Try These Mass Gainers If You Want to Get Bulky: My Picks

A friend recently asked me to help him bulk up sensibly he’s skinny, eats a lot but struggles to put on weight, and wants to gain muscle without just getting soft and fat. I spent time digging into mass gainers that are actually worth trying and then put together a shortlist that covers the whole range: insane-calorie heavy hitters, mid-range serious options, and local value picks. Below I explain what each product is, what it promises on the label, how to use it, what I like and what I’d watch out for all in plain language so you can choose with context.

Quick note on strategy: mass gainers are tools to create a consistent calorie surplus. They won’t build muscle without resistance training and adequate protein across the day. Use them to add clean calories when food alone is hard to eat. Start slow, track weight and body composition, and adjust.

How I approach choosing a gainer:

• When I evaluated products for my friend, I looked for these things:
• Calories per serving (how big a surplus will it give)
• Protein per serving (muscle repair)
• Carb profile (fast vs slow carbs) and sugar content
• Any added creatine, digestive enzymes, fibre, vitamins/minerals
• Mixability, flavour, and cost per calorie/protein
• Brand trust and ingredient transparency

Now, the picks each with label highlights (I cite product pages), practical usage, pros and cons.

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Chocolate:

Serious Mass is marketed as a very high-calorie gainer: roughly 1,200-1,250 calories and about 50 g protein per full serving (serving size on label is large, often mixed with milk). It also contains a vitamin/mineral blend and added creatine in some formulations.

How I’d use it: Serious Mass works best as a between-meal shake when you absolutely need calories fast. For my friend I recommended starting with half a serving mixed with whole milk that’s still a large calorie load but easier on the stomach. Use it post-workout on heavy training days or as a late-night shake if you’re short on calories.

What’s good: Massive calories in one shake, useful on days when you can’t eat enough. Decent protein (50 g) helps muscle repair. Big name brand with consistent supply.

Watchouts: Full servings are huge heavy on sugars/carbs, and can cause GI upset if you’re not used to it. You’ll likely gain some fat alongside muscle if training/nutrition aren’t dialled. Also cost per kilo is high but worth it if you need a lot of calories fast.

MuscleBlaze Super Gainer XXL, Cookies & Cream:

MuscleBlaze’s Super Gainer XXL is a popular mid-tier option. One level scoop (100 g) claims around 15–22.5 g protein and ~462–560 calories per serving depending on scoop/measure and mix. The formula focuses on a mix of carbs and moderate protein for steady energy.

How I’d use it: Good for daily calorie add-ons. I told my friend to mix 1 scoop with milk post-workout or to use two smaller shakes during the day if full meals are avoided.

What’s good: More economical than the biggest international gainers; tastes decent; easier to handle portion-wise.

Watchouts: Protein per gram is lower than some heavyweights you may need to add a scoop of whey or extra dairy/eggs to hit daily protein targets. Check sugars some flavours are sweeter.

GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340, Chocolate (extreme bulk formula):

GNC’s Bulk 1340 claims around 1,340 calories and roughly 50 g protein per serving in its large serving format positioned as an “all-in” bulking shake for those who struggle to eat. It’s high in carbs and calories specifically to force a surplus.

How I’d use it: Treat it like Serious Mass, half servings at first, build to 1 full serving if your stomach tolerates it. Ideal for ectomorphs (very lean) who need monstrous calorie intake.

What’s good: Insane calorie density, if you need to gain quickly, it gets the job done. GNC brand recognition and formulation consistency.

Watchouts: Very high carb load expect fat gain if training volume/intensity isn’t high. Also unrealistic as a daily habit for many due to volume and sugar content.

MuscleTech Mass-Tech Elite, Chocolate Fudge Cake:

MuscleTech’s Mass-Tech Elite is positioned as a performance gainer label claims vary by serving but typical messaging promises 800+ calories, a large multi-source protein amount some labels show 60–80 g depending on serving size, and added creatine (and sometimes BCAAs/enzymes). It’s more engineered for athletes.

How I’d use it: Great post-workout when paired with a solid resistance session. Because it contains creatine in the formula, you don’t need a separate creatine supplement on those days. Start with a single moderate serving and track weight gain.

What’s good: Science-forward formula (protein blend, creatine), suitable for combining with structured hypertrophy programs. Good mixability in many reviews.

Watchouts: Price is higher than basic gainers. Creatine in the blend means you must watch total creatine intake if you already supplement separately. Also check exact protein/calorie per intended serving labels and serving sizes vary.

Nutrabay Gold Bulk Up Mass Gainer, Chocolate:

Nutrabay Gold Bulk Up is an India-made gainer that claims ~30 g protein per serving, digestive enzymes (for easier digestion), and a solid calorie count per serving positioned as a cost-effective bulking option. User reviews highlight digestibility and taste.

How I’d use it: I suggested this to my friend as a sensible starter gainer it’s kinder on the wallet and often easier on the stomach because of added enzymes. Use it as an afternoon calorie boost or post-workout.

What’s good: Good balance of price, protein and added enzymes designed for day-to-day bulking without the extreme portion sizes. Local brand support and lower cost per serving.

Watchouts: If you need extreme calories for very fast gain, this won’t match the giants like Serious Mass/GNC Bulk 1340 but it’s a pragmatic long-term choice.

How to take mass gainers:

• Start with half servings for 3-7 days to test tolerance. GI upset is common if you go straight to full serving.
• Mix with milk (whole milk if you want more calories) or water (fewer calories). Milk adds protein and calories.
• Use as a between-meal shake or post-workout. Avoid replacing all meals prioritise whole foods for micronutrients.
• Track weekly weight and body composition if possible. Aim for 0.25-0.5 kg gain per week to minimise excess fat.
• Combine with a progressive resistance training program heavy compound lifts, calorie surplus and enough protein across the day are mandatory for muscle gain.

Precautions & caveats:

• If you have metabolic conditions (diabetes, fatty liver), high-calorie gainers can be risky speak to a doctor first.
• Very high protein load stresses kidneys only in pre-existing kidney disease get clearance if you have kidney issues.
• Check sugar and digestible carb sources. If you’re prone to bloating, pick formulas with digestive enzymes or start slow.
• Watch creatine content if you already use a creatine supplement, account for the total daily dose.
• Don’t use gainers as a shortcut they’re supplements, not replacements for training, sleep and nutrient-dense food.

Cost and value: The cost per kilo and per calorie varies widely. International heavyweights (ON, GNC, MuscleTech) are pricier but concentrated; Indian brands (MuscleBlaze, Nutrabay) often give better cost per serving. Buy the smallest tub first to test taste/gut tolerance before committing to large packs.