In college, I was the skinny guy the big boys would pick on. I would see them coming across the hallway and I would scatter. My dating life was non-existent. My self-esteem was at an all-time low.
I needed to change.
Firstly, I had to work on my self-confidence. This entailed going through several motivational programs. Then I had to gain weight – fast.
To gain weight you need to consume more calories than your body burns. This means filling your diet with more proteins and carbs. This works great for many people but it fails to produce concrete results if you have a high metabolic rate.
The other problem is not everyone has the time to consume more than three meals a day to gain weight. Enter weight gain powders…
These allow you to take in more calories than normal. The powders are consumed as shakes and this contributes to fast absorption rates, unlike solid foods. Most of the weight gainers powders contain more than 1200 kcal per serving.
In this review, I show you some incredible weight gainers powders that you should try out.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=list]1. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
When it comes to supplements, Optimum Nutrition leads the pack in regards to quality. To move from skinny guy to having the perfect muscled body you need two things – exercise and more calories. Optimum Nutrition packs 50g of proteins and 252g of carbs per serving. This adds 1250 kcal, enough to see your weight skyrocket.
This powder goes well after a strenuous workout when your muscles are worn-out. But, it comes with 20g of sugar which means you need to control it at some point. In addition, Optimum Nutrition haς used high-GI refined carbs which means you need to carefully watch your sugar intake.
The product comes in a plastic bag, which means you may need to transfer it to an air-tight container after opening it. You also run the risk of accidentally ripping the bag. Also, due to the lack of flavors, some may take time to get used to the tasteless powder.
Pros
- High-calorie content
- Helps in replenishing worn-out muscles
- High sugar content
Cons
- Poor packing
- Lacks flavor
2. Naked Mass
When compared to other weight gainers in the market, Naked Mass stands out due to its use of low sodium, artificial sugars, and 2.5g of fat. This means you can comfortably gain muscle mass without it being converted into fat.
But, that does not mean it does not deliver a bunch when it comes to calories. Naked Mass contains 50g proteins and 252g carbs that deliver an impressive 1250 kcal.
This is more than enough to jumpstart any weight gain program.
The carb uses is also the healthier type – low GI, gluten-free organic tapioca Maltodextrin. This is the best way to start your day before an intensive time at the gym.
Pros
- Healthy carbs
- Low-fat content
- Low on sodium and sugar
Cons
- Lacks flavor
3. Evlution Nutrition Protein gainer
When it comes to proteins, you need to find a product that leads to fast absorption. Evlution Protein gainer is made from whey protein as opposed to casein found in other weight gainers. For every serving of 328g, you 50g of protein, 5g of fat and 250g of carbs.
Together this provides 1250 kcal.
One of the disadvantages of most protein weight gainers is that the taste takes time to get used. Evlution takes care of this by making the product available in both chocolate and vanilla ice cream flavors. The product will support your muscle growth process, prolong protein synthesis, help in muscle recovery after a strenuous workout, and help in muscle strength.
Evlution nutrition also comes with lactase and amino gen digestive enzymes blends. The powder dissolves well and does not clump up during mixing.
Pros
- Great flavors
- Digestive enzymes to boost absorption
- Boosts muscle recovery time
Cons
- Need more of it
4. MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000
If you are tired of constantly visiting the local supermarkets for a refill of your favorite weight gainer, then the Mass Tech saves you this hassle. It comes in a gigantic container that lets you enjoy 6 scoops of 500g each.
In each scoop, you have 63g of protein, 384g of carbs and less than 5g of fat. This delivers a massive 1830 kcal. With these numbers working for you, your goal of gaining weight is guaranteed.
For flavors, you have a triple chocolate brownie. This is the kind of weight protein gainer for a person willing to gain weight fast. The biggest problem comes with how your body will absorb all those carbs. If you find the calorie overload a bit too much then ensure you engage in some strenuous exercises.
Pros
- High-calorie content
- Low fat
- Long-lasting container
Cons
- You fill up really fast
5. BNS True Mass 1200
Available in chocolate, strawberry, and cookies cream flavors, this is the right shake to kick-start your workout. Besides, the amazing flavors it delivers 1210 kcal through 50g of proteins, and 213g of carbs. The fat content is a bit high at 17g when compared to other similar products in the market.
The BNS True Mass proteins come from casein, egg, and whey. The latter ensures fast absorption rates. However, you need to watch out that you do not suffer from diabetes as the carbs are made from Maltodextrin.
The weight gainer comes in an amazing vanilla flavor that makes it easy to swallow after a workout. The 10 lbs bag provides you with 15 servings, which you can easily blend for muscle replenishment. The product ensures you gain muscle mass, without fat increases. You may feel a bit bloated after taking the shake but this is normal with most weight gainers powders.
Pros
- Good mix of carbs and proteins
- Great vanilla flavor
- Package gives you enough scoops
Cons
- Can leave you feeling bloated
6. Dynamite Super Mass Gainer
This is another top calorie weight powder that packs an impressive 1300 kcal from 52g, of protein, 254 carbs, and 10g of fats. This is enough to make a difference for any skinny guy. Dynamite super mass gainer is available in four great flavors.
Dynamite super mass gainer allows you to absorb large calories without going through the hassle of cooking and gobbling down your meals. It is ideal for those people who want to gain weight fast without the need to increase the number of their meals. Most of the calories in this compound are supplied by the huge carb content. This is an ideal shake for those who have fast metabolic rates.
You also get a small serving of creatine – 1.5g – which works wonders in muscle repair and absorption of carbs. Proteins are through whey isolate and hydrolysate which ensures that it is absorbed in the body fast.
It can be hard to swallow the shake but you can lighten it by mixing two scoops of the shake with 24oz of water. Some people may add some skimmed milk but this adds to the calorie content you are receiving.
To help in fat processing, you have a healthy dose of lipase, protease, and lactase. It is recommended that you start with small servings as you wait for your stomach to adjust to these enzymes.
Pros
- Great content mix
- Healthy enzymes for fat digestion
- High-calorie content
Cons
- Maybe cause stomach discomfort
7. Universal Nutrition Real Gains
There are those who may find the mass weight gainers a bit too much for them. If you are looking at adding less than 600 calories then Real Gains from Universal Nutrition is an ideal choice. Here you get 84g of carbs, 53g of proteins, and 6g of fat. This offers a total of 600 kcal.
With the increased calorie content you should see yourself gaining some lean muscle mass.
When it comes to carbs, Universal Nutrition has gone with Maltodextrin, which is better to digest without leading to a lot of fat storage. If the calories are low you can add some skimmed milk, bananas or any other high carb content meal. However, not that this will make the shake heavier.
This is the kind of shake for those with low metabolic rates or someone who has been adding fat gradually. Compared to most shakes in the market, the real gains have a better flavor and taste.
Pros
- Cleaner ingredients
- Tastes good
- High protein content
Cons
- Come become too thick when mixing
8. Muscle Milk Gainer
If you are afraid of the added sugars in most weight gainer powders then you do need to worry about this one. The muscle milk gainer has a low sugar content of 5g. In addition, you get 32g of proteins, 110g of carbs, and 9g of fat. This adds up to 650 calories.
As you can see the protein content is low but the carbs high. You will need to supplement your diet with some steak or fish.
Due to the high carb content, you can take this shake after a strenuous exercise. This will help in boosting your spend energy reserves and in muscle recovery.
The high processed nutrients – including maltodextrin – means some people will shy away from the product. However, it is a great weight gainer powder to supplement your carb content when you do not have time to cook meals.
Pros
- High carb content
- Great flavor
- Low sugar content
Cons
- Insufficient protein content
Factors to consider when purchasing weight gainer powder
Weight gainers are there for those individuals who want to gain weight fast without consuming too many natural foods. For some people, they have fast metabolic rates that make their bodies burn more foods than they consume.
In other cases, individuals do not have the time to cook and increase their meals.
You need to be extremely careful when selecting supplements because some contain unusual amounts of synthetic ingredients that can cause harm to your body.
Ingredients
This is the first thing you will need to look at. Weight gainers powders supply 600 to over 2000 calories. You have a large content of proteins and carbs with minimal fat content.
The proteins are either whey or casein proteins with the carbs coming from either dextrose or maltodextrin. You need to determine how these top ingredients influence absorption rates.
There should also be a reasonable macro split of proteins and carbs. Most of the weight gainers have 50g of proteins and 200 to 250g of carbs. Fats are usually less than 10g.
The product sheets at the back of the container will show you all the ingredients used on the product. Firstly, you need to calculate how much weight you need to gain. This will then determine the calories to go for. Weight gainer powders’ way of serving is by scoops.
Each product has recommendations on how much you need for each serving. If you are looking at boosting your calorie levels, then you can add some skimmed milk or water to thin the mixture.
It is imperative that you get all your nutrients from multiple sources. Find a shake that comes with vitamins and minerals. This will offer you great value for money. It’s not all about calories as your body needs some minerals and enzymes to enhance absorption rates. Some ingredients even prevent fat buildup.
Flavor
When purchasing any shake you need to factor in the flavor. Since you will be taking this before or after a workout you need something that can easily go down your throat.
Note that most weight gainers do not have an amazing taste, but some brands have done an impressive job of mixing the powders with flavors like vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. Find a shake that tastes nice as you are going to be taking the mix daily.
Affordability
Whatever product you purchase should be within your budget. It should offer value for money by letting you get the necessary nutrient content per serving. Most of the weight gainers in the market are not cheap, so you need to set aside some money.
The cheapest products may not necessarily be the best as you may find it hard to digest due to the blunt taste. The most expensive products could come with attractive packaging and a powerful brand name but offer a poor macro calorie mix. It is not easy finding the ideal but checking out online reviews of products can influence your choice.
How much calories to take
Weight gainers come in a variety of calorie amounts ranging from 500 to 2000 kcal. They are designed to supplement an existing diet. The number of calories you go for will be determined by how fast your metabolic rate is and whether you have the time to consume more natural meals per day.
The problem with skinny guys weight gain programs is that they are coming from a place of a calorie deficiency. This means while their target would be to consume 500 kcal per day they need to double this to compensate for the loss of fat.
In addition, someone on a weight gaining program is also doing many exercises that also require additional calories. Calorie calculators will guide the number of calories to add up to your diet to achieve the right body physique.
Grass-fed whey proteins: it has been revealed that cows that feed on grass instead of grain tend to produce beef that has low fats, high vitamin E and A content and has many antioxidants.
The grass-fed proteins also contain healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids and are known to improve general health. When looking for a weight gainer supplement find one whose proteins are from grass-fed cows.
Creatine: it is common to find many supplements having this ingredient. It goes mostly by the name creatine monohydrate. The compound is mostly found in seafood and red meat. Creatine is a non-protein amino acid. It is responsible for energy levels in the body. When used during exercise it plays a vital role in muscle recovery and increased strength.
Besides, weight gain most skinny guys are also interested in building their physique. In this regard, you have to avoid any forms of unhealthy sugars and carbohydrates. When preparing your shakes, include some high-quality carbs like fruits, oats, bananas, and sweet potatoes. This will give you the energy you need without necessarily leading to a sugar rush. Avoid artificial sweeteners, additives, and food dyes.
Benefits of Mass Weight Gainers
When it comes to serving mass weight gainers you will notice that the scoops are large, each having around 300g of powder. Depending on the manufacturer of the product, you can have one or two scoops per serving.
Each bag should take you around two weeks depending on the servings.
People take mass gainers due to the convenience that they offer. If you are looking at gaining over 1000 calories then it can be burdensome to cook all those meals in a day.
It also can be impossible to attain your calorie content when you are traveling. With shakes, all you need is scoop some and mix with water or skimmed milk and you are done.
Besides, people primarily using mass weight gainers for additional calories, the powders are also loaded with some essential nutrients like vitamins, fibers, and other micronutrients. This ensures that you are consuming a fully balanced diet.
When exercising one of the nutrients that are easily used up is glycogen. Glycogen plays a vital role in boosting energy reserves. When you consume carbs, they are latter converted into glycogen which you then use when lifting heavyweights. A high carb diet helps in replenishing any used glycogen in the body.
After an intense workout, your muscles become damaged. That is why you feel tired. To help in muscle recovery after post-workout sessions, you need a high nutrient diet. Weight gainers come with the right amount of proteins, carbs, and minerals to help in this recovery.
Difference protein gainers vs. mass gainers
Most people will find it confusing choosing between the two. Protein gainers as the name suggest boosting your protein intake. They also tend to have lower calorie content unlike the mass gainers – mostly around 100 kcal.
Mass gainers are for those who want to gain weight fast. They will have a mix of carbs, proteins, and fats. The calorie content goes from 500 to 2000 kcal.
When to take your shakes
This is a frequently asked question and the answer is – it will depend on a number of factors. Firstly, how busy are you? If your day is so busy that you will not have enough time for complete meals, then it is prudent you take your shakes during breakfast.
But, the best time to take your weight gainer shake is after a strenuous workout. At this point, your body has spent most of its energy reserves and your muscles need sugars for recovery. It is not recommended to do it before a workout as this will leave your stomach bloated from all the carbs.
If your body has a high metabolic rate and you have low-fat content, you can take the shakes an hour before bedtime. It should not be immediately when going to bed as the excess calories will only be stored as fat.
What you put to your shakes will also depend on how much calorie content you desire to get. If you want more you can mix it with some skimmed milk or bananas. If you want something thin and easy to swallow then use just water. The powders themselves tend to be very thick, so adding more milk to them makes the final product thicker.
Conclusion
When you engage in weight gain program, you come to realize that it is burdensome. You need to add calories fast, but you lack time to fix meals. Weight gainer supplements come with high-calorie content to supplement your diet.
You can take them, first thing in the morning or in the evening. If you discover that you need more calories, you can blend your shake with bananas or skimmed milk. Most of the supplement flavors are off, so this requires you to be particular with the flavor as you will be taking the supplement daily.