Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best 100 Mass Gainer | 1,220 Calories Per Scoop or Less

Check Price on Amazon

Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer is the standout here because it solves the central problem mass gainers typically create: bloating and lethargy from cheap carbs. At 560 calories with 30g of premium protein per serving, it leans on quality over raw volume. The vanilla flavor is genuinely dessert-like without being cloying, and the powder mixes effortlessly with just a spoon. Users with low appetites consistently report finishing a full shake without the heavy feeling that usually derails the second half of the glass.

The carb profile is where this product earns its “clean” label. Rather than relying on cheap maltodextrin, it blends oat flour and sweet potato powder for a slower energy release that supports consistent blood sugar. This matters when you’re stacking two shakes a day and trying to stay functional at work or school. The 12lb bag provides a solid number of servings, and the zip-lock closure is a small but welcome quality-of-life feature for daily use.

The primary trade-off is calorie density. If your goal is to slam 1,000+ calories in one sitting, this isn’t the product for you. It’s built for a controlled, sustainable surplus — not for extreme bulking phases where total calories are the only metric. Some users sensitive to sugar alcohols may find the sweetness level a touch high, but for most, this is the most drinkable gainer on the shelf.

Check Price on Amazon

Optimum Nutrition carries a strong reputation for consistency, and this Pro Gainer is a direct reflection of that standard. Each serving delivers 650 calories from a 60g protein blend and over 80g of carbohydrates, with less than 8g of sugar — a rare combination of density and control. The Vanilla Custard flavor is genuinely rich, mixing into a creamy texture that doesn’t taste like a compromise. Users report reliable weight gain within the first week when used as a single daily supplement.

The protein blend uses a mix of whey protein concentrate and isolate, supported by a small amount of calcium caseinate for a slightly longer absorption window. This makes it a strong post-workout option that can also double as a meal replacement in a pinch. The carbohydrate matrix relies primarily on maltodextrin, which is common in this calorie tier, but the low sugar count helps keep the insulin response more measured than many competitors in the same price range.

The main drawback is the serving size math: the 5.09lb tub provides roughly 14 servings, not the 28 often expected from a container this size. That makes it a mid-range option in terms of cost per serving. Additionally, the manufacturer has marked this product as discontinued, so availability may become inconsistent. For lifters who prioritize a trusted brand and a high-quality protein base, this is still a top-tier choice.

Check Price on Amazon

Rule 1 Proteins Mass Gainer is the heavy hitter of this list, packing over 1,220 calories, 250g of complex carbohydrates, and 40g of all-whey protein per serving. This is for the lifter who needs maximum calorie density with minimal drink volume. The Chocolate Fudge flavor reportedly tastes like brownie batter, a rare compliment in the gainer world. Users tracking weight gain report adding 5-6 pounds in two weeks of consistent use alongside a training program.

The 6:1 carb-to-protein ratio is deliberate — it prioritizes glycogen replenishment and calorie surplus over a high protein percentage. The blend uses a mix of maltodextrin and oat flour for its carb base, providing a moderate glycemic load that aims to avoid the crash associated with pure dextrose gainers. Each serving also includes 1g of micronized creatine monohydrate and a digestive enzyme blend, which helps mitigate the bloat that often accompanies high-gainer shakes. It mixes thick and benefits from a blender rather than a shaker cup.

The clear downside is the serving-to-value ratio. The 8-serving tub runs out quickly if used daily, placing it on the upper end of cost per feeding for a mass gainer. Some users note that the sweetness level is high, and the thick texture can be a challenge to finish if you’re not a fan of heavy shakes. For those who can handle the volume, the results speak for themselves.

Check Price on Amazon

Ronnie Coleman’s King Mass XL delivers 1,000+ calories, 60g of protein, and 180g of carbohydrates per full serving with added creatine and glutamine. The formula uses a blend of whey protein concentrate and isolate, and the carb matrix is built primarily from maltodextrin with some oat flour. Users report substantial short-term weight gain, with one review citing an 11-pound increase over two weeks on a single tub. The chocolate flavor is frequently compared to a milkshake in texture and taste, which is impressive for a product at this calorie density.

The 6lb bag provides roughly 27 servings, which is reasonable for the calorie output. The inclusion of creatine monohydrate and glutamine adds value for lifters already looking for those ergogenic aids, effectively removing the need for separate supplementation during a bulk cycle. The brand’s manufacturing follows cGMP and NSF guidelines, which adds a layer of quality assurance that budget gainers often lack. Users who mix it in a blender note a smooth, non-gritty mouthfeel that makes the shake easier to finish.

Some users have reported less dramatic results compared to other high-calorie gainers, noting that it was less effective than formulas with a higher protein percentage or cleaner carb sources. The maltodextrin-heavy blend may not suit everyone’s digestive tolerance. Additionally, a few reviews mention the presence of corn starch as a filler ingredient, which dilutes the overall nutrient density. For bulk seekers who aren’t carb-sensitive, this remains a high-value option.

Check Price on Amazon

The GNC AMP Mass XXX stands out for its clinically backed ingredient inclusions. Each serving provides 780 calories, 50g of protein, and a proprietary blend that includes MyoTOR, creatine, and BETAPOWER — compounds studied for their ability to improve strength and muscle endurance with fewer training sets. The flavor profile in the vanilla version is clean and not overly sweet, making it sustainable for daily intake. Users report noticeable improvements in strength within the first two weeks of consistent use.

The 6lb container provides 13 servings, which positions it as a premium option in terms of cost per shake. However, the science-backed ingredient matrix offers a genuine point of difference from standard gainers that are simply caloric filler. The protein blend uses a combination of whey concentrate and isolate, amino spiking is not a concern here. The product has been tested for over 220 banned substances via LGC skip lot testing, a strong assurance for competitive athletes who are subject to WADA protocols.

The main trade-off is the serving count. At 13 servings per container, heavy users will repurchase frequently, driving up the monthly cost. Also, the formula’s effectiveness is partially dependent on the MyoTOR and BETAPOWER components, which means you’re paying for more than just protein and carbs. If those compounds align with your training goals, the added cost is justifiable. If you prefer a straightforward gainer with no proprietary blends, other options offer a simpler, more transparent profile.

Check Price on Amazon

Animal M-Stak is not a traditional mass gainer — it’s a nutrient partitioning supplement designed to help hardgainers direct calories toward muscle rather than fat storage. Each pack contains six different complexes including compounds that support nitrogen retention, cortisol management, and nutrient uptake. It is intended for bodybuilders and strength athletes who eat enough calories but struggle to turn that food into measurable size. Users report fuller muscles and improved strength within one 21-day cycle.

The core mechanism here is different from a carb-and-protein shake. M-Stak works by improving the anabolic environment in the body, making it more responsive to the calories you’re already consuming. It’s a cycle-based product: 21 days on, 7 days off. The packs include a red caffeine pill that users often skip to avoid overstimulation later in the day. The physical pills are large, and users recommend taking them with plenty of water and food to avoid stomach discomfort. The non-hormonal formulation is a plus for those seeking natural support.

The main caution: this is a targeted tool, not a daily drink. If you’re looking for a straightforward way to increase total daily calorie intake, a traditional mass gainer powder is a better match. M-Stak is best used during a plateau or as a cycle to break through a stubborn weight barrier. Also, the effects can be subtle — some users attribute their progress more to the intensity of training than the supplement itself. For the right user, it’s a valuable addition to a bulking protocol.

Check Price on Amazon

While not a mass gainer itself, Optimum Nutrition’s Micronized Creatine Monohydrate powder is the most cost-effective way to boost the effectiveness of any mass gainer you choose. Each serving provides 5g of pure creatine monohydrate in a micronized format that dissolves completely in water or any shake without grit. At 120 servings per container, it’s a long-lasting foundation for anyone serious about maximizing ATP recovery during high-rep or heavy-load training. The unflavored profile means it mixes transparently into your gainer shake of choice.

The micronization process breaks the creatine particles down to a finer consistency than standard monohydrate, which improves solubility and reduces the risk of stomach upset. User reviews consistently report improved strength and endurance when adding this to a bulk cycle, and the brand’s reputation for quality control — including banned substance testing — makes it a safe buy for consistent daily use. At one scoop per day, a single container covers four months of supplementation, making it the best value addition to any mass gain regimen.

The only limitation is that creatine is not a calorie source, so it must be layered on top of a mass gainer or high-calorie diet to support size gain. It’s not a replacement for a gainer — it’s an augmentation tool. For lifters who already have a mass gainer but want to push their recovery and strength output, this is the single highest-ROI addition.