BEST MASS GAINERS OF 2025: TOP 7 FOR BULKING UP
Mass gainers are a category of dietary supplements that are high in calories with varying ratios of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) and sometimes contain vitamins, minerals, and added ingredients for athletic performance. They are commonly used to gain weight (for those who may be under their ideal body weight) or gain muscle mass (for those who are working out heavily and want to bulk up).
As a dietitian with a decade of experience in the supplement industry, I chose the best mass gainer protein products based on the following criteria:
- Nutritional Profile: Contains at least 40g of protein and ideally over 700 calories
- Popularity: Sales and customer reviews.
- Flavor & Mixability: It must taste good with minimal clumping. Having multiple flavor options is plus.
- Additional Features: Bonus points for banned substance testing and added ingredients for performance.
DO MASS GAINERS WORK?
When combined with a resistance training program, YES – mass gainers do work. The better question is: HOW do they work?
Bulking up sounds easy, but it can be quite difficult. An increase in muscle mass, or muscular hypertrophy, requires repeatedly challenging the muscles through strength training, causing strain and damage to the muscle fibers. The body responds by repairing the muscle damage and adapts by growing in size and strength. To make this happen, the body needs extra fuel in the form of calories. In fact, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), says “the primary component to optimize training and performance through nutrition is to ensure the athlete is consuming enough calories to offset energy expenditure”.
Folks who work out a few times per week can usually get enough calories through a normal diet. However, athletes involved in moderate to high-intensity training (2-3 hours per day, 5-6 times per week…or more) can burn 600-1200 calories PER HOUR during exercise. Therefore, daily calorie needs can range from 40-70 calories per kilogram of body weight [1]. For a 200-pound person, that’s 3600-6300 calories (while the average person only needs about 2000)!
When it comes to protein, the ISSN recommends 1.4-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily for exercising individuals trying to build muscle mass [2]. That same 200-pound person should consume 127-181 grams of protein per day. To put that into perspective, you’d have to eat 21-30 eggs per day to hit that protein number.
Now I wouldn’t recommend this, but you get the point – consuming adequate calories with the right macronutrient breakdown can be difficult, impractical…and expensive (hello, eggs). That’s where protein powders, protein bars, and protein mass gainers can help. They’re convenient, require little to no preparation, and can be cheaper than some regular meals.
READ MORE: Best Protein Powders of 2025
BEST GAINER FOR BEGINNERS
GNC Total Lean® Appetrex Control™
Nutritional Profile: Calories: 700 | Protein: 50g | Carbs: 115-117g
Additional Features: It’s a no-frills formula and is the most affordable gainer on the list, Banned Substance Tested
Pro Performance® Weight Gainer provides 50g of high-quality protein from fast, medium, and slow-releasing protein sources (whey, soy, and casein) with naturally occurring BCAAs to help reduce muscle breakdown during exercise. It has added medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are quickly absorbed by the body for energy, and a dual carbohydrate system to preserve and replenish energy stores. With just six servings, I liked the small size to make it easy to transport.
For beginners who want to try a gainer, but don’t want to pay a ton of money, Pro Performance Weight Gainer is the best calorie value for your buck.
GNC Total Lean® Appetrex Control™
Nutritional Profile: Total Fat <2 g>
Saturated Fat <0 g>
Total Sugars <0 g>
Iron <8 mg>
Sodium <150 mg>
Total Carbohydrates <3 g>
Dietary fiber <2 g>
Protein <25 g>
Calories <130>
Additional Features: – Suitable for vegetarians
– Chocolate hazelnut flavor with no sugar
– Natural amino acids support muscle growth and repair
– Improve muscle strength and sports performance
AMP Plant Isolate Protein has undergone 8-fold precision processing technology to provide high-quality, pure plant whey protein. Vegan protein provides key natural amino acids to help support muscle growth and repair, improve muscle strength and exercise performance. The plant based formula is also suitable for vegetarians.Broad Bean Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein Isolate, Inulin, Cocoa (Alkali Treatment), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Xanthan Gum, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Guar Gum, Salt
