For anyone who has ever been labeled a “hardgainer,” the struggle is profoundly real. I remember hitting a frustrating plateau years ago. No matter how much I lifted or how much chicken and rice I forced down, the scale simply refused to budge. My lifts were stalling, my recovery felt sluggish, and the dream of adding solid, noticeable size felt like it was slipping away. It’s a battle of sheer volume—consuming enough quality calories day in and day out to fuel growth without feeling perpetually overstuffed or resorting to junk food. This is where a high-calorie mass gainer becomes not just a supplement, but an essential strategic tool. Failing to get those calories means spinning your wheels in the gym, risking under-recovery, and ultimately, abandoning your physique goals out of pure frustration. The right gainer can be the deciding factor between stagnation and significant progress.
- START GAINING MASS WITH A HIGH-CALORIE FORMULA: Build the size that creates big moments when you train with the blend of protein, creatine, and carbohydrates in GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340...
- SUPPORT MUSCLE ENERGY, RECOVERY, AND GROWTH WITH CREATINE & MORE: Fuel maximum results during and after intense workouts with muscle fuel from high-quality protein and 1g of creatine to support energy...
- HIT BIGGER PROTEIN GOALS: Bulk 1340 packs 50g of whey protein powder with naturally occurring BCAA to support muscle growth—including 10g of glutamine, an amino that’s also important for...
What to Consider Before Investing in a High-Calorie Mass Gainer
A sports nutrition weight gainer is more than just a tub of powder; it’s a key solution for overcoming the primary obstacle to muscle growth: achieving a consistent caloric surplus. For athletes and individuals with exceptionally fast metabolisms, consuming 4,000, 5,000, or even more calories from whole foods alone can be a monumental, time-consuming, and expensive task. Mass gainers solve this by delivering a massive, nutritionally dense payload of calories, protein, and carbohydrates in a convenient, easy-to-consume shake. The main benefits are efficiency and consistency. They allow you to hit your ambitious macro targets without spending all day cooking and eating, ensuring your muscles have the fuel they need to repair, recover, and grow after intense training sessions.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a significant caloric deficit—the classic ectomorph or “hardgainer” who struggles to put on weight, or the serious athlete in a dedicated bulking phase. It’s for those whose energy expenditure is so high that whole food intake alone is impractical. However, a mass gainer is not for everyone. It is absolutely not suitable for those trying to lose weight or individuals who can easily reach their calorie goals through their regular diet. For those who are more sensitive to large amounts of carbohydrates or prefer a leaner bulk, a standard whey protein isolate combined with whole food carbs like oats or fruit would be a more controlled alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Container Size & Serving Logistics: These products come in large bags or tubs, so ensure you have adequate pantry space. More importantly, pay attention to the serving size. For a product like the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Double Chocolate, a full serving is enormous. You’ll need a large shaker bottle, and you should consider if you’ll be taking a full serving at once or splitting it throughout the day.
- Macronutrient Profile & Performance: Don’t just look at the total calories. Analyze the protein-to-carb ratio. A good gainer should provide a substantial dose of high-quality protein (like whey) to fuel muscle synthesis, not just empty calories. Also, look for added performance ingredients like creatine, BCAAs, and glutamine, which can further support your training goals.
- Ingredient Quality & Sourcing: The source of the calories matters. Are the carbohydrates from complex sources or just simple sugars? Is the protein a high-quality whey concentrate or isolate? For athletes, third-party testing for banned substances is a non-negotiable feature that ensures safety and compliance, a key benefit offered by this GNC gainer.
- Mixability, Taste & Digestibility: This is a product you will likely consume daily, so it has to be palatable. Look for feedback on how well it mixes to avoid a clumpy, unpleasant experience. Consider the flavor, but also be mindful of potential digestive issues, as very high-calorie shakes can be heavy on the stomach for some individuals.
Navigating the world of mass gainers can be complex, with dozens of formulas all promising incredible results. Understanding these core factors will empower you to choose a product that truly aligns with your body, your goals, and your training philosophy.
While the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Double Chocolate 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*
Unboxing the Bulk 1340: First Look, Feel, and Mix
Upon receiving the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Double Chocolate, the first thing we noticed was the sheer size of the 7-pound tub. It’s a hefty, no-nonsense container typical of GNC’s Pro Performance line, with bold branding that clearly states its purpose: delivering 1,340 calories. Opening the tub, we were met with the familiar sight of a container that appears about half to two-thirds full. As one user noted, “Container looks half full.” This is a common and understandable observation in the supplement industry, but it’s not a case of being short-changed; the product is sold by weight, not volume, and the powder settles significantly during shipping and storage.
The powder itself has a fine, consistent texture and a pleasant, rich cocoa aroma that promises a good chocolate flavor. The included scoop is, as expected for a mass gainer, quite large to accommodate the massive serving size. Our first test was a simple mix with cold water in a standard shaker bottle. With vigorous shaking for about 30-45 seconds, the powder dissolved remarkably well, creating a thick but surprisingly smooth shake with minimal clumping or grittiness. This positive experience aligns with user feedback mentioning its “smooth mixing,” a crucial factor for daily use. The initial impression is that of a well-formulated product designed for convenience and performance.
Key Benefits
- Extremely high calorie count (1,340) to easily create a caloric surplus
- Substantial 50g of high-quality whey protein per serving for muscle growth
- Includes 1g of Creatine and 10g of naturally occurring Glutamine for enhanced performance and recovery
- Certified Banned Substance Tested, making it a safe choice for competitive athletes
Drawbacks
- The calorie-to-protein ratio may be carb/fat-heavy for some users’ goals
- The container appears underfilled upon opening due to powder settling, which can be misleading
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the GNC Bulk 1340 Formula
A mass gainer lives or dies by its formula and its real-world impact. It’s not enough to just be high in calories; the quality of those calories, the supplementary ingredients, and the overall user experience are what separate an effective bulking tool from a tub of regret. We put the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Double Chocolate through its paces, integrating it into a demanding training regimen to see if it delivers on its promises of muscle, size, and strength.
The 1,340 Calorie Powerhouse: Deconstructing the Macronutrient Profile
The headline feature is, without a doubt, the staggering 1,340 calories per serving. This number is the core of the product’s identity and its primary selling point. For a hardgainer, this is a game-changer. Hitting a 500-1000 calorie surplus through food alone can feel like a full-time job, but a single shake from this gainer can meet that requirement instantly. But as one astute user questioned, “where are all these calories coming from?” This is a critical point. A deep dive into the label reveals that the bulk of these calories comes from a massive 279g of carbohydrates, primarily from maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is a fast-digesting carbohydrate, excellent for replenishing glycogen stores post-workout and spiking insulin to drive nutrients into muscle cells.
The protein content stands at a solid 50 grams per serving, sourced from whey protein concentrate and calcium caseinate. This blend provides both fast-digesting (whey) and slow-digesting (casein) proteins, which is ideal for immediate post-workout recovery and sustained muscle protein synthesis over several hours. However, the user’s observation that it has “less carbs AND PROTEIN than my previous powder” despite having more calories is mathematically plausible and highlights the role of fats in the formula, which contribute 7g per serving. The key takeaway is that the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Double Chocolate is engineered specifically as a *gainer*. Its primary function is to provide a massive caloric load. The 50g of protein is a robust dose, but the formula is unapologetically carb-dominant to facilitate weight gain. This isn’t a lean protein; it’s a powerful tool for adding mass, and it excels in that role. You can see the full nutritional panel online to determine if this macro split fits your specific dietary strategy.
Taste and Mixability: The Daily Shake Experience
If a supplement tastes terrible or mixes poorly, you simply won’t use it consistently, which defeats the purpose entirely. We were genuinely impressed with the Double Chocolate flavor and overall drinkability of the GNC Bulk 1340. Many mass gainers, due to their sheer density, can be overly sweet, chalky, or leave a strange aftertaste. GNC has done an excellent job of formulating a flavor that is rich and satisfying without being cloying. Mixed with cold water, it has the consistency of a decent milkshake and a genuine chocolate taste. Mixed with milk, it becomes an even creamier, more dessert-like treat that we actually looked forward to drinking post-workout.
Mixability, as mentioned in our first impressions, is a major strength. We tested it in a standard shaker bottle and a blender. In the shaker, a bit of vigorous effort is required, but it yields a smooth shake. In a blender, it’s flawless. We found it to be an excellent base for “super shakes”—blending it with a banana, a spoonful of peanut butter, and some ice created a delicious and even more calorie-dense meal replacement. This positive experience is echoed by user feedback, with one reviewer describing the flavors as “delightful” and praising the “smooth mixing.” For a product that requires such a large serving size, making it enjoyable to consume is a huge victory, and the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Double Chocolate absolutely nails this crucial aspect.
Beyond the Basics: Creatine, BCAAs, and Third-Party Testing
What truly elevates a supplement from good to great are the well-considered additions beyond the basic macros. This gainer includes several key components that add significant value. First is the inclusion of 1 gram of creatine monohydrate per serving. While this isn’t a full clinical dose (typically 3-5g daily for saturation), it’s a valuable contribution. For someone already taking creatine, it supplements their daily intake; for someone not taking it, it provides a small but beneficial amount to support ATP production for strength and power output during intense lifts. It’s a smart, synergistic addition.
The formula also boasts 10 grams of naturally occurring Glutamine and Glutamic Acid, alongside other Branch-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that plays a vital role in muscle recovery, immune function, and gut health—all of which are placed under stress during heavy training periods. Having this included directly in the recovery shake helps kickstart the repair process immediately. However, the single most important feature in this category, especially for competitive athletes, is the “Certified Banned Substance Tested” seal. GNC uses LGC, a world-class sports anti-doping lab, to test its products against the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Prohibited List. This provides an invaluable layer of security and peace of mind, ensuring that what’s on the label is what’s in the tub, with no risk of consuming prohibited substances. This commitment to safety and quality is a major differentiator and a compelling reason to choose this gainer over untested competitors.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through user feedback provides a well-rounded view that often confirms our own testing. The sentiment for the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Double Chocolate is generally positive, with a few recurring observations. One of the most common points, as we also noted, is the initial confusion over the calorie and macronutrient breakdown. One user thoughtfully pointed out that despite having “over double the calories” of his previous gainer, it had less protein and carbs, leading him to question the source of the calories. This highlights the carb-dense nature of the product and is an important consideration for potential buyers.
Another frequently mentioned point is the physical appearance of the product in the tub, with the “container looks half full” comment being a common refrain due to powder settling. On the positive side, praise for the product’s performance is strong. One fitness enthusiast called it “excellent, offering top-notch protein, smooth mixing, and delightful flavors.” This aligns perfectly with our own findings on its taste and ease of use. The consensus seems to be that if you understand what you’re buying—a calorie-dense gainer designed for sheer mass—it performs its job exceptionally well.
How Does GNC Bulk 1340 Compare to the Competition?
The GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Double Chocolate operates in a competitive market. While it stands strong on its own merits, particularly its third-party testing, it’s valuable to see how it stacks up against other popular choices. Here’s a look at three notable alternatives.
1. Mutant Mass Gainer Protein Triple Chocolate
- LEAN GAINER | Our Mass has 56 g of 100% pure protein, 192 g of clean carbs with 12 g of fat plus naturally present 26.1 g of EAAs and 12.2 g of BCAAs.
- ENHANCED GAINER SUPPLEMENT | Mutant’s most popular weight gainer supplement that is packed with BCAAs/EAAs and waxy maize to help with growth and bulking.
- PROTEIN CONTENT | It offers 1100 calories per serving plus 56 g of quality protein from whey isolate, concentrate and casein blend.
Mutant Mass is a legendary name in the hardcore bodybuilding community. Its formula is often more complex, featuring a multi-stage protein blend (including whey isolate, hydrolysate, and casein) and a carbohydrate blend that includes waxy maize and barley in addition to maltodextrin. It typically offers slightly fewer calories per serving than the GNC Bulk 1340 but a comparable protein dose. This alternative might be preferred by advanced users who appreciate the nuanced carbohydrate sources and the more diverse protein release profile. If you’re looking for a slightly more complex formula from a brand with a “hardcore” reputation, Mutant Mass is a formidable contender.
2. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder Chocolate 12lb
- 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 arguably one of the most well-known mass gainers on the planet. It’s a direct competitor to the GNC Bulk 1340, offering around 1,250 calories and 50g of protein per serving. A key differentiator for Serious Mass is its inclusion of a comprehensive vitamin and mineral blend, along with creatine and glutamine. For someone looking for an all-in-one gainer that also covers their daily micronutrient needs, Serious Mass is an extremely compelling option. It’s a trusted, time-tested formula from a powerhouse brand that serves a very similar purpose to the GNC gainer.
3. NAKED Chocolate Mass Gainer 8lb
- ONLY FIVE INGREDIENTS: Naked Whey, Naked Casein, Organic Maltodextrin (made from gluten free organic tapioca), Organic Coconut Sugar, and Organic Raw Cacao. Naked Mass contains no artificial...
- MAXIMUM NUTRITION: 50g of Protein, 251g of Carbs, 1,360 Calories, 11.6g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) per serving and only 5g sugar - compare vs other weight gain supplements for bulking.
- MULTI-PHASE CLEAN PROTEIN: MULTI-PHASE CLEAN PROTEIN: All natural whey and casein provides your body with healthy amino acids to keep protein synthesis up throughout the day. Combine with a...
NAKED Mass represents the opposite end of the spectrum from complex formulas. It caters to the all-natural athlete. Its ingredient list is famously short and clean: typically just whey concentrate, casein, and organic tapioca maltodextrin, with raw cacao for flavoring. It delivers a comparable calorie count (around 1,360) and 50g of protein, but without any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or additives. This is the ideal choice for individuals with dietary sensitivities or those who prioritize a clean, minimalist, and non-GMO approach to their supplementation. If ingredient simplicity is your top priority, NAKED Mass is the clear winner.
The Final Verdict: Is the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 the Right Gainer For You?
After a thorough review and hands-on testing, our verdict on the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Double Chocolate is overwhelmingly positive, provided you are the right user for this specific tool. Its strengths are clear and significant: a massive 1,340-calorie payload per serving, a solid 50g of protein, excellent taste and mixability, and the invaluable assurance of third-party testing for banned substances. It does exactly what a mass gainer is supposed to do—it makes hitting a substantial caloric surplus convenient and effective.
The primary consideration is its carb-heavy profile. This is not a lean gainer; it is a powerful instrument for packing on size and weight. If you are a classic hardgainer, an athlete in a serious bulking phase, or simply someone who struggles to consume enough calories to grow, this product is an outstanding choice. The added creatine, glutamine, and especially the banned substance testing, make it a top-tier option for serious competitors who can’t afford to take risks. If you’re ready to break through your plateau and fuel serious growth with a reliable, effective, and safe formula, we highly recommend it. To take a closer look and check the latest price and availability, you can find all the details online.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API