6 Best Protein Powder For Weight Gain 2023: According To Experts
Reviewed by Sutton, D., MD
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| Product | Transparent Labs Mass Gainer | Vegan Naked Mass | Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer |
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 stars |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 stars |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 stars |
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Protein powder can help you gain weight by increasing protein intake and promoting muscle growth. Finding the best protein powder for weight gain, on the other hand, necessitates extensive research and may take time without necessarily yielding the best results. This review evaluates six expert-recommended protein powders and their most notable features in order to help determine the best options for various people in 2023.
6 Best Protein Powders for Weight Gain In 2023
- Transparent Labs Mass Gainer – Editor’s Choice
- Vegan Naked Mass – Best Vegan Protein Powder
- Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer – Most Popular
- Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Whey – Best Value
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Gainer – Best For Competitive Sport
- Elm & Rye Grass Fed Protein Blend – Best Tasty
Can Protein Powder Help You Gain Weight?
Protein powder can help you bulk up by promoting muscle growth and repair when combined with a calorie-dense diet and a weight-training regimen. Protein is a macronutrient that is required for muscle growth and repair[1]. It helps build muscle mass and promote weight gain when combined with a high-calorie diet or when one consumes more calories than their body can burn.
It should be noted, however, that taking protein powder alone does not guarantee weight gain. The supplement necessitates a well-balanced diet high in macronutrients, particularly carbohydrates and healthy fats. Adding amino acids and high calorie snacks into your diet like chocolate peanut butter also complements the supplement. The macronutrients are required for good health and weight gain. Strength training on a regular basis is also necessary for weight gain. For these reasons, people who want to gain muscle mass should combine protein powder with a calorie-dense diet and consistent strength training.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- Contains high-quality protein, fat and carbs
- Has no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
- Free shipping
Vegan Naked Mass
- Plant-based
- 1-day delivery period
- Combines organic brown rice protein, pea protein and organic tapioca maltodextrin
Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer
- Easily mixed with a blender, spoon, or shaker
- Available in different flavors
- High-calorie formula
Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Whey
- Does not have any hormones or antibiotics
- The only non-GMO project verified
- Optimized to help get a lean body
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Gainer
- High-protein weight-gain formula to support weight-gain goals
- Money Back guarantee
- Certified for Sport® program
Elm & Rye Grass Fed Protein Blend
- One of the best-tasting protein powders
- Third-party-tested and peer-reviewed ingredients
- Nutrients sourced from around the world
6 Best Protein Powders for Weight Gain In 2023
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer can help you gain weight. It outperforms most other protein powder brands by using high-quality ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers and being free of artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors. However, before incorporating it into your diet and exercise routine, you should consider any potential drawbacks.
- Contains high-quality nutrients
- Has digestive enzymes
- Comes with a customizable serving size
- High-calorie density may not fit some people’s dietary needs
- May cause digestive issues, such as bloating
“Great Taste!
Excellent flavor and helping me gain the weight I needed.”
Ryan H
“Better than the rest
Review by Bruce K. on 7 Feb 2023 review stating “Better than the rest The best out there!”
Bruce K
“Awesome Products!
Review by Chelsea S. on 6 Feb 2023 review stating Awesome Products! Great taste but more than that it works. In just a few weeks I can see results happening. I got the Mass Gainer in chocolate glazed doughnut and the Creatine and BCAA Glutamine in Strawberry Lemonade. Could not be happier! Will be purchasing again.”
Chelsea S
“Quality product
Review by Paul S. on 31 Jan 2023 review stating Quality product Mixes extremely well and tastes great. No bloating or weird tastes. Love these products!”
Paul S
“Smooth good taste
Review by Brett G. on 31 Jan 2023 review stating Smooth good taste Smooth and good tasting, makes me look forward to my shake after my workout.”
Brett G
Vegan Naked Mass
Vegan Naked Mass is an excellent choice for protein powder for weight gain, especially for vegetarians and those looking for a calorie-dense supplement.
- Made from plant-based protein sources
- It is a calorie-dense supplement
- Free from artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors
- Easy to mix with water or milk
- More expensive than other protein supplements
- May cause digestive issues
Gaines!
“I received my order for Naked Mass and Creatine Monohydrate the first week of December. In less than 30 days, training 6 days a week, I gained 30lbs!”
Tim Haines
Very clean
“This is very clean and tastes great. No bloating at all.”
J.JR
Great taste
“I get the chocolate mass and it does taste great! No complaints. I split the serving into 2 one 12 oz/2 scoops in the morning and again at night. My only complaint is the scoop comes buried inside the tub and it’s annoying to find and messy to get out. If there was a way to fix this I’d give it a 5/5.”
M.P
Fantastic
“This stuff tastes great and makes me feel even better. I’ve been using it for 2 months now and it is a fantastic way to squeeze extra calories and protein into my diet. I’ve gained 7 pounds in the past 2 months which is 3 pounds more than the previous 2. You can really tell it works.”
Jason T
Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer
The Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer is designed to meet the needs of people who regularly exercise and want to gain weight[2].
- Contains a blend of high-quality protein
- Mixes easily with water or milk
- Made in numerous flavors
- The calorie density may not be suitable for people with a slow metabolism
- Can result in digestive problems, such as bloating and stomach cramps
“My favorite protein powder
Not too sweet. Not too dull, perfect for my taste buds who hate the taste of drinking a candy bar. Banana Cream Pie I always buy.”
Moises Varela
“Best weight gainer.
My personal favorite and I mix it with PB2 with cocoa powder, incredible flavor, please don’t discontinue!”
Carson
“My son loves it. I love that it comes to my door and I don’t have to go looking for it!”
Tina R
Awesome!
“Awesome stuff I’ve been using for about 3 weeks now and I have been seeing awesome results. I workout at the gym 6 days a week so I was looking for something more and this product definitely delivered!”
James Steele
“I gained a total of 40 pounds after a whole year of constant use. This is fantastic for those who are trying to bulk up and find themselves skipping meals a lot.”
Christian Galvan
Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Whey protein contains high-quality protein, which promotes muscle growth and muscle recovery following exercise. Although imperfect, it is suitable for non-vegans and those who do not have lactose intolerance.
- The whey protein concentrate used in this product has a higher quality protein since it comes from grass-fed cows
- It is manufactured using organic and non-GMO ingredients
- Its ingredients are third-party certified, which ensures safety
- Its taste and texture do not appeal to some consumers
- It does not suit some people, especially vegans and lactose intolerant persons
“Helps you get protein in diet
As a senior citizen I was needing more protein in my diet. I take this almost every day. Been using it for several months. Have reordered several times. Like the vanilla flavor best.”
Diann
“Delicious!
I never do Amazon reviews, in fact this might be my first! LOVED this product. The best protein powders I’ve found for taste and ingredients.”
Dustin Goode
“Love this product.
My family uses this and is very happy with the product.”
Nitin Aggarwal
“It tastes good and has no grit!
I have used some more expensive brands and I think this one matches up and the ingredients are good!”
Michelle F
So worth the price.
“The vanilla flavor is awesome and can mix with any smoothie I create. 24 grams of great protein. I am a 60 year old woman in good shape but age affects muscle mass. Eating enough protein to maintain muscle mass isn’t easy!”
Lynn White
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Gainer
Because it contains a lot of calories, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Gainer is ideal for people who want to increase their daily caloric intake. However, it is not recommended for people who have diabetes or other health problems[3].
- High-calorie content
- Easily mixes with water or milk for easy consumption
- Comes in different flavors to suit different taste preferences
- Relatively expensive
- Its high sugar content may lead to health issues
“Stuff works great, keeps you full and does not mess up my stomach, my only complaint is its to sweet, i got the vanilla ice cream and i mix it in with my smoothies, i use tart fruit to counter the sweetness if they could tone that down a bit it would be perfect!”
Gino Cavallaro
“Great protein. Just started trying out this brand and definitely feeling and getting great results. Fit this in your macros and your goals are endless. I have to say though, I did step it up to the ON Serious Mass but it wasn’t because this product was bad. the Serious mass just fit my macros a lot better with a tight schedule.”
Pejay Mal
“Best Mass gainer out
Taste pretty decent for how good the quality is. However I don’t really care for taste, I care about results and this product helped me pack on 15 lbs of lean muscle in 4 months.”
Danny V
Elm & Rye Grass Fed Protein Blend
Elm & Rye Grass Fed Protein Blend is not vegan, but it is a high-quality protein source. This weight gain supplement is recommended not only for its grass-fed whey, but also for its highly digestible protein.
- Has sources of high-quality protein
- Contains organic protein
- Does not have any artificial additives
- May cause digestive problems, especially among people with allergies
- Does not suit people on vegan diets
“There is no shortage of supplements on the market, but what if you could buy all of the nutrients you need from a single, high quality brand? Elm & Rye may be one of the newest names in the industry, but their products and customer reviews speak to the brand’s quality and trustworthiness.”
Larry Carroll
Why Use Protein Powder For Weight Gain?
Several studies have found that consuming protein after working out increases muscle recovery[4]. Protein powder is one of the most effective and healthy ways to gain weight.
Benefits Of Protein Powder
Ease Of Digestion
It is easily digestible and offers high-quality protein.
Calorie Density
It has a lot of calories, which makes it a good way to put on weight.
Muscle Growth
It boosts lean muscle growth and recovery.
Convenience
It offers an easy and convenient source of protein suitable for people with busy lifestyles.
Customizable
The powder is available in different forms, including whey protein, casein, soy, and pea. You can customize your intake to fit your dietary needs.
How To Choose The Best Protein Powders For Weight Gain?
Protein Type
You can choose from a variety of protein powders for weight gain, including casein, soy, pea, and whey protein. Because it is easily digestible, whey protein is ideal for post-workout recovery. Casein protein, on the other hand, takes longer to digest, making it ideal for nocturnal consumption. Soy protein powder is a plant-based protein powder that is commonly used by vegetarians. Finally, pea protein is a good option for people who are allergic to soy or dairy.
Protein Content
The best protein powders for weight gain offer over 20 grams of protein per serving. This amount is suitable to mix with other high calorie foods like milk protein, amino acids, chocolate peanut butter and so on.
Calories
Look for a protein powder that derives its calories from complex carbohydrates and other healthy carbohydrate sources.
Natural Additives
Search for protein powders that do not contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Brand Reputation
Evaluating brand reputation maximizes the chances of product quality and safety.
Personal Preference
Increase supplement compliance by selecting a protein powder that best suits your taste and texture preferences.
How To Use Protein Powders To Gain Weight
The best way to achieve ultimate results with protein powders for weight gain is to stick to a strict diet plan. It would be beneficial if you began by determining your protein requirements, and then choose the best protein powder for weight gain based on those requirements. The supplement can be taken as a supplement or as a meal replacement. It is critical to stick to the plan and be consistent in order to avoid under or overconsumption.
Final Thoughts
One of the best methods for gaining weight healthily is to consume protein powders. It is advised to buy these six protein powders because they have been tried and found to be sufficiently effective by a variety of consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Protein powder is a dietary supplement formulated to increase protein intake.
Powder types include casein, soy, pea, and whey protein powder.
Each protein type is beneficial in different ways and should be chosen based on the consumer’s protein requirements.
Protein powder works by increasing protein intake for faster muscle recovery and growth.
Yes. Protein helps you feel satisfied, reducing hunger and, ultimately, calorie intake.
You can consume it as a supplement before or after working out or as a meal replacement.
Some brands cause stomach issues, such as bloating and cramps, especially when consumed in large amounts within a short period.
Your protein powder consumption should match your protein needs, which vary according to various factors, including weight, level of physical activity and weight gain goals.
+ 4 sources
MIDSS adheres to strict procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical associations. We work mainly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure the accuracy of the information. We avoid the use of tertiary references. You can read about how we ensure the accuracy and timeliness of our content in our editorial process.
- Carbone, J.W. and Pasiakos, S.M. (2019). Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients, [online] 11(5), p.1136. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051136.
- CDC (2022). Balancing Food and Activity for Healthy Weight. [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/calories/index.html [Accessed 22 Feb. 2023].
- https://www.facebook.com/NIHAging (2018). Calorie restriction and fasting diets: What do we know? [online] National Institute on Aging. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/calorie-restriction-and-fasting-diets-what-do-we-know [Accessed 22 Feb. 2023].
- Cintineo, H.P., Arent, M.A., Antonio, J. and Arent, S.M. (2018). Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training. Frontiers in Nutrition, [online] 5. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00083.
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