Best Protein Powder

2025 Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain - Expert Tested Mass Gainers

Discover the best protein powder for weight gain. Compare top mass gainers and whey protein options to build muscle, gain weight, and reach your fitness goals.
By Dean Friley
Updated January 2025 8 min read
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How to Choose the Best Weight Gain Protein Powder

The best protein powder for weight gain serves different needs than standard protein supplements. While regular whey protein focuses on muscle recovery with 20-25g protein per 100-130 calories, weight gain formulas prioritize caloric density alongside quality protein sources. This distinction matters because hardgainers—individuals who struggle to gain weight naturally—require significantly more calories than they can typically consume from whole foods alone.
Key differences between weight gain and standard protein powders:
  • Calorie Content – Weight gain formulas range from 500-1,500 calories per serving versus 100-200 calories in regular protein
  • Carbohydrate Ratio – Mass gainers typically feature 3:1 to 5:1 carb-to-protein ratios for sustained energy and glycogen replenishment
  • Usage Timeline – Start with high-calorie mass gainers for initial 10-20 pound gains, then transition to moderate-calorie protein for lean muscle maintenance
  • Target Audience – Best protein powder for weight gain suits naturally thin individuals, athletes in bulking phases, or anyone struggling to maintain healthy body weight
As noted in our protein powder for muscle gain guide, the timing of when to switch from mass gainers to regular protein depends on your progress and goals. Most users find success using high-calorie formulas initially, then transitioning to our top whey protein recommendations once they've established a foundation.

Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain

Best Ryse Skippy Peanut Butter Protein Powder protein powder container - detailed product review

Image source: Amazon

Brand: Ryse

Skippy Peanut Butter Protein Powder

4.6/5
Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain
$44.99
~$1.67 per serving
Buy on Amazon

WIRED

  • Extremely authentic and rich taste, very similar to actual Skippy peanut butter
  • Very sweet, thick, and smooth texture, providing an excellent drinking experience
  • Contains MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), a healthy fat source
  • Explicitly recommended for those seeking a protein "a little bit higher in calories" for evening shakes or meal replacements, making it ideal for weight gain

TIRED

  • Higher in fat and carbohydrates compared to leaner protein products
  • Protein-to-calorie ratio (0.17) is lower than the "gold standard," indicating less protein density
  • Might be overly sweet for those who don't prefer very sweet flavors

Whoa, Ryse Skippy Peanut Butter Protein Powder. This stuff is loaded with premium whey protein with MCTs, which is interesting. Nutritionally, it's scoring in at a 0.17 protein-to-calorie ratio, which is substantially lower than our gold standard, meaning it has a little bit more fat and carbohydrate in here than a traditional protein product.

But here's the kicker: if the nutrition isn't as ideal, then the taste had better be damn good. And I'm telling you, Ryse absolutely knocked this the way the hell out of the park. This stuff smells legit like Skippy peanut butter, for real. And the taste? Wow. It tastes about as close as you can get to like watered-down, blended peanut butter, but in the best way possible.

It's very sweet, very peanut buttery, and incredibly thick and smooth. This is some high-quality shit. You guys, if you like your whey protein to be a little bit higher in calories, maybe for like an evening shake or a meal replacement, and you are obsessed with peanut butter in all of its forms, Ryse did a phenomenal job. It's awesome, even though I'm not personally into super sweet things.

Detailed Specs

Protein Source
Whey Concentrate
Per Serving
25g protein, 147 cal
Price per Serving
$1.67
Available Flavors
4+ flavors

Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain

Best Rivalus Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer protein powder container - detailed product review

Image source: Amazon

Brand: Rivalus

Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer

4.5/5
Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain
$38.60
~$2.57 per serving
Buy on Amazon

WIRED

  • Clean ingredient profile with quality carbohydrates and protein sources
  • 560 calories per serving ideal for consistent calorie surplus
  • Excellent digestibility without typical mass gainer bloating
  • Balanced macros: 30g protein, 97g carbs, 5g fat for optimal weight gain
  • Great taste and mixability makes daily consumption enjoyable

TIRED

  • Higher price point compared to basic mass gainers
  • Large serving size may be overwhelming for beginners
  • Limited flavor options compared to mainstream brands

Rivalus Clean Gainer stands out as the best protein powder for weight gain with its balanced formula delivering 560 calories per serving. Unlike many mass gainers filled with cheap maltodextrin, this features a clean ingredient profile with quality carbohydrates, 30g complete protein, and healthy fats for sustained energy and muscle growth.

What makes Clean Gainer exceptional is its digestibility and taste. The smooth texture mixes easily without the typical bloating associated with cheaper weight gain supplements. The balanced macronutrient ratio supports healthy weight gain while providing essential amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. Perfect for hardgainers who struggle to consume enough calories from whole foods alone.

Detailed Specs

Protein Source
Whey Concentrate
Per Serving
30g protein, 560 cal
Price per Serving
$2.57
Available Flavors
4+ flavors

Best High-Calorie Protein for Weight Gain

Best Naked Naked Mass Natural Weight Gainer protein powder container - detailed product review

Image source: Amazon

Brand: Naked

Naked Mass Natural Weight Gainer

4.3/5
Best High-Calorie Protein for Weight Gain
$69.99
~$8.75 per serving
Buy on Amazon

WIRED

  • Ultra-high 1,250 calories per serving for maximum weight gain potential
  • Only 3-5 ingredients total - completely transparent formula
  • Third-party tested for purity and quality assurance
  • Combines whey and casein for fast and slow protein release
  • Unflavored option allows complete customization

TIRED

  • Extremely high calories may be overwhelming for some users
  • Unflavored version lacks taste appeal without additions
  • Large serving size requires significant liquid volume
  • May cause digestive discomfort if consumed too quickly

Naked Mass is the best protein powder for weight gain when you need serious calories. With 1,250 calories per serving and a minimalist 3-ingredient formula (maltodextrin, whey, casein), it provides maximum caloric density without artificial additives. The 5:1 carb-to-protein ratio delivers fast and slow-digesting proteins for sustained muscle building.

This mass gainer excels in transparency and purity. Third-party tested for quality assurance, Naked Mass contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or fillers - just pure calories and protein your body needs for weight gain. The unflavored version allows complete customization by blending with fruits, nut butters, or your preferred flavoring while maintaining ingredient simplicity.

Detailed Specs

Protein Source
Whey Concentrate
Per Serving
50g protein, 1250 cal
Price per Serving
$8.75
Available Flavors
4+ flavors

Best Protein for Lean Weight Gain Transition

Best PEScience PEScience Select Protein protein powder container - detailed product review

Image source: Amazon

Brand: PEScience

PEScience Select Protein

4.7/5
Best Protein for Lean Weight Gain Transition
$44.99
~$1.29 per serving
Buy on Amazon

WIRED

  • Whey-casein blend provides fast and slow protein absorption
  • Superior satiety helps control appetite during weight gain phases
  • Excellent for baking - creates moist, protein-rich treats
  • Great value at $1.27 per serving for blended protein
  • Multiple delicious flavors with smooth, creamy texture

TIRED

  • Lower calories (110) not suitable for hardgainers needing high calories
  • Contains artificial sweeteners and flavors
  • Protein percentage (74-87%) lower than pure isolates
  • Thicker texture may not appeal to all users

PEScience Select Protein serves as the best protein powder for weight gain once you've moved past the initial bulking phase. This whey-casein blend provides 24g quality protein with superior satiety for controlled, lean weight gain. Perfect for transitioning from mass gainers to maintaining muscle while moderating calorie intake.

The unique whey-casein combination offers both rapid and sustained amino acid release, making it ideal for lean weight gain goals. Unlike pure whey, the casein component extends satiety between meals, helping control appetite during caloric surplus phases. The creamy texture and excellent baking properties make this versatile for recipes beyond simple shakes.

Detailed Specs

Protein Source
Whey Concentrate
Per Serving
24g protein, 110 cal
Price per Serving
$1.29
Available Flavors
4+ flavors

Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain Comparison

Direct comparison of the top protein powders for weight gain based on calories per serving, protein content, and ideal use cases for hardgainers and muscle building.

Ryse Skippy Peanut Butter

Best For:
Best taste for weight gain
Taste Profile:
147 calories
Works Best As:
25g protein
Calories:
7g carbs
Protein:
$1.67

Rivalus Clean Gainer

Best For:
Balanced weight gain formula
Taste Profile:
560 calories
Works Best As:
30g protein
Calories:
97g carbs
Protein:
$3.33

Naked Mass

Best For:
Maximum calorie density
Taste Profile:
1,250 calories
Works Best As:
50g protein
Calories:
252g carbs
Protein:
$9.37

PE Science Select

Best For:
Lean weight gain transition
Taste Profile:
110 calories
Works Best As:
24g protein
Calories:
2g carbs
Protein:
$1.27

Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain Specifications

Ryse Skippy Peanut Butter

Type:
Whey Protein with MCTs
Calories:
147
Protein %:
68%
3rd Party:
No
Satiety:
Medium

Rivalus Clean Gainer

Type:
Whey Protein Blend
Calories:
560
Protein %:
21%
3rd Party:
Yes
Satiety:
High

Naked Mass

Type:
Whey & Casein Blend
Calories:
1,250
Protein %:
16%
3rd Party:
Yes
Satiety:
Very High

PE Science Select

Type:
Whey & Casein Blend
Calories:
110
Protein %:
87%
3rd Party:
No
Satiety:
High

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