The best mass gainers: 10 protein-packed picks

Crush your gym PBs, build huge muscles and enjoy a delicious post-workout snack with the ultimate mass gainers

The best mass gainers of the year

by Ryan Houghton |
Updated on

Dramatically increase the amount of protein in your daily diet and watch your gains skyrocket - the best mass gainers are the ultimate gym supplements for rapidly building massive muscles, even if you've got a particularly swift metabolism.

They are loaded with calories, carbs and above all - protein. Because of this, mass gainers can be an absolute necessity when trying to bulk and retain muscle mass. Unrivalled by protein powders, carb supplements and high-protein meals alike, mass gainers contain upwards of 60g of protein, which is simply incredible for intense post-workout repairs.

The best mass gainers of 2024 at a glance:

• Best overall mass gainer: USN Hyperbolic Mass Chocolate - View offer on Amazon
• Best tasting mass gainer: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder Mass Gainer - View offer on Amazon
Best pre or post-workout mass gainer: USN Muscle Fuel Powder Shake - View offer on Amazon

With hundreds of options online from various brands, picking the downright best mass gainers on the market can be a significant challenge for some - there are some great budget options available, some great flavours, and of course - those with the most macronutrients, but what's the best for you?

At What's The Best, we're going to break down the absolute top-tier options for you - regardless of whether you're looking for great protein, a competitive price, or delicious flavour.

The best mass gainers of 2024:

Best overall mass gainer

USN has been one of the top fitness supplement contenders for decades now, and its ultimate mass gainer is quite possibly the best the fitness market has to offer.

Each serving of chocolate mass gainer contains over 60g of protein, over 200g of carbs and 5.5g of creatine - giving you all the essential proteins and energy you need after a back-breaking gym session.

When it comes to flavour, you really cannot beat chocolate - it's simple, delicious, and makes for an excellent post-workout treat - and USN's chocolate mass gainer hits the mark when it comes to taste - but for the perfect consistency, you'll need a particularly large blender.

For each drink, you'll need six scoops of mass gainer alongside 900ml of water - making it one troublesome powder to thoroughly mix together, so maybe prep your drink before you head to the gym.

Pros

  • Incredible protein content
  • Huge amount of carbohydrates
  • Great flavour
  • Plenty of calories

Cons

  • Only 20 servings per 6kg bag
Servings:20
Protein Per Serving:63g
Carbohydrates Per Serving:213g
Calories Per Serving:1,160
Flavours:Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla
Additional Nutrients:Creatine
Suitable For:Vegetarians
  • Customer review: "Since I started buying this USN Mass Gainer I haven't gone back to any other shake. I bought the chocolate flavour, 3 big scoops in 600 ml of water is plenty. If you find it too sweet try adding a spoonful of coffee or a squirt of lemon juice to cut the sweetness. 6kg will last me 6-7 weeks. I would recommend drinking this after you've been to the gym."

Best tasting mass gainer

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder High Calorie Mass Gainer - Chocolate Flavour
Price: $51.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=349f95720ce5cc9591e15152a710dbb3&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=W0BNFkoPGB1HFBIbBwpaXkpCFV5HRVxcBlBeXwARTFBbVElJGlhCRAoIQA5OV0BNQwxFXF5bHxJSQ1kLFxEeWVgVShhHQF8XAFwNTklaTlUAQxgHGF4DRBwBUg0MRkFXFUtGWkFDAQtbVQRYVBYAU15bREBcEkVCXRcRAF1aDwFYVAhBWxZYBFBUCAAMB1c%3D&x=v1&prdId=10232901877&barcode=AwQOUgEMBQUAUVcMWlY%3D

Optimum Nutrition is a mainstay on fitness supplements roundups simply because its supplements are second to none, and few mass gainers can truly compete with Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass Gainer - one of the most nutrient-heavy mass gainers on the market with little-to-no fat or added sugar.

Refuel and develop muscle mass quicker than ever before by introducing Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass into your diet - 50g of protein, over 250g of carbohydrates, and a whopping 1,263 calories with an extremely low-fat content to deliver some truly epic mass cultivation. What's more, unlike most mass gainers, Optimum Nutrition's mass gainer is packed with over 24 different vitamins - making it one of the healthiest mass gainer choices out there.

Alongside the terrific nutritional goodness of Optimum Nutritition's Mass Gainer is the wonderful variety of flavours available - cookies and cream being the star here. This post-workout delight boosts morale almost as much as muscle gain - an important and often overlooked factor of breaking into the world of fitness.

Our only gripe with Optimum Nutrition's otherwise fantastic mass gainer is the rather meagre amount of servings for the price. A 2.7kg tub of ON's mass gainer contains a total of eight servings - which is particularly low compared to its competition.

Pros

  • Incredible flavour
  • Bursting with nutrients
  • Incredible mass gain

Cons

  • Expensive for the amount of servings (eight)
Servings:8
Protein Per Serving:50g
Carbohydrates Per Serving:251g
Calories Per Serving:1,263
Flavours:Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies and Cream, Banana
Additional Nutrients:Vitamin A,D,E,K,C, creatine, glutamine
Suitable For:Vegetarians
  • Customer review: "The first thing that I liked about this mass gainer is the flavour. I've tasted a few others and the other flavours were not as nice as this one. They left weird aftertastes in my mouth but Optimum Nutrition's Mass Gainer Banana flavour is the best from beginning to end. I tried it 4 years ago. It was good then and is still as good as I can remember it 4 few years ago. My friend noticed the gains on me after using this product back then. One thing I would only request is to offer a better seal on the bags as the one I have does not seal tight at all. I've tried sealing it several times in different ways but it is just not sealing which means I now have to buy another airtight container to store the powder."

Best pre or post-workout mass gainer

USN's Muscle Fuel mass gainer is, while not as intensely carb-packed as our other alternative, still remarkably high in protein and other essential vitamins and macronutrients - making it fantastic for muscle building throughout the day.

Delicious flavour while retaining a low-fat content, USN's Muscle Catalyst comes in a good variety of flavours (all of which are available now), each of which is bursting with protein - so don't miss out on your ultimate fitness goals this year.

As with many mass gainers, due to the sheer amount of scoops per serving, even a 4kg tub doesn't last long at all - this one, in particular, lasts nearly a month if taken every day, which isn't amazing, but in hindsight is a foot above the competition

Pros

  • Explosive muscle mass catalyst
  • Packed with nutrients
  • Good amount of servings
  • Fantastic protein

Cons

  • Some reviewers reported the container wasn't as full as they'd hoped for the price
Servings:27
Protein Per Serving:54g
Carbohydrates Per Serving:78g
Calories Per Serving:564
Flavours:Vanilla, Banana, Caramel Peanut, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies and Cream
Additional Nutrients:850mg HMB, 5000mg creatine, Tolerase L
Suitable For:Vegetarians
  • Customer review: "I've been going to the gym on and off for over a decade, and through that time, I've tried DOZENS of different protein shakes, usually going for a chocolate flavour due to personal preference. Out of all the protein powders I've had, this USN one is by far the best!

    "It tastes AMAZING, gives you 54 grams of protein per serving, and is a good price on here for what it is. Each serving is 3 scoops from the provided scoop. I add these to 500ml of cold water. By far my favourite protein shake mix. A staple in packing on muscle!"

Best clear mass gainer

Clear Weight GainerMyprotein

Myprotein Clear Weight Gainer offers a refreshing, juice-like alternative to traditional shakes, designed for effective muscle mass gain with high-quality protein and carbs without the heavy feel. This potent formula is low sugar and low fat, we only wish there were more flavours and more servings.

Pros

  • Light and refreshing
  • Potent formula
  • Little added sugar

Cons

  • More flavours would be great
  • Only 15 servings
Servings: 15
Protein Per serving: 36g
Carbohydrates Per Serving:65g
Calories Per Serving:471
Flavours:Pineapple
Additional nutrients:L-Glutamine, Creatine Monohydrate
Suitable for:Vegetarians
  • Customer review: "As someone who suffers from ulcerative colitis and can't gain any weight, this really has helped me so much. I drink it after I workout and it seems to absorb better than any other protein shake and does not give any bloating, which is a miracle."

Best super-value mass gainer

The Bulk Protein Company Serious GainzBodybuilding Warehouse

The Bulk Protein Company's 5kg Serious Gainz is a powerful mass gainer blend designed to support muscle growth and recovery with high protein, complex carbs, and minimal sugar for serious athletes. It's an epic value option, and it's available in so many flavours. We only recommend you have a blender handy because Serious Gainz does not mix well by hand.

Pros

  • Whopping 5kg tub
  • Plenty of flavours available
  • Terrific value for money

Cons

  • Requires a blender to mix best
Servings: 30
Protein Per serving: 30
Carbohydrates Per Serving:81.37
Calories Per Serving:468
Flavours:Banana, Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Vanilla, Red Velvet Cake, Strawberry, Black Cherry, Birthday Cake, Black Forest Gateau, Gingerbread, White Chocolate, Salted Caramel
Additional nutrients:Unknown
Suitable for:Unknown

Best vegan mass gainer

For vegan gym-goers, there are a gradually expanding array of fantastic supplements to help you build a fantastic physique, but not many can truly compete with ProteinWorks' Mass Gainer Extreme.

From the flavour and consistency to the staggering 50g of protein, 740 calories (which is basically unheard of in a vegan mass gainer) and a good amount of carbohydrates - give you a top-tier muscle mass builder.

As you can expect, the rather expensive 2kg bag doesn't really go far - with about ten servings inside, it's pretty awful for the price.

However, if the price is no object, and you're looking to reach the ultimate muscular physique - there are few options that can really compete.

Pros

  • Highest protein in any vegan mass gainer
  • Great flavour
  • Packed with vitamins and nutrients

Cons

  • Only available in vanilla creme flavour
Servings:10
Protein Per Serving:50g
Carbohydrates Per Serving:120g
Calories Per Serving:740
Flavours:Vanilla Creme
Additional Nutrients:Calcium, Vitamin C/D/B6/B9/B12, L-Glutamine, MCTs
Suitable For:Vegans, vegetarians
  • Customer review: "Great taste and solubility."

Best mass gainer nutritionally

Reflex Nutrition Instant Mass Heavyweight Mass Protein Powder - Vanilla Ice Cream
Price: $105.02

When it comes to supplying yourself with the best high-quality nutrition, you can't put a price on quality - Reflex Nutrition's Vanilla Ice Cream mass gainer is derived from grass-fed cows, using four different types of protein to help your gym journey reach even greater heights.

With a blend of fantastic vitamins and minerals, among some particularly hard-to-come-by probiotics such as LactoSpore, which boosts digestion - Reflex Nutrition has truly nailed this amazing mass gainer, from its flavour to its intensely high protein content - you really cannot go wrong.

Pros

  • Packed with high-quality protein
  • Tonnes of flavour
  • Ultra-rich in vitamins

Cons

  • Small serving size, as one reviewer stated, the actual product only filled half the packet
Servings:18
Protein Per Serving:60g
Carbohydrates Per Serving:201g
Calories Per Serving:1,094
Flavours:Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Blueberry, Strawberry, Vanilla
Additional Nutrients:17 added vitamins and minerals, L-Glutamine, LactoSpore bacteria
Suitable For:Vegetarians
  • Customer review: "The Reflex Nutrition Protein Powder is great stuff, tastes good. Easy to drink and good results. Don't be afraid to add some porridge oats to this as well. Make sure to blend though."

Best Bulk vegan mass gainer

Bulk Vegan Mass Gainer - Chocolate Peanut
Price: $29.99 (was £44.99)

www.bulk.com

Natural ingredients, sustainable, and utterly potent - Bulk's Vegan Mass gainer is the perfect alternative for non-vegetarians - and is far and beyond one of the best high-protein vegan supplements on the market.

From a selection of great, naturally derived flavours such as Strawberry, Banana Caramel, and our favourite - Chocolate Peanut; Bulk has successfully delivered deliciousness, high protein and price.

Of course, there are some cutbacks when it comes to Bulk's vegan alternative - some users have complained about some graininess in the mass gainer, which is an unfortunate trade-off when trying to pack in as much protein as possible.

What's more, you simply cannot pack as much protein into a vegan mass gainer as its whey alternative (not quite yet, anyway) - so you'll probably get through your 2.5kg bag in no time.

Pros

  • Perfect vegan alternative
  • High in protein
  • Great flavours to choose from

Cons

  • Not as high protein as non-vegan alternatives
Servings:25
Protein Per Serving:31g
Carbohydrates Per Serving:44g
Calories Per Serving:369
Flavours:Vanilla, Apple Strudel, Banana Caramel, Chocolate Peanut, Strawberry
Additional Nutrients:High in fibre, MCTs
Suitable For:Vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free
  • Customer review: "This is my second purchase of the vanilla Bulk Vegan Mass Gainer and I love it. I was expecting a gritty taste like some other brands vegan blend but this is smooth. Its great with mixing in the peanut butter or hazelnut spread without being too sweet."

Best budget mass gainer

When it comes to working out and building muscles, the gym is practically the least of your expenses. Among protein powders, creatine, BCAAs, carbohydrates and eating fresh, healthy foods - your monthly dietary costs become astronomical.

Enter, Warrior's Mass Gainer - an affordable method of getting all the protein you could ever need, with greater calories and even greater protein at a reasonable price.

We'll be the first to admit that Warrior's Mass Gainer certainly isn't cheap, but for the number of servings you get, alongside the sheer amount of protein, carbs and nutrients per serving - it really does give a variety of supplements a run for their money.

Pros

  • Powerful 61g of protein
  • Affordable
  • Fantastic number of servings

Cons

  • Not many additional nutrients
  • Many reviewers found the smell of the product a little off-putting
Number of Servings:18
Protein Per Serving:61g
Carbohydrates Per Serving:180g
Calories Per Serving:1059
Flavours:Double Chocolate, Banana Creme, Strawberry Creme, Vanilla Cheesecake, White Chocolate, Salted Caramel
Additional Nutrients:N/A
Suitable For:Vegetarians
  • Customer review: "My first impressions of the Warrior Mass Gainer are very good. Taste is spot on, its not grainy and doesn't clump up when mixing. It's early days yet but I am happy that I have found a cheaper (in price not quality or quantity) alternative to Serious Mass, I am definitely a new returning customer."

Best mass gainer flapjack bars

If you have far too many supplements to drink, why not eat some of them? Suplex's Heavyweight Mass Gainer flapjack bars contain an impressive 30g of protein and with over 500 calories - it's one of the most effective alternatives to standard mass gainers and protein shakes available anywhere.

Suplex mass gainer combines huge, delicious flavours with a huge amount of protein to create what is an all-around fantastic, filling snack that's perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Pros

  • An incredible amount of protein
  • Fantastic 500-calorie bar
  • Delicious flavour

Cons

  • Not as calorie-rich as mass-gainer drinks
Servings:12
Protein Per Serving:30g
Carbohydrates Per Serving:53g
Calories Per Serving:500
Flavours:Cherry Bomb, Choc Mania, T.K Oat, Variety Box
Additional Nutrients:Packed with oats,
Suitable For:Vegetarians, vegans
  • Customer review: "Sampled two of these bars at Huddersfield University. The chocolate and cherry varieties are really enjoyable. Trying to find ways of bulking and meeting my protein/calorie count every day is my main challenge. 1 of these a day could really help me achieve that. 10/10 would recommend, would like to see a subscription service in future as I can see this being a regular addition to my diet."

FAQs

Why use the best mass gainers?

In order to gain muscle mass, you must meet a couple of dietary prerequisites; you must digest a significant amount of protein (between 0.7-2.2g per kilogram of body weight, according to some studies), and you must intake more calories than you burn per day.

High protein and high calories are essential for rapid muscle growth - but bulking on clean foods can quickly become expensive, difficult to maintain, and, if anything - a little dull.

Mass gainers are a wonderful way to retain the clean bulk routine, while also treating yourself with an irresistible mass gainer drink as a post-workout treat.

Why are mass gainers so effective?

Mass gainers are brilliantly designed to avoid bulkers from gaining body fat by using easily digested starchy carbs, a huge amount of protein and very low fat - making them perfectly ideal for gaining muscle.

Despite the reputation that carbohydrates have in the dieting community - they're an essential fuel required for a powerful workout - so don't skip out.

You can also replenish your energy with the most incredible iron supplements for battling fatigue, boosting cognitive function and fighting the cold season. You can also give yourself the muscle-building edge with the best BCAAs - packed with nutrients, perfect for post-workout repairs.

Are mass gainers healthy?

You might be wondering, considering the huge amount of calories most mass gainers have; are they healthy?

Mass gainers can be consumed in a healthy manner and, despite their high calories, are a fantastic way to get your daily dose of carbohydrates - but therein also lies the problem with mass gainers.

They aren't particularly safe for individuals who have diabetes, or carbohydrate digestion difficulties - so they're best avoided if this is the case for you.

Make sure you're getting plenty of the most essential vitamins, and pick yourself up the ultimate B12 supplements - defeat fatigue, have healthier-looking skin, and crush your gym PBs.

Can I take mass gainers every day?

You absolutely can - they make a great meal substitute and act as an excellent quick-fix protein solution, which is usually a little more difficult to come by.

However, just because you can take a mass gainer every day doesn't mean you should. Mass gainer supplements, while brilliant for huge muscle growth - are also very expensive, with most gainers topping out at around 20-30 servings maximum.

So, if you're really looking to make some huge gains - it might be worth drinking a mass gainer every day, but if you're on a budget - perhaps consider alternating with a standard whey protein shake.

Are mass gainers okay to use for women?

Women are absolutely safe to use mass gainers, they can contribute to healthy weight gain and muscle growth when paired with an effective diet and regular exercise.

Ryan Houghton is a tech product writer and reviewer for What's The Best, specialising in PCs, smart tech, televisions and gaming. He also writes for Empire Online.

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