Mass Gainers: Benefits, When & How To Use

Mass Gainers are a type of weight gain supplement that helps you gain muscle, bulk up and build an overall healthier body. These products are designed to provide a higher calorie intake, should be consumed throughout the day, and may help you reach your weight goals in a shorter time frame.

Mass Gainers are not for everyone. For example, if you’re looking to only increase your muscle mass while losing fat and not gaining any weight whatsoever, then this is not the right product for you. Mass Gainers usually consist of high-calorie food products like whey protein and carbohydrates that bulk up your body in a healthy manner with muscle and fat gain.

The goal of using a Mass Gainer is to increase muscle mass. However, it can also help decrease body fat by increasing the caloric intake of essential nutrients like protein and carbohydrates.

If you’re looking for a more effective way to build muscle mass quickly than typical.

A mass gainer is one of the most popular supplements among bodybuilders and sportspeople. If you have also been advised to go for a mass gainer supplement and you are wondering, do I really need this supplement? 

Don’t worry; this blog will help you learn the basics of a mass gainer and its benefits.

What is a Mass Gainer: Let’s First Understand

A mass gainer is a health supplement, i.e. typically used to gain muscle mass. It has a high carbohydrate and protein content and usually provides around 1000 calories per serve. In addition, it may also contain fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and digestive enzyme blend.

Hence, because of its high-calorie content, mass gainer supplement helps build muscle and gain weight simultaneously. Mass gainers usually provide protein and carbohydrates in the ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 but may vary from brand to brand.

It is necessary to create a calorie surplus to gain weight, for which a person must consume extra calories more than the daily requirement. Mass gainers are perfect for fulfilling those additional needs. In simple words, if you are aiming to gain weight healthily and build muscle mass, choose a mass gainer supplement. 

Benefits of Using a Mass Gainer

Mass gainers have plenty of health benefits. When combined with proper workouts, mass gainers can help build muscle faster and gain weight healthily.

1. Calorie-dense

Bodybuilders or ectomorphs that desire to bulk up are required to consume calorie-dense diets. It might be challenging to eat large food portions to meet calorie goals. With mass gainers, one can be sure of taking around 1000 calories in a single-serve and that too from healthy sources.

2. Macronutrients rich

If you want a ‘clean bulk’, it is essential to take the correct nutrients. The diet must contain a balanced proportion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Mass gainers provide all the nutrients through healthy sources. In addition, the presence of dietary fibre supports toxin removal from the body and promotes better gut health for improved nutrient absorption.

3. Gain muscle size and strength

Mass gainer supplements provide protein from high-quality protein sources like whey and casein. They are perfect to deliver supreme quality nutrition, especially for post-workout muscle recovery. The amino acids add strength to muscles, nourish and encourage lean muscle growth.

4. Easy to use

Another most significant advantage of mass gainers is their ease of use. If consuming large meals and digesting them is a challenge for you, mass gainers are ideal. They can provide you with all the required nutrients without having too much.     

Who all need Mass Gainers?

Mass gainers are not meant for everyone. At times, fitness lovers get confused between mass gainers and protein supplements. Here is the list of people who can use mass gainers to achieve their fitness goals.

1. Skinny people with fast metabolism

If a person has a high metabolic rate and tends to burn calories quicker, mass gainers could be a good choice.

2. Ectomorphs

Every individual has a specific body type. Ectomorphs or hard gainers with lean body types often struggle to gain muscle mass. If you are unable to build muscle despite intense workouts and diet, consider taking a mass gainer supplement.

3. Bodybuilders

Mass gainers provide ample support, especially during the bulking phase of bodybuilding when people require a healthy nutrition source high in calories, proteins, and carbs. 

4. Athletes

In addition to strength athletes, mass gainers can also be used by endurance athletes like runners and cyclists. Endurance athletes require high carbs and proteins post their training or competition to recover their muscles and lost glycogen stores, making mass gainer a proper meal. 

When & How Should You Intake A Mass Gainer?

If you’re looking to gain weight and build muscle, mass gainers can be a useful supplement to add to your diet. However, it’s important to understand when and how to consume them to maximise their effectiveness. In this article, we’ll explore the best times to take a mass gainer and how to consume it for optimal results.

When to Take a Mass Gainer?

The best time to take a mass gainer is after a workout. This is because your body is in a state of heightened muscle protein synthesis (MPS) after exercising. MPS is the process by which the body repairs and rebuilds muscle tissue after a workout. Consuming a mass gainer after a workout can help to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.

In addition to taking a mass gainer after a workout, it’s important to take it at other times throughout the day to meet your calorie and macronutrient needs. For example, taking a mass gainer in the morning or between meals can help to provide your body with the necessary nutrients to support muscle growth and prevent muscle breakdown.

How to Take a Mass Gainer?

To take a mass gainer, simply mix the recommended serving size with water, milk, or your favourite beverage. It’s important to follow the instructions on the label for the recommended serving size as taking too much can lead to unwanted weight gain and other health issues.

It’s also important to pay attention to the macronutrient breakdown of your mass gainer. Most mass gainers contain a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Depending on your goals, you may need to adjust the ratio of these macronutrients to best support your needs. 

For example, if you’re trying to gain muscle mass while minimising fat gain, you may want to choose a mass gainer with a higher protein to carbohydrate ratio.

And, it’s important to remember that a mass gainer should not be used as a meal replacement. While they can be a convenient way to meet your calorie and macronutrient needs, they should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods.

Important points to keep in mind before picking a Mass Gainer

Picking the right mass gainer can majorly impact how well you build muscle and gain weight. Before you decide on one, it’s helpful to think about the following key aspects:

1. Your Fitness Goals

Firstly you need to decide on your goals, whether you want to build muscle, recover quickly after workouts, or simply add more calories to your diet?

• Building Muscle: If your focus is muscle growth, choose a mass gainer that has more protein compared to carbs. This balance supports muscle repair and growth efficiently.
• Gaining Weight: If your goal is to bulk up, go for one that packs in more calories, including healthy fats to support healthy weight gain.
• Recovery After Training: After tough workouts, your body needs carbs and proteins to repair itself. Look for products with a combination of both  to support your muscle recovery and restore lost glycogen stores.

2. Calorie Requirement

Mass gainers can vary widely in calorie count depending on the ingredients used in the product and there amount, it can range anywhere from around 400 to over 1,000 calories per serve. 

• Hardgainers: If you find it tough to gain weight, pick a high-calorie mass gainer with roughly 700 to 1,200 calories per serve to keep you in a calorie surplus.
• Moderate Weight Gain: For a steady, controlled weight increase, a product offering between 500 and 700 calories per serve can be more suitable.

Make sure your calorie intake aligns with your daily needs so you don’t end up gaining unwanted fat and weight.

3. Protein Content

Since protein is essential for muscle building, check the protein content carefully. A good mass gainer should provide around 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving to support muscle recovery.

• Whey Protein: This digests quickly and is great right after workouts.
• Casein Protein: A slower-digesting option that keeps amino acids flowing over several hours, perfect before bed.

Pick the protein type that fits your routine, preferences and consumption timings the best.

4. Carbohydrate Sources

Carbs are crucial for energy and replenishing glycogen stores post exercise.

• Complex Carbs: Ingredients like maltodextrin, oats, brown rice, and quinoa offer slow, steady energy release.
• Simple Carbs: Fast-acting carbs quickly restore energy after intense training.

Your choice should depend on your activity level and how fast you need energy.

5. Fat Content

Healthy fats help regulate hormones like testosterone, which plays a key role in muscle growth.

Look for sources like:

• MCTs (Medium-Chain Triglycerides): These fats are quickly absorbed and converted to energy.
• Omega-3s: Found in fish oil, they support overall health and reduce inflammation.

A balanced amount of healthy fats in your mass gainer supports your fitness goals.

6. Extra Ingredients to Consider

Many mass gainers include extras beyond macros, such as vitamins, minerals, and digestive aids:

• Creatine: Well-known for boosting strength and muscle size.
• BCAAs: Help reduce muscle breakdown and speed recovery.
• Digestive Enzymes: Improve nutrient absorption to maximize benefits.
• Vitamins & Minerals: To provide additional nutrients to support your daily micronutrients needs, for overall growth and wellbeing.

These can enhance your results and overall health.

7. Watch the Sugar

While carbs are necessary, too much added sugar can spike blood sugar and lead to fat deposition. Choose mass gainers with low or no added sugar for a healthier muscle gain journey.

Picking a Mass Gainer Based on Your Body Type

Your body type influences how you should approach mass gainers:

• Ectomorphs (Hardgainers): With a fast metabolism, you need a calorie-dense mass gainer (700-1,000+ calories) packed with carbs and moderate protein to keep gaining.
• Mesomorphs (Balanced): You gain muscle easily. Aim for a well-rounded gainer with about 500-700 calories per serving, balancing proteins, carbs, and fats.
• Endomorphs (Prone to Fat Gain): Since you gain fat easily, opt for lower-carb, higher-protein formulas with healthy fats. Around 400-600 calories per serving works best.

How to Use Mass Gainers Effectively

To make the most of your mass gainer look out for the time that suits you best. 

• Before Workouts: They help fuel your body with carbs and protein to maximize energy and performance.
• After Workouts: This is the best time to replenish glycogen and support muscle repair.
• Between Meals: If hitting calorie goals through food alone is tough, a mass gainer can be a convenient way to boost your intake.

Top 7 Best Mass Gainers in the market

Here are some of the top 7 best-selling mass gainers in India that one can consider.

1. Nutrabay Gold Mega Mass Gainer

It has been specifically formulated to meet your daily calorie needs in a balanced way. This advanced mass gainer delivers 714 Kcal, 121 g carbs, and 40 g proteins per 182 g serving that help gain weight and build lean muscle mass. Its cutting-edge formulation is enriched with multiple high-quality protein sources that help support muscle growth and repair, and gain strength and stamina.

2. Nutrabay Gold Bulk Up Mass Gainer

This product is formulated to meet your daily calorie needs. With an advanced formula, Bulk Up Mass Gainer delivers 554 Kcal, 104 g of carbs, and 30 g of protein per 150 g serving, helping you gain weight and build lean muscle mass. It’s a balanced formula enriched with multiple high-quality protein sources that help support muscle growth and repair, while enhancing strength and stamina.

3. Nutrabay Gold Mighty Mass Gainer

This product is formulated to meet your daily calorie needs. With an advanced formula, Bulk Up Mass Gainer delivers 389 Kcal, 78 g of carbs, and 16 g of protein per 100 g serving, helping you gain weight and build lean muscle mass. It’s a balanced formula, especially designed for beginners, providing high-quality protein sources to help support muscle growth and repair.

4. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Gainer

It has been exquisitely crafted for elite fitness enthusiasts who strive to gain muscle mass and a sturdy physique with a high-calorie formula. ON Serious Mass Gainer is perfect for people struggling to gain weight as it provides you with a high-calorie and whey protein that promotes natural, healthy weight gain and triggers new muscle synthesis.

5. Labrada Muscle Mass Gainer

This mass gainer protein is a high-calorie bodybuilding shake packed with muscle-building protein, carbohydrates, creatine monohydrate and essential nutrients. Labrada Mass Gainer provides all the calories you need with the right ingredient blend. Each serving of 333 grams provides 1244 calories, 52 grams of protein and 250 grams of carbs.

6. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer

This high-calorie and high protein mass gainer contains complex carbohydrates with a balanced protein blend from multiple sources. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is enriched with vitamins and minerals that help boost immunity and provide performance fuel to conquer your workout. It contains no added sugar, is trans-fat-free and suitable for bodybuilders, weight trainers, athletes, fitness champions and gym enthusiasts. 

7. GNC Amp Mass XXX Powder

This GNC Amp Mass XXX helps you increase lean mass, weight, strength and stamina. It contains 50g of protein with micronised amino acids and 3g of creatine, which helps improve athletic performance like a pro.

Summary

Mass gainers can be a great supplement for individuals who are looking to gain weight and build muscle. They provide a convenient way to meet your calorie and macronutrient needs, especially when consumed after a workout when your body is in a state of heightened muscle protein synthesis. 

However, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label for the recommended serving size and pay attention to the macronutrient breakdown of your mass gainer. 

Remember, a mass gainer should not be used as a meal replacement, but rather as a supplement to a balanced diet that includes whole foods. By incorporating a mass gainer into your diet, you can support your muscle-building goals and see better results from your workouts.

Frequently Asked Questions