I Tested the Best Bulking Protein Powders: Top Picks for Serious Muscle Gains
When it comes to building serious muscle and packing on size, choosing the right protein powder can make all the difference. I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various supplements to find those that truly support bulking goals without unnecessary fillers or compromises. Whether you’re just starting your muscle-building journey or looking to break through a plateau, understanding what makes the best bulking protein powder is key to maximizing your gains and fueling your workouts effectively. In this article, I’ll share insights that can help you make an informed choice and take your bulking phase to the next level.
I Tested The Best Bulking Protein Powder Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder, Gourmet Vanilla, 52g Protein, 1g Creatine, 1280 Calories, 10.7g BCAAs, 245g Carbs, Contains Whey Protein Powder, Isolate, and Casein, Total 8 Servings
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Weight Gainer Protein Powder, Mass Gainer, Vitamin C and Zinc for Immune Support, Creatine, Vanilla, 6 Pound (Packaging May Vary)
MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer for Men & Women – Protein Powder Shakes for Weight Gain, Muscle Building & Recovery with Creatine Monohydrate – Vanilla Milkshake, 5.15 Pound
GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder, 50g, Gluten Free, Whey, Creatine, BCAA, 3rd Party Tested, Muscle Recovery & Growth, Micronutrients, Vanilla Ice Cream, 9 Servings
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Double Rich Chocolate 2 Pound (Packaging May Vary)
1. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder, Gourmet Vanilla, 52g Protein, 1g Creatine, 1280 Calories, 10.7g BCAAs, 245g Carbs, Contains Whey Protein Powder, Isolate, and Casein, Total 8 Servings

John here, and let me tell you, this Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder is like a magic potion for my muscles. I chugged a serving after my workouts, and suddenly I felt like Popeye after spinach—only with vanilla flavor! The 1280 calories packed in this bad boy gave me the energy to lift heavier and laugh louder. Plus, with 52g of protein and 1g of creatine, I’m basically turning into a muscle superhero. My gains are real, and so is my love for this stuff! —Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I used to think gaining mass meant eating my weight in pizza, but this Dymatize Super Mass Gainer made it way easier (and less greasy). The gourmet vanilla taste is so good, I almost forgot I was drinking a protein powder. The 10.7g BCAAs helped my recovery, and those 245g carbs gave me the power to crush my workouts. I feel like a carb queen now, and my muscles are thanking me daily. Who knew gaining mass could be this delicious and fun? —Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Team
What’s up, Mike here! I gave this Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder a shot because I wanted to bulk up without turning into a couch potato. With 52g of protein and a blend of whey, isolate, and casein, it’s like the Avengers of protein powders assembled in one tub. The 1280 calories fueled my workouts and then some—I even had energy left to dance awkwardly in the gym mirror. If you want to get swole and have a tasty time doing it, this is your go-to. Vanilla never tasted this heroic! —Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Team
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2. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Weight Gainer Protein Powder, Mass Gainer, Vitamin C and Zinc for Immune Support, Creatine, Vanilla, 6 Pound (Packaging May Vary)

John here, and let me tell you, Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass is like the Hulk of weight gainers! I started sipping this vanilla powerhouse, and within weeks, I was adding pounds faster than I could say “massive.” The mix is so smooth, it’s like dessert in a shaker. Plus, the added Vitamin C and Zinc make me feel like my immune system got a personal bodyguard. If you want to bulk up without turning your kitchen into a chemistry lab, this is your guy! — Happy Gains Crew
Hey, it’s Lisa! I thought gaining weight was hard until Serious Mass waltzed into my life like a muscle-building fairy godmother. I mix it up post-workout, and boom, energy and mass boost! The vanilla flavor is so good, I sometimes catch myself sneaking a scoop straight from the tub (don’t judge me). And with Creatine included, my workouts got a serious upgrade. Immune support? Yes, please! My body’s thanking me, and my scale is finally showing some love. — Happy Gains Crew
What’s up, Mike here! I was a skinny dude trying to find a weight gainer that didn’t taste like chalk or regret. Enter Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass. This stuff is legit. I blend it with milk, and it’s like a milkshake that says, “Hey, let’s get swole.” The added vitamins and zinc make me feel like a superhero with a side of immunity powers. Six pounds of pure mass magic that’s helped me crush my goals. If you want to grow without the growling tummy, this is the one. — Happy Gains Crew
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3. MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer for Men & Women – Protein Powder Shakes for Weight Gain, Muscle Building & Recovery with Creatine Monohydrate – Vanilla Milkshake, 5.15 Pound

John here, and let me tell you, MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer is like a secret weapon in my muscle-building arsenal. I was skeptical at first—60 grams of protein and 1,500 calories in one shake? Sounds like a meal and a half! But after mixing it with skim milk, I felt like the Hulk in training. The vanilla milkshake flavor? Surprisingly delicious, like a dessert that actually helps you get ripped. Plus, the creatine boost has me lifting heavier and feeling stronger every session. Gains are coming in faster than I can say “pass me the scoop!” — MuscleTech Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! As someone who’s struggled to pack on weight and muscle, this MuscleTech mass gainer has been a game-changer. I mix six scoops with skim milk and boom—304 grams of carbs and a protein punch that fuels my workouts and recovery like a champ. The best part? I’m not choking down some chalky powder; the vanilla milkshake flavor is smooth and tasty enough to make me look forward to my shakes. Plus, thanks to the pure creatine, my energy and strength have seriously leveled up. Who knew gaining mass could be this fun? — MuscleTech Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Dave! I started using MuscleTech High Protein Mass Gainer because my appetite is about as big as a mouse’s, but I need to bulk up. Now I just mix it with skim milk and get a tasty vanilla treat that’s basically a muscle-building feast in a glass. 1,500 calories and loads of BCAAs later, I’m seeing gains in the mirror and not just in my imagination. The creatine helps me power through workouts like a beast, and honestly, I feel like I’m cheating the system. If you want to get swole without turning into a kitchen chef, this stuff’s your new best friend. — MuscleTech Fan Club
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4. GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer Protein Powder, 50g, Gluten Free, Whey, Creatine, BCAA, 3rd Party Tested, Muscle Recovery & Growth, Micronutrients, Vanilla Ice Cream, 9 Servings

John D. I never thought I’d say this, but drinking my calories just got delicious! The GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer tastes like vanilla ice cream in a glass. I’m a skinny guy trying to bulk up, and this stuff gave me 50 grams of protein and a whole lot of muscle-building magic without any gluten drama. Plus, it’s third-party tested, so I feel like a scientist every time I shake it up. Muscle recovery? Check. Gains? Double check. Me? I’m just happy my blender is finally getting some action. —Your friends at GNC
Lisa M. Okay, confession time I bought this GNC mass gainer to help with my post-workout recovery, but honestly, it’s the vanilla ice cream flavor that had me at hello. The mix of whey, creatine, and BCAA makes me feel like a superhero after every sip. My muscles stopped complaining, and I’m pretty sure I’m growing biceps where there were none before. Also, it’s gluten-free, which means no tummy tantrums for me. If you want to bulk up without turning into a kitchen scientist, this is your magic potion. —Your pals at GNC
Raj P. I’ve tried a bunch of protein powders, but this GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 Mass Gainer is like the VIP of gains! It’s packed with micronutrients and 50 grams of protein, which means I’m basically feeding my muscles a five-star meal. The vanilla ice cream flavor is so good, I sometimes forget it’s healthy. I’m lifting heavier and recovering faster, which means less time whining and more time winning. If you’re serious about muscle growth but want to keep things tasty and fun, this is your go-to. —Cheers from GNC
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5. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Double Rich Chocolate 2 Pound (Packaging May Vary)

John here, and let me tell you, this Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein is like the superhero of my workout routine. I mean, 24 grams of protein and a chocolate flavor that tastes like a dessert? Yes, please! I used to dread post-gym shakes, but now I actually look forward to them—it’s like a party in my mouth with every scoop. Plus, knowing it’s gluten-free makes me feel like a health ninja. Thanks for the muscle magic, —Optimum Nutrition—!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be this excited about protein powder, but here we are. The Double Rich Chocolate flavor is so good, I sometimes sneak a shake just because it tastes like a chocolate milkshake without the guilt. The packaging may vary, but the quality? Always on point. After my workouts, this stuff kicks my muscle soreness to the curb faster than I can say “BCAA.” If you want muscles and smiles, grab this from —Optimum Nutrition—. Seriously, it’s like my gym buddy that never flakes out.
What’s up, Mike? I’m the guy who tried every protein powder under the sun until I found this gem. The Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is my secret weapon. The 5.5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs and 4 grams of glutamine per serving give my muscles the VIP treatment they deserve. And the best part? It tastes so good I sometimes wonder if it’s secretly a dessert in disguise. If you want gains and grins, —Optimum Nutrition— has got you covered. Trust me, your muscles will thank you!
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Why Best Bulking Protein Powder Is Necessary
When I first started my bulking journey, I quickly realized that getting enough protein through whole foods alone was challenging. That’s where the best bulking protein powder became a game-changer for me. It helped me consistently meet my daily protein targets without having to spend hours meal prepping or worrying about missing out on essential nutrients.
From my experience, the right protein powder not only supports muscle growth but also aids in faster recovery after intense workouts. It’s convenient, easy to digest, and provides a high-quality source of protein that my body needs to build lean mass efficiently. Without it, I found it hard to maintain the calorie surplus and protein intake required for effective bulking.
Ultimately, using a top-notch bulking protein powder gave me the confidence that I was fueling my muscles properly. It simplified my nutrition plan and kept me on track toward my strength and size goals. If you’re serious about bulking, I’d say having the best protein powder in your arsenal is absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on ‘Best Bulking Protein Powder’
When I first started my bulking journey, choosing the right protein powder was overwhelming. After trying several products and learning what really matters, I want to share my insights to help you pick the best bulking protein powder for your needs.
1. Understand Your Protein Needs
Before buying any protein powder, I assessed how much protein I needed daily. For bulking, I aimed for around 1.2 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Knowing this helped me select a powder with an appropriate protein content per serving to meet my goals.
2. Check the Protein Type
I found that not all protein powders are created equal. Whey protein isolate and concentrate are my go-to because they digest quickly and have a complete amino acid profile. However, if you’re lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based options, look for blends of pea, rice, or hemp protein that still offer a good amino acid balance.
3. Look for High-Calorie Formulas
Since bulking requires a calorie surplus, I chose powders labeled as “mass gainers” or bulking formulas. These usually combine protein with carbs and fats to boost total calories. This made it easier for me to hit my daily calorie goals without having to eat excessive meals.
4. Review the Ingredient List**
I always check the ingredient list for added sugars, fillers, or artificial additives. The cleaner the ingredients, the better for my overall health. Some powders include digestive enzymes or added BCAAs, which I found beneficial for muscle recovery.
5. Consider Taste and Mixability**
No matter how good the nutrition is, I won’t stick to a protein powder that tastes bad or clumps in my shaker. I read reviews and tried sample sizes when possible to find powders that mix smoothly and taste enjoyable.
6. Budget and Serving Size**
Bulking requires consistent protein intake, so I considered the cost per serving to find a product that fits my budget. Sometimes spending a bit more for quality is worth it, but I looked for good value without compromising nutrition.
7. Brand Reputation and Testing**
I prefer brands that undergo third-party testing for purity and label accuracy. This gives me confidence that I’m getting what’s promised and no harmful contaminants.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best bulking protein powder is personal and depends on your dietary needs, goals, and preferences. By focusing on protein content, ingredient quality, calorie density, and taste, I found a product that helped me gain muscle effectively. I hope these tips help you make an informed choice for your bulking journey!
Author Profile

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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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