Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys | Top 8 Picks to go from Skinny to Swole

This is our review of the best weight gainer for skinny guys in .

As a practicing nutritionist, I meet clients with varied fitness goals. While most seek my help in losing excess weight, some covet the exact opposite – weight gain. But this is easier said than done.

Healthy weight gain is less about consuming more calories and more about consuming the RIGHT calories. For many, weight gain poses difficulties because their body’s natural metabolic rate is high. For others, the challenge could be in the limited amount of food they can consume in a day to gain weight.

For both these situations, the solution is the same: consistent workouts and the best weight gainer supplement.

What protein powder is best for weight gain largely depends on individual needs. While some supplements contain less than 500 calories per serving, others provide more than 1000 calories. So, before buying a weight gainer supplement, evaluate how many calories you actually require and what your ultimate goals are (overall weight gain or lean mass gain).

Our top pick for the best mass gainer for skinny guys is Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass. It has an all-inclusive formula of macro and micronutrients and can easily replace a meal because of its calorie delivery. It is the ideal fit for anyone having mass gaining goals. But knowing that there are different objectives and preferences, I have put together 8 weight gainers that I highly recommend.

Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys Overall	Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys – Formula	MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000
Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys – Protein breakup	Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys – Zero Sugar	MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass
Best Lean Muscle Mass Gainer for Skinny Guys	Mass JYM Weight Gainer Protein
Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys – Vegan	Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer
Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys –  Taste	BSN True Mass Weight Gainer
Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys – Budget	Universal Nutrition Real Gains
Best Weight Gainer Pills for Men	AppetiteMax

Best weight gain supplements for skinny guys reviewed 

Note: All nutritional facts mentioned below are for a single serving as mentioned on the product label.

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass – Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys (Overall)

With a whopping 1000+ calorie delivery, Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass is THE definition of weight gain goals with the right amounts of protein, carbs, and fats. Eating those many calories in a single meal can be a nightmare, but this supplement makes it possible. Thus helping you gain weight and muscle.

The best part of its formula is that it hs  more than 20 micronutrients. So, you can easily replace an entire meal without worrying about losing out on vitamins and minerals, making it the best weight gainer for men. 

However, I don’t recommend using a weight gainer supplement as a meal replacement regularly. 

I advise easing into it with half a serving first and then plunging into the full-size 24-48 hours later to avoid gastric upset.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Covers macro and micronutrients	Not suited to vegetarians/vegans
Can be taken as a meal replacement
Range of flavors

Summary of Customer Reviews:

The Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass is highly recommended for its weight-gaining capabilities. However, some customers are unhappy with the addition of maltodextrin, a highly-processed sugar.

MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000 – Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys (Formula)

MuscleTech Extreme 2000 has, by far, the best formula I have seen so far in weight gainer supplements. With all the macros in place, they have additionally boosted the product profile with a 10g dose of creatine monohydrate, 10.5g of glutamine AND all 3 BCAAs as well. While creatine and BCAAs primarily help to enhance exercise performance and endurance, glutamine aids in reducing muscle breakdown and promoting faster recovery post-workout.

What impressed me most though was that the makers put a lot of thought into their carbs’ quality. They have added oat bran and isomaltulose while most other formulas only include maltodextrin. This makes a massive difference because isomaltulose not only causes a steady release of blood sugar, keeping you energetic for longer but also has fat-burning benefits. On the other hand, maltodextrin is a sweetener with empty calories and is not suitable for someone on a sugar-watch. 

Adding MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides) rounds off the formula well. MCTs are essentially good fats that help sustain energy and improve exercise performance. The best part is that all of the individual ingredients work together without interfering with each other’s qualities and benefits.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Can be used as a meal replacement	Could cause gastric discomfort
Has creatine, glutamine, and BCAAs	Not high on taste
Contains high-quality carbs
Contain MCTs

Summary of Customer Reviews:

While most customers vouch for MuscleTech Extreme 2000’s mass gaining capabilities, some users complained about its poor mixing quality and taste.

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer – Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys (Protein Breakup)

With 52g protein and 1200+ calories per serving, even those who find it extremely hard to gain weight will put on the pounds with the Dymatize Super Mass Gainer.

The protein blend is formidable, delivering an additional nutritional load of 2:1:1 BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) and creatine monohydrate. This means faster muscle gain, better endurance, and quicker post-workout recovery, making it the best protein powder for bulking. However, the creatine content is on the lower side, so you may need to stack this with an additional creatine supplement.

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is also vouched for by Informed Choice (third-party check) for its purity and quality of ingredients.

A serving of this product can easily replace a meal without compromising overall nutrition quality. It has a potent vitamin complex (A, B complex, C, D, E) and an outstanding mineral-electrolyte balance.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
High-quality protein formula	Low on taste
Contains a good range of major micronutrients (vitamins, minerals & electrolytes)
Third-party tested

Summary of Customer Reviews:

While most customers trust this brand after seeing its third-party testing and clearly mentioned composition, they do seem to be disappointed with its taste.

MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass – Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys (Zero Sugar)

MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass is perfect for those who want to gain muscle without disturbing their body composition. This is possible since it has zero added sugars and low-fat content. 

Also, while most weight gainers contain whey protein, this supplement derives high-quality protein from beef, making it among the best dairy-free weight gainers on the market.

The combination of macros in the MuscleMeds Mass minimizes fat storage while increasing protein absorption and muscle building. Zero dairy also cuts down on the chances of digestive issues.

This product can also double up as a creatine supplement because of the 5g creatine monohydrate it boosts, moving your muscle-building capability up a few notches.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Zero added sugars	Not suited to vegetarians/vegans
Low-fat content
Dairy-free
Contains creatine

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Customers love MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass for its clean, sugar-free formula. However, few customers have reported mild digestive upset.

Mass JYM Weight Gainer Protein – Best Lean Muscle Gainer for Skinny Guys

If you read the nutrient specifications of Mass JYM Weight Gainer, you will realize it is very unlike other supplements in its category. Most weight gainers contain a high-carbohydrate formula compared to their protein content. But this product has a nearly 1:1 ratio of proteins and carbs, meaning that the amount per serving of protein and carbs is pretty much equal.

This proportion works very well when the focus is on muscle gain. This is because if the carbohydrate content of the product is much more than your requirement, the excess carbs get converted and stored as fat in the body.

What I also love about this product is that they have clearly demarcated the types and quantity of protein they have used. Although we know that mass gainers usually contain a blend of milk protein and whey protein, the actual share of each is almost never revealed. This product clearly mentions the use of 50% casein (milk protein), 40% whey protein, and 10% egg protein, making the relationship between product and consumer transparent and honest.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
1:1 ratio of proteins to carbs promoting lean muscle gain	Low on taste
Clearly demarcated ingredients
Low in calories

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Most customers reported favorable results with the Mass JYM Weight Gainer. However, a small percentage were unhappy with its taste.

Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer – Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys (Vegan)

It’s a common misconception that animal-based proteins have the best mass-gaining qualities and that plant proteins are generally inferior in muscle-building and weight gain.

Myth-shattering time. Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer is one of the best weight gainers around, and the silver lining is that it is entirely vegan. Their 50g per serving of protein is derived from a unique vegan blend of pea protein and organic brown rice protein, making it not just vegan but also soy-free.

Organic coconut sugar has been used in the formula, making it one of those rare weight gainer supplements to use naturally sourced sweeteners. I would like to add though, that the quantity of sugar added is on the higher side.

The only possible blip here is that it is not nut-free, so someone with a general allergy to nuts may be unable to use it.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Vegan	Higher sugar load
Easy-to-digest protein	Not nut-free
Good amino acid profile

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Most customers are happy with Naked Mass’s vegan formula and weight-gaining capability. However, a few customers were not impressed with its sugar content and tendency to cause digestive discomfort in the initial phase.

BSN True Mass Weight Gainer – Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys (Taste)

Many of us would want our supplements to be palatable, especially if we consume them daily. And there is nothing wrong with that because taste can play a significant role in ensuring compliance. Of all the weight gainers I have come across, BSN True Mass Weight Gainer has the best tasting flavors so far.

Since it delivers over 1000 calories per serving, this gainer can easily be swapped with a meal. However, I would advise not making this a regular practice. Though it contains excellent macros, the micronutrient profile is not very satisfactory. 

Another vital piece of information you must know is that it does contain artificial flavoring. So, this product may not be optimal for those who would like to use only naturally sourced ingredients.

BSN True Mass Weight Gainer sticks to a more traditional weight gainer formula of protein, carbs, and fat. While it has added calcium, iron, and potassium, the product does not have additional supplementation like creatine or glutamine as opposed to some of its other mass gainers.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Tastes amazing	Has artificial flavors
	No other added supplement like creatine or glutamine

Summary of Customer Reviews:

This is one product that almost everyone is happy with as far as taste is concerned. However, some users did report poor mixing quality and that the shake could get way too thick.

Universal Nutrition Real Gains – Best Weight Gainer for Skinny Guys (Budget)

The health market is flooded with different kinds of supplements, and most of the time, the ones that are high in quality are also high in price (understandably so). And this could prove to be a hurdle for some of us. Health is essential, but so is staying within budget. 

Universal Nutrition Real Gains is an excellent option for people looking for quality supplementation that does not burn a hole in your pocket. 

It has a high protein content delivered in a moderate number of calories. This makes Universal Nutrition Real Gains great for building lean muscle mass. However, for someone who is a stickler for natural products, this formula does have artificial sweeteners.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Good for people on a budget	Has artificial sweeteners
High protein delivery within a moderate amount of calories

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Users recommend Universal Nutrition Real Gains for its protein content and budget-friendliness. However, some customers were unhappy with its taste and fillers in the formula.

AppetiteMax – Best Weight Gainer Pills for Men

Not a typical mass gainer, AppetiteMax are capsule pills that help stimulate appetite, improve digestive capability, balance metabolism, and support muscle building. This is achieved through a combination of different nutrients and extracts.

I have included it in this list because there are men who may not be able to consume mass gainers for various reasons, some of them being digestive tolerance levels or frank lack of preference. That’s where this supplement works.

The combination of Vitamins B1 & B12 with zinc and Gentian root extract works as appetite enhancers. They support digestive enzyme production and optimize the conversion of macros into energy. 

The pill also contains Amylase and Glucoamylase (digestive) enzymes that are essential in carbohydrate metabolism. When carbohydrates are optimally converted into energy, the body’s metabolic rate increases, and you are able to consume more calories in a day.

I also like the addition of Vitamin D3, L-leucine, and D-Aspartic Acid as these components contribute largely to muscle support and muscle building. This will lead to an overall gain in lean mass rather than crude weight. The addition of Boron supports testosterone production, which contributes to faster muscle building.

Frequent health concerns have a negative impact on appetite and digestion. The herbs Bioperine, Ashwagandha and Korean Ginseng primarily offer immune support and help in counteracting this.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Capsule form for ease of consumption	Does not contain any macros
Metabolic support for lean mass gain
Suited to people who are intolerant to protein-heavy mass gainers

What are mass gainers?

Mass gainers are supplements used to gain weight and add muscle mass. They are moderate to high-calorie powders that primarily contain a combination of macronutrients in the form of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. In addition, some mass gainers also contain micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. 

Mass gainers have a wide range of ingredients that could be naturally derived or highly processed. Therefore, it is very important to read the Supplement Facts table before buying.

While all mass gainers are used in addition to a healthy food plan, some can actually be used as meal replacers.

How do weight gainers work?

Weight gainers work by placing you in a hypercaloric state where you consume more calories than are utilized. This helps you in building muscle and gaining weight.

Although some gainers are routinely used as meal replacers, this should not be followed as a general rule because many gainers do not give you the necessary amounts of micronutrients. They work best when taken as part of a healthy diet and workout regime.

What are the benefits of a mass gainer?

Mass gainers are a great way of packing in additional calories and have a wide range of benefits: 

Weight gain

Mass gainers help you gain weight faster as compared to food. This is because they enable you to meet your calorie requirements more efficiently.

Muscle gain & recovery

Mass gainers contain protein, carbohydrates, and fat in proportions that align with the goal of muscle building. Through a combination of high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and good fats, mass gainers help in adding lean bulk and in muscle recovery post-workout. Added supplements like creatine also help with this. 

Better workout performance

Carbohydrates play a crucial role in replenishing the stores of glycogen within muscles. Glycogen is an essential fuel that helps muscles exercise harder and for longer periods without breakdown.

Blessing for hard gainers

Some of us are unable to gain adequate weight no matter how much we eat. Mass gainers help deliver more calories in smaller portions, which can be a blessing for hard gainers. 

Source of micronutrients

 Some gainers are excellent sources of micronutrients like vitamins, minerals and electrolytes which are essential in muscle health. However, not all mass gainers have a good micronutrient profile. It is important to read the nutrition facts at the back of the container to know what the formula is made up of.

What are the side effects of weight gainers?

If you stick to the recommended dosage of the weight gainer, the chances of experiencing side effects are slim to none. However, there are some side effects that you need to be aware of:

Digestive disturbance 

Mass gainers may cause digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, and loose motions in some people. Therefore, it is advised to start weight gainers with a smaller serving size than recommended and gradually work up to the full serving size. This gives your body time to adjust to the supplement. 

Allergic reactions

Some people may be allergic to some of the filler ingredients of the supplement and can react. Also, check for allergies to nuts, gluten, etc. 

Lactose-intolerant people must avoid consuming products containing milk protein like whey protein powders for weight gain.  

Increased body fat

Many mass gainers contain a high amount of sugars and sweeteners to make the supplement palatable. Artificial sweeteners especially can cause a sugar spike and result in fat storage in the body.

Additionally,  if you take a high gainer (upward of 1000 calories per serving) and do not work out, this could also result in increased body fat.

Kidney & liver damage

Some studies have shown that consuming excess creatine monohydrate could affect the normal functioning of the liver and kidneys. Therefore, it is always recommended, especially in people with compromised kidney or liver function, to read the list of ingredients before buying a product carefully.

Risk of Diabetes

The presence of added sugars and artificial sweeteners can increase the risk of developing diabetes. In addition, a very high carbohydrate intake (present in most mass gainers) can overload the body and push it to convert excess carbs into fat, increasing the chances of diabetes and obesity.

How do I choose the right weight gainer?

Here’s what you need to know when choosing a weight gainer:

Protein to Carb ratio

To gain healthy weight and muscle mass, the proportion of protein and carbohydrate must be present in the correct ratio. 1:3 to 1:5 are considered ideal ratios for building muscle. This means that for 1 part of protein in the formula, 3 to 5 parts of carbohydrate is considered ideal pairings.

Quality of Fat

Choose mass gainers that contain more ‘good fat’ like unsaturated fats and MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides). They serve as quality fuels to build lean mass.

Check for Sugars

When a product says ‘added sugars’, it actually means ‘added empty calories’. So while all products are not sugar-free, you can go for those whose sugar content falls below 6g per serving.

Check Supplement Facts

All mass gainers differ, whether it is calories per serving, macros, added supplements like creatine or glutamine, or fillers. Check the nutritional facts and choose the one that suits your current needs. Also, keep an eye on potential allergens like maltodextrin. If you are allergic to it, it is best to avoid the gainers that contain it.

Go for micronutrients 

Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) play a vital role in building immunity and help in channelizing energy levels. So if you are into workouts, micronutrients are a must in your supplement.

To Round It Off

A mass gainer is a convenient way to bulk up and build muscle because it allows you to consume more calories in small portions. For example, you could replace a meal with a mass gainer delivering a high-calorie load along with a good micronutrient profile. However, do consult your nutritionist or fitness specialist before doing so. 

While Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass scores high as an all-rounder supplement for its calorie delivery and micronutrient profile, do have a look at our other picks to know which fits you best.

FAQs

What is the difference between mass gainers and protein powders? Can they be used interchangeably?

Protein powders are strictly protein-only sources that contain very few carbs and fats. Mass gainers, on the other hand, have more carbs as compared to protein and moderate amounts of fats.

They cannot be used interchangeably since mass gainers are taken to gain weight and muscle mass, while protein powders/shakes concentrate on muscle building only. If you are looking for protein powders, you will find our reviews on the best low-sodium protein powders and the best lactose-free protein powders quite useful.

How do I use a mass gainer?

Mass gainers work best when they are part of a healthy diet and workout routine. Depending on which mass gainer you choose, they can be taken after a workout, at bedtime, or between meals. However, most mass gainers can be consumed in the morning on waking to set the tone for the day.

Since mass gainers are usually packed with the goodness of carbs, they can be good post-workout supplements. But not every workout needs to be a sweaty session at the gym. Instead, you can easily achieve an effective workout in the comfort of your home. In fact, we have put together a list of the best exercise bike with arms and the best elliptical bike combo that can help you kickstart your fitness journey by giving you a full-body workout option.

Are mass gainers a source of quality calories?

Mass gainers provide you with a concentrated number of calories within a small portion size. In addition, checking the supplements facts gives you a clear idea about the purity of ingredients and cleanness of the formula.

Are mass gainers better than real food?

Mass gainers ‘supplement’ food. They cannot replace or be used instead of food. Of course, the food you consume needs to be clean and healthy as well for the calories to be used in the right way.

Can I take mass gainers on rest days?

Yes, you can take a mass gainer on rest days, though the serving size may need to be modified to account for a break in workouts.

Are mass gainers to be taken with water or milk?

Mass gainers can be taken with water or milk. 
Mass gainers taken with water can deliver their serving size calories well. However, milk has its own set of calories and these extra calories need to be considered when taking a mass gainer with milk.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting the consumption of any supplements. Always check the label before purchasing a product for potential allergic reactions.