If you’re working out to build muscle, but are struggling with weight loss, it is probably because you aren’t getting enough protein in your diet. Protein is an important macronutrient that helps us develop muscle mass and gives us energy. It is mostly found in animal products, legumes, and nuts. We've got the scoop on the best protein drinks for weight gain!
While those foods contain protein, it is often hard for someone to get enough protein from their diet alone. This is especially true if you don’t eat meat, but there are other ways to add protein into your diet.
Protein shakes are one of the most convenient ways to start building muscle and gaining weight! They are considered dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration, so they’re a great way to get in some extra nutrients and protein.
Keep reading to get the scoop on the benefits of protein shakes, the different types of protein, and our picks for 50 of the best protein shakes for weight gain!
Health Benefits of Protein Shakes
Weight Gain and Muscle Growth: Drinking protein shakes is the best way to make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet to help you gain weight. Our bodies need the amino acids, which is the building blocks of protein, to build muscle.
When we workout, we push our muscles to the limit and they can break down. Because of this, we need protein to help build them back up again! Consuming protein shakes is an easy way to do this, because we can easily get the right amount that we need after a workout.
Recovery: Not only do protein shakes help with building muscle, but they help with recovery as well. If your muscles are sore after working out, a simple protein shake can help ease any pain you have, while actively working to improve muscle performance.
Meeting Nutritional Needs: All of the cells in our body contain proteins, so we need a certain amount in our body to stay healthy. The amount you need varies depending on your gender, age, and most importantly, your current body weight.
Those who have chronic illnesses, are older, or don’t eat meat or animal products will need more than others. But, no matter what it is important that we meet our daily requirement for protein. It helps us keep a strong immune system, gives us energy, and helps us with skin and nail health!
Types of Protein
Whey Protein: Whey protein is the most popular choice when it comes to different types of protein. It is a complete protein made from cow’s milk, which means it has all nine of the essential amino acids we need.
On top of that, it absorbs quickly and has a lot of leucine, which is an essential acid that helps us build muscle. Whey protein comes in different types, such as whey concentrate or whey isolate, so you can pick one that works for you!
Casein Protein: Casein protein is also found in cow’s milk, but is slightly different than whey protein. It digests much slower, allowing the body more time to absorb the amino acids it needs.
Although it is absorbed at a different rate, casein protein is still full of essential amino acids and is a great tool for gaining muscle!
Plant Proteins: If you are vegetarian or vegan, you’ll want to opt for a plant based protein. Lucky for you, there are many different kinds. Plant proteins can be made from nuts, seeds, grains, peas, chickpeas, and more!
They vary more than dairy-based protein powders in the amount of protein that you get, but when you find a plant protein that has the same amount, it’s just as effective! It may even have added vitamins and minerals that you couldn’t get from whey or casein.
Now that you know a little more about the benefits of protein and the different types, let’s dive into our choices for 50 of the best protein shakes for weight gain!
1. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder
The Dymatize Super protein powder is considered the best protein powder by many people! It contains both whey and casein to help you build muscle and has 52 grams of protein and 1,280 calories.
This protein powder contains 10.7 BCAA’s, including leucine, and 17 different vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition. You can get this powder in a rich chocolate flavor or gourmet vanilla. This is one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
2. Gatorade Super Shake
This protein shake is one of the best protein shakes you can get if you are trying to gain weight. It contains 30 grams of protein and comes in three different flavors: chocolate, chocolate caramel, and vanilla!
The Gatorade super shake also contains electrolytes for additional benefits, and has many vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium.
3. Premier Protein Shake
The Premier protein shake is a favorite among Amazon shoppers with 4.7 out of 5 stars! It has 30 grams of protein, with only 1 gram of sugar, 6 grams of carbs, and 140 calories. The Premier shake has all of the essential amino acids, and tons of vitamins that help with muscle gain!
It’s easy to incorporate this shake into your daily routine because it’s already made! Just grab one and go. Plus, it comes in two classically delicious flavors: chocolate and vanilla.
4. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
The Optimum whey protein powder is considered by many to be the best weight gainer powder that you can get! It has 24 grams of protein and 130 calories per serving. It is also great nutrition for older adults!
This is a great protein powder for making homemade protein shakes. It comes in 4 different sizes and you can choose from chocolate, french vanilla, strawberry, and vanilla to really customize your shake!
5. Soylent Complete Nutrition Protein Shake
This high protein, high calorie shake is one of the best protein shakes you can get that doesn't use animal products! It has 20 grams of vegan protein, over 30 essential nutrients, and 400 calories per serving to help you gain weight!
The Soylent shakes come in a wide variety of flavors, such as banana, cafe mocha, cafe chai, creamy chocolate, mint chocolate, original, strawberry, and vanilla. On top of being vegan, it’s also gluten free, nut-free, kosher, and contains no artificial flavors or colors.
6. Alani Nu Whey Protein Powder
If you aren’t getting much protein in your diet, the Alani Nu whey protein powder is another great option to help you reach the recommended daily value of protein. Each serving contains 23 grams of premium protein to help you gain weight and muscle mass!
This powder has so many different flavors: confetti cake, fruity cereal, lemon meringue, munchies, and peanut butter brownie. Try mixing it with water, milk, or throwing it in a blender to make a smoothie. Either way it’ll be delicious!
7. Kate Farms Organic Nutrition Shakes
This protein shake is great for weight gain with 16 grams of plant protein, 38 grams of carbs, and 330 calories. It can even be used as a meal replacement or added in after a workout for additional calories.
The Kate Farms shakes are made without dairy, soy, corn, gluten, nuts, artificial colors or sweeteners so it’s great for those with irritable bowel syndrome who may need to avoid those ingredients. You can try this shake in chocolate, vanilla, or coffee!
This is one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
8. TGS 100% Whey Protein Powder
The TGS 100% whey protein powder is another great option for those of you trying to gain weight in the gym! It has 25 grams of protein, 130 calories, and no added sugar, artificial sweeteners or colors, flavors, additives or preservatives.
This powder comes unflavored, so it’s great for adding into food you already eat! Try it in coffee, or bake it into a treat. Either way, it’ll help you gain that muscle you’ve been missing out on.
9. Iconic Protein Drinks
These ready-to-drink weight gainer shakes are a great choice for anyone looking to build some muscle! This protein shake is a mix of whey and casein, and contains 20 grams of protein and 140 calories per serving.
Iconic protein shakes are made with natural ingredients and come in a variety of flavors. Try them in chocolate truffle, cafe latte, vanilla bean, or cacao + greens. If you can’t decide, try the sample pack before you commit!
10. USN Muscle Fuel Protein Shake Powder
This mass gainer protein powder is packed with 55 grams of protein per serving! With its whey protein powder and creatine mix, you get energy and recovery. This powder comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry!
11. Sascha Fitness Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
The Sascha Fitness Hydrolyzed Whey Protein is another great protein powder for weight gainers! It has 25 grams of protein per serving, and 110 calories, giving us the extra calories and protein needed to gain weight and bulk up. This protein is a whey protein isolate! Just add it to some water or milk to start gaining muscle.
This is another great option as one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
12. OWYN Plant Based Protein Shake
This 100% vegan protein shake is made from pea protein, organic flax oil, and pumpkin seeds and has 20 grams of protein per serving! It also has all 9 essential amino acids, only uses real cane sugar, and comes in a variety of yummy flavors.
13. Huel Black Edition Protein Powder
This powder is great for anyone who has lactose intolerance but is still trying to gain weight, because it’s vegan and contains 40 grams of protein and 400 calories. Since there is no dairy, it’s a great option for those who can’t consume animal products!
14. ALOHA Organic Plant Based Protein Shake
Aloha’s plant based protein shake is a favorite among vegetarians and vegans! Each shake contains 18 grams of protein and 160 calories that comes from brown rice and pea protein.
Try drinking this along with your post-workout meal to add additional calories to your daily calorie intake. You can get it in chocolate, vanilla, iced coffee, or chocolate sea salt! Sounds like a perfect dessert for those of you trying to gain weight. This is one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
15. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Shake
Try upping your daily protein intake with Optimum Nutrition's gold standard shake! It’s similar to the protein powder counterpart, with 24 grams of protein to help maximize weight gain.
Although it’s similar, the gold standard protein powder has slightly fewer calories. The powder version contains 130 grams of calories, while this shake contains 160 grams!
16. Naked Mass - Natural Weight Gainer Protein Powder
This clean protein powder contains 50 grams of protein, 252 grams of carbs, and 1,250 calories, making it great for gaining weight and bulking up! It also contains organic maltodextrin, unlike most other protein powders, making for clean source complex carbs!
This is a great option as one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
17. Core Power Elite High Protein Shakes
Fairlife’s core power elite protein shakes have 42 grams of complete proteins derived from whole milk! Each bottle also contains 240 calories, 8 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of healthy carbohydrates.
This non-chalky protein shake comes in three delicious flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry!
18. Pure Protein - Protein Shake
The Pure Protein’s shakes have 30 grams of protein, 140 calories, and less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. On top of that, it has 24 essential vitamins, including vitamin C, D & E. It’s made from a milk protein isolate, and produces amazing results for those trying to gain weight!
19. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition’s serious mass protein powder has a whopping 1,250 calories per 2 scoop serving, and 50 grams of protein per serving. It’s amazing for bulking up and gaining muscle!
It also has 25 vitamins and minerals plus creatine and glutamine, making it a favorite among reviewers. The delicious flavors make it even better. Chocolate peanut butter is our favorite!
20. Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder
This protein powder is great for making shakes! It has 60 grams of protein in each serving. Using this, combined with a balanced diet and workout regime, you’ll be gaining weight in no time.
Body Fortress offers six different flavors: banana creme, strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, cookies n cream, and chocolate peanut butter. Yum!
21. MET-Rx Ready to Drink Protein Shake
Drinking the MET-Rx protein shake is a great way to get some extra protein into your healthy diet. Each drink contains 51 grams of protein and 230 calories. On top of that, each shake is packed with other amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
It’s the perfect drink for those with an active lifestyle. Throw it in your gym bag and drink it with your workout to gain muscle, help muscle recovery, and give you energy. This is one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
22. Iconic Protein Powder
The Iconic protein powder is an excellent way to gain some lean muscle when working out. Each serving has 20 grams of whey and casein protein blend that is derived from grass-fed cows.
This powder is great for making shakes with milk or water! Just add a scoop to 8 ounces of your drink of choice and enjoy! Try it in chocolate truffle or vanilla.
23. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder
This vegan protein powder is made from whole foods, like peas and raw sprouted seeds, grains and legumes. It also has probiotics and digestive enzymes, so it’s super healthy!
Each serving of this protein powder can make a shake with 22 grams of protein and 110 calories! It’s amazing for those who are trying to gain muscle at the gym but aren’t having any luck. This is one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
24. Ensure Max Protein Nutrition Shake
Ensure’s protein shake has 30 grams of protein and 150 calories per serving, making it great for gaining weight. It’s one of the top recommended shakes by doctors! It is also a good source of zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
25. Promix Plant-Based Vegan Protein Powder
This plant-based protein is another great one to use when making your weight gaining shakes! It contains 25 grams of protein and 115 calories per serving. It also has vitamin B12 for added health benefits!
26. Boost Very High Calorie Complete Nutritional Drink
Boost’s high calorie version of their protein shake is ideal for those trying to gain weight who aren’t getting enough calories in their diet. It contains 530 calories and 22 grams of protein in every drink. Try it in strawberry or vanilla!
27. Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein Shake
This shake contains a great amount of protein, coming in at 32 grams per shake! It works wonders for post-workout recovery and muscle growth. It also has 16 vitamins and minerals and 5 grams of fiber.
28. BSN TRUE-MASS Protein Powder
The BSN TRUE-MASS protein powder is great for gaining weight! It has 50 grams of protein per serving that comes from a combination of whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, micellar casein, hydrolyzed whey protein, and egg whites.
It also has 700 calories and 18 grams of fat per serving. Although it has a lot of fat, it is considered one of the healthy fats, so you can gain weight without a big risk to your health. This is another great option as one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
29. Quest Nutrition Ready To Drink Protein Shake
The Quest protein shake has 30 grams of protein per serving, making it a great protein source! It also has 4 grams of carbs and 1 gram of sugar.
Using a pre-made shake like this is the easiest way to get in your extra protein when trying to bulk up at the gym! Just throw it in your bag and go!
30. Transformation Protein Powder
This high-quality protein powder has 30 grams of protein per serving that helps you gain lean muscle mass! It has no whey, no soy, no dairy, no Lactose, and no gluten. Transformation only uses the best ingredients and comes in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla!
31. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
This is another great protein powder for vegans and vegetarians! With 21 grams of plant protein, you can turn this powder into a shake in minutes to help you gain weight during a workout.
Try mixing it with water, or if you like a creamier flavor, almond milk or other plant based milks! Orgain Organic offers this protein powder in vanilla, peanut butter, and chocolate so you can make a variety of shakes. This is one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
32. Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainers Protein Powder
Another great option for protein shakes from Optimum Nutrition is their pro gainer formula! It has 60 grams of protein and 650 calories, allowing you to bulk up when you work out. You can use a blender, shaker, or spoon to mix this powder into a shake in no time.
33. Equate High Performance Protein Shake
Drinking this shake is a great way to make sure you’re reaching your daily value of calories! The Equate high performance protein shake has 30 grams of protein and 170 calories. You can get it in chocolate, vanilla, or caramel!
34. Quest Nutrition Protein Powder
With 24 grams of protein and flavor your taste buds are sure to love, the Quest protein powder is a great way to gain weight while working out! This protein powder gives you a great balance of protein with a mix of whey and casein.
35. Slate Milk - High Protein Shake
Do you ever miss the great taste of chocolate milk from your childhood? If so, this is the perfect protein shake for you. Inspired by chocolate milk and packed full of protein (20 grams) this shake will help you gain weight in no time!
36. Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder
This plant based protein powder is great for making shakes to help you gain weight. It has 30 grams of protein per serving, and to top it off, it's full of dietary fiber and probiotics to keep your immune and digestive system healthy. You’ll also have a speedy recovery thanks to the organic high antioxidant blend!
37. Evolve Plant Based Protein Shake
The Evolve protein shake is amazing for those of you trying to gain weight but who don’t eat meat. It has 20 grams of protein in every shake, along with calcium, iron, vitamin B12 and zinc, which are important vitamins you usually get from meat.
38. Bodybuilding Signature 100% Whey Protein Powder
This protein powder is made up of 3 types of whey protein for maximum muscle gains and recovery. There’s 130 calories and 25 grams of protein in every serving, along with a balanced amount of carbs and fat.
This protein powder is great for making shakes for breakfast, in between meals, or right after your workout! And it comes in delicious flavors, from the classics to specialities like oatmeal cookies.
39. Ripple Vegan Protein Shake
Ripple’s vegan shake is another good one for bulking up! There are 20 grams of protein in each shake, which is derived from pea protein and has a higher nutritional value than other plant based proteins.
40. Next Level Nutrition Lean Pro Matrix Vanilla Ice Cream
This delicious vanilla ice cream flavored protein powder is also great for gaining weight! Each serving contains 180 calories and 34 grams of protein, making it ideal for bulking up. This product contains whey protein, casein protein, egg protein, and proteins and vitamins from plant based products!
41. Ghost Whey Protein Powder
The Ghost protein powder has 25 grams of protein per serving, allowing you to build muscle easily! On top of that it comes in the flavors of your favorite snacks: Oreo, nutter butter, chips ahoy, and more!
42. Lean Body Ready-To-Drink Protein Shake
The Lean Body protein shake allows you to get in 40 grams of protein at your convenience! Since it’s ready to drink, all you have to do is grab one and go. Drinking these post workout or to get some extra calories in between meals will help you build muscle!
43. MRE, Ready To Drink, Protein Shake
This protein shake is another one that is good for gaining weight! Each bottle contains 40 grams of protein and it comes in delicious flavors like blueberry cobbler and salted caramel. It’s also free from whey, making it easier to digest.
44. EAS Myoplex Original Ready-To-Drink Protein Shake
With 300 calories and 42 grams of proteins per shake, the Myoplex protein shake is one of the best for gaining weight! This protein shake uses a protein blend of slow and faster digesting proteins, so your muscles can stay fueled for up to 6 hours!
45. American Body Building (ABB) Pure Pro 50 Protein Shake
This creamy and delicious shake contains 50 grams of milk and whey protein, making it one of the higher protein ready to drink shakes. It’s great for gaining weight and muscle recovery, and is packed with additional nutrients to help you stay healthy.
46. MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Whey Gold Protein Powder
This protein powder made from whey isolate is great for gaining muscle weight! It absorbs quickly and digests fast, working faster and harder so you don’t have to.
Each serving contains 24 grams of protein and 130 calories. It is recommended that you mix one scoop with 6 ounces of water or skim milk between meals and before and after exercising! Try it in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or cookies and cream.
47. Muscle Milk Pro Series Protein Powder
In addition to their shakes, Muscle Milk also offers protein powder, so you can make your own customizable shake at home. Each scoop of this protein powder contains 50 grams of protein and 310 calories!
48. Atkins PLUS Protein-Packed Shake
These ready to drink shakes include 30 grams of protein, 20 essential vitamins and minerals, and 190 calories per serving! They are perfect for anyone who is trying to gain weight but doesn’t have time to make their own shakes.
49. The Vital Performance Protein Powder
Vital Performance combines a lactose-free milk protein isolate with collagen peptides to give you 25 grams of complete protein and 10 grams of collagen! It’s healthy and great for those of you wanting to gain weight in the gym. This is another great option as one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
50. Metabolic Nutrition - Musclean - Milkshake Weight Gainer
Depending on how many scoops you need, this muscle gainer protein powder can supply anywhere from 21 grams to 60 grams of protein! It also contains 14 grams of healthy and essential fatty acids, to help you gain weight but stay in shape.
Protein Shakes
Now that you’ve learned about all the options you have for protein shakes, you’re ready to go! If you’re busy, try one of the ready to drink shakes. If you want more customization, try a powder that can easily blend into any shake you want.
Once you get your own protein shake that you like it will help you gain weight!
Remember, it’s a good idea to consult with professionals before starting a journey to gain weight. You need to make sure you are working out enough, and still eating meals with lots of healthy ingredients in addition to your protein supplementation.
Look into the recommended daily intakes by the American College of Sports Medicine if you are unsure of anything.
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