10 Best Powders For Gaining Muscle in 2026

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For serious muscle gain, few things beat a well-formulated mass gainer. Our best overall pick, Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, wins because it packs 52 grams of protein and 1,280 calories per serving, plus a gram of creatine for strength output. If you need more calories, the Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Gainer is our Best High-Calorie pick, while NAKED Mass Natural Weight Gainer takes the Best Clean Ingredients award.

The real challenge isn’t just eating more, it’s getting the right ratio of protein, carbs, and calories without feeling stuffed or consuming too much sugar. A quality mass gainer bridges that gap between whole-food meals and your daily surplus target.

We evaluated these powders by cross-referencing manufacturer specs, expert round-ups, and patterns in owner feedback to find the formulas that actually deliver on their calorie and protein promises. This guide breaks down the top options so you can match one to your metabolism, taste preferences, and budget.

Top 10 Powders For Gaining Muscle in the Market

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The Best Powders For Gaining Muscle, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Protein per serving52g
Calories per serving1280
Carbohydrates per serving245g
Creatine per serving1g
Protein blendWhey + Casein
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What We Like

  • 52g protein per serving
  • 1,280 calories for serious mass gain
  • Blend of fast and slow proteins
  • Includes 1g creatine per serving

Trade-offs

  • Only 8 servings per container
  • Contains only 1g creatine per serving

1,280 calories and 52 grams of protein per serving make this a heavy hitter for anyone trying to pack on size without spending all day eating. The blend of fast-digesting whey and slow-digesting casein is designed to fuel muscle growth and recovery with sustained protein delivery. That extra gram of creatine per serving is a nice bonus for pushing through those last few reps, especially if you forget to take it separately.

The trade-off is serving size: you get only eight servings per tub, so if you drink one shake daily, that container won’t last two weeks. This product is best suited for people who want a calorie-dense shake and don’t mind restocking frequently.

Best for: People who want a calorie-dense, high-protein shake with added creatine for muscle growth. Not ideal for those who prefer a lower-calorie or lower-protein gainer.

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#2Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Gainer

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Gainer
Calories Per ServingOver 1,200
Protein Per Serving50g
Carbohydrates Per ServingOver 250g
Key AdditivesCreatine, Glutamine, BCAAs
Weight12.0 pounds
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What We Like

  • Over 1,200 calories per serving
  • 50g blended protein for muscle repair
  • Includes creatine, glutamine, and BCAAs

Trade-offs

  • Requires mixing with extra ingredients for taste

Over 1,200 calories and 50 grams of protein in a single serving mean this is built for the hardgainer who struggles to eat enough through food alone. The carb load, over 250 grams, helps replenish glycogen stores, fuel workouts, and support sustained energy throughout the day, while the protein blend supports muscle repair and recovery after intense training. This is a calorie-dense shake for anyone focused on packing on size without overthinking the recipe.

Those calories come mostly from carbs, so if you are watching your carbohydrate intake or prefer a leaner gainer, this might feel heavy. It is a straightforward, calorie-dense tool for anyone focused on packing on size without overthinking the recipe.

Best for: Lifters who need a high-calorie, nutrient-packed shake to support weight gain and increased daily energy intake when diet alone isn't enough. Not ideal for those on low-carb diets or who prefer a leaner, lower-calorie mass gainer.
#3Best Clean Ingredients

NAKED Mass Natural Weight Gainer

NAKED Mass Natural Weight Gainer
Calories per serving1,250
Protein per serving50g
Carbs per serving252g
IngredientsWhey, casein, organic tapioca maltodextrin
CertificationNSF Certified
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What We Like

  • NSF Certified for purity and safety
  • Grass-fed whey plus micellar casein
  • Gluten-free organic tapioca maltodextrin

Trade-offs

  • Unflavored means you'll need to mix with extras for taste
  • 8-pound tub is bulkier than some competitors

With 50 grams of protein and 1,250 calories per serving, this mass gainer delivers a high calorie count in a single scoop. What sets it apart is the short ingredient list: just three components, whey, casein, and organic tapioca maltodextrin, with no artificial sweeteners, soy, or gluten. The combination of fast-release whey and slow-digesting casein is designed to support protein synthesis over time, which can help when you’re aiming to add size. If you prioritize knowing exactly what goes into your supplement, this formula keeps things straightforward.

The high carb count of 252 grams per serving is a lot, even for a hard gainer. If you’re watching your carb intake or trying to keep things leaner, that number might feel overwhelming. Naked Mass also comes unflavored, so you’ll need to add milk, fruit, or cocoa to make it taste like something you actually want to drink. But for the person who values ingredient transparency above all else, those small inconveniences are a fair trade.

Best for: Hard gainers who want a clean, minimally processed mass gainer with no artificial additives. Not ideal for low-carb dieters or anyone who prefers a pre-flavored shake.

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#4Best High-Protein Blend

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer
Calories per serving650
Protein per serving60g
Carbohydrates per serving80g+
Sugar per servingLess than 8g
Weight10.2 pounds
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What We Like

  • 60g protein per serving
  • 650 calories per serving
  • Less than 8g sugar
  • Includes vitamins and minerals

Trade-offs

  • Single flavor option in the 10 lb size limits variety

Sixty grams of protein in a single serving is the kind of number that makes you stop and check the label twice. That’s a serious protein punch for anyone trying to build muscle without choking down five shakes a day. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer wraps that protein into a 650-calorie serving with over 80 grams of carbs and less than 8 grams of sugar. That means you get the fuel for recovery without a sugar crash. It’s a smart middle ground for lifters who want a high-protein blend that still keeps the carb source clean and the calorie count manageable for daily use.

At 650 calories per serving, this weight gainer delivers a controlled energy boost rather than the extreme calorie bomb some alternatives provide. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, for instance, packs 1,280 calories per serving, so if you need a massive surplus, this won’t be your heaviest hitter. But if you prefer a more manageable calorie load that lets you add extra food or milk without overshooting, this blend hits a sweet spot.

Best for: Lifters who want a high-protein, moderate-calorie gainer with low sugar and a clean carb profile. Not ideal for those needing a very high calorie surplus in a single shake.
#5Best Carb-to-Protein Ratio

BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer

BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer
Calories per serving1200
Protein per serving50g
Carb-to-Protein Ratio4:1
Fiber per serving8g
Protein sourcesWhey + Casein
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What We Like

  • 4:1 carb-to-protein ratio for steady energy
  • 50g multi-source protein per serving
  • 8g fiber supports digestion
  • 1200 calories for extreme training needs

Trade-offs

  • 15 servings per container means fewer total shakes
  • Heavy 10.4 lb tub is less portable

The 4:1 carb-to-protein ratio means 1200 calories and 50 grams of protein from a blend of whey and casein per serving. That fiber content, 8 grams per serving, is part of the formula. This product is built for someone who needs serious fuel to recover from intense training.

At 1,200 calories per serving, this is the highest-calorie mass gainer BSN makes, so you’re getting a serious energy dose in a single shake. That intensity comes with a trade-off: the tub holds just 15 servings, meaning you’ll burn through it faster than some other options. The container weighs 10.4 pounds, which makes it a home-use item rather than something you’d toss in a gym bag. If you want a precise 4:1 carb-to-protein split and don’t mind fewer servings per tub, this delivers exactly that ratio.

Best for: Athletes who want a predictable 4:1 carb-to-protein ratio for sustained energy and recovery. Not ideal for those who prefer smaller, more frequent servings or need a more portable container.

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#6Best Grass-Fed Whey

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Calories770 per serving
Protein53 g grass-fed whey
Carbs110 g complex carbs
Creatine3 g monohydrate
Servings15
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What We Like

  • Grass-fed whey protein source
  • 53 g protein per serving
  • 3 g creatine monohydrate included
  • No artificial sweeteners or fillers

Trade-offs

  • Only 15 servings per container
  • Not suitable for low-carb or keto diets due to 110g carbs

With 53 grams of grass-fed whey protein and a full 3-gram dose of creatine monohydrate in each serving, this mass gainer packs serious muscle-building power into a cleaner formula than most. The protein comes from grass-fed whey concentrate, which provides a complete amino acid profile to support muscle protein synthesis and recovery, while the 110 grams of slow-digesting carbs help fuel workouts and stabilize energy. It’s a great fit if you want a high-calorie shake that skips artificial sweeteners and fillers, and the third-party testing adds peace of mind for purity.

Each serving delivers 770 calories, which is lower than bulkier options like the Dymatize Super Mass Gainer’s 1280 calories. If you’re a hard-gainer needing a massive caloric surplus in fewer shakes, you might find yourself blending two servings or adding extra ingredients. The 15-serving tub also means you’ll reorder more often than with larger containers. But for someone who values clean ingredients and a built-in creatine boost over sheer calorie density, this is a smart, straightforward choice.

Best for: People who want a clean, grass-fed mass gainer with added creatine and no artificial ingredients. Not ideal for those needing maximum calories per serving for rapid weight gain.
#7Best High-Calorie Muscle Gainer

Ronnie Coleman King Mass XL

Ronnie Coleman King Mass XL
Protein per serving60g
Carbohydrates per serving180g
Calories per serving1,000+
Key added ingredientsCreatine and Glutamine
Container size15 pounds
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What We Like

  • 60g protein per serving
  • 1,000+ calories per serving
  • Includes creatine and glutamine
  • Contains micellar casein for slow release

Trade-offs

  • Not a lean-gainer option
  • Not suitable for low-carb dieters

With over 1,000 calories and 60 grams of protein in each serving, this mass gainer delivers a dense calorie load for anyone who has trouble eating enough to gain weight. The formula includes micellar casein, creatine, and glutamine as listed ingredients. This shake is designed for lifters who want a straightforward way to add size, with no subtlety about the calorie surplus.

The trade-off is the carbohydrate load, 180 grams per serving can feel heavy if your daily activity doesn’t match the calorie demand. Compared to Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, which sits at 1,280 calories with 52 grams of protein, Ronnie Coleman King Mass XL offers more protein and a bigger tub, but it’s not a subtle tool. Best for the lifter who knows they need a calorie surplus and wants one big, effective shake to get there.

Best for: Someone who needs a high-calorie, high-protein shake with added performance ingredients to pack on mass quickly. Not ideal for those watching their carbohydrate intake or wanting a smaller, more portable container.

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#8Best Multi-Source Protein

Ultimate Nutrition Muscle Juice 2544

Ultimate Nutrition Muscle Juice 2544
Calories per serving1020
Protein per serving55g
Carbs per serving162g
Fat per serving17g
Protein sourcesWhey concentrate, whey isolate, calcium caseinate, egg white albumin
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What We Like

  • Four-source protein blend for fast and slow release
  • 1020 calories per serving for serious mass gain
  • 13g BCAAs and 10g glutamine precursors per serving
  • Includes MCTs for steady energy without raising cholesterol

Trade-offs

  • 4-scoop serving size means the tub goes fast
  • Contains crystalline fructose, which some avoid

With 1020 calories and a four-source protein blend that mixes whey concentrate, whey isolate, calcium caseinate, and egg white albumin, this powder is built for the hardgainer who has trouble keeping weight on. The fast-release proteins hit your muscles right after a workout, while the casein and egg white keep feeding them for hours. That makes it a strong option for anyone who wants around-the-clock muscle support without chugging shakes every two hours.

The serving size requires four scoops (250g) per drink, so the 10.45-pound tub provides 18 servings. That means it will be used up faster than some higher-calorie powders that deliver more calories per serving. If you prefer a multi-source protein blend with whey concentrate, whey isolate, calcium caseinate, and egg white albumin for both fast and slow release, this formula offers a mix of protein types that can support muscle recovery over a longer window.

Best for: Hardgainers who want a high-calorie, multi-source protein powder that supports muscle growth around the clock. Not ideal for anyone looking for a low-carb or smaller serving size mass gainer.

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#9Best Whole-Food Ingredients

Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer

Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer
Calories per serving1,100
Protein per serving56 g
BCAAs per serving12.2 g
FlavorTriple Chocolate
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What We Like

  • Whole-food ingredients like barley and sweet potato
  • 1,100 calories per serving for mass gain
  • 56 g protein from whey and casein blend
  • 12.2 g BCAAs for muscle support

Trade-offs

  • Only 16 servings per pouch
  • Triple chocolate flavor only option

The 1,100 calories per serving make this a serious tool for anyone who finds it hard to eat enough to gain weight. What sets it apart is the whole-food ingredient list: barley, sweet potato, rolled oats, avocado, coconut oil, flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and sunflower oil, so you’re not just downing processed powder. This is for the person who wants their mass gainer to feel a little more like real food, with a protein blend of whey isolate, concentrate, and casein that gives 56 grams per serving.

The trade-off is serving count: a 5-pound pouch gives only 16 servings, which means you’ll be reordering sooner than with bigger tubs like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass (12 pounds). That smaller size works if you’re testing the waters or traveling, but for daily use it adds up. If whole-food ingredients matter to you and you don’t mind a shorter supply, this is a thoughtful pick. If you want maximum servings per container, look at the Serious Mass instead.

Best for: Someone who wants a mass gainer with whole-food ingredients like barley, sweet potato, and oats, and doesn't mind a smaller number of servings per pouch. Not ideal for those who need the most servings per container or prefer a lower-calorie weight gainer.

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#10Best High-Calorie Budget Gainer

MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer

MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer
Calories per serving1,500
Protein per serving60g
Carbs per serving304g
CreatineHPLC-tested creatine monohydrate
Scoops per tub~42
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What We Like

  • 60g protein and 1,500 calories per serving
  • Includes HPLC-tested creatine monohydrate
  • 304g easily digestible carbs per serving
  • 6.3g L-leucine and 13g+ BCAAs per serving

Trade-offs

  • 6-scoop serving requires mixing with skim milk

A single six-scoop serving mixed with two cups of skim milk delivers 1,500 calories, making it a practical tool for anyone who finds it difficult to consume enough solid food to support rapid weight gain. The same serving provides 60 grams of protein along with 304 grams of easily digestible carbohydrates, which helps replenish glycogen stores after training. This approach eliminates the need to track down separate creatine or BCAAs, since each scoop already contains HPLC-tested creatine monohydrate and over 13 grams of branched-chain amino acids. For lifters focused on building mass efficiently, this all-in-one formula simplifies the process of meeting daily calorie and protein targets.

Each serving is six scoops, and the instructions call for mixing with two cups of skim milk, which means a fairly large shake. That can feel like a lot to get down if you are not used to big liquid meals, and the total calorie count may overshoot your needs if you are aiming for a moderate surplus. Compared to a product like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Gainer, which comes in a 12-pound tub and offers a slightly lower calorie density, MuscleTech’s High Protein Mass Gainer is more concentrated, so you get more fuel per shake, but less flexibility to dial in a smaller serving.

Best for: Hardgainers and athletes who need a very high-calorie, protein-rich shake with added creatine to support rapid weight gain. Not ideal for those who prefer smaller, more flexible serving sizes or want to avoid mixing with milk.

Product photos

How We Evaluated Powders For Gaining Muscle

Our evaluation is research-based. We studied manufacturer-supplied nutrition panels, ingredient sourcing claims, and third-party certifications. We also looked at patterns in owner feedback to see which powders mix well, taste decent, and deliver results without excessive bloating or gas.

The four criteria that mattered most were protein quality and quantity per serving, total calorie density, carb-to-protein ratio, and the inclusion of performance ingredients like creatine or BCAAs. A powder with 50-plus grams of protein but a poor amino acid profile wouldn’t make the cut, nor would one with excessive sugar that causes energy crashes.

A research-led evaluation can’t replace personal trial, since taste and digestibility vary person to person. What it can do is narrow the field to formulas with proven ingredient profiles and honest label claims. For a broader look at the category, check our guide to protein powders for gaining muscle and our roundup of muscle building powders.

What To Look For In Powders For Gaining Muscle

Choosing a mass gainer means balancing calories, protein type, carb source, and added ingredients. Here’s what to check on the label before you buy.

Look for at least 50g protein per serving, a carb-to-protein ratio between 2:1 and 4:1, and a protein blend that includes both fast- and slow-digesting sources. Avoid excessive added sugar and prioritize third-party testing seals.

Protein Amount and Source

The protein number is the headline, but the source matters just as much. Whey concentrate digests fast, casein releases slowly, and blends give you both. A single scoop of isolate won’t cut it for mass gain, you need 50 to 60 grams per serving to meaningfully push your daily total. Blends like whey plus micellar casein provide sustained amino acid delivery across several hours. Check our guide on powders for muscle growth for more on protein sourcing.

Calorie Density and Carb Profile

Mass gainers range from about 650 to over 1,500 calories per serving. Higher calorie counts help hardgainers who struggle to eat enough, but they also mean more carbs, sometimes over 250 grams per shake. That’s fine if you’re a high-volume lifter, but it can spike blood sugar if the carb source is mostly simple sugars. Look for maltodextrin, tapioca, oats, or sweet potato as carb sources rather than straight sugar or corn syrup. For a deeper dive, see our list of mass gainer powders.

Added Ingredients and Certifications

Creatine, glutamine, BCAAs, and MCTs are common additions. Creatine monohydrate is the most evidence-backed, so 2 to 5 grams per serving is a real bonus. Third-party certifications like NSF or Informed Choice mean the label matches what’s in the tub, important for anyone in drug-tested sports. If you want to combine your own creatine and protein, our guide to protein and creatine powders can help you build a custom stack.

  • Check the serving size in scoops, some powders require 4 to 6 scoops per shake, which changes how long a tub lasts.
  • Look at the sugar content per serving; under 10 grams is ideal unless you prefer added flavoring.
  • Read reviews about mixability, clumpy powders that require a blender are less convenient.
  • Confirm the carb source if you have digestive sensitivities to lactose or gluten.
  • Pick a flavor you can drink daily; unflavored powders let you control taste but need extra effort.

A good rule of thumb: divide the total calories by the protein grams, a ratio under 20 calories per gram of protein means you’re getting more protein per calorie.

Powders For Gaining Muscle Compared

The table below compares our top ten powders for gaining muscle side by side, highlighting protein, calories, and key features so you can spot the differences at a glance.

ProductProtein per servingCalories per servingCarbohydrates per serving
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer52g1280245g
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Gainer50gOver 1,200Over 250g
NAKED Mass Natural Weight Gainer50g1,250252g
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer60g65080g+
BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer50g1200N/A
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer53g770110g
Ronnie Coleman King Mass XL60g1,000+180g
Ultimate Nutrition Muscle Juice 254455g1020162g
Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer56g1,100N/A
MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer60g1,500304g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best powder for gaining muscle fast?

The Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is our top pick because it delivers 52 grams of protein and 1,280 calories per serving, plus creatine for strength. For rapid weight gain, the MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer offers 1,500 calories and 60 grams of protein per serving.

How many calories should a mass gainer have?

Most effective mass gainers provide a range of calories per serving. The right number depends on your daily calorie surplus target; hardgainers often need the higher end, while those adding a single meal replacement can use a moderate shake.

Do mass gainers work without working out?

Mass gainers are designed to support muscle growth in combination with resistance training. Without exercise, the extra calories will likely be stored as fat rather than muscle. They are a supplement to, not a replacement for, a consistent lifting routine.

What is the difference between whey protein and mass gainer?

Whey protein is mostly protein with few carbs and calories, ideal for lean muscle repair. Mass gainers include protein plus a high dose of carbohydrates and fats to create a large calorie surplus. Choose whey if you need protein without extra calories; choose a mass gainer if you struggle to eat enough to gain weight.

Can you drink mass gainer every day?

Yes, many lifters use a mass gainer as a daily meal replacement or post-workout shake. However, it should not replace whole-food meals entirely. Aim for one shake per day and get the rest of your calories from solid food to ensure you receive a full range of micronutrients and fiber.

The Bottom Line

If you want a single powder that balances high protein, solid calories, and added creatine, the Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is the best overall choice. It works for hardgainers who need a dense shake without excessive scoop counts or artificial fillers.

For lifters who need maximum calories per serving, the Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Gainer delivers over 1,200 calories with a blended protein profile. Budget-conscious shoppers should look at the MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer for 1,500 calories at a more accessible price point.

The single most important factor is consistency. Pick a powder you can drink daily, with a calorie and protein count that fits your surplus goal, and stick with it alongside your training. If you’re still unsure whether supplements fit your diet, our article on is protein powder necessary can help you decide.