The best gainers in the UK 2023

Have you started bodybuilding and want to get results quickly? In this case, consuming a reliable protein source is the solution. However, finding a suitable gainer for yourself is not easy. Whether you are a bodybuilder, a seasoned athlete or a beginner in bodybuilding, this article will help you find the best snack to help you progress in your journey.

Scitec Nutrition - Jumbo Hardcore 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Scitec Nutrition - Jumbo Hardcore

The best gainer in 2021

Jumbo Hardcore contains everything you need for a fast and healthy weight gain. It consists of 5 different protein sources and 7 types of carbohydrates, which is ideal for any athlete.

40,72 £ on Fitadium

Jumbo Hardcore is an ideal gainer for those who want to gain mass quickly. For each dose, it contains 16.5 g of protein and 23 g of carbohydrates. These essential nutrients will allow you to accelerate recovery and boost your physical performance. This gainer is thus appropriate for all the sportsmen of any level. The proteins come from several slow and fast sources: rice protein, beef hydrolysate, micellar casein, whey isolate and whey. Moreover, Jumbo Hardcore contains a matrix of several creatines with a CreaPep allowing an optimal storage of glycogen in the muscles.

It should be noted that Jumbo Hardcore also has a good dose of branched-chain amino acids, namely: 2520 mg of valine, 5670 of leucine and 2580 mg of isoleucine for each dose. These contribute directly to muscle recovery. Scitec Nutrition has also integrated a formula specially designed to reduce the level of estrogen to promote the production of testosterone. Thus, you will be even better armed for your training sessions and develop a more masculine body.

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass 2
8/10

Best Cheap

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass

The best entry-level gainer

This gainer is a real reference for mass gain. This formula is suitable for both athletes and beginners for quick results thanks to its tri-source protein and carbohydrate matrix.

29,59 £ on Fitadium

Serious Mass remains one of the most popular gainers for its effectiveness and its very attractive price. It has a high dose of Maltodextrin which are complex carbohydrates with slow assimilation. Thus, the metabolism will benefit from a powerful and quality source of energy without promoting fat gain. Moreover, this product is based on a protein matrix tri-source from whey protein, casein and egg protein. This perfect combination offers a continuous supply of amino acids for the body while stimulating muscle growth.

It should not be forgotten to mention that this gainer contains a fairly high level of creatine (about 3g) as well as Choline. Each serving contains 1263g of calories, 251g of carbohydrates and 50g of protein. Moreover, it is composed of several vitamins (A, D, E, C and B) and lipid (MCT oil) to have a good balance in nutrients. For all these reasons, this product will help you achieve your goal of mass gain effectively and quickly.

Superset Nutrition - Weight Gain Program 3
9/10

Best High End

Superset Nutrition - Weight Gain Program

The best high-end gainer

This complete weight gain program will allow you to get results quickly and take your training to the next level. It is the best formula adapted to build your muscles and boost your physical performance quickly.

111 £ on Fitadium

If you're struggling to gain weight despite your intense efforts in the gym and a strict diet, this mass gainer program is the solution. It includes a full box of Hardcore Creatine, Mass Advanced Gainer (79g of carbs and 11g of protein), Xtreme BCAA and a Hardcore Xenatest. At the end of this program developed by certified nutritionists and fitness coaches, you will be able to gain about 5 kg by following the prescriptions to the letter. This will give you a more massive physique and impressive musculature, even if you are an ectomorph or dry type.

Not only will you benefit from a gainer for an adapted caloric intake, but also from the testosterone booster that increases muscle support. Indeed, this 6-week program has the effect of intensifying workouts and gaining explosiveness. It is therefore suitable for bodybuilders and fitness athletes who want to stay in shape. Among other things, it helps to avoid fat gain and to gain muscle. For a better result, it is necessary to respect the progressive dosages set up and recommended.

Eric Favre - Lean gainer 4
8/10

Excellent

Eric Favre - Lean gainer

The best lean gainer

This lean gainer will allow you to make a controlled mass gain thanks to its high protein content and a moderate carbohydrate intake. It will allow you to have a drier and more imposing physique.

36,72 £ on Eric Favre

Developed by Eric Favre, this gainer contains tri-source proteins at 50% and carbohydrates at 25%. Proteins help to rebuild your muscles while carbohydrates will complete your energy intake. Moreover, this proportion optimizes the recovery and will allow you to make a fast mass gain while minimizing the accumulation of fat. You will then focus on the development of your muscles in order to have a massive and imposing body. It is presented in a 2 kg pot, which will be enough for a few weeks of consumption.

This whey-based lean gainer is designed with a formula specifically adapted to build muscle. For training days, it is recommended to take 1 scoop (about 40g) before each session and another scoop afterwards. And like all Eric Favre products, this one is certified "afnor anti-doping" and does not contain gluten (harmful for the metabolism). You will then benefit from an effective muscle gain gas pedal that is safe for your body.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best gainer

Any specific needs?

The best gainer in 2021

The best entry-level gainer

The best high-end gainer

The best lean gainer

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Comparison table of the best gainers

TOP OF THE TOP NOT EXPENSIVE TOP OF THE RANGE Excellent
Scitec Nutrition - Jumbo Hardcore 5
9/10
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass 6
8/10
Superset Nutrition - Weight Gain Program 7
9/10
Eric Favre - Lean gainer 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Scitec Nutrition - Jumbo Hardcore
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Superset Nutrition - Weight Gain Program
Eric Favre - Lean gainer
Jumbo Hardcore contains everything you need for a fast and healthy weight gain. It consists of 5 different protein sources and 7 types of carbohydrates, which is ideal for any athlete.
This gainer is a real reference for mass gain. This formula is suitable for both athletes and beginners for quick results thanks to its tri-source protein and carbohydrate matrix.
This complete weight gain program will allow you to get results quickly and take your training to the next level. It is the best formula adapted to build your muscles and boost your physical performance quickly.
This lean gainer will allow you to make a controlled mass gain thanks to its high protein content and a moderate carbohydrate intake. It will allow you to have a drier and more imposing physique.
Weight
3.06 kg
2.73 kg
-
2 kg
Composition
9% Carbohydrates/33% Protein (RDA)
75g Carbohydrates/15g Protein (P/100g)
30% Carbohydrates/22% Protein (RDA)
+25% Carbohydrates/+50% Protein
Description
50g of multi-source protein/ Matrix of 7 carbohydrate sources/ Matrix of 6 creatines
Enriched with creatine
Extreme congestion
Tri-source protein/Mineral enriched/Tri-source carbohydrate source
Specificity(s)
To build mass, boost training performance, and speed recovery
Ideal for people with weight gain difficulties
6 week full body fat program
Optimizes recovery after intense training
Taste
Banana Yogurt
Chocolate
Chocolate
Vanilla

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How to choose your gainer

#1 - Ingredients

The gainer is a food supplement that allows a caloric intake to gain weight and muscle mass. It is generally composed of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. On the market, you have different types such as the Lean gainer composed of more than 40% of proteins which is made for the gain of mass or the Hard gainer, with 65% of carbohydrates, for the sportsmen having difficulty to gain weight.

Protein should come from a variety of sources so that amino acids are released gradually into the muscles. If possible, avoid gainers that contain aspartame and gluten. These can lead to chronic fatigue.

#2 - Amino acids and other ingredients

This category of ingredients is important for the balance of the body. Among these, you can find vitamins, BCAAs, creatine among others. It should be noted that sometimes these elements are not in the composition of your gainer. To remedy this, you can consume them separately.

  • Creatine: For athletes wishing to have a good glycemic balance, creatine remains an essential ingredient. Indeed, it stores glycogen through water retention.
  • BCAA: These amino acids are Valine, Leucyne and Isoleucyne. They contribute greatly to muscle mass gain. They also naturally improve physical and athletic performance.

#3 - Fitness

The metabolism of each individual is not always the same. According to your physique, it is thus advisable to choose an adapted gainer:

  • Ectomorph: As a reminder, these are people who have a rather thin physique and their metabolism have difficulty storing energy. They must therefore opt for a product with a high carbohydrate content in order to have an excess of calories.
  • Endomorph: Endomorphic individuals have a physical typology characterized by shoulders that are larger than their hips. They burn fat in a more moderate manner. Medium carbohydrate gainers are therefore more suitable.
  • Mesomorph: A mesomorph is anyone who has a fairly large physical build. Their belly is usually larger than their shoulder, which means they don't burn fat fast enough. On the other hand, gainers with a fairly low carbohydrate intake are more suitable for them.

#4 - Taste

A gainer is consumed regularly and according to a very precise rhythm for it to be really effective. And since this food supplement must be swallowed, it would be wiser toopt for a product that tastes good.

The producers of gainers offer products with a chocolate taste for those who appreciate a little sweetness. Also note that most of these snacks can be slightly sweetened. There are even gainers that can be consumed like a milkshake with a pleasant taste in the mouth.

#5 - Digestibility

This is an important detail, although it is almost impossible to know whether one gainer or another proves to be more digestible than another. So to avoid complications, opt for a dietary supplement that does not contain calcium caseinate.

Indeed, many producers include calcium caseinate because it is inexpensive, but of lower quality. Instead, choose gainers that contain casein to avoid digestive problems.

Is a gainer really effective?

A gainer is a food snack composed mainly of carbohydrates and proteins. These ingredients can come from different sources, both animal and vegetable. Also, the proportions between these elements vary according to the type of gainer. It should also be noted that such a product provides a good dose of calories.

Thus, a gainer is used either to gain weight, or to promote muscle reconstruction of a sportsman. Many studies have proven that consuming this type of product contributes to muscle development and body maintenance. Its effect is not always the same from one individual to another since each person has a different "genetic".

Who can consume a gainer?

Ectomorphs

Ectomorphs are people who have a fairly fast metabolism. In other words, they burn calories quickly and their bodies have difficulty storing fat (energy reserves). They are therefore unable to gain mass, because to gain a few extra pounds, they need to have a surplus of calories. Ectomorphs can therefore consume a gainer for more calories and gain weight.

Case of the neophytes

Those who are just starting to go to a gym can easily be discouraged if they do not see results quickly. In this case, consuming a gainer could help them boost their performance. The ingredients in a gainer not only affect their muscles, but also their endurance and physical capacity.

The different types of gainers

Whether you are a seasoned athlete, an athlete preparing for a competition or a beginner in bodybuilding, know that there is a gainer adapted for you. You can choose either a lean gainer, a gainer or a hard gainer. But what is the difference between these three types of products?

The lean gainer

The lean gainer is a product composed of 55% protein and 30% carbohydrates. It gives a slight boost to progress in mass gain while limiting the accumulation of fat.

These snacks are mainly used in recovery, especially because of their high protein content. It allows you to gain muscle mass in a fairly discreet way.

The gainer

Also called "50/50" in the jargon of fitness, the gainer contains a more or less balanced intake of carbohydrates and protein. This does not necessarily mean that their proportion remains equal.

Specifically, it consists of about 55% protein and 20 to 35% carbohydrate. The gainer remains a good alternative to gain both mass and weight. It allows you to increase your muscle mass and fat in a moderate way.

The hard gainer

This type of gainer contains mainly carbohydrates with a rate reaching 80%. The protein intake is generally limited to 15 or 20%. Because of this, it is an excellent source of additional calories.

The Hard gainer can contain approximately 1000 calories per intake, which makes it a very rich food supplement in calories. Its consumption thus makes it possible to bring the caloric surplus necessary to take mass, but also fat very quickly.

Gainer or whey?

Gainer

A gainer is generally composed of 60% carbohydrates and 30 to 40% protein. This strong contribution in carbohydrates will make it possible to gain a few kilos on the scale in little time.

Moreover, product is known to be effective to accompany the taking of mass. It also accelerates recovery. The gainer is then a quick and healthy snack for any athlete, whatever his level. For example, 100 g of gainer contains 66.6 g of carbohydrates, 26.1 g of protein and 388 kcal in energy.

People who have difficulty gaining mass should consume a gainer to achieve their goal. The excess calories will provide extra energy and help rebuild muscle.

Whey

A whey contains about 70% protein and little fat or carbohydrates (up to 10%). Because of this protein proportion, this product helps stabilize the fat mass contained in the body.

Moreover, during the dry period, it effectively fights against catabolism and participates in the development of muscles. Specifically, for 100 g of whey, there are 73.6 g of protein, 8.3 g of carbohydrates and a caloric intake of 391 kcal.

For those who want to have more muscle than fat, a whey will be the perfect snack. In addition, consuming it will be a source of quality protein to build muscle and have a larger physical build.

Verdict

The major difference between whey and gainer lies in the carbohydrate intake. Whey is much richer in protein than a gainer. Therefore, it is ideally suited for bodybuilders wishing to dry out. As for the gainer, its high carbohydrate content allows to increase the caloric intake. The latter therefore remains the ideal ally for those who wish to gain mass.

5 benefits of using a gainer

1. To gain weight quickly

It is a fact, a gainer is always associated with weight gain. For this reason, many fitness or bodybuilding professionals recommend its consumption for those who want to change their physique. Especially since the effects of a gainer are felt from the first weeks of its use.

2. To compensate for calorie deficits

Apart from the protein and carbohydrate intake, a gainer also contains a good dose of calories. And the more calories you have, the more mass and weight you will gain. This high calorie intake allows you to have "excess energy", which will also prevent you from experiencing chronic fatigue after each intense workout.

3. To help the muscles to rebuild

The protein in gainers contributes directly to muscle rebuilding. Remember that when you exercise, there are micro-tears in your muscles. A high protein intake helps to speed up recovery. You have everything to gain by consuming a quality gainer!

4. To have a more efficient physique

The combination of proteins and carbohydrates contained in a gainer does not only promote muscle gain in an individual. Among other things, it improves physical performance, which is why the most seasoned athletes consume it regularly (no, it's not doping). The one who uses it also sees himself more energetic and more motivated to carry out intense trainings.

5. For a quick and healthy snack

The gainer is an excellent source of carbohydrates and protein. These elements come mainly from quality animal or vegetable sources. They are therefore a healthy snack for the body. Plus, you can still follow a strict diet of protein-rich foods if you wish. Remember that the gainer remains a food supplement, not a replacement.

The best brands of gainers

In our opinion, the best brands of gainers in 2022 are :

Scitec Nutrition
Optimum Nutrition
Biotech USA
BSN Nutrition
Eric favre

Well known in the field of bodybuilding and nutrition, Scitec Nutrion is a reliable brand. In fact, in 2017, it has already been named as the best brand of dietary supplements throughout Europe. It offers a whole range of products designed to improve the physical capacity of athletes. In addition, this brand develops many nutritional supplements in the field of endurance sports, crossfit and fitness.

Having existed for over 30 years, Optimum Nutrition remains a reference brand in the fitness and bodybuilding industry. Recognized for the quality of its products that follow the American standard, it offers a wide range of products suitable for the most seasoned athletes and beginners. It is a reference in mass gain. Among the most famous gainers of this brand is Whey Gold Gold Standard, which mainly helps to increase muscle mass.

Biotech USA presents itself as one of the references in terms of dietary supplements for all athletes, regardless of their level. This brand is especially known for its commitment against doping products. It therefore relies on the quality of the ingredients it uses in all its products. Moreover, all the gainers of this brand are manufactured according to a very strict quality control, guarantee of their success. A sure value.

BSN remains one of the leaders in the sale of food supplements worldwide. It proves to be very popular especially for its pre-workout powdered gainers like NOXplode. This one allows to have a considerable gain of muscle and to optimize the training sessions. BSN also offers various products with a refined taste by integrating flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and many others in their products.

Eric Favre represents the French know-how in manufacturing gainers for athletes and fitness professionals. Expert in nutrition and bodybuilding, it distributes a whole range of products for mass gain, body health and physical well-being. It is one of the best-sellers throughout France. The gainers designed by Eric Favre are tested and laboratory-tested, but also by experienced athletes.

What is the price for a gainer

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20 £ to 50 £
Mid-range
50 £ to 120 £
High-end
more than 120 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Mix your gainer with water

Even if everyone has their own preferences, it is recommended to consume the gainer with water. Some bodybuilders use vegetable milk, which is a good alternative. However, do not mix with animal milk such as cow's milk. Indeed, the effectiveness of the product is likely to be strongly altered, which is not desirable.

Consume between meals

Despite the fact that a gainer can provide many food components, it does not replace your meals. Always note that it is a snack. Its consumption should ideally be within two hours of breakfast or lunch (depending on your exercise time). You can also take it right after an intense workout.

Don't forget the digestive enzymes

Some people may have a digestive problem, which can be detrimental. So if you have trouble digesting a gainer, it would be more appropriate to take some lactase. This enzyme allows the dissociation of galactose and glucose. Thus, your snack will be "more digestible".

Don't neglect creatine

Creatine comes from natural amino acids. It plays an important role in the energy supply to the various cells of the muscles as well as the contractions of the latter. Therefore, for maximum effect, consume creatine with your gainer (if it does not contain it). Yes, it improves your physical performance and facilitates the transport of carbohydrates.

Consume your BCAAs regularly

It is recommended to take BCAA about 15 minutes before consuming your gainer. Indeed, BCAAs are branched-chain amino acids and essential for muscle anabolism while optimizing your recovery. Especially since they improve the efficiency of protein synthesis in the body. Note that some producers already include BCA in their gainers.

FAQ

How to make a good home-made gainer?

You need a dosage of 60% carbohydrate, 25% protein and 15% fat to concoct a perfect home-made gainer. For proteins, you can use whey (20g) or hydrolysate. Concerning the carbohydrates, prefer bananas, oats or sweet potato flour (50g). As for fats, almonds (30g), cashews or walnuts are excellent vegetable sources. Mix these ingredients and consume immediately.

Is it possible to gain weight with gainer?

A gainer is a very high calorie source. Besides, the purpose of consuming them is to have an excess of calories. If you don't exercise, these excess calories will be transformed into fat, which will make you fat. For those who wish to gain a few extra pounds, using a gainer can be effective. But be careful, its consumption must be moderate and regulated.

When to use a gainer?

Generally, a gainer contains 1000 calories per dose. In addition, it is often associated with digestive enzymes to facilitate its digestion and absorption. It should therefore be consumed 2 to 3 times a day and between meals. Ideally, you should choose a specific time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and this, in post-workout. Respect the dosage for a better result.

What gainer to choose for an ectomorph?

For ectomorphs, it is important to go for high carbohydrate gainers. These have a considerable amount of calories, which will directly contribute to mass and fat gain. It is also necessary that the product has a good creatine content, because it serves to mobilize energy in the body while increasing explosiveness and physical performance.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information. See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Scitec Nutrition - Jumbo Hardcore 9
Scitec Nutrition - Jumbo Hardcore
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass 10
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Superset Nutrition - Weight Gain Program 11
Superset Nutrition - Weight Gain Program
Eric Favre - Lean gainer 12
Eric Favre - Lean gainer

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