TOP 10 best gainers: high-carbohydrate, high-protein, with creatine

With the help of a gainer, you can quickly gain muscle mass, especially for ectomorphs who have a naturally thin body. A gainer is a common supplementary food that has the main components: proteins, carbohydrates and a small percentage of fat.

Most athletes cannot do without a gainer, since, having a weight of more than 100 kg, it is necessary to consume a lot of carbohydrates to gain weight (400 grams at least per day). To do this, you need to combine regular food and a supplement. Therefore, in this article we will consider only the best products.

Best High Carb Gainers

These gainers contain only up to 20% protein, and the high carbohydrate content makes them quite high in calories and easily digestible for the body. They are able to fully provide carbohydrate reserves for the body. Such supplements are necessary for athletes with poor appetite, fast metabolism, thin people or for accelerated muscle gain.

The TOP high-carbohydrate gainers include the following drugs:

LevelUp EASY MASS

A multi-component gainer with a unique formula developed by specialists from LevelUp, a Russian manufacturer of sports nutrition. The products of this brand are made exclusively from high-quality raw materials and undergo mandatory microbiological control. The three-component carbohydrate formula with amylopectin is responsible for the quick and high-quality replenishment of energy spent during training. Whey protein concentrate stimulates muscle growth, and macroelements replenish the body's mineral balance.

pros

• one package is enough for 15 servings;
• can be mixed with any liquid - not just clean water;
• quickly absorbed;
• contains essential amino acids and B vitamins;
• long-term energy support for the body.

Minuses

• few reviews;
• flavorings of non-natural origin.

Review: “The gainer is normal. I wouldn't say it's too sweet. Mixes quickly, without lumps. There is enough protein, there is no soy in the composition. It is absorbed well."

Maxler Special Mass Gainer

The balanced composition of this carbohydrate and protein gainer is designed to maintain optimal muscle mass and overall health of the body. Experts also recommend Maxler Special for those who need additional high-carbohydrate supplements during periods of intense training. A high-quality carbohydrate complex replenishes glycogen reserves and increases energy reserves to accelerate muscle growth. An additional portion of amino acids quickly restores muscle fibers and protects them from destruction.

pros

• the presence of enzymes has a positive effect on digestion;
• a unique protein complex improves immune defense;
• does not increase subcutaneous fat;
• improves endurance and strength performance;
• accelerating the recovery process after heavy loads.

Minuses

• the presence of lumps - a homogeneous mass only when whipped with a blender;
• cloying taste.

Review: “I give this gainer a rating of 7, because... does not dissolve completely, there are lumps. The taste (I took the strawberry flavor) is delicious, with milk it’s a little cloying. According to the results, I gained 2 kg in a week, while eating 4 times a day.”

Atom Ultra Premium Gainer Powder

Gainer from a domestic manufacturer for gaining weight at an accelerated pace - you can gain up to 4 kg in a month. The multicomponent protein matrix (17%) and quickly digestible carbohydrates (73%), which are reliable sources of energy, perfectly restore the body and build muscles after training. The combination of glucose, fructose and maltodextrin maintains insulin and sugar levels at optimal levels, preventing fat from accumulating. Easily digestible collagen isolate is responsible for strong and elastic joints.

pros

• begins to act in the first hour after administration;
• variability of packaging volumes - from a sample to a monthly norm;
• affordable price;
• effective weight gain for thin people with an integrated approach;
• stimulates a sharp release of energy.

Minuses

• contains no vitamins;
• lack of reviews online.

Best High Protein Gainers

These nutritional supplements contain more than 20% protein, their carbohydrate composition is high, but the body's absorption of carbohydrates occurs much more slowly than when consuming high-carbohydrate gainers. Because of this, the level of glucose in the blood increases, not only the supply of carbohydrates is replenished, but also accelerated growth of muscle tissue occurs. High-protein gainers are intended for girls with a fragile physique, for athletes with a genetic predisposition to be overweight, and for gaining weight in a short period of time.

The rating of the best high-protein gainers consists of:

Mutant Mass

A powerful sports gainer with the right composition from Fit Foods has a wide range of flavors. The protein-carbohydrate mixture has proven itself well among athletes who have difficulty gaining muscle mass. The carefully formulated formula supplies the body with 52 grams of protein, which includes a dozen different types of proteins, 182 grams of carbohydrates, healthy fats, potassium and sodium. The Intrasorb complex improves the absorption of beneficial nutrients by the body, and calcium strengthens bones. The drug will be a godsend for those who strive to improve athletic performance and improve physical fitness.

pros

• does not form lumps;
• increases endurance;
• relieves hunger;
• high-quality raw materials and balanced composition;
• pleasant tastes;
• Canadian production with an impeccable reputation and many years of experience.

Minuses

• the composition contains components that cause allergies: milk and gluten-containing;
• Only large volume packaging – from 2 kg.

Review: “The vanilla ice cream tasted very good. The product is protein-rich and well-balanced; it’s worth noting that the price is not as high as Ultimate or Muscle Juice.”

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Gainer

High-quality nutritional supplement for rapid muscle gain and post-workout recovery. The uniqueness of the composition lies in the minimal amount of maltodextrin. Sources of complex carbohydrates here are oats, peas, and potatoes. The basis of the gainer is whey isolate, healthy fats are taken from flax and chia seeds. This gainer has no problems with digestibility; its excellent solubility allows you to make the mixture simply in a shaker, without using a blender.

pros

• different rates of carbohydrate absorption;
• minimum sugar;
• forms muscle mass with a low percentage of fat;
• an excellent choice for girls, as it does not increase subcutaneous fat;
• You can take three servings per day for best results.

Minuses

• high price;
• difficult to buy in stores, you need to order.

Review: “A high-quality and working gainer with a good price/quality ratio, decent results can already be seen 4 weeks after starting use.”

BSN True-Mass

True-Mass is designed for those who need a high-calorie supplement to their regular diet to gain lean muscle mass. This premium protein-carbohydrate drink powder contains essential branched chain amino acids to support normal body function during intense muscle growth and intense training. The multifunctional protein-carbohydrate matrix meets the protein-to-carbohydrate ratio recommended by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

pros

• accelerates the regeneration of microtraumas;
• contains natural flavors;
• complex carbohydrates are completely absorbed;
• provides energy throughout the day;
• contains dietary fiber that improves digestion.

Minuses

• high cost, overpayment for the brand;
• may provoke thirst.

Review: “Good gainer, mixes well. There were no problems with absorption, the taste of vanilla ice cream was garbage. One of the few gainers that is really pleasant to drink, even diluted with water.”

Contraindications

Despite the relative harmlessness of the additive, it is necessary to carefully monitor its composition to avoid possible problems. For example, protein, which is often present among the components of gainers, is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance, and those who suffer from diabetes are strictly prohibited from taking this high-carbohydrate product.

In addition, excess supplementation can negatively affect the elasticity of blood vessels and the heart muscle, becoming an indirect cause of future stroke. Gainers can also contribute to excess weight gain, especially in women, so it is important for people who are prone to obesity to take this into account.

The best gainers with creatine

Adding creatine to functional gainers makes it possible to saturate the athlete’s skeletal muscles with this element in a simple way. Creatine is a natural component of human body tissue, an essential factor in muscle protein synthesis. At the cellular level, creatine participates in energy metabolism and directly affects the growth of strength indicators and the volume of maximum loads.

The top gainers with creatine consist of the following drugs:

CYBERMASS Gainer+Creatine

The effective Gainer+Creatine supplement features a balanced composition of proteins, carbohydrates, creatine, vitamins and microelements. It is recommended for use by men when increasing muscle volume and creating a beautiful relief. The supplement's varied molecular chain length carbohydrates allow for longer absorption times for a long-lasting energy boost. Natural juice concentrates, freeze-dried pieces of fruit, chocolate chips, and cocoa powder are used as flavoring additives.

pros

• prevents the breakdown of muscle fibers;
• affordable price;
• different packaging volumes - both for trial and for long-term use;
• contains nine vitamins and minerals;
• 100% whey protein concentrate promotes muscle growth.

Minuses

• Cheap maltodextrin is used as a basis;
• One serving does not cover the body’s daily need for creatine.

Review: “I took strawberry and vanilla, the taste was good, not too cloying. 2 packages lasted almost 2 weeks, the price is inexpensive. It helps a lot, of course, you won’t see much results in 2 weeks, but the weight is growing.”

XXI Power VitaMAX with creatine

A new complex product from the Russian sports nutrition manufacturer XXI Power combines milk and soy protein, vitamins and minerals. The formula is based on milk and soy concentrates, which provide the athlete’s body with protein in the required quantity. Vitamin A is needed to maintain healthy, strong bones and ligaments, as well as for better absorption of fats. Vitamin C is responsible for the functioning of the immune system, protects cells and tissues from destruction, and vitamin E improves muscle health. Creatine promotes high-quality muscle growth and provides energy.

pros

• powerful vitamin and mineral formula;
• strengthening of anabolic processes;
• affordable price and availability on store shelves;
• original strawberry taste;
• provides the body with sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium.

Minuses

• a measuring spoon contains 50 ml, although one serving contains 80 g;
• negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract.

Review: “Sweet, the banana taste is good, dissolves normally, goes well with milk and the addition of protein.”

R-Line Mass Creatine

This gainer is based on the classic Mass with the addition of creatine monohydrate - 2.5 g per 1 serving of the cocktail. Thus, technologists were able to increase the calorie content of the diet and increase the strength component of the athlete’s training in a way that is safe for the gastrointestinal tract. Carbohydrate components with different glycemic indexes (maltodextrin, dextrose and fructose) are absorbed at different rates, which allows you to restore the body after an intense workout and then launch muscle protein synthesis. Creatine improves workout performance and creates optimal conditions for muscle development.

pros

• contains a premix of vitamins and minerals;
• pleasant taste is ensured by the use of natural additives - juices, fruits;
• a worthy analogue for imported gainers;
• saturates well;
• does not cause bloating.

Minuses

• for some the taste is too cloying;
• You can feel the soy in the composition.

Review: “I was looking for an analogue to the imported one. Gainer is good! A little sweet (I have chocolate), but not that much. Can be done with water or milk. I bought 4kg, so far I’m quite satisfied.”

POWER PRO Gainer 30

This is a godsend for ectomorph athletes who find it very difficult to gain weight. A high-quality carbohydrate-protein mixture with beneficial nutrients helps the body cope with heavy physical activity and recover quickly. The ideal ratio of proteins and carbohydrates - 30% to 70% - quickly replenishes reserves lost during training, slowing down catabolic reactions. Carnitine and arginine promote the rapid burning of excess fat, guaranteeing an exclusively “lean” mass gain. To accelerate the growth of muscle tissue, the dietary supplement contains tribulus, a harmless steroid of plant origin.

pros

• minimal amount of fat;
• homogeneous consistency - without lumps;
• high-quality imported raw materials - from Holland and Switzerland;
• gradual increase in muscle mass without risks to the body;
• a wide range of BCAA amino acids.

Minuses

• contains caffeine;
• no measuring spoon.

Review: “One of the best in terms of price-quality ratio. With him, I gained 30 kg of weight in six months.”

conclusions

Don't be afraid to include sports supplements in your diet. When used correctly and of good quality, they can speed up your progress by 20-30%.

This article provides detailed information on how to choose a gainer. Let's summarize the main points:

• more protein and less sugar in the composition;
• Whey or multi-component protein is best;
• pay attention to trusted manufacturers, but do not forget about little-known ones;
• cheap doesn't mean bad.

By following our advice, you can choose the ideal product for yourself.

Gainer or protein – which is better?

A doctor or trainer will help you choose the right nutritional supplement for the daily diet of an athlete or a person who wants to build muscle mass by analyzing physical activity and the nutritional system. Muscles need additional energy to restore structure after grueling workouts, and the body as a whole needs protein to build a sculpted body. Therefore, the choice between protein and gainer is an individual decision, which depends on the following criteria:

• way of eating - special supplements are necessary if the diet is poor in proteins and carbohydrates;
• human physique: ectomorphs are prone to thinness and can safely take gainers, endomorphs are prone to obesity, they should not take gainers because of the threat of extra pounds, and mesomorphs have ideal body proportions, they are recommended to mix supplements for an even ratio of proteins and carbohydrates.

Gainers can and should be taken by those people who come to the gym to increase muscle mass, and not with the goal of losing weight. A carbohydrate-protein shake is a source of additional carbohydrates for the body, where protein is added solely to stabilize the digestion process.

What is the difference between a gainer and a protein? Quantitative ratio of proteins and carbohydrates. The protein mixture maintains amino acid balance in the body, and carbohydrates provide energy and accelerate muscle growth. After training, the carbohydrate window appears first, and then the protein window. Taking a gainer frees you from closing these windows in one fell swoop. And before taking protein, you will still have to load up on sweet fruits in order to open the body’s cells with insulin.

Gainer is a fairly young nutritional supplement that is gaining increasing popularity among athletes and people watching their body shape. Gainer replenishes the body's reserves of nutrients and energy for more effective workouts. It increases overall body weight by increasing muscle mass, so it is recommended for people who are thin. This review with detailed characteristics and a description of the positive and negative aspects will help you choose an effective drug.

How to gain muscle mass?

Nothing will happen in a short time. Gaining weight will take time and patience. To get a decent result, you need to be active and monitor your diet, especially sleep. If you just drink a gainer, the effect will only appear in your big belly. If you can't work out in the gym, then try it at home. It is enough to work with free weights, that is, buy dumbbells or a barbell. Plan a workout and do it at least 3 times a week. Most importantly, remember that muscles grow only during sleep and rest.