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Best Protein Powder For Weight Gain 2024: Top 7 Brands Reviews
Updated on
- Written by Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by
Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
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Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring.
- Adjustable serving size.
- 760-790 calories per serving.
Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
- Adjustable serving size.
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Two flavor options.
Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer
- Fortified with 20 vitamins and minerals.
- Can be mixed with milk, water, and other beverages.
- Banned substance tested.
To gain weight over time, you need to take in more calories than you expend daily. If you have a hard time eating enough to finish the day with a calorie surplus, mass gainer supplements might be an effective and convenient way to boost your calorie intake.
Unlike most protein powders, mass gainers are not only rich in protein but other macronutrients such as carbohydrates and healthy fats as well.
This makes mass gainers a nutrient-dense supplement perfect for gaining weight.
This article will discuss how these protein powders support healthy weight gain efforts. We’ll also review seven of the top products on the market to help you pick the best protein powder for weight gain and discuss how to use a protein powder for healthy weight gain.
7 Best Protein For Weight Gain On The Market In (April. 2024)
- Transparent Labs Mass Gainer – Editor’s Choice
- Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer – Best Vegetarian Weight Gainer
- Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer – Best Fortified Protein Powder
- Naked Weight Gainer Protein Supplement – Best With Vegan Options
- Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder– Best Vegan Weight Gainer Under 200 Calories
- MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer – Highest Calorie Count
- JYM Science Mass JYM – Best 1:1 Carb-to-Protein Ratio
7 Best Protein Powders For Weight Gain In 2024
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Just two scoops of Transparent Labs Mass Gainer provide 53 grams of protein. It provides almost 800 calories per serving, making it a nutrient-dense supplement to help support your muscle growth and weight gain goals.
- No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring.
- Adjustable serving size.
- 760-790 calories per serving.
- Processed in a facility that contains nuts and coconuts.
- Contains Stevia.
Transparent Labs is a highly trusted company in the dietary supplement industry. A third-party lab tests all its products, and the test results are available online for customer review.
The Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is packed with nutrition to help you gain lean muscle mass. It provides almost 800 calories per serving with 53 grams of whey protein concentrate and 109-114 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the flavor.
The supplement is available in two flavors; chocolate glaze donut, which provides 790 calories per serving, and sweet vanilla, which provides 760 calories per serving.
Unfortunately, the cost per serving is over $5.00 each, but you can set up a subscription delivery for a 10% cost savings. Unfortunately, however, the product was out of stock when this article was written.
Of note, the supplement is manufactured in a facility that contains peanuts and coconut. However, the facility’s allergen protocol ensures that all equipment is sanitized and cleaned between allergen and nonallergen-containing products.
Additionally, Mass Gainer contains Stevia, which some research indicates may lead to a microbial imbalance[1] in the gut.
Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer protein powder is an efficient way to increase your nutritional intake and promote muscle growth over time. Four scoops of nutrient-dense protein powder provide more calories than other protein powders on the market.
- Adjustable serving size.
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Two flavor options.
- Contains proprietary blends.
Crazy Nutrition, to simplify the supplement industry, sells just four products, including its ever-popular Mass Gainer. In addition, the supplement is available in two flavors, including chocolate and vanilla, with comparable nutrition content.
Although it’s not quite as calorie-dense as some other protein powders on the market, Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer provides 488 calories and just under 40 grams of protein per serving. And it’s vegetarian-friendly!
Unfortunately, the serving size is four scoops, so it may require a large amount of liquid to dissolve completely. Crazy Nutrition recommends mixing it in 15 to 20 ounces of water and enjoying it at any time throughout the day.
On the bright side, if you wish to consume only a portion of the serving, you can easily adjust the number of scoops you take.
It’s important to note that the protein powder contains three proprietary blends. While the blends are said to help prevent bloating, reduce blood sugar spikes, and improve nutrient absorption, customers can’t be sure what they’re ingesting as the blends’ ingredients are not advertised.
Each serving costs approximately $4.50 when purchased as a single purchase. However, customers can set up a delivery subscription for a significant 30% cost savings.
Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer
Optimum Nutrition is well-known for producing high-quality dietary supplements. Its Pro Gainer is no exception and can help promote weight gain when combined with a well-balanced diet and exercise regimen.
- Fortified with 20 vitamins and minerals.
- Can be mixed with milk, water, and other beverages.
- Banned substance tested.
- Contains artificial sweeteners.
- Contains proprietary blends.
Optimum Nutrition’s Pro Gainer is available in two flavors and provides 650 calories and 60 grams of protein per serving. The protein blend includes whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, and hydrolyzed whey protein.
Unfortunately, we can’t be sure how much of each is included as it is part of an entire proprietary blend.
Pro Gainer provides 81-82 grams of carbohydrates per serving, depending on the flavor, to help fuel your workouts and support recovery efforts. In addition, Pro Gainer is fortified with 20 vitamins and minerals that can help muscle recovery and growth.
It is tested for banned substances and can be mixed with milk, water, or any of your favorite beverages. However, it contains artificial sweeteners, so you may need to monitor for digestive effects.
Naked Weight Gainer Protein Supplement
15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Naked Nutrition is well-known for its high-quality protein powders with relatively short ingredient lists. Its Weight Gainer Protein Supplement is no exception.
- Available in six flavors.
- Third-party tested.
- Vegan-friendly options.
- Gluten-free.
- 245-252 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
- Only 11 servings per container.
Naked Nutrition offers over 50 products, many of which have three ingredients or less, including many of its Weight Gainer protein powder flavors. The mass gainer protein powder provides users with a high-quality protein source, whether they choose a vegan-friendly flavor or not.
Those who follow a vegan lifestyle can choose one of the product’s three vegan options. The plant-based protein powder contains pea protein and organic brown rice protein. The other flavors are made with whey protein concentrate from grass-fed cows. But no matter your choice, each flavor is gluten-free and provides 50 grams of protein per serving.
Naked Nutrition’s Weight Gainer is one of the more calorically dense protein supplements with 1230 to 1360 calories per serving, depending on the flavor. Unfortunately, a considerable percentage of those calories come from carbohydrates, not protein.
Depending on the flavor, the weight-gainer protein powder contains 245 to 252 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder
20% Coupon: HC20
Vega has been a prominent vegan supplement company since its founding in 2001. It offers many products, including the Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder.
- Affordable.
- Vegan-friendly.
- Contains five grams of branched-chain amino acids.
- Less than 200 calories per serving.
- Contains Stevia.
Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder is one of the more affordable weight-gain protein powder options available today. When you purchase the extra-large tub, each serving costs less than $3.00.
It’s available in five delicious flavors, including rich chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla, and berry. All flavors are vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
While each serving provides 30 grams of protein, it is lower in fat and carbohydrates than other weight-gain protein powders. Therefore, this vegan protein powder is lower in calories than other supplements on this list.
Depending on your chosen flavor, there are between 170 and 180 calories per serving.
To maximize the muscle-building and weight-gain benefits of this plant-based protein powder, you may need to consume multiple servings daily.
The supplement does, however, include five grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), tart cherry, and probiotics to support muscle recovery and muscle building. Of note, it also contains Stevia, which may cause imbalances in the gut microbiota.
MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer
If you are shopping for a mass gainer that tastes like a vanilla milkshake or chocolate fudge, MuscleTech’s 100% Mass Gainer might be your choice. With 1,330 calories per serving, it can help you gain muscle when paired with exercise.
- Adjustable serving size.
- Can mix with water or milk.
- Contains five grams of creatine.
- 280 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
- Contains proprietary blends.
- Processed in a facility with major allergens.
MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer is one of the best protein powders for weight gain. Each serving provides 1,330 calories when mixed with water or 1,500 calories with 16 ounces of skim milk.
The protein powder is available in two flavors, providing 44 grams of protein per serving. Choose between chocolate fudge or vanilla milkshake.
The carbohydrate-to-protein ratio is slightly skewed as each serving provides 280 grams of carbohydrates. Each serving requires six scoops, which allows users to easily adjust their serving size if desired. Each container comes with approximately seven servings.
Additionally, the whey protein powder for weight gain contains five grams of creatine to help your muscles produce energy.
Unfortunately, the protein powder contains complex carbs in a proprietary blend, so users can’t be sure what is included in the ingredients.
Additionally, the protein provided is a proprietary blend of whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, whey protein isolate, and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate.
JYM Science Mass JYM
JYM Science has developed a mass gainer protein powder that provides 30 grams of protein per serving, made from a blend of protein sources. The whey protein powder also includes egg white protein and milk protein isolate.
- Three delicious flavors.
- Contains fast and slow-digesting proteins.
- Military and first responder discount.
- Less than 300 calories per serving.
JYM Science offers its Mass JYM mass gainer formula in three flavors: rich chocolate mousse, apple fritter, and Tahitian vanilla bean. So if you want a protein powder that tastes like vanilla ice cream, JYM has you covered.
JYM Science’s Mass JYM contains a 1:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio, unlike other protein powders meant for weight-gaining purposes. As a result, every serving of the weight gain supplement provides 30 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Mass JYM contains slow and fast-digesting proteins to help stimulate muscle protein synthesis. The protein blend contains egg protein, whey protein isolates, micellar casein protein, and milk protein isolate.
Unfortunately, Mass JYM has fewer calories than some of the other protein powders for weight gain. Each serving requires one scoop and only provides 270 calories. You therefore may need to consume multiple daily servings to increase your muscle mass and gain weight.
Purchase JYM’s mass gainer as a one-time purchase or set up a delivery subscription for a 15% cost savings. Also, JYM offers a discount for first responders and military personnel.
How Does Weight Gainer Protein Work?
Not all protein powders are ideal for gaining weight. Weight gainer protein powders, however, increase the number of calories and grams of protein you consume in a day, helping you gain weight over time.
Proper resistance training and weight gainer protein powders can also help you gain muscle mass. Research indicates[2] that active individuals should consume 1.4 to two grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily to support weight gain and increased muscle mass.
Adequate protein intake is vital for muscle protein synthesis to properly build muscle. Enter weight gainer protein powder. These protein supplements can support lean muscle recovery and help you gradually reach your weight gain goals.
What Does Protein Powder For Weight Gain Do?
If your goal is to gain weight by increasing your lean muscle mass, adding a mass gainer to your wellness routine can help. The best protein shakes for healthy weight management are designed to increase your nutritional intake efficiently and conveniently.
Some people consume their protein powders in the morning to lose weight, but you might wonder when to drink protein shakes on your weight gain journey. Research is conflicting when it comes to protein timing for weight gain benefits.
Current research suggests[3] consuming protein before and after your workout to maximize muscle growth and weight gain.
While mass gainers can help you gain weight, some also provide essential minerals and vitamins. Read the nutrition labels to know exactly what you’re consuming in your protein supplement.
How To Choose The Best Protein Powder For Weight Gain
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best high-calorie protein shakes for weight gain:
Protein Source
First, consider the protein source. If you follow a vegan diet, look for a plant-based protein powder made with vegan protein, such as pea protein. It’s important to note that plant-based protein powders may not offer the same calorie count as a mass gainer made with milk protein or egg protein.
Protein To Carbohydrate Ratio
While gaining weight requires increasing your calorie count, some mass-gainer protein powders contain significant carbohydrates in every serving. Therefore, if you have trouble managing your blood sugars, you may need to choose a protein powder with fewer grams of complex carbohydrates.
Flavor Options
When shopping for high-protein shakes for weight gain, it’s important to choose a protein powder that you will enjoy and feel comfortable drinking consistently. Different supplement companies offer various flavors, including rich chocolate, peanut butter, and vanilla ice cream.
Third-Party Testing
To ensure the quality and safety of your supplement, try to look for a protein powder that an independent third party has tested.
Final Thought
The human body needs to consume more energy than it puts out to gain weight. Therefore, protein powders for weight gain might be beneficial if you find it challenging to finish your day with a calorie surplus.
Mass gainers can help boost your calorie count and support muscle growth. But, of course, even the best protein powders and mass gainers can’t take the place of regular exercise[4] and strength training. You must break down the muscle tissue and rebuild it again to gain muscle.
Some products are marketed as protein powder for weight gain for females, males, etc. Be certain to review the nutrition labels and decide if the product suits your health and wellness needs.
Of note, protein powders for weight gain should be discussed with your doctor before use. Many of these protein powders are very high in calories and carbohydrates. Side effects can include unhealthy weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, digestion issues, liver damage, and kidney damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mass gainers can be beneficial for bulking or gaining weight if included in a balanced diet and alongside regular physical activity.
Some people drink protein supplements in the morning to lose weight. However, research is limited regarding protein timing for weight gain benefits. Research suggests consuming high-quality protein pre- and post-workout to maximize muscle growth.
Weight gainer protein powders should not regularly replace meals. However, as long as they do not interfere with your medical needs, they can be consumed daily to help you gain weight and build muscle mass.
Any energy that is not used by the body will be stored as fat. However, protein powders for weight gain can be used in conjunction with physical exercise to promote muscle growth and healthy weight gain.
Side effects of weight gainer protein include unhealthy weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, digestion issues, liver damage, and kidney damage. Before starting even some of the best protein powders for weight gain, you should talk with your doctor.
+ 4 sources
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- Jäger, R., Kerksick, C.M., Campbell, B.I., Cribb, P.J., Wells, S.D., Skwiat, T.M., Purpura, M., Ziegenfuss, T.N., Ferrando, A.A., Arent, S.M., Smith-Ryan, A.E., Stout, J.R., Arciero, P.J., Ormsbee, M.J., Taylor, L.W., Wilborn, C.D., Kalman, D.S., Kreider, R.B., Willoughby, D.S. and Hoffman, J.R. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 14(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8.
- Kasti, A., Nikolaki, M., Synodinou, K., Katsas, K., Petsis, K., Lambrinou, S., Pyrousis, I. and Triantafyllou, K. (2022). The Effects of Stevia Consumption on Gut Bacteria: Friend or Foe? Microorganisms, [online] 10(4), p.744. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10040744.
- Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. (2018). Is There a Postworkout Anabolic Window of Opportunity for Nutrient Consumption? Clearing up Controversies | Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. [online] Available at: https://www.jospt.org/doi/full/10.2519/jospt.2018.0615
- P, A. (2017). The Impact of Eating and Exercise Frequency on Weight Gain – A Cross- Sectional Study on Medical Undergraduate Students. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH. [online] doi:https://doi.org/10.7860/jcdr/2017/25346.9458.
Written by:
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
