Best Mass Gainers of 2025, Tested by Personal Trainers
By 
Building quality muscle requires more than just consistent training; it demands a well-structured nutritional strategy that creates a sustained caloric surplus. This is where mass gainer supplements become invaluable, especially for individuals who struggle to consume sufficient calories through whole foods alone. Mass gainers provide a concentrated solution, often delivering hundreds to thousands of calories in a single serving, which can be consumed quickly and conveniently in the form of a shake. They typically combine ample protein, carbohydrates, and sometimes fats, supporting muscle growth, recovery, and the overall caloric demands of intense training regimens.
Selecting the best mass gainer supplement depends on a combination of factors, each tailored to match particular fitness goals and dietary preferences. One of the standout products in this market is Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, recognized for its ingredient transparency and high-quality, naturally sourced components. It provides 760 calories per serving and includes 53 grams of protein, predominantly from natural sources like sweet potato, with zero added sugar and the added benefit of 3 grams of creatine monohydrate. The inclusion of VitaFiber, a plant-based fiber, can aid digestion, a helpful feature since mass gainers’ high caloric load often overwhelms digestion for some users. Its flavors, such as Sweet Vanilla and Chocolate Donut, are well-received by users seeking a shake they can look forward to rather than tolerate. While the supplement is more costly and high in cholesterol, its gluten-free and non-GMO qualities, along with a clean ingredient panel, justify the investment for those prioritizing purity and taste.
Not everyone requires extremely high-calorie supplements. For those aiming for a smaller but still effective caloric surplus, products like Huel Black Edition are a suitable option. As a plant-based shake that doubles as a nutritional meal replacement, it delivers 400 calories and 40 grams of protein per serving, using a blend of pea, flaxseed, and brown rice proteins for a complete amino acid profile. Its significant appeal is not just for vegans or plant-based eaters but for anyone desiring a balanced protein shake with all essential vitamins and minerals, without artificial sweeteners or gluten. While it cannot match the calorie density of traditional mass gainers, it fills the gap as a “mass gainer protein powder” for those who benefit from incremental calorie increases instead of a massive surplus.
Individuals with lower caloric needs or smaller frames often find that conventional mass gainers, which can deliver over 1,000 calories per serving, are excessive. For these users, Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer provides a balanced alternative with 488 calories, 55 grams of carbohydrates, and 40 grams of protein in a manageable four-scoop serving. It uses low sugar content and natural ingredients, and its inclusion of Digezyme helps counteract potential digestive issues. However, it is on the expensive side, especially given its similar protein content to other products that are independently third-party tested. Its thick consistency is noted by users, with blending rather than shaking being the preferred preparation method.
For plant-based consumers seeking a straightforward, high-calorie muscle-building solution, Naked Nutrition Vegan Naked Mass stands out due to its clean formula, composed of just three ingredients. Each serving delivers 1,230 calories, 50 grams of protein from yellow pea and brown rice, and 248 grams of complex carbohydrates. Its low fat and absence of artificial additives, gluten, GMOs, and soy make it suitable for various dietary restrictions. Though the cost is high and serving sizes are large, it remains a top vegan weight gainer. It is important to note that, while it is rich in essential and branched-chain amino acids, users may still need to supplement BCAAs for optimal protein synthesis.
Including creatine in a mass gainer is a significant value-add for supporting muscle strength and growth, and Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass is a leader here, packing 1,250 calories with a robust 1:5 protein-to-carbohydrate ratio per serving. With 50 grams of protein, 253 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, it is tailored for those who want enhanced muscle and strength outcomes. Though it offers great taste and a comprehensive micronutrient profile, the inclusion of artificial sweeteners may be a drawback for those seeking all-natural products. Its texture is best managed using a blender, and its sweetness may not suit all palates.
On the natural side, Naked Nutrition Mass appeals to those seeking mass gainers with the fewest possible additives. This supplement offers 1,250 calories per serving with an excellent macronutrient split and is composed only of whey protein, micellar casein, and organic maltodextrin. The simplicity of its ingredient list and absence of artificial flavors, growth hormones, and added sugars ensure that users get a clean bulk. It does not include creatine, so those desiring that boost will need to supplement it separately. Users find its unflavored option neutral, making it easily mixable with other shakes or smoothies.
For those seeking rapid calorie intake, Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is one of the highest-calorie options, offering up to 1,310 calories, 52 grams of protein, and nearly 250 grams of carbohydrates per serving. It features both fast- and slow-absorbing proteins and is appreciated for its taste and inclusion of BCAAs. Large servings and high sugar content make it best for serious mass-building phases, while its vitamin and mineral content is modest, requiring users to supplement accordingly.
If lean muscle gain is the goal, Muscle Milk Pro Series provides a lower-calorie option at 310 calories per serving, focusing more on high protein content and moderate carbs. Its balanced protein-to-carb ratio promotes lean mass without excessive fat gain, and its certifications provide assurance of quality and label accuracy. Reviewers score it highly for taste and solubility, making it practical for everyday use.
Budget shoppers are not left without options. Mutant Mass is an affordable, high-calorie mass gainer that blends multiple protein sources with whole foods like oats and sweet potatoes. Though it contains some thickeners and artificial ingredients, its taste is praised and it provides 550 calories and 28 grams of protein at a lower cost per serving, making it ideal for cost-conscious athletes.
Those following a high-carb dietary protocol will benefit from MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000. Each serving boasts an extraordinary 2,110 calories, with over 450 grams of carbohydrates and 60 grams of protein. This formula also includes creatine and BCAAs for muscle support, but its very high serving size and thickness make it challenging to consume. Due to its excessive calorie content, it is best reserved for users with high energy demands or those intentionally seeking rapid mass gain.
For beginners, Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer is recommended for its balanced approach, clean ingredients, and manageable 560 calories per serving. The ratio of protein to carbs supports lean mass development without extreme bulk, and its taste and mixability are well received by those new to mass gain supplements.
Ultimately, mass gainers are most beneficial for bodybuilders, powerlifters, athletes in weight-class sports, and hard gainers who struggle to consume a caloric surplus through whole foods. However, they may not be suitable for those with certain health issues or gastrointestinal conditions due to their dense calorie and nutrient content. The effectiveness of any mass gainer depends on its integration into a larger nutritional and training plan, making proper selection and individualized use essential. When choosing a mass gainer, factors such as caloric needs, protein and carb ratios, ingredient quality, cost per serving, mixability, taste, and dietary restrictions should all be considered to ensure the supplement effectively supports the individual’s muscle-building and performance goals.
