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If you're looking to pack on some muscle mass, it may come as no surprise that you have to eat more calories than you burn. You see, our bodies require additional calories and macronutrients (protein, carbs, fats) to help fuel muscle gains. While eating more calories sounds relatively easy on the surface, some people who are super active may have a difficult time keeping up with their calorie needs. For those who struggle to get enough calories from diet alone, our selection of the best mass gainers may provide a convenient way to boost your calorie and protein intake.
Mass gainers are not only rich in protein, but also contain concentrated sources of carbohydrates and fat to boost your calorie intake without drastically impacting your hunger. When paired with resistance training, mass gainers can help support lean body mass gains and enhance recovery following training.
The Best Mass Gainers - Our Top Picks
- Best Flavored Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- Best Mass Gainer Protein Powder: Kaged Clean Meal™
- Best Lean Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer: Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Weight Gainer
- Best Clean Mass Gainer: Kaged Clean Meal™
- Best Mass Gainer for Bodybuilding: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- Best Vegan Mass Gainer: Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Vegan
- Best Natural Mass Gainer: Orgain Sport Protein
- Best Budget Mass Gainer: Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Weight Gainer
- Best Plant-Based Mass Gainer: Orgain Perfect Meal Powder
However, not all mass gainers are created equal, with some containing unnecessary additives or fillers. To help you select the best one for your goals, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has sorted through the top products on the market to give you the 10 best mass gainers to put on size in 2023.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE’s readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We’ve consulted with a team of nutritionists and dietitians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Disclaimer: Exercise caution when taking supplements. Always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying a new supplement or pill. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Any supplements taken should be used in accordance with a healthy lifestyle. Any significant weight change should be monitored by a doctor.
Best Flavored Mass Gainer - Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
SPECS
- Dose: 2 scoops (196.76g)
- Active ingredients: Organic tapioca maltodextrin, whey concentrate, medium-chain triglycerides, creatine
- Calories: 790
- Protein: 53g
- Carbs: 114g
- Fats: 14g
A solid mass gainer has to check three important boxes. First off, it has to contain a balanced serving of carbs, fats, and protein, preferably from whole food sources, to promote muscle gains. Secondly, you'll want it to be free of unnecessary fillers. Third, it has to be palatable enough that you won't mind taking it on a regular basis.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer packs a significant 790 calories per serving made up of 14 grams of fat, 114 grams of carbs, and 53 grams of protein to fuel muscle gains and recovery from training. Made up of high-quality, predominantly whole-food ingredients, this weight gain powder provides a solid choice for athletes or active people looking to optimize their diet for building lean mass. Bonus, it comes in two delicious flavors; sweet vanilla and chocolate glaze donut.
To further enhance muscle performance and recovery, each serving supplies 3 grams of creatine, a well-researched compound that can enhance energy production.(1)
What We Like
- Provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats
- Tastes great
- Transparent labeling
- Mostly whole-food ingredients
- Supplies 3g of creatine per serving
What We Don't Like
- Large serving size; you may run through it faster
- On the pricey side
BUY: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Best Mass Gainer Protein Powder - Kaged Clean Meal™
SPECS
- Dose: 2 scoops (63.3g)
- Active ingredients: Whey protein isolate, organic quinoa, Swedish oats, coconut oil, 21 organic vitamins and minerals
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fats: 5g
Formulated with whey protein isolate and high-quality whole-food ingredients like organic quinoa and oats, Kaged Clean Meal™ is our pick for the best mass gainer protein powder. We like that this hearty protein supplement uses whey protein isolate rather than a concentrate, which is filtered for the purest form of protein and has been shown to help increase muscle mass.(2) This is technically a meal replacement powder, so it can be consumed in a pinch if you are on the go and unable to eat your massive helping of chicken and rice or added to your regular meal plan for an extra helping of clean protein.
In addition to the 29 grams of protein per two-scoop serving, Kaged Clean Meal™ features an organic blend of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, pumpkin, sweet potato, sunflower seed, and maitake mushrooms. Clean Meal™ also uses MCT oil to create a smoother shake texture and to potentially give you a much-needed boost of energy for your next workout.(3)
What We Like
- High-quality, organic ingredients
- Whey protein isolate for greater gains in mass and easier absorption/digestion
- Includes MCT oil
- Informed-Sport Certified
What We Don't Like
- Limited flavors
- May need more servings to meet protein requirements
Best Lean Mass Gainer - Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
SPECS
- Dose: 2 scoops (196.76g)
- Active ingredients: Organic tapioca maltodextrin, whey concentrate, medium-chain triglycerides, creatine
- Calories: 790
- Protein: 53g
- Carbs: 114g
- Fats: 14g
Formulated with high-quality, whole-food ingredients, Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is a solid choice for athletes or active people looking to optimize their diet and increase lean muscle mass. This fully-loaded gainer packs 790 calories per serving, including 14 grams of fat, 114 grams of carbs from natural sources, and 53 grams of protein to fuel muscle gains and recovery. Additionally, each two-scoop serving has 3 grams of creatine for performance and energy production. With two delectable flavors—sweet vanilla and chocolate glaze donut—Transparent Labs Mass Gainer can help keep you satiated without extra fillers and additives your body doesn't need while building lean muscle.
What We Like
- Provides a good balance of lean protein, carbs, and fats
- Transparent labeling
- Mostly whole-food ingredients
- Supplies 3g of creatine per serving
What We Don't Like
- Large serving size; you may run through it faster
- On the pricey side
BUY: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer - Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Weight Gainer
SPECS
- Dose: 4 scoops (321g)
- Active ingredients: Organic tapioca maltodextrin, whey protein concentrate, micellar casein
- Calories: 1,250
- Protein: 50g
- Carbs: 252g
- Fats: 2.5g
If you're hunting for a supplement that can significantly raise your daily calorie count without resorting to a typical "dirty bulk," we have the mass gainer recommendation for you. Coming in as our top pick for the best high-calorie mass gainer, Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Weight Gainer supplies a solid balance of high-quality protein and carbs with just three ingredients on the label, organic tapioca maltodextrin, whey protein concentrate, and micellar casein.
Naked Mass provides 1,250 calories per serving with 50 grams of protein and 252 grams of carbs which is more than enough to fuel your muscle-building endeavors. A blend of fast- and slow-digesting proteins, like casein, help ensure sustained amino acid release to optimize muscle protein synthesis. Last but not least, this product is third-party tested to ensure safety for athletes. It's also non-GMO, gluten-free, and contains no artificial additives.
What We Like
- 1,250 calories per serving
- Only 3 ingredients
- Good protein-to-carb ratio
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Not a lot of flavor variety
- Serving size is 4 scoops
BUY: Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Weight Gainer
Best Clean Mass Gainer - Kaged Clean Meal™
SPECS
- Dose: 2 scoops (63.3g)
- Active ingredients: Whey protein isolate, organic quinoa, Swedish oats, coconut oil, 21 organic vitamins and minerals
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fats: 5g
By looking over the ingredient panels of many of the top mass gain supplements, you'll find that they typically contain quite a few indiscernible ingredients. While this isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, some may prefer a simplified gainer with easily recognizable ingredient content. Thankfully many brands cater to these users, producing products with clean ingredients for mass gain.
In addition to the 29 grams of ultra-filtered whey protein isolate per two-scoop serving, Kaged Clean Meal™ is our pick for this category because it features an organic, whole-food blend of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, pumpkin, sweet potato, sunflower seed, and maitake mushrooms. Clean Meal™ is also third-party tested for product quality and Informed-Sport Certified.
What We Like
- High-quality, clean, organic ingredients
- Whey protein isolate for greater gains in mass and easier absorption/digestion
- Includes MCT oil
- Informed-Sport Certified
What We Don't Like
- May need more servings to meet protein requirements
- Reviews are mixed on the taste
Best Mass Gainer for Bodybuilding - Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
SPECS
- Dose: 2 scoops (196.76g)
- Active ingredients: Organic tapioca maltodextrin, whey concentrate, medium-chain triglycerides, creatine
- Calories: 790
- Protein: 53g
- Carbs: 114g
- Fats: 14g
Bodybuilding tends to be a sport of extremes; extreme training to build muscle and extreme dieting to alter your body composition depending on your goals. To that end, many of the supplements bodybuilders use are also rather extreme. While most mass gainers are likely suitable for bodybuilding, some provide additional nutrients that lend themselves well to muscle gain for physique sports.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is so nice, we've recommended it thrice. This dynamic mass gain blend uses 100% grass-fed whey protein concentrate to maximize muscle protein synthesis, the process bodybuilders depend on to build muscle. Providing 790 calories composed of 14 grams of fat, 114 grams of carbs, and 53 grams of protein, this gainer is a solid choice for bodybuilders during a bulking phase. To boost the protein and calorie content even further, this product can be mixed with milk.
What We Like
- 53g of protein per serving
- Clean, natural carb sources
- Contains 6g of fiber per serving
- 3g of creatine monohydrate per serving
What We Don't Like
- Only 15 servings per container
- Not suitable for vegan bodybuilders
BUY: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Best Vegan Mass Gainer - Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer
SPECS
- Dose: 4 scoops (315g)
- Active ingredients: Organic tapioca maltodextrin, yellow pea and brown rice protein, organic coconut sugar
- Calories: 1,230
- Protein: 50g
- Carbs: 245g
- Fats: 4g
Generally speaking, most mass gainers contain a number of animal-derived ingredients that make them not suitable for those following a vegan diet. That being said, with the growth in popularity of vegan diets, many brands are now producing mass gainers that are vegan-friendly. These use plant-based proteins such as brown rice, hemp, and pea protein to supply hungry muscles with amino acids for recovery and growth.
Our top pick for this category, Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer, provides a massive 1,230 calories per serving made up of 4 grams of fat, 245 grams of carbs, and 50 grams of protein to help even the most active vegans put on mass. The protein is supplied by yellow pea and organic brown rice protein, complementary proteins that together provide the 9 essential amino acids to support muscle growth. As the name entails, Naked products strive to provide only the most effective ingredients, eliminating any unnecessary ones.
What We Like
- 100% vegan
- Available in 2 flavors
- Contains only 5 ingredients
- Naturally flavored
What We Don't Like
- Contains quite a bit of added sugars
- Very large serving size
BUY: Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer
Best Natural Mass Gainer - Orgain Sport Protein Organic Plant-Based Powder
SPECS
- Dose: 2 scoops (57g)
- Active ingredients: Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic chia seed, organic fruit and vegetable blend
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fats: 7g
Prioritizing supplements that contain clean, identifiable ingredients that are certified organic is a must when shopping for the best natural mass gainer. That's why we picked Orgain Sport Protein. This plant-based formula consists of a 30-gram protein blend of organic pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds, and an organic fruit and vegetable blend with standout ingredients like beets, kale, spinach, and apple fiber. Vegan or not, this natural protein powder can help you build lean mass and retain muscle without the bloat and digestive issues often associated with whey-based proteins.
In addition to the high protein content, Orgain Sport is gluten-free and made without dairy or soy. Reviewers also love the taste and grit-free consistency when mixing with water or other dairy-free beverages. One thing to keep in mind is that you may need to use more than the recommended dosage to meet your protein requirements for mass gain.
What We Like
- Certified organic and non-GMO
- High protein without soy, dairy, or lactose
- No added sugars
- Grit-free and mixes well
What We Don't Like
- May not be enough servings to meet protein requirements
- Uses proprietary blends
BUY: Orgain Sport Protein Organic Plant-Based Powder
Best Value Mass Gainer - Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Weight Gainer
SPECS
- Dose: 4 scoops (321g)
- Active ingredients: Organic tapioca maltodextrin, whey protein concentrate, micellar casein
- Calories: 1,250
- Protein: 50g
- Carbs: 252g
- Fats: 2.5g
When on the market for a good quality mass gainer, you may be shocked at the price tag on some of them. It's not uncommon for some mass gainer products to cost over $100. For muscle-building enthusiasts on a budget, this can be a real obstacle. You want to make sure that you're getting the most value for your dollars out of any product you purchase.
One such option is Naked Nutrition Mass Weight Gainer. This product combines Naked whey, Naked casein, and organic maltodextrin for a highly-dosed—and highly effective—amount of muscle-building nutrition. With a whopping 1,250 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 252 grams of carbs, and 50 grams of protein per serving, this weight gainer gives you your money's worth.
As a bonus, Naked Mass is third-party tested and Informed Choice Trusted by Sport, ensuring ingredient safety and accuracy.
What We Like
- High-quality with no additives
What We Don't Like
- Limited flavor options
- 4 scoops is a high serving size
BUY: Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Weight Gainer
Best Plant-Based Mass Gainer - Orgain Perfect Meal Powder
SPECS
- Dose: 2 scoops (70g)
- Active ingredients: Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic chia seed, organic superfood blend
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fats: 8g
Handcrafted with plant-based, real-food ingredients, Orgain Perfect Meal is a powerhouse of nutritional value. The 25 grams of protein per serving come from a combination of organic pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds. There are also 10 grams of fiber, which is excellent as higher levels of dietary fiber have been shown to help increase lean mass.(4) Additionally, Orgain boasts that their product contains more than 80 superfoods and nutrients, along with probiotics and digestive enzymes.
Orgain Perfect Meal Powder is gluten-free, non-GMO, and made without dairy or soy. Reviewers love the taste, abundance of nutrients, easy mixability, and digestive benefits. Keep in mind that you may need to use more than the recommended dosage or add to a meal rather than use it as a meal replacement to meet your protein requirements for mass gain.
What We Like
- Plant-based protein blend of pea, brown rice, and chia seeds
- Certified organic and non-GMO
- No added sugars, soy, or lactose
- Grit-free and mixes well
What We Don't Like
- May not contain enough servings to meet protein requirements
- Limited flavor options
BUY: Orgain Perfect Meal Powder
How We Chose the Best Mass Gainers
The ACTIVE Reviews Team narrowed down our list of the best mass gainers by researching products from supplement brands that we trust—like Transparent Labs and Kaged—that use clean ingredients without additives, have certifications, and have positive word-of-mouth from real users and reviewers. We also prioritize products that have an excellent track record for customer service or money-back guarantees.
How Do Mass Gainers Work?
Mass gainers work by providing your body with the additional calories and protein it needs to support muscle gains in combination with a resistance training program. They typically contain a unique blend of high-quality protein, easy-to-digest carbs, and fats.(5) They are meant to be taken in addition to a well-balanced diet for the best results.
Active Ingredients
Protein
A good mass gainer is nothing without a solid source of protein as these lay the foundation for muscle and strength gains. Most often you'll find some type of whey protein is included as this is one of the highest quality proteins available. Alternatively, if it's a vegan mass gainer, you may find a blend of plant-based proteins such as pea protein, brown rice protein, hemp protein, or soy protein.
Carbs
The next important ingredient that typically makes up the most calories in a mass gainer is carbohydrates. Carbs provide growing muscles with all of the energy they need to perform and recover. The most common carb source found in mass gainers is some form of maltodextrin, a starchy white powder made from corn, rice, potato, or wheat. Companies that choose to include only whole-food ingredients often use oat powder, sweet potato powder, or sprouted grain powder to add carbs to their product.
Fats
Fats also make up a good amount of the calories in many mass gainers and are more energy dense than protein and carbs. This means they contain more calories per gram. The most commonly utilized source of fat in mass gainers is MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), a type of fat extracted from various foods that is digested more rapidly than most other forms of fat. Other types of fat used include sunflower oil and nut powders, to name a few.
Other
Some mass gainers include additional ingredients to further enhance muscle gains and performance. The most common ones include:
- Creatine: Can help improve power and strength when regularly supplemented
- BCAAs: Branched-chain amino acids, three essential amino acids that can contribute to muscle growth
- Vitamins and minerals: Important for energy metabolism, bone health, and recovery
- Electrolytes: Minerals such as sodium and potassium that have a hydrating effect in the body
What to Consider Before Buying Mass Gainers
Ingredients
The best bulk will come from mass gainers featuring clean ingredients and little-to-no additives. Look for products with high-calorie counts to create a caloric surplus from protein, carbohydrates, and fat sources. Hearty amounts of protein and carbohydrates are especially important as these key macronutrients help support muscle growth, recovery, and the energy required to complete intense muscle-building workouts.
For reference, off-season bodybuilders should consume 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram of protein daily with a two-to-one ratio of carbohydrates to protein.(6) You may also prefer a mass gainer with additional ingredients like creatine. That said, supplements like mass gainers aren't a quick fix and should only be used in addition to a well-balanced nutrition plan for the best results.
Dosage
Some of the mass-gain products on this list have much higher doses than others. For example, Naked Mass has four scoops, while Transparent Labs has two. Consider the amount of calories you need daily for lean mass gain, and then decide which product and dosage best fits your nutritional needs and lifestyle.
Cost
There's no sugar-coating it; mass and weight gain supplements can be really expensive. We've tried to keep our list under $100, but these products may still be too steep for some. There are budget-friendly options, but you may find yourself compromising on the quality of the ingredients. Rather than compromise, it is also possible to make use of a high-quality protein powder by combining it with high-calorie whole foods such as bananas, milk, or rolled oats to create your own mass-gaining shake.
FAQs About Mass Gainers
Should I drink mass gainer every day?
During a muscle-gaining phase maintaining a caloric surplus is essential. To ensure this, people supplement with mass gainers on days when the calories and protein from their diet may be insufficient. For some people, this may be daily, whereas others may only need to take it a few days per week. That said, mass gainers are generally safe to take every day.
When is the best time to take a mass gainer?
Mass gainers can be taken at any time of day when your body requires additional calories to optimize muscle growth. For many, this is immediately following a workout, between meals, or just before bed. While some people sip on mass gainers with a meal, this may leave you feeling excessively full.
What's the difference between mass gainer and protein?
Mass gainers contain a balance of the three macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat) and tend to be rather high in calories to support a caloric surplus. Protein powders on the other hand contain mostly protein with a small amount of carbs and fats. They are designed to be lower in calories and added to other foods or beverages. Mass gainers are best used during muscle-gaining phases, whereas protein powders can be used during muscle-gaining, fat loss, and maintenance periods.
Do mass gainers actually work?
While there's nothing magical about taking a mass gainer, they do provide a solid source of calories, protein, carbs, and fats to support lean muscle gains. For active people who struggle to keep up with the calorie demands brought about by their training, mass gainers provide a great option to fill in the gaps in their diet. Many will find that consistently taking such a supplement will allow for gradual weight and muscle gains to support their performance and fitness goals.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
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- Duarte, N. M., Cruz, A. L., Silva, D. C., & Cruz, G. M. (2020). Intake of whey isolate supplement and muscle mass gains in young healthy adults when combined with resistance training: a blinded randomized clinical trial (pilot study). The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 60(1), 75–84. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09741-X
- Rebello, C. J., Keller, J. N., Liu, A. G., Johnson, W. D., & Greenway, F. L. (2015). Pilot feasibility and safety study examining the effect of medium chain triglyceride supplementation in subjects with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial. BBA clinical, 3, 123–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2015.01.001
- Frampton, J., Murphy, K. G., Frost, G., & Chambers, E. S. (2021). Higher dietary fibre intake is associated with increased skeletal muscle mass and strength in adults aged 40 years and older. Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 12(6), 2134–2144. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.12820
- Jäger, R., Kerksick, C.M., Campbell, B.I. et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 14, 20 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8
- Iraki, J., Fitschen, P., Espinar, S., & Helms, E. (2019). Nutrition Recommendations for Bodybuilders in the Off-Season: A Narrative Review. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 7(7), 154. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7070154
About the Author
Daniel Preiato is a registered dietitian who specializes in sports nutrition and nutrition education. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and an avid strength athlete. He uses his background in clinical nutrition to dissect research and help individuals meet their health and fitness goals.
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