I still remember my early days in the gym. Full of motivation, I was hitting the weights with everything I had, but the scale simply refused to budge. I was what you’d call a classic “hardgainer”—blessed with a metabolism that incinerated calories faster than I could consume them. I’d eat five, sometimes six meals a day, feeling perpetually stuffed, yet my physique remained stubbornly lean. The simple truth is that building quality muscle requires a caloric surplus. You can have the most dialed-in training program in the world, but without the raw materials—the calories and protein—your body simply can’t build new tissue. This constant battle of eating, prepping, and tracking can feel like a second job, often leading to frustration and burnout. This is precisely the problem that a high-quality weight gainer supplement is designed to solve. It’s not a magic bullet, but a powerful tool to make achieving that necessary caloric surplus not just possible, but convenient and efficient.
- Creamy Chocolate Flavor: Packs an impressive 560 calories and 41 grams of protein to give you the calories needed to support your mass gaining goals
- Pea and Whey Protein: Formulated to provide a blend of highly bioavailable proteins, easily absorbable carbohydrates, and high-quality fats to fuel intense workouts
- Suggested Usage: Add 3 level scoops daily to 24 oz. of cold water, milk, or your favorite beverage and stir/blend
What to Consider Before Investing in a Mass Gainer
A mass gainer is more than just a tub of powder; it’s a key solution for anyone struggling to consume the sheer volume of food required for significant muscle and weight gain. Its primary benefit is caloric density and convenience. Instead of forcing down another plate of chicken and rice, you can drink 500-1000+ calories in a matter of minutes, packed with the protein and carbohydrates your muscles need to recover and grow. It simplifies the nutrition equation, ensuring your body has a readily available surplus of energy to fuel protein synthesis and repair muscle tissue broken down during intense workouts. This is a game-changer for athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle or an exceptionally fast metabolism.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic hardgainer challenge, who trains intensely but struggles to see gains due to an inability to eat enough. It’s also perfect for individuals with busy schedules who can’t always sit down for a full, calorie-dense meal post-workout. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who are naturally endomorphic (tend to gain weight easily) or whose primary goal is fat loss, as the high calorie count can easily lead to unwanted fat storage if not balanced with appropriate energy expenditure. For those individuals, a standard whey or casein protein isolate, which is lower in calories and carbs, would be a much better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Macronutrient Profile: Not all calories are created equal. Look closely at the protein-to-carbohydrate ratio. A good gainer should have a substantial protein dose (ideally 40g or more) to actually build muscle, not just add weight. Also, scrutinize the carbohydrate source and sugar content. Some gainers are packed with cheap sugars, while higher-quality options use complex carbohydrates for more sustained energy.
- Protein Source & Quality: The type of protein matters. Whey concentrate, isolate, and casein are common dairy-based options with different absorption rates. Plant-based proteins like pea or rice are excellent for those with dairy sensitivities. Blends, like the one found in the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder, can offer the best of both worlds, providing a more complete amino acid profile and a staggered release.
- Ingredients & Transparency: A trustworthy product has a clear, transparent label. Look for products that are third-party tested for purity and banned substances, like those with NPA or GMP certifications. Avoid formulas loaded with artificial fillers, proprietary blends that hide ingredient amounts, or excessive artificial sweeteners that can cause digestive distress.
- Mixability & Taste: This is a non-negotiable factor for a product you’ll be consuming daily. A gainer should mix smoothly without leaving gritty clumps or a chalky residue in your shaker. Flavor is subjective, but reading user feedback is crucial to avoid a product that tastes overly artificial or has a lingering chemical aftertaste, which can turn your post-workout ritual into a chore.
Navigating the world of supplements can be complex, and finding the perfect gainer for your specific body type and goals is key to your success.
While the NOW Foods 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 NOW Foods Mass Gainer: First Sips and Initial Thoughts
The arrival of the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder was met with anticipation. The 5.5 lb container is substantial, promising a good run of calorie-dense shakes. One of the first things we noticed and appreciated was the packaging itself—a sturdy tub made from 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) resin, a nod to the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Upon twisting off the cap and peeling back the seal, we were greeted by a pleasant, rich cocoa aroma, not the overly sweet or chemical smell that plagues some of its competitors. The powder itself is exceptionally fine, which is always a good sign for future mixability.
Inside, we found the scooper, and as some users have noted, its trapezoidal shape is a bit unconventional. While not a dealbreaker, it can be slightly awkward when trying to level off a scoop against the container’s inner rim. Our first test was a simple shake with 24 oz. of cold water, as suggested. The powder dissolved remarkably well with just a vigorous shaking, creating a smooth, inviting chocolate beverage. There was no immediate sign of the dreaded clumps or gritty sediment at the bottom of the shaker, a testament to the quality of the powder’s milling. This solid first impression set a positive tone for our in-depth testing, suggesting that the product’s quality extends from its ingredients to its user experience.
Key Benefits
- Delicious and rich ‘Creamy Chocolate’ flavor that avoids a chemical aftertaste.
- Excellent mixability in both water and milk, resulting in a smooth, non-gritty texture.
- Features a high-quality blend of Pea and Whey proteins for a balanced amino acid profile.
- Manufactured by a reputable, family-owned brand with NPA A-rated GMP certification for quality assurance.
Potential Drawbacks
- High sugar content (29 grams per serving) may not align with all nutritional strategies.
- A full serving requires three large scoops, resulting in only 18 servings per container.
Performance in the Shaker and the Gym: A Comprehensive Analysis
A mass gainer’s true worth is measured over weeks of consistent use, not just in a first impression. It needs to deliver on taste, provide digestible nutrition, and ultimately, support the goal of adding quality weight. We integrated the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder into our daily regimen, using it primarily as a post-workout recovery shake and occasionally as a meal supplement on particularly hectic days. Our deep dive focused on three critical areas: the sensory experience of taste and texture, the quality of its nutritional profile, and its real-world impact on digestion and performance.
The Taste & Texture Experience: Is It ‘Creamy Chocolate’ or Chalky Disappointment?
Let’s be blunt: if a protein shake tastes terrible, you won’t drink it consistently, and you won’t see results. This is where the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder truly excels and sets itself apart. The “Creamy Chocolate” flavor is not just a marketing term; it’s an accurate description. In our testing, we found the taste to be a rich, satisfying cocoa, reminiscent of a high-quality chocolate milk rather than a supplement. One of our testers accurately described it as a “smooth and mellow mocha,” a perfect summary of its balanced profile. What’s most impressive is what’s missing: the cloying, artificial sweetness and chemical aftertaste that plagues so many products in this category. While the label lists Stevia and Xylitol as sweeteners, they are used with a deft hand, complementing the natural flavor instead of overpowering it. This was a point echoed in numerous user experiences we analyzed, with many expressing relief at finally finding a gainer that didn’t rely on an overwhelming blast of sucralose.
Mixability is the other half of the sensory equation, and here again, the product delivered flawlessly. Shaken with cold water, the powder dissolved almost instantly, producing a uniform, smooth liquid with minimal effort. There was no clumping or gritty texture. As one user suggested, blending it with ice and milk elevates the experience even further, creating a thick, creamy, milkshake-like consistency that feels like a genuine treat. This high level of mixability is crucial for convenience; you don’t need a high-powered blender to get a palatable shake, making it perfect for consumption at the gym or on the go. This focus on creating a pleasant drinking experience is a feature that really sets it apart and makes sticking to a high-calorie plan significantly easier.
Nutritional Breakdown: Deconstructing the 560-Calorie Serving
Beyond taste, the nutritional label is where the rubber meets the road. Each three-scoop (140g) serving of the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder provides a robust 560 calories and a solid 41 grams of protein. This is a potent dose designed to push you into a caloric surplus and provide ample building blocks for muscle repair. The standout feature of this formula is its blended protein source. By combining fast-absorbing whey protein with plant-based pea protein, NOW Foods provides a more sustained release of amino acids. This can be more beneficial for keeping your body in an anabolic state for longer compared to a pure whey-only formula. It also makes the product a viable option for those who find high doses of whey alone to be tough on their digestive system.
However, it’s impossible to ignore the 29 grams of sugar per serving. For athletes looking to rapidly replenish glycogen stores post-workout, this burst of simple carbs can be effective. But for the average user or someone mindful of their daily sugar intake, this number is a significant consideration and its primary nutritional drawback. It’s a trade-off for the excellent taste. We also noted, as did several users, that the tub contains only 18 servings. This is a direct consequence of the massive 140g serving size. While the 5.5 lb container seems large, its longevity is limited, impacting the overall cost-per-serving. Finally, the NPA A-rated GMP certification is a massive plus, offering peace of mind that what’s on the label is what’s in the tub—a level of quality assurance that is critically important in the unregulated supplement industry. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to verify this commitment to quality.
Real-World Results & Digestibility: Fueling Workouts and Recovery
Over several weeks of testing, we found the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder to be an effective and, importantly, a comfortable tool for mass gaining. The most common pitfall of high-calorie gainers is digestive distress—bloating, gas, and a heavy feeling in the stomach. We experienced none of this. The pea and whey protein blend seems to be particularly gentle on the digestive system. This aligns with the experience of users who are typically wary of whey protein but found this blend to be manageable, often starting with a smaller serving to test their tolerance before moving to the full three scoops.
Used post-workout, the shake was effective at curbing immediate hunger and kick-starting the recovery process. We felt less muscle soreness on subsequent days, and our energy levels for the next training session were consistently high. Its utility also extends beyond the gym. As one user pointed out, it functions exceptionally well as a meal replacement on hectic days. When there wasn’t time to cook a proper meal, a quick shake provided the necessary calories and protein to stay on track with nutritional goals without resorting to unhealthy fast food. This versatility adds significant value. While a supplement alone doesn’t build muscle, this gainer made it significantly easier to consistently hit the daily calorie and protein targets necessary for growth, translating into measurable progress in both strength and body weight over our testing period. Its effectiveness makes it easy to recommend for anyone serious about their bulking phase.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder is largely reflected in the broader user consensus. The most frequently praised attribute is, without a doubt, the flavor. Users consistently describe the Creamy Chocolate as “delicious,” “rich,” and “just right,” often highlighting the pleasant surprise of it not having the typical artificial sweetener aftertaste common in other protein powders. One user noted it tasted “more or less a smooth and mellow mocha,” which perfectly captures its refined flavor profile.
However, the feedback also brings up a few recurring critiques. The most common point of confusion and a slight drawback for some is the serving size. Many, like one reviewer, “didn’t really pay attention when ordering that a serving size is 3 scoops,” leading to the realization that the large 5.5 lb container only holds about 18 servings. This impacts the product’s value proposition for some. Another valid criticism revolves around the high sugar content, with users wishing for a formulation with fewer simple sugars and perhaps the inclusion of more essential vitamins and minerals to make it a more nutritionally complete supplement, especially when used as a meal replacement.
How Does the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder Compare to the Competition?
The sports nutrition market is crowded, and the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder faces stiff competition. While it carves out a strong niche with its focus on taste and a unique protein blend, different goals may call for different products. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. Mutant Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder 15lb 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 the titan of the mass gainer world, engineered for the most extreme hardgainers who need a colossal caloric intake. A single serving can deliver over 1,100 calories, dwarfing the 560 offered by NOW Foods. Its formula includes a complex blend of multiple protein sources and waxy maize for carbohydrates. Someone should choose Mutant Mass over the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder if their primary, and perhaps only, goal is to consume the maximum number of calories possible in one shake. It’s less about nuanced flavor and more about sheer anabolic power. However, its sheer density can be challenging for some digestive systems, a category where NOW Foods has a distinct advantage.
2. Animal Protein Shake Muscle Recovery Chocolate Flavor 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 positions itself as more of a whole-food-based meal replacement than a traditional sugar-and-carb-heavy mass gainer. It derives its protein from sources like beef, egg whites, and pea protein, appealing to users looking to diversify their protein intake beyond dairy or who follow a more paleo-centric approach. While its calorie count per serving is lower than NOW Foods, its ingredient profile is designed to be more nutritionally robust and closer to a balanced meal. A user might prefer Animal Meal if they prioritize ingredient sourcing and a whole-food philosophy over maximizing calories, or if they are looking for a meal replacement shake rather than a dedicated post-workout gainer.
3. Body Fortress Super Advanced Mass Gainer Chocolate
- One 4 lb container of Body Fortress Super Advanced Mass Gainer Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- Formulated to be the ultimate muscle mass builder with essential nutrients that help in building size, lean mass and strength (1)
Body Fortress represents the budget-friendly, widely accessible option in the mass gainer category. It provides a significant calorie and protein punch for a very competitive price, making it an attractive choice for those just starting out or working with a tight budget. However, this value often comes at the cost of ingredient quality and flavor. Many users find it to be overly sweet, and its ingredient list often relies more heavily on simpler sugars. While effective for adding calories, the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder is the superior choice for consumers who prioritize a cleaner ingredient panel, superior taste, and better digestibility, and are willing to invest a bit more for that premium experience.
The Final Verdict: Is NOW Foods Mass Gainer the Right Choice for Your Goals?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the NOW Foods Mass Gainer Protein Powder is a top-tier choice for a specific type of user. If you are a hardgainer who values taste, mixability, and ingredient transparency above all else, this product is one of the best you can buy. Its rich, creamy chocolate flavor makes it a genuine pleasure to drink, which drastically improves adherence to a high-calorie diet. The unique pea and whey protein blend is effective and notably gentle on the stomach, while the brand’s GMP certification provides confidence in its quality.
Its main drawbacks—the high sugar content and the limited number of servings per container—are important considerations but are balanced by its strengths. It is best suited for athletes in a serious bulking phase who can utilize the simple carbs for post-workout recovery and who aren’t on a strict budget. If you’ve been struggling to find a mass gainer that doesn’t feel like a chore to drink and delivers a quality, digestible source of calories and protein, your search may be over. We wholeheartedly recommend it. To experience the superior taste and quality for yourself, you can check the latest price and availability online.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API