If you’re trying to pack on muscle, eating thousands of calories of whole foods is no easy task. Just like the best protein powders, a mass gainer supplement can help increase your daily intake without you having to spend hours in the kitchen.
But as with other muscle growth supplements, there are seemingly endless options on the market. Plus, different athletes may have different dietary restrictions or fitness goals. To make things simple, our team of BarBend experts, including personal trainers and athletes, tested more than 10 products to narrow the choices down to the absolute best mass gainers for a variety of athletes.
Best Mass Gainers of 2024
- Best Overall Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- Best Tasting Mass Gainer: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
- Best Mass Gainer for Bodybuilding: Huel Black Edition
- Best Vegan Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer
- Best Natural Mass Gainer: Naked Mass
- Best Digesting Mass Gainer: Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer
- Best Mass Gainer Protein Powder: Mutant Mass
- Best Budget Mass Gainer: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
- Best High-Carb Mass Gainer: MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000
- Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer: Dymatize Super Mass
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of advice and/or supervision from a medical professional. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended to diagnose, prevent, and/or treat health problems. Speak with your physician or nutritionist if you have any concerns or before beginning any new diet or workout regimen.
Best Mass Gainer Supplements Video Review
Be sure to check out our best mass gainers video for an even more in-depth analysis of this performance supplement. BarBend’s own Nick English walks you through some of our favorite mass gainer picks.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Mass Gainers
Mass gainers are a particularly tricky supplement, as different athletes have different needs. Are you looking to save money on calories, add to your nutrient intake, or find a tasty way to gain mass? Our team of experts, including personal trainers and athletes, tested more than 10 different mass gainers to find a product for every reader. Here’s the criteria we considered:
Price
We’ve included a wide range of prices and tub sizes on this list. Some of these picks are large, cost-effective tubs, while others are smaller, more expensive canisters. On average, you can expect to pay about $5 to $6 per serving. This is a little pricier than a whey protein powder but you’re also getting a whole meal’s worth of macronutrients, compared to protein powder.
Macro Profile
Macros are the carbohydrates, protein, and fat that make up your food. Protein to carb ratio varies per product, and the ratio customers prefer also varies per individual. If you’re trying to maintain a lean build while gaining muscle, a higher protein count and lower carb value may be better for you, whereas if you’re trying to bulk, protein mixed with a higher number of carbs could benefit you. We’ve included a variety of options to help satisfy all customer needs.
Quality Ingredients
Especially if you plan to take weight gainers consistently, you want a formula that doesn’t have too much junk. We tried our best to pick products with as little fillers and artificial ingredients as possible.
Some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners. Though there is no overwhelming amount of evidence they will cause you harm, we have indicated whether or not a mass gainer contains these ingredients for those who wish to avoid them in lieu of natural sweeteners. If this isn’t a priority to you, we’ve also included supplements on this list that do include some artificial sweeteners.
Micronutrients include both vitamins and minerals. Some prefer a dose of these nutrients with their mass gainers; for others, this is not a priority. That’s why we’ve included options both with and without added micronutrients — like creatine or digestive enzymes — to satisfy both types of users.
Taste
If a supplement tastes horrible, you probably won’t want to drink it too often. So, we took taste into consideration when making our list. Granted, taste isn’t the most important factor on our list (after all, you can mix mass gainers with other flavored juices or milks to improve the taste) but nevertheless, we highlighted the best-tasting picks.
Solubility
Throwing your supplement powders into a blender isn’t always an option, especially if you’re always on-the-go. Ideally, you want a supplement that can mix pretty well with just a spoon or shaker bottle. We made notes on solubility as we tested each of these mass gainers.
Third-Party Testing
Our team likes to pick and choose products with transparent labels and third-party testing certifications. This helps ensure that the product you’re using is safe and contains the ingredients reflected on the label.
[Related: The 18 Best Pre-Workouts of 2024, RDN-Approved (Personally Tested)]
Best Overall Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
High on protein, low on fat, and containing no artificial ingredients, this clean mass gainer should sit well in almost anyone's stomach. Your most challenging choice is whether you want Sweet Vanilla or Chocolate Glaze Donut.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 750 calories
- Protein Source: Grass-fed whey
- Macros per Serving: 14 grams fat, 110 grams carbs, 53 grams protein
- Flavors: Chocolate Glaze Donut, Sweet Vanilla
- Price per Serving: $5.33
Pros
- This mass gainer packs a whopping 750 calories with well-balanced macros.
- This supplement is naturally sweetened and flavored.
- You get 6g of fiber per serving (21 percent of your daily value).
Cons
- This product doesn’t have many vitamins and minerals added.
- Some athletes may prefer more carbs per serving.
- This product is a little pricey.
To take the top spot, we selected a product that’s simple, effective, and tasty. It’s surprisingly hard to find a mass gainer with all three qualities despite the potential benefits of mass gainers, but Transparent Labs has pulled it off.
“Transparent Labs Mass Gainer scores a 4.25 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “It accomplishes exactly what it’s intended to accomplish and the ingredients list is very transparent.”
For every two-scoop serving size, you get 53 grams of high-quality protein, 110 grams of carbs (from tapioca maltodextrin), and 14 grams of fat, making this a pretty well-rounded product. Bourgeois did dock the formula a bit because the sodium and saturated fat content is pretty high, which may not be ideal for all adults.
“Each serving provides 580 milligrams of sodium and 12 grams of saturated fat,” Bourgeois says. “There’s a lot to unpack there but to keep it short, if heart health is a concern, you should be mindful of how frequently you use this powder.”
We did enjoy the taste, though. The flavor tastes “exactly like a chocolate donut,” according to our personal testers, who loved the Chocolate-Glazed Donut option, giving it a 4.5 out of 5. It also comes in Sweet Vanilla, however, those are the only two available flavors.
Our team gave this product’s consistency a 5 out of 5. After mixing it with water, the mass gainer powder dissolved really well and had a nice texture. Our testers had zero side-effect issues, which was a huge plus, too.
Unfortunately, Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer sits on the pricier side of the spectrum. One 15-serving container costs $79.99, which is about $5.33 per serving. We had to give TL a 3.5 out of 5 for price per serving, as you can find plenty of less expensive mass gainers. However, if you prioritize clean ingredients, this pick is worth the price. TL has a transparent label with zero banned substances.
Read our full Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Review.
Best Tasting Mass Gainer: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
This mass gainer is packed with calories and is among the best-tasting mass gainer products we've tried. You can get it in chocolate or vanilla flavors.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 487.92
- Protein Source: Whey protein
- Macros per Serving: 10.42 grams of fat, 55.29 grams of fat, 39.73 grams of protein
- Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
- Price per Serving: $4.49
Pros
- After trying many mass gainers, our testers especially loved the vanilla flavor of this product.
- This formula includes MCT oil to increase your healthy fats.
- Crazy Nutrition includes digestive enzymes.
Cons
- Compared to some other mass gainers, the macros are a little low in this product.
- This formula uses sucralose as a sweetener.
If you’re going to be sipping a mass gainer relatively frequently, you want a product that actually tastes enjoyable. Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer takes that standard a step further, offering one of the best-tasting mass gainers on the market. “The vanilla flavor is actually really pleasant,” according to our tester who gave the flavor a 4 out of 5. “It actually tastes a lot like a vanilla protein powder.”
Unfortunately, though, we were a little unhappy with the solubility, giving this factor a 2 out of 5. “One serving is four scoops but we only tested with two scoops,” our tester explained. “Even in a blender, the oat powder settles at the bottom, so you have to shake up the powder every sip. I can’t imagine actually following the instructions without the product being a paste.”
Our team gave the formula an overall 3 out of 4. The formulation isn’t bad, necessarily, but it is a little lighter in the amount of calories. One serving is 487 calories, whereas most others are 500 calories per serving at least. You also only get about 55 grams of carbs per serving, whereas other products (like Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer) offer at least 100 grams per serving.
We did like the approachable price point, though. One 20-serving container costs $89.99, which is about $4.49 per serving. We gave Crazy Nutrition a 4 out of 5 for price per serving, considering most others sit around the $5 per serve mark.
It’s important to note that this product uses milk protein, which may not work for all athletes. One of our testers definitely experienced some stomach bubbles. “I’m sensitive to lactose and though this has lactase, I still noticed some stomach upset,” he said, giving the side effects a 3 out of 5. However, another tester of ours noticed zero negative effects. So, start by sipping small amounts and progress slowly.
[Related: The Real Pros and Cons of Mass Gainers]
Best Mass Gainer for Bodybuilding: Huel Black Edition
Huel Black Edition is a completely plant-based meal replacement that's loaded with vitamins and minerals. You can also choose from a wide variety of flavor options.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 400 calories
- Protein Source: Pea protein, brown rice protein
- Macros per Serving: 18 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs, 40 grams of protein
- Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, Strawberry Shortcake, Coffee Caramel, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Roll, Unflavored & Unsweetened
- Price per Serving: $3.11
Pros
- With 40 grams of protein and only 18 grams of fat and 25 grams of carbs per serving, this is ideal for bodybuilders looking to keep their macros low.
- This supplement has added vitamins and nutrients.
- You get 29 percent of your daily fiber requirement per serving.
Cons
- This product is a little lower in calories than the others.
- Some athletes may prefer more carbs per serving.
Huel Black Edition is an excellent pick for bodybuilders, as it’s actually, technically, a meal replacement. This formula keeps fat and carbs pretty low, while maintaining a high protein, which is ideal for bodybuilders who may be looking to keep their overall macros relatively low. This product packs 400 calories per serving, including 18 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs, and 40 grams of protein.
A little different from your standard mass gainer, this product is packed with 27 vitamins and minerals, earning Huel a 5 out of 5 for formulation. Our team also loves that you get 29 percent of your daily fiber requirement, too. This is also a bonus for competitors following a strict meal plan, as it helps fill potential gaps in your daily diet.
“I enjoyed the Cookies & Cream flavor,” our tester said, giving the taste a 5 out of 5. “It wasn’t too sweet and I really love adding it to my coffee. I only put a fraction of a full serving in my espresso but it created an even more delicious way to start my day.”
We also gave the solubility and texture a solid 4.5 out of 5. “Huel dissolves pretty well in water, as the instructions direct,” our tester said. “But I can taste the powder a little bit in the water. It’s completely seamless when you blend the powder up.”
Our tester noticed no negative side effects, giving this category a 5 out of 5. This powder is gluten-free and lactose-free, making it very easy on the stomach. “I get an upset stomach after many protein supplements but no side effects here,” they said.
Compared to other mass gainer supplements, this one is pretty inexpensive. Most mass gainers cost around $5 per serving, whereas Huel Black Edition is only about $3.11 per serve. However, again, it’s not quite as calorie dense as most mass gainers, which may not be ideal for every athlete. In some cases, you may need to take a double serving to equal standard mass gainer calories.
Read our full Huel Review.
Best Vegan Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer
Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer is ideal for athletes following a plant-based diet who also want to put on some mass. This supplement is made with a pea protein isolate and zero animal products.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 730 calories
- Protein Source: Pea protein isolate
- Macros per Serving: 10 grams fat, 115 grams carbs, 52 grams protein
- Flavors: Chocolate Glaze Donut, Vanilla Cupcake
- Price per Serving: $5.33
Pros
- This mass gainer is completely vegan and contains zero animal ingredients.
- The 730 calories per serving can help you stay in a calorie surplus, ideal for building muscle.
- The fiber in this formula may help with digestion.
Cons
- You only get two flavors choices.
- Those on a budget can find a cheaper alternative on this list.
Just as you can find some pretty delicious vegan protein powders, you can find plant-based mass gainers, too. Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer contains zero animal products and uses pea protein isolate instead of milk-based protein.
The macros on this product are pretty similar to Transparent Labs’ standard mass gainer, so you don’t have to sacrifice any calories for the plant-based version. One serving packs 10 grams of fat, 115 grams of carbs, and 52 grams of carbs. We also love that the product has no artificial sweeteners or colors, earning the formulation a 4.5 out of 5.
Our testers enjoyed the flavor quite a bit, too. “The chocolate flavor truly tastes like a donut,” they said, giving the taste a 4.5 out of 5. Alongside the Chocolate-Glazed Donut, there’s a Vanilla Cupcake option. However, unfortunately, these are the only two options.
We do love the label transparency and the formula is Informed Choice-certified. However, all of this goodness comes at a cost. One 15-serving container costs $79.99, which is about $5.33 per two scoops, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for price per serving. While you can find cheaper alternatives on this list, we are big fans of this formula. So, if you can afford this product, we think it’s worth the price.
Best Natural Mass Gainer: Naked Nutrition Naked Mass
Naked Nutrition's whey is grass-fed and it’s made without acids, heat, bleach, or growth hormone. Other ingredients include organic tapioca maltodextrin, whey protein concentrate, micellar casein, organic coconut sugar, and organic cacao powder.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 1360 calories
- Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate, micellar casein
- Macros per Serving: 15 grams fat, 251 grams carbs, 50 grams protein
- Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate
- Price per Serving: $6.36
Pros
- This product is natural with no artificial additives and grass-fed protein.
- Naked Mass is sweetened with organic coconut sugar, not artificial sweeteners.
- You can buy the vegan version of this mass gainer on the same page.
Cons
- There are very few fats per serving compared to other macros.
- This is among the priciest mass gainers at $6.36 per serving.
For athletes who want a natural mass gainer, Naked Mass fits the bill. This natural, non-GMO supplement has no artificial additives or sweeteners and the formula is made with grass-fed protein. “I like that Naked kept the sodium content low in some flavors of their mass gainer formula, and I’m a fan of the short ingredient lists,” Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, said, giving the formula a 4 out of 5.
One four-scoop serving packs 1360 calories, including 15 grams of fat, 251 grams of natural and complex carbohydrates, and 50 grams of protein. This is definitely one of the denser mass gainer supplements on this list. And while we do like the high calorie counts and balanced macros, some of the flavors do pack quite a bit of sodium (nearly 10 percent of your daily recommendation).
“Some flavors are super high in saturated fat and sodium,” Bourgeois says. “You definitely need to be mindful of your overall diet when including such a nutrient-dense dietary supplement in your routine.”
Our testers tried the Unflavored version, which they rated as an overall 4 out of 5 for taste. “Mixed with just water, it’s a 2 out of 5 on taste because there’s really no sweetness,” our tester said. “With plain milk, it’s like I’m drinking heavy cream, which I also didn’t love. But in a smoothie with some banana, peanut butter, and cocoa powder, you can barely tell it’s there.”
For solubility, this product varied, depending on how our testers prepared their shakes. Mixed with water in a shaker cup, we gave the solubility a 2 out of 5, as it turned out really foamy. But in a blender, it mixes easily, earning a 5 out of 5 for solubility. So, if you want something that you can shake up really quickly in a cup, this may not be the best pick.
Unfortunately, we had to give this mass gainer a 1 out of 5 on price per serving, as it’s one of the most expensive on this list. One 11-serving container is $69.99, which is about $6.35 per serving. This is a pretty high price for any kind of supplement and while we like the ingredients, Naked Mass may not be affordable for all athletes.
Read our full Less Naked Mass Review.
Best Digesting Mass Gainer: Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer
This mass gainer includes a blend of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate, and micellar casein. So, you'll definitely hit your protein goals with this product.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 560 calories
- Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate, micellar casein
- Macros per Serving: 5 grams fat, 99 grams carbs, 30 grams protein
- Flavors: Chocolate Fudge, Soft Serve Vanilla, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Toast Cereal, Campfire Smores
- Price per Serving: $2.73
Pros
- Rivan Nutrition’s mass gainer only has four grams of fiber per serving, so it can digest more easily than other formulas.
- This formula includes multiple different proteins with 30 grams of protein per serving.
- You can choose from six different flavor options.
- There are three different container size options (5lbs, 10lbs, and 12lbs).
Cons
- This formula contains very little fat.
- Those with dairy sensitivity may not love the milk-based protein.
Don’t get us wrong, fiber is a crucial nutrient that’s beneficial for your health. However, too much fiber in one shake can be hard for your body to digest. This product only has four grams of fiber per serving, so digestion shouldn’t be an issue. This product also packs a 30g protein blend of whey concentrate, whey isolate, milk protein isolate, and micellar casein, combining your mass gainer and protein powder into one.
Comparing this formula to other mass gainers on the market, we gave Rival Nutrition a 3.5 out of 5. The 560 calories per serving isn’t bad but you can definitely find denser options on this list. Plus, we didn’t love that one serving only has five grams of fat. Since the macros are a little unbalanced, you may find yourself feeling hungry sooner than you’d like.
“I have the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor which tastes really good,” our tester said, giving the flavor a 5 out of 5. “It really tastes true to the name. I’ve also mixed this powder with both water and soy milk and the flavor stays consistent.”
After mixing it in a plain shaker cup, our tester gave the product a 5 out of 5 for solubility. We noticed no clumps at all, which is pretty uncommon for dense supplements. “With every other mass gainer product I’ve tested, you usually see clumps or a grainy texture,” our tester said. “That’s not the case at all here.”
Our tester was happy to note that they had zero side effects. “I have GI issues with mass gainers pretty often but my stomach was fine with this one,” they said. This product is also pretty reasonably priced. Whereas most mass gainers are around $5 per serving, this one is only about $2.73 per serve.
However, our tester really didn’t love the included scooper. “It’s an odd shape and it has a point to make it easier to pour into a narrow spout,” they said. “But I actually find myself spilling the powder more often than with a standard scooper.” If you’re prone to spilling, you may want to keep a spoon handy.
Best Mass Gainer Protein Powder: Mutant Mass
Mutant Mass comes in a five-pound bag and six different flavor options, so there's something for every athlete. This mass gainer packs plenty of protein and includes whole food ingredients.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 550 calories
- Protein Source: Whey and casein blend
- Macros per Serving: 6 grams fat, 96 grams carbs, 28 grams protein
- Flavors: Triple Chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Banana, Coconut Cream, Chocolate Fudge Brownie
- Price per Serving: $2.81
Pros
- This mass gainer has a blend of whey and casein protein powder in the formula.
- You can get Mutant Mass in six different flavors, which is more than most mass gainers.
- At $2.81 per serving, this is relatively budget-friendly compared to other mass gainers.
Cons
- This formula uses sucralose as a sweetener, which may not work for all athletes.
- One serving contains 13 percent of your daily sodium.
For athletes who want a mass gainer with protein powder, Mutant Mass is a solid choice. This formula contains a whey and casein blend, packing 28 grams of protein per serving. Thanks to the blend, this product combines a fast- and slow-digesting protein (thanks to the casein protein), so your body gets plenty of time to absorb the protein.
While we like the protein content in Mutant Mass, we did have to give the formulation a 3.5 out of 5. Calorie-wise, this one definitely suffices as a mass gainer. Per serving, you get six grams of fat, 96 grams of carbs, and 28 grams of protein. However, this product does use sucralose as a sweetener, which may not sit well with all athletes. Plus, one serving contains 13 percent of your daily sodium, which may be too much for some people.
“I tried out the Cookies & Cream,” our tester said, giving the flavor a 3 out of 5. “It wasn’t my favorite, I’m not going to lie. It was really sweet and artificial, in my opinion.” That being said, this may not be the case for other flavors.
We also thought that the solubility could use some work. “I actually found this product to be pretty clumpy,” our tester said, giving the solubility a 2 out of 5. “At the same time, too, it was really thin.”
This product isn’t third-party tested, which we thought was a shortcoming. However, the price per serving was pretty approachable, especially compared to other mass gainers. One 16-serving container costs $44.99, which is about $2.81 per serving. Most other mass gainers are at least $3 per serving.
Best Budget Mass Gainer: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
This mass gainer contains 1,250 calories per serving, 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of most vitamins and minerals, and 50 percent of your daily vitamin D, which is important for testosterone.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 1260 calories
- Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate
- Macros per Serving: 5 grams fat, 253 grams carbs, 50 grams protein
- Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vanilla, Strawberry, Banana
- Price per Serving: $5.62
Pros
- This budget mass gainer only costs $44.99 for the entire tub and you get more calories per serving than most others.
- This comes in four flavor options.
- It’s available on Amazon Prime.
Cons
- This product has very little fat content.
- Not all athletes need 253 carbs per serving.
For those who want to save some money, this product is a relatively budget-friendly pick at $44.99 per tub (price varies minimally by flavor). That’s about $5.62 per serving, which is a little pricey but you get significantly more calories and nutrients than other mass gainers at the same price point. So, while our testers did give this a 3.5 out of 5 for price per serving, it’s still a good money saver considering most athletes probably won’t need an entire serving at a time.
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass contains 1,260 calories per serving, 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of most vitamins and minerals, and 50 percent of your daily vitamin D. “It boasts an impressive vitamin and mineral profile,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, who gave the formula a 4 out of 5. “I like that it includes five grams of creatine in every serving of their Serious Mass supplement.”
We didn’t fall in love with the Vanilla flavor, though. “It’s not terrible but the Vanilla tastes like a typical artificial vanilla powder,” our tester said, giving the taste a 3.5 out of 5. “However, it won’t overpower any other flavors. So, if you add it to a smoothie with other ingredients, it’s totally drinkable.”
We gave the solubility a 4 out of 5, as it dissolved better than some other mass gainers we tried. But we did need to use a blender, which we’ve found to be the case for most of the supplements on this list. Our testers also gave this product a 5 out of 5 for side effects, as they didn’t notice any stomach unrest or bloating.
Best High-Carb Mass Gainer: MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000
MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000 is among the highest-calorie mass gainers. This product packs more than 2,000 calories per serving and it's also especially high in carbohydrates.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 2,130 calories
- Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein isolate
- Macros per Serving: 6 grams fat, 460 grams carbs, 60 grams protein
- Flavors: Triple Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Milkshake
- Price per Serving: $10.99
Pros
- This mass gainer has 460 grams of carbs per serving, which is more than most others on the market.
- You get 2,130 calories per serving, which is the most of our picks.
- This formula keeps the fat content minimal.
Cons
- At $10.99 per serving, this is one of the priciest mass gainers.
- The macros are pretty imbalanced in this product, which may not be ideal for all athletes.
For athletes who want a mass gainer that’s especially high in carbs, this pick from MuscleTech fits the bill. This supplement has 460 carbs per serving, which is more than any other product on our list. You also get 60 grams of protein and six grams of fat per serving, totaling 2,130 calories. While we like the density here, this supplement does include some artificial sweeteners, so we gave the overall formula a 3 out of 5.
Although we didn’t notice any side effects after trying this product, our tester didn’t fall in love with the flavor. “The Triple Chocolate Brownie had a mocha flavor, which I didn’t really love,” said Kate Meier, CPT, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member. “It tasted way more like mocha fudge, so I’d give it a 2 out of 5 for taste.”
The solubility wasn’t exactly ideal either. When mixed with water, Meier found it to be extremely thin but with milk, the texture is way too thick. “It’s almost like a pudding more than a shake,” she said, giving the texture and solubility a 2 out of 5.
While this product definitely hits the high-carb mark, the price is a little less satisfying. One five-serving bag costs $54.99, which is nearly $11 per serving. We had to give the price per serve a 1 out of 5. However, the macros are nearly double most other mass gainer supplements, so you likely wouldn’t be taking a full serving at a time.
Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer: Dymatize Super Mass
Dymatize Super Mass keeps calories high, packing plenty of carbs and protein per serving. This is also a budget-friendly option for those who can't spend a ton on their supplements.
Specs
- Calories per Serving: 1,280 calories
- Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, micellar casein
- Macros per Serving: 10 grams fat, 245 grams carbs, 52 grams protein
- Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
- Price per Serving: $4.99
Pros
- This mass gainer has 1,280 calories per serving.
- The price per serving is lower than most others at this calorie level.
- This formula includes creatine monohydrate.
Cons
- There are only two flavor options.
- Some athletes may want more minimal fat content.
For athletes who want to ingest plenty of calories each day, a hefty mass gainer can help. This pick from Dymatize packs 1,280 calories per serving, including 10 grams of fat, 245 grams of carbs, and 52 grams of protein. Our team gave the formula an overall 3.5 out of 5, though, as it does contain artificial sweeteners, including sucralose. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but can cause digestive unrest for some.
“I actually liked the Vanilla flavor,” our tester said, giving the taste a 4 out of 5. “Some vanilla supplements can taste artificial but this one wasn’t overly sweet.” We do wish there were some more flavor options, though, considering you can only choose from Chocolate or Vanilla. This may get a little dull, especially if you’re planning on taking a mass gainer regularly.
We also gave Dymatize a 5 out of 5 for solubility because it actually dissolved well, which isn’t common for mass gainers. Plus, our testers didn’t notice any unwanted side effects, including bloating or gas.
One eight-serving container of Dymatize’s Super Mass Gainer costs $39.98, which is only about $4.99 per serving. Considering how many calories you get per serving, this is pretty budget-friendly. Most other mass gainers with similar macros cost well over $5 per serve. Plus, it’s available on Amazon Prime, so you can subscribe to monthly deliveries and save.
When to Take Mass Gainer
If you’re looking to gain muscle mass, it may be helpful to take a mass gainer right after your workout, but it’s not necessary. There isn’t much research on mass gainers specifically but drinking protein after a workout (a big component of mass gainers) may help promote recovery, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But you don’t need to be a huge stickler with timing. As long as you are eating enough protein, carbs, and fats throughout your day (or in surplus, if you want to gain mass), you should start to see results.
[Related: Best Macros Calculator for Tracking Muscle Gain and Fat Loss]
How Do Mass Gainers Work?
Mass gainers are fairly straightforward supplements with a direct effect to note. Essentially, mass gainers provide a large number of calories that you can drink to help you reach a caloric surplus and gain mass. If you’re working hard in the gym or just looking to put on some weight, then the extra calories over what your daily needs are for sustaining your current weight can stick around as increased weight and muscle. Thus, your mass may increase.
The Benefits of Mass Gainers
So can you add a bunch of liquid, powdery calories to your diet without any issues? The useful thing about mass gainers is that they typically make it really easy to add a ton of calories to your diet. Adding a thousand (or more) calories to your daily diet can be tough with only solid foods. On the other hand, mass gainers are easy to sip.
As with other supplements, there are mass gainer pros and cons. The main issue with mass gainers is that it’s very easy to overestimate your calorie requirements when you decide to add mass.
“Gaining muscle comes down to protein plus calories plus progressive overload,” according to Trever Kashey, Ph.D., a biochemist said. “On paper, there are no downsides. In reality, very few people measure their calories accurately (…) if the idea is to gain weight, it’s fine. If the idea is to gain muscle, then it can be misleading.”
In short, provided you’re meeting your intake of micronutrients, it’s not a huge deal for body composition whether you make up a sizable number of your calories from mass gainers. The rub is that you need to have an excellent idea of how many calories you should be consuming to gain the kind of mass you want.
[Related: How to Count Macros for Weight Loss, Muscle Gain, and Maintenance]
How Much Do Mass Gainers Cost?
The price of mass gainers varies by brand and ingredients. The straightforward mass gainers that focus on macros and don’t include many micronutrients tend to be less expensive, whereas the mass gainers with fewer artificial ingredients, and more vitamins and minerals tend to be more expensive.
| Best Overall Mass Gainer | Transparent Labs Mass Gainer | $79.99 $5.33 per serving |
| Best Tasting Mass Gainer | Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer | $89.99 $4.49 per serving |
| Best Mass Gainer for Bodybuilding | Huel Black Edition | $58 $3.11 per serving |
| Best Vegan Mass Gainer | Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer | $79.99 $5.33 per serving |
| Best Natural Mass Gainer | Naked Mass | $69.99 $6.36 per serving |
| Best Digesting Mass Gainer | Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer | $40.99 $2.73 per serving |
| Best Mass Gainer Protein Powder | Mutant Mass | $44.99 $2.81 per serving |
| Best Budget Mass Gainer | Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass | $45.54 $5.62 per serving |
| Best High-Carb Mass Gainer | MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000 | $54.99 $10.99 per serving |
| Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer | Dymatize Super Mass | $39.98 $4.99 per serving |
The mass gainers on this list range anywhere from $0.30 per serving to over $6 per serving with an average price of about $4.35 per serving. But before snagging the least expensive product on here, make sure you’re reading the label and acquiring what you want out of your mass gainer for the right price point.
How to Choose the Right Mass Gainer for You
Since mass gainers can be used for multiple purposes — gaining muscle mass, filling dietary gaps, consuming more calories, etc. — you’ll want to consider a few factors, and how they may work with your workout regimen and lifestyle before you choose a mass gainer to add to your supplement stack.
Calories
The calorie count in mass gainers varies widely. You can have mass gainers that are as low as 200 calories, and some that are over 1,000 calories. If you’re looking to gain lean muscle mass, you may want to opt for a product that’s lower in calories, but has a high protein-to-carb ratio. If you’re looking to bulk and gain overall mass, a higher-calorie option could be a better choice.
Macronutrients
It’s important to look at not only the total calorie content per serving of a mass gainer, but where those calories are coming from. Mass gainers have a wide range of protein-to-carb ratios — they vary from one-to-one to one-to-five. The lower ratios are going to be ideal for those seeking to build lean muscle. Those closer to the one-to-five ratio are going to be better for athletes who are trying to bulk or add calories and carbs to their diet.
Nutrient Profile
Many mass gainers also contain vitamins and minerals in their formulas. From different types of creatine to digestive enzymes, these additions are meant to support other aspects of your health, like digestion or energy, rather than just supplementing specific macros.
However, some people may not prioritize this, but rather want a more straightforward formula that simply provides the calories, carbs, and proteins they need to maintain and grow muscle mass. You’ll want to decide what additional ingredients (if any) you want in your powder before snagging a pick off of this list — typically the more micronutrients, the higher the price tag.
Other Ingredients
As we mentioned, there are other ingredients in mass gainers like vitamins, minerals, and often digestive enzymes. These can help to ensure you’re eating a relatively balanced and well-rounded diet when bulking or adding mass.
Customer Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials can usually be taken with a grain of salt individually, but trends tend to signal how people feel overall about the product. If a mass gainer is consistently receiving glowing reviews and high rankings, then it probably is the real deal.
How to Use Mass Gainer Supplements
This is one of the most easily misunderstood and misused categories of supplements, so read on before clicking the “buy” button.
Watch Your Calories Closely
A lot of people think, “I want to gain mass, so I’ll drink a mass gainer.” Great, but what kind of calorie surplus is it putting you into? Experts tend to agree that you’re unlikely to gain more than a quarter to half a percent of your body mass in muscle per week. That’s maybe an extra 200 calories over your daily calorie burn — any more than that, and it probably won’t be the kind of bulk you want to gain.
Pair Your Diet With the Right Workouts
If you want to gain muscle mass, running on the treadmill a few times a week likely won’t produce the physique you’re after. Heavy compound lifts and plenty of higher-rep hypertrophy-focused workouts are the order of the day. Find a well-planned, properly periodized program to accompany you on your muscle-building journey.
Don’t Forget Your Micronutrients
People tend to work themselves into a frenzy for more and more calories, no matter where they come from. This is called a “dirty bulk” — plenty of ice cream, forget the broccoli because it’s too filling. Though, your vitamins and minerals are fundamental to your muscle gain plan, magnesium in veggies helps with recovery, Vitamin D helps with hormonal health, and so on. Hit your recommended daily intake of all your nutrients, not just the ones that are high in calories.
Get a Lot of Sleep
Half of the classic bodybuilding movie Pumping Iron is Arnold Schwarzenegger taking naps. Optimal sleep helps the body produce testosterone, growth hormone, and reduce catabolic hormones like cortisol. It’s an incredibly important piece of the puzzle, so don’t leave it out.
[Related: The Lifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]
Final Word
Strategically using the best mass gainers, when implemented with a good understanding of your calorie and micronutrient needs, can reduce the stress of a high-calorie diet and take your body to where you want it to be. We won’t say they’re necessary for everyone and anyone who wants to pack on muscle, but in a world where we all have a zillion commitments, we’re all for making muscle-building a little easier.
This list has a plethora of picks that take price, protein content, carb content, micronutrients, and natural vs. artificial formulation into consideration. We did the hard work of whittling down a saturated market to some of the best mass gainers out there to fit your needs. If you’re after major gains then a mass gainer supplement may be the right choice for you.
FAQs
What's the best mass gainer supplement?
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is a BarBend favorite for its high-quality formula. It contains 740 calories, 53 grams of protein, 109 grams of carbs, 12 grams of fat, and eight grams of fiber to top it off. It also comes in two distinctly delicious flavors with a fairly reasonable price point, considering its ingredient list and macro content.
What's the difference between mass gainers and protein powders?
Speaking generally, mass gainers have a ton more carbs and fat to provide additional calories than protein powders and often come with added micronutrients. They’re also usually much larger in serving size and will feature slower digesting forms of protein like whey concentrate instead of whey isolate. Mass gainers are designed to provide calories and nutrients to put you in a caloric surplus so you can potentially gain muscle, while protein powders are intended to aid in recovery and help you reach your daily protein intake goals.
Do mass gainers make you fat?
If you’re sticking to your calorie goal, exercising right, getting the right amount of macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat), and you’re not falling short in your daily doses of vitamins and minerals, then mass gainers can help you to add muscle and minimize fat gain.
Simply adding a lot of calories without monitoring your intake isn’t the right way to go about muscle gain, but if your calories are dialed in, then mass gainers alone won’t cause issues. Most people have trouble gaining mass without gaining any fat, but if you gain fat, it won’t be because of the supplements. (It’ll be because your calories and total energy expenditure aren’t perfectly synced.)
Do mass gainers really work?
As with any supplement, there is no magic pill or shortcut to results, but mass gainers are relatively straightforward products. They generally provide a high number of calories and nutrients, which are intended to put you in a caloric surplus so your body has the nutrition to add muscle. You still need to work hard in the gym and be consistent with your other nutrition and supplements, but mass gainers may help people who are trying to pack on mass, as the name implies.
Do mass gainers have side effects?
The main potential side effect of mass gainers is digestive issues: bloating, gassiness, and other signs of an upset stomach. This isn’t to say mass gainers will cause these issues when used responsibly, rather than haphazardly consuming a lot more calories than the body is used to can tax the digestive system. To minimize these issues, only eat an average of 200 calories over your daily calorie burn, eat the right amount of fiber, and consider supplementing with digestive enzymes and probiotics.
Can you take mass gainers daily?
Absolutely, and most people do for the best potential effects. While you don’t need to take them daily, it’s usually recommended, but there are some reasons you might choose not to. If you’re primarily looking to increase your calorie intake on particularly difficult training days or if you’re using a mass gainer as a stand-in for a meal, then you might be more selective about when you take your mass gainer.
How much do mass gainers cost?
Due to their macro content and ingredient lists, mass gainers tend to be more expensive than regular whey protein or some of the other supplements that you may find in your stack. Our list finds a range of prices (although not all are mass gainers specifically) between about $0.55 per serving to over $6.00 per serving, with an average price point of around $4.35 per serving.
It’s good to keep in mind that a mass gainer isn’t a necessity, and there are many ways to go about bulking, but they may be a really convenient and delicious way to get those extra macros and calories in.
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