When it comes to muscle gain, making sure you meet your daily calorie requirement is challenging. However, meeting your protein requirement is near impossible without using the best protein supplements for weight gain.
While it may seem unnatural or potentially unhealthy for many, there are several healthy protein supplements that are easy to digest and easy on your kidneys. With the right amount of exercise, you can ensure that your body receives the right amount of protein and gains muscle in the process.
When it comes to building muscle, there are several options with different labels, which can confuse it. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about protein supplements for weight gain.
- What are Protein Supplements for Weight Gain?
- Are Protein Supplements for Weight Gain Healthy?
- 8 Best Protein Supplements for Weight Gain
What Are Protein Supplements for Weight Gain?
When it comes to protein supplements for weight gain, there are a few routes, one is through whey protein supplements, vegan-friendly protein supplements, meal replacement shakes (when included as an additional meal), and mass gainers.
Whey protein and many vegan options aim to provide raw protein low in carbohydrates and fats to prevent unhealthy weight gain. Mass gainers and some meal replacement shakes tend to lean more towards carbohydrates and have comparatively less protein.
Are Protein Supplements for Weight Gain Healthy?
Protein supplements are beneficial for fitness so long as you exercise regularly and consume the right amount of protein relative to your metabolism and body weight. However, several whey-based protein supplements are not the best option for anyone with lactose intolerance.
When starting out, it’s important that you start out with the minimum serving and slowly increase your protein intake. This is because anyone just starting high amounts of protein may find it difficult to digest, and consuming lower quantities of protein can ensure your body acclimates faster.
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8 Best Protein Supplements for Weight Gain
1. Elm & Rye Protein Supplement
This protein blend comes from grass-fed, free-range cows, meaning that it is healthier and comes from a less cruel source. This protein blend from Elm & Rye makes use of collagen which is one of the most abundant proteins in your body.
It also includes milk protein concentrate, turmeric root, and even mushroom complex to ensure you get a wide range of minerals. With over 9 different amino acids, this protein blend tastes good and is also healthy.
2. Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
Mass gainers are also great for ensuring you get an adequate number of calories. While most protein powders rely heavily on whey protein, mass gainers help you bulk up fast with the help of carbohydrates. However, while whey protein has fewer calories, it ensures you put on more lean weight. Mass gainers, on the other hand, require you to work out more diligently and keep an eye on your daily intake.
This protein supplement for weight gain is perfect for anyone with a higher metabolism looking to gain weight fast. With 695 calories per serving and 51 grams of protein, this mass gainer is definitely effective in that regard.
3. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder
The protein supplement from Muscle Milk comes with 32 grams of high-quality protein. That said, it only comes with 280 calories. If you’re planning on putting on lean weight and feel concerned about overloading yourself with too much protein, muscle milk is a great option. While many protein supplements are heavy, this option from muscle milk comes with lower protein, making it easier to digest and great to have in between meals.
With both whey and casein, this is one of the best protein powders out there to ensure that you put on lean weight.
4. Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein is one of the most popular protein supplements. This protein powder ensures you put on muscle and avoid fat. With over 60 grams of protein, this protein powder is an excellent option for anyone doing more intense workouts. Besides this, this protein option is also gluten-free, meaning that’s even suitable for anyone with celiac disease.
It comes at quite a reasonable price, making this supplement for weight gain excellent to add to yogurt, oatmeal, or liquid of your choice without breaking the bank.
5. BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder
BSN Syntha comes from over six different protein powders, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to gain muscle. This is also one of the best-tasting protein powders out there, as BSN Syntha leaves barely any aftertaste. It’s also an excellent option for anyone looking to gain weight the sensible way.
6. Vega Sport Premium Protein
When it comes to plant-based protein powder, this option from Vega is perfect for rebuilding muscle. It is available in five different flavors, is also keto-friendly, and comes with probiotics. While it does have artificial flavoring, it does come with no added sugar, which makes it excellent for adding other fruits or even including it in other snacks like oatmeal or cereal.
With 30 grams of protein, this is one of the best vegan protein supplements out there for anyone looking to gain weight the right way.
7. Crazy Nutrition 100% Tri-Protein
With only 96 calories, this protein supplement is excellent for putting on lean muscle. With a fantastic mix of both fast and slow absorbing protein, this protein powder is excellent for anyone constantly on the go or with a mix of workout timings.
Tri-protein helps for putting on muscle gradually. It made the list because while most whey protein and mass gainers tend to cause indigestion and get absorbed at different times, these are not issues for Crazy Nutrition’s 100% Tri-Protein. So if you’re looking to take the slower, more comfortable route, then this is one of the best protein supplements for weight gain available.
8. Orgain Meal Replacement Shake
Orgain is a meal replacement shake that is dairy free, making it suitable for vegans. It is also simple to prepare, making it ideal for on-the-go consumption. It also has 20 grams of protein per serving, which ensures your muscles get the nutrients they need to stay healthy and retain firmness.
Orgain Organic Meal makes for an excellent shake to have in between meals and when working out. While other protein shakes out there come with a surplus of calories and protein, Ordain is lighter and more sustainable. It is complete with beans, sprouts, and other vegetables, so the organic vegan protein supplement provides a variety of vitamins necessary for good health.
Conclusion
With the several varieties of protein available, choosing a brand can prove confusing. However, while it is difficult to understand the complexities that come with building muscle protein plays a crucial role, so it is best to use one of these supplements.
Muscle gain can seem intimidating when starting out, however, regular strength training and workouts can help you reach your goal. While weight gain can seem daunting or challenging, everyone needs to start somewhere. Besides this, whether you plan to bulk up and cut or gain muscle gradually depends entirely on your exercise routine and metabolism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have protein supplements if you are lactose intolerant?
While milk-based protein like whey may prove difficult to digest and can make you feel nauseous or cause irregularity, you can choose a vegan protein supplement and circumvent this issue.
How do I know how many calories to consume to gain weight?
Based on your height, weight, age, and physical activity, there are several calorie calculators available for free online or as apps to help find your ideal caloric goal to meet your fitness goals.
How many calories does it take to gain 10 pounds?
It takes an excess of 3500 calories to gain one to 2 pounds. So consuming 500 to 1000 calories extra (based on your metabolism) can help you gain 1 to 2 pounds per week.
