For some, the fitness journey is about shedding pounds and trimming down. For others, like myself, it’s the polar opposite—a relentless battle against a fast metabolism, a constant struggle to consume enough calories to simply maintain, let alone grow. I’ve spent years in the gym, pushing weights with everything I have, only to see the scale refuse to budge. This is the classic “hardgainer” dilemma. You can eat until you’re uncomfortable, track every meal, and still fall short of the caloric surplus required for significant muscle growth. It’s a frustrating cycle where your effort in the gym isn’t reflected in your physique because the nutritional foundation is missing. This is precisely where a specialized tool becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity. The challenge isn’t just eating more; it’s eating more of the right things, consistently, without spending your entire day in the kitchen. This is the problem the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder was designed to solve.
- 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 Mass Gainer
A Sports Nutrition Weight Gainer is more than just a protein shake; it’s a key solution for breaking through plateaus in size and strength. It’s a calorically dense, nutritionally engineered formula designed to provide your body with the massive surplus of macronutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fats—required to build new muscle tissue. The main benefit is convenience. Consuming over 1,300 calories and 50 grams of protein in a single, easy-to-drink shake is a feat that would otherwise require a very large, time-consuming meal. This allows athletes and hardgainers to consistently hit their demanding nutritional targets, fueling intense workouts and accelerating recovery.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a significant caloric deficit. This includes classic ectomorphs or “hardgainers” who struggle to gain weight, athletes with an extremely high energy expenditure (like football players or endurance athletes in their off-season), or individuals who simply don’t have the time or appetite to consume 4,000+ calories a day from whole foods. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who can easily gain weight, are looking to lose fat, or have a smaller frame and lower daily calorie needs. For them, the sheer caloric load could lead to unwanted fat gain. In such cases, a standard whey protein isolate or a “lean gainer” with fewer calories would be a more appropriate choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Serving Size & Caloric Density: This is the most critical aspect. A product like the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder provides a staggering 1,340 calories per serving. You must ask yourself if you genuinely need this many calories from a single source. Also, consider the physical volume of the serving—it’s often several large scoops, which can result in a very thick shake that can be challenging to consume.
- Macronutrient Profile & Quality: Look beyond the calorie number. Analyze the protein source (whey concentrate, isolate, casein), the carbohydrate source (are they simple sugars like maltodextrin or more complex carbs?), and the fat content. A 50g protein serving is substantial, but ensure the ingredient quality aligns with your dietary standards. The inclusion of extras like creatine and glutamine adds significant performance value.
- Ingredient Transparency & Testing: In the world of supplements, trust is paramount. Does the product use proprietary blends, or is every ingredient amount clearly listed? We value the transparency of the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder, which is also third-party certified as Banned Substance Tested. This is a non-negotiable feature for competitive athletes.
- Taste, Mixability & Digestibility: You have to drink this regularly, so flavor matters. More importantly, how well does it mix, and how does your body handle it? Many high-calorie gainers can cause digestive discomfort. As we confirmed during our testing and as noted by other users, starting with a half-serving is often a wise strategy to assess your tolerance.
Making the right choice is about aligning the product’s powerful profile with your specific physiological needs and fitness goals.
While the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder 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 GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340: First Scoops and Impressions
The GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder arrives in a formidable, heavy-duty tub that immediately signals its serious intent. At over 7 pounds, it has a significant presence on the kitchen counter. Upon twisting off the cap and peeling back the seal, we were greeted by a pleasant, sweet aroma of Cookies and Cream—not overly artificial, but reminiscent of a classic milkshake. The powder itself is fine, though noticeably denser than a standard whey protein. The included scoop is massive, a clear indicator of the serving size required to hit that 1,340-calorie target. A full serving calls for six of these scoops, which is a truly substantial amount of powder.
Our first impression of the nutritional panel was one of sheer power. The numbers are unapologetically high, clearly tailored for those with extreme mass-gaining goals. Seeing 50g of protein, 1g of creatine, and 10g of glutamine all listed transparently—with the added assurance of a third-party banned substance certification—instilled immediate confidence in the product’s formulation. It feels less like a simple supplement and more like a complete, engineered meal replacement designed for one purpose: building size. For anyone serious about packing on pounds, you can see its full feature set and user reviews online.
What We Like
- Massive 1,340 calorie count per serving to fuel serious growth
- Substantial 50g of high-quality whey protein for muscle repair
- Includes performance boosters like creatine and glutamine
- Third-party tested for banned substances, ensuring safety for athletes
- Pleasant Cookies and Cream flavor and good mixability in a blender
Drawbacks
- Very low number of servings per container (only 9)
- Full serving size can be difficult to consume and may cause digestive distress
- Contains some controversial filler ingredients like Canola oil
Putting Bulk 1340 to the Test: A Detailed Performance Breakdown
A mass gainer lives or dies by its performance in the real world. It’s not just about the numbers on the label, but how it tastes, how it feels, and most importantly, whether it delivers tangible results. We integrated the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder into a rigorous training and nutrition plan to see if it could truly move the needle for a hardgainer. Our in-depth analysis focuses on the core pillars of its design: its macronutrient engine, the user experience, its performance-enhancing additions, and the overall value it presents.
Macronutrient Profile and Caloric Density: The Engine for Growth
The headline feature of this product is its name: Bulk 1340. That number represents the 1,340 nutrient-dense calories packed into a single serving (when mixed with water), a figure designed to push even the most stubborn metabolisms into a state of anabolic surplus. This caloric payload is primarily driven by over 275g of carbohydrates, with maltodextrin being the principal source. While some may prefer more complex carb sources, for the purpose of a post-workout recovery shake or simply cramming in calories, maltodextrin is effective and rapidly absorbed.
The protein component is equally robust. At 50 grams per serving, it provides a massive dose of essential amino acids crucial for muscle protein synthesis. The protein is sourced from whey, a fast-digesting and highly bioavailable option, making it ideal for kickstarting the recovery process after a grueling workout. This combination of fast-acting carbs and protein creates a powerful insulinogenic response, helping to shuttle nutrients into depleted muscle cells more efficiently. We found that consuming this shake post-workout left us feeling replenished far quicker than a standard meal. This powerful macronutrient profile is a feature that really sets it apart for serious athletes.
Taste, Mixability, and Digestive Experience
If you have to consume something daily, it better be palatable. We tested the Cookies and Cream flavor and were genuinely impressed. It strikes a good balance, tasting rich and satisfying without being cloyingly sweet. The small cookie-like bits add a pleasant texture, making it feel more like a treat than a chore. As one user noted, “The taste and smell are great,” and we wholeheartedly agree. However, mixability and digestion are where things get nuanced.
Attempting to mix a full six-scoop serving in a standard shaker cup is an exercise in futility. The sheer volume of powder requires a blender to achieve a smooth, drinkable consistency. This was confirmed by a user who mentioned, “i used it in a nutribullet so it dissolved well!” When properly blended with water or milk, the result is a thick but smooth shake. This leads to the most common challenge with potent mass gainers: digestibility. We experienced what another user reported: the full six-scoop serving can be “too potent” and heavy on the stomach. This isn’t a flaw unique to this product, but a reality of consuming over 1,300 calories in liquid form. Our solution was the same as theirs: we split the serving. Taking three scoops post-workout and another three scoops later in the day proved to be far more manageable and completely eliminated any digestive discomfort. This approach not only makes consumption easier but also extends the life of the tub. We highly recommend new users start with a half-serving to assess their tolerance before going all-in.
Performance Enhancers: Creatine, Glutamine, and BCAAs
Beyond the core macros, the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder includes several key ingredients to support performance and recovery. Each serving contains 1g of Creatine. While this is a welcome addition, it’s important to note that this is a sub-clinical dose. The standard daily maintenance dose for creatine is 3-5g. Therefore, you should view this as a supplemental boost rather than your sole source of creatine. If you’re serious about creatine’s strength and power benefits, you’ll still need to supplement with it separately.
More impressive is the inclusion of 10g of Glutamine. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that plays a vital role in muscle recovery, immune function, and gut health. During periods of intense training stress, the body’s natural glutamine stores can be depleted. Supplementing with a significant dose like this can help mitigate muscle soreness and support a robust immune system, keeping you healthy and consistent in your training. The product also contains naturally occurring Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) from the whey protein, which are the primary drivers of muscle protein synthesis. This thoughtful combination of ingredients makes it more than just empty calories; it’s a comprehensive recovery formula. You can explore the benefits of these added ingredients on its product page.
Value Proposition: Servings, Cost, and Ingredient Transparency
This is where a critical evaluation is necessary. One user correctly pointed out, “there are only 9 servings in this thing. Not really worth it for the price in my opinion”. This is an undeniable fact. A 7.14-pound tub yielding only nine full servings makes the cost-per-serving relatively high compared to buying ingredients in bulk. However, the value proposition isn’t in the cost per pound, but in the cost per calorie and the sheer convenience. To replicate a 1,340-calorie, 50g-protein shake with whole foods would be both expensive and time-consuming. You are paying a premium for an expertly formulated, easy-to-consume calorie bomb.
Another point of contention raised by a user was the inclusion of Canola oil. While it is a common ingredient in food products used as an emulsifier and fat source, some health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid it. This is a valid consideration that comes down to personal dietary philosophy. On the other hand, a huge point in GNC’s favor is its commitment to transparency. The product is free of proprietary blends, and the “Certified Banned Substance Tested” seal from LGC provides an invaluable layer of trust and safety for athletes subject to drug testing. This certification is a premium feature that adds significant value, assuring you that what’s on the label is what’s in the tub. When considering the price, it’s important to weigh the cost against the convenience and certified quality.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from other users provides a well-rounded picture that largely aligns with our own findings. The most common positive sentiment revolves around effectiveness and taste. One user stated, “I can definitely say this helped me with gaining weight!” which is the ultimate goal of the product. This same user echoed our experience with the serving size, finding success by cutting back to three scoops in a smoothie to avoid an upset stomach, proving the product’s flexibility.
On the critical side, the two recurring themes are the low serving count and specific ingredient concerns. The sentiment that “there are only 9 servings in this thing” highlights the high cost-per-serving, which is a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers. The comment about Canola oil reflects a growing awareness among consumers about ingredient quality. We also noted an isolated report of “red spots” in a shake, which appears to be a rare quality control issue. This serves as a good reminder to always inspect your product upon opening and contact the manufacturer if anything seems amiss.
How Does GNC Bulk 1340 Stack Up Against the Competition?
No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder, it’s essential to compare it to other top contenders in the mass gainer category. Each alternative offers a slightly different philosophy on how to best help you build mass.
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer Weight Gainer
- High Protein Weight Gainer and Muscle Mass Gainer*
- 650 CALORIES PER SERVING - delivering calories that count to support your gains
- 60G OF PROTEIN BLEND PER SERVING- support your mass gaining goals with high-quality protein
Optimum Nutrition’s Pro Gainer is best described as a “lean gainer.” It takes a more moderate approach, delivering 650 calories and 60g of protein per serving. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who want to gain lean muscle mass more gradually, without the risk of an overwhelming caloric spike that could lead to fat gain. Its protein-to-carb ratio is much higher than that of Bulk 1340. If you find the 1,340 calories of the GNC gainer to be excessive for your needs, or if you prioritize higher protein content per calorie, the Gold Standard Pro Gainer is a superb alternative.
2. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer Chocolate
- 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
Serious Mass is a legendary name in the industry and a direct competitor to Bulk 1340. Its profile is very similar, boasting 1,250 calories and 50g of protein per serving. It also includes creatine, glutamine, and a comprehensive vitamin and mineral blend. The primary difference often comes down to brand preference, flavor profiles, and slight variations in the carbohydrate sources. For those who want a tried-and-true, high-calorie formula from one of the most recognized brands in sports nutrition, Serious Mass is a formidable and time-tested option that serves the exact same purpose as 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 is the answer for the ingredient-conscious consumer. It directly addresses the concerns some users have about fillers, artificial sweeteners, and oils like Canola. This product prides itself on a clean, minimal ingredient list: whey, casein, organic maltodextrin, organic coconut sugar, and raw cacao. While delivering a comparable 1,360 calories and 50g of protein, it does so with an “all-natural” approach. If you scrutinize labels and are willing to pay a premium for premium, clean-sourced ingredients, NAKED Mass is unequivocally the best alternative for you.
The Final Scoop: Is the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder is clear: it is an exceptionally powerful and effective tool for a very specific goal. For the true hardgainer who is training intensely and still struggling to see the scale move, this product delivers the massive caloric surplus needed to force growth. The 1,340 calories and 50g of protein provide the raw materials for building serious size, while the great taste and added performance ingredients like glutamine make it a well-rounded formula. The third-party testing for banned substances also provides critical peace of mind for any competitive athlete.
However, it’s not without its trade-offs. The high cost-per-serving due to the limited 9 servings per tub is a significant consideration, and the sheer potency of a full serving can be challenging for some digestive systems. We strongly recommend starting with a half-serving to assess your tolerance. If you are an extreme hardgainer, an athlete with immense energy needs, and you value a convenient, all-in-one, high-calorie shake that is proven to work, this product is an excellent investment in your physique goals. It does exactly what it promises: it helps you get bigger. If you’re ready to finally break through your weight-gain plateau, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API