With so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? What are the benefits and drawbacks of different types of protein? How much protein do you need per day? And what are the best ways to use protein powder for weight gain?
In this post, I will answer all these questions and more, based on my extensive research and experience as a nutritional supplement expert.
Here are My Top Picks:
- MuscleTech, Mass Tech Extreme 2000 – Best for mass gain and quick recovery
- Mass Tech Elite, Vanilla Cake – Best for quick results
- Naturade Weight Gain Instant – Best for people with gluten intolerance
- MRM Nutrition Gainer Protein with Probiotics – Best for supporting lean muscle growth
- Naturade Weight Gain Instant – Best for skinny guys
1. MuscleTech, Mass Tech Extreme 2000
The first thing I noticed about this product is the taste. It comes in a triple chocolate brownie flavor, which sounds delicious, but it is actually very sweet and artificial. I had to mix it with water instead of milk, because it was too thick and rich for me. It also has a gritty texture that is not very pleasant. However, I got used to it after a while, and it did not bother me too much.
It has 80 grams of protein, 400 grams of carbs, 10 grams of creatine, and 21 vitamins and minerals per serving. That is a lot of calories and nutrients to consume in one go, especially if you mix it with milk. I had to split the serving into two, and drink it before and after my workout. It was very filling and satisfying, and it helped me recover faster and gain some weight.
I think MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000 is a good option for hardgainers who want to increase their calorie and nutrient intake, and gain some weight and muscle. It is not perfect, and it has some drawbacks, such as the taste, the texture, and the price, but it does deliver on its promises.
Key Features
| Protein | 80 g |
| Carbohydrates | 400 g |
| Calories | 2,000 (when mixed with 16 oz. of skim milk) |
| Creatine | 10 g |
| L-Leucine | 8 g |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 21 |
- High in protein and calories
- Enhances recovery and strength
- Has 21 vitamins and minerals
- Too sweet and artificial
- Gritty texture
2. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
A lot of people are asking me for an advice about which powder is the best to get quick gains. There was a guy quite skinny for his height, and he consulted with me about what would be the right product for him to gain some mass. Without much hesitation, I recommended him this one from Dymatize.
One of the main reasons is that it has 52 grams of protein, 245 grams of carbs, and 1280 calories per serving. That is a lot of nutrition to consume in one shake, especially if you add milk or other ingredients. After three months of using this product, along with a regular workout routine and a healthy diet, he gained about 15 pounds of weight, mostly muscle.
He also noticed an improvement in strength and stamina, thanks to the 10.7 grams of BCAAs and 5.1 grams of leucine in this product. I was very pleased with the progress he made. He also felt more confident and energetic.
Key Features
| Protein | 52 g |
| Carbohydrates | 245 g |
| Calories | 1280 |
| BCAAs | 10.7 g |
| Leucine | 5.1 g |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 14 |
- Contains BCAAs and leucine
- Supports weight and muscle gain
- High in protein and calories
- Large serving size
3. Optimum Nutrition, Serious Mass
I have been experimenting with Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass for a few months last year, and I want to share my experience with this product. I am a fitness enthusiast who likes to try different supplements and see how they affect my body and performance. It has 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein, and 252 grams of carbs per serving, which is equivalent to two heaping scoops of powder.
That is a lot of nutrition to consume in one shake, and it can be challenging to drink it all at once. I had to split the serving into two, and drink it throughout the day. It was very filling and satisfying, and it helped me create a calorie surplus for weight and muscle gain.
After a few months of using this product, along with a regular workout routine and a balanced diet, I gained about 12 pounds of weight, mostly muscle. I also noticed an improvement in my strength and endurance, thanks to the 3 grams of creatine and the 25 vitamins and minerals in this product
Key Features
| Protein | 50 g |
| Carbohydrates | 252 g |
| Calories | 1,250 |
| Creatine | 3 g |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 25 |
- Contains creatine and vitamins
- Boosts strength and recovery
- Supports weight and muscle gain
- Huge serving size
- Mediocre flavor
4. Mass Tech Elite, Vanilla Cake
I think Mass Tech Elite is a great option for bodybuilders who want to gain mass, size, and strength. It is not flawless, and it has some drawbacks, such as the high price and the large serving size, but it does deliver on its claims. It comes in a vanilla cake flavor, which is very delicious and satisfying.
It has a smooth and creamy texture, and a natural and authentic taste. It mixes well with water or milk, and it does not have any clumps or grittiness. It also works well for making smoothies, and can also add some fruits and nuts to it for extra flavor and nutrition.
Key Features
| Protein | 80 g |
| Carbohydrates | 157 g |
| Calories | 1,010 (when mixed with 2 cups of skim milk) |
| Creatine | 10 g |
| Leucine | 8 g |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 21 |
- Delicious and natural flavor
- High in protein and calories
- Balance between mass gain and health
- Bigger portions
5. Naturade Weight Gain Instant
I have a friend who used Naturade Weight Gain Instant Nutrition Drink Mix, Vanilla ,20.3 Ounce for about three months, and he had a great experience with this product. He is a skinny guy who wanted to gain some weight and muscle, so he decided to try this nutrition drink mix after reading some positive reviews online.
After three months of using this product, along with a regular workout routine and a healthy diet, he gained about 8 pounds of weight, mostly muscle. He also felt more energetic and stronger, thanks to the vitamins and minerals in this product. He was very satisfied with the progress he made, and he recommended this product to me.
Key Features
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Calories | 240 |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 6 |
| Natural and Gluten-Free | Yes |
- Natural and gluten-free ingredients
- Mild and pleasant vanilla flavor
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Lower protein content
6. GNC Pro Performance
This product is a mass gainer that provides 700 calories, 50 grams of protein, and 115 grams of carbs per serving. It is designed to help you increase your muscle mass, strength, and recovery. It contains fast, medium, and slow releasing proteins, which may help reduce muscle breakdown during exercise.
It also contains 11 grams of BCAA, 10 grams of glutamine, and 6 vitamins and minerals, which may support your immune health and muscle function. GNC Pro has a natural and artificial strawberries and cream flavor, which is sweet and creamy. It mixes well with water or milk, and can be consumed before or after your workout, or as a snack between meals.
Key Features
| Protein | 50 g |
| Carbohydrates | 115 g |
| Calories | 700 |
| BCAA | 11 g |
| Glutamine | 10 g |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 6 |
- Contains BCAA and glutamine
- High in protein and calories
- Supports muscle mass, strength, and recovery
- High in sugar and artificial ingredients
- May cause bloating or digestive issues
7. Labrada Nutrition
I have personally tried this product, and I can say that it works well for me. I have gained about 10 pounds of lean muscle in two months, and I feel stronger and more energetic. I like the vanilla flavor, and I usually mix it with almond milk and some berries. It tastes like a dessert, and it satisfies my sweet tooth. I also like that it has natural and gluten-free ingredients, as I am very conscious about what I put in my body.
I would recommend this product to anyone who wants to gain some weight and muscle in a healthy way. It contains fast, medium, and slow releasing proteins, which may help reduce muscle breakdown during exercise. It also contains 17 grams of BCAA, 10 grams of glutamine, and 21 vitamins and minerals, which may support your immune health and muscle function.
Key Features
| Protein | 84 g |
| Carbohydrates | 315 g |
| Calories | 1930 (when mixed with 32 oz of whole milk) |
| BCAA | 17 g |
| Glutamine | 10 g |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 21 |
- Contains BCAA
- Can give faster results
- Contains additional supplements
- High in sugar
8. MRM Nutrition Gainer Protein with Probiotics
I have a colleague who has been using this product for about two months, and he has seen great results for both his health and his mass gain. He is a hardgainer who has a fast metabolism and a low appetite, so he needed a mass gainer that could provide him with enough calories and nutrients to support his muscle growth.
He chose this product because it has natural and gluten-free ingredients, and it does not contain any artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives, or hormones. He also liked that it has probiotics and enzymes, as he has a sensitive stomach and often suffers from indigestion. He also said that he has not experienced any digestive problems, and he feels more balanced and healthy.
One of the unique features of this product is that it contains enzymes and probiotics to help balance the microbiome for better immune and digestive health. It has a MICROBAC™ probiotic blend that provides 16 different probiotic strains, and a Digest-All® enzyme blend that helps break down the protein and other nutrients.
Key Features
| Protein | 25 g |
| BCAA+G | 9.9 g |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 21 |
| Probiotics | 16 strains |
| Enzymes | Digest-All® blend |
| Natural and Gluten-Free | Yes |
- Contains probiotics and enzymes
- Supports lean muscle growth
- Provides essential amino acids and healthy fats
- Low in calories
- Artificial vanilla flavor
9. Naked Vegan Mass
Trying to gain mass quickly and maintain it can be much more difficult when you are on a vegan diet. That is exactly what happened to one of my clients. Therefore, I recommended him to add Naked Vegan powder to his meal plan.
The great thing about this one is that you can consume it before and after workout. Also, I have to mention that is doesn’t contain soy, which is important for many people who are looking to avoid it due to the links to hormonal misbalance. Moreover, it has no artificial ingredients, GMOs, gluten, soy, or dairy. It is designed to help you increase your weight, muscle mass, and strength in a natural and healthy way.
Key Features
| Protein | 50 g |
| Carbohydrates | 248 g |
| Calories | 1,230 |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 6 |
| Natural and Organic | Yes |
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Vegan-friendly
- Supports weight and muscle gain
- Low in vitamins and minerals
- High in carbs and sugar
10. ALPHA LION, SuperHuman Intra
Testing different products is the best way to find the best one for your preferences. I am always following that as a rule that will help me learn more as well, and always give me clients the best advice. I have quickly noticed an improvement in my performance and recovery, thanks to the amino acids and electrolytes in this product.
I also feel more hydrated and balanced, thanks to the vitamins and minerals. I like the watermelon grape candy flavor, and I usually mix it with water and ice. It tastes like a delicious slushy, and it quenches my thirst.
I drink it during my workout, and sometimes I drink it on my rest days as well. I also follow a regular workout routine and a balanced diet. I am very satisfied with this product, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to enhance their endurance and recovery.
Key Features
| Amino Acids | 10 g |
| Electrolytes | 1875 mg |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 6 |
| AstraGin | 50 mg |
| Natural and Artificial | Yes |
- Provides all 9 amino acids
- Enhances endurance and recovery
- Supports hydration and balance
- Contains artificial ingredients
- May cause allergic reactions
Buying Guide
Protein powder is a popular supplement that can help you increase your muscle mass and strength. However, not all protein powders are created equal, and some may be more suitable for mass gain than others. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a protein powder for mass gain:
Type of Protein
There are different types of protein, such as whey, casein, soy, pea, and rice. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as digestibility, amino acid profile, taste, and cost. Whey protein is the most common and widely researched type of protein, and it is known for its fast absorption and high amino acid content.
Whey protein may be more effective for mass gain than other types of protein, especially when combined with resistance training. However, if you have a lactose intolerance or are vegan, you may want to look for plant-based protein powders, such as pea or soy, which are also high in protein and may support muscle growth.
Calorie Content
To gain mass, you need to consume more calories than you burn. Protein powder can help you increase your calorie intake, especially if you have a low appetite or a fast metabolism. However, the calorie content of protein powders can vary widely, depending on the amount of protein, carbs, and fats they contain.
Some protein powders are low in calories and carbs, and are mainly designed for lean muscle gain. Others are high in calories and carbs, and are called mass gainers. Mass gainers may be more suitable for hardgainers who struggle to gain weight and need a large calorie surplus. However, mass gainers may also contain a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients, which may not be healthy in the long term.
Therefore, you should check the nutrition label and ingredient list of the protein powder before buying it, and choose one that meets your calorie and nutrient needs.
Quality and Purity
The quality and purity of the protein powder can affect its effectiveness and safety. Some protein powders may contain contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or banned substances, which may harm your health or performance.
You should also know about fillers, additives, or preservatives, which may reduce the quality and potency of the protein. Therefore, you should look for protein powders that are made from high quality ingredients and have minimal additives and fillers. You should also look for protein powders that are third-party tested and certified by reputable organizations, such as NSF, Informed Choice, or USP, which verify the quality and purity of the product.
Taste and Mixability
The taste and mixability of the protein powder can affect your enjoyment and adherence to the supplement. Some protein powders may have a bland or unpleasant taste, or a chalky or gritty texture, which may make them hard to drink.
Some protein powders may also not mix well with water or milk, and may form clumps or lumps, which may affect the consistency and palatability of the shake. Therefore, you should look for protein powders that have a good taste and texture, and that mix well with your preferred liquid.
You can also choose from a variety of flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or peanut butter, to suit your preference. You can also add other ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, or oats, to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your shake.
FAQs
How much protein do I need to gain mass?
The amount of protein you need to gain mass depends on your body weight, activity level, and goals. A general recommendation is to consume 0.8 to 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day, or about 20 to 40 grams of protein per meal or snack. However, this may vary depending on your individual needs and preferences.
What are the benefits of mass gainers?
Mass gainers are protein powders that are high in calories and carbs, and are designed to help you increase your weight and muscle mass. Mass gainers may be beneficial for hardgainers who struggle to gain weight and need a large calorie surplus. Mass gainers may also provide extra energy, nutrients, and recovery support for your workouts.
What are the drawbacks of mass gainers?
Mass gainers are not suitable for everyone, and they may have some drawbacks. Mass gainers may contain a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients, which may not be healthy in the long term. Mass gainers may also cause bloating or digestive issues, especially if you are not used to consuming large amounts of calories and carbs.
What is the difference between whey protein and casein protein?
Whey protein and casein protein are both derived from milk, but they have different digestion rates and amino acid profiles. Whey protein is fast-digesting and high in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which may stimulate muscle protein synthesis and growth.
How do I choose the best protein powder for mass gain?
To choose the best protein powder for mass gain, you should consider several factors, such as the type of protein, the calorie content, the quality and purity, the taste and mixability, and your budget, preferences, and goals. You should also compare different products and brands, and read reviews and testimonials from other users.
Summary
As you can see, there is a wide range of available products that can help you gain both mass and muscles at the same time. When it comes to proper selection, consider the most important factors like additional nutrients, potential health benefits, but also certain downsides. Following personal preferences is the best way to choose the right one.
My name is Sarah Thompson, and I am a nutritional supplement expert with over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. My focus has been on researching and evaluating a wide range of supplements, from vitamins and minerals to protein powders and herbal extracts. With a background in nutrition and a passion for holistic wellness, I provide insights into the effectiveness, safety, and benefits of various supplements. My goal is to help individuals make informed decisions about supplementation to support their health and fitness goals.
