Tag: Mass Gainer
What To Look For In The Healthiest Mass Gainer For Post-Workout Gains
The healthiest mass gainer can build muscle in the most healthy way.
Mass gaining supplements have the ability to boost our overall gains and the healthiest mass gainer should absolutely be on your shelf. With so many products out there, the choices can seem overwhelming, however, there are those top products to choose from that will enhance overall performance and health. What it takes is knowing what to look for because many supplement companies try to take the easy way out. But you deserve the best and can easily get there with the right approach to mass gainers.
As supplements working to improve strength and size, while providing for a clean bulk, what you will find are that mass gainers work to give you the best benefits possible. Taken for those in a bulking phase, or for those who struggle to gain weight, mass gainers are a healthy approach to gaining weight and overall mass. The healthiest mass gainer puts you and your gains just one step ahead of the rest.
Let’s take a deeper look into mass gainers and explore what you need to know when looking for the healthiest mass gainer supplements. Knowing what to look for can go a long way and you won’t be disappointed by the results for your performance and overall health.
What Is A Mass Gainer & What Are The Benefits?
A mass gainer typically comes as a powdered supplement that can be added to your desired beverage of choice. Packed with macronutrients, and other added ingredients as well, this supplement can work to increase strength and size as you look to build overall mass (1).
Benefits of mass gainers include:
More growth and recovery: With protein and the right ratio of macronutrients, you work towards those bulking needs in an effective way (2).
Reach calorie intake: For those looking to hit a certain amount of calories or struggling to get there, mass gainers can pump you with clean calories (3).
Good source of fiber: The top mass gainers will have plenty of fiber to help with nutrient absorption and overall digestion (4).
What To Look For In The Healthiest Mass Gainer
There are some key factors to look for in your healthiest mass gainer that will greatly enhance all of your gains. By knowing what to look for, you can better prepare yourself for whatever comes your way and will ensure your product is as safe and healthy as possible.
Related: Top 5 Reasons Why You’re Not Gaining Muscle Mass
Amount Of Macronutrients
The key factor for mass gainers is that you get the right amount of macronutrients possible. For those looking to just get protein, and in particular a whey isolate, then protein powders are the best option for you. What you will find with mass gainers are a supplement packed with a balance of protein, carbs, and fat. What you should watch out for is the ratio. It is obviously not an exact science but these three macronutrients should be working together to build gains.
Sugar Amount
Sugar is a gains killer and some of these supplements try to sweeten up the taste with sugar. Consider this though, for if you are trying to avoid sugar or keep this out of your diet altogether, you will find that some mass gainer supplements do have sugar that you just don’t need.
Added Ingredients
Mass gainers can also include added ingredients like fiber or digestive enzymes to allow for better absorption and overall digestion. What you will find with this are those nutrients will hit you more effectively so nothing goes to waste. Plus, with such a massive load of macronutrients hitting your body at once, it is important to have the right added ingredients to optimize digestion and absorption for no bloating or discomfort.
Flavors & Natural Vs. Artificial Sweeteners
It helps to have supplements with great tasting flavors for variety, but keep in mind the sweeteners used. While artificial sweeteners aren’t the end of the world, if you can find a naturally sweetened supplement, this will work so much better for your gains in the long run.
Calories
Mass gainers will be high in calories, but they are clean calories, meaning the supplement is designed to give you as many nutrients as possible for the best growth. However, keep in mind the number of calories depending on the phase you are in just as an added component to your health.
Featured Mass Gainer For Clean Gains
Finding the right supplement can be challenging but it isn’t impossible. With so many on the market, the saturation can lead to frustration when looking for the healthiest mass gainer. We wanted to share a great supplement with you so you can get the most out of your mass gaining products in the healthiest way possible.
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is great for packing on muscle and healthy weight. Perfect as a meal replacement or a mass gaining supplement, this product is pumped with protein and no added artificial substances.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is loaded with essentials to give you serious growth and better overall health and wellness. Designed to enhance lean muscle growth and athletic performance, this is a safe and effective way to pack on muscle and healthy weight. With 750 calories for a two scoop serving size, this mass gainer is loaded with 53 grams of protein per serving. With no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or harmful additives, this product is transparent with its label and high quality with ingredients great for pairing with whey protein or other protein drinks so you feel full while getting the right protein content with this powder for recovery and a well-balanced diet.
Price: $69.99
Check out our list of the Best Mass Gainers for more great muscle building and mass gaining products!
Wrap Up
Finding the healthiest mass gainer can be a challenge but it is not impossible. Mass gainers are designed to pump you with the right nutrients so you see the best growth possible. Ultimately, you will get a great product that works to boost performance and aid in your overall health. By keeping an eye out for these above factors, you set yourself to find the best and most healthiest mass gainer on the market and for you.
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Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Houston, M. E. (1999). “Gaining weight: the scientific basis of increasing skeletal muscle mass”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Howell, Scott; Kones, Richard (2017). “‘Calories in, calories out’ and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories”. (source)
Slavin, Joanne L. (2005). “Dietary fiber and body weight”. (source)
Should You Take A Weight Gainer Before And After A Workout?
Weight gainers can pack on mass but how often should you use it?
You may have heard of a weight gainer, and unlike many supplements, are not sure if you can take a weight gainer before and after a workout. Our supplement shelves are filled with so many supplements, sometimes we lose track of when to take what. Between protein powders, creatine, BCAAs, and a now a weight gainer, it can seem like a lot. But a weight gainer should really be used sparingly as this is one of those supplements that can be easily abused. With so many calories and the extreme amounts of macronutrients, taking a weight gainer too much can lead to unwanted weight gain, not the real bulking you are looking for.
Knowing exactly what comes in your weight gainer can make or break these gains as well for you want to be sure you are getting the best in terms of ingredients. Plus, ensuring there are digestive enzymes is vital for a supplement this loaded may be hard to digest. For the most efficient progress, fiber and these enzymes are key.
Let’s take a look at weight gainers and see when its best to take. Taking a weight gainer before and after a workout may be too much and you don’t want to neglect whole foods, but we’ll explore this thoroughly so you leave with an answer on what is best to do.
What Is A Weight Gainer?
Weight gainers, often times seen as mass gainers, are a supplement packed with protein, carbs, and fat designed to increase your muscle mass, put on healthy weight, and really boost overall size (1). For those bodybuilders in the offseason, those powerlifters looking for the best results, or those everyday folks seeing how big they can get, weight gainers have the ability to pump you with high amounts of protein and carbs for all those bulking needs. The nice part is that many of them contain digestive enzymes so you can actually digest and absorb these nutrients for more efficiently.
Benefits Of A Weight Gainer
The benefits of a weight gainer can be great for your bulking needs and for those serious about putting on strength, size, and mass, a weight gainer can make a difference.
Benefits of weight gainers include:
Pack on healthy weight by taking in all of the valuable ingredients the supplement has to offer.
Increase strength, size, and mass as a result of the amount of protein and carbs included (2).
Reach caloric intake for those struggling to hit a high number with whole foods (3).
Fiber and digestive enzymes so you can digest and absorb these nutrients without stomach discomfort.
Convenient bulking for those who want an easy supplement with tons of benefits.
Taking It Before A Workout
For those wanting to take a weight gainer before a workout, you can, but know this supplement is incredibly thick and filling and may not be the absolute best thing to take right before a workout. If you do, it is best to give yourself ample time to let this shake digest all the way so you not only don’t puke in your workouts, but also actually digest and retain these nutrients. While the thought of taking a weight gainer before a workout is understood and makes some sense, really think about if you want something like that in your stomach before you dive into your grueling training session. You might be better off with whole foods and getting those nutrients the natural way.
Taking It After A Workout
Taking a weight gainer after a workout makes more sense than before because your muscles are depleted, your body is exhausted, and it just needs a load of nutrients to feel restored. Plus, for those wanting to bulk, this is the perfect time to do so for your body will need those nutrients right away and will eat them up. This would be like taking a protein powder just with way more carbs and way more protein (4). So, if you want to take a mass gainer around your workout, after seems to be best.
Before & After?
It certainly seems that taking a weight gainer before and after a workout would be way too much. At that point, you wouldn’t really need to take it before and are better off getting those nutrients from whole foods. Plus, it will sit in your stomach and you will feel terribly full, most definitely hindering your workout. After does make a lot more sense given that this is the prime time for those muscles to eat and take in those vital nutrients for recovery and repair, while also bulking up in size. It seems that taking a weight gainer before and after is overkill and may hurt you in the long run with just too many calories and macronutrients so prioritize one time in the day to take it and make it a part of your regular bulking schedule.
Other Supplements To Consider For Gains
Along with a weight gainer to seriously boost your gains, knowing what other supplements are out there can be a game changer for your goals. Let’s start with a protein powder for this will pump you with protein for increased growth, enhanced recovery, and a better ability to lose and manage weight. Creatine can increase strength and size and replenish those lost stores while casein protein is what you need for that overnight repair. When it comes down to it, a weight gainer is a great to use for those building up size and mass, but other supplements do exist so use them as well.
Wrap Up
Taking a weight gainer before and after a workout isn’t the right move. With so many other supplements out there to help, it just doesn’t make sense to pump yourself with a weight gainer twice a day. Look into what your goals are, what supplements can help get you there, and what you need to succeed in the long run for serious gains.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Houston, M. E. (1999). “Gaining weight: the scientific basis of increasing skeletal muscle mass”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Howell, Scott; Kones, Richard (2017). “‘Calories in, calories out’ and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories”. (source)
Stark, M.; et al. (2012). “Protein timing and its effect on muscular hypertrophy and strength in individuals engaged in weight-training”. (source)
What To Take For Post-Workout Supplements To Optimize Gains
The time after your workout is great for boosting gains by optimizing growth and recovery and these post-workout supplements are perfect for achieving that.
You love gains. We know it and don’t be afraid to admit it. You just love gains. But so do other people, so you definitely aren’t alone. But finding the right supplements and approach to maximizing those gains can be challenging and can often times lead us down the wrong road, something we definitely don’t want or need. The right post-workout supplements can put us on track to seeing those gains we want most without any added nonsense to interfere. And that is what we want and need.
Let’s jump into some great post-workout supplements to see what you can do to maximize growth and recovery. The right supplements paired with a great diet and solid training routine can greatly affect your gains. With reputable companies working on your behalf with clean ingredients and transparent labels, you can be sure to only get the best when it comes to your supplementation routine as you seek the best for those gains.
Why Post-Workout Supplements Matter
Post-workout supplements matter because the time after your workout is exactly when you need to pump yourself with vital nutrients to maximize growth and recovery. Your muscles and body are depleted after a grueling workout and finding the right nutrients to then replenish your body can prove to be very effective in the long run. Post-workout supplements are exactly what you need to capitalize on all these gains so you see the growth you want most and the recovery you need most for efficient repair. While other supplements like pre-workouts and multivitamins are essential, your post-workout routine should be on par with your training so you never sacrifice your hard work in the gym.`
Top Post-Workout Supplements To Boost Gains
For those post-workout gains, it is important to optimize growth and recovery as best you cans so you don’t sacrifice any of that hard work you worked hard for in the gym. The right supplements pair with a solid diet and quality training plan can greatly affect your gains and give you a lifestyle you want most. It can be hard to find the right supplements but it is not impossible. The best products can greatly influence your gains and give you the best chance at seeing the results you want most.
Protein Powders
Protein powders are perfect for boosting growth and recovery by pumping you with plenty of protein as well as added ingredients to give your body everything it needs. Whether this be a plant-based protein or the more common form in whey, protein powders can work to increase muscle growth (1), aid in recovery to help against muscle soreness and damage and promote fullness and weight management for all your needs.
A great protein powder like Performance Lab SPORT Protein can work wonders for you and while this is a plant-based protein, others that are sourced from whey can be game changers. Packed with protein and other vital nutrients, this powder is one to absolutely have on your shelf.
Performance Lab SPORT Protein is an impressive brown rice protein source that is cleaner than most other protein powders. Great for muscle growth, recovery, and weight loss, this is absolutely a top protein supplement.
Check out our list of the Best Protein Powders for more great protein supplements!
Creatine
Creatine is an amino acid found in your muscles and works to improve performance, increase strength and size, and avoid muscle breakdown (2). With many different types, including creatine monohydrate, creatine HCL, and creatine anhydrous you get a safe supplement to boost gains and even help with recovery to bounce back faster.
A great creatine supplement like Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB is awesome to take and the added β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) works to increase muscle strength and decrease fat mass for that shredded physique.
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is clean and effective for tackling all of your strength building needs. With no artificial additives or preservatives, what you get is pure creatine with added HMB for better strength.
Check out our list of the Best Creatine for more great creatine products!
Mass Gainers
For those who really want to pack on strength and size, as well as serious mass, a mass gainer is something to heavily consider. Powerlifters and bodybuilders alike can greatly benefit from a mass gainer which is packed with macronutrients to fuel workouts, increase muscle growth, enhance recovery, and give you a massive physique for both aesthetic and performance. Often times these include digestive enzymes for better absorption and no stomach discomfort.
A solid mass gainer like Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is great for packing on healthy weight and designed to boost your overall athletic performance with high-quality ingredients. For those looking to seriously boost strength and size, as well as overall mass, this is a great mass gaining product.
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is great for packing on muscle and healthy weight. Perfect as a meal replacement or a mass gaining supplement, this product is pumped with protein and no added artificial substances.
Check out our list of the Best Mass Gainers for more muscle building supplements!
BCAAs
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are great for kickstarting muscle protein synthesis and with the help of essential amino acids (EAAs) can greatly influence growth and aid in performance. By working on increasing muscle size (3), decreasing soreness, reducing fatigue, and preventing muscle wasting, BCAAs can be taken as an intra-workout supplement or for that post-workout routine so you can capitalize on all your gains.
An awesome BCAA supplement like Kaged Muscle In-Kaged will keep you going for longer and can assist with all your strength goals. Solid ingredients have a great effect on performance and your overall health and greatly influence those post-workout gains you want most.
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Kaged Muscle In-Kaged is a great intra-workout product for endurance, energy, and muscle pumps. Nine ingredients and a 2:1:1 ratio assist with all your strength goals.
Check out our list of the Best BCAAs for more great intra-workout and post-workout BCAA products!
Wrap Up
The right post-workout supplements can greatly affect your gains and give you everything you need to fully succeed when it comes to your post-workout routine. With the right products that are safe and effective, you can greatly influence your growth so you see the gains you want most and a physique you can be proud of. While finding the right supplements can be challenging, it is possible and you can seriously benefit from only the best. Check out some great post-workout supplements today and see what these can do for your gains.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Pasiakos, S.; McLellan, T.; Lieberman, H. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Kreider, R. (2003). “Effects of creatine supplementation on performance and training adaptations”. (source)
Blomstrand, E.; Eliasson, J.; Karlsson, H.; Kohnke, R. (2006). “Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise”. (source)
Complete Guide To Mass Gainers For Serious Strength & Size
Mass gainers are perfect for your clean bulking needs to increase strength and size.
When it comes to building strength and size, and simply overall mass for that matter, we always look to optimize our training routine, nutrition plan, and of course, find those supplements to help power us through and mass gainers should be at the top of the list. Able to pump us with a large amount of macronutrients to effectively reach our desired caloric intake and give our bodies the fuel it needs to thrive, the right mass gainer can greatly influence all of our clean bulking needs. While mass gainers may not be at the top of your list, they are most definitely worth checking out for what they can do for your overall health and performance.
While there are plenty of ways for us to gain mass, it is important to find those ways that will benefit us fully and not be a simple temporary fix. The right strength program, although sometimes hard to find, can put us on the path to serious gains as those exercises will work to give us great gains in terms of muscle growth and development. Of course, eating well should be a high priority and nutrition cannot be overlooked for what it can do to power us inside and out of the gym. But mass gainers are that one supplement to pack a punch and are simple and convenient to take. Plus, with added ingredients like digestive enzymes, you can continue to thrive in your everyday life without the digestive hindrance of a heavy shake.
Let’s take a closer look at this complete guide to mass gainers and see what these supplements are really all about. From what they are, to the benefits around them, and key components, we’ll show you why these supplements are really great for powering your overall health and performance.
What Are Mass Gainers?
A mass gainer is typically a powdered supplement that you mix with water, milk, or another desired beverage of choice that is packed with macronutrients to give you quality ingredients so you see an increase in strength and size (1). Also known as weight gainers, these supplements are designed for your bulking needs and work to provide fuel for your workouts, for your muscles grow, and to increase recovery for that added benefit to overall gains. With high amounts of protein and carbs, often times these supplements will have digestive enzymes or an added ingredient to aid in digestion so you can properly absorb all these nutrients without feeling sluggish after.
Check out our list of the Best Mass Gainers for some great mass building supplements!
Benefits Of Mass Gainers
Mass gainers have great benefits towards your overall growth and recovery and can work wonders for your clean bulking needs. For those looking to build serious mass, having a supplement like this is perfect for your one stop gains shop.
Benefits of mass gainers include:
Increase growth and recovery: Packed with high-quality protein, clean carbs, and healthy fats, this will work for your clean bulking needs in terms of muscle growth and recovery (2).
Hit caloric intake: Consuming a mass gainer can help you hit your caloric intake so you get enough into your body to meet your goals. This is important especially for those bulking and who need to hit a higher calorie count (3).
Solid source of fiber: Typically mass gainers will be a good source of fiber to aid in digestion and allow for nutrients to absorbed much faster and more effectively (4).
Convenient and simple to take: Mass gainers are fairly convenient and simple to take as a shake for wherever you may be. Mix it well and take in those gains.
Key Macronutrients Requirements
As said before, mass gainers are packed with high-quality sources of protein, clean carbs, and healthy fats and it is important to know just what these macronutrients will do and how to consume to maximize the effects of a top tier mass gainer.
Protein is essential to aid in muscle growth and recovery and getting adequate amounts each meal will also keep you full to handle any of your weight management goals. Somewhere in the range of 1.6-2.2 kg/day is ideal for you to maximize muscle hypertrophy (5).
For carbs, which will be on the higher end for mass gainers, these will help restore those lost glycogen stores for energy and to see great growth occur as well. Clean carbs will ensure the weight you gain is healthy and the mass you put on is substantial. Healthy fats are imperative to keep your body fueled and while they make up a much smaller percentage in mass gainers, it is important they are there and to not stress over.
Who Would Benefit From Mass Gainers
Those who would benefit from mass gainers are any lifters or bodybuilders who seek to put on some serious mass. Anyone in the bulking phase of their training who needs to hit a certain caloric intake in a healthy and safe way should consider a mass gainer. For any athlete looking to put on some weight and increase in size, mass gainers are also a good option for you. When it comes to an athletes’ recovery, this can also prove worthwhile in the long run. But mass gainers are also good for those who cannot each too much or who struggle to gain weight. Of course, it is always best to consult a medical expert if this is the case, but know a mass gainer may be an option.
Safety & Effectiveness
Mass gainers are on the whole generally safe to take. The ingredients are effective in seeing an increase and strength and size and your bulking needs can be met. It is important to make sure the ingredients are sourced in a clean and effective way because that plays in to just how safe these supplements are. Always consult a medical expert with further questions but know a mass gainer can be a game changer when used the right way.
Featured Mass Gainer
Finding the right mass gainer can be a challenge, but this supplement from Transparent Labs is clean, effective, and safe with tons of benefits for all your bulking needs.
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is great for packing on muscle and healthy weight. Perfect as a meal replacement or a mass gaining supplement, this product is pumped with protein and no added artificial substances.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is loaded with essentials to give you serious growth and better overall health and wellness. Designed to enhance lean muscle growth and athletic performance, this is a safe and effective way to pack on muscle and healthy weight. With 750 calories for a two scoop serving size, this mass gainer is loaded with 53 grams of protein per serving. With no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or harmful additives, this product is transparent with its label and high quality with ingredients great for pairing with whey protein or other protein drinks so you feel full while getting the right protein content with this powder for recovery and a well-balanced diet.
Price: $65.00
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer here!
Check out our list of the Best Mass Gainers for more great mass building supplements!
Wrap Up
Mass gainers have great potential to increase strength and size in a number of ways to boost all areas of your health and performance. With the right ingredients and an honest company backing you, you are well on your way to seeing the gains you want most. Always be sure to make sure taking this supplement will fit your lifestyle and daily needs, but don’t neglect a good mass gainer for what it can do for you. When looking to bulk, look for the best in a high-quality mass gainer for all those needs to be met.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Houston, M. E. (1999). “Gaining weight: the scientific basis of increasing skeletal muscle mass”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Howell, Scott; Kones, Richard (2017). “‘Calories in, calories out’ and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories”. (source)
Slavin, Joanne L. (2005). “Dietary fiber and body weight”. (source)
Schoenfeld, Brad J.; Aragon, Alan A. (2018). “How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution”. (source)
Best Mass Gainers For Clean Bulking & Muscle Mass 2021
These mass gainers are great for all your clean bulking needs and provide clean carbs for increased muscle mass.
For those of us looking to really increase muscle mass, mass gainers can help with our clean bulking needs by pumping us with clean carbs and protein. Seeking a real increase in our strength and size can be challenging and often times it is the fine line between the right diet, most effective training plan, and top tier supplements. But with a mass gainer, you allow yourself to meet your desired caloric intake while also giving your body the fuel it needs to really power itself through the day. The right ratio of macronutrients and other added ingredients, paired with a quality company who cares about their consumers and the needs of athletes, all your clean bulking needs can be met with a high-quality mass gainer.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Mass Gainers for 2021 so you can see the gains you want most. Reflective of everything you deserve to have, these mass gaining supplements are packed with clean carbs and protein to give you the desired results for your overall health and performance.
Best Mass Gainers 2021
Best Mass Gainer Overall
A great natural mass gainer overall will work to increase strength, size, and all your clean bulking needs. With a top tier formula made from great ingredients with the right balance of macronutrients, this is achievable and will give you the results you want most.
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer
Calories
790
Protein
53g
Carbs
114g
Fat
14g
Sugar
17g
Flavors
Chocolate, Cookies ‘N Cream (Not Gluten Free), Sweet Vanilla, Chocolate Glaze
Best Way To Take
Mix with milk or water.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is loaded with essentials to give you serious growth and better overall health and wellness. Designed to enhance lean muscle growth and athletic performance, this is a safe and effective way to pack on muscle and healthy weight. With 750 calories for a two scoop serving size, this mass gainer is loaded with 53 grams of protein per serving. With no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or harmful additives, this product is transparent with its label and high quality with ingredients great for pairing with whey protein or other protein drinks so you feel full while getting the right protein content with this powder for recovery and a well-balanced diet.
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is great for packing on muscle and healthy weight. Perfect as a meal replacement or a mass gaining supplement, this product is pumped with protein and no added artificial substances.
Pros
Great for lean muscle growth
Perfect for a meal replacement or paired with a grass fed whey protein supplement
Great ingredients and no artificial additives for a transparent label
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
Cons
A premium priced option only available directly through their site
Price: $65.00
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer here!
Best Premium Mass Gainer
You want your mass gainer to be of the utmost quality and a premium mass gainer will stand out amongst its counterparts, especially as a natural mass gainer. Looking at ingredients and the formula, as well as the reputation of the company and price, will prove to be very important overall moving forward.
Enhanced Whey Protein Isolate
Calories
110
Protein
25g
Carbs
2g
Fat
1g
Sugar
1g
Flavors
Chocolate Brownie
Best Way To Take
Mix 1 scoop with 6-8 oz. of cold water or your desired beverage.
Enhanced Labs starts by selecting the highest quality whey proteins which undergo a series of sophisticated filtration processes to ‘isolate’ out excess fat and sugar. The final product is a complete protein containing no lactose and over 90% of pure protein per serving. Enhanced Whey is then fortified with the trademarked DigeSEB digestive enzyme blend for better protein utilization within the body. With 25g of protein at just 110 calories, this high quality whey is perfect for your muscle building and recovery goals and works well as a natural mass gainer.
Code GENIRON For 15% Off
Enhanced Whey Protein Isolate is a high quality whey protein with just 110 calories and 25g protein. Fortified with DigeSEB digestive enzyme blend, this allows for better protein utilization in your body.
Pros
No fillers or artificial flavors
Massive 3-pound container
Fully disclosed supplement facts panel
100% whey isolate
Added digestive enzymes
Cons
Premium priced product
only one flavor option
Price: $64.99
Use code GENIRON for 15% off! Also, check out our individual review for Enhanced Whey Protein Isolate here.
Best Clean Protein-Carb Blend
A mass gainer needs to have the right balance of protein to carbs in order to fuel recovery and boost muscle growth. But this blend must be made from only the cleanest sources so you don’t compromise any gains with added substances you don’t want or need, especially with a natural mass gainer.
Cellucor Cor-Performance Gainer
Calories
580
Protein
30g
Carbs
100g
Fat
2.5g
Sugar
5g
Flavors
Chocolate, Vanilla
Best Way To Take
Take one serving with 16 fl. oz. of cold water or another beverage, one to two times daily.
Cellucor Cor-Performance Gainer is a high quality protein for you to see lean muscle gains with the right ratio of clean carbs and fat sources to balance out a great formula of macros. Able to support muscle growth and fuel recovery, the added BCAAS give this supplement a boost to help with all your gains. Packed with 30g protein, 100g carbs, and 2.5g fat, this 580 calorie mass gainer can work wonders for your clean bulking needs.
Cellucor Cor-Performance Gainer is what you need to see lean muscle gains with high-quality protein. The right ratio of protein, healthy carbs, and fats will pack on muscle for your desired gains.
Pros
High quality protein and clean carbs
Great to support muscle growth and fuel recovery
From an honest company in Cellucor
Cons
More servings and flavors would be nice
Price: $28.49
Best All-Natural
You want a product that is safe and effective and having something that is all natural will prove to be the best decision for you. Too often do companies put added substances and fillers that just aren’t necessary and an all-natural option will give you all the benefits of a great natural mass gainer and much more.
Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Weight Gainer
Calories
1250
Protein
50g
Carbs
252g
Fat
2.5
Sugar
5g
Flavors
Unflavored Gainer, Unflavored Vegan Gainer, Chocolate Gainer, Chocolate Vegan Gainer, Vanilla Gainer, Vanilla Vegan Gainer
Best Way To Take
Mix four scoops with 24 oz. of milk or your favorite beverage.
Naked Nutrition Naked Mass Gainer is the ultimate muscle building and weight gaining supplement perfect for your clean bulking needs. The perfect blend of fast and slow absorbed proteins and complex carbs, each serving is 1,250 calories with 50g of high quality protein and 252g of clean carbs. Able to help fuel your workouts, meet your daily calorie requirement, and build and sustain muscle mass, this is an honest product to help boost all your gains.
Naked Nutrition Naked Mass is the ultimate muscle building and weight gaining supplement. With 50g protein and 1,250 calories per serving, this is the perfect blend of fast and slow absorbed protein and complex carbs to see gains.
Pros
Great blend of fast and slow absorbed protein and complex, clean carbs
Perfect for muscle building and weight gaining
Only three ingredients
From a reputable company in Naked Nutrition
Cons
Premium priced option
Four scoops is a big serving size
Price: $64.99
Best Mass Gainer For Digestion
With so much protein and carbs included in a mass gainer, you want to make sure this doesn’t hinder digestion. With added ingredients or a clean source of both, you can be sure your digestive needs are met so your body absorbs these nutrients as effectively as possible.
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer
Calories
790
Protein
53g
Carbs
114g
Fat
14g
Sugar
17g
Flavors
Chocolate, Cookies ‘N Cream (Not Gluten Free), Sweet Vanilla, Chocolate Glaze
Best Way To Take
Mix with milk or water.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is loaded with essentials to give you serious growth and better overall health and wellness. Designed to enhance lean muscle growth and athletic performance, this is a safe and effective way to pack on muscle and healthy weight. With 750 calories for a two scoop serving size, this mass gainer is loaded with 53 grams of protein per serving. With no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or harmful additives, this product is transparent with its label and high quality with ingredients great for pairing with whey protein or other protein drinks so you feel full while getting the right protein content with this natural mass gainer for recovery and a well-balanced diet.
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is great for packing on muscle and healthy weight. Perfect as a meal replacement or a mass gaining supplement, this product is pumped with protein and no added artificial substances.
Pros
Great for lean muscle growth and clean bulking
Perfect for a meal replacement or paired with a grass fed whey protein supplement
Great ingredients and no artificial additives for a transparent label
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
Cons
A premium priced option only available directly through their site
Price: $65.00
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer here!
Best For High Protein
A supplement high in protein is exactly what you want and while most mass gainers have done a nice job of properly dosing their macros, those that prioritize protein can greatly affect your health and performance. With protein being essential for muscle growth and recovery, it would be a disservice to neglect a great high protein, natural mass gainer.
MyProtein Weight Gainer Blend
Calories
365
Protein
27g
Carbs
52g
Fat
6g
Sugar
2g
Flavors
Chocolate Smooth, Strawberry Cream, Unflavored, Vanilla
Best Way To Take
Add 3 1/3 large scoops to 500-1000 mL. of water or milk.
MyProtein Weight Gainer Blend is a great mass gainer able to boost recovery growth, especially after a tough workout. With 30g protein and 50g carbs, an impressive 370 calories is fairly low for the amount of macros and its ratio. Made up of fast and slow digesting proteins, the added maltodextrin and oat flour carbs work to give you an energy boost and offer a source of clean carbs for whatever your next session brings. A clean and effective product, your clean bulking needs are not compromised with this mass gainer.
MyProtein Weight Gainer Blend is the perfect supplement to increase strength and size. With 30g protein, 50g carbs, and 370 total calories per serving, this will work to boost growth and recovery.
Pros
High quality proteins and clean carbs with low calorie count
Great for muscle growth and recovery while keeping you full.
Cons
Price is okay for number of servings
Price: $44.99
Benefits Of Mass Gainers
When it comes to mass gainers, you are looking for a supplement that will work to increase muscle mass while meeting all of your clean bulking needs. It is important to know the benefits of a mass gainer as you seek to build serious strength and size to boost your overall health and performance. Benefits of a mass gainer include:
Boost muscle growth and recovery: With the right ratio of protein, carbs, and fat, you can boost your muscle growth and recovery so all your clean bulking needs are met (1).
Meet caloric requirements: For those who need to focus on their caloric intake and really get enough into their body, a mass gainer can pump you with clean carbs and protein so you hit whatever number of calories you want (2).
Helps keep you lean: With good fats and an all-star formula, a mass gainer can help keep you lean as you build muscle.
Good source of fiber: A mass gainer will typically be a good source of fiber to help with digestion and allow your body to absorb those nutrients much faster (3).
How Many Servings You Should Take
This depends on how many calories you need to consume to gain weight at a rate of a few pounds per month. But then your genetics and training will also determine how much “good” weight you’ll gain. So, there’s no universal answer to this question. However, you should only use a mass gainer to fill in what you cannot get from a primarily whole food diet. And if you need to track your macros then you’ll have to do so accordingly by measuring the serving sizes.
Protein, Carbs & Fats Requirements
The amount you need will depend on your body weight, activity levels, and age. But generally, 1.6-2.2kg/day is an ideal range for muscle hypertrophy (4). To build muscle, you should be getting sufficient amounts per each meal. And many weight gainers supply rather high amounts so splitting servings is a good idea in many instances.
For size gains, carbs should be on the higher end to replenish lost glycogen, again, if you’re not following a keto diet (high fat, low carbs). But fat is necessary as an energy source as well. Carbs should usually make up half of your daily caloric intake and fat 20-35 percent with protein taking up the remaining percentage.
When To Take Mass Gainers
You can have a serving any time of the day, but according to research, the best time to consume a whey protein is within three hours following resistance training. The reason is that anabolism is increased within this time frame (peak of 45-90 minutes) and muscle protein synthesis drops back down to baseline levels past the three-hour window (5).
But carbohydrates like maltodextrin (added to many mass gainers mentioned) and glucose are also necessary in combination with protein to maximize this process. And essential amino acids which are naturally occurring in most whey protein supplements are also very necessary for optimum protein synthesis.
Safety Of Mass Gainers
The ingredients in these mass gainers are safe for most users. But some products contain artificial ingredients, dairy, added sugars, and additional ingredients which some people have sensitivities to. So, people with blood sugar issues or sensitivities to certain foods should definitely be careful to read the labels before consuming any nutritional supplements.
Now, many supplements have added sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium but these are actually considered safe for daily consumption according to the most recent research on the substances.
How We Choose The Best Mass Gainers
When looking at the best mass gainers, we look first at the reputation of the brand and the product. A good brand will be honest and transparent with their label to ensure your overall health and performance goals are met. We look at included ingredients and the formula because that is what makes up the product. The formula and subsequent ingredients should be clean and ideally sourced naturally to ensure it works to optimize all of your needs. Lastly, we look at price. We know supplements can get expensive and we look for those that will get the job done right while still being affordable.
FAQ Section
What is the best mass gainer?
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer. This mass gainer is loaded with essentials to give you serious growth and better overall health and wellness. Designed to enhance lean muscle growth and athletic performance, this is a safe and effective way to pack on muscle and healthy weight for your clean bulking needs.
Are mass gainers safe?
Mass gainers on the whole are generally safe to use. Always be sure to read the label before using to make sure the product will suit your needs and is the right supplement for you.
What should I look for in a mass gainer?
When looking at mass gainers, you should look for the amount of protein and carbs, as well as other added ingredients. Serving size and amount is important because you want to make sure you are getting enough for the price. Also, look at taste and the reputation of the brand because you deserve to have the best companies working for you and the product should taste good.
Wrap Up
Mass gainers have the potential to really increase strength and size in an effective and healthy way. By offering a great source of carbs and protein, you ensure you get the most out your caloric intake to still be healthy while also aiding in training and performance. The way you look and feel matters and a mass gainer is a great supplement for those looking to bulk or put on healthy weight so all your goals are met. Check out this list of the best mass gainers to find a great mass gaining supplement suitable for all your clean bulking needs.
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References
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Howell, Scott; Kones, Richard (2017). “‘Calories in, calories out’ and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories”. (source)
Slavin, Joanne L. (2005). “Dietary fiber and body weight”. (source)
Schoenfeld, Brad J.; Aragon, Alan A. (2018). “How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution”. (source)
Stark, Matthew; Lukaszuk, Judith; Prawitz, Aimee; Salacinski, Amanda (2012). “Protein timing and its effects on muscular hypertrophy and strength in individuals engaged in weight-training”. (source)