Mass gainers are designed for anyone who finds it difficult to eat enough calories to gain weight and build muscle. They're also popular with athletes who burn a lot of calories during training and need to replenish their energy stores, or simply for those exercising needing a quick and simple method of getting extra calories and macronutrients in.

Mass gainers are typically high in calories. This is great if you're working out hard, as you need those calories to build muscle. However, if you're consuming more calories than you're burning each day and you're not exercising regularly, it's more likely that you'll gain undesirable weight rather than extra muscle.

Mass gainers can help “skinny guys” to gain weight and build muscle. If you're underweight, it's probably because you're not eating enough to meet your daily calorie needs. If you're struggling to eat enough calories to support your training, a quality mass gainer protein powder will help you hit your calorie goals and build muscle. (1, 2).

You can take mass gainer without going to the gym, but you're not likely to see the same results as someone who is also weight training. Mass gainers are designed to help you replenish and build muscle, and if you're not working that muscle or burning off the calories, your body may likely convert them into fat stores. (3, 4).

Most mass gainers are designed to be taken once or twice a day. If you're training hard, you may need to increase your calorie intake to support your training and recovery, you should however consult a nutrition professional to optimise your weight and performance goals. You can use mass gainer to reach your calorie goals on rest days and fuel your muscles after a workout.

However, if you're not training consistently and skipping meals or not eating enough due to a busy lifestyle or small appetite, you can drink mass gainer only on the days when you need a quick source of calories.

Mass gainer and whey protein powders are both easy ways to increase your protein intake, but there are some key differences.

Whey protein powders typically contain a high proportion of protein (up to 95% by weight) with a small amount of carbohydrates and fats. This means most whey protein powders are relatively low calorie and are a great way to add extra protein to your diet and build muscle while still staying lean.

Mass gainers, on the other hand, have similar amounts of protein as normal but are higher in fats, carbohydrates, and calories. They're ideal for anyone looking for an easy way to increase their calorie intake, reach their daily macronutrient goals of carbs, fats, and proteins, and put on weight. (5)

Males and females have different calorie and protein needs, but biological gender is just one factor that affects your daily macronutrient requirements. (6, 7, 8).

There are a few things you should consider when choosing a protein powder for weight gain, such as your fitness goals, calorie needs, and dietary restrictions. If you're a female looking to build muscle or increase your protein intake, check out our selection of protein powder for women.

If you stop taking mass gainers, you may lose some of the muscle and weight that you've gained, this will also depend on if you continue or stop training as well. This is because mass gainers provide an easy way to consume extra calories, and when you're not taking them, it's more difficult to reach your calorie goals. (9, 10).

If you're new to using mass gainers, we recommend trying one with a moderate calorie content (around 500-700 calories per serving). This will help you gradually increase your calorie intake and avoid any uncomfortable digestive issues.

Once you've been using mass gainers for a while, you can experiment with different formulas to find one that works.

You can also check out our list of the top 10 protein powders we sell, all of which are a great choice for beginners.

The best time to take mass gainer will depend on your fitness goals and daily routine.

If you're looking to build muscle, you may want to take mass gainer immediately after your workout. This will help you to refuel your muscles and promote recovery. (11).

For those with a busy lifestyle who tend to skip meals, you may want to take mass gainer first thing in the morning to ensure you have enough energy for the day. Or, you can just have a shake at any time during the day when you don't have time to eat a full meal.

If you're looking to gain weight quickly, you may want to consider using a mass gainer protein powder. Mass gainers are high in calories and nutrients, making it easier for you to reach a calorie surplus.

You can also try eating more frequently throughout the day or adding healthy fats and carbs to your meals to increase your calorie intake.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that using mass gainers will cause acne. However, if you find that you're breaking out after drinking a whey mass gainer shake, it may be because you're sensitive to milk proteins. (12).

If you're experiencing issues with your skin after you start taking a mass gainer powder, try switching to a different brand or a lactose-free vegan or plant-based protein powder. For any issues or concerns you have ensure you consult a healthcare or nutrition professional.

As mass gainers are high in calories and contain a more balanced mixture of macronutrients than protein powders, they can be used as a meal replacement. (13).

To make your mass gainer shake more nutritious, you can add other ingredients such as nut butters, avocado, fruits, and oats.

However, it's important to note that mass gainers are not designed to be a complete meal and do not contain all the vitamins and minerals you need for good health. If you're looking for a complete meal replacement, we recommend checking out our selection of meal replacement shakes.

The type of protein in mass gainers can vary depending on the brand and product. However, most mass gainer powders contain a blend of whey and casein protein, as well as carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Some of the other protein powder supplements you might consider to help you reach your nutrition and fitness goals include:

• Hydrolysed whey protein

  A fast-absorbing protein that's perfect for post-workout recovery.

• Whey protein isolate

  A pure form of whey protein with minimal fat and carbs.

• Hemp protein

  A vegan-friendly protein powder rich in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids.

• Pea protein

  Another vegan-friendly protein powder that's a good source of iron and magnesium.

• Rice protein

  A hypoallergenic protein powder that's easy to digest.

• Casein protein

  A slow-releasing protein that's helpful for controlling your appetite and making you feel full for longer.

• Collagen protein

  A protein derived from a variety of animal sources that has excellent bio-availability.

• Keto protein

  A meal replacement protein powder that's low-carb and suitable for those on a ketogenic diet.

• Fat-burning protein

  A protein powder that contains ingredients designed to boost your metabolism and help you burn fat.

• Gluten-free protein powder

  A protein powder that's free from gluten-containing ingredients, making it ideal for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.

• Organic whey protein

  A protein powder made from whey that's sourced from organically raised cows.

• Slow-release protein

  A protein powder that is absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly than other types of protein and is ideal for taking before bed.

• Weight-loss protein

  A low-calorie protein powder that can help you stick to a calorie-controlled diet.