Rounding up the best weight gainers for skinny guys is a cause that’s near and dear to my heart.
Back when I was a scrawny 21-year-old comic book geek, I weighed 140 lbs soaking wet and wanted two things out of life:
Big muscles, and the attention they often attract.
By the time I was a 25-year-old comic book geek (hey – some things never change), I had packed on 40 lbs of lean muscle mass while managing to keep my body fat percentage down below 20%.
I wish I could say I did it solely by working out and sticking to a healthy diet of nutritious whole foods.
But the truth is that for guys like me – hard gainers with an annoyingly fast metabolism – relying on real food alone often isn’t enough.
That’s where a good mass gainer supplement comes in.
A proper weight gainer supplement contains more grams of protein than your standard whey protein concentrate, along with a wide range of other essential nutrients that help muscles grow.
When paired with a good weight training regimen and a clean diet, it’ll help you get the extra calories you need to (thankfully, finally, mercifully) build muscle.
To help you make some serious muscle gains, in this post I’ve rounded up more than a dozen of the best weight gainers for skinny guys who want to go from scrawny to brawny.
The 17 Best Weight Gain Supplements for Skinny Guys
Breaking Down the Best Mass Gainers for Skinny Guys to Pack on Muscle
- The 17 Best Weight Gain Supplements for Skinny Guys
- Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer
- Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
- BSN TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer
- MuscleTech Mass-Tech Extreme 2000
- Rivalus Clean Gainer
- Body Fortress Super Advanced Mass Gainer
- MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass Chocolate Big Steer
- Myogenix Aftershock Critical Mass
- Jacked Factory Growth Surge
- ALLMAX Nutrition Quick Mass
- Gaspari Nutrition Real Mass
- VMI Sports Major Mass
- Naturade Weight Gain
- Mutant Mass Weight Gainer
- MRM All Natural Gainer
- Healthy 'N Fit Anabolic Muscle
- FAQ
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer
- 4.5 Stars
- 46,219 Ratings
Admittedly, this product doesn’t have quite as much protein as another Optimum offering, the Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer.
(There’s 60 grams of protein in each scoop of the Pro Gainer, versus 50 in this one, the Serious Mass Gainer.)
But the Serious Mass Gainer has more than double the grams of carbs, which gives it a higher calorie count and makes it the overall best option for muscle growth.
Promising Review:
When I first started taking this supplement, I was easily gaining about 3-5 pounds a month… Fast forward 2 years, I went from 130 pounds to 180 pounds and sitting at about 18% body fat.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who has trouble gaining weight or just simply wanting to bulk.
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
- 4.5 Stars
- 8,675 Ratings
From the Serious Mass Gainer to the Super Mass Gainer powder, Dymatize is another popular supplement company with a long history of making protein supplements.
Their mass gainer shake contains all the key elements you need to activate muscle protein synthesis, including BCAAs, leucine and creatine monohydrate.
Promising Review:
I am really liking this gainer. The serving size is kinda monstrous, but I break it down into 4 equal portions for the 1200 plus calories and so far so good.
Have tried many other weight gain products, this is the only one that I’m finally seeing results.
– Joy
BSN TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer
- 4.5 Stars
- 4,781 Ratings
BSN’s True Mass weight gainer easily earns its place on any list of the best mass gainer supplements on the market.
Each scoop contains 46 to 50 grams of whey protein and provides up to 700 calories per serving, making it a great choice for those who have traditionally struggled to build body weight.
Plus, it’s available in four different flavors, which provides a nice bit of variety, especially for those who get sick of chugging down the same ol’ shakes on a daily basis.
Promising Review:
I started using this product 6 days ago. My starting weight was 125.4 lbs. I am now at 128.6 lbs so I have gained 3.2 lbs in only 6 days…
The vanilla tastes good, it’s not chalky, and digests easily. No bowel movement changes or issues. I recommend using a blender for the best results. I personally use a magic bullet blender.
For my size and metabolism it’s been difficult to intake enough calories to gain weight. These shakes make it super easy.
MuscleTech Mass-Tech Extreme 2000
- 4.4 Stars
- 3,410 Ratings
As its name implies, MuscleTech is a company whose products are all dedicated to helping you build lean mass while avoiding the dreaded fat gain.
Their weight gainer shake contains the nutrition you need to do just that, including (a somewhat insane) 80 grams of protein per scoop along with medium chain triglycerides, which contain the type of fatty acids that can help promote weight loss.
Promising Review:
I believe it has been 3-4 months I’ve been on this gainer. I have gone from 158-170 in that time. I weigh 175 before bed and growing.
This is great, with resistance training 3-4 times a week these gains are so possible.
Rivalus Clean Gainer
- 4.5 Stars
- 2,118 Ratings
Blending 30 grams of protein with a 90-gram blend of complex carbs, the Rivalus Clean Gainer will help you pack on size without expanding your waistline.
The powdered form comes in six different flavors, and they also offer weight-gainer bars for those who can’t be bothered to mix up a protein shake.
Promising Review:
I have tried COUNTLESS gainers over the years, and this one is probably the best as far as mixability, taste, and gastro-tolerance.
No clumping, clean tasting, very well made product with the perfect calorie count. If you’re looking a gainer you can comfortably use long term for “MAX GAINZ BRO”, look no further.
Body Fortress Super Advanced Mass Gainer
- 4.3 Stars
- 1,089 Ratings
This “Super Advanced” mass gainer from Body Fortress contains 40 grams of protein and eight essential amino acids per scoop.
It’s a good choice for those who worry that there just isn’t enough protein in regular protein powders, and those who want to get some of the other essential building blocks of muscle (BCAAs, creatine) without needing to buy a separate product.
Promising Review:
Taste great and it’s a great deal so the money…
Protein drinks have come a long way in the past 20 years and this stuff tastes pretty good. What’s most important to me though is getting a large dose of protein after working out.
MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass Chocolate Big Steer
- 4.5 Stars
- 214 Ratings
Whereas many protein and mass-gaining shakes bypass digestive enzymes and delay absorption by your muscles, MuscleMeds’ “Carnivor Mass” weight gainer is designed to enhance carbohydrate breakdown and encourage higher insulin spikes.
Derived from beef protein isolate (hence “carnivore” branding), it contains 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein and 255 grams of carbs.
Promising Review:
I have taken this stuff off and on for about a year. Best gainer I have tried and I have tried many. I really thicken up when I use this supplement.
The newer formula dissolves much better in my shakes, which makes for a clump free mix with less water(or milk).
Myogenix Aftershock Critical Mass
- 4.6 Stars
- 187 Ratings
Another solid option for those who are putting in their time at the gym but still have a hard time building muscle, this offering from Myogenix includes 52 grams of protein per scoop.
In addition, it’s mixed with creatine monohydrate, which helps promote muscle growth, and glutamine, which aids in recovery.
So it’s not only a great way to get a lot of calories immediately after your workout, it can also help your muscles recover – and more importantly for growth, regenerate – for a fairly long time after you pump.
Promising Review:
I’ve gained 10 pound in three months using 1 and a half scoops in the morning and same at night. Tastes as good as a protein shake will.
Blends well (I add peanut butter powder, olive oil, and milled flax seed for extra calories and health benefits).
– Sherfam
Jacked Factory Growth Surge
- 4.5 Stars
- 3,505 Ratings
Most of the other products on this list use protein powder as their base, then add in additional elements that help stimulate muscle growth.
But if you already have a ton of regular protein powder and don’t want to shell out for more, there’s good news:
You don’t have to.
Jacked Factory’s Growth Surge can be added to traditional protein shakes to help you get some additional muscle-building supplements, without having to buy another tub of protein powder.
It includes creatine monohydrate, L carnitine, L tartrate, betaine and bioperine, a combination that will help improve your post-workout recovery, stimulate muscle building and reduce muscle soreness.
Promising Review:
My wife asked me was it legal, because of the growth of my chest and arms, I definitely would use this again.
ALLMAX Nutrition Quick Mass
- 4.5 Stars
- 46 Ratings
Containing healthy minerals like vitamin C, calcium and iron (not to mention 60 grams of protein), this weight gainer from All Max provides a ton of nutritional value in each scoop.
And since each one contains more than 1,000 calories, you can mix it with water instead of milk or nut milk, making it easier (and cheaper) to prepare each shake.
Promising Review:
My son is trying to go up a weight class during wrestling season and Quick Mass has helped pack in size and muscle.
Gaspari Nutrition Real Mass
- 4.2 Stars
- 46 Ratings
Gaspari’s Real Mass powder contains a whopping 1,200 high-quality calories in each scoop.
Each one gives you 47 grams of protein and 188 grams of total carbs, along 35% of your daily calcium and smaller doses vitamins A and C.
Promising Review:
Good product, gained 5 pounds in 3 weeks!! Recommended 😉
– francesco paudice
VMI Sports Major Mass
- 4.5 Stars
- 83 Ratings
With a 1 to 3 ratio of protein to carbs (as opposed to 1 to 5 in some other brands), VMI’s Major Mass gainer is laser-focused on helping you build muscle without adding much fat.
It’s chock full of healthy fats and medium-chain triglycerides derived from avocado powder and coconut oil, which will help you put on mass without looking or feeling bloated.
Promising Review:
love this stuff, i take 3 scoops instead of 4 as listed. but good taste and does not upset my stomach like alot of the other mass gainers.
– Jared
Naturade Weight Gain
- 4.1 Stars
- 1,630 Ratings
As its name implies, Naturade’s weight gainer keeps it clean by using all natural ingredients.
It doesn’t have as much protein as most of the other gainers on this list, but includes plenty of other healthy, natural ingredients that make it a good addition to your stack.
Promising Review:
3 weeks ago I started out at between 134-137… Today is the 10th of April and I currently weighed in at 147.8.
I been holding this size down for the last week and I only take it like 3 to 5 times a week.
Mutant Mass Weight Gainer
- 4.4 Stars
- 1,645 Ratings
Mutant’s weight gainer is simply called “Mass,” and it’s not hard to see why:
It’s packed with 56 grams of protein, 192 grams of clean carbs and 12 grams of fat.
It also includes 26 grams of essential amino acids and 12 grams of BCAAs, which form the building blocks of proteins.
Promising Review:
So far it’s the best mass gainer I’ve bought. If you’ve tried different mass gainers you’ll know you feel like you just ate a full cake after drinking it.
But with this one you don’t get that drowsy weird feeling much, it actually makes you feel energized. I think it’s because they use a lot less sugar to fill the calories in.
MRM All Natural Gainer
- 4.4 Stars
- 452 Ratings
Another natural gainer, each scoop of MRM Gainer contains 25 grams of non-GMO, organic, gluten-free and vegan protein.
Free of antibiotics and hormones, it mixes both fast- and slow-digesting proteins, including whey protein concentrate and isolate along with micellar casein, to provide both fast and slow digesting proteins.
Promising Review:
I tried other weight gainers because they offered more calories, but they were ridiculously sweet.
So I’m back to where I started, and now I know I’m drinking the best weight gainer for me. With whole milk it’s close to 1,000 calories and mixes well and tastes good.
Healthy ‘N Fit Anabolic Muscle
- 4.4 Stars
- 41 Ratings
With more than 90 grams of protein derived from whey, casein and egg protein, Healthy ‘N Fit’s Anabolic Muscle gainer packs a serious punch.
In addition to the (insanely) high protein count, it’s also potassium rich and includes vitamins and minerals like calcium, chromium, magnesium and more.
Promising Review:
I only use 1 scoop a day first thing in the morning can tell a difference in strength and muscle development
FAQ
How can a skinny guy gain weight fast?
The best way for a skinny guy to quickly start gaining weight is to focus on consuming enough calories to fuel your workouts and promote muscle growth. Start by calculating your daily calorie intake and aim to consume an additional 500-1000 calories per day.
Focus on nutrient-dense foods that are high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support muscle growth. Egg whites, sweet potato and olive oil a few good examples of healthy foods that can help you meet your weight goals.
In addition to healthy eating, a lot of people find it helpful to have a shake or smoothie that contains a weight gain supplement like the kind featured above, which usually combines whey protein powder with other nutritents that help your muscles grow.
Do mass gainers actually work?
Yes, mass gainers actually work. They provide an extra boost of calories, carbs and essential nutrients that even the best protein powder can’t match, so if you’re a skinny guy looking to add weight and build muscle quickly, mass gain supplements can be a valuable tool in your arsenal.
Are mass gainers healthy?
Mass gainers can be a helpful tool for individuals looking to gain weight and build muscle, but like any supplement, they should be used in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Many mass gainers contain high levels of calories, carbohydrates, and protein, which can be beneficial for those looking to increase their caloric intake and support muscle growth.
However, some mass gainers may also contain artificial sweeteners and flavors, and other additives that can be harmful if consumed in excess.
To ensure you’re supplementing in a healthy way, it’s important to carefully read the ingredient list and choose a mass gainer that is low in added sugars and made with quality ingredients.
It’s also important to remember that mass gainers should not be used as a substitute for a regular exercise and a balanced diet that supports your heart health, energy levels and immune system, not just muscle growth.
As with any supplement, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before adding a mass gainer to your nutrition plan.
Which supplement is best for skinny guys?
As mentioned above, Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass weight gainer is the best choice for skinny guys. The main reason? Because it has more than double the carbs of another popular product, Optimum’s Nutrition Pro Gainer, which is a good thing for guys who want to bulk up.
What vitamin can I take to gain weight?
Vitamins alone will not help you gain weight. However, certain vitamins can support healthy weight gain by promoting proper nutrient absorption and metabolism, including vitamins A, B C and D.
Vitamin B12, in particular, may be helpful. As Take Care of has reported, there’s some evidence that being deficient in B12 “is sometimes associated with a partial or complete loss of appetite.”
Which is better creatine or mass gainer?
Creatine and mass gainers are both supplements that can be used to support weight gain and muscle growth, but they work in different ways and can be used for different purposes.
Creatine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in muscle tissue and can be obtained through food sources such as red meat and fish.
Creatine supplementation has been shown to support muscle growth, improve exercise performance, and increase strength.
It works by providing energy to the muscles during high-intensity exercise, allowing for increased workload and greater muscle activation.
With creatine, a little bit goes a long way. It’s typically taken in small doses on a daily basis, and it’s become quite popular among bodybuilders and other types of athletes.
Mass gainers, on the other hand, are supplements that are specifically formulated to provide a high-calorie source of protein and carbohydrates, which can support weight gain and muscle growth.
They’re often used by individuals who struggle to consume enough calories through their regular diet or who have a high metabolic rate that makes it difficult to gain weight.
If you’re a hard gainer, mass gainers can provide a convenient and easy way to consume extra calories, but as mentioned above, they may also contain added sugars and other additives that can be harmful if consumed in excess.
Whether creatine or mass gainers are better for you will depend on your individual goals and needs.
If you’re looking to improve strength and performance during high-intensity exercise, creatine is probably a good option.
But if you’re struggling to gain weight or consume enough calories, a mass gainer is probably more appropriate.
What’s the best time to take a mass gainer?
To maximize the benefits of a mass gainer, it’s important to consume it at the right times, but the best time to take a mass gainer will depend on your individual needs and goals.
One common approach is to take a mass gainer shake immediately following a workout. This can help to replenish glycogen stores and support muscle recovery and growth.
Another great option is to take a mass gainer shake first thing in the morning, or use it as a meal replacement throughout the day.
All of these approaches can help you increase hte total number of calories you consume in a given day, so it’s really a matter of figuring out what works for both your schedule and your body.
More Men’s Fitness & Health Advice From Irreverent Gent:
- Where to Buy (Affordable!) Workout Clothes for Men
- 10 Beginner Weightlifting Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me
- How Skinny Guys Can Build Muscle
- Guys’ Most Common Fitness Questions—Answered!
- Naked Nutrition Less Naked Whey Review
- The Absolute Best Men’s Sweatpants and Joggers
- The Best Men’s Shapewear
- The Absolute Best Home Workout Equipment for Guys
- The 15 Best Compact Treadmills for Home Exercisers
- The 9 Best Adjustable Kettlebells for Working Out At Home
- The Best Stores and Brands Like Gymshark
- 11 Easy Ways to Eat Clean & Stay Lean
- How to Start (and Stick to!) a Workout Plan
- The Best Heavy Bag & Punching Bag Stands
The Recap ↓
Summary
The Serious Mass Gainer has more than double the grams of carbs when compared to the Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer, which gives it a higher calorie count and makes it the overall best option for muscle growth.
