Supplements for weight gain consist of an abundant source of calories, protein, and other beneficial nutrients that can contribute to weight gain and muscle growth. They come in the form of powders, pills, snack bars, and shakes. Even with varying price tags, these additives have been found to still produce similar results. If you choose to try supplements, here are a few we have researched and reviewed that have been found to produce highly effective results:
Powders:
- Calories per serving: 1,250 (two scoops)
- Size: 6 pound or 12 pound
- Pros: Plentiful amount of calories, multiple flavors, nutrient & protein rich
- Cons: Some flavors aren’t as tasty
This protein powder can be added to beverages and mixed in a blender with other nutritious edibles. It comes in 5 different sweet flavors (chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla to name a few) and contains around 50 grams of protein per serving. If you find it difficult to consume enough calories throughout the day with your meals for weight gain, this supplement will compensate. It is important that you also exercise when taking supplements like this one in order to maximize results.
The Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass comes in a lasting size container. Compared to similar mass gainer supplements, it is a great value. However, a negative with this powder is that some of the flavors may not be the best tasting to a few. For many consumers though, results have been reported of being seen within 1-3 months.
- Calories per serving: 650 per serving (4 scoops)
- Size: 5 pound or 10 pound
- Pros: Economical, good taste, easy to mix
- Cons: Could be higher in calories per scoop
The Muscle Milk Gainer Protein Powder contains 32 grams of protein, and currently comes in 3 different flavors. This powder mixes easily with your beverages and is gluten-free. While this powder doesn’t have as many calories as others in its category, it still is very beneficial to those seeking to gain weight and even if you have a fast metabolism.
Many users of this supplement have reported seeing pretty speedy results. It can be taken at any time of day. However, for the best results it is beneficial when consumed after workouts. Taking supplements post-workout is a great time to replenish energy and help your muscles recover.
Shakes:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Size: Pack of 16 or 24
- Pros: Convenient to use, decent amount of calories for the size
- Cons: Must shake before use otherwise formula can get clumpy
If you have a more fast-paced or busy lifestyle, but are seeking to gain weight, protein/nutritional shakes can be very beneficial supplements for weight gain. Since they don’t require any type of preparation, these shakes make for a quick and easy boost of calories.
The Ensure Plus Nutrition Shakes are a well known product for many reasons, one of which being because they are convenient yet effective. These supplement shakes come in a generous pack size and 4 different flavors currently. It is recommended that you take 1 or 2 of these a day with or aside from your meals. Just make sure to shake before use, as the formula can get a bit clumpy if left still. These shakes also contain 13 grams of protein along with 26 vitamins and minerals.
- Calories per serving: 530 per 1 drink
- Size: 27 pack / 8 fl. oz. in a drink
- Pros: Rich in calories in a small size, perfect for on-the-go
- Cons: Price
The Boost VHC Complete Nutritional Drinks are unlike other supplement shakes. These shakes come in a hefty pack size of 27, and at 8 fl. oz. per drink, contain a plentiful amount of 530 calories. You can also expect to get 22 grams of protein along with 26 other key nutrients. This particular version comes in only a vanilla flavor, is gluten-free, and is also suitable for those with a lactose intolerance (however not suitable for those with Galactosemia).
Since these supplement shakes come in a small size, they are perfect for on-the-go travels. Additionally, with such an abundance of calories per serving, you can expect to see results imminently for weight gain. There wasn’t much we could find that wasn’t to love about these supplement shakes, except for the price. But the fact that they contain such a bountiful amount of calories in a small serving, in addition to the large quantity pack size, we feel it is all of worth it in the long run.
Snack Bars:
- Calories per serving: 350 calories
- Size: 12 count
- Pros: Convenient source of calories, tasty yet healthy snack
- Cons: More so effective for those who are active in exercise/sports
Snack bars can actually be quite helpful when trying to gain weight. While they aren’t an entire meal supplement, these snacks can provide a copious amount of calories that will help to contribute to your overall gains. The Gatorade Whey Protein Recover Bars are a prime example. These bars contain 32 grams of protein and 42 grams of carbohydrates, primarily to help with muscle recovery post-workout.
They currently come in 8 various flavors, and are best consumed after physical activity. These bars contain milk and whey protein, which give you essential amino acids needed for muscle restoration and growth. Although these snack bars aren’t entire meal supplements, when consumed along side or in between meals, expect a boost of energy and a bonus of extra calories.
- Calories per serving: 200
- Size: 18 count
- Pros: Low in sugar, decent price, protein rich
- Cons: Calorie count varies with flavor
The Pure Protein Bars consist of 20-21 grams of protein for each different flavor – there are currently 3 total. The different flavors also vary in the amount of calories they carry, ranging from 180-200. These bars have a savory taste however, and aren’t too crunchy like other protein bars. The fact that they only contain 2 grams of sugar is a bonus as well. Again, these protein bars aren’t an entire meal supplement, but they are a excellent choice of additional protein for those who have difficulty consuming extra protein with their meals.