How do you compare mass gainers on the label?

A mass gainer is a high-calorie powder that mixes protein with a lot of carbohydrate. The tubs look alike, so the label is where they differ. Three numbers per serving do most of the work: calories, protein and carbohydrates.

• Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass: 1,250 calories, 50 g of protein and 252 to 254 g of carbohydrates per 2-scoop serving.
• NOVOGEN Mass Gainer: 1,250 calories, 50 g of protein and 252 g of carbohydrates per serving.
• Challenger Nutrition Thundergain 22 LB: 1,310 calories, 50 g of protein and 269 g of carbohydrates per serving.
• Nutrex Mass Infusion: 1,120 calories, 50 g of protein and 200 g of carbohydrates per serving, from three different proteins.

Most of them land on 50 g of protein, so the real difference is the calories and carbs around it.

Same tub size, different serving counts

Do not judge a tub by its weight alone. The NOVOGEN 5.4 kg tub lists 16 servings, while the Muscle Add Gain Add 5.44 kg tub lists 22 servings. The Organic Nation Gainer lists 30 servings in a 3 kg tub. So check the servings line before you compare tubs.

NOVOGEN also sells a 2.7 kg tub with 8 servings, a smaller size.

Brands made in Egypt and flavours

Several gainers here come from Egyptian brands. Challenger Nutrition says its Thunder Gain is manufactured in Egypt, and Red Rex Big Mass comes from Big Ramy Labs. Flavours include vanilla, strawberry and chocolate across most brands, with chocolate peanut butter and cookies and cream from Victor Martinez V-Bulk.

If you are choosing your first gainer, start with a smaller tub such as the NOVOGEN 2.7 kg and read the label for calories per serving. For protein powders and more, browse all supplements or the muscle building range.