10 Best Workout Supplements For Muscle Gain in 2026

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The Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Protein Powder is our Best Overall pick for its clean 53g grass-fed whey protein formula with clinically dosed creatine and no artificial additives. The Nutricost Mass Gainer Powder earns our Best Budget Pick for affordable high-protein support, while the NAKED Vegan Mass Weight Gainer is our top choice for plant-based lifters.

Gaining muscle requires a consistent calorie surplus and enough protein to support repair and growth. The challenge is finding a supplement that delivers those calories without loading you up with cheap sugars, artificial ingredients, or unnecessary fillers.

This guide is based on manufacturer specifications, ingredient labels, and patterns in owner feedback across top-rated mass gainers. We focused on protein content, calorie density, ingredient quality, and added performance ingredients to help you choose with confidence.

Top 10 Workout Supplements For Muscle Gain in the Market

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The Best Workout Supplements For Muscle Gain, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Protein Powder

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Protein Powder
Calories per serving770
Protein per serving53g grass-fed whey
Carbs per serving110g+ complex carbs
Creatine per serving3g creatine monohydrate
Third-party testedYes, with CoA
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What We Like

  • 53g grass-fed whey protein per serving
  • 770 calories from whole food sources
  • Clinically dosed 3g creatine monohydrate included
  • No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives

Trade-offs

  • 110g carbs per serving requires careful daily planning
  • Only 15 servings per container

Seven hundred and seventy calories per serving from oat flour, organic tapioca maltodextrin, and sweet potato powder means this mass gainer treats your calorie surplus like a meal, not a sugar spike. That whole-food carb base, paired with 53 grams of grass-fed whey and a full 3-gram dose of creatine monohydrate, gives you a complete muscle-building package. It is the kind of formula that suits someone who wants steady gains without guessing whether their shake is actually doing the work, with ingredients you can recognize.

The trade-off is real: 770 calories and over 110 grams of carbs per serving demand that you plan the rest of your day around them, especially if your appetite runs average or small. Compared to the Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, which packs 1,280 calories and 245 grams of carbs into a single serving, this one is actually more manageable for someone who wants a clean surplus without feeling like they are drinking a Thanksgiving dinner. But if you struggle to finish a heavy shake or need fewer carbs, you might find yourself splitting servings or reaching for a lighter option.

Best for: Someone who wants a clean, high-protein mass gainer with added creatine and whole-food carbs for steady muscle gain. Not ideal for those with smaller appetites or anyone avoiding high-carb formulas.
#2Best High-Calorie Mass Gainer

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Protein per serving52g
Calories per serving1,280
Carbohydrates per serving245g
Creatine per serving1g
Protein blendWhey + Casein
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What We Like

  • 52g protein for muscle repair and growth
  • 1,280 calories per serving for mass gain
  • Includes 1g creatine for strength support
  • Blends fast- and slow-digesting proteins

Trade-offs

  • Only 8 servings per container means frequent repurchasing
  • 1g creatine per serving is low for those targeting strength gains

With 1,280 calories and 52 grams of protein per serving, this mass gainer is built for anyone who struggles to pack on size through food alone. The blend of fast-digesting whey and slow-digesting casein keeps amino acids flowing to your muscles over hours, so you get both quick recovery and sustained growth. That extra gram of creatine per scoop also helps you push harder in the gym, making it a complete calorie bomb for serious bulking phases.

The trade-off here is the carb load: 245 grams per serving is a lot, especially if you’re watching your carb intake or prefer a leaner gainer. You also get just 8 servings per tub, so if you’re using it daily, you’ll be ordering again soon.

Best for: Hardgainers and athletes needing a dense calorie surplus for rapid muscle gain. Not ideal for those on low-carb diets or looking for a lean mass builder.

Product photos

#3Best Classic Mass Gainer

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer
Calories per serving1,200+
Protein per serving50g
Carbs per serving250g+
Key extrasCreatine, Glutamine, BCAAs
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What We Like

  • 1,200+ calories per serving for bulking
  • 50g protein blend supports muscle repair
  • Includes creatine, glutamine, and BCAAs
  • Customizable with milk, fruit, or peanut butter

Trade-offs

  • Large serving size can feel heavy to drink
  • Not suitable for anyone avoiding artificial sweeteners or flavors

The 1,200-plus calories per two-scoop serving make this a straightforward, no-nonsense option for anyone who struggles to eat enough during a bulk. With 50 grams of blended protein, over 250 grams of carbs, and added creatine, glutamine, and BCAAs, it packs everything you need for recovery and refueling into one shake. That makes it a reliable pick for lifters who want a classic mass gainer that delivers consistent energy without overcomplicating the routine.

The trade-off is the sheer volume of carbs and calories, which can feel like a lot if you’re not used to dense shakes or if you’re watching your carb intake. Compared to something like the Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, which uses a leaner carb-to-protein ratio, this one leans heavier on carbs for quick glycogen replenishment. It’s a solid fit if your priority is packing in maximum calories with minimal fuss, but it’s less ideal if you prefer a lower-carb approach to gaining.

Best for: Lifters who need a high-calorie, carb-heavy shake with added performance ingredients to support aggressive bulking. Not ideal for those on low-carb diets or who prefer smaller serving sizes.
#4Best For Strength Gains

MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer

MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer
Protein per serving60g
Calories per serving1,500
CreatineHPLC-tested creatine monohydrate
Servings per tubApprox. 42
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What We Like

  • 60g protein per serving with skim milk
  • HPLC-tested creatine for ATP replenishment
  • 1,500 calories per serving for mass gains
  • Includes 304g easily digestible carbs

Trade-offs

  • 6-scoop serving size is a large drink
  • Requires mixing with skim milk for full specs
  • Vanilla milkshake flavor only in this size

A single serving delivers 60g of protein and 1,500 calories when mixed with skim milk, providing a dense calorie and protein load for those aiming to gain weight and build muscle. The HPLC-tested creatine monohydrate is included to help replenish ATP stores, which studies have linked to enhanced performance and increased strength. If your goal is adding serious weight and getting stronger without worrying about portion control, this tub makes it straightforward: one scooping, one shake, done.

A six-scoop serving is a big drink, so you’re committing to a substantial volume of liquid that can feel heavy if you have little experience with mass gainers. Compared to Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, which offers 52g protein in a smaller serving, MuscleTech’s approach is all-in on calorie density. It’s best for lifters who want a single, high-impact shake rather than spreading calories across multiple smaller servings.

Best for: Lifters focused on strength gains who want a high-calorie, high-protein shake with creatine built in. Not ideal for anyone who prefers smaller, more frequent servings or a lighter drink.

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#5Best All-Whey Formula

Rule 1 Proteins Mass Gainer

Rule 1 Proteins Mass Gainer
Calories1,220+
Protein40g (all-whey)
Carbs250g+
Carb-to-Protein Ratio6:1
CreatinePure monohydrate added
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What We Like

  • 1,220+ calories per serving
  • Pure creatine monohydrate included
  • Made in GMP-certified US facilities

Trade-offs

  • Requires weight training and high-calorie diet
  • Only 8 servings per container

Over 1,220 calories and more than 250 grams of carbs per serving make this a serious tool for anyone who struggles to eat enough to gain size. The formula provides 40 grams of protein from three types of whey, plus creatine monohydrate to support strength work. That combination works well for lifters who want a straightforward, high-energy shake to top off a heavy training day without worrying about slow-digesting casein or plant blends.

The carb load sits at a 6:1 carb-to-protein ratio, so this is built for bulking, not for anyone watching their carb intake or leaning out. It also comes in a smaller 8-serving tub, so you will be reordering more often than with larger options. If your goal is simple, high-calorie mass and you train hard, this fits the bill.

Best for: Lifters who need a high-calorie, all-whey shake with added creatine for serious bulking. Not ideal for those on low-carb diets or wanting a leaner carb-to-protein ratio.

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#6Best 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 natural ingredients
  • NSF certified for purity
  • Gluten free and soy free
  • Multi-phase whey and casein blend

Trade-offs

  • Unflavored, so taste depends on mixing
  • Requires mixing with liquid for consumption

1,250 calories per serving with just three ingredients, whey, casein, and organic tapioca maltodextrin, makes this about as straightforward as a mass gainer gets. If you want to know exactly what you’re putting in your body and avoid artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors, this is the one that delivers on that promise without compromise. It’s NSF certified, so the label matches what’s inside, and the blend of fast-release whey with slow-digesting casein is designed to keep protein synthesis up. For anyone who’s felt overwhelmed by the long ingredient lists on other gainers, this is a refreshingly simple option that still packs serious calories.

You get 252 grams of carbs per serving, which is a lot even by mass-gainer standards. That’s great if you’re a hard gainer who struggles to keep weight on, but it’s less flexible if you’re trying to control carb intake. Compared to Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, which uses a more moderate carb profile, Naked Mass leans hard into the ‘bulk up fast’ approach. It’s also unflavored, so you’ll need to blend it with milk, fruit, or cocoa to make it taste like something. That’s not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you prefer a ready-to-drink flavor out of the tub.

Best for: Hard gainers who want maximum calories from a short, clean ingredient list. Not ideal for those watching carb intake or wanting a flavored shake straight from the tub.

Product photos

#7Best Whole-Food Blend

Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer

Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer
Calories1,100 per serving
Protein56 g per serving
Protein BlendWhey isolate, concentrate, casein
Whole-Food IngredientsBarley, sweet potato, oats, avocado, coconut oil, flaxseed, pumpkin seed, sunflower oil
Servings16 per 5 lb pouch
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What We Like

  • 56 g protein from whey isolate, concentrate, and casein
  • 1,100 calories per serving for weight gain
  • Whole-food ingredients including barley, sweet potato, and oats
  • 26.1 g EAAs and 12.2 g BCAAs per serving

Trade-offs

  • 16 servings per pouch means frequent repurchasing

With 1,100 calories and 56 grams of protein per serving, this is a serious calorie bomb for anyone trying to add mass without spending all day cooking. The blend of whey isolate, concentrate, and casein gives you both fast and slow-digesting protein. The whole-food ingredients like barley, sweet potato, rolled oats, and avocado mean you’re getting more than just powder and sugar. It’s a good fit for someone who wants their shake to feel a bit more like real food, especially if you struggle to eat enough during the day.

You only get 16 servings per pouch, so if you’re drinking it daily, you’ll be ordering again in about two weeks. Compared to Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, which provides a different calorie profile, Mutant Mass is a more moderate option but still hefty for someone just starting out. If you have little experience downing 1,100 calories in one drink, you might want to start with half a serving and work your way up.

Best for: Someone who wants a calorie-dense gainer with recognizable whole-food ingredients and a balanced protein blend. Not ideal for those who prefer a lower-calorie shake or want more servings per container.

Product photos

#8Best Vegan Mass Gainer

NAKED Vegan Mass Weight Gainer

NAKED Vegan Mass Weight Gainer
Calories1,230 per serving
Protein50g per serving
Carbs248g per serving
BCAAs10.3g per serving
IngredientsPea protein, rice protein, tapioca maltodextrin
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What We Like

  • NSF Certified for purity and safety
  • Gluten-free organic tapioca carb source
  • Only three ingredients: pea protein, rice protein, tapioca maltodextrin

Trade-offs

  • Unflavored base requires adding your own taste
  • Not ideal for those who want a ready-to-drink flavored shake

A single serving packs 1,230 calories, 50 grams of protein, and 248 grams of complex carbs from just three ingredients, pea protein, organic rice protein, and organic tapioca maltodextrin. That simplicity is the whole point: if you want to gain weight without artificial sweeteners, colors, or dairy, this unflavored powder gives you a clean slate. For anyone following a vegan diet or avoiding soy and gluten, this is a straightforward, trustworthy way to add serious calories.

You are the flavor department here. Unlike the Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, which comes in a gourmet vanilla flavor, Naked Vegan Mass has no taste of its own. You will need fruit, cocoa, or a blender to make it palatable. Also, at only 11 servings per 8-pound tub, you will restock more often than with some other mass gainers. But if your priority is clean, minimal ingredients and full control over what goes into your shake, this is the vegan option that delivers exactly what it promises without any extras you did not ask for.

Best for: Vegans and dairy-free lifters who want a clean, NSF-certified mass gainer with minimal ingredients and full control over flavor. Not ideal for anyone who prefers a ready-to-drink flavored shake or needs more servings per container.
#9Best For Immune Support

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer

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

  • 60g protein per serving
  • 650 calories per serving
  • Mixes with blender, shaker, or spoon

Trade-offs

  • 7g sugar per serving adds up with multiple servings
  • 650 calories per serving is very high for casual users

A single serving delivers 650 calories and 60 grams of protein, which puts a serious foundation under your mass-gaining goals without forcing you to choke down multiple shakes. That calorie count is enough to tip a hard-gainer’s daily surplus, and the protein blend works well for recovery after a heavy session. What sets this pick apart for me is the immune support angle.

The carbohydrate load sits at 85 grams per serving, with 7 grams of sugar. That’s fine for most people smashing through a post-workout window, but if you’re watching carbs or prefer a leaner gainer, you’ll notice it. Compare that to Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, which offers 110 grams of carbs and 53 grams of protein, slightly more carbs, slightly less protein. The Gold Standard Pro Gainer gives you a higher protein-to-carb ratio, and the added vitamins and minerals support general nutrition for active individuals.

Best for: Athletes who want a high-calorie, high-protein gainer with added vitamins and minerals during intense training. Not ideal for those limiting carbs or sugar.
#10Best Budget Pick

Nutricost Mass Gainer Powder

Nutricost Mass Gainer Powder
Protein per serving50 g
Servings per container9
Key ingredientsWhey, Creatine, L-Glutamine
Weight7 lbs
FlavorDouble Chocolate
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What We Like

  • 50 g protein per serving
  • Includes creatine monohydrate and L-glutamine
  • Non-GMO and gluten free
  • Third-party lab tested

Trade-offs

  • Only 9 servings per container
  • Contains whey concentrate, not ideal for lactose-sensitive

Fifty grams of protein per serving gives you a serious head start on muscle repair after a heavy session. The added creatine monohydrate and L-glutamine mean you are getting two extra recovery helpers without buying separate tubs. That combination makes this a smart entry point if you want a straightforward mass gainer that does not complicate your routine. The 7-pound tub keeps the cost per serving friendly, and the non-GMO, gluten-free label plus testing by independent, ISO-accredited laboratories add peace of mind for anyone cautious about what goes into their shake.

You only get nine servings per container, so if you are drinking one daily it will disappear in just over a week. That is a faster turnover than the Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, which offers 15 servings in a similar-sized tub. The whey protein concentrate also means this may not sit well if you are sensitive to lactose, so consider that before stocking up. For someone who wants a no-nonsense, budget-minded mass gainer with a protein punch and built-in creatine, this fits the bill without the frills.

Best for: Anyone looking for an affordable mass gainer with high protein and added creatine who does not mind fewer servings per container. Not ideal for those who are lactose sensitive or want a larger supply between purchases.

Product photos

How We Evaluated Workout Supplements For Muscle Gain

We reviewed each product’s nutrition panel, protein source, and ingredient list using manufacturer documentation and expert round-ups. Owner feedback helped us understand real-world factors like mixability, taste, and digestive comfort that specs alone cannot capture.

The four criteria that mattered most were protein quality and quantity per serving, total calorie density for muscle gain, the presence of evidence-backed extras like creatine or BCAAs, and ingredient transparency. A mass gainer with 50g or more of protein from a blend of fast- and slow-digesting sources generally supports sustained muscle repair better than one relying on a single protein type.

A research-led evaluation has limits. Individual results depend on your training, diet, and metabolism. What we can offer is a clear comparison of what each formula provides so you can match it to your goals.

What To Look For In Workout Supplements For Muscle Gain

The best mass gainer for you balances protein content, calorie density, and ingredient quality against your daily calorie needs and digestive tolerance.

Look for at least 50g of protein per serving from a blend of fast- and slow-digesting sources, high calories for aggressive bulking, and added creatine or BCAAs for performance support. Avoid formulas with excessive sugar or artificial fillers.

Protein Quantity and Quality

Protein is the foundation of muscle repair. Most effective mass gainers deliver 50-60g per serving. A blend of whey isolate, concentrate, and casein provides both rapid absorption and sustained amino acid release. Whey isolate digests quickly after your workout, while casein feeds your muscles over several hours. If you are vegan, look for a combination of pea and rice protein, which together provide a complete amino acid profile.

Calorie Density and Carb Sources

Mass gainers range from 650 to 1,500 calories per serving. Hardgainers and those with high metabolisms benefit from the denser formulas. The carb source matters, whole-food carbs like oats, sweet potato, and barley digest more steadily than maltodextrin alone. Watch for added sugars; a few grams are fine, but anything over a moderate amount per serving is likely cheap filler.

Added Performance Ingredients

Creatine monohydrate is the most researched supplement for strength and muscle gain. Many mass gainers include 1-3g per serving. BCAAs and glutamine are common additions but offer less benefit if your total protein intake is already adequate. Some formulas add digestive enzymes to help with the heavy calorie load.

  • Check the serving size, some require multiple scoops per drink, which can feel heavy
  • Look for third-party testing seals like NSF or Informed Choice for purity assurance
  • Consider unflavored options if you want to control sweetness and mix with fruit or milk
  • Count the servings per container, some offer only a few servings, which means frequent repurchasing
  • Compare the carb-to-protein ratio, a lower ratio supports leaner gains

A mass gainer should supplement your diet, not replace whole meals.

Workout Supplements For Muscle Gain Compared

The table below compares the mass gainers side by side on protein, calories, key ingredients, and best use case.

ProductCalories per servingProtein per servingWeight
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Protein Powder77053g7.1 pounds
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer1,28052g1.3 pounds
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer1,200+50g2.0 pounds
MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer1,50060g5.2 pounds
Rule 1 Proteins Mass Gainer1,220+40g6.0 pounds
NAKED Mass Natural Weight Gainer1,25050g8.0 pounds
Mutant Mass Extreme Gainer1,10056g2.2 pounds
NAKED Vegan Mass Weight Gainer1,23050g8.0 pounds
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer65060g5.1 pounds
Nutricost Mass Gainer PowderN/A50g7.0 pounds

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a mass gainer and a protein powder?

A mass gainer contains significantly more calories per serving, typically 650 to 1,500, from a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Standard protein powders offer around 100–200 calories per scoop and are designed to support lean muscle without a large calorie surplus.

How many calories should a mass gainer have for muscle gain?

Most effective mass gainers provide 1,000 to 1,500 calories per serving. The right number depends on your maintenance calorie level and how aggressively you want to bulk. Hardgainers and athletes with high energy expenditure generally benefit from the denser formulas.

Can I use a mass gainer if I am lactose intolerant?

Some mass gainers use whey concentrate, which contains lactose. Look for formulas based on whey isolate or plant proteins like pea and rice. The NAKED Vegan Mass Weight Gainer is a clean, dairy-free option that is NSF Certified for purity.

Do I need creatine in my mass gainer?

Creatine monohydrate is one of the most effective supplements for strength and muscle gain. Having it included in your mass gainer is convenient, but the dose matters, look for at least 3g per serving for measurable performance benefits.

How many servings per container should I expect?

Mass gainer containers typically offer 8 to 16 servings. Products with higher calorie density and larger scoop sizes tend to have fewer servings. Check the label before buying so you know how long the container will last.

The Bottom Line

The Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Protein Powder is our Best Overall pick for anyone who wants a clean, high-protein formula with grass-fed whey, whole-food carbs, and clinically dosed creatine. It is ideal for lifters who track their macros carefully and prefer no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

If your budget is tighter, the Nutricost Mass Gainer Powder delivers 50g of protein with added creatine and L-glutamine at an affordable price. Vegans and dairy-free athletes should go straight to the NAKED Vegan Mass Weight Gainer for a three-ingredient, NSF Certified formula.

The single most important factor is matching the calorie and protein density to your own daily needs. A mass gainer that fits your routine and your stomach will actually get used, and that consistency is what drives real muscle gain.