Who Needs a Mass Gainer (And Who Does Not)
If you have spent any amount of time in a gym, you have probably noticed that building muscle comes easy for some guys and feels borderline impossible for others. For a lot of men — especially those with naturally fast metabolisms or smaller frames — the biggest barrier to muscle growth is not training intensity. It is calories. You simply cannot build size if your body is burning through fuel faster than you can shovel it in.
That is exactly where mass gainers come in. These are high-calorie protein supplements designed to make it significantly easier to hit a daily caloric surplus without forcing you to eat six chicken breasts and three cups of rice at every meal. A single serving of a quality mass gainer can deliver anywhere from 600 to 1,350 calories along with 40-60 grams of protein — the kind of numbers that would take most guys two full meals to match.
But here is the thing most supplement companies will not tell you: mass gainers are not for everyone. If you are already carrying excess body fat and your goal is to lean out, a mass gainer is the wrong tool. These products are calorie-dense by design, and adding 1,000+ extra calories per day when you are not in a structured training program is a fast track to unwanted fat gain. Mass gainers work best for three specific groups:
- Hard gainers and ectomorphs — men who struggle to gain weight despite eating what feels like a lot of food
- Guys in a dedicated bulking phase — experienced lifters who are intentionally pushing into a caloric surplus to maximize muscle growth over a defined period
- Men with extremely demanding schedules — if you genuinely cannot sit down for enough whole-food meals, a mass gainer bridges the gap
If you fall into one of those categories, this guide is going to save you a lot of trial and error. We have reviewed over a dozen mass gainers currently available and narrowed it down to the five that actually deliver on quality, ingredient transparency, and results. Along with our protein powder guide and creatine buying guide, this completes the core supplement stack for men focused on building size.
Our Top 5 Mass Gainers for Men in 2026
| Rank | Product | Best For | Calories/Serving | Protein/Serving | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Transparent Labs Mass Gainer | Best Overall (Clean Formula) | 750 | 53g | 9.5/10 |
| #2 | Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass | Best for Maximum Calories | 1,250 | 50g | 9.2/10 |
| #3 | Naked Mass | Best Natural / Minimal Ingredients | 1,250 | 50g | 9.0/10 |
| #4 | Dymatize Super Mass Gainer | Best for Hard Gainers on a Budget | 1,280 | 52g | 8.7/10 |
| #5 | BSN TRUE-MASS 1200 | Best Tasting Mass Gainer | 1,220 | 50g | 8.5/10 |
How We Evaluated These Mass Gainers
Not all mass gainers are created equal. Some are basically glorified bags of maltodextrin with a protein scoop thrown in, while others are thoughtfully formulated with quality carb sources, clean protein blends, and meaningful micronutrient profiles. Our evaluation process focuses on four key criteria:
- Protein Quality and Ratio: We look for products where protein makes up at least 25-30% of total calories per serving. The protein source matters too — whey protein concentrate, isolate, and casein blends tend to outperform plant-based or lower-quality sources in both absorption and amino acid profile.
- Carbohydrate Source and Sugar Content: Complex carbs from sources like oat flour, sweet potato, and maltodextrin are preferred over simple sugars. We penalize products with excessive added sugar (anything over 15g per serving).
- Ingredient Transparency: Full disclosure of every ingredient at exact doses earns points. Proprietary blends that hide behind vague labels lose them. You deserve to know what you are putting into your body.
- Mixability, Taste, and Digestibility: A mass gainer can have the best formula in the world, but if it tastes like chalk and gives you bloating for hours, you will not stick with it. We factor in real-world usability.
Detailed Reviews: Best Mass Gainers for Men
#1 Transparent Labs Mass Gainer — Best Overall
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer takes the top spot on our list, and it is not even close when it comes to formula transparency. True to their brand name, Transparent Labs provides full disclosure of every ingredient at exact clinical doses — no proprietary blends, no hidden fillers, no mystery ingredients. In a category plagued by low-quality carb bombs, this product sets the standard for what a clean mass gainer should look like.
Key Ingredients: Each serving delivers 750 calories from 53g of 100% grass-fed whey protein concentrate, organic tapioca maltodextrin as the primary carb source, and 110g of total carbohydrates. The formula also includes coconut milk powder for healthy fats and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). There is no artificial sweetener, no artificial coloring, and no soy lecithin — which is almost unheard of in the mass gainer space.
I want to be real with you on this one: the calorie count per serving (750) is lower than several competitors on this list. If your sole criteria is “most calories in one shake,” this is not the winner. But here is why it still takes the top spot — the quality of those 750 calories blows the 1,200+ calorie products out of the water. Organic tapioca maltodextrin digests smoother than the corn-based maltodextrin used in most gainers. The grass-fed whey is sourced from pasture-raised cows with no hormones or antibiotics. You are getting fewer empty calories and more nutritional value per serving.
Who It Is Best For: Men who want a clean, premium mass gainer without artificial ingredients. Ideal for guys who are willing to take two servings per day rather than compromise on ingredient quality. If you read nutrition labels and care about what goes into your body, this is your pick.
Pros:
- 100% ingredient transparency — every dose listed on the label
- Grass-fed whey protein with no hormones or antibiotics
- Organic tapioca maltodextrin for easier digestion
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colorings
- Includes healthy fats from coconut milk powder
- Third-party tested for heavy metals and contaminants
Cons:
- Lower calorie count per serving (750 vs 1,200+ in competitors)
- Premium price point — expect to pay more per serving
- Limited flavor options compared to bigger brands
- Only available through the Transparent Labs website
Read Our Full Transparent Labs Review →
#2 Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass — Best for Maximum Calories
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass has been the go-to mass gainer for over two decades, and for good reason. When it comes to sheer caloric density, Serious Mass is hard to beat — delivering 1,250 calories and 50g of protein in a single serving. ON built their reputation on Gold Standard Whey, and they bring that same commitment to quality into the weight gainer category.
Key Ingredients: Each serving packs 1,250 calories from a protein blend of whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, egg albumin, and sweet dairy whey. The carbohydrate source is primarily maltodextrin, delivering 252g of carbs per full serving. The formula includes a vitamin and mineral blend with 25 vitamins and minerals, plus added creatine monohydrate, glutamine, and glutamic acid. You also get a small amount of MCTs from the fat content.
Here is the honest take on Serious Mass: it is an absolute workhorse of a product, but you need to understand how to use it properly. A full serving is two heaping scoops mixed in 24oz of liquid — and that is a LOT of shake to get down. Most guys I know who use this product successfully split it into two half-servings throughout the day rather than trying to choke down a full serving at once. The 252g of carbs from maltodextrin will spike your blood sugar if you drink the whole thing at once, so sipping it over time or having it with a meal makes more sense. Used smartly, there is no better tool for packing on raw mass.
Who It Is Best For: Classic hard gainers who need maximum calorie density in one product. If you weigh under 160 lbs and cannot gain weight no matter how much you eat, Serious Mass was literally designed for you. Also a solid choice for guys who want the convenience of a vitamin-mineral blend and creatine built into their gainer.
Pros:
- Industry-leading 1,250 calories per serving
- 50g of protein from a multi-source blend (whey, casein, egg)
- 25 added vitamins and minerals in each serving
- Includes creatine monohydrate and glutamine
- From Optimum Nutrition — one of the most trusted brands in supplements
- Available in multiple flavors with solid taste ratings
Cons:
- 252g of carbs per serving, primarily from maltodextrin
- Full serving is massive — most users need to split it
- Higher sugar content than clean alternatives (20g per serving)
- Very thick consistency that some users find hard to drink
Read Our Full Serious Mass Review →
#3 Naked Mass — Best Natural / Minimal Ingredients
Naked Mass is exactly what it sounds like — a mass gainer stripped down to the essentials with nothing to hide. The entire formula consists of just three ingredients: naked whey protein from grass-fed cows, naked casein, and organic maltodextrin from gluten-free tapioca. That is it. No artificial sweeteners, no growth hormones, no GMOs, no fillers. If you flipped the container around, the nutrition label reads like a grocery list you could actually memorize.
Key Ingredients: Each serving delivers 1,250 calories, 50g of protein from a whey-casein blend (providing both fast and slow-digesting protein), and 252g of complex carbohydrates from organic tapioca maltodextrin. The whey is sourced from small farms in the US that raise grass-fed, pasture-raised cows with no rBGH or rBST. The casein provides sustained amino acid release for extended periods after consumption.
I want to highlight something important about Naked Mass that gets overlooked. The unflavored version has no added sweeteners whatsoever — not even stevia or monk fruit. This means it tastes like, well, nothing. Or more accurately, it tastes like slightly sweet oat milk. For some guys this is a dealbreaker. For others, it is exactly what they want because they blend it with bananas, peanut butter, oats, and berries and do not want an artificial chocolate flavor fighting with their smoothie ingredients. Know which camp you fall into before ordering.
Who It Is Best For: Men who prioritize clean, minimal ingredients above everything else. If you read every label, avoid artificial additives, and prefer to know exactly what is in your supplements, Naked Mass is the obvious choice. Also great for anyone with food sensitivities since the simple formula reduces the chances of digestive issues.
Pros:
- Only three ingredients — grass-fed whey, casein, organic tapioca maltodextrin
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors
- Grass-fed, hormone-free, GMO-free, soy-free, gluten-free
- Third-party tested for heavy metals
- Whey-casein blend provides both fast and slow protein release
- Mixes well in smoothies due to neutral flavor
Cons:
- Unflavored option tastes very bland on its own
- Premium pricing for the clean ingredient sourcing
- Limited flavor options (unflavored, chocolate, vanilla)
- Large serving size requires a quality blender
Read Our Full Naked Mass Review →
#4 Dymatize Super Mass Gainer — Best for Hard Gainers on a Budget
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer delivers one of the best calorie-to-cost ratios in the mass gainer market. With 1,280 calories and 52g of protein per serving at a price point that undercuts most competitors, Dymatize gives hard gainers the firepower they need without breaking the bank. The brand has been a staple in the sports nutrition industry for over 25 years and manufactures all of its products in GMP-certified facilities.
Key Ingredients: Each serving provides 1,280 calories with 52g of protein from a blend that includes whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and milk protein isolate. The carb content comes in at 246g per serving, primarily from maltodextrin and ground rice. Dymatize also includes a BCAAs and amino acid matrix (10.7g BCAAs per serving), vitamins and minerals, and digestive enzymes (Zytrix) to help with the heavy caloric load.
The addition of digestive enzymes is worth calling out here. When you are trying to get 1,280 calories from a single shake, your stomach is going to have opinions about it. A lot of mass gainers in this calorie range cause bloating, gas, and general discomfort. Dymatize addressed this head-on by including their Zytrix enzyme blend, which genuinely does help with digestion. It is a small detail that makes a real difference in daily usability, and it is something the more expensive competitors on this list do not always include.
Who It Is Best For: Budget-conscious lifters who need high-calorie supplementation without paying premium prices. Particularly well-suited for younger guys, college athletes, or anyone on a tight grocery budget who still needs to eat big to grow. The digestive enzyme blend also makes this a good choice for men who have had stomach issues with other mass gainers.
Pros:
- One of the most affordable mass gainers per serving
- 1,280 calories and 52g of protein per serving
- Includes BCAAs (10.7g) for muscle recovery
- Zytrix digestive enzymes to reduce bloating and improve absorption
- Manufactured in GMP-certified, Informed Choice certified facility
- Good flavor variety including Rich Chocolate and Gourmet Vanilla
Cons:
- Higher sugar content (24g per serving) than cleaner options
- Maltodextrin is the primary carb source — not ideal for insulin-sensitive users
- Contains soy lecithin and artificial flavors
- Very thick consistency even with extra water
Read Our Full Dymatize Review →
#5 BSN TRUE-MASS 1200 — Best Tasting Mass Gainer
BSN TRUE-MASS 1200 has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best-tasting mass gainers on the market. BSN (Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition) has been in the sports nutrition game since 2001, and they have consistently prioritized flavor across their entire product line. If you have ever tried a mass gainer and given up because it tasted like flavored concrete, TRUE-MASS 1200 is the antidote.
Key Ingredients: Each serving provides 1,220 calories and 50g of protein from a six-source protein blend: whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, calcium caseinate, micellar casein, whey protein isolate, and egg albumin. This multi-source approach provides a sustained amino acid release over several hours. The carb content sits at 213g from a combination of maltodextrin, ground oats, and sweet potato powder — a more diverse carb profile than many competitors.
Let me level with you about BSN: their flavor game is genuinely best-in-class. The Chocolate Milkshake flavor tastes close to an actual chocolate milkshake, which sounds like it should not be a selling point but absolutely is when you are drinking this stuff every single day. Mass gainer fatigue is real — a lot of guys start strong in week one and then dread their shakes by week three because the taste is mediocre. BSN solves this problem better than anyone else. The mix of oats and sweet potato powder in the carb blend also gives this a slightly thicker, more satisfying texture compared to pure maltodextrin products.
Who It Is Best For: Men who have struggled to stay consistent with mass gainers due to taste and texture issues. If previous gainers made you gag or skip shakes, BSN is worth trying. Also a solid choice for guys who want a more varied carb source profile rather than straight maltodextrin.
Pros:
- Best-in-class flavor — Chocolate Milkshake is consistently rated top-tier
- Six-source protein blend for sustained amino acid delivery
- Diverse carbohydrate sources including oats and sweet potato
- 1,220 calories and 50g protein per serving
- BSN is an established, reputable sports nutrition brand
- Thick, creamy texture that feels more like a real shake
Cons:
- Contains artificial flavors and sucralose
- Higher fat content (16g per serving) than some competitors
- Not third-party tested to the same standard as Transparent Labs or Naked
- Soy lecithin present — not suitable for soy-free diets
Read Our Full BSN TRUE-MASS Review →
Also Worth Considering
Our top 5 represents the best options for most men, but depending on your specific goals, these alternatives from our mass gainers category may be worth a look:
- MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000 — At 2,000 calories per full serving, this is the nuclear option for extreme hard gainers. Best for men who are underweight and need maximum caloric density.
- MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass — A unique option for men who want a beef protein-based gainer instead of whey. Good for those with dairy sensitivities.
- Nutricost Mass Gainer — A solid budget pick with straightforward formulation. If cost is your primary concern, Nutricost delivers no-frills calories at a low price.
- MHP Up Your Mass XXXL 1350 — Features a slow-release carb complex and added performance nutrients like BCAAs and creatine.
- Rule One R1 Mass Gainer — From the team behind the original Rule 1 Proteins, this is a clean mid-calorie option that sits between a protein powder and a full mass gainer.
How to Choose the Right Mass Gainer
With so many options on the market, picking the right mass gainer comes down to understanding your specific needs and matching them to a product’s profile. Here are the four factors that matter most:
Calories Per Serving
This is the most obvious differentiator. Mass gainers range from roughly 500 calories per serving on the low end to over 2,000 on the extreme end. The right number depends on how much of a caloric surplus you need. If you are already eating three solid meals per day and just need a boost, a 600-800 calorie gainer like Transparent Labs is sufficient. If you are a genuine hard gainer who cannot seem to gain weight despite your best efforts, you may need the 1,200+ calorie options from ON, Dymatize, or BSN.
A useful rule of thumb: calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) and aim for a surplus of 300-500 calories above that for lean mass gain. Your mass gainer should help you fill whatever gap remains after your whole-food meals.
Protein-to-Calorie Ratio
This one gets overlooked, but it matters. A mass gainer with 1,200 calories and only 30g of protein is essentially a carb supplement with some protein sprinkled in. You want at least 25-30% of total calories coming from protein. All five products on our top list meet this threshold. The protein source also matters — whey isolate and concentrate are the gold standard for bioavailability, followed by casein for slow-release delivery. Multi-source blends that combine whey, casein, and egg provide the most complete amino acid profile.
Sugar Content and Carb Quality
This is where a lot of cheaper mass gainers fail. Some products pack 30-40g of sugar per serving, which contributes to fat gain, blood sugar spikes, and energy crashes — the exact opposite of what you want. Look for products with under 15g of sugar per serving. On the carb quality side, mass gainers that use oat flour, sweet potato powder, or organic tapioca maltodextrin are generally easier on digestion than those using only corn-based maltodextrin. Transparent Labs and Naked Mass lead in this area.
Digestibility and Add-Ons
A mass gainer is useless if your body cannot process it efficiently. Look for products that include digestive enzymes (Dymatize does this well with their Zytrix blend) or use carb sources known for easier digestion. Some gainers also include extras like creatine, BCAAs, vitamins, and minerals. These add-ons are nice to have but should not be the primary factor in your decision — you can always add creatine and amino acids separately to your stack.
How to Use a Mass Gainer Effectively
Buying the right product is only half the battle. How you use it determines whether those extra calories turn into muscle or just fat. Here are the practical tips most guides leave out:
- Do not replace meals. Mass gainers supplement your diet — they do not replace whole food. Continue eating balanced meals with real protein sources, vegetables, and complex carbs. Use the gainer to fill caloric gaps between meals or as a post-workout shake.
- Split large servings. If your gainer provides 1,200+ calories per serving, drink half in the morning and half post-workout (or at another point in the day). Your body can only absorb so many nutrients at once, and splitting servings reduces bloating and improves overall utilization.
- Mix with whole milk for maximum gains. Using whole milk instead of water adds roughly 300 additional calories and 16g of protein per serving. For hard gainers, this is an easy win.
- Pair with a structured training program. A caloric surplus without progressive resistance training will add fat, not muscle. Make sure you are following a structured hypertrophy or strength program that gives your body a reason to use those extra calories for muscle tissue.
- Track your progress weekly. Weigh yourself at the same time each morning (after using the bathroom, before eating) and track the trend. Aim for 0.5-1 lb of weight gain per week. If you are gaining faster than that, you are likely adding unnecessary fat. If you are not gaining at all, increase your serving or add a second shake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a mass gainer if I am trying to stay lean?
Yes, but you need to be strategic about it. Choose a lower-calorie option like Transparent Labs (750 cal/serving), use half servings, and track your total daily calorie intake carefully. The goal is a modest surplus of 200-300 calories above maintenance — enough to support muscle growth without significant fat gain. Pair it with a structured training program and adjust your serving size based on weekly weigh-ins. If you are gaining more than 1 lb per week, cut back the serving.
When is the best time to drink a mass gainer?
The two most effective times are post-workout and between meals. Post-workout is ideal because your muscles are primed for nutrient uptake, and the high carb content replenishes glycogen stores while the protein kicks off muscle repair. Between meals (mid-morning or mid-afternoon) is the second-best option, as it prevents long gaps without nutrition and keeps your caloric intake consistent throughout the day. Avoid taking a full serving right before bed unless you are using a slow-digesting formula, as the heavy carb load can disrupt sleep quality.
What is the difference between a mass gainer and a protein powder?
The primary difference is calories. A standard protein powder typically provides 120-180 calories and 25-30g of protein per serving with minimal carbs and fat. A mass gainer delivers 600-2,000 calories per serving with 40-60g of protein, 100-250g of carbs, and additional fats. Protein powders are for adding protein without extra calories. Mass gainers are for adding protein AND substantial calories when you need to eat more than whole food alone allows.
Are mass gainers safe to take every day?
For healthy men without underlying medical conditions, yes. Mass gainers use the same ingredients you would find in whole foods — protein, carbohydrates, and fats — just in concentrated form. That said, you should cycle your usage based on your current goals. During a dedicated bulking phase (typically 12-16 weeks), daily use makes sense. During maintenance or cutting phases, scale back or switch to a standard protein powder. Always consult your physician if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions that affect how your body processes macronutrients.
Do mass gainers cause fat gain?
Mass gainers themselves do not cause fat gain — a caloric surplus causes fat gain. Mass gainers just make it easier to achieve a surplus. If you consume more total calories than your body needs for maintenance plus muscle growth, the excess will be stored as fat regardless of whether those calories come from a mass gainer, chicken breast, or pasta. The key is calibrating your total intake (food plus supplements) to create a moderate surplus of 300-500 calories above your TDEE, paired with consistent resistance training. This is why we recommend weekly weigh-ins and serving adjustments.
The Bottom Line
For men who struggle to gain weight or need caloric support during a bulking phase, a quality mass gainer is one of the most practical supplements you can add to your stack. Our top pick, Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, stands out for its ingredient transparency, clean formulation, and grass-fed protein source. For maximum calorie density, Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass remains the industry benchmark. And for budget-conscious lifters, Dymatize Super Mass Gainer delivers exceptional value with the added benefit of digestive enzymes.
Whichever product you choose, remember that a mass gainer is a tool — not a shortcut. Pair it with a structured resistance training program, adequate sleep (7-9 hours), and a balanced whole-food diet for the best results. If you are building a complete supplement stack for size and strength, check out our guides on the best protein powders, creatine supplements, and amino acid and BCAA supplements to round out your program.
Browse all of our reviewed mass gainer products in the Mass Gainers category.