A good buddy of mine likes to use “old school” phrasing when he makes fun of me. Oftentimes, if he thinks I’m doing something foolish or ridiculous, he will say, “How’s that working out for you?” So when I make a big, fat protein shake and guzzle it down, I think about my good buddy when I start to get the inevitable bloat and indigestion. He would probably say, “How’s that protein powder working out for you?” In a perfect world, my weight gain supplements would serve their purpose while not making me uncomfortable.
Now, if you’re like me, the world of weight gain supplements can feel like a maze—endless buckets of protein powders, flashy promises, and more ingredients than a chemistry textbook. It was compelling to learn that not all weight gainers are made equal after we dug through reviews, ingredients, and customer experiences. For optimal efficiency and proper digestion, even the best ones can benefit from a little assistance.
Whether you’re trying to bulk up, break through a plateau, or just want to add lean mass without bloating, this simple guide will walk you through the best weight gain protein powders out there, why they’re top-rated, and how to level up your gains with targeted nutrition.
Top-Rated Weight Gain Protein Powders
Our study concentrated on well-reviewed, American-made protein powders that truly produce outcomes. The top three that caught our attention are as follows:
1. Naked Mass Natural Weight Gainer
- Calories per serving: ~1,250
- Protein: 50g
- Key Ingredients: Whey, casein, organic maltodextrin (no artificial flavors)
- Why it’s excellent: Clean, simple ingredients. Ideal for those avoiding additives.
- What users say: Reviewers rave about weight gain results without artificial junk—many note “less bloating” and better digestive tolerance.
2. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
- Calories per serving: 1,250+
- Protein: 50g
- Key Ingredients: Protein blend with vitamins and creatine
- Why it’s great: It’s Amazon’s best-seller—and for good reason. With over 70,000 reviews, many users report steady muscle growth and appetite improvement.
- What users say: Some mention mild bloating if taken too fast—but consistent results are praised across the board.
3. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
- Calories per serving: ~1,280
- Protein: 52g
- Key Ingredients: Protein blend, vitamins, creatine
- Why it’s excellent: High-calorie, BCAA-rich formula. Ideal for hard gainers.
- What users say: Users highlight impressive gains in strength and size—but also mention digestive heaviness when consumed in large doses.
The Bloating Problem: What Users Are Saying
The truth is that while high-calorie mass gainers do work, they can also make you feel lethargic, bloated, and gassy. We discovered a recurrent theme while examining reviews, forums, and feedback from fitness communities:
“Great for muscle—but my stomach feels like I swallowed a balloon.”
“Helped me gain 10 pounds… but not without some uncomfortable bathroom moments.”
Why does this happen?
- Excess maltodextrin and artificial thickeners can ferment in your gut.
- Protein blends that aren’t well-filtered or lack digestive enzymes can cause discomfort.
- Large serving sizes consumed quickly overwhelm your digestive system.
The Fix: Balancing Gains with Smart Nutrition
This is where we pivoted our journey—because weight gain isn’t just about shoveling in more calories. It’s about optimizing absorption, digestion, and nutrient support. And that’s where TJ Nutrition comes in.
Introducing: TJ Nutrition Digestive Pro+
Not just a probiotic or a fiber pill, Digestive Pro+ is a targeted gut-health formula designed to support:
- Efficient protein breakdown with digestive enzymes
- Bloat reduction with clinically backed strains like Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus coagulans
- Improved nutrient absorption, especially for macronutrient-heavy diets
Why Bodybuilders Should Care:
Think about it—what good is a 1,200-calorie shake if you only absorb 70% of it?
When we started incorporating Digestive Pro+ alongside mass gainers, we noticed:
✅ Reduced bloating within 3–5 days
✅ Improved regularity and post-shake comfort
✅ Increased appetite from better gut comfort
✅ Increased energy after working out (less stomach fatigue)
That’s just science!
- Enzyme-enhanced protein shakes dramatically increased amino acid absorption and decreased gastrointestinal distress in strength athletes, according to a 2018 study published in Nutrients.
- According to Frontiers in Microbiology (2017), probiotics such as Lactobacillus plantarum have been demonstrated to enhance intestinal permeability and decrease inflammation, which are essential for steady nutrient absorption.
The Winning Combo: Mass Gainer + TJ Nutrition
Here’s how we recommend stacking it:
- Morning:
- 1 scoop of Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
- 1 capsule of Digestive Pro+
- Light breakfast to complement macros
- Post-Workout:
- 1 scoop Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
- Fast carbs (banana or oats)
- Plenty of water
- Before Bed:
- 1 scoop Naked Mass (casein-based for slow digesting)
- 1 capsule Digestive Pro+
Final Thoughts: Bulk Smarter, Not Harder
Mass gainers are powerful tools—but only when used smartly. If you’re just starting your bulking journey or trying to fine-tune results, here’s what we discovered works best:
- Choose clean, USA-made gainers with proven reviews
- Balance high-protein loads with digestive support.
- Use TJ Nutrition Digestive Pro+ to unlock more from every shake.
Your gains shouldn’t come with gut pain. With the right strategy—and thoughtful additions like TJ Nutrition—you can bulk up comfortably, consistently, and cleanly.
We hope this article will help you optimize your gains more comfortably. Remember to incorporate a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and lots of hydration in addition to those powerful supplements. Until next time, take care and be well!
