Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
1 | Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass | Rapid weight gain. Very popular with athletes |
2 | Dymatize Super Mass Gainer | The highest calorie content |
3 | Be First First Gainer Fast & Slow Carbs | The lowest price. Suitable for men and women |
4 | Mutant Mass | Maximum energy in a short time. 10 types of protein |
5 | S.A.N. Mass Effect Revolution | Mostly complex carbohydrates. Satisfies hunger for a long time |
1 | BioTech USA Hyper Mass 5000 | Lowest Calorie Balanced Gainer |
2 | Steel Power Nutrition Beef Mass Gainer | Safe for health. Effective before and after training |
3 | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Gainer | Non-standard composition for optimal muscle gain |
4 | BSN True-Mass | High quality. Excellent digestibility |
5 | CyberMass Gainer | Does not contain sugar |
1 | Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer | High protein content |
2 | MusclePharm Arnold Iron Mass | The Most Effective Lean Muscle Gain |
3 | Dymatize Elit Mass Gainer | Does not cause problems with the digestive system |
4 | Geneticlab Nutrition Gain Pro | High quality protein and carbohydrate matrix |
5 | MHP Up Your Mass | Contains a lot of protein and a maximum of complex carbohydrates |
Gainer is a sports supplement for gaining mass, which increases the effectiveness of training and restores energy after exercise. It contains various proteins, simple and complex carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients. The mixture is easy to prepare, does not overload the digestive system and in some cases can even replace a full meal. Gainers are suitable for ectomorphs who cannot increase weight naturally, and will also be useful for mesomorphs and endomorphs when moving into a heavier weight category.
What to look for when choosing a gainer
Protein content and type. The percentage of protein in different gainers ranges from 20 to 70%. The optimal amount is selected individually, based on the type of figure. Pay attention to the type of protein. It should be whey, beef, egg or casein. It is better to refuse a gainer with vegetable protein (soy, rice, peas).
The amount of carbohydrates and their quality. The required carbohydrate content is also individual and depends on the type of physique and the tasks that you set for yourself. If you need to gain mass quickly, then you should pay attention to high-carb mixtures, if a gradual increase in muscle mass is required, then high-protein foods are better suited.Gainers with a mixed composition are considered the best option, where at the same time there are both complex (barley, oatmeal, oats, fiber, bran, cereals, buckwheat, isomaltulose) and simple (maltodextrin, glucose, fructose, sugar) carbohydrates. In this case, it is better to take supplements that contain more complex carbohydrates. They take longer to digest and will give energy longer than simple ones. The optimal ratio: 70% complex to 30% simple. However, for intensive cardio workouts, mixtures with a high content of simple carbohydrates are better, since the runner needs instant replenishment during training.
Fats. This is the most high-calorie element in the dietary supplement, so the more of them, the higher the energy value of the product. The source of fat also plays an important role here. Prefer unsaturated, animal or plant sources, as they are definitely healthier than hydrogenated fats, trans fats and hydrogenated oil, which form dangerous compounds in the body and provoke cardiovascular disease.
Additional additives. Often, gainers are enhanced with vitamin complexes, BCAAs and other useful supplements, for example, to improve digestion. In general, this is not a determining factor for a purchase, but for the body it will be an additional plus. One of the most useful supplements is creatine - it affects muscles, improves strength and endurance. The daily norm of creatine is 10 g. Accordingly, if a serving of a gainer contains 10 g of creatine, there is no need to drink it separately.
Sugar percentage. Sugar has a high glycemic index and causes an insulin spike, which increases the risk of diabetes.In addition, it creates a false feeling of hunger, increases blood pressure and, when consumed regularly in large quantities, leads to an increase in fat mass. That is why the best gainers contain it to a minimum or not at all. If the composition contains more than 35-40% sugar, it is better to refuse to buy.
The best manufacturers of gainers
When choosing sports supplements, it is better to give preference to well-known brands, the quality of which you can be sure of. Unknown firms attract with low prices, but experienced athletes recommend overpaying, than later suffering from a poor-quality product. The undisputed leaders in the sports nutrition market are American companies: Optimum Nutrition, BSN, Universal Nutrition, Dymatize, MHP, Ultimate Nutrition. However, Russian manufacturers produce no less high-quality additives, which are popular both in Russia and abroad. Among the most successful are Be First, Steel Power Nutrition, OptiMeal and Geneticlab.
Best gainers for ectomorphs
Ectomorphs have a hard time gaining weight due to their fast metabolism. Even regular strength training is powerless here, and first you need to choose a balanced high-calorie diet. High-carb gainers with a low protein content of 20-30% and a large amount of carbohydrates from 60% are ideal. For a rapid increase in mass, such supplements are allowed to be used every day, including during periods of rest.
5 S.A.N. Mass Effect Revolution
Country: USA
Average price: 3490 rub. for 2.9 kg
Rating (2022): 4.7
"Mass Effect Revolution" is one of the most popular gainers among bodybuilders and professional athletes. Contains high-quality proteins from 8 sources that provide stable muscle nutrition for 6-8 hours after ingestion. The carbohydrate complex includes wheat and rice fiber - carbohydrates of slow and fast action. At the same time, the advantage is given to complex carbohydrates and there is no maltodextrin in the composition, which is present in 90% of gainers. There is also almost no sugar, which is a big plus.
The product is recommended for use exclusively by thin athletes who want to create a form. One serving contains 1105 calories, which may well replace a full meal. In terms of effectiveness, there are no complaints - the mixture allows you to build lean muscle mass, not fat, moreover, due to the high calorie content, you can increase weight very quickly. However, unfortunately, it was not without drawbacks - the manufacturer offers a limited selection of flavors, moreover, judging by the reviews, they are rather mediocre and it is not very pleasant to drink cocktails.
4 Mutant Mass
Country: Canada
Average price: 1889 rub. for 2.27 kg
Rating (2022): 4.8
Mutant Mass is a huge serving of carbohydrates and an incredible nutritional value per serving. Its reception causes a "mad" increase in total body weight, subject to regular standard nutrition. It is an excellent source of energy, providing a significant supply of calories before an intense workout, and filling in the gaps after it. The ratio of proteins to carbohydrates is 20:70 and this is the ideal proportion for thin people who want to gain weight.
The increase in muscle mass will become noticeable quite quickly and you won’t have to wait long for the result. The composition is of high quality: there are fast and slow carbohydrates, plus the manufacturer has added healthy fats and 10 types of protein for better muscle growth. Due to the high caloric content with the dosage, you should be more careful, otherwise there is a risk of swimming in fat. As a disadvantage, they note that the mixture is not very pleasant to drink - it does not dissolve completely and has a rather sugary taste.
3 Be First First Gainer Fast & Slow Carbs
Country: Russia
Average price: 690 rub. per 1 kg
Rating (2022): 4.8
A great fast and slow carb gainer for lean men and women to help build muscle. Maltodextrin in the composition instantly gives energy, and ground oats and rye saturate the body within a few hours after taking the mixture. There are 416 calories per serving - this is the optimal amount that will not overload the digestive system and will allow all components to be well absorbed.
The protein part of the product is represented by a high-quality 80% whey protein concentrate, which contains BCAA amino acids. Due to this, the mixture allows the muscles to recover quickly even after the most difficult workouts. Athletes praise the Be First gainer for its effectiveness, high quality and good taste. However, not everyone is pleased to drink it because of the grain components that cannot completely dissolve and quickly precipitate.
A popular question: which supplement is the most effective in terms of gaining lean muscle mass - protein or a gainer? In order to fundamentally resolve this issue, we have prepared a comparison table, where we outlined the advantages and disadvantages of both mixtures in the most detailed way.
Additive type | pros | Minuses |
Protein | + Promotes a very rapid increase in lean muscle mass, as well as reaching the peak of sports form (a very important component for professionals) + Assimilation occurs many times faster than when consuming conventional proteins + The composition often includes amino acid and microelement complexes + Does not put pressure on the gastrointestinal tract + Maximum degree of purification from impurity organic substances: lipids and carbohydrates + Inhibits the processes of catabolism, boosting anabolism + Affects the parameters of strength, speed and endurance | – Reception of some types of protein can cause intestinal disorders due to individual lactose intolerance – Overdose puts extra strain on the liver and kidneys – Soy protein contains female hormones, so its long-term use is highly discouraged for men – Some proteins have a disgusting taste |
Gainer | + High carbohydrate content allows proteins to be absorbed many times faster, which leads to a rapid increase in muscle mass + Promotes rapid recovery of the body after prolonged and intense physical exertion + Due to the high content of proteins and carbohydrates, the gainer can be used as a substitute for nutrition if a normal meal is not possible + The presence of a large number of BCAA amino acids, trace elements, enzymes and other additives | – Along with muscle mass, there is an accumulation of fat reserves (due to the high content of carbohydrates) – May contain preservatives, flavorings and food colorings that adversely affect the body |
2 Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Country: USA
Average price: 2790 rub. for 2.72 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
"Dymatize Super Mass" is the most high-calorie gainer in the ranking. There are 1280 calories per serving here, so this is a real salvation for ectomorphs. The product is ideal for restoring the body after hard long workouts and replenishing the energy balance. It contains five times more carbohydrates than proteins, due to which the relaxation of muscle tissue occurs as soon as possible. The composition also includes glutamine, amino acids of the BCAA group, creatine, vitamins, micro and macro elements.
Despite the more than affordable price, the supplement is considered one of the best of its kind and deservedly popular. Due to the overwhelming predominance of carbohydrates, it is advisable to use it for people who want to significantly increase body weight. To make it easier for the body to digest such a high-calorie dish, the manufacturer added a complex of food enzymes, however, you should still be careful with the dosage. Many athletes recommend consuming half a serving at first in order to assess the reaction and not overgrow with fat folds.
1 Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Country: USA
Average price: 3359 rub. for 2.72 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
The perfect high carb gainer for ectomorphs from one of the best sports nutrition brands.It attracts attention with its composition: as much as 1250 calories per serving, so you can gain weight very quickly. The main share in the composition is occupied by simple and complex carbohydrates - they are about 80% here. The remaining 20% comes from a high quality blend of fast and slow digesting protein sources such as whey, casein and eggs, making the product digestible quickly and efficiently.
Despite the average cost, the gainer contains an impressive complex of 25 vitamins and minerals and a huge amount of useful substances: creatine, glutamine, choline, which will help you train more efficiently. The manufacturer advises ectomorphs to drink the mixture once a day before or after training, otherwise the calories will be deposited in fat. It is categorically not recommended for people with a different physique, because they will gain excess weight in a matter of weeks.
The best gainers for mesomorphs
Mesomorphs quite easily gain muscle mass and it is much easier for them to achieve an expressive muscle relief than for ectomorphs. The peculiarity of this type of physique is that the body burns fat and stores proteins. Therefore, fats and carbohydrates in the gainer should be in moderation - if you overdo it, there is a risk of building up unnecessary fat folds. But the protein to the maximum - so that the muscles grow by leaps and bounds. The proportion of protein ideally is about 30-40%.
5 CyberMass Gainer
Country: Russia
Average price: 780 rub. for 1.5 kg
Rating (2022): 4.7
A good gainer from the Russian manufacturer of sports nutrition "CyberMass". Contains the optimal amount of protein for building lean muscle mass.In addition, the protein matrix is two-component and is represented by whey protein and micellar casein, due to which the nutrients are perfectly absorbed. The product provides the body with an optimal amount of energy throughout the workout and perfectly restores muscle tissue after exercise.
There is no sugar in the composition, plus the carbohydrate matrix consists of four components with different glycemic index, due to which energy will be released gradually and there will be no sudden spikes in insulin. In addition, the mixture is enriched with vitamins and BCAAs, which is a big plus. If we talk about the shortcomings, then some buyers complain that the additive does not mix well and lumps remain, besides, the cocktails taste rather cloying.
4 BSN True-Mass
Country: USA
Average price: 4990 rub. for 2.64 kg
Rating (2022): 4.8
"BSN True-Mass" justifies the title of one of the best protein-carbohydrate gainers like no other. Not to say that the total caloric content of a serving is large and maximally enriched with useful elements, however, the perfect balance of proteins and carbohydrates allows you to get almost the best increase in lean muscle mass, without any increase in fat reserves. Although, of course, it is important to choose the right dosage.
Multi-ingredient protein and carbohydrate blend is great for post-workout intake and provides energy support to the body. Fast- and slow-digesting proteins have a positive anabolic effect on muscles within 7-9 hours after ingestion. For their better assimilation, the mixture is enriched with active enzymes. It is easy to drink, not cloying, after drinking there is no feeling of heaviness.Only the price is upsetting - this is one of the most expensive gainers in the ranking.
3 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Gainer
Country: USA
Average price: 4019 rub. for 2.27 kg
Rating (2022): 4.8
Balanced protein-carbohydrate gainer "Gold Standard Gainer" from "Optimum Nutrition" with an optimal ratio of carbohydrates and proteins: 2:1. Suitable not only for ectomorphs, but also for mesomorphs who want to increase body weight. The carbohydrate matrix includes simple (maltodextrin) and complex carbohydrates (oats, peas and potatoes). The lipid component is also pleasing - the composition contains chia seeds, flax oil and triglycerides.
At the same time, the proportion of proteins here is quite large, so that with regular training, you can not be afraid of extra fat folds. The mixture is easily soluble in water or milk, has a pleasant taste. It is absorbed perfectly - according to athletes, there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Of the shortcomings, one can only note the price - this is one of the most expensive products in the ranking, plus it can be difficult to find it, so it’s better to order in advance.
2 Steel Power Nutrition Beef Mass Gainer
Country: Russia
Average price: 1490 rub. for 1.5 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
The peculiarity of Steel Power Nutrition Beef Mass Gainer is that it contains two high-quality types of protein with a complete amino acid profile - whey concentrate and beef hydrolyzate, as well as a complex of fast, medium and slowly digestible carbohydrates, which allow glucose to be released evenly and do not provoke sharp jumps in insulin.In other words, this is the ideal dietary supplement for those who want to gain muscle mass without fat gain and harm to health.
The calorie content is small - only 373 calories per 100 g. At the same time, the composition is perfectly balanced: 55 g of carbohydrates account for 34 g of protein, which is optimal for mesomorphs who need a lot of protein. You can drink before and after training - due to simple and complex carbohydrates, the gainer quickly fills the muscles with energy and nourishes them for a long time. From the unpleasant: some athletes showed individual intolerance.
1 BioTech USA Hyper Mass 5000
Country: USA
Average price: 890 rub. per 1 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
BioTech Hyper Mass 5000 is one of the few low calorie weight gainers with only 254 calories per 65 gram serving. It will suit almost all thin men and women who do not want to gain too much weight and are ready to train for the result. It will not show a quick effect, but it will give dry muscle mass. Gainer is the best for those who are not ready to take a lot of carbohydrates. Here they are only 38 grams per serving, about 20 grams of protein. It is almost impossible to go overboard with the dosage.
As a plus, it can also be noted that the manufacturer added creatine monohydrate to the composition, which increases endurance and improves performance during training. Buyers say that drinking a gainer is incredibly pleasant - the tastes are fiery, plus the powder quickly dissolves in water. At the same time, the price is more than affordable compared to analogues. As such, there are no shortcomings, buyers recommend only purchasing the mixture in a jar, and not in a bag - this will be elementary more convenient.
The best gainers for endomorphs
Endomorphs tend to be overweight and quickly gain not only muscle mass, but also fat. Metabolism is slow as the body uses glucose for fuel. To create an ideal figure, endomorphs do not need carbohydrates, but protein is important. Many experts believe that gainers are not appropriate for them at all and recommend using pure protein, creatine or vitamin supplements. However, in some cases, high-protein gainers are acceptable, but the choice should be approached very carefully. The ideal product should contain about 60% protein and a minimum of fats and carbohydrates - this is approximately 50-60 grams of protein per 60-80 grams of carbohydrates. To control the mass, you should drink the mixture only on training days.
5 MHP Up Your Mass
Country: USA
Average price: 1420 rub. for 0.9 kg
Rating (2022): 4.7
It took MHP about 10 years to develop the Up Your Mass gainer. However, such a careful approach has made it possible to create a truly unique nutritional supplement with an excellent composition and high efficiency. Barley, oats and oat fibers are taken as a carbohydrate basis. Due to the predominantly complex carbohydrates, the product allows you to gain useful mass, with a minimum amount of fat. Therefore, the mixture is suitable not only for thin athletes, but also for endomorphs.
The protein matrix is reinforced with amino acids and continues to act even 12 hours after consumption, providing the muscles with the necessary building material. With regular training, muscles appear without a significant increase in weight. The composition contains soy isolate, but there is no need to be afraid of this: the degree of purification is such that there is no trace of phytoestrogens.Buyers only note that drinking a gainer is unpleasant - a sugary aftertaste remains in the mouth, and besides, it will be difficult to dilute the powder in milk, it is better in water.
4 Geneticlab Nutrition Gain Pro
Country: Russia
Average price: 2040 rub. for 2 kg
Rating (2022): 4.7
An excellent nutritional supplement from the Russian brand Geneticlab Nutrition, whose products are gradually conquering the sports nutrition market. "Gain Pro" contains a large amount of protein, and the protein complex is represented by components with different absorption rates. There are concentrates of milk, whey, egg, whey protein isolate. Due to this, the mixture is active for 8 hours and ensures the growth, development and restoration of muscle mass.
The manufacturer paid special attention to the carbohydrate matrix. The composition contains fast carbohydrates that instantly energize and give strength, triglycerides or otherwise MCT oils that correct insulin release, as well as slow carbohydrates that nourish the body for a long time. This combination of components allows you to get the maximum benefit from each of them and avoid excess fat formation, which is especially important for endomorphs. Only the taste can upset - some complain that the mixture is too sweet and does not mix well.
3 Dymatize Elit Mass Gainer
Country: USA
Average price: 3090 rub. for 2.72 kg
Rating (2022): 4.8
Each serving of Dymatize Elit Mass Gainer contains 55g of high quality protein and 77g of carbohydrates. Proteins from different sources are absorbed at different rates and actively influence muscle growth within a few hours.The carbohydrate matrix consists mostly of complex carbohydrates and does not provide extra calories, which is preferable for endomorphs. The composition is enriched with vitamins, minerals, glutamine, BCAA, creatine, and also contains an anabolic lipid complex for muscle growth.
Judging by the reviews, the product gives excellent results and helps to gain muscle mass. It is absorbed well, after taking there is no heaviness. Drinking cocktails is pleasant - many note that the mixture dissolves easily in water or milk and pleases with a rich, not too sweet taste. By the way, there is very little sugar here - less than one gram, which is a big plus. As such, no shortcomings were found, they only complain that the gainer is quite expensive and is not sold in all stores.
2 MusclePharm Arnold Iron Mass
Country: USA
Average price: 3050 rub. for 2.27 kg
Rating (2022): 4.8
Medium-calorie premium gainer with a unique composition from Arnold Schwarzenegger and the MusclePharm brand. Stimulates the rapid growth of lean muscle mass without the growth of body fat. It uses a five-stage author's mixture, consisting of: quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, special muscle growth supplements: creatine, BCAAs, etc., as well as a mixture of enzymes and enzymes for better absorption. Plus, the sugar content is kept to a minimum.
It's a great choice for bodybuilders and powerlifters who want to actively gain weight. Due to the increased anabolic potential, amino acids are absorbed more efficiently, and the nitrogen balance in the body improves.If we talk about the ratio of proteins and carbohydrates, then in Arnold Iron Mass it is strikingly different from its analogues: for 34 g of carbohydrates there are as much as 40 g of protein, which is simply ideal for endomorphs. Unfortunately, the product is quite rare and it can be difficult to find it even in online stores.
1 Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer
Country: USA
Average price: 4579 rub. for 2.31 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
"Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer" is a high-protein gainer for gaining quality muscle mass. For 85 g of carbohydrates, there are 60 g of protein. This protein content stimulates the rapid growth of muscles, not body fat, so the product is suitable for endomorphs. The protein matrix consists of three types of protein: whey, egg and casein, which are digested at different rates and provide maximum results. In addition, the mixture is enriched with a complex of 25 vitamins and minerals.
The composition of the gainer contains digestive enzymes, due to which it is perfectly absorbed and does not cause a feeling of heaviness. Athletes praise the product for excellent solubility, minimal sugar, taste and real results. The main drawback is the price, which, in comparison with analogues, looks simply cosmic. However, many argue that the quality is worth it.