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Best Mass Gainer Supplements Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Product Purity
Protein is one of the most important ingredients in any mass gainer supplement, and as such the quality of that protein must be top notch in order for it to be considered for this list. There are many different types of protein out there, some healthier than others. The two most famous proteins, mostly because they’re considered the healthiest, are Whey and Casein.
If a mass gainer supplement is worth your time and money, they will most definitely have either or both of these proteins in their formula somewhere in some form. Proteins feed your muscles, they keep you going for longer stretches of time, and if you’re smart enough to ingest the best kinds on a regular basis, they’re healthier than a lot of vegetables we could name. So, when you’re looking for a good supplement that is lousy with proteins, you should make sure that you’re buying the right kinds.
Taste
Most health nuts reading this may be, if not rolling their eyes, at least darting them to the upper right end in preparation for a perfectly timed roll. Health junkies who love supplements like these are programmed to be all right ingesting food they don’t quite like and probably wouldn’t even touch if it wasn’t good for them.
However, the taste is still important, for one, it’s an excellent motivator. The best motivator, in fact, for something like this. Most of us, too many of us actually, have to force ourselves or bribe ourselves to eat something healthy because it just objectively does not taste as good as the other stuff. However, if something good for you were to taste delicious, then you won’t need any convincing at all to eat or drink it, you’ll just do it because you enjoy doing it. And that’s why taste is so important a criteria.
Potency
But, of course, you can’t just throw proteins and carbohydrates into a bowl and call it a day, it needs some actual substance to it in order to differentiate from the other 200 supplements in the vitamin aisle vying for the same customer’s attention. This is where additional ingredients come in, which can be potentially vital in increasing the effects of the supplement.
But this is a tricky game, and it’s understandable not to know the rules. After all, no one knows every name of every fiber, protein, and carbohydrate under the sun unless you’re getting paid 5 figures a year to know. However, people who do know post about what they know online all the time, so with a little bit of research, you can quickly figure out for yourself if the 17-syllable protein in the ingredients section is actually good for you or not.
Effectiveness
The thing about supplements is that they can control your appetite if they take too long to be digested. This is because, even in liquid form, once digestion begins, your brain registers just how much material it just took in and concluded that it must be full. It can also be due to the proteins and other ingredients used in the formula itself.
You generally want the supplement to digest faster because that means that the supplement’s effects will take hold in your body faster. However, you don’t want it to digest too fast, because then the body has no more of the boosting nutrients to draw from, and the countdown to when the effects wear off begins. This is why so many supplements will tell you to take them immediately before you start your workout. So that you can take as much advantage of its effects as long as possible. As with all things, it’s all about finding just the right balance between everything so you can get the best experience possible.
bets Mass Gainer Supplements
1. Optimum Nutrition Pro
In our first-place entry is Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer. A lot of supplement companies take advantage of how little oversight there really is on this stuff to essentially peddle modern day snake oil. However, Optimum Nutrition is one of the good guys, putting out legitimate supplements that really work. As we will now demonstrate.
Satisfies, not eliminates, appetite
There’s a big difference between satisfying your appetite and suppressing it entirely. A difference that Pro Gainer understands all too well, as this supplement is guaranteed to leave your appetite mostly untouched, but only if you’re actually hungry. Otherwise, your cravings and need for snacks after you’ve just eaten will be a thing of the past.
High-quality proteins
This supplement may seem like it’s stiffing you in the protein department. However, do not be discouraged, as this supplement simply chooses to go for quality over quantity. Too many otherwise helpful proteins at once can actually cancel out all of their effects at once. So pro gain only makes sure to add in the proteins that will be the most effective, including a 60-gram dosage of premium muscle building proteins.
Cost and Value
The price of one of these supplements will usually vary depending on whether or not the supplement in question can be found in stores, or if it has to be bought online. Optimum Nutrition is primarily bought online, so the price is somewhat steep on average.
2. CytoSports Cytogainer
In our second place slot goes CytoSports Cytogainer Protein Powder. If you’ve been trying and failing to reach or maintain your target size, then this product was specifically made to address your needs. This is what you go for when you need protein and carbs, without all that sugar that would otherwise hold you back.
Tastes great
Yes, this is a priority. Yes, it is important that a supplement strive to be healthy first and foremost, and that you need to focus on powering through a strong taste for something that’s good for you. However, what’s so wrong about something that’s good for you, and actually tastes good? And with two flavors, either chocolate or vanilla shake, you’ll be even more motivated to take this supplement, due to the fact that you don’t feel like vomiting afterward.
Replenishes muscle and liver glycogen
The glycogens in your muscles and liver tend to burn away when you work out, especially if you actually do it right. Which is why this supplement helps those glycogens replenish themselves after a hectic workout, so you can retain a healthy amount of body weight and even help you get back at the top of your game faster.
Cost and Value
This supplement is a good bit more affordable than the previous entry, but it’s still relatively pricey. Though, not unreasonably so, which is a definite point in its favor.
3. Universal Nutrition Real Gains
Finishing up our top 3 entries, we have Universal Nutrition Real Gains Weight Gainer. Whether you’re packing on the mass to make some extra weight, or if you’re just bulking up for the offseason when you take it easy, this 600+ calorie per serving supplement is for you. Of course, that’s not the only reason it’s here.
Easily digestible
One problem the common consumer has with these sorts of supplements is that they are often rather hard or at least long to digest. However, this supplement’s formula includes such additives as fiber and inulin, which are notoriously good at kicking your stomach into high gear and making it digest faster and easier.
Dense in nutrients
The aim of a mass gainer supplement is not to make you fat, it’s simply to add on some body mass when you’re overdoing it with the weight loss. The difference in adding mass and getting fat is that supplements like this use specifically chosen fats from EFA’s and MCT’s, which are healthier than most other fats, to perform the supplement’s function while keeping things nutritious.
Cost and Value
While not exactly cheap, none of the entries on this list really are, it’s cheap enough to be considered a great deal for what it’s offering you.
4. Modern Man Products
In our #4 spot, we have Modern Man Products Mass Building Supplement. Other supplement companies might be better all around, but MMP’s supplement is one of the most hyper-focused on mass gaining supplements out there right now. So, what does that translate into? Let us explain.
Turns food into real muscle
One of the many reasons our bodies consume food is that everything that’s edible to us contains some kind of proteins that can then be converted into fuel for our bodies and muscles. Some are better than others, obviously, but the point is, this supplement helps to increase the food to fuel process to its limit. Meaning your body, once hopped up on this supplement, will bring as many helpful proteins out of every meal as it possibly can.
Keeps you pumped throughout the day
We’ve all been there. You know you need to exercise, and you desperately want to, but every inch of your body feels like it’s either in a vice or under a thousand pound weight, you didn’t get enough sleep last night or the night before, and you’re pretty sure you left the sink on all night and now your water bill hates you. You aren’t exactly chomping at the bit, basically. Fortunately, through natural enhancement via premium nitric oxide and a mix of arginase inhibitors, this supplement maximizes your blood flow and your muscle growth, giving you the energy to spare.
Cost and Value
This supplement isn’t more expensive than the previous entries, but it is definitely up there. Though, with these sorts of supplements, a high price tag is just something you have to expect.
5. Build-XT Muscle Builder
In the #5 slot, we have Build-XT Muscle Builder. It’s here where we take a break from the powders and the shakes, and instead look at another form of supplements; veggie pills. Many people prefer the pill form of these supplements, simply because even if they taste bad, you can just swallow them, and you’re done, whereas a shake stays in your mouth for a long time. But convenience is not the only reason these pills are on the list.
Science-backed muscle builder
Whereas the other entries do work, but by using ingredients and means that were before then unproven as solutions, this is the first ever muscle building supplement to be completely comprised of ingredients officially proven by science to help build lean muscle. Proving definitively that it really is nice to have science on your side.
Peak performance
So, what do these science-backed ingredients accomplish for you? Simple, they increase your oxygen uptake, your blood flow, as well as general strength and stamina. Meaning that taking this before a big workout almost guarantees that you are going to absolutely kill it out there, and not feel like your arms and legs just ran a triathlon through Mordor.
Cost and Value
On the one hand, the price of this supplement is actually pretty affordable, about half, in fact, of the 3rd entry. However, you’re also getting a smaller quantity in the tradeoff, so if you want this bottle to last you a while, you’re in for an issue.
6. Naked Nutrition All-Natural
In our #6 place, we have Naked Nutrition with their All-Natural Weight Gainer. Unlike other supplements on this list, you don’t take this supplement at the start of your day or before a workout, you’re actually supposed to take it before bed with your dinner. What benefits does this lead to? Read on to find out.
Only three ingredients
It may shock you to learn this, but there are only three ingredients used to make this supplement. Those ingredients include Naked Whey, Naked Casein, and natural tapioca maltodextrin. This combination produces an optimal ratio of complex carbohydrates and multi-phase proteins, which help preserve your lean mass. And since this supplement uses naturally gluten-free tapioca, it’s completely without sweeteners.
Increases protein synthesis
One of the most important processes your body performs every day is protein synthesis. Every aspect of your body’s inner workings, including your DNA and RNA, relies on this process running at optimal capacity. Which is why this supplement includes plenty of clean, multi-phase proteins, which provides the healthy amino acids that your body needs to synthesize its proteins at optimal capacity throughout the day.
Cost and Value
The main problem with this supplement is the price. It’s not the highest price on this list but considering how little in quantity you’re given per serving, the price becomes less justified.
7. BSN True-Mass
Being an athlete with an above average caloric demand can be tough. It can make you feel inadequate due to the fact that you need to constantly be taking in calories just to be able to play the sport optimally. Well, if this problem describes you, then you’ve found the exact right supplement for you, friend.
6 Premium protein sources
There are 6 premium protein sources that any true protein supplement must tap into the majority of at least, in order to do what they’re trying so hard to convince you they can do. This supplement, on the other hand, draws from all 6 at once, leading to maximum effectiveness.
Ideal for recovery
This is definitely a shake that you want to slurp down when you need to get back in that ring and kick some butt. Boasting over 700 calories per serving, this supplement not only makes a deliciously smooth shake with basically none of the chalky feeling you get from other supplements, but it also gets you right back in that game as if you never left.
Cost and Value
This supplement is an interesting one because it sits smack dab in the middle between being affordable and being pricey. And we do mean straddling the line, so if its general price fits into your budget, then this will seem like a steal.
8. MuscleTech
Kicking off our final 3 entries, we have MuscleTech Mass Tech Supplement. This is an advanced muscle mass gainer designed specifically for those who have a hard time of it when trying to add some size to their bodies. So how does it go about accomplishing this? Let’s take a quick look and find out.
More protein
Unlike MuscleTech’s previous forays into making mass gainer supplements, this one uses significantly more protein than previously. Managing to find the right balance, at last, Mass Tech is one of the most protein dense supplements on the market right now, at a whopping 63G of protein.
More calories
Not only does this new supplement formula have more protein than previously, but it also has substantially more calories than before. The calorie count on this supplement tops out at exactly 840 calories per serving. And before you start thinking that MuscleTech is actively trying to give you a heart attack, these calories are derived from healthy, high-quality proteins and carbohydrates.
Cost and Value
Unlike the previous entry, this one sits very firmly on the expensive end of the spectrum, but thankfully it at least has the quantity to match the price, so it stings a bit less.
9. Dymatize Super
In our second to final entry, we have Dymatize Super Mass Gainer. This isn’t as well known a brand of supplement as other entries on this list are, but thankfully, it’s one of the most affordable entries on this list, and it has plenty more going for it that earn it a place on this list.
Continuously feeds your muscles
One of the many things that are keeping you from gaining or maintaining mass without outside help is that you likely have an above average metabolism, meaning you burn through nutrients and proteins a lot faster than other people. Fortunately, this supplement provides constant fuel to your fire by continuously feeding nutrients into your muscles. Keeping you active longer and getting you back to full strength faster.
Mixes easily
This may seem strange to put here, but one of the most important things we believe anything meant to mix with liquids into a shake must achieve is ease of mixing. And this supplement very easily mixes into any liquid you pair it with, even water. Making for a smooth, creamy shake that will be just what you’re looking for.
Cost and Value
As we said, this is easily one of the most affordable entries on this entire list, so if budget is what you’re looking for, while still getting a decent product out of the bargain, then this is the supplement for you.
10. MusclePharm Combat XL
In our final entry, we have our #10 pick, MusclePharm’s Combat XL Mass Gainer Powder. Now, this may come as a shock to some of you, especially those who have friends who use these sorts of supplements because many declare it to be their favorite. And while we will not dispute people for what works for them, we just found that the other 9 on this list were better. However, it does deserve to be here.
Sustained energy
This supplement is meant to be taken as a nutrient shake between meals, especially after you finish a workout routine. Now, if you have anything else to do that day, you can go at it with the same energy that you used for the workout, as this supplement will sustain your energy nigh indefinitely throughout the day.
Incredible support to the rebuilding process
Not only does it give you back your energy, but it also replenishes your muscles after a tough workout wore them out. This formula’s mix of complex carbohydrates, muscle building proteins, and other supporting ingredients, help to speed up the rebuilding process shockingly quickly.
Cost and Value
The best part about this product is its price, which is likely the lowest price on this list. So, if you want highly affordable, and perfectly adequate support, then this is the supplement you’ve been looking for.
Sources
- , Best Mass Gainers, Webpage
- , Top Ten Weight Gainers, Webpage
