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Best mass gainers that actually work for 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
When combined with a consistent resistance training routine, the best mass gainers will promote growth and recovery by triggering muscle protein synthesis. Essentially, this intake of nutrients replenishes muscle glycogen and supplies both immediate and sustained sources of energy. Mass gainer protein supplements typically have a lower fat content, which encourages lean muscle growth rather than transforming those calories into body fat.
In this article, we identify the best mass gainer protein powders that actually work in the industry. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to identify the best mass gainer to meet your needs, so you can pack on some serious pounds.
Mass gainers overview
Mass gainers, commonly found in powder form, are a dietary supplement for those looking to gain weight and build muscle mass. Experts agree that supplements designed to increase lean muscle mass should contain both a high carbohydrate and protein count and be delivered in liquid form. Mass gainers do exactly this by providing a lot of calories, carbohydrates and protein in one drink.
How we chose the best mass gainers
There is no shortage of options on the market when it comes to mass gainers. To identify the best ones, we researched several key factors and scoured user reviews to determine the best of the best. There are three big things we looked at when choosing the right mass gainer supplement: macros, solubility/taste and price.
- Macronutrients: We looked at the overall caloric content and the breakdown of protein, carbohydrates and fat to ensure they were high-quality.
- Solubility/taste: We only wanted powders that mix well and taste good. No one will continue to drink something day after day if it is not appealing.
- Price: As most things do, part of the decision-making process boils down to price and affordability.
Top mass gainers
- Best overall: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- Best clean mass gainer: Naked Mass Protein Supplement Weight Gainer
- Best lean mass gainer: BSN True Mass
- Best budget mass gainer: Mutant Mass
- Best high carbohydrate mass gainer: MuscleTech Extreme 2000
Best overall mass gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- Carbohydrates are derived from tapioca, oat, and sweet potato sources
- Available in sweet vanilla and chocolate donut flavors
- 750 calories per serving
About Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Transparent Labs has made its name in the nutritional supplement industry for its commitment to transparent and clinically dosed formulas. All products are third-party tested by a team of scientific advisors to ensure the efficiency of every formula. Among the best sellers is their mass gainer, and it is not hard to see why.
Formulated with clean and high-quality ingredients, the Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is designed to increase lean muscle mass by providing adequate calories to both support training and gain weight. Each two-scoop serving delivers a whopping 750 calories, 53 grams of protein, 110 grams of carbohydrates, and 14 grams of fat per serving.
The protein found in this powder is sourced from a grass-fed whey concentrate, a fast-digesting form of protein that is reported to cause minimal, if any, gastrointestinal distress. Available in a sweet vanilla and chocolate donut flavor, this mass gainer does not contain any soy, sugar, sucralose or artificial coloring, making it especially attractive to anyone on a restrictive or clean diet. You will also find 3,000 milligrams of creatine monohydrate included in the ingredient list, which also contributes to the effective growth of lean muscle mass.
One nutritional consideration for some is that each serving is loaded with 12 grams of saturated fat, which comprises 60 percent of the recommended daily intake. For a mass gainer, that is a rather high level of fat, which could be concerning to those with cholesterol issues.
Why we like it
- Transparent list of clean and quality ingredients
- Third-party tested for efficacy
- Taste
What to consider
- Higher fat content
- Expensive
- Some reports of delayed shipping
Best Clean Mass Gainer: Naked Mass Protein Supplement Weight Gainer
- Formulated from three clean ingredients
- Each serving contains 1,250 calories
- Blend of proteins and complex carbohydrates
About Naked Mass Protein Supplement Weight Gainer
Many of the mass gainers on the market contain a ton of artificial ingredients, making them less than ideal for people who care about eating clean. Naked Mass Protein Supplement Weight Gainer stands out as a great option for anyone hoping to gain some serious weight without putting fake stuff into their body.
Combining their signature Naked Whey Protein, Naked Casein and organic maltodextrin, this supplement blends both fast- and slow-absorbing proteins with complex carbohydrates. Each serving contains 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fat, and 252 grams of complex carbohydrates. Derived from only three ingredients, this powder is cold-pressed, creating a powder that not only works but also tastes good.
There are three flavors to choose from available: a vegan option and a regular: unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla. Packed with 11.5 grams of BCAAs, Naked Mass also provides the building block proteins you need to promote lean muscle mass. If you need more convincing, this blend is third-party monitored for quality insurance and certified banned substance-free by Informed Choice By Sport.
Why we like it
- Only three clean ingredients
- Taste is reported to be great
- Mixes well
- Great macro content
What to consider
- Expensive
- Serving size is large
Best Lean Mass Gainer: BSN True Mass
- Each serving provides 700 to 710 calories
- Blend of high-quality proteins
- Lower calorie weight gainer with a 2-to-1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein
About BSN True-Mass
BSN True-Mass is a high-protein weight gainer designed for those aiming to gain some muscle mass while keeping calorie intake in check. This formula features a blend of high-quality protein with essential amino acids and BCAAs. Depending on the flavor, each serving delivers an impressive 50 grams of protein, 85 to 90 grams of carbohydrates and 18 to 19 grams of fat. But where this supplement stands apart from other weight gainers on the market is in its relatively lower calorie count. Compared to some of its competitors with well over 1,000 calories per serving, BSN True-Mass contains just 700 to 710 calories.
One common theme in reviews is that this mass gainer tastes really good and easily mixes into a tasty milkshake-like consistency. The catch is that this consistency is, in part, due to the higher fat count. However, the fat primarily consists of Medium Chain Triglycerides, known for being a healthy fat that keeps you feeling full for longer. Still, if you wanted a mass gainer with a low-fat content, this may not be for you.
In order to keep the calorie count low and the taste as good as it is, BSN True-Mass does contain a handful of artificial ingredients, including sucralose, which may lead to digestive issues.
Why we like it
- Lower calorie content
- Taste and solubility
- Solid dose of protein and carbohydrates
What to consider
- High-fat content (not ideal for a post-workout recovery shake)
- Contains artificial ingredients
Best Budget Mass Gainer: Mutant Mass
- Each serving provides 1,100 calories
- Each serving features 26.1 grams of EAAs and 12.2 grams of BCAAs
- Made from whole foods
About Mutant Mass
Finding a weight gainer that is affordable, tastes good and uses real food in its ingredient list can be a difficult feat. But Mutant Mass’ Weight Gainer checks all these boxes, featuring a unique, high-quality formula derived from whole foods including barley, sweet potato, rolled oats, avocado, coconut oil, flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and sunflower oil. Depending on what size bag you order, a one-scoop serving comes out to around $2.50–$3.25, which is quite a bit less than many competitors.
Specifically designed for bodybuilders looking to pack on some pounds, each serving provides 1,100 calories, 56 grams of protein, 192 grams of clean carbohydrates, and 12 grams of high-quality plant-based fat. This macro count varies slightly depending on the flavor. Towards that end, this supplement is available in six different flavors.
Mutant Mass’ Weight Gainer boasts an impressive complex protein count, which comes from whey protein concentrate, casein and milk proteins. While it also has an elevated fat content, the sources are natural and include MCT oil, avocado, flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and sunflower oils.
Users rave over the taste and consistency of all flavors. In fact, there are a few reviews claiming that this supplement is the best they have ever tasted. Unfortunately, part of that great taste comes with a high sugar count.
Why we like it
- Taste and mixability
- Derived from whole foods
- High-quality plant-based fat sources
What to consider
- Fat content is high
- Sugar count is high
- Some flavors contain sucralose
Best High Carbohydrate Mass Gainer: MuscleTech Extreme 2000
- Each serving provides 2,110 calories
- 5-in1 mass gainer that includes 17.8 grams of BCAAs including 8.2 grams of L-leucine as well as clinically validated 10 grams of pure creatine monohydrate
- Made from whole foods
About MuscleTech Extreme 2000
If you're on the hunt for a supplement that packs a punch in terms of carbs, MassTech Extreme 2000 might be your go-to choice. Each serving delivers a formidable 2,110 calories, 6 grams of fat, 456 grams of carbs and 60 grams of protein, making it one of the most calorie- and macro-dense weight gainers we came across in our research.
MassTech Extreme 2000 is also a solid choice if you are looking for a lot of protein. Each serving provides 17.8 grams of BCAAs, including 8.2 grams of L-leucine, along with a clinically validated 10 grams of pure creatine monohydrate. Here's the catch: the actual serving size is really large. Where most supplements direct you to use one or two scoops per drink, MassTech Extreme 2000 uses six large scoops of powder to make a single serving. Because of this, you will likely want to use a blender to mix it effectively or split the dosage over the course of a day.
Why we like it
- Provides a high amount of both carbs and protein
- Lower fat count
- Includes BCAAs and creatine monohydrate
What to consider
- Serving size is large
- Not many servings per package
- Higher sugar count
How to choose a mass gainer
Your primary consideration when choosing a mass gainer will be highly dependent on your fitness goals, dietary preferences and caloric needs. Are you looking for more carbs or protein? Do you care about artificial ingredients? How many extra calories are you looking to take in? Regardless, there are three factors that everyone should consider: budget, taste and macronutrient ratio.
- Budget: Before you start your search, determine how much you are willing to spend. Keep in mind that if your goal is to continue to use the powder over time, this is likely not a one-time purchase.
- Taste: Choose a mass gainer and flavor that will be appealing to you. Actually enjoying the drink will make it easier to be consistent.
- Macronutrient ratio: This refers to how the calories are broken down between carbs, protein, and fat. You will want to make sure the macro count fits into your overall dietary intake requirements to meet your fitness goals.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top mass gainers on the market. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best mass gainers for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
Do mass gainers actually work?
When used in conjunction with an effective workout routine and a healthy diet, mass gainers will contribute to weight gain. Ensure that you maintain a caloric surplus, meaning you consume more calories than you expend and stick to a training plan that optimally utilizes the calories and macronutrients provided by a mass gainer.
Is gaining weight quickly unhealthy?
Gaining weight too quickly can have adverse effects on your health if the weight gain is the result of consuming high-sugar foods with empty calories devoid of nutritional benefits. Such a diet can result in a buildup of fat and associated potential health risks.
Are mass gainers a safe way to gain?
While mass gainers are generally considered safe, we recommend you speak with a nutritionist or physician before initiating any supplement regimen.
References
- Greenwood, M. (2024, January 12). (PDF) Muscle Mass and Weight Gain Nutritional Supplements. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226765211_Muscle_Mass_and_Weight_Gain_Nutritional_Supplements
- Ivy, J. L. (n.d.). Carbohydrates and fat for training and recovery. PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14971430/
- Moore, D. R. (2019, August 2). Is an Energy Surplus Required to Maximize Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy Associated With Resistance Training. Frontiers. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2019.00131/full
