Best Mass Gainers 2026 for Hard Gainers
⚡ Quick Picks — Our Top 3
Mass Gainers: When Eating Enough Is the Hard Part
If you're a hard gainer — someone who struggles to eat enough calories to grow — mass gainers exist for you. These high-calorie protein powders pack 700-1,300+ calories per serving, making it dramatically easier to hit the caloric surplus needed for muscle growth.
Let's be clear: mass gainers aren't for everyone. If you can eat enough whole food to be in a caloric surplus, do that. But if your metabolism runs hot and you're struggling to gain weight, these products can be the difference between spinning your wheels and actually growing.
Top Mass Gainers Compared
| Product | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Sugar | Price/Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ON Serious Mass | 1,250 | 50g | 252g | 20g | ~$3.00 |
| Dymatize Super Mass | 1,280 | 52g | 246g | 18g | ~$3.25 |
| BSN TRUE-MASS | 700 | 46g | 90g | 15g | ~$2.75 |
🥇 #1: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Serious Mass has been the go-to mass gainer for over a decade. At 1,250 calories and 50g of protein per serving, it delivers the sheer caloric volume that hard gainers need. It also includes creatine, glutamine, and a vitamin/mineral blend — essentially a complete mass-building supplement in one scoop.
- 1,250 calories per serving — one of the highest available
- 50g protein from whey concentrate and casein
- Includes creatine and glutamine
- 25 vitamins and minerals
- Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor is surprisingly good
🥈 #2: Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Similar calorie profile to Serious Mass but with slightly more protein (52g) and added BCAAs. The taste is a bit sweeter, which some prefer and others find cloying. Mixes thicker than ON.
🥉 #3: BSN TRUE-MASS
TRUE-MASS takes a more moderate approach at 700 calories per serving. This is better for people who want a calorie boost without going full mass-gainer mode. The protein blend includes 6 sources for sustained release.
How to Use Mass Gainers Effectively
- Start with half servings. Full servings (1,250 cal) can cause GI distress. Build up gradually.
- Use between meals, not AS meals. Mass gainers supplement whole food — they don't replace it.
- Mix with milk for extra calories. Whole milk adds 150 cal and 8g protein per cup.
- Track your weight weekly. Aim for 0.5-1 lb/week. More than that is likely fat gain.
- Train hard. Excess calories without training stimulus = fat storage.
FAQ
Will mass gainers make me fat?
Only if you eat more total calories than you burn. Mass gainers are tools for creating a caloric surplus. If you're already eating enough to gain weight, adding a mass gainer will add fat, not muscle.
Can I make my own mass gainer?
Yes! Blend: 2 scoops whey + 1 cup oats + 2 tbsp peanut butter + 1 banana + milk = ~900 calories, 60g protein. Often cheaper and healthier than commercial options.
How often should I drink a mass gainer?
1-2 times per day maximum. The rest of your calories should come from whole foods for micronutrient variety.