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Home » Best Supplements » The 10 Best Mass Gainers of 2025, Tested by Experts and MD Approved

The 10 Best Mass Gainers of 2025, Tested by Experts and MD Approved

These mass gainers aren't your standard "protein plus sugar" supplements.

Written by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CSNC, CPS
Updated by Bojana Galic, NASM-CNC on February 24th, 2025
Expert VerifiedMedically Reviewed By: Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD
Expert VerifiedExpert Verified By: Dina R. D’Alessandro, MS, RDN
Expert VerifiedExpert Contributor: Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Expert VerifiedExpert Contributor: Jake Herod, NASM-CNC

We receive free products and receive commissions through our links. See disclosures page.
  • Best Mass Gainers
  • |
  • How We Chose
  • |
  • Benefits
  • |
  • What to Consider
  • |
  • FAQs

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 high-calorie 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, athletes, and registered dietitians analyzed and tested more than 10 products, using our profesionally developed supplement testing methodology to narrow the choices down to the absolute best mass gainers for a variety of athletes.

Best Mass Gainers of 2025

  • 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: Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal
  • 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.

Experts Who Contributed

  • Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD
  • Dina R. D’Alessandro, MS, RDN
  • Trevor Kashey, PhD
  • Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
  • Jake Herod, NASM-CNC
  • Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC

Best Mass Gainer Supplements Video Review

Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they discuss how mass gainers differ from protein powders and unpack our picks for the best mass gainers on the market, from vegan and natural powders to the best-tasting option we’ve tried.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB4lX0LomCs

Best Overall Mass Gainer: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Best Overall
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Best Overall
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Best Overall

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.

Shop Transparent Labs

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
Packs a whopping 750 calories with well-balanced macros
Naturally sweetened and flavored
You get 6g of fiber per serving (21 percent of your daily value)
Cons
No added vitamins or minerals
Some athletes may prefer less sodium and saturated fat per serving
A little pricey

Why We Like It

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. By far, Transparent Labs mass gainer is one of our best weight gain supplements.

“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.”

Our tester drinking Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
A BarBend tester trying the Transparent Labs Mass Gainer.
A BarBend tester mixing Transparent Labs Mass Gainer.
Our tester drinking Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
A BarBend tester trying the Transparent Labs Mass Gainer.
A BarBend tester mixing Transparent Labs Mass Gainer.

We did enjoy the taste, though. The flavor tastes “exactly like a chocolate donut,” according to our personal testers, who love the Chocolate Glaze 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 5 out of 5 points. “I mixed my scoops with water and it dissolved well and had a smooth consistency,” says our tester. 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 an Informed Choice third-party certification.

Read More

Read our full Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Review.

Best Tasting Mass Gainer: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer

Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
Crazy Nutrition 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.

Shop Crazy Nutrition

Specs

  • Calories per Serving: 487.92
  • Protein Source: Whey protein
  • Macros per Serving: 10.42 grams of fat, 55.29 grams of carbs, 39.73 grams of protein
  • Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
  • Price per Serving: $4.49
Pros
Our testers loved the vanilla flavor
Has MCT oil to increase your healthy fats
Includes digestive enzymes
Cons
Compared to some other mass gainers, the macros are a little low
Uses sucralose as a sweetener

Why We Like It

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 score of 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 score of 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 compared to most whey mass gainers. One serving is 487 calories, whereas most others are 500 calories per serving at least. You also only get about 53 grams of carbs per serving, whereas other products (like Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer) offer at least 100 grams per serving.

All that being said, this could work as a mass gainer for athletes who have smaller frames and need a more moderate calorie surplus, or aren’t trying to put mass on so rapidly and prefer to take their time with increasing calorie intake.

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 or above the $5 per serving 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 increase your intake slowly if you have a history of dairy sensitivity.

Read More

Best Mass Gainer for Bodybuilding: Huel Black Edition

Huel Black Edition
Huel Black Edition
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.

Shop Huel

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
Ideal macros for bodybuilders with 40 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbs
Added vitamins and nutrients
You get 29% of your daily fiber requirement per serving
Cons
Lower in calories than the others
Some athletes may prefer more carbs per serving

Why We Like It

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 content, which is ideal for bodybuilders who may be looking to keep their overall macros balanced with a focus on protein. This product packs 400 calories per serving from 18 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs, and 40 grams of protein.

A BarBend tester drinking a Huel Black Edition smoothie.
Huel Black Edition open bag
Huel Black Edition bag with scoop
Huel Black Edition nutritional facts
A BarBend tester drinking a Huel Black Edition smoothie.
Huel Black Edition open bag
Huel Black Edition bag with scoop
Huel Black Edition nutritional facts

A little different from your standard mass gainer, this product contains 27 vitamins and minerals, earning Huel a score of 5 out of 5 for formulation. Our team loves that you get 29 percent of your daily fiber requirement, too. This is why we chose this as our mass gainer for bodybuilding, as it can help fill potential gaps in competitors’ daily diets, especially if there’s a stringent meal plan.

“I enjoyed the Cookies & Cream flavor,” our tester, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Rosie Borchert says, awarding the taste a 5 out of 5 score. “It wasn’t too sweet and it was a satisfying swap for my regular protein shake.”

We also gave the solubility and texture a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5. “Huel doesn’t totally dissolve, but I liked the texture it had,” says Borchert. “It reminds me of ground-up oatmeal, but it tastes better than that sounds.”

Our tester noticed no negative side effects, giving this category 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,” says Borchert.

“Compared to other products in this category, it does a better job of providing a balance of carbs, fat, and protein. Still, I think it could use a few more grams of carbs and micronutrients to constitute a true meal replacement,” says BarBend expert contributor and registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois who gave formulation a 3.5 out of 5.

It’s also relatively affordable. Most mass gainers cost around $5 per serving, whereas Huel Black Edition is only about $3.11 per serving. 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 More

Read our full Huel Review.

Best Vegan Mass Gainer: Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal

Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal
Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal
Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal

For athletes who want a meal replacement or mass gainer that's totally vegan-friendly, this is a solid option from Nutricost that's free of artificial sweeteners or flavors.

Shop Nutricost

Specs

  • Calories per Serving: 120 calories
  • Protein Source: Pea protein isolate, organic rice protein
  • Macros per Serving: 2 grams fat, 3 grams carbs, 24 grams protein
  • Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
  • Price per Serving: $2.73
Pros
Completely vegan and contains zero animal ingredients
No added sugar
Contains iron and calcium
Cons
Only get two flavors choices
Low calories per serving
Not third-party tested

Why We Like It

Just as you can find some pretty delicious vegan protein powders, you can find plant-based mass gainers, too. Nutricost’s Organic Vegan meal is one solid option for athletes who need a mass gainer supplement but want to stick to a plant-based diet.

When it comes to the formula, we like that this product contains zero added sugars and only uses natural, organic flavors. However, we did have to give the formulation a 4 out of 5 rating, as it is a bit low on macros compared to other mass gainer products on the market. This one only provides 130 calories per scoop, which isn’t as much as we see with other options.

Our team does like that you get two flavor options, which is more than some mass gainer products offer. However, it is sweetened with stevia, which some athletes may not like. This is a natural sweetener but it can leave an aftertaste, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

For third-party testing, we had to give this product a 1 out of 5, as it doesn’t seem to have undergone any kind of lab testing. However, for athletes who prioritize ingredients, this is Certified USDA Organic by the CCOF.

For overall value, Nutricost’s Organic Vegan Meal earned a 3 out of 5 from our testing team. It’s not the priciest product on the market but at $2.73 per serving, we wish this were a little more calorie-dense than your average protein powder. However, if you subscribe to recurring deliveries, you do get 20% off.

Read More

Best Natural Mass Gainer: Naked Nutrition Naked Mass

Less Naked Mass
Less Naked Mass
Less 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.

Shop Naked Nutrition

Specs

  • Calories per Serving: 1,360 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
Grass-fed protein and no artificial additives
Sweetened with organic coconut sugar, not artificial sweeteners
Vegan version of this mass gainer available on the same page
Cons
Few fats per serving compared to other macros
Pricey $6.36 per serving

Why We Like It

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,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, giving the formula a rating of 4 out of 5.

One four-scoop serving packs 1,360 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 the daily recommendation).

Open container of Naked Mass.
Woman taste tests Naked Mass
Back label of Naked Mass
A BarBend tester sampling the Naked Mass supplement.
Open container of Naked Mass.
Woman taste tests Naked Mass
Back label of Naked Mass
A BarBend tester sampling the Naked Mass supplement.

“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. “Even mixed in a blender bottle, there was like an inch of foam at the top,” says our tester. 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 score 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 More

Read our full Less Naked Mass Review.

Best Digesting Mass Gainer: Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer

Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer
Rival Nutrition Clean 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.

Shop Rival Nutrition

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
Only 4 grams of fiber per serving, so it may digest more easily than other formulas
Includes 30 grams of protein per serving
Six different flavor options
Available in 5lbs, 10lbs, and 12lbs
Cons
Contains very little fat
May not be suitable for those with dairy sensitivities

Why We Like It

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 4 grams of fiber per serving, so digestion shouldn’t be an issue. This product also packs 30 grams of protein from a blend of whey concentrate, whey isolate, milk protein isolate, and micellar casein. We love the inclusion of micellar casein, because the extended-release nature of casein protein may be beneficial for enhanced muscle protein synthesis. (8)

Comparing this formula to other mass gainers on the market, we gave Rival Nutrition a score of 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. and 30 grams of protein “With 99 grams of carbs per serving, this mass gainer is intended for a very specific nutritional goal, especially with such a low protein content,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. 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 says, 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 rated the product with 5 out of 5 points 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 says. “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 say. This product is also pretty reasonably priced. Whereas most mass gainers are around $5 per serving, this one is only about $2.73 per serving. 

Of note: 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.

Read More

Best Mass Gainer Protein Powder: Mutant Mass

Mutant Mass
Mutant Mass
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.

Shop I Am Mutant

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
Blend of whey and casein protein powder
Six different flavors
Budget-friendly $2.81 per serving
Cons
Uses sucralose as a sweetener
One serving contains 13 percent of your daily sodium

Why We Like It

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. (8)

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. “Without sufficient protein and fat to digest alongside that many grams of carbs, you might be at risk for a blood sugar spike and crash,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN.

Additionally, this product uses sucralose as a sweetener, which some athletes may prefer to avoid. One serving also contains 13 percent of your daily sodium, which is something to watch out for if you need to monitor your sodium intake.

“I tried out the Cookies & Cream,” our tester says, 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 says, 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.

Read More

Best Budget Mass Gainer: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
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.

Shop Amazon

Specs

  • Calories per Serving: 1,260 calories
  • Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate
  • Macros per Serving: 5 grams fat, 252 grams carbs, 50 grams protein
  • Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vanilla, Strawberry, Banana
  • Price per Serving: $5.62
Pros
More calories per serving than most mass gainers
Four flavor options
Available on Amazon Prime
Cons
Very little fat content
Not all athletes need 252 carbs per serving

Why We Like It

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.” 

BarBend tester trying Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass.
A BarBend tester displaying an open jar of mass gainer powder.
A BarBend tester sipping a mass gainer shake.
Our tester scooping the Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass into a shaker bottle.
BarBend tester trying Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass.
A BarBend tester displaying an open jar of mass gainer powder.
A BarBend tester sipping a mass gainer shake.
Our tester scooping the Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass into a shaker bottle.

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 says, 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. “I didn’t have any lumps floating around, but I did need to pulse it in my blender for a while,” says our tester. We’ve found the need for a blender to be the case for most of the supplements on this list. Our testers also gives this product a 5 out of 5 for side effects, as they didn’t notice any stomach unrest or bloating.

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Read our full Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Review.

Best High-Carb Mass Gainer: MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000

MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000
MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000
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.

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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
Has 460 grams of carbs per serving
Each serving has 2,130 calories
Provides 60 grams of protein in a serving
Cons
One of the priciest mass gainers
Imbalanced macros

Why We Like It

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 6 grams of fat per serving, totaling 2,130 calories. “MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme is undoubtedly named appropriately. Its nutrition facts are EXTREME,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. While we like the density here, this supplement does include some artificial sweeteners, and the macros aren’t exactly balanced, 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.

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Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer: Dymatize Super Mass

Dymatize Super Mass
Dymatize Super Mass
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.

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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
Provides 1,280 calories per serving
Budget-friendly price per serving
Includes creatine monohydrate
Cons
Only two flavor options
Some athletes may want more minimal fat content

Why We Like It

For athletes who want to ingest plenty of calories each day, a hefty mass gainer can help. This pick from Dymatize contains 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, knocking some points for macro balance and the inclusion of 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 score of 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 score of 5 out of 5 for solubility. “Unlike other mass gainers I’ve tried, this one dissolves really well,” says our tester. Plus, our testers didn’t notice any unwanted side effects, including bloating or gas.

“Dymatize Super Mass Gainer contains a huge serving of carbs and very small portions of protein and fat. However, it does feature an impressive vitamin and mineral profile.” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “Still, like with any mass gainer, it should be consumed with caution.”

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 serving. Plus, it’s available on Amazon Prime, so you can subscribe to monthly deliveries and save even more.

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[Related: Best Macros Calculator for Tracking Muscle Gain and Fat Loss]

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?  

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer bright
Just one of many mass gainers we tested.

Using our supplement testing methodology, our team of experts 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.
  • Macro Profile: Different athletes have different macro needs, depending on their fitness goals. 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 few fillers and artificial ingredients as possible. 
  • 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.
  • Solubility: 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.

The Benefits of Mass Gainers

So can you add a bunch of liquid, powdery calories to your diet without any issues? As with other supplements, there are mass gainer pros and cons, but when done right, here are some of the benefits.

  • Easier Calories: Adding a thousand (or more) calories to your daily diet can be tough with only solid foods. Liquid calories tend to be easier to consume and digest, so that’s where mass gainers may help.
  • Gain Weight: “Gaining muscle comes down to protein plus calories plus progressive overload,” says biochemist Trever Kashey, Ph.D.. “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.”
  • Muscle Growth and Repair: Since many mass gainers contain a high amount of protein and carbohydrates, you’ll be arming your body with the tools it needs to build and repair muscle.
  • Digestion: Many mass gainers include fiber, which can help limit bloating and aid in digestion.

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 GainerTransparent Labs Mass Gainer$79.99
$5.33 per serving
Best Tasting Mass GainerCrazy Nutrition Mass Gainer$89.99
$4.49 per serving
Best Mass Gainer for BodybuildingHuel Black Edition$58
$3.11 per serving
Best Vegan Mass GainerNutricost Organic Vegan Meal$81.95
$2.73 per serving
Best Natural Mass GainerNaked Mass$69.99
$6.36 per serving
Best Digesting Mass GainerRival Nutrition Clean Gainer$40.99
$2.73 per serving
Best Mass Gainer Protein PowderMutant Mass$44.99
$2.81 per serving
Best Budget Mass GainerOptimum Nutrition Serious Mass$45.54
$5.62 per serving
Best High-Carb Mass GainerMuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000$54.99
$10.99 per serving
Best High-Calorie Mass GainerDymatize Super Mass$39.98
$4.99 per serving

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. Browse different brands for different calorie options, depending on your fitness goals.

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. The lower ratios (like 1:2 protein:carbs) are going to be ideal for those seeking to build lean muscle. Those closer to the 1:5 protein:carbs 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. If a mass gainer contains an additional supplement you’d like to take, it could be convenient to have it all in one go.

A BarBend tester displaying an open jar of mass gainer powder.
A BarBend tester displaying an open jar of mass gainer powder.

For others, a more straightforward formula that simply provides the calories, carbs, and proteins they need to maintain and grow muscle mass is ideal. 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 can 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. 

Price

Before you go ahead and buy the first mass gainer you find, take some time to compare prices. Different brands may have similar ingredients and macronutrient profiles, yet the prices can vary pretty drastically.

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 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” and usually looks like plenty of ice cream and not enough broccoli. vRemember that carbs, protein, and fats aren’t the only important nutrients: Hit your recommended daily intake of all your nutrients, not just the ones that provide 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 and growth hormone, and reduce catabolic hormones like cortisol. It’s an incredibly important piece of the puzzle, so don’t leave it out.

Best Mass Gainers 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 8 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,macro content, and third-party certification.

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 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 sleep, 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, haphazardly consuming a lot more calories than the body is used to can tax the digestive system. To minimize these issues, try to 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 in order to achieve the best potential outcome. 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.

When to take a 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. 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.

References

  1. Birt DF, et al. Resistant starch: promise for improving human health. Adv Nutr. 2013 Nov 6;4(6):587-601.
  2. Maki KC, et al. Resistant starch from high-amylose maize increases insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese men. J Nutr. 2012 Apr;142(4):717-23.
  3. Pilz S, et al. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Horm Metab Res. 2011 Mar;43(3):223-5.
  4. Akramiene D, et al. Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system. Medicina (Kaunas). 2007;43(8):597-606.
  5. Sima, P et al. β-glucans and cholesterol (Review). Int J Mol Med. 2018 Apr; 41(4): 1799–1808.
  6. Kalman DS, et al. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group dual site trial to evaluate the effects of a Bacillus coagulans-based product on functional intestinal gas symptoms. BMC Gastroenterol. 2009 Nov 18;9:85.
  7. Jäger R, et al. Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 reduces exercise-induced muscle damage and increases recovery. PeerJ. 2016 Jul 21;4:e2276.
  8. Jensen GS, et al. GanedenBC30 cell wall and metabolites: anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects in vitro. BMC Immunol. 2010 Mar 24;11:15.

About Amanda Capritto, CPT, CSNC, CPS

Amanda is a content writer and journalist in the outdoors, fitness, and wellness niches. She is a certified personal trainer and sports nutrition coach who helps people reach their most exciting outdoor adventure goals. She is the coach who can help you prepare to climb Half Dome or kayak the Wilderness Waterway in the Florida Everglades.

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BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.

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