evidence to suggest that mass gainers can be effective for increasing weight and muscle mass when used in combination with a resistance training program and whole foods diet. If your goal really is to gain weight, then you need to consume the mass gainer shake in addition to your current diet, not as a replacement for another meal. Remember, mass gainers are not a magic solution for weight gain and building muscle; they are just a convenient way to increase your total calories and protein intake.

Do doctors recommend mass gainers?

If you’re interested in using a mass gainer or other dietary supplement, it’s a good idea to first speak with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if the product is safe and appropriate for you, and they can provide guidance on how to use it as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan.

How often should I take a mass gainer?

How frequently you use a mass gainer is dependent on your health and fitness goals. If you’re serious about trying to put on some size and muscle, then it probably makes sense to use a mass gainer supplement every day. However, other individuals may use a mass gainer as part of a backup plan for when they don’t have time to cook and need quick and easy nutrients.

Can beginners take mass gainers?

Beginners can absolutely take mass gainers. It really doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced bodybuilder or a total newcomer to the gym. If your goal is to put on some body weight and size, then a mass gainer could be a good supplement for you.

Can mass gainers damage my kidneys?

When used correctly, there’s no evidence to suggest that a mass gainer supplement will damage the kidneys. It’s important to note that consuming too much protein can put a strain on the kidneys and might increase the risk of kidney damage in people with pre-existing conditions. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional prior to consuming a new supplement.

Final Thoughts

When used correctly, mass gainers are an effective and convenient supplement option for people looking to pack on size and muscle mass. For optimal results, gainers should always be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and training program. If you’re serious about gaining weight, then a mass gainer needs to be taken in addition to your regular diet and not as a meal replacement shake. If you’re new to these supplements, I recommend trying a half serving size to start and monitoring your progress before jumping into 1,000+ calorie shakes. In most cases, a 300-500 caloric increase over your maintenance levels is enough to spur on significant weight and muscle gains.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.