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The Best Weight Gainers to Pack on the Pounds
Written By Supplement Institute Review Team
There are many reasons why somebody may want or need to gain weight. Perhaps they are an athlete that is looking to gain muscle mass or change their weight class. Or, they might be someone that needs to gain weight for health and nutritional reasons. No matter the cause, it is always beneficial to have access to products that can help you improve your health or athletic performance.
If you find yourself needing to gain weight, you should check out weight gainers. Weight gainers are packed with helpful ingredients such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Typically, they will also contain a sufficient amount of calories that are designed to make the average person gain weight. Choosing a new dietary supplement can be a confusing process, this is why our team has taken on the work for you. Keep on reading to learn more about the premier weight gainers of 2025.
The Best Weight Gainers of 2025 in Detail
Optimum Nutrition Weight Gainer
Best Overall
If you’re looking to build muscle mass or just want some extra calories and protein in your diet, the Optimum Nutrition Weight Gainer is the perfect product for you. This product contains the right combination of proteins, calories, and carbs to help boost calorie intake while building muscle mass. It also contains vitamins, glutamine, and creatine that will help you recover faster between workouts.
Unlike other weight gainers on the market, this one comes in powder form, making it easy to mix up with milk or water for quick consumption. Available in five scrumptious flavors, this weight gainer is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Because of its effective results, premium ingredients, and affordable price point, this weight gainer stands at the top of our list.
Muscle Milk Weight Gainer
Premium Ingredients
Adding Muscle Milk Weight Gainer to your diet is a great way to get started on your weight gain journey. This weight gainer is packed with an impressive mix of carbs and calories that help support muscle maintenance, recovery, and growth. This pick also contains vitamins and minerals, so you can be sure your body is getting a sufficient amount of nutrients.
And if all of that isn’t enough, this product’s formula includes both slow-releasing proteins and fast-releasing proteins that help sustain your body with a steady stream of nutrients throughout the day. This gainer comes in a five-pound canister and is available in three different flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and cookies N cream. It also comes in powder form, so you can mix it with water or milk for a delicious shake that’s both tasty and easy to digest.
GNC Pro Performance Weight Gainer
Budget-friendly
Get ready to take your workout to the next level with GNC Pro Performance Weight Gainer. This convenient drink mix is packed with 50 grams of high-quality protein, calories, and carbs to help you increase muscle mass and improve recovery, so you can keep pushing yourself harder in the gym.
With added branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), this weight gainer helps fuel muscle growth and support overall health. It’s made with a mix of fast-, medium-, and slow-releasing proteins so you can enjoy the benefits without feeling heavy or bloated after drinking it. It’s available in two different flavors so you can find the one that satisfies your craving.
BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer
Easiest to Consume
With BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer, you can say goodbye to lackluster workouts and hello to muscle-building gains. Formulated with 700 calories and a mixture of carbs and proteins, this weight gainer can improve your performance in the gym and help you stay healthy while gaining weight. Additionally, it contains medium-chain triglyceride fats and 10 grams of naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids in every serving, which can help with appetite control, so you can eat more food without feeling full or bloated.
The product is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients to help you get the most out of your workouts. Available in three different flavors, this weight gainer is easy to mix and can be taken any time of the day to help you meet your nutritional goals.
Weight Gainers: Buyer’s Guide
Weight gainers are a great tool because they can help almost anyone bulk up and gain weight. Before you hop on the trend, you should understand exactly how weight gainers can affect your health and athletic performance. It is always recommended that you consult with a physician or nutritionist before changing your diet.
Our team has curated this buying guide to help you choose the best weight gainer for you, and fill you in on any extra information that you need.
Weight Gainer Supplements
Healthy carbohydrates
You can find different types of carbs in weight gainer supplements; among these carbs are both healthy and unhealthy versions. Some supplements contain maltodextrin, which isn’t suitable for diabetics because of its higher sugar value, and not all people can digest maltodextrin easily. This carbohydrate also inhibits the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestines and doesn’t contain any good nutrition.
You should look for carbohydrates that you can extract from natural sources like tapioca. Luke Deszczulka, a professional in biomedical engineering and sports optimization, said, “The formula should contain a blend of fast digesting and complex carbohydrates to provide energy and support muscle growth, as well as healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to support overall health and joint support.” Natural carbohydrates are far better for your health than artificial carbohydrates. This is because naturally occurring carbohydrates are typically slow-releasing, so they won’t spike your blood sugar levels.
Natural ingredients
You should get weight gain supplements with natural ingredients because they are easily digestible and don’t have as many possible side effects. Organic ingredients also release nutrients slowly to keep you filled with energy throughout the day.
It’s better to avoid choosing brands that use additives and artificial sweeteners because they don’t provide nutritious health benefits. You should also check if the protein and carbohydrates are extracted from natural ingredients. Generally, your weight gain supplements shouldn’t only help you in bulking up, but also provide you with healthy nutrients.
Ease of use
You can easily add these dietary supplements to your smoothies, cookies, and shakes. These supplements not only contain a higher content of carbohydrates and protein in a single serving but also keep you energized. You should try picking a variant that has carbohydrates and proteins in a ratio of 1:4, so you can take them right away without having to worry about adding protein powder separately to increase the protein intake. Proteins are easily metabolized in the kidneys to provide you with muscle mass and carbs break down to give you a boost of energy.
Gluten-free variants
Gluten-free products are typically easy to digest and enable nutrients to be absorbed quickly in your bloodstream. While gluten is a form of protein that’s found in rye and barley, most supplements contain it in their composition, which isn’t a healthy option for people with gluten intolerance. Those with gluten intolerance should consider options that contain gluten-free whey supplements. Whey is easy to digest and helps in promoting athletic performance, increasing muscle mass, and recovering from muscle injury.
Buying Tips for Weight Gainer Supplements
Choose calorie intake wisely
If you have a fast metabolism and find it especially difficult to gain weight, it is recommended that you should purchase a supplement that has more than 1000 calories per serving. You won’t get enough energy for your muscles by consuming a smaller number of calories. On the other hand, if you want to build lean muscle mass, you should consider buying a supplement with fewer calories but a higher protein-to-carbs ratio.
Check micronutrients
You should consider buying a weight gainer supplement that has enough micronutrients in the form of minerals and vitamins to fuel your body. These weight gainers provide energy throughout your body by supporting different digestive enzymes. You should keep in mind that weight gainers with more micronutrients will come with higher price tags, so you should consider buying a supplement that includes both micro and macro nutrients within your budget.
Nutritional charts
You should check the nutritional chart at the back of the pack to check the calorie content. Don’t forget to check the number of vitamins, proteins, fibers, minerals, and other essential components available in the product you’re considering. If you are still in doubt, speak to your nutritionist or trainer to know which supplement will work for you according to your requirements and needs.
People Also Asked
Will weight gainers harm my health?
Weight gain supplements are generally good for your health if your doctor approves them for you. But some weight gainers include a lot of sugar, which can be dangerous for those with diabetes. Another prominent side effect of weight gainers is that they interfere with your body’s glucose level, leading to a drop in your overall energy level throughout the day.
When should I consume my weight gainer supplements?
Even though you can consume weight gainers at any time of the day, some brands have specific limitations. For example, some manufacturers ask you to take the supplement after working out, while other brands might suggest replacing weight gainers with your morning meal. The ideal time to take weight gainer supplements to build lean muscle mass is post-workout. You should always check the back of your supplements to get the relevant information about adjusting the supplements with your meals to get the most out of them.
Which weight gainer is the best for me?
If you are allergic to gluten, it’s better to opt for variants with natural and organic ingredients. Organic weight gainers usually have complex carbs and slow-digesting proteins that slowly release energy and build muscle mass. Weight gain supplements that have a higher content of micronutrients and macros are a great source of energy for your body.
How much will I spend on a weight gainer?
While weight gainer supplements are available in an affordable price range as well, you should never hesitate to spend a few more bucks when it comes to quality ingredients. Consider weight gainers as an investment for your body. If you have a tight budget, you can choose the smaller packs rather than compromising on the quality. You should set your budget to $30 to $70 to get a high-quality weight gainer that helps you build up muscle mass without affecting your health. Typically, the final price may fluctuate depending on the brand you choose.
How quickly will I see results after using my weight gainer?
It depends on the type of weight gainers you are using, but most people start seeing results within a few weeks of using them. To get the most out of your weight gainer supplements, you should read the instructions carefully and use them as per directions. It is important to make sure that you’re getting enough calories from the rest of your diet too, this will ensure that you don’t feel dizzy or weak.
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