10 Best Protein Powders For Mass Gain in 2026

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If you are serious about packing on size, Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer is our best overall pick. It delivers over 1,200 calories and 50g of protein per serving with added creatine, glutamine, and BCAAs for serious bulking. For a clean ingredient approach, NAKED Mass uses just three components, and Dymatize Super Mass Gainer packs the highest calorie count at 1,280 per serving.

The challenge with mass gainers is balancing calorie density with digestibility and ingredient quality. A shake that is impossible to finish or loaded with fillers won’t help you build muscle consistently.

This guide is research-based, drawing on manufacturer specifications, expert round-ups, and patterns in owner feedback to compare the top mass gainer powders. We break down what matters most so you can choose the right fit for your goals.

Top 10 Protein Powders For Mass Gain in the Market

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The Best Protein Powders For Mass Gain, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer
Calories per serving1,200+ calories
Protein per serving50g blended protein
Carbs per serving250g+ carbohydrates
Key additivesCreatine, Glutamine, BCAAs
Vitamins & minerals20+ essential vitamins & minerals
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What We Like

  • 1,200+ calories per serving for mass gain
  • 50g protein with creatine, glutamine, BCAAs
  • 250g carbs to refuel glycogen stores
  • 20+ added vitamins and minerals

Trade-offs

  • Requires mixing with milk or extras for best taste
  • Large serving size can be heavy to finish

A single two-scoop serving packs over 1,200 calories, 50 grams of protein, and more than 250 grams of carbohydrates, numbers that make it clear this is built for serious bulking. The protein blend includes whey, creatine, glutamine, and BCAAs, so you’re not just adding calories; you’re supporting muscle repair and recovery after heavy training. With 20-plus essential vitamins and minerals thrown in, it also helps fill nutritional gaps when your diet is playing catch-up.

The 250 grams of carbohydrates per serving make this a dense mass builder, not a lean gainer, so it’s best for those focused on packing on size rather than managing carb intake. Reviewers note the powder can feel thick on its own, so blending with milk, fruit, or peanut butter is a common way to improve texture and taste. For high-calorie weight gain, this delivers over 1,200 calories per serving with a substantial nutrient profile.

Best for: Anyone focused on packing on size fast during a bulking phase who wants a calorie-dense, nutrient-packed shake. Not ideal for those on low-carb diets or who prefer a lighter, lower-calorie serving.
#2Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Calories1280 per serving
Protein52g per serving
Carbs245g per serving
Creatine1g per serving
Protein typesWhey + casein
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What We Like

  • 1280 calories per serving for mass gain
  • 52g protein with whey and casein
  • Includes 1g creatine per serving
  • 14 essential vitamins and minerals

Trade-offs

  • Only 8 servings per container
  • Contains whey and casein, unsuitable for vegans

With 1,280 calories and 52 grams of protein per serving, this is built for anyone who genuinely struggles to pack on weight. The formula combines fast-digesting whey and slow-digesting casein to provide sustained protein delivery for muscle growth and recovery. That extra gram of creatine per scoop supports the strength work you’re already doing in the gym. If your goal is simple, steady mass gain and you don’t mind a calorie-dense shake, this formula does exactly what it says on the label.

The trade-off is that each serving packs 245 grams of carbs, which is a lot if you’re watching your sugar intake or trying to keep gains leaner. For someone who trains hard and needs the energy, that’s a feature, not a flaw.

Best for: Anyone who needs a very high-calorie, high-carb shake with fast and slow proteins to support serious mass gain. Not ideal for those who want a lower-carb or leaner mass gainer.

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#3Best Clean Ingredients

NAKED Mass Natural Weight Gainer

NAKED Mass Natural Weight Gainer
Calories per serving1,250
Protein per serving50g
Carbs per serving252g
Sugar per serving5g
IngredientsWhey, Casein, Organic Tapioca Maltodextrin
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What We Like

  • Only three ingredients: whey, casein, organic tapioca maltodextrin
  • Fast-release whey plus slow-digesting micellar casein

Trade-offs

  • Unflavored, so needs mixing with other ingredients
  • Only 11 servings per 8 lb container

1,250 calories per serving from just three ingredients, whey, casein, and organic tapioca maltodextrin, makes this about as straightforward a mass gainer as you can find. For anyone who wants to know exactly what they’re putting in their body, this is the kind of clean label that lets you sleep easy. It suits the hard gainer who prefers whole-food-style nutrition over a long list of additives.

Because it’s unflavored, you’re the one adding the taste. Compared to Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, which comes in a vanilla flavor, Naked Mass requires a blender, some fruit, or a splash of milk to become palatable. The carb load (252g per serving) is also substantial, so it’s not the pick for anyone watching their carb intake or trying to gain weight more slowly. But if your goal is maximum clean calories with minimal processing, this delivers exactly what it promises.

Best for: Anyone who wants a mass gainer with a short, clean ingredient list. Not ideal for those who want a ready-to-drink flavor or need a lower-carb option.

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#4Best Whole-Food Blend

Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer

Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer
Calories per serving1,100
Protein per serving56 g
Protein blendWhey isolate, concentrate, casein
Servings per pouch16
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What We Like

  • 56 g protein from whey isolate, concentrate, casein
  • 1,100 calories per serving for weight gain
  • 26.1 g EAAs and 12.2 g BCAAs per serving

Trade-offs

  • Only 16 servings per pouch for the calorie load
  • No unflavored or vanilla option available

Each serving delivers 1,100 calories and 56 grams of protein, giving you serious fuel for adding size without downing shake after shake. The ingredient list includes barley, sweet potato, rolled oats, avocado, coconut oil, flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and sunflower oil, so you’re getting more than just protein powder and sugar.

You only get 16 servings per pouch, which means you’ll go through it faster than some competitors if they offer more servings per container. The triple chocolate flavor is rich, but if you prefer vanilla or unflavored options, this one locks you into chocolate. For someone who values a diverse ingredient profile over sheer volume per dollar, this blend delivers exactly what it promises.

Best for: Anyone who wants a mass gainer built around whole-food ingredients like oats, sweet potato, and avocado. Not ideal for those who need a neutral or unflavored option.

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#5Best Grass-Fed Whey

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Calories per serving770
Protein per serving53 g
Carbs per serving110 g+
Creatine per serving3 g
Protein sourceGrass-fed whey concentrate
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What We Like

  • Grass-fed whey with complete amino profile
  • Clinically dosed 3 g creatine monohydrate
  • Complex carbs from oat flour and sweet potato
  • No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives

Trade-offs

  • Only 15 servings per container
  • Not suitable for lactose-intolerant users due to whey concentrate

Each serving delivers 53 grams of grass-fed whey protein, giving you a complete amino acid profile to support muscle protein synthesis after training. The 3 grams of creatine monohydrate adds a performance edge for strength and recovery, while the carb blend from oat flour and sweet potato powder provides slow-digesting energy without cheap fillers. This is a clean, high-calorie option for lifters who want real food ingredients and third-party testing behind their supplement.

Portion size is the main consideration here: at 770 calories per serving, this mass gainer packs a heavy punch that might overshoot your surplus if you are aiming for a slower, leaner bulk. The container holds 15 servings, which means you will need to reorder more often than with some larger tubs on the market.

Best for: Lifters who want a clean, grass-fed whey mass gainer with added creatine and complex carbs for quality muscle gain.
#6Best Carb-to-Protein Ratio

BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer

BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer
Calories per Serving690
Carb:Protein Ratio2:1
Protein per Serving50g
Protein SourcesWhey, Casein, Egg Whites
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What We Like

  • 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio for balanced gains
  • 690 calories per serving for mass
  • MCT fats for extra nutritional value

Trade-offs

  • Not suitable for lactose-sensitive users due to multiple dairy proteins

At 690 calories per serving with a 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio, this weight gainer gives you a balanced foundation for adding mass without the extreme carb overload some gainers push. The 50 grams of protein come from a blend of whey, casein, and egg whites, so you get both fast and slow-digesting proteins to support recovery and keep you full between meals. It suits anyone who wants controlled, steady weight gain with a milkshake-like taste that actually makes the shake feel like a treat, not a chore.

The serving count is 16 per container, which is what the package delivers. If you prefer a leaner carb profile and do not mind a smaller package, this is a smart pick. Not ideal for those who want massive calorie counts per serving or a huge tub that lasts all month.

Best for: Anyone seeking a balanced, high-protein weight gainer with a pleasant taste and controlled carb intake. Not ideal for those wanting extreme calorie counts or a very large container.

Product photos

#7Best Bulk Value

Forzagen Lean Gainer Premium Mass Builder

Forzagen Lean Gainer Premium Mass Builder
Calories per serving1260
Protein per serving50g
Carbs per serving250g
Carb sourcesOats, yams, sweet potatoes
Weight12 lbs
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What We Like

  • 1260 calories per serving for mass gain
  • 250g carbs from oats, yams, sweet potatoes
  • 50g protein per serving

Trade-offs

  • 4-scoop serving size per shake
  • Only two flavor options available

At 1260 calories per serving, this is one of the most calorie-dense mass gainers you’ll find, and the 12-pound tub means you’re getting a lot of fuel without needing to reorder every week. For anyone who struggles to eat enough to gain weight or wants a straightforward shake to top off their daily calories, this delivers exactly what the label promises.

Each serving requires four scoops, so you’ll be mixing a pretty thick shake every time. Compared to Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, which comes in a 2-pound tub, this Forzagen option gives you a larger volume. It’s a bulk buy for bulk goals, plain and simple.

Best for: Athletes and hardgainers who want a high-calorie, high-carb mass gainer in a large tub for consistent daily use. Not ideal for those on low-carb diets or who prefer smaller, more frequent servings.
#8Best Vegan Mass Gainer

NAKED Vegan Mass Natural Weight Gainer

NAKED Vegan Mass Natural Weight Gainer
Calories1,230 per serving
Protein50g per serving
Carbs248g complex carbs
IngredientsPea, rice, tapioca
CertificationNSF Certified
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What We Like

  • 50g protein from pea and rice
  • Gluten-free organic tapioca carbs
  • NSF Certified for purity

Trade-offs

  • Unflavored base needs added flavoring
  • 11 servings per 8-pound tub means frequent repurchasing

At 1,230 calories per serving, this vegan mass gainer packs a serious caloric punch in a single shake, making it a practical choice for anyone struggling to consume enough to gain weight. The 50g of protein comes from a 2:1 pea-to-rice blend, which delivers a complete amino acid profile, essential for muscle repair when you’re training hard. With just three ingredients, pea protein, organic rice protein, and organic tapioca maltodextrin, it’s about as clean as a weight gainer gets, and the NSF certification adds a layer of trust for purity and safety. This is the go-to for vegans or anyone avoiding dairy, soy, and gluten who wants a straightforward, no-frills mass builder.

This one is unflavored, so you’ll need to blend in fruit, nut butter, or a sweetener to make it palatable. That’s extra effort and cost compared to flavored options like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, which arrives ready to drink. Also, the 248g of carbs per serving is hefty, so if you’re watching carb intake for health reasons, this might be more than you need. For a vegan who wants clean ingredients and doesn’t mind customizing flavor, this is a strong pick, just be ready to mix and match to find your perfect shake.

Best for: Vegans and dairy-free athletes who want a high-calorie, clean-ingredient mass gainer and don't mind adding their own flavor. Not ideal for those seeking a ready-to-drink flavored shake or a lower-carb option.
#9Best High-Protein Blend

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer
Calories650 per serving
Protein60g per serving
Carbs85g per serving
Sugar7g or less per serving
Vitamins & Minerals32 per serving
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What We Like

  • 60g protein per serving
  • 650 calories per serving
  • 85g carbs for energy recovery
  • 32 vitamins and minerals included

Trade-offs

  • Not suitable for those wanting very low sugar

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer wraps that protein in 650 calories and 85 grams of carbs, making it a serious tool for anyone who struggles to eat enough to gain mass. The 32 added vitamins and minerals also help cover the micronutrient demands that come with heavy training, so you’re not just piling on calories but supporting overall health too. This blend suits the person who wants a high-protein, balanced gainer without the sky-high calorie count of some competitors.

Best for: Anyone who wants a high-protein, moderate-calorie mass gainer with added vitamins and minerals. Not ideal for those avoiding all added sugar.
#10Best Lactose-Free Option

MuscleMeds CARNIVOR Mass Gainer

MuscleMeds CARNIVOR Mass Gainer
Protein sourceBeef protein isolate
Protein per serving50 g
Carbs per serving125 g
Calories per servingOver 700
Fat per serving0 g
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What We Like

  • Lactose-free beef protein isolate
  • 50g protein with 0g fat
  • 125g carbs for energy replenishment
  • Halal certified

Trade-offs

  • 125g carbs is high for low-carb diets
  • Not suitable for low-carb or keto diets

A 50-gram dose of beef protein isolate with zero fat and zero sugar makes this mass gainer stand apart for anyone who can’t tolerate dairy. The protein comes from beef rather than whey, so you skip the lactose that upsets many stomachs while still getting a fast-absorbing protein that spikes amino acid levels quickly. With over 700 calories and 125 grams of carbs per serving, it delivers the energy surplus needed for muscle gain without the bloat some dairy-based powders cause.

The carb load here is significant: 125 grams per serving is a lot. So if you’re watching your carb intake or prefer a leaner gainer, something like Dymatize Super Mass Gainer with 245 grams of carbs per serving might actually overshoot even more, but a lower-carb option like Transparent Labs Mass Gainer could suit you better. For anyone who wants a dairy-free, high-calorie mass builder that skips the stomach trouble, this is the one to reach for.

Best for: Lactose-sensitive lifters wanting a high-calorie, high-protein mass gainer without dairy. Not ideal for those seeking a low-carb or lean mass builder.

Product photos

How We Evaluated Protein Powders For Mass Gain

We built this guide by analyzing manufacturer data sheets, studying expert round-ups from strength training publications, and identifying common themes in thousands of owner reviews. Our goal was to separate marketing hype from real-world usefulness for mass gain.

The three criteria that mattered most were calorie density per serving, protein quality and source, and carbohydrate composition. A mass gainer needs enough calories to create a surplus, a complete amino acid profile to support muscle repair, and digestible carbs to replenish glycogen without causing bloating. We also weighed flavor options, serving size practicality, and ingredient transparency.

We should be honest: this is a research-led evaluation, not a hands-on test. We cannot tell you which shake tastes best or how each mixes in a shaker bottle. What we can do is give you the facts to make an informed choice based on your dietary needs and training goals.

What To Look For In Protein Powders For Mass Gain

Choosing a mass gainer comes down to matching the calorie load and protein source to your body’s needs and your digestive comfort. Here is what to check before buying.

A mass gainer should deliver enough calories to support a surplus, provide complete protein for muscle repair, and use carb sources that digest well for you.

Calorie Density Per Serving

Mass gainers typically range from over 1,200 calories per serving. If you are a hardgainer who struggles to eat enough, a higher-calorie option like the 1,280-calorie Dymatize Super Mass Gainer makes hitting your surplus easier. If you prefer smaller, more frequent shakes, a moderate-calorie blend like BSN True-Mass at 690 calories per serving gives you more flexibility. Pay attention to serving size, some high-calorie powders require four scoops, which can feel like a chore to finish.

Protein Source and Amino Profile

The protein blend matters for digestion and muscle uptake. Whey concentrate digests quickly, casein provides a slow release, and isolates reduce lactose. For vegan lifters, pea and rice protein combinations like those in NAKED Vegan Mass offer a complete amino profile without dairy. Look for powders that list specific amino acid amounts. Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer provides 26.1g of EAAs and 12.2g of BCAAs per serving, which supports recovery.

Carbohydrate and Fat Composition

Not all carbs in mass gainers are equal. Some use maltodextrin or dextrose for quick energy, while others use oat flour, sweet potato, or yams for slower-digesting complex carbs. Forzagen Lean Gainer sources its 250g of carbs from oats, yams, and sweet potatoes. If you are sensitive to blood sugar spikes, choose a powder with whole-food carb sources. Also check fat content, some gainers add MCT oil or avocado for extra calories and nutritional value.

  • Check the serving size in scoops to see if it fits your routine.
  • Look at the ingredient list length, shorter lists often mean fewer fillers.
  • Verify the protein source matches your dietary restrictions (dairy, vegan, grass-fed).
  • Note the carb-to-protein ratio to match your macro goals.

A mass gainer with a carb-to-protein ratio close to 2:1, like BSN True-Mass, offers a balanced approach for steady weight gain without extreme sugar loads.

Protein Powders For Mass Gain Compared

The table below compares all mass gainers side by side on calories, protein, carb sources, and key features so you can see the differences at a glance.

ProductCalories per servingProtein per servingCarbs per serving
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer1,200+ calories50g250g+
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer128052g245g
NAKED Mass Natural Weight Gainer1,25050g252g
Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer1,10056 gN/A
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer77053 g110 g+
BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer69050gN/A
Forzagen Lean Gainer Premium Mass Builder126050g250g
NAKED Vegan Mass Natural Weight Gainer1,23050g248g
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer65060g85g
MuscleMeds CARNIVOR Mass GainerOver 70050 g125 g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best protein powder for mass gain?

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer is our best overall pick because it delivers over 1,200 calories and 50g of protein per serving with added creatine, glutamine, and BCAAs. It is designed for anyone focused on packing on size during a bulking phase.

How many calories should a mass gainer have?

Most mass gainers range from 1,280 calories per serving. The right number depends on your maintenance calories and how much of a surplus you need. Hardgainers often benefit from higher-calorie options, while those with slower metabolisms may prefer moderate-calorie blends.

Can mass gainers help me build muscle without getting fat?

Mass gainers provide a calorie surplus, which is necessary for muscle growth. Some powders like Transparent Labs Mass Gainer use complex carbs from oat flour and sweet potato to support leaner gains. Pairing any mass gainer with consistent strength training is essential to minimize fat gain.

Are mass gainers safe for lactose-intolerant people?

Some mass gainers use dairy proteins, but options like MuscleMeds CARNIVOR Mass Gainer use lactose-free beef protein isolate. NAKED Vegan Mass is also dairy-free. Always check the label for milk-based ingredients if you are sensitive.

How do I use mass gainer powder correctly?

Mix the powder with milk or water according to the label, typically using a blender or shaker bottle. Drink it between meals or after workouts to supplement your calorie intake. For tips on timing and mixing, see our guide on using protein powder.

The Bottom Line

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer is the best overall choice for anyone serious about adding mass quickly. Its calorie density, complete protein profile, and added nutrients make it a reliable foundation for a bulking phase. If you need a lactose-free option, MuscleMeds CARNIVOR Mass Gainer uses beef protein isolate, and NAKED Vegan Mass serves plant-based athletes.

For budget-conscious shoppers or those who prefer whole-food carb sources, Forzagen Lean Gainer offers a high-calorie, high-carb formula in a large tub. Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer builds its profile around oats, sweet potato, and avocado. Each pick serves a different need, so match the powder to your digestive comfort and macro targets.

The single most important factor is consistency, choose a mass gainer you can finish every day without dreading the next shake. Whether you are looking for protein powders for a bulk or exploring high-calorie mass gainer powders, start with the one that fits your routine and stick with it.