Table of Contents
Selecting a mass gainer can be tricky – you want one that supplies your body with quality calories, without burning a gaping hole in your wallet.
Featured in this list are 5 of the best weight gain supplements for those who are on a budget.
5 Best Budget Mass Gainers at A Glance:
- Best Overall: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass 6lb
- Best Bang for Your Buck: BSN True-Mass 1200 10.38lb
- Best for Hard Gainers: Dymatize Super Mass Gainer 6lb
- Best in Flavor Variety: Amazing Muscle Weight Gainer 6lb
- Best in Protein Content: MuscleTech Mass Tech
Comparison Chart
[amazon table=”78004″]
BEST OVERALL: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass 6lb.
- Nutrition per serving:
1250 calories
50g protein
252g carbohydrates
4.5g fat - Number of servings: 8
- Top 3 Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Proprietary Protein Blend (Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Sweet Dairy Whey, Egg Albumen), Cocoa
- Allergen: Milk, Soy, Eggs
- Type: Powder
- Size: 6 LBS ( 2.72KG)
| WHAT WE LIKE + | WHAT WE DON’T LIKE – |
|---|---|
| ✅ Features a blend of fast-, medium-, and slow-digesting protein sources | ❌ Only 8 servings per 6lb tub |
| ✅ Contains 26 vitamins and minerals | |
| ✅ 3g of Creatine monohydrate per serving | |
| ✅ 500mg L-Glutamine per serving | |
| ✅ Available in 5 flavors |
Whenever you hear people talking about mass gainers, Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass will most certainly be brought up – and for good reason.
As its name implies, Serious Mass is all about delivering serious mass-building nutrition for hard gainers.
Just one shake loads your body with a massive 1250 calories, 253g of carbohydrates, and 4g of fat. Its ingredient list also says that it contains Medium Chain Triglycerides, which may help boost your energy levels.
Its carb content features maltodextrin, which is quickly digested and absorbed by the body. This makes way for the quicker delivery of nutrients to your muscle cells, resulting in fast muscle growth and repair after exercise.
Serious Mass provides your body with a whopping 50g of protein. Its Protein Blend features a combination of fast, medium, and slow-digesting proteins – making it a versatile mass gainer that you can take any time of the day:
- Slow (Calcium caseinate)
- Medium (Egg whites)
- Fast (Whey protein concentrate, sweet whey)
Serious Mass takes it a step further by throwing in 3g of creatine monohydrate and 500mg of L-Glutamine to its formula.
Creatine may help prolong exercise endurance and speed up muscle recovery during exercise. L-Glutamine, on the other hand, may help protect against muscle catabolism and wastage after working out.
Serious Mass is available in Creamy Vanilla, Strawberry, Banana, Chocolate, and Chocolate Peanut Butter flavors.
Verdict
| If you are on the hunt for a well-rounded mass gainer that won’t break the bank, Serious Mass won’t disappoint. While it is not exactly the most budget-friendly mass gainer on this list, you get your full money’s worth with its 1250 calories, 50g protein, 253g carbs, and 3g of creatine monohydrate. Trusted by hard gainers all over the world, Serious Mass will make a worthy addition to your mass-gaining regimen. |
BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: BSN True-Mass 1200 10.38lb
- Nutrition per serving:
1228 calories
50g protein
215g carbohydrates
17g fat - Number of servings: 15
- Top 3 Ingredients: Complex Carbohydrate Blend Maltodextrin, Whole Oat Flour, Protein Blend Whey Protein Concentrate
- Type: Powder
- Size: 10.38 LBS ( 4.71 KG)
| WHAT WE LIKE + | WHAT WE DON’T LIKE – |
|---|---|
| ✅ Great value at 15 servings per 10.38lb bag | ❌ Rather high sugar content (19g) |
| ✅ Features a blend of fast- and slow-digesting protein sources | |
| ✅ Available in 4 flavors |
All the mass gainers included in this list cost less than $50 (as of writing), and most of them are offered in 6lb tubs that can yield up to 8 servings. BSN True-Mass 1200 meets the under-$50 criteria, but gives you up to 15 servings with its 10.38lb bag – now that’s true value.
Staying true to its name, True-Mass 1200 provides your body with 1228 calories in each serving. With that many calories per serving, it readily competes with heavyweights in the mass gainer category.
One serving also gives you 215g of carbohydrates and 17g of fat. The carbohydrates used in this mass gainer are in the form of maltodextrin, which is readily digested and absorbed by the body. This type of carbohydrate quickly replenishes depleted energy reserves and delivers nutrients to your muscle cells in less time.
The ingredients list says that it contains Medium Chain Triglycerides, a type of healthy fat that is readily used by the body as an energy source.
True-Mass 1200 also catches your attention with its comprehensive Protein Matrix (50g per serving). It features 8 different protein sources, each one with varied absorption rates:
- Slow (Calcium caseinate, micellar casein)
- Medium (Egg whites)
- Fast (Whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein, glutamine peptides)
BSN True-Mass 1200 is available in Chocolate Milkshake, Strawberry Milkshake, Cookies and Cream, and Vanilla Ice Cream flavors.
Verdict
| If you are looking to maximize the value of your money, BSN True-Mass 1200 is a smart choice. With a slightly higher price tag (but still under $50) than most of the mass gainers featured in this list, you get a large 10.38lb bag -instead of a typical 6lb tub. Packed with massive amounts of calories, fast-digesting carbohydrates, and 8 complete protein sources, True-Mass 1200 holds its ground well against leading mass gainers in the market. |
BEST FOR HARD GAINERS: Dymatize Super Mass Gainer 6lb
- Nutrition per serving:
1280 calories
52g protein
246g carbohydrates
9g fat - Number of servings: 8
- Top 3 Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Protein Blend, Sunflower Cream, Cocoa
- Type: Powder
- Size: 6 LBS ( 2.7KG)
| WHAT WE LIKE + | WHAT WE DON’T LIKE – |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-calorie content | ❌ Rather high sugar content (24g) |
| ✅ Has 17 vitamins and minerals | ❌ Only 8 servings per 6lb tub |
| ✅ Available in 3 flavors | |
| ✅ Features a blend of fast- and slow-digesting protein sources | |
| ✅ 1g creatine monohydrate per serving |
When it comes to building lean weight, it’s all about increasing your daily caloric intake. If calories are what you want, Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is more than ready to give them to you.
Compared to the other names featured in this list, Dymatize Super Mass gainer delivers the highest calories per serving – giving you an admirable 1280 calories in one shake. Adding this mass gainer to your diet can make it easy for you to achieve a caloric surplus each day.
Each serving gives you 9g of fat and 246g of carbohydrates, in the form of maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is digested at a fast rate, allowing you to enjoy fast replenishment of depleted glycogen and quick nutrient delivery to your muscle cells.
Aside from giving you monster amounts of calories, Dymatize Super Mass gainer also supplies you with high amounts of protein (52g per serving).
It features 5 different protein sources (whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, and micellar casein), each one supplying your body with all 9 Essential Amino Acids needed for muscle growth and repair.
This mass gainer takes it up a notch by adding 17 vitamins and minerals to its formula. These nutrients may help bridge any nutritional gaps that might be present in your diet.
You also get 1g of creatine monohydrate, which may not look much, but may also help you muscle your way through high-intensity reps and sets.
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is available in Rich Chocolate, Gourmet Vanilla, and Cookies and Cream flavors.
Verdict
| To grow big, you also need to eat big. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer gives you a massive 1280 calories per serving – that’s roughly the same amount of calories you get by eating 4 single-patty cheeseburgers. Delivering 52g of protein, plus 17 vitamins and minerals, this mass gainer truly deserves a spot on our list. |
BEST IN FLAVOR VARIETY: Amazing Muscle Weight Gainer 6lb
- Nutrition per serving:
1250 calories
50g protein
253g carbohydrates
4g fat - Number of servings: 8
- Ingredients: Whey Protein Gainer
- Type: Powder
- Size: 6 LBS ( 2.72KG)
| WHAT WE LIKE + | WHAT WE DON’T LIKE – |
|---|---|
| ✅ Great value at 15 servings per 10.38lb bag | ❌ Rather high sugar content (20g)- Only 8 servings per 6lb tub |
| ✅ Features a blend of fast-, medium-, and slow-digesting protein sources | |
| ✅ Available in 6 flavors (3 flavors currently available on Amazon) | |
| ✅ 1g of creatine monohydrate and 1g glutamine per serving | |
| ✅ 24 vitamins and minerals |
Aside from supplying you with mass-building calories, a good weight gainer shake should also keep you looking forward to your next serving. Even if you are on a tight budget, that doesn’t mean that you have to make do with a dull-tasting mass gainer shake all the time.
Amazing Muscle Weight Gainer gives you 6 flavor choices to select from – there’s surely one that will make your taste buds jump for joy. This mass gainer is offered in Cookies & Cream, Banana, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Strawberry, and Vanilla flavors. (As of this writing, only Banana, Cookies & Cream, and Vanilla flavors are available on Amazon).
After making your taste buds smile, Amazing Muscle Weight Gainer gets to work in supplying your body with much-needed calories. Each serving delivers an impressive 1,250 calories, 253g of carbohydrates, and 4g of fat.
This mass gainer supplement is ready to roll with the big guys when it comes to protein content. Each serving gives you a sizable 50g of protein per serving, composed of 4 protein sources with varied absorption rates:
- Slow (Calcium caseinate)
- Medium (Egg albumen)
- Fast (Whey protein concentrate, sweet dairy whey)
Its carbohydrate content mainly features maltodextrin, which is quickly absorbed and digested by the body. This makes this mass gainer a suitable shake to consume early in the morning, after exercising, or before you sleep at night.
With 24 vitamins and minerals added to its formula, this mass gainer can help your body meet its daily nutritional needs.
You are also given 1g of creatine monohydrate, 500mg L-Glutamine, and 500mg glutamine peptides in each shake. These work together in speeding up post-workout recovery, increasing muscle volume, and enhancing exercise performance.
Verdict
| With 6 exciting flavors (only 3 flavors available on Amazon) for you to pick from, drinking your mass gainer shake daily won’t be a challenging task. Giving you as much as 1250 calories, 50g of protein, and 253g of carbohydrates per serving, the Amazing Muscle Weight Gainer is an ideal budget mass gainer for everyone, especially for those who have picky taste buds. |
BEST IN PROTEIN CONTENT: MuscleTech Mass Tech 7lb
- Nutrition per serving:
820 calories
60g protein
130g carbohydrates
6g fat - Number of servings: 8
- Top 3 Ingredients: Multi-Phase Carb Complex (Glucose Polymers, Oat Bran (as Avena sativa), Isomaltulose), Multi-Phase Protein System, Cocoa
- Allergen: Milk
- Type: Powder
- Size: 7 LBS ( 3.18KG)
| WHAT WE LIKE + | WHAT WE DON’T LIKE – |
|---|---|
| ✅ Great value at 15 servings per 7lb tub | ❌ Not that high in calories and carbohydrates given per serving |
| ✅ Features a blend of fast- and slow-digesting protein sources | |
| ✅ Available in 4 flavors+ 3g of creatine monohydrate, 9,9g of L-glutamine, and 13.3g of BCAAs | |
| ✅ 24 vitamins and minerals | |
| ✅ Digestive enzyme blend+ Fast- and slow-digesting carbohydrates for sustained nutrient delivery |
When you say you want to grow big, that means transforming your skinny body into a muscular one. To build muscle, you would need to level up your protein intake – and MuscleTech Mass Tech looks more than ready to help you do that.
Compared to the other budget mass gainers on our list, Mass Tech shows off the highest protein content per serving.
One serving gives you 60g of protein, all of which are complete protein sources that deliver a complete lineup of Essential Amino Acids. Its Multi-Phase Protein System includes slow- and fast-digesting proteins, such as whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, whey protein isolate 97%, hydrolyzed whey protein, and whey protein isolate.
With an additional 9.9g of L-glutamine and 13.3g of BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids), Mass Tech looks serious when it comes to building lean muscle.
BCAAs help protect your muscle gains from getting broken down into energy after a long day of working out.
You even get 3g of creatine monohydrate that may help you last longer in the gym and give your muscles a larger appearance.
Calorie-wise, however, Mass Tech may not be the best one on this list. Each serving gives you 820 calories, which is still decent when compared to most weight gainers in the market.
With regards to carbohydrate content, Mass Tech gives you 130g of its Multi-Phase Carb Complex, which is composed of slow- and fast-digesting carbs. This makes it a versatile mass gainer that you can take virtually any time of the day.
The formula is topped off by an Enzyme Digestion Complex (papain and amylase). These digestive enzymes help your body to properly digest, absorb, and utilize all the nutrients included in the formula – which may help prevent the occurrence of gas, bloating, or an upset stomach.
MuscleTech Mass Tech is available in Cookies & Cream, Milk Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla flavors.
Verdict
| While it does not seem to pack the most calories per serving, MuscleTech Mass Tech makes up by loading up 60g of protein in each shake. If you are serious about keeping your muscles on a non-stop growth mode, this mass gainer can help. The added BCAAs, creatine monohydrate, and digestive enzymes also earn this budget mass gainer a spot on the list. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest mass gainer?
All 5 products included in this list are just some of the most affordable, good quality mass gainers available.
Which mass gainer is best for beginners?
For beginners, we suggest choosing one that delivers decent amounts of calories, protein, and carbs. It is also important to choose a mass gainer that agrees with your taste buds and your stomach.
What is the healthiest mass gainer?
If you are looking for a healthy mass gainer, we recommend choosing one that does not contain too much sugar, artificial sweeteners, or banned substances.
What is a weight gainer powder?
A weight gainer is typically a powdered supplement that contains high amounts of calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Some are enhanced with vitamins and minerals, performance-enhancing compounds, and amino acids.
Should I take a mass gainer with milk or water?
If you are looking to further boost the calorie and protein content of your weight gain shake, it would be a good idea to mix it with milk instead of water.
Can I take a mass gainer with hot milk?
Yes, you may mix it with hot milk.
Are weight gainer shakes healthy?
Weight gain shakes are simply supplements that are packed with high amounts of calories, protein, and carbohydrates. Some report to experience indigestion, gas, or bloating when taking a mass gainer.
Should I use a mass gainer for bulking?
Adding a mass gainer to your bulking diet can help you grow in size much faster.
How much water should I drink with a mass gainer?
To create a smooth-textured shake, it would be wise to check the label of your mass gainer for directions in fixing up a serving.
How is a weight gainer powder different than a protein powder?
A protein powder contains high amounts of protein, with little to no carbs. A weight gainer, on the other hand, is usually packed with higher amounts of calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
The Bottom Line
For hard gainers who are in need of the most calories per serving, Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is the one they want (1280 calories). If you are on a limited budget, BSN True-Mass 1200 looks like the one that maximizes the value of your money (15 servings per 10.38lb bag).
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass delivers well-rounded mass-gaining support, making it an ideal choice for first-time users of weight gain shakes. While it doesn’t give the most calories (820 calories per serving), MuscleTech Mass Tech makes up for it with its high protein content (60g per serving) – making it a suitable shake for those who are serious about building lean mass.
Lastly, if your taste buds easily get bored with typical mass gain shake flavors, you are better off trying out Amazing Muscle Weight Gainer, which offers 6 different flavors (3 flavors available on Amazon).
