The Best Mass Gainer Supplements of 2025

Although expert guidance can help select the safest options, mass gainers, like protein powders or creatine supplements, are not a shortcut. For optimal results, prioritize a consistent strength training routine and a balanced diet focused on whole foods.

It is also advisable to consult a medical professional before introducing mass gainer supplements into your routine, especially if you have any existing health concerns. With this careful approach, we’ve chosen our top five recommended mass gainers available today to help guide your selection.

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks. 

Best Mass Gainers of 2025

• Best Mass Gainer Overall: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
• Best Budget Mass Gainer: Nutricost Mass Gainer
• Best Vegan Mass Gainer: Huel Black
• Best Mass Gainer Protein Powder: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
• Best Mass Gainer for Bulking: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass

Best Mass Gainers Comparison Table

Best Mass Gainer Overall: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer earned our pick for the best overall mass gainer because it includes high-quality ingredients and transparent labeling. Each serving provides about 770 calories, over 50 grams of grass-fed whey protein, and clean carbohydrate sources like oat, tapioca, and sweet potato, making it ideal for those who want to gain mass without excessive added sugars or low-quality fillers. 

This formula stands out for its inclusion of 3 grams of creatine monohydrate to enhance muscle growth and recovery, and for using natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit—avoiding artificial ingredients like sucralose. The product is third-party tested, non-GMO, and has a fully transparent label, allowing users to trust what they are getting in every scoop.

Pete tested Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, rating it a 5 out of 5 for first impression. “It comes in a very large white plastic container which is about twice as large as your standard two-pound protein powder tub,” he noted. He observed that the label is informative and easy to read, and the container opens and closes easily. That said, this tub is pretty big, so you’ll want to clear some cabinet space.

When mixing the powder along with water, Pete found that the product didn’t dissolve within 60 seconds, rating it a 1 out of 5 for mixability. “The texture was very clumpy and there were visible chunks,” he said. He shook it for another 60 seconds, but it still didn’t dissolve. Generally, mass gainers are pretty dense, so Pete recommends using a blender to mix this product, especially since the serving size is two scoops.

Pete rated the taste of the flavor a 3 out of 5, and a 5 out of 5 for sweetness: “The flavor I tested was sweet vanilla, and it was true to its name—the supplement was very sweet. The shake was thick, and I would compare the taste to a melted vanilla ice cream,” he said. Pete also said he probably wouldn’t choose this flavor to drink regularly, as it has a strong stevia flavor. He does like the product as a mass gainer, since it provides over 700 calories per serving and 50+ grams of protein. 

Our tester didn’t experience any digestive issues with Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, despite the strong stevia aftertaste. Overall, he said: “I like the product for what it’s intended for, despite not loving the flavor. It’s important to note that a mass gainer needs to be consumed in addition to what someone is already eating. If your goal is to gain weight, then this shouldn’t be used as a meal replacement powder.”

Best Budget Mass Gainer: Nutricost Mass Gainer

Our Thoughts on Nutricost Mass Gainer

Nutricost Mass Gainer is our top budget pick because it offers a strong nutritional profile—1,220 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving—at an accessible price point. The carbohydrate source is maltodextrin, which is common in mass gainer supplements. Maltodextrin is rapidly absorbed by the body, making this supplement ideal for post-workout recovery. The product has 50 grams of protein from whey concentrate, and also contains 2,500 mg of L-glutamine and 2,500 mg of creatine per serving, which creates a great value for a mass gainer supplement.

Pete tested this product and rated it a 3 out of 5 for his first impressions. Nutricost’s Mass Gainer supplement comes in a large plastic container with a net weight of nearly seven pounds. The label is straightforward and easy to read, clearly showing the calorie count and protein per serving. This comes in a pretty large container but the lid is easy to open and close, Pete said. 

Of the mixability of Nutricost’s Mass Gainer, Pete said: “I tried using my large 32-ounce shaker bottle to mix this mass gainer and it just wasn’t practical.”

The serving size is three scoops, which filled Pete’s shaker bottle about halfway with powder, and after adding water and shaking for 60 seconds, there were still large chunks of unmixed powder. “For this mass gainer supplement, I would recommend blending for a smooth consistency and using more than the suggested 24 oz. of water unless you like a thick shake,” Pete said. Our team did have to give this product a 1 out of 5 for mixability but this is pretty common for mass gainers in general.

Pete loved the taste of this mass gainer, rating it a 5 out of 5. “I tested the chocolate peanut butter flavor, and it tasted great. I was able to taste both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors and the shake had a smooth and creamy consistency after blending,” he said. Pete found the instructions produced a shake that was a little too thick for his liking and suggested some modifications: “If I was to use this supplement daily, I would use more water, about 28 to 32 ounces to make a thinner shake. I did really enjoy the flavor, and this would be something I would drink regularly,” he said.

Our tester also noted that he didn’t experience any digestive issues or negative side effects after consuming this product, adding: “I was full after the full three-scoop serving size and it was a good two to three hours before I was hungry again for another meal.”

Best Vegan Mass Gainer: Huel Black

Our Thoughts on Huel Black

Huel Black Edition is our pick for best vegan mass gainer, as it’s packed with 40 grams of plant-based protein and 400 calories per serving. While it’s marketed as a meal replacement, it also works well as a mass gainer for those seeking to add healthy calories and protein to their diet, making it ideal for hard gainers and athletes. Thanks to its well-balanced macros, full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, and standout taste (our tester scored it a 5 out of 5 for flavor), Huel Black Edition is a top choice for anyone prioritizing both nutrition and taste in a mass gainer. 

Pete tried Huel Black, rating it a 5 out of 5 for flavor (he tested the vanilla), saying: “The taste is pleasant, especially for the 90-gram serving size and thick consistency. You can taste the vanilla, and it’s a very moderate level of sweetness with no aftertaste.” 

Our tester found the texture to be slightly gritty, likely due to the flaxseed content, though he said this wasn’t off-putting and actually added to the shake’s character. He’d have no trouble drinking Huel Black regularly, praising it as a well-rounded meal replacement suitable even for daily breakfast thanks to its robust supply of vitamins and minerals. Like a greens powder, for instance, this formula delivers plentiful beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), and EGCG from green tea extract.

Pete rated Huel Black’s mixability as a 3 out of 5. “There were a few very small chunks after mixing it in the shaker bottle for 60 seconds,” he said. But, according to Pete, the flaxseed used in the mix can be visibly seen and tasted. The result of the formula being combined is a “thin, oatmeal-like consistency. For those who create their own meal replacement shakes at home using protein powder, peanut butter, seeds, and oats, this will feel very similar to that,” he said.

He didn’t experience any adverse effects or digestive issues when testing this product, rating it a 5 out of 5 for side effects. Overall, he enjoyed the taste, consistency, and recommends using a blender to mix the product fully.

Best Mass Gainer Protein Powder: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer

Our Thoughts on Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer

Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer is our pick for the best mass gainer protein powder because it includes protein from a blend of whey protein concentrate and milk protein concentrate, providing a robust amino acid profile for muscle growth and recovery. Our team also likes the whole-food-based ingredients, balanced macros, and easy digestibility—making it ideal for athletes and hard gainers aiming to build muscle without excess sugar or fillers. This formula includes digestive enzymes to enhance your body’s absorption of nutrients. However, if you’re having digestive difficulty, you may want to consult a doctor or consider a probiotic supplement.

Pete tested Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer and rated his first impression of the product as a 3 out of 5, saying: “The packaging is a large yellow resealable bag, with black lettering. The words are easy to read and while not difficult to open, the bag was cumbersome to close properly.”

Our tester rated the mixability of this product a 1 out of 5. “The product is mostly dissolved after shaking for sixty seconds,” Pete said. “There weren’t any large visible chunks, however, when drinking the shake had a grainy consistency. I tried shaking for an additional sixty seconds but the grainy consistency remained,” he said. Pete also noted that the four-scoop serving size is a lot to fit in a standard shaker bottle. He recommends using a blender to mix this much powder smoothly with the liquid of your choice.

Pete felt the taste of Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer was just okay, rating it a 3 out of 5. “The flavor I tested was chocolate, however, I didn’t find this supplement to have a very strong chocolatey taste. When drinking the product, it tastes fairly sweet at first, but then you get a strong oat milk-like flavor. This is because the carbohydrate source in this product is oat flour,” Pete said. He added that he didn’t experience any digestive issues or negative side effects when testing this product.

Overall, Pete thinks this is an effective mass gainer. “The full four-scoop serving size provides about 500 calories per serving and 40 grams of protein,” he wrote. “This number of calories in addition to someone’s normal dietary routine would be enough to help them put on weight. Note that they do use sucralose to sweeten this product, however, there aren’t any artificial flavors or colors.”

Best Mass Gainer for Bulking: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass

Our Thoughts on Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass was chosen as our top pick for best mass gainer for bulking because it delivers a significantly higher calorie count per serving than most mass gainers on the market—packing 1,260 calories per serving, including 50 grams of protein, and over 250 grams of carbs into a single shake. This makes it the ideal choice for advanced athletes looking to consume a calorie surplus. 

Pete rated this product a 3 out of 5 for his first impression: “This mass gainer supplement comes in a massive bag and contains a whopping twelve pounds of powder—definitely not travel-friendly. The packaging is easy to read, and I really like the resealable zip-lock closure that makes it easy to open and close. A large scoop is included inside the bag.”

When rating the mixability, Pete gave it a 1 out of 5. “The sheer serving size of this supplement would make it pretty much impossible to mix in a standard shaker bottle,” he said. “I used a blender and twenty-four ounces of water to mix the powder, and the shake was fully dissolved but had a thick consistency.”

Pete loved the taste of Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass, rating it a 5 out of 5. “I tested the vanilla flavor and was very impressed. It had a creamy vanilla taste and just the right level of sweetness. After blending, the shake had a smooth consistency, but with the full two-scoop serving size and twenty-four ounces of water it was very thick.” He said that if he were to use this product on a daily basis, he’d probably split the drink into two—a single scoop shake in the morning and another in the evening.

Pete added, “I felt fine after drinking the shake and didn’t experience any digestive issues. That said, I was very full after drinking the entire shake and wouldn’t suggest consuming it before a workout.”

Of this supplement overall, Pete said, “As a mass gainer, this will definitely get the job done. The full two scoop serving size contains 1260 calories, 253 grams of carbs, 50 grams of protein, and just 5 grams of fat. It’s important to note that for this supplement to be effective in terms of promoting weight gain, the user would ideally consume this shake in addition to what they are currently eating.”

What Is a Mass Gainer?

A mass gainer is a high-calorie dietary supplement specifically designed to help you gain weight and build muscle, especially for people who have difficulty meeting their calorie and macronutrient needs through whole foods alone. What sets mass gainers apart from standard protein powders is their comprehensive nutrition profile: rather than supplying just protein, mass gainers provide a mix of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, usually in a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 carbs to protein, with some products offering upwards of 1,000 calories per serving. Many also include dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like creatine or digestive enzymes.

Mass gainers work by creating a calorie surplus, which is essential for gaining weight and supporting muscle growth. Each serving provides a concentrated boost of calories, carbs, and protein to fuel workouts and jump-start post-exercise muscle repair. Carbohydrates supply sustained energy, while high-quality protein supports muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

Mass Gainer vs. Protein Powder

Protein powders and mass gainers are both popular supplements for muscle-building, but their nutritional profiles and intended uses set them apart. Protein powders—especially those based on whey—are designed to maximize protein intake with minimal extras, often delivering 20–30 grams of protein per serving with very little fat or carbohydrates, and typically only 100–150 calories per scoop. The primary function of protein powder is to support muscle recovery and lean muscle growth, making it the go-to option for those looking to build or maintain muscle without significant increases in daily calorie intake.

Mass gainers are formulated with the explicit goal of calorie surplus, including not only protein but also a much higher proportion of complex carbohydrates and fat. A single serving can provide anywhere from 500 to over 1,000 calories, with a balanced mix of protein (20–50 grams), carbohydrates, and fats, designed to help users achieve the excess caloric intake required for weight and muscle mass gain. While protein powders are best for those focused on protein and lean muscle, mass gainers are all about delivering a full spectrum of macros, making them ideal for people with high energy needs or those who struggle to gain weight.

That said, if you are looking to gain weight or muscle mass, our team always recommends prioritizing a balanced whole-food diet. However, for some folks, it can be hard to consume enough calories through whole foods. In this case, a mass gainer can be a helpful tool. 

How We Tested and Selected the Best Mass Gainers

We tested and evaluated mass gainers and scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as first impressions, easy-to-follow directions, taste, mixability, side effects, and value. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.

Taste and Texture

Flavor is a big part of our testing process. We ask our testers to provide feedback on the taste, texture, and pleasantness of the flavor for each mass gainer. We rate sweetness on a scale of 1 to 5, based on how strong the sweetness is. A score of 5 is best-tasting, 1 is not drinkable. We also consider texture, and ask our tester to record any grittiness, clumps, frothiness, or conversely, smoothness and creaminess, when tasting the mass gainer drink.

With most powder supplements, we look for a formula that dissolves as perfectly as possible. When it comes to mass gainers, though, this is a little more difficult to achieve, as the consistencies are pretty thick and dense. For our recommendations, we suggest using a blender, rather than a standard shaker cup. 

Formula

We work with a certified nutrition coach during testing in order to find the most effective and safe mass gainer formulas. In our search, we prioritized mass gainers that have more calories than a general protein powder, which tend to hover around 110 or 120 calories per serving. We also look for mass gainers without artificial sweeteners and other additives.

Mixability 

When preparing a mass gainer shake, we follow the brand’s recommended instructions, ensuring we measure the correct serving size and liquid amount. Special attention is paid to how well the powder blends, since the larger serving sizes can sometimes create gritty textures or stubborn clumps if not properly mixed. To achieve a smooth, enjoyable consistency and avoid unpleasant thickness or chunkiness, we often opt to use a blender for mass gainers, rather than just a shaker bottle, and adjust liquid as needed until the shake is dissolved.

Third-Party Testing

We selected mass gainers that have been third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures independent verification of safety, purity, as well as nutrition label accuracy. This helps to reduce the risk of mislabeling or underdosing. Third-party testing also checks for harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and more for safety. 

For athletes, third-party testing is paramount to knowing that the mass gainer they’ve chosen does not contain any banned substances. They should look for products that are certified for sport. Independent testing and certifications help to build consumer trust. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate supplements, so it’s vital to have independent testing done to ensure safety, accuracy, and quality.

Value

When considering value, we place a higher value on brands that source their ingredients in America and have certifications, such as Informed Choice.

How to Find the Best Mass Gainer for You

Everyone has different mass gainer needs depending on fitness goals, calorie requirements, body type, allergies, and pre-existing health conditions. Daily diets also vary—some people need more calories, carbs, or protein than others, especially if they struggle to gain weight or have a fast metabolism. Selecting the right mass gainer means considering how much extra nutrition is needed, what ingredient quality suits personal preferences, and whether any added nutrients like digestive enzymes or creatine would help with performance and recovery.

Here’s what to consider when selecting the best mass gainer for your goals: calculate your caloric needs, assess the macro profile of potential products, check for high-quality ingredients and added nutrients, and review taste and mixability for everyday use. 

However, if you’re struggling to put on weight or maintain a healthy weight, we recommend speaking with a healthcare professional. They can help determine whether a mass gainer is right for your body.

Your Fitness Goals

Your fitness goals play a vital role in choosing the right mass gainer. The best mass gainer for you will depend on how many extra calories you need, what ratio of carbs to protein aligns with your goals, and whether you want a formula tailored for bulking, lean gains, or higher energy demands during intense training.

When deciding on a mass gainer, consider your training intensity, how quickly you need to gain weight, your recovery requirements, and your preferences for ingredients, taste, and serving convenience. Keep in mind that different mass gainers have different calorie counts, ranging from several hundred to over 1,000 calories.

Flavors

It’s important to choose a mass gainer in a flavor that you genuinely enjoy, because sipping it regularly makes it easier to meet your daily nutrition goals and stick to your routine. A tasty flavor also ensures your mass gainer supplement feels more like a treat than a chore, which will support you with consistency and satisfaction long-term. Finding a flavor that you like, such as cookies and cream or sweet vanilla, is a great way to help support your nutrition habits and fitness goals.

Formula

Mass gainers vary widely in the ratio of protein to carbohydrates and fats—some feature a traditional 1:5 protein-to-carb ratio for classic bulking, while others offer a 1:3 ratio for leaner gains, making them better suited for athletes with different body types and energy requirements.

Before buying a mass gainer, it’s vital to review the product label to make sure the calorie count, macro distribution, and included nutrients match personal needs and fitness targets. For example, athletes with high activity levels or those looking to gain significant mass may benefit from a calorie-dense, carb-heavy formula, while others aiming for slower, lean muscle gains might prefer a product with more balanced macros. Many mass gainers also provide vitamins, minerals, and even nutrients that exceed recommended daily values (RDVs), which can be an advantage or a potential concern for some users depending on their existing diet and supplementation routine. Ultimately, the right formula can make a big difference in progress and overall health.

Cost

Mass gainers can be a significant investment, so it’s important to factor cost into your decision, especially if you plan to use the supplement daily. Premium products featuring cleaner formulas—those free from artificial sweeteners, fillers, or additives—tend to come at a higher price due to higher ingredient sourcing and quality standards. On average, most mass gainers cost between $3 and $5 per serving, though budget-friendly options exist, sometimes at around $2.50 per serving by using more processed or artificial ingredients. 

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing independently verifies the safety, purity, and label accuracy of supplements like mass gainers since the FDA doesn’t regulate them. This process helps protect you from mislabeling, contamination, and banned substances, building trust and ensuring you can use products with confidence. Independent testing is essential for confirming product quality and safeguarding your health.

Benefits of Mass Gainers

Mass gainers offer a variety of advantages for those looking to increase muscle mass or meet higher calorie needs, making them a popular choice for athletes and folks looking to bulk. Here are some of the benefits:

• Convenience: Mass gainers are easy to prepare and consume, allowing users to quickly add significant calories and nutrients to their diets without the hassle of making multiple calorie-heavy meals.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to purchasing equivalent calories from whole foods, mass gainers often provide a more budget-friendly way to achieve calorie targets for bulking and recovery.
• Shelf Stable: Mass gainers have a long shelf life and can be stored easily, so users are less likely to waste product or struggle with spoilage compared to fresh food.
• Calorically Dense: These supplements deliver high calorie counts per serving—often 500 to 1,000 or more—which are easier to consume than large quantities of solid food and help achieve the necessary surplus for weight gain and muscle growth.

Should I Try a Mass Gainer?

There’s no one supplement that works for everyone. Mass gainers are best suited for people who struggle to consume enough calories through whole foods alone, such as athletes aiming to move up in weight class or bodybuilders in a bulking phase. Consulting a doctor or registered dietitian is always recommended before starting a mass gainer, particularly for those with metabolic conditions, allergies, or pre-existing health issues.

Mass gainers should be avoided by people trying to lose or maintain weight, individuals who gain weight easily (“easy gainers”), and those with conditions such as diabetes or kidney issues, as the high calorie, sugar, and protein content can pose health risks. Anyone with food allergies or intolerances should also check labels carefully, since mass gainers often contain ingredients like dairy or soy. Sedentary individuals are not recommended to use mass gainers, as excess calories may lead to unwanted fat gain instead of lean muscle.

What to Avoid in a Mass Gainer

There are certain ingredients and practices to avoid when choosing a mass gainer to ensure optimal results and minimize unwanted side effects or health risks. Always check the label carefully before making a purchase.

• Artificial sweeteners and colors: Ingredients like sucralose, aspartame, and artificial dyes are commonly added to improve flavor and appearance, but may cause digestive upset and are best avoided by those wishing to keep their supplement as clean as possible.
• Excess fillers and bulking agents: Some mass gainers use cheap fillers such as excessive maltodextrin or milk powders, which can spike blood sugar, add unnecessary calories, or cause bloating while offering limited nutritional value.
• High saturated/trans fats: Low-quality mass gainers may contain unhealthy oils or trans fats to improve texture and calorie count; these raise the risk of heart problems and are counterproductive to gaining lean muscle.

Frequently asked questions

Do mass gainers actually work?

Mass gainers can be effective when used alongside a strength training program and a diet that requires extra calories for muscle growth. Their high-calorie and protein content helps users achieve the surplus necessary for weight and muscle gain when food alone is not enough. However, we always recommend trying to fill your diet as much as possible with whole foods, using products like mass gainers to help fill the gaps.

Can I take a mass gainer every day?

Yes, mass gainers are designed for daily use as long as they help meet overall calorie needs without causing digestive issues or unwanted fat gain. For anyone with underlying health concerns, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional first.

What’s the most effective mass gainer?

The most effective mass gainer is one that aligns with personal calorie targets, offers a high-quality protein and carb blend, and matches dietary preferences or restrictions. Formulas with clean ingredients and a balanced macro profile generally deliver the best results for muscle and weight gain.

Is mass gainer really worth it?

Mass gainers can be worth the investment for those struggling to eat enough calories to gain weight or muscle, especially athletes or folks looking to bulk up. They are not necessary for everyone, but they offer a convenient, calorie-dense solution.