9 Best Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: Boost Muscle Growth and Improve Health

Struggling to pack on those extra pounds? You’re not alone. Whether you’re looking to build muscle or just need to gain some healthy weight, protein shakes can be a game-changer. They’re convenient, nutrient-dense, and can help you achieve your weight gain goals effectively.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the 9 best protein shakes for weight gain, each offering unique benefits to help you bulk up. From high-calorie options to shakes loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to discover the perfect protein shake to fuel your journey to a healthier, stronger you.

1. Whey Protein Rich Shakes

Whey protein shakes are a fantastic choice for weight gain due to their high quality and quick absorption. They offer an excellent balance of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support your weight gain journey.

Benefits of Whey Protein

Whey protein is exceptionally efficient in promoting muscle growth. It’s quickly absorbed by your body, making it ideal for post-workout recovery. Moreover, whey protein is rich in essential amino acids that your body can’t produce on its own. Studies have shown that it helps increase muscle mass and strength when combined with a proper exercise regimen. Additionally, it supports your immune system and improves overall body composition.

1. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
   This shake contains 50g of protein per serving, making it perfect for gaining muscle mass. It also includes 25 vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition.
2. Naked Mass
   Offering 50g of protein and 1250 calories per serving, Naked Mass is ideal for those looking to add healthy weight. It uses natural ingredients with no artificial additives.
3. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
   This shake provides 52g of protein and 1280 calories per serving. It includes glutamine and creatine to help you power through tough workouts and recover faster.
4. BSN True Mass
   With 46g of protein and 700 calories, BSN True Mass combines high-quality proteins with carbs for sustained energy and muscle recovery.
5. MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000
   This option offers 80g of protein and a whopping 2000 calories per serving, including enhanced BCAA levels for muscle growth and repair.

2. Casein Protein Shakes

Casein protein shakes are another excellent option for those looking to gain weight. They’re known for their slow digestion and steady release of amino acids, making them ideal for nighttime use or prolonged periods without food.

Understanding Casein Protein

Casein is a protein found in milk that digests slowly, providing a steady release of amino acids over several hours. This slow absorption helps sustain muscle protein synthesis and prevents muscle breakdown, especially overnight. Because of its prolonged release, casein is perfect for maintaining an anabolic state when you’re fasting or asleep. Incorporating casein into your diet can aid in muscle recovery and growth, which is crucial for effective weight gain.

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein
   Contains 24 grams of casein protein per serving, plus 5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs. It’s a popular choice for supporting muscle recovery while you sleep.
2. Dymatize Elite Casein
   Offers 25 grams of protein and 5 grams of BCAAs per serving. It’s formulated to provide a slow and sustained release of protein, promoting muscle repair and growth.
3. MuscleTech NitroTech Casein Gold
   Delivers 24 grams of protein and 5.6 grams of BCAAs per serving. It uses a high-quality blend of casein proteins to fuel muscles overnight.
4. Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein
   Provides 25 grams of protein per serving. It emphasizes minimal processing, offering a clean and efficient product for muscle recovery.
5. Sascha Fitness Hydrolyzed Casein
   Contains 20 grams of protein per serving. It’s hydrolyzed for faster absorption while still offering the benefits of slow-digesting casein.

3. Soy Protein Shakes

Soy protein shakes offer a plant-based alternative for those looking to gain weight. Rich in essential amino acids, they provide a balanced protein source.

Advantages of Soy Protein

1. Complete Protein Source
   Soy protein contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It supports muscle growth and recovery effectively.
2. Heart Health Benefits
   Consuming soy protein can help lower cholesterol levels, contributing to better heart health according to the FDA.
3. Lactose-Free
   Soy protein is naturally free of lactose, making it suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
   Soy protein is high in antioxidants, particularly isoflavones, which can help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.

1. Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Protein Powder
   Offering 21 grams of protein per serving, Orgain’s organic protein is made with clean ingredients. It’s ideal for those who prefer organic products.
2. NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate
   This shake provides 20 grams of protein and is unflavored, allowing you to mix it into any beverage. It’s a versatile choice for your protein needs.
3. Isopure Soy Protein
   With 25 grams of protein per serving, Isopure Soy Protein is designed for muscle recovery and growth. It’s free of artificial flavors and sweeteners.
4. Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein
   Containing 20 grams of protein from various plant sources including soy, this shake also includes probiotics and enzymes to support digestion.
5. EAS Soy Protein Powder
   EAS delivers 20 grams of soy protein and is backed by rigorous quality testing. It’s perfect for those seeking a reliable protein source for weight gain.

These soy protein shake options cater to different preferences and dietary requirements, ensuring you find the perfect match for your weight gain goals.

4. Pea Protein Options

Pea protein is a fantastic plant-based alternative for weight gain. It’s especially great for those looking for non-dairy options.

What Is Pea Protein?

Pea protein is derived from yellow split peas. It’s a high-quality source of protein and is rich in essential amino acids like lysine and arginine. It’s naturally vegan, hypoallergenic, and easily digestible. Pea protein also contains a good amount of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), important for muscle growth and recovery.

Leading Pea Protein Shakes for Gaining Mass

1. Naked Pea Protein

Naked Pea Protein is free from additives and artificial sweeteners. Offering 27g of protein per serving, it’s an excellent choice for clean, effective muscle gain.

2. Now Sports Pea Protein

Now Sports Pea Protein delivers 24g of protein per serving and is ideal for those who need a hypoallergenic, non-GMO option. It’s also a good source of iron, which supports muscle oxygenation.

3. Vega Protein & Greens

Vega Protein & Greens combines 20g of pea protein with green vegetable powders. It’s perfect if you want extra nutrients like kale, spinach, and broccoli.

4. Orgain Organic Protein

Orgain Organic Protein provides 21g of protein per serving. Blended with other plant-based proteins, it offers a smooth texture and great taste without any artificial ingredients.

5. Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein

Garden of Life’s Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein offers 30g of protein from peas and other plant sources. It also includes probiotics and enzymes for better digestion.

With these pea protein shakes, achieving your weight gain goals while staying plant-based is easier than ever.

5. Mixed Plant-Based Protein Shakes

If you prefer variety in your protein sources, mixed plant-based protein shakes blend proteins from multiple plants.

Benefits of Mixed Plant-Based Proteins

Mixed plant-based protein shakes combine different protein sources like pea, rice, and hemp proteins, providing a complete amino acid profile. They typically contain fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety. These shakes are usually hypoallergenic, making them suitable for people with allergies or intolerances. They also have a lower environmental impact compared to animal-based proteins.

1. Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal: Contains pea, flaxseed, and chia proteins. This shake offers 20g of protein, probiotics, and enzymes for better digestion.
2. Vega One All-In-One Shake: Blends pea, hemp, and flax proteins. Each serving provides 20g of protein, greens, and vitamins for a nutrient-dense supplement.
3. Orgain Organic Protein: Features a mix of pea, brown rice, and chia proteins. Delivers 21g of protein per serving with added fiber for digestive health.
4. Sunwarrior Warrior Blend: Integrates pea, hemp, and goji berry proteins. Supplies 19g of protein per serving with a smooth texture and rich flavor.
5. Nutiva Organic Plant Protein: Combines pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and chia proteins. This shake offers 21g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving, catering to your weight gain goals.

Mixed plant-based protein shakes offer a diverse nutrient profile, making them a robust choice for your weight gain journey.

6. Egg White Protein Shakes

Egg white protein shakes offer a high-quality source of protein without the added fats and cholesterol found in whole eggs.

Why Egg White Protein?

Egg white protein is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. It’s easily digestible, making it ideal for post-workout recovery and weight gain. Additionally, it’s low in calories and fat, so you can focus your intake on pure protein without extra calories from fats.

Best Egg White Protein Shakes for Weight Gain

1. Jay Robb Egg White Protein

• Contains 24g of protein per serving.
• Naturally sweetened with stevia.
• No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.

1. NOW Sports Egg White Protein

• Provides 20g of protein per serving.
• Contains only 1g of carbohydrates and no fat.
• Ideal for those following a low-carb diet.

1. MRM Natural Egg White Protein

• Comes with 23g of protein per serving.
• Includes digestive enzymes for better absorption.
• Free from artificial flavors and sweeteners.

1. Paleo Thin Egg White Protein

• Offers 21g of protein per serving.
• No added sugar, soy, or dairy.
• Non-GMO and gluten-free.

1. Julian Bakery Paleo Protein

• Delivers 25g of protein per serving.
• Low in carbohydrates and calories.
• Sweetened with monk fruit for a natural taste.

• Quick Absorption: Helps muscles recover and grow faster.
• Complete Amino Acids: Supports overall health and muscle growth.
• Low-Calorie Option: Allows you to add other high-calorie foods to your diet.

With these options, you can find an egg white protein shake that fits your dietary needs and helps you effectively gain weight.

7. Hemp Protein Shakes

Hemp protein shakes are a fantastic option for those seeking a plant-based source of protein for weight gain. They pack a nutritional punch with significant health benefits.

The Power of Hemp Protein

Hemp protein, derived from hemp seeds, is rich in essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes muscle growth, repair, and overall health. Packed with fiber, it aids digestion, making it ideal for a balanced diet. The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp protein support heart health and reduce inflammation. Additionally, hemp protein is naturally gluten-free and hypoallergenic, suitable for diverse dietary needs.

1. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein: Offers 15 grams of protein per serving and contains organic plant-based ingredients. It’s excellent for smoothies and post-workout shakes.
2. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Protein Powder: Provides 20 grams of protein per serving with a delightful vanilla flavor. It’s high in fiber and has a smooth texture.
3. Orgain Organic Protein & Superfoods Plant-Based Protein Powder: Combines hemp with other plant proteins for 21 grams of protein per serving. It includes superfoods like chia and flax seeds for added nutrition.
4. LeanHemp Vanilla Protein: Boasts 20 grams of hemp protein per serving and is infused with natural vanilla essence, making it a tasty and nutritious choice.
5. Sunwarrior Hemp Protein: Features 15 grams of protein per serving and is raw, vegan, and free from artificial additives. Ideal for those seeking a pure source of hemp protein.

These recommended hemp protein shakes are excellent choices to help you achieve your weight gain goals while enjoying the benefits of plant-based nutrition.

8. Brown Rice Protein Shakes

Overview of Brown Rice Protein

Brown rice protein offers a plant-based option that is hypoallergenic and easily digestible. With a protein content of about 25 grams per serving, it’s a solid choice for muscle gain. This protein type is packed with essential amino acids, which aid in muscle recovery and growth.

1. NutriBiotic Rice Protein: Boasts 12 grams of protein per serving, making it ideal for weight gain. It’s free of common allergens like soy and dairy.
2. Growing Naturals Organic Rice Protein: Offers 24 grams of protein per serving. Also USDA organic certified and non-GMO.
3. Sunwarrior Classic Protein: Contains 18 grams of protein per serving and includes a mix of essential amino acids.
4. Zen Principle Organic Brown Rice Protein: Delivers 20 grams of protein per serving. Known for its smooth texture and high digestibility.

9. Specialty Protein Shakes

Specialty protein shakes cater to specific dietary needs and unique health goals. Whether you’re seeking formulas enriched with added nutrients or those suited for dietary restrictions, these shakes offer targeted benefits.

Custom and Specialty Formulas

These shakes are designed for tailored nutrition. They often include additional ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and superfoods to address specific health concerns. Custom formulas can be created by combining various protein sources like whey, casein, and plant-based proteins to meet individual needs. They’re ideal if you need to focus on muscle recovery, improve digestive health, or gain weight efficiently.

1. Muscle Milk Pro Series: Packed with 50 grams of protein, this shake delivers a powerful punch for muscle growth. It also includes 20 vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
2. Boost Very High Calorie: This shake provides 530 calories and 22 grams of protein per serving. It’s perfect for those needing to gain weight rapidly.
3. Ensure Plus Nutrition Shake: With 16 grams of protein and 350 calories, this option combines essential nutrients to help you gain weight and maintain energy levels.
4. Orgain Organic Protein: Includes 21 grams of plant-based protein and a blend of organic greens. It’s suitable for vegans and those seeking a clean, nutritious shake.
5. Carnation Breakfast Essentials High Protein: Offers 15 grams of protein and 240 calories. It’s a great breakfast option to start your day with essential nutrients.

Specialty protein shakes provide customized solutions to meet diverse dietary needs and health goals effectively.

Conclusion on Choosing the Best Protein Shake

Choosing the right protein shake for weight gain can make a significant difference in your fitness journey. Whether you’re looking for whey, casein, or plant-based options like soy and pea protein, there’s a shake out there that fits your needs. Specialty protein shakes also offer tailored solutions with added nutrients to support your specific health goals.

Remember to consider your dietary preferences and health objectives when selecting a protein shake. Brands like Muscle Milk Pro Series, Boost Very High Calorie, and Ensure Plus Nutrition Shake provide excellent options for muscle growth and weight gain. With the right protein shake, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness and health goals efficiently.