Bulking up is not as easy as some people might think, especially if you are a hard gainer.
That said, you can hack your way to muscle growth with the best protein powder for weight gain.
These are high-quality products that can give you large amounts of calories and help you put on more muscle mass quickly and safely.
What is more, they come in a variety of flavor options, making it easier for you to stick to your high-calorie diet.
The question now is, which of these premium protein powder supplements should you choose?
Here’s a rundown of some of your top options today.
Comparison Chart
Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain: A Review
1. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer
Founded in 1986, Optimum Nutrition, or ON, is one of the most recognized names in the sports nutrition industry.
It has an extensive selection of shakes and powders, mass gainers, energy boosters, and others.
Serious Mass is one of the flagship products in its lineup of weight gain supplements.
ON goes as far as calling it the “ultimate muscle building and weight gain formula.”
With all the things this product can offer, it’s hard to argue with their assertion.
Product Highlights
If you are serious about muscle gain, Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass has you covered.
Here are the key features of this protein powder:
- High Calorie Count
Each serving of this weight-gain protein powder consists of two scoops and can provide 1,250 calories.
This should be more than enough, even for those with a highly active metabolism or a weak appetite.
It can give you the extra calories that you need to bulk up.
At the same time, it has high-quality ingredients that promote the growth of lean muscle mass rather than fat.
- A Good Carbohydrate Source
Another reason Serious Mass is so effective is that each serving can provide 250 grams of carbs.
This will help facilitate hypertrophy, enhance your performance during workouts, and accelerate your recovery.
It has the ideal carb-to-protein ratio to increase your overall energy expenditure and reduce the amount of stored energy.
This way, you minimize fat storage and maximize lean muscle mass growth.
- A Great Source of Protein
No mass gainer protein powder is complete without, of course, protein, and Serious Mass has loads of it.
Each serving contains 50 grams of protein, aiding muscle recovery.
With a balanced diet and sufficient rest, you can bounce back more quickly from an intense workout and maximize your gains.
- A Variety of Nutritional Values
Aside from complex carbohydrates and protein, Serious Mass is also packed with Vitamins C, D, and E and zinc.
These nutrients combine to boost your immune system.
The Good
Serious Mass has many great features, like its high-calorie content and fast-acting protein.
That said, its biggest draw is Optimum Nutrition’s stellar reputation.
You can rest assured that it is a high-quality product that lives up to the company’s high standards.
The Bad
One thing you must note before buying this product is that you need two scoops to complete one serving, which might impact the texture once you prepare it.
That said, there are ways to work around this minor issue, like separating it into two smaller servings.
Pros:
- Provides adequate calories for weight gain
- Has lots of carbs and proteins
- Comes with other helpful nutrients
- An affordable protein powder
Con:
- Need two scoops in one serving
2. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder
Dymatize has been around for 25 years and is a well-known sports nutrition brand in its own right.
It has an impressive selection of high-quality protein supplements, mass gainer supplements, and performance boosters.
The Super Mass Gainer is one of its most popular products.
It is more expensive than Serious Mass from Optimum Nutrition, but not by much.
Product Highlights
The Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is aptly named. This high-calorie, high-carb protein powder has everything you need to achieve massive gains in a short amount of time.
- High Calorie Count
If you want to increase your calorie intake, you should seriously consider trying this product from Dymatize.
Each serving of this weight gainer is packed with at least 1,280 and up to 1,310 calories.
If you consume it along with your daily diet, there is no reason that you won’t see significant results, even if you are a hard gainer.
- A Reliable Carb Source
Like today’s top mass gainers, Super Mass Gainer is a good source of simple and complex carbs.
This combination provides immediate and sustained energy that your muscles need throughout the day.
It will allow you to achieve round-the-clock peak performance, helping you gain mass quickly and effectively.
- A Good Protein Source
In addition to being a good source of calories and carbohydrates, Super Mass Gainer is high in protein.
Each serving contains 52 grams of proteins for muscle support.
What makes it unique is that it contains a blend of slow, medium, and fast-digesting proteins.
This formulation makes Super Mass Gainer more effective at accelerating muscle growth.
- Effective Muscle Protein Synthesis
Another thing that sets the Super Mass Gainer apart from other products is that it has 5.1 grams of leucine and 10.7 grams of BCAA.
These substances serve as the building blocks for muscle protein synthesis, which is essential to muscle growth.
On top of this, it has 17 different vitamins and minerals, which can help you get balanced nutrition.
The Good
One of the biggest draws of the super mass gainer is that it has a healthy dose of BCAAs and leucine.
It is a well-balanced carb protein powder designed to help you achieve your fitness goal.
The Bad
If there is something that you should consider before buying this product, it’s that it is more expensive than, say, Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass.
That said, it is packed full of calories, proteins, carbs, BCAAs, leucine, and everything you need for muscle growth.
Pros:
- Offers high amounts of calories
- Contains lots of carbs and proteins
- Effective for muscle protein synthesis
- Comes in a number of tasty flavors
Con:
- A bit more expensive than some brands
3. Chocolate Naked Mass All-Natural Weight Gainer
Naked Nutrition is by no means a new company, but it is relatively young compared to its more established counterparts.
Established in 2014, it quickly made a name for itself by providing high-quality sports nutrition products at a reasonable price.
The Chocolate Naked Mass All-Natural Weight Gainer is one of the company’s bestsellers.
It is designed for hard gainers who want to bulk up and gain muscle mass quickly but safely.
Product Highlights
If you have grown tired of chugging weight gainers that do not work, maybe it’s time that you gave Naked Mass a shot.
Here are some of its top features:
- Back to Basics
The name Naked Mass should give you an idea of this product’s unique value proposition.
It has been stripped bare, leaving behind three main ingredients: naked casein, naked whey, and organic maltodextrin.
There are no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colorings that might interfere with its effectiveness.
Other than the three core ingredients, the only other substances that you will find in this protein powder are coconut sugar and raw cacao, both of which are organic.
It is gluten-free, soy-free, and GMO-free. So if you are looking for an unadulterated mass gainer, this product is for you.
- High Nutritional Content
Just because this protein powder has been reduced to its basic form does not necessarily mean it is inferior.
In fact, it can go toe-to-toe with most of today’s top brands in terms of nutritional content.
It contains 1,360 calories, which is more than what you typically see in other mass gainers.
So if you are looking for extra calories to help you gain weight, Naked Mass has you covered.
Each serving also contains 50 grams of protein, 251 grams of carbs, and 11.6 grams of BCAAs.
- Premium Complex Carbohydrates
Most mass gainers today provide a healthy carbohydrate dose, typically from wheat-based sources.
These ingredients are healthy, but some people are allergic to the gluten that comes with wheat.
So if you are one of them, your choices are a bit limited when it comes to sports nutrition.
The good thing about Naked Mass is that its carbohydrates come from organic tapioca, which is naturally devoid of gluten.
The Good
Naked Mass has a lot of great qualities, but if we have to pick one, it’s that it is a clean source of calories and nutrition.
This feature is essential if you are allergic to certain foods like gluten.
The Bad
Naked Mass is a bit more expensive than Super Mass Gainer by Dymatize, which, in turn, is a bit pricier than ON’s Serious Mass.
That said, it is something that many people can live with, especially those who are allergic to gluten.
Pros:
- Uses safe, all-natural ingredients
- Has a higher calorie content than some brands
- Provides other essential nutrients
Cons:
- More expensive than some brands
- Lacks different flavor options
4. Muscle Milk Pro Series Gainer Protein Powder Supplement
Founded in 1988, Muscle Milk is another name that fitness enthusiasts of all levels know very well.
It is a Cyto Sports, Inc. brand specializing in protein products that help enhance everyone’s performance at the gym.
The Pro Series Gainer is for casual gainers who are not ready to see gigantic gains in terms of muscle growth.
Product Highlights
The Pro Series Gainer is not as packed as the other top mass gainers.
That said, if you are looking to add lean muscle mass without bulking up too much, this product is for you.
Here’s why you should choose it:
- Adequate Calorie Content
While other mass gainers can provide over 1,000 calories per serving, the Pro Series Gainer contains only 650 calories.
This does not seem much, and it would be true if you are looking for insane muscle growth.
However, this product is perfect for those who want to add a bit of muscle while maintaining a lean physique.
- Suitable for Those With Lactose Intolerance
Another reason to pick the Pro Series Gainer over other top brands is that it is safe for people with lactose intolerance.
If you have digestive issues and cannot process dairy products, your choices are severely limited since most brands contain whey or casein.
The Muscle Milk Pro Series Gainer gives you more options.
- Protein That Counts
The Pro Series Gainer only has 32 grams of protein, which, again, is nowhere near as much as most of today’s top brands.
Nevertheless, the science behind it is sound and ensures you get the most out of every scoop.
Each serving of this protein powder comes with both slow and fast-releasing protein, which increases the body’s amino acid levels.
It helps maximize muscle recovery and growth, so you see gains even if you get a lower dose of calories and protein.
The Good
The best thing about the Muscle Milk Pro Series Gainer is that it is lactose-free and gluten-free.
So even if you are sensitive to these substances, you do not have to miss out on the benefits offered by mass gainers.
The Bad
Aside from the fact that it has a lower calorie, protein, or carb content than some brands, there is one more thing you need to consider about this product.
One serving consists of four scoops, which can be a bit tricky to manage when it comes to preparation.
Pros:
- Suitable for lactose intolerant people
- Safer than most protein powders
- Great for gaining lean muscle mass
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- Has a lower nutritional value
5. BSN True Mass Weight Gainer
Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition, or BSN, was founded in 2001 and is widely considered one of the market leaders in sports nutrition.
It has a wide range of protein supplements, pre-workout drinks, and recovery products.
The True Mass Weight Gainer is among its top sellers. If you are looking to add lean mass to your body, you should try this product out.
Product Highlights
The BSN True Mass Weight Gainer does not stand out in terms of calorie or protein content, but it can hold its own against the best of them.
Here’s how:
- The Optimum Amount of Calories
Each serving of True Mass Weight Gainer gives you 700 calories, which is almost half of what you get from other brands.
You won’t be able to achieve massive gains with this product, but you will be able to put on a significant amount of lean muscle.
If this is what you want, then this product is for you. You can drink it after an intense workout or between meals for the best results.
- A Good Carb to Protein Ratio
True Mass Weight Gainer uses a 2:1 ratio of carbs to protein, which works wonders for most people.
It can support your muscle growth goals by providing you with just the right amount of fuel that you need for your workouts.
You do not have to worry about storing excess calories as fat as long as you put in a reasonable amount of work.
- Premium Protein Sources
One serving of True Mass Weight Gainer contains up to 50 grams of protein, which is around the same amount as other top brands.
What sets it apart is that all this protein comes from premium sources like calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein, and egg whites.
On top of all these, you also get 10 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs.
The Good
The great thing about True Mass Weight Gainer is that it is clean and natural.
It might not give you massive gains like other top brands, but it can help you add lean muscle mass and no fat.
The Bad
True Mass Weight Gainer is more expensive than some other brands, so this is something that you need to consider before buying.
Pros:
- Provides lean muscle mass
- Has the optimum ratio of carb to protein
-
Protein comes from premium sources
Cons:
- More expensive than some brands
- Not suitable for massive weight gain goals
How to Choose a Protein Powder Product for Weight Gain
There are many protein powders in the market, so choosing just one can be a bit stressful.
Here’s what you can look at to narrow down your options:
Calorie Count
One of the first things you need to consider when shopping around for a mass gainer is the calorie count.
It does not necessarily mean the one with the most calories, but the one which can meet your unique needs.
Nutritional Content
While you need the extra calories, you should also pay attention to the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you can get from the product.
High-Quality Ingredients
Ensure all ingredients are safe and clean and avoid those with artificial sweeteners and flavors.
Protein Powder for Weight Gain FAQs
1. What are the different types of protein?
The most popular types of protein are whey, casein, brown rice, and pea.
2. Should I drink the weight gainer before or after going to the gym?
The effect is more or less the same either way, but some people feel bloated if they drink it before working out.
3. Do drinking protein shakes and powders have side effects?
Protein supplements are generally safe, but some potential side effects are gastrointestinal distress, dehydration, and kidney damage.
If you take these products, make sure you drink lots of water.
Which Is the Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain?
We highly recommend Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass if you are looking for quick and safe muscle growth.
It has the right amounts of calories, carbs, protein, and other essential nutrients, and it won’t put too much strain on your budget.