For some, the idea of struggling to gain weight sounds like a dream. But for those of us who are true “hardgainers,” it’s a constant, frustrating battle. I remember my own journey, staring at the scale, which stubbornly refused to budge despite my efforts to consume everything in sight. You eat big meals, you snack constantly, and yet, your fast metabolism seems to burn through every calorie like a furnace. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it can impact energy levels, strength, and overall confidence. The simple advice to “just eat more” falls flat when you’re already feeling perpetually full. This is the precise challenge where a high-calorie supplement can be a game-changer, offering a concentrated, easy-to-consume source of the nutrients your body needs to finally start building mass.
- EFFECTIVE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: High caloric density delivers a substantial 1600 calories per serving. Ideal for athletes, individuals that have difficulty maintaining weight, bodybuilders, or...
- BALANCED NUTRITION: Recognizing the significance of comprehensive nutrition, Naturade's weight management formula goes beyond just high-calorie content. It is equally abundant in carbohydrates and...
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Naturade's Weight Gain nutrition drink mix is meticulously formulated with purely natural ingredients. We eschew artificial additives, colors, and preservatives to ensure you're...
What to Consider Before Buying a Weight Gainer
A Sports Nutrition Weight Gainer is more than just a tub of powder; it’s a key solution for bridging the caloric gap that many athletes, bodybuilders, and individuals with fast metabolisms face. Its primary benefit is convenience. Consuming 500-1000 extra calories through solid food can be a daunting, uncomfortable task. A quality weight gainer delivers these calories in a simple, palatable shake, along with a balanced profile of protein for muscle repair and carbohydrates for energy. This allows for consistent caloric surplus, the fundamental requirement for gaining mass, without the bloating and logistical challenges of preparing and eating another full meal. It transforms weight management from a chore into a manageable part of your daily routine.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone genuinely struggling to meet their daily calorie and protein targets through diet alone. This includes ectomorphs (individuals with a naturally lean build), athletes in a bulking phase, or anyone with a physically demanding job who needs to replenish vast amounts of energy. However, a weight gainer might not be suitable for those who can easily gain weight, are trying to lose fat, or don’t engage in regular resistance training. For these individuals, the dense caloric load can lead to unwanted fat gain. A simple whey protein isolate or a focus on whole foods would be a more appropriate alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Serving Size & Container Volume: Unlike a piece of equipment, the “dimensions” of a supplement relate to its longevity. Pay close attention to the number of servings per container and the actual scoop size. A product might seem cheap, but if the tub only lasts a week with daily use, the costs can add up quickly. We’ve seen many potent formulas packaged in small containers, which can be a significant drawback for long-term use.
- Caloric & Macronutrient Density: This is the core performance metric. Look beyond the headline calorie number, which is often based on mixing the powder with whole milk and other additions. Analyze the calories, protein, and carbohydrates per serving of the powder itself. Also, check for sugar content and sodium levels, as these can be surprisingly high in some formulas and may not align with your health goals.
- Ingredient Quality & Purity: The “materials” here are the ingredients. Do you want a simple whey and maltodextrin formula, or one with complex carbohydrates and multiple protein sources? Look for products that are free from unnecessary fillers, artificial stimulants, or steroids. Also, for those with dietary restrictions, certifications like gluten-free are important, but always check the label for allergen warnings about manufacturing facilities.
- Ease of Use & Mixability: A lumpy, gritty shake is something no one looks forward to. A good weight gainer should mix smoothly with a simple shaker bottle, without needing a high-powered blender for every serving. Flavor is also a huge component of long-term adherence. A formula that tastes great and offers versatility—blending well with fruits, milks, or other ingredients—is far more likely to become a staple in your regimen.
While the Naturade Weight Gain Drink Mix Vanilla is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- HIGH CALORIE WEIGHT GAINER: More than 1,200 calories per 2-scoop serving
- 52G PROTEIN: Every servings contains 52g of protein to support muscle growth, repair, and recovery. If your goal is gaining muscle size and strenth, then SMG is your perfect workout parther. while...
- High Protein Weight Gainer and Muscle Mass Gainer*
First Impressions: A No-Nonsense Approach to Mass Gain
When the Naturade Weight Gain Drink Mix Vanilla arrived, my first thought was about its compact size. In a market dominated by massive 10-pound bags and giant tubs, this 20.3-ounce container is refreshingly manageable. Measuring just 7 x 4.2 x 4.1 inches, it doesn’t demand a huge amount of pantry real estate. The packaging is straightforward and functional, with a clear focus on the product’s natural claims and its “Vity Award” win. Upon opening the seal, we were met with a pleasant, mild vanilla aroma—not the overly sweet, artificial scent that plagues many competitors. The powder itself is fine and consistent. Our initial test was simple: two scoops in a shaker with milk. The result was a surprisingly smooth shake with minimal effort, a good sign for daily convenience. It feels less like a hardcore bodybuilding supplement and more like a focused nutritional tool, an impression that carries through in its performance and ingredient list.
What We Like
- Potent caloric potential for effective weight gain
- Clean, natural ingredient profile free of stimulants and steroids
- Pleasant and versatile vanilla flavor that mixes well
- Certified gluten-free formula
- Award-winning and time-tested product
Limitations
- Small container size is consumed very quickly with daily use
- High sodium content compared to whole-food alternatives
- Allergen warning about potential cross-contamination with wheat
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into Naturade’s Formula
A product’s true worth is revealed through consistent use. We integrated the Naturade Weight Gain Drink Mix Vanilla into our daily nutrition plan for several weeks, meticulously tracking results, taste, and overall experience. It’s one thing to have promising specs on the label; it’s another for a product to deliver tangible results without causing digestive distress or flavor fatigue. This is where our hands-on testing separated the marketing claims from reality.
The Calorie Conundrum: Deconstructing the 1600-Calorie Promise
The most eye-catching claim on the label is the “1600 calories per serving.” Let’s be perfectly clear: this is a point of confusion for many users, and it requires careful reading. You do not get 1600 calories from the powder alone. One user review noted feeling “ripped off” seeing the base serving was only 220 calories. This is a common marketing tactic in the industry. The 1600-calorie figure is achieved by mixing two servings (four scoops) of the powder with 32 ounces of whole milk. While initially misleading, this approach is actually a strength. It provides incredible flexibility. On a light day, a single serving with water or almond milk provides a quick 220-calorie boost. On a heavy training day, the full “gainer bomb” with whole milk delivers that massive caloric load needed for growth.
During our testing, we found this method to be incredibly effective. By adding one full-calorie shake (mixed with whole milk) to our regular diet, the numbers on the scale finally started to move consistently. This mirrors the experience of numerous users, one of whom reported gaining “about 10 pounds in 2 months,” while another saw a jump from the 130s to 147.8 lbs in just over three weeks. The formula works. However, this effectiveness highlights its primary drawback: the small container. If you are consistently making 1600-calorie shakes, the 20.3-ounce tub will last you a mere three days. This is a critical factor to consider in your budget. While the Naturade Weight Gain Drink Mix Vanilla is potent, it’s best suited for those needing a moderate, targeted boost rather than someone who requires a massive, cost-effective bulk supply for months on end.
Taste Profile & Mixability: Is This Vanilla Shake Actually Enjoyable?
If you’re going to drink something every day, it has to taste good. This is an area where the Naturade Weight Gain Drink Mix Vanilla largely succeeds, though not without some caveats. In our experience, the vanilla flavor is clean, mild, and not overly saccharine. It serves as an excellent base for customization. We found it blended beautifully with frozen berries, a banana, and almond milk for a nutrient-dense morning smoothie. This versatility is a recurring theme in user feedback. One user blends it with fruit, milk, and orange juice, while another gets creative with avocados, carrots, and pineapple. The consensus is clear: the vanilla flavor is a fantastic, adaptable foundation.
One user issued a stark warning: “DO NOT buy the chocolate flavor it does not taste good and is EXTREMELY salty.” This makes the vanilla option the clear choice for this brand. Mixability is also a strong point. We never had issues with clumping or a gritty texture using just a standard shaker bottle, a sentiment echoed by users who confirm it “mixes fairly good” and “doesn’t really have any grainy texture.” However, it’s important to note a significant concern raised by a long-time user who, after nearly a year of daily use, received a tub with a “New and Improved formula” and found the taste had changed for the worse, describing it as a cost-cutting measure. While our test container had the classic, pleasant flavor, potential buyers should be aware that a formula change may have altered the taste profile that so many have come to appreciate.
Ingredient Deep Dive: Clean Fuel or Hidden Concerns?
Naturade places a heavy emphasis on its “purely natural ingredients” and “stimulant- and steroid-free” composition. For many, this is the primary reason to choose this product over more aggressive, artificially-flavored competitors. The gluten-free certification is another major draw. However, a closer look at the label and user feedback reveals some important nuances. A critical review from a user with Celiac disease points out that while the product is gluten-free, the label states it’s “MANUFACTURED IN A FACILITY THAT PROCESSES MILK, SOY, WHEAT AND EGGS.” For those with severe allergies or Celiac disease, this risk of cross-contamination is a non-starter, and it’s a vital piece of information the marketing materials don’t highlight.
Furthermore, one user astutely compared the nutritional facts to organic peanut butter, noting that Naturade has a very high sodium content of 300mg per serving. This is a significant amount and something to be mindful of, especially if you’re consuming multiple servings a day. Another user raised an alarm about the unlisted ingredient “pig enzyme pancrelipase.” Our research confirms that digestive enzymes like pancreatin (often derived from porcine sources) are sometimes added to protein powders to improve digestion and absorption of fats and proteins. While generally safe, the lack of transparency on the main advertisement is a valid concern for individuals with dietary restrictions (e.g., those who avoid pork) or those who simply want to know exactly what they are consuming. This ingredient profile, while clean on the surface, requires a discerning eye to ensure it aligns with your specific dietary needs and health goals. You can examine the full ingredient list and nutritional facts online before making a final decision.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Naturade Weight Gain Drink Mix Vanilla is largely positive, particularly from its target audience of hardgainers. One user, who started at just 99 pounds, called it a highly recommended product that helped them gain 10 pounds in two months. Another reported gaining nearly 7 pounds in a little over a month by drinking two shakes daily. These success stories often highlight the pleasant vanilla flavor and its ability to blend well into smoothies with other healthy ingredients like fruits and spinach.
However, the criticisms are consistent and important. The most frequent complaint is the small container size, which, as one user put it, “lasts only like 3 days to get the full 1600 calories each day.” The confusion over the “1600 calorie” claim versus the 220 calories from the powder alone is another point of friction. The most serious negative feedback comes from a long-time loyal customer who was disappointed by a “New and Improved formula” that allegedly ruined the taste, and from a user with Celiac disease who warned about the cross-contamination risk despite the “gluten-free” label. These reviews paint a picture of an effective product that works well for many, but has significant logistical and dietary transparency issues to consider.
How Does Naturade Compare to the Alternatives?
The Naturade Weight Gain Drink Mix Vanilla occupies a unique space in the market, but it’s far from the only option. To provide a full picture, we’ve compared it to three of the top competitors, each catering to a slightly different user.
1. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder Chocolate 12 Pound
- HIGH CALORIE WEIGHT GAINER: More than 1,200 calories per 2-scoop serving
- 50 grams of blended protein per 2-scoop serving
- Over 250 grams of carbohydrates per 2-scoop serving
Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass is the heavyweight champion of the category, and for good reason. Its most obvious advantage over Naturade is sheer volume. You get a massive 12-pound bag, which offers a much better cost-per-serving for anyone in a serious, long-term bulking phase. Per serving, it delivers 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein, and over 250 grams of carbs *before* you even add milk. This is a far more calorically dense powder than Naturade’s. Someone might prefer Serious Mass if their primary goal is maximum calories and protein for the lowest possible price, and they aren’t as concerned with a “natural” ingredient profile. It’s the go-to for the traditional bodybuilder looking to pack on size quickly.
2. Animal Protein Shake Muscle Recovery Chocolate 5 lbs
- Nutrient-Dense Carb Blend: Power your day with our carefully selected Animal Meal Carb Blend, made from Sweet Potato Powder, Pea Starch, Tapioca Dextrose, and Rolled Oats for sustained energy
- 46g of High-Quality Protein Per Serving: Fuel your body with our premium Animal Meal Protein Blend, including Pea Protein Isolate, Instant Egg White, Whole Egg Protein, and Beef Protein Isolate
- Naturally Delicious & Easy to Digest: Savor the perfect blend of sea salt, stevia, vanilla, and monk fruit extract for a naturally sweet, smooth flavor. Non-dairy, lactose-free, and gentle on...
Animal Meal takes a different approach, positioning itself as a “whole food” meal replacement shake. It uses a blend of protein sources including beef, egg white, and pea protein, appealing to users who might be wary of dairy-based proteins like whey and casein. Its ingredient list is designed to mimic a balanced meal, with carbs sourced from sweet potato, oats, and green peas. An individual would choose Animal Meal over Naturade if they prioritize ingredient sourcing and want a supplement that feels closer to actual food. It’s less about hitting a massive calorie number and more about providing high-quality, diverse macronutrients for recovery and growth.
3. BSN TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer Vanilla Ice Cream 5.82lb
- TRUE-MASS: 700 CALORIES PER SERVING – the extra nutrition your body needs to build mass in an extreme training program.
- 2:1 RATIO OF CARBS & PROTEIN – provide your body a high-quality mix of carbs and protein to support your mass gaining goals
- 46G-50G PROTEIN FROM ULTRA-PREMIUM PROTEIN SOURCES – whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, micellar casein, hydrolyzed whey protein, and egg whites
BSN is renowned in the supplement world for its focus on flavor, and TRUE-MASS is no exception. Often lauded for having one of the best-tasting and creamiest profiles on the market, it’s the connoisseur’s choice. Delivering around 700 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving (from the powder), it strikes a middle ground between Naturade’s lean profile and Serious Mass’s caloric onslaught. A user would opt for BSN TRUE-MASS if taste and texture are their absolute top priorities. If you view your weight gainer shake as a daily treat you look forward to, and you find other gainers chalky or bland, TRUE-MASS is likely the best alternative for you.
The Final Verdict: Is Naturade the Right Gainer for You?
After weeks of testing and careful analysis, our verdict on the Naturade Weight Gain Drink Mix Vanilla is confidently positive, but with important qualifications. This is an excellent product for a specific type of person: the “clean gainer.” If you are a hardgainer looking for a moderate, effective calorie boost without the artificial stimulants, steroids, and excessive fillers found in many mainstream products, this is one of the best options available. Its pleasant vanilla flavor is genuinely enjoyable and serves as a perfect, versatile base for nutrient-dense smoothies.
However, it is not the ideal choice for the extreme bulker or the budget-conscious user due to its small container size, which depletes rapidly under heavy use. Furthermore, individuals with severe gluten allergies must heed the cross-contamination warning, and anyone monitoring their sodium intake should be mindful of the high levels. If you fit the profile of someone who values a natural ingredient list over sheer bulk and cost-effectiveness, and you need a reliable tool to help you finally overcome your weight-gain plateau, we highly recommend it. For those ready to fuel their growth with a cleaner formula, you can check the latest price and add the Naturade Weight Gain Drink Mix Vanilla to your nutrition plan today.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API