Best Lean Mass Gainers (2026)

Lean mass gainers are designed for lifters and athletes who need extra calories to build muscle without excessive fat gain. Unlike traditional mass gainers loaded with sugar and cheap carbs, the best lean mass gainers prioritize quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and controlled calorie counts to support clean bulking. Here are the top lean mass gainers worth buying.

Quick Comparison

Product	Protein/Serving	Calories/Serving	Best For	Rating
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer	53g	770	Best Overall	9.6/10
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass	50g	1,260	Best High-Calorie	9.4/10
Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer	60g	650	Best for Lean Gains	9.3/10
Mutant Mass	56g	1,100	Best Budget	9.1/10
GHOST Clear Gains	40g	440	Most Innovative	9.0/10
MuscleTech Mass Tech	60g	1,500	Best for Hard Gainers	8.9/10
Forzagen Lean Gainer	50g	890	Best Natural Ingredients	8.8/10
Creatine for Women	—	—	Best Creatine Add-On	8.7/10

1. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer – Best Overall

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The cleanest mass gainer on the market, built with grass-fed whey, whole-food carbs from oat flour and sweet potato, and zero artificial sweeteners or fillers.

Transparent Labs delivers 53g of grass-fed whey protein concentrate and 110g of complex carbohydrates from oat flour, organic tapioca, and sweet potato powder per serving. The formula also includes 3g of creatine monohydrate and MCT oil from coconut for quality fats. At roughly 770 calories per serving, it sits in the sweet spot for lean bulking — enough to create a surplus without excessive fat storage. The fully transparent label means no proprietary blends, and the product is Informed Choice certified and third-party tested. This is a top pick for anyone who values ingredient quality and wants to pair their mass gainer with a solid creatine supplement for maximum strength gains.

• Pros:
• Grass-fed whey protein with complete amino acid profile
• Whole-food carb sources (no maltodextrin)
• Includes creatine monohydrate and MCT oil

• Cons:
• Premium price point (~$5 per serving)
• Only 15 servings per tub

Best for: Athletes and lifters who prioritize clean ingredients and transparent labeling

2. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass – Best High-Calorie

The industry standard for mass gaining, packing 1,260 calories and 50g of protein per serving with 22 vitamins and minerals for total nutritional support.

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass has been a staple in the mass gainer category for years, and for good reason. Each serving delivers 1,260 calories from 50g of protein, 252g of carbohydrates, and 4.5g of fat, along with 5g of creatine and a complete vitamin and mineral profile including immune-supporting vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. The protein blend includes whey concentrate, calcium caseinate, and egg albumin for sustained amino acid delivery. Available in multiple flavors, this is the go-to for hard gainers who struggle to eat enough calories through food alone.

• Pros:
• 1,260 calories per serving for serious caloric surplus
• Includes 5g creatine and 22 vitamins/minerals
• Multiple proven flavors and wide availability

• Cons:
• Uses maltodextrin as primary carb source
• Large 6-scoop serving size

Best for: Hard gainers and ectomorphs who need maximum calories to gain weight

3. Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer – Best for Lean Gains

A higher-protein, lower-calorie gainer specifically designed for lean muscle growth without the excess calories that lead to fat gain.

ON Pro Gainer delivers 60g of protein from a blend of whey isolate, whey concentrate, casein, and egg albumin — the highest protein count on this list. At only 650 calories per serving with a balanced macro ratio, this is built for lifters who want to gain lean mass without a huge caloric surplus. The formula includes complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, and over 20 vitamins and minerals. The 1:3 protein-to-carb ratio ensures protein calories go toward muscle building while carbs fuel workouts.

• Pros:
• Highest protein content (60g) with controlled calories
• Multi-source protein blend for sustained delivery
• Ideal macro ratio for lean muscle building

• Cons:
• Lower calorie count may not suit true hard gainers
• More expensive per serving than Serious Mass

Best for: Lifters who want lean muscle gains with minimal fat accumulation

4. Mutant Mass – Best Budget

A calorie-dense gainer delivering 1,100 calories and 56g of protein per serving from natural whole-food sources including sweet potato, rolled oats, and avocado.

Mutant Mass stands out for incorporating whole-food ingredients like barley, sweet potato, rolled oats, avocado, coconut oil, flaxseed, and pumpkin seed into its formula. Each serving provides 56g of protein from whey isolate, whey concentrate, and casein, along with 192g of carbs and 12g of fat. The formula naturally includes 26.1g of EAAs and 12.2g of BCAAs per serving. At around $3–4 per serving for the 15-pound tub, it’s one of the most affordable high-calorie gainers available. The Triple Chocolate flavor has earned consistently positive taste reviews.

• Pros:
• Made with natural whole-food ingredients
• Excellent value per serving in larger sizes
• High BCAA and EAA content naturally present

• Cons:
• Large tub size may not suit everyone
• High calorie count requires portion management

Best for: Budget-conscious lifters who want high calories from whole-food sources

5. GHOST Clear Gains – Most Innovative

The industry’s first clear mass gainer — a refreshing, non-milkshake-style gainer with 40g whey isolate, 70g Vitargo carbs, and zero fat or sugar.

GHOST Clear Gains breaks the mold of thick, heavy mass gainer shakes with a clear, light, and refreshing formula. Each two-scoop serving delivers 40g of whey protein isolate, 70g of Vitargo (a patented fast-absorbing carbohydrate), and 440 calories with zero fat and no added sugar. It’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and contains no amino spiking. The transparent label shows exactly what’s in every scoop. While the calorie count is lower than traditional mass gainers, this is perfect for those who want to add lean calories without the bloating and heaviness of standard shakes. Great for those who also use a pre-workout supplement and want a lighter post-workout option.

• Pros:
• Unique clear formula with refreshing taste
• Zero fat and zero sugar
• Uses premium Vitargo carbs for fast absorption

• Cons:
• Lower calorie count (440) than traditional mass gainers
• More expensive per calorie than competitors

Best for: Athletes who want clean calories without the heaviness of traditional mass gainer shakes

6. MuscleTech Mass Tech – Best for Hard Gainers

A mega-calorie gainer packing up to 1,500 calories and 60g of protein per serving with added creatine monohydrate for maximum size and strength gains.

MuscleTech Mass Tech is designed for serious hard gainers who need every calorie they can get. When mixed with skim milk, each serving delivers approximately 1,500 calories, 60g of protein, 305g of carbs, and over 13g of BCAAs including 6.2g of L-leucine. The formula includes HPLC-tested creatine monohydrate to support strength and muscle cell volumization. The protein blend combines whey concentrate and isolate for both fast and sustained amino acid delivery. Multiple chocolate-based flavors are available, with Chocolate Fudge Brownie being the most popular.

• Pros:
• Very high calorie count for maximum weight gain
• Includes creatine monohydrate for strength support
• High leucine content (6.2g) for muscle protein synthesis

• Cons:
• Very large serving size (6 scoops)
• Calorie count may be excessive for moderate gainers

Best for: Extreme hard gainers and bodybuilders who need maximum caloric surplus

7. Forzagen Lean Gainer – Best Natural Ingredients

A premium mass builder featuring natural carbohydrate sources from oats, sweet potatoes, and yams alongside high-quality protein for clean lean mass gains.

Forzagen focuses on natural, whole-food carb sources rather than maltodextrin, making it a cleaner option for those conscious about ingredient quality. Each serving delivers approximately 50g of protein, 150g of carbohydrates, and essential fats for roughly 890 calories. The carbs come from oats, sweet potatoes, and yams — real food sources that provide sustained energy without blood sugar spikes. The protein blend supports muscle growth and recovery, while the natural carb profile helps with glycogen replenishment. Available in Dutch Chocolate and Vanilla flavors.

• Pros:
• Natural whole-food carbohydrate sources
• No maltodextrin or artificial fillers
• Balanced macro profile for lean gaining

• Cons:
• Fewer servings per container than some competitors
• May be thicker and harder to mix

Best for: Natural athletes who want whole-food-based mass gaining without artificial ingredients

8. Creatine for Women – Best Creatine Add-On

A micronized creatine monohydrate formula specifically designed for women, delivering 3g per serving to support lean muscle growth, strength, and body composition alongside any mass gainer.

While not a mass gainer itself, creatine monohydrate is one of the most well-researched supplements for building lean muscle mass. This women-specific formula delivers 3g of micronized creatine per serving in an easy-to-mix powder. Research consistently shows creatine supplementation increases lean body mass, strength output, and workout performance when combined with resistance training. Pairing creatine with any mass gainer on this list amplifies results by increasing training capacity and cellular hydration in muscle tissue.

• Pros:
• Clinically proven to increase lean muscle mass
• Micronized for easy mixing and absorption
• Complements any mass gainer for enhanced results

• Cons:
• Not a standalone mass gainer (supplementary product)
• Requires consistent daily use for results

Best for: Women looking to add lean muscle mass who want a clean creatine supplement alongside their mass gainer

How to Choose the Best Lean Mass Gainer

Calorie count should match your surplus needs. If you’re a hard gainer who struggles to eat enough, look for 1,000+ calorie formulas like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass or MuscleTech Mass Tech. If you already eat well and just need a moderate boost, 500–800 calorie options like Transparent Labs or GHOST Clear Gains will add lean mass without excess fat storage.

Protein quality and amount matter significantly. Look for at least 40g of protein per serving from high-quality sources like whey isolate, whey concentrate, or casein. Multi-source protein blends provide both fast and sustained amino acid delivery. Check for at least 5g of BCAAs per serving, with leucine being the most important amino acid for triggering muscle protein synthesis.

Carbohydrate source separates premium gainers from cheap ones. Complex carbs from oat flour, sweet potato, and tapioca provide sustained energy and stable blood sugar, while maltodextrin causes rapid blood sugar spikes and can promote fat storage. Products like Transparent Labs and Forzagen use whole-food carb sources, while budget options typically rely on maltodextrin.

Additional ingredients like creatine monohydrate (3–5g), added vitamins and minerals, and digestive enzymes add value. Third-party testing from organizations like Informed Choice or NSF Certified for Sport provides assurance that the product contains what the label claims and is free of banned substances — particularly important for competitive athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lean mass gainer?

A lean mass gainer is a high-calorie protein powder supplement designed to help you gain muscle mass with a controlled macro profile that minimizes fat gain. Unlike standard mass gainers that may pack 1,500+ calories with excessive sugar, lean mass gainers typically offer 500–900 calories per serving with a higher protein-to-carb ratio and quality carbohydrate sources.

How many calories should a mass gainer have?

That depends on your individual caloric needs. Most people gain lean mass with a surplus of 300–500 calories above maintenance. If your diet already provides most of your calories, a 500–800 calorie gainer is sufficient. True hard gainers with very high metabolisms may need 1,000–1,500 calorie formulas to create an adequate surplus.

When should I take a mass gainer?

The most effective times are post-workout (within 30–60 minutes of training) to support muscle recovery and glycogen replenishment, or between meals as a calorie-dense snack. Some people also use half-servings as a morning shake to start the day with calories and protein. Avoid taking a full serving right before bed unless you have a very high calorie target.

Can mass gainers cause fat gain?

Any caloric surplus beyond what your body needs for muscle growth will be stored as fat. The key is matching your mass gainer calorie intake to your activity level and training intensity. Lean mass gainers with controlled calories and quality macros minimize fat gain compared to high-sugar, high-calorie alternatives. Track your progress and adjust serving sizes accordingly.

Are mass gainers worth it compared to whole food?

Whole food should always be the foundation of your diet. Mass gainers are most valuable for people who physically cannot eat enough food to create a caloric surplus — common among hard gainers with small appetites or busy schedules. They’re a tool for convenience, not a replacement for meals. A shake delivering 700+ calories is easier to consume than the equivalent in chicken, rice, and vegetables.

Should I take creatine with my mass gainer?

Yes. Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched and effective supplements for building lean muscle mass, and it pairs perfectly with a mass gainer. Some mass gainers already include 3–5g of creatine, but if yours doesn’t, adding a standalone creatine supplement can further enhance strength, performance, and lean mass gains.

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