Best Mass Gainer Supplements (2026)

Mass gainer supplements provide a concentrated source of calories, protein, and carbohydrates for athletes and hard gainers struggling to consume enough food to support muscle growth. The best formulas deliver 500-1,300+ calories per serving with quality protein sources, complex carbohydrates, and minimal added sugars — making it significantly easier to maintain the caloric surplus required for building size and strength.

Quick Comparison

Product	Calories/Serving	Protein	Best For	Rating
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass	1,250	50g	Best Overall	4.6
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer	1,280	52g	Best High-Calorie	4.5
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer	750	53g	Best Clean Formula	4.7
Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer	650	60g	Best Lean Gainer	4.6
Naked Mass	1,230	50g	Best Natural	4.5
MuscleTech Mass-Tech	840	63g	Most Protein Per Serving	4.5
Huel Black Edition	400	40g	Best Meal Replacement Gainer	4.6

1. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass – Best Overall

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The industry-standard mass gainer delivering 1,250 calories and 50 grams of blended protein per serving, backed by Optimum Nutrition’s reputation for quality and consistency.

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass has been a go-to mass gainer for bodybuilders and hard gainers for years. Each two-scoop serving delivers 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein (a blend of whey concentrate, calcium caseinate, and egg albumin), over 250 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and zinc for immune support. The multi-protein blend provides both fast and slow-digesting proteins for sustained amino acid delivery. Creatine monohydrate is also included to support strength and recovery. Available in Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana, and Chocolate Peanut Butter flavors.

• Pros:
• 1,250 calories per serving makes hitting a surplus straightforward
• Multi-protein blend (whey, casein, egg) for sustained amino acid release
• Added creatine, vitamins, and minerals for comprehensive support

• Cons:
• Very large serving size can be difficult to consume in one sitting
• Contains maltodextrin as the primary carb source

Best for: Hard gainers needing maximum calories per serving to achieve a reliable caloric surplus

2. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer – Best High-Calorie Option

A calorie-dense mass gainer packed with 1,280 calories, 52 grams of protein, and 10.7 grams of BCAAs per serving — designed for serious size gains.

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer delivers one of the highest calorie counts in the category at 1,280 per serving, with 52 grams of protein from a blend of whey protein concentrate, isolate, and milk protein. The formula includes 245 grams of carbohydrates, 10.7 grams of BCAAs for recovery, and 1 gram of creatine monohydrate. Dymatize is a well-established sports nutrition brand with a strong track record for product quality and consistency. Available in Gourmet Vanilla and Rich Chocolate flavors.

• Pros:
• One of the highest calorie counts per serving (1,280 calories)
• 10.7g BCAAs included for muscle recovery support
• Protein blend includes both concentrate and isolate for quality

• Cons:
• High sugar content at 19 grams per serving
• Very thick shake — may need extra water or milk to thin out

Best for: Serious hard gainers and bodybuilders needing maximum calorie density to pack on mass

3. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer – Best Clean Formula

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A premium mass gainer using grass-fed whey protein, clean carb sources (oat, tapioca, sweet potato), and zero artificial ingredients — proof that high calories don’t require low-quality ingredients.

Transparent Labs stands out in the mass gainer category for its ingredient quality. Each serving provides approximately 750 calories, 53 grams of grass-fed whey protein concentrate, 109 grams of carbohydrates from oat, tapioca, and sweet potato sources (rather than pure maltodextrin), and 3 grams of creatine monohydrate. The formula contains zero added sugar, no artificial sweeteners or colors, and uses stevia and monk fruit for natural sweetening. Every batch is third-party tested, and the label is fully transparent with exact ingredient doses. Pairing with a quality creatine supplement can further enhance results.

• Pros:
• Clean carb sources — oat, tapioca, and sweet potato instead of pure maltodextrin
• Grass-fed whey protein with 3g added creatine monohydrate
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes — third-party tested

• Cons:
• Lower calorie count (750) than some competitors — may need larger servings
• Stevia aftertaste is noticeable in some flavors

Best for: Quality-conscious athletes who want a mass gainer without artificial ingredients or maltodextrin-heavy formulas

4. Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer – Best Lean Gainer

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A higher-protein, moderate-calorie mass gainer delivering 60 grams of protein and 650 calories per serving — ideal for lean bulking without excessive fat gain.

ON Pro Gainer takes a more balanced approach than extreme mass gainers, providing 650 calories with 60 grams of protein from a blend of whey, casein, and egg protein. The protein-to-calorie ratio is among the best in the category, making it suitable for lean bulking phases where the goal is muscle gain with minimal fat accumulation. The formula includes MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) for healthy fats, vitamins and minerals for nutritional completeness, and digestive enzymes to help process the high protein content without stomach discomfort.

• Pros:
• Highest protein per serving (60g) with favorable protein-to-calorie ratio
• Added digestive enzymes reduce bloating and stomach issues
• MCTs provide quality fats over simple sugars

• Cons:
• Lower total calories than heavy-duty mass gainers
• Premium price point compared to basic mass gainers

Best for: Those pursuing lean muscle gains who want high protein without excessive calories and carbs

5. Naked Mass – Best Natural Mass Gainer

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A minimal-ingredient mass gainer using just three clean ingredients — whey protein, casein, and organic maltodextrin — for 1,230 calories and 50 grams of protein with nothing artificial.

Naked Mass takes the minimalist approach to mass gaining. The formula contains only whey protein concentrate, micellar casein, and organic maltodextrin — no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or additives. Each serving provides 1,230 calories, 50 grams of protein from two complementary sources, 252 grams of carbohydrates, and 10.3 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs. The product is third-party tested by Eurofins Scientific, GMO-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. The unflavored version is ideal for blending into custom shakes with fruits, nut butter, or other add-ins.

• Pros:
• Only three ingredients — nothing artificial, no fillers
• Third-party tested by Eurofins Scientific
• GMO-free, soy-free, gluten-free

• Cons:
• Unflavored version is bland — needs add-ins for palatability
• Does not mix as smoothly as flavored competitors

Best for: Those who want the simplest, cleanest mass gainer with minimal ingredients and no additives

6. MuscleTech Mass-Tech – Most Protein Per Serving

A protein-packed mass gainer with 63 grams of protein and 10 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, specifically engineered for hard-training athletes focused on strength and size.

MuscleTech Mass-Tech delivers the highest protein content per serving in this roundup at 63 grams, alongside 840 calories, 132 grams of carbohydrates, and a massive 10 grams of creatine monohydrate. The high creatine dosage eliminates the need for a separate creatine supplement. The protein comes from whey isolate, whey concentrate, and casein for multi-phase absorption. MuscleTech is a well-established brand with products manufactured in GMP-certified facilities. For those also interested in pre-workout supplementation, MuscleTech offers a compatible product line.

• Pros:
• 63g protein per serving — highest in the category
• 10g creatine monohydrate eliminates the need for a separate creatine product
• Multi-phase protein absorption from whey isolate, concentrate, and casein

• Cons:
• Contains artificial flavors and sweeteners
• Large serving size may cause bloating in some users

Best for: Strength athletes wanting maximum protein and creatine in a single mass gainer product

7. Huel Black Edition – Best Meal Replacement Gainer

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A nutritionally complete meal replacement delivering 400 calories and 40 grams of protein with a balanced macro profile — ideal for adding quality calories throughout the day.

Huel Black Edition takes a different approach than traditional mass gainers, functioning as a complete meal replacement with a more balanced macronutrient profile. Each serving provides 400 calories, 40 grams of protein, and a comprehensive vitamin and mineral profile. While lower in calories than dedicated mass gainers, Huel excels as a convenient way to add 2-3 extra quality meals per day without cooking. The formula is gluten-free, lactose-free, and suitable for those with sensitive stomachs. Available in multiple flavors with excellent ratings for taste and mixability.

• Pros:
• Nutritionally complete — works as a full meal, not just empty calories
• Gluten-free and lactose-free — extremely easy on the stomach
• Balanced macros with 40g protein and minimal sugar

• Cons:
• Only 400 calories per serving — less calorie-dense than dedicated mass gainers
• Texture can be slightly gritty compared to whey-based products

Best for: Those wanting a nutritionally complete meal replacement to add quality calories without the sugar and filler of traditional mass gainers

8. Vegan Naked Mass – Best Plant-Based Mass Gainer

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A clean, vegan mass gainer using yellow pea protein and organic brown rice protein to deliver 1,230 calories and 50 grams of complete plant-based protein per serving.

Vegan Naked Mass is formulated from only three clean ingredients: yellow pea protein, organic brown rice protein, and organic maltodextrin. By combining pea and rice proteins, the formula provides a complete amino acid profile including all essential amino acids needed for muscle growth. Each serving delivers 1,230 calories, 50 grams of protein, 248 grams of complex carbohydrates, and 10.3 grams of BCAAs. The product is certified vegan, gluten-free, GMO-free, and soy-free with absolutely no artificial additives.

• Pros:
• Complete plant-based amino acid profile from pea + rice protein
• Only three ingredients — nothing artificial
• Certified vegan, gluten-free, GMO-free, and soy-free

• Cons:
• Earthy taste that requires blending with flavorful ingredients
• Does not mix as easily as dairy-based mass gainers — blender recommended

Best for: Vegans and plant-based athletes needing a high-calorie, clean mass gainer with complete protein

9. GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 – Best from GNC

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A reliable 1,340-calorie mass gainer from GNC with 50 grams of whey protein, creatine, BCAAs, and third-party testing for quality assurance.

GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 delivers one of the highest calorie counts available at 1,340 per serving, with 50 grams of protein, creatine for strength support, and added BCAAs for recovery. As a GNC product, it benefits from the brand’s strict quality control standards and third-party testing protocols. The formula includes micronutrients to support overall health during intense bulking phases. Available at GNC stores and on Amazon, making it easy to purchase and replenish.

• Pros:
• 1,340 calories per serving — among the highest available
• Includes creatine and BCAAs for recovery and strength
• Third-party tested under GNC’s quality standards

• Cons:
• Contains artificial flavors and sweeteners
• Very large serving size that some find difficult to finish

Best for: Those who trust GNC’s brand reputation and want a reliable, high-calorie mass gainer with added performance ingredients

How to Choose the Best Mass Gainer

Start by calculating your daily caloric needs and determining how many additional calories you need from a mass gainer. If you need 500-800 extra calories, a moderate gainer like Transparent Labs or Huel works well. If you need 1,000+ extra calories, look at higher-calorie options like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass or Naked Mass. Overshooting calories leads to unwanted fat gain, so choose a calorie level that creates a manageable surplus of 300-500 calories above maintenance.

Protein quality matters more than total calories. Look for mass gainers with at least 40-60 grams of protein per serving from quality sources — whey protein isolate or concentrate, casein, and egg albumin provide superior amino acid profiles for muscle growth. Avoid products where protein comes primarily from soy or low-quality blends. A protein-to-calorie ratio where at least 15-20% of calories come from protein indicates a well-formulated product.

Carbohydrate sources separate good mass gainers from cheap ones. Products using complex carbs from oats, sweet potato, or tapioca digest more slowly and provide sustained energy, while those relying solely on maltodextrin can cause blood sugar spikes and digestive discomfort. Check sugar content — mass gainers with more than 20-30 grams of added sugar per serving are relying on cheap filler rather than quality calories. Added creatine monohydrate (3-5g) is a valuable bonus that saves money on a separate creatine supplement.

Digestibility is often overlooked. Large serving sizes (200+ grams of powder) can cause bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort. Products with added digestive enzymes, MCTs, or those using easily digested protein sources tend to sit better. Start with half servings and increase gradually to assess tolerance. Plant-based mass gainers are worth considering for those with dairy sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories should a mass gainer have?

The ideal calorie content depends on your individual surplus needs. Most people benefit from a mass gainer providing 500-1,000 extra calories per day on top of whole food meals. Hard gainers with very fast metabolisms may need 1,000-1,300+ calorie options like Serious Mass or Super Mass Gainer. Those closer to their calorie goals may only need 400-700 calories from a gainer like Transparent Labs or Pro Gainer.

When should I drink a mass gainer?

The best times are between meals, post-workout, or as a snack before bed. Post-workout timing takes advantage of heightened muscle protein synthesis and glycogen replenishment. A serving before bed (especially products with casein protein) provides overnight amino acid delivery. Avoid replacing whole food meals entirely — mass gainers work best as supplements to, not replacements for, a balanced diet.

Will mass gainers make me fat?

Mass gainers contribute to fat gain only if they push your total calorie intake too far above maintenance. A moderate surplus of 300-500 calories supports muscle growth with minimal fat accumulation when combined with consistent resistance training. Using mass gainers without training, or consuming excessive servings, will lead to fat gain. Track your calorie intake and adjust serving sizes based on results over 2-4 week periods.

Are mass gainers worth it for skinny guys?

Yes, mass gainers can be extremely helpful for naturally thin individuals (ectomorphs) who struggle to eat enough whole food to gain weight. Drinking calories is significantly easier than eating them, and a single mass gainer shake can add 750-1,300 calories to daily intake. The key is combining mass gainer supplementation with progressive resistance training to ensure the weight gained is primarily muscle rather than fat.

Can I make my own mass gainer?

Absolutely. A DIY mass gainer using whey protein powder, oats, banana, peanut butter, and milk can deliver 800-1,000+ calories with quality ingredients. This approach gives you complete control over ingredient quality and macronutrient ratios. However, commercial mass gainers offer convenience and precise calorie counting that homemade options cannot easily match.

What’s the difference between a mass gainer and a protein powder?

Standard protein powders provide 100-150 calories and 20-30 grams of protein per serving with minimal carbs and fat. Mass gainers provide 400-1,300+ calories with 40-60+ grams of protein plus large amounts of carbohydrates and sometimes fats. Mass gainers are for those who need extra calories to gain weight, while protein powders are for those who need extra protein without extra calories.

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