Introduction
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: It can be as frustrating to struggle to gain weight as it is to struggle to lose it. If you’ve been pounding plates and lifting weights but the scale won’t budge, you’re not alone. Among the most practical and efficient solutions? Protein shakes for weight gain. These power-packed drinks offer a calorie-dense, nutrient-rich option that supports muscle growth, recovery, and overall mass gain. Whether you’re a hard gainer, an athlete in a bulking phase, or recovering from illness, a good protein shake can be a total game changer.
Let’s dive into the top 10 protein shakes for weight gain in 2025 that fitness pros and everyday lifters are raving about. We’ll look at ingredients, calories, protein content, flavors, pricing, and real user feedback so you can pick the one that matches your goals.
1. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass – The Calorie King
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: If you’re serious about getting bigger, this protein shakes for weight gain does not mess around. With a massive 1,250 calories per serving, 50g of protein, and more than 250g of carbohydrates, Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass is a heavyweight champion. It is a complete meal replacement because it is packed with vital vitamins and minerals.
Key Features:
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1,250 calories and 50g protein per serving
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Added creatine, glutamine, and vitamins
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Ideal for hard gainers and ectomorphs
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Available in multiple flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, and Banana
Why It Works: This shake is perfect for those who need massive calorie surpluses. It’s easy to blend, tastes decent, and doesn’t leave a chalky aftertaste like some high-calorie shakes.
User Feedback: Many users have reported visible gains in 3–4 weeks of consistent use, especially when combined with a strength training program.
2. BSN True Mass – Best for Taste & Texture
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: Tired of choking down thick, bland shakes? BSN True Mass is one of the tastiest protein shakes for weight gain available. With 700+ calories and 46g protein per serving, this one hits the sweet spot for calories and flavor.
Key Features:
- Each dish has 700 calories and 46g of protein.
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Blend of slow and fast-digesting proteins
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Rich and creamy texture
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Great flavors like Chocolate Milkshake and Cookies & Cream
Why It Works: It uses a multi-source protein blend that keeps your muscles fed over time, perfect for nighttime recovery or long periods between meals.
User Feedback: Users love the milkshake-like consistency and flavor. It’s often recommended for people who struggle with appetite due to how easily it goes down.
3. MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass – Best Beef Protein Shake
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: Looking for something lactose-free or tired of whey? Carnivor Mass by MuscleMeds is a beef protein isolate-based shake that’s surprisingly easy to digest and packed with growth-promoting nutrients.
Key Features:
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720 calories and 50g hydrolyzed beef protein
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Contains creatine and BCAAs
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Fast absorption with minimal bloating
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Lactose and sugar-free
Why It Works: It uses an anabolic recovery system that targets insulin spikes for better nutrient delivery, making it excellent post-workout.
User Feedback: Gym-goers report fast muscle fullness and zero stomach discomfort, especially those sensitive to dairy-based proteins.
4. Naked Mass – Cleanest Weight Gainer
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: If you’re big on clean eating and avoiding artificial additives, Naked Mass is the real deal. With just three ingredients (organic tapioca maltodextrin, whey, and casein), it delivers 1,250 calories and 50g protein per serving without fillers.
Key Features:
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Only 3 ingredients, all-natural
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1,250 calories and 50g protein
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No sweeteners, flavors, or additives
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Gluten-free and non-GMO
Why It Works: It’s perfect for people who want a pure, customizable weight gainer. You can blend it with fruits, nut butters, or oats for a homemade mega shake.
User Feedback: Users say it’s the best for clean bulking, and they love how easy it is to personalize their shakes.
5. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer – Muscle Builder’s Favorite
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: Dymatize is known for science-backed supplements, and their Super Mass Gainer is no exception. With 1,280 calories and 52g protein, it’s a favorite among bodybuilders for post-workout recovery and serious size gains.
Key Features:
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High calorie: 1,280 per serving
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52g of protein with added creatine and vitamins
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Loaded with fast-digesting carbs for insulin spikes
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Tastes great and mixes well
Why It Works: It delivers a potent mix of fast carbs and protein, ideal for the anabolic window after heavy training sessions.
User Feedback: Reviewers note consistent weight gain and improved strength after regular use, particularly when taken after workouts.
6. Muscle Tech Mass Tech Extreme 2000 – Ultimate Mass Gainer for Hard Gainers
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: When you need to go all-in on calories, Mass Tech Extreme 2000 from Muscle Tech delivers. With an insane 2,000+ calories per serving (when mixed with milk), this is easily one of the most calorie-dense protein shakes on the market.
Key Features:
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2,110 calories and 80g protein per serving (with milk)
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Contains 400g+ carbs and 10g creatine
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Enhanced with BCAAs and recovery amino acids
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Scientifically formulated for extreme mass gains
Why It Works: Ideal for hard gainers who can’t gain weight despite eating a lot. This shake provides the fuel your body needs to stay in an anabolic state all day long.
User Feedback: Users call this the “nuclear bomb of weight gainers.” Great for those doing high-intensity workouts or anyone struggling to hit their calorie targets.
7. GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 – Budget-Friendly Mass Gainer
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: Want gains without draining your wallet? GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 offers a cost-effective weight gain solution with a decent 1,340 calories and 50g protein per serving.
Key Features:
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1,340 calories and 50g protein
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277g carbs with added BCAAs
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Affordable pricing with frequent deals
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Available in classic flavors like Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate
Why It Works: It gives a solid balance of calories and nutrients for those looking to gain size without breaking the bank.
User Feedback: Budget-conscious lifters love this product. It’s a favorite for students or beginners who want to bulk up affordably.
8. RSP TrueGain – Lean Mass Gainer for Clean Bulking
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: Looking to add muscle, not fat? RSP TrueGain is designed to support lean muscle growth with 570 calories and 52g of premium protein—not overloaded with sugars or filler carbs.
Key Features:
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570 calories and 52g protein
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Added glutamine and BCAAs
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Low in sugar, high in quality carbs
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Ideal for clean bulking and athletes
Why It Works: Perfect for athletes or gym-goers who want controlled weight gain and muscle definition.
User Feedback: Customers report less bloating and fat gain while still seeing progress in lean muscle development. Works great when paired with resistance training.
9. Rule One R1 LBS – Versatile High-Calorie Gainer
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: Rule One R1 LBS is a mass gainer with flexibility. You can adjust the scoop size for more or fewer calories, depending on your needs. At max dose, it delivers 1,280 calories and 40g protein.
Key Features:
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Customizable serving size
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1,280 calories and 40g protein max
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Blends easily without clumps
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Great flavors like Soft Serve Vanilla and Lightly Salted Caramel
Why It Works: It’s great for people who want flexible calorie control and delicious taste with a smooth blend.
User Feedback: Bodybuilders and casual lifters alike praise the flavor and texture. Works well for both beginners and experienced gym rats.
10. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer – Best Natural Option
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: For those looking for a natural and transparent option, this mass gainer is free from artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer provides 750 clean calories with 53g of protein sourced from grass-fed whey.
Key Features:
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750 calories and 53g grass-fed whey protein
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Sweetened with stevia, no artificial additives
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100g+ of complex carbs from organic oats
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Ideal for clean and health-conscious bulking
Why It Works: If you’re into clean eating or have ingredient sensitivities, this one’s for you. It also supports lean muscle mass without sugar crashes.
User Feedback: Users who care about ingredients and quality give this high marks. They notice sustained energy and better digestion compared to traditional gainers.
Conclusion
Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: Finding the best protein shake for weight gain boils down to your goals, budget, and lifestyle. If you’re a hard gainer who needs high-calorie intake, go for options like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass or Mass Tech Extreme 2000. If you’re aiming for clean, lean bulking, then Naked Mass or Transparent Labs Mass Gainer should be your go-to.
Remember, these shakes work best when paired with consistent strength training and a calorie-surplus diet. Start with one shake a day, monitor your progress, and adjust as needed. Within weeks, you’ll see noticeable changes in size, strength, and overall physique.
FAQs
Q1. How many protein shakes should I drink a day to gain weight?
Usually 1–2 shakes per day is sufficient. Combine them with a calorie-dense diet for best results.
Q2. Can I use protein shakes as meal replacements?
Yes, especially high-calorie shakes. Just ensure you’re still getting whole foods to meet your fiber and micronutrient needs.
Q3. What time of day should I drink my protein shake?
Post-workout is ideal, but if you’re trying to gain weight, drinking it between meals or before bed works great too.
Q4. Are there side effects to drinking mass gainer shakes?
Some users report bloating or digestive issues. Start with smaller servings and choose products with natural ingredients to minimize risks.
Q5. Do protein shakes cause fat gain?
Only if your caloric intake exceeds your caloric expenditure. Choose clean gainers with balanced macros to gain lean muscle, not fat.
