5 Powerful & Best Weight Gain Shakes

For people struggling to put on weight or muscle mass, weight gain shakes can provide additional calories and nutrients needed to support increased body size. These shakes include protein powders, pills, and ready-to-drink formulas to supplement the diet with extra protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, not all weight gain shakes are equal regarding ingredients, nutritional balance, effectiveness, taste, and safety. In this review, Close Probe provides an overview of the most popular types of calorie-dense, high-protein weight-gain shakes on the market. Probe the pros and cons of shakes, powders, pills, and drink options to highlight which may work best based on your goals, dietary needs, and preferences. Whether you want to gain lean muscle, recover from an injury and illness-related weight loss, or healthily put on pounds, read on for insights on choosing an effective weight gain shake.

Why Weight Gain Shakes?

For those needing concentrated calories and nutrients in a small volume, weight gain shakes can support increasing body size in a balanced, convenient way.

Calorie density
Weight gain shakes are designed to pack many calories into a small, drinkable volume. This makes it easier to consume extra calories needed to fuel weight gain.

Protein content
Most shakes contain 20-30 grams of protein per serving to support muscle building in addition to the high-calorie content.

Nutritional balance
Shakes aim to provide balanced protein, carbs, and fat ratios for well-rounded nutrition. Some also contain vitamins and minerals.

Appetite stimulation
The liquid calories can stimulate appetite and allow larger solid meals to boost calorie intake further.

Convenience
Shakes are portable, ready to drink, and require minimal prep, facilitating compliance with recommended intake.

Flexible usage
It can be used as a meal, snack, or supplement to food intake, whichever need is greatest for an individual.

Taste appeal
Shakes aim to taste good, using flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry to make drinking calories enjoyable.

Types of Weight Gain Shakes

Consider nutritional needs, diet, lactose tolerance, and convenience/affordability to choose the ideal shake type for your weight gain goals.

Whey protein shakes
Contain whey protein isolates from dairy/milk. Fast-digesting and absorbed. Better for lean muscle gain.

Casein protein shakes
Use slow-digesting casein protein from dairy. Help build muscle overnight while sleeping.

Meal replacement shakes
Nutritionally balanced with carbs, protein, fat, vitamins/minerals. Provide overall healthy weight gain.

Plant-based protein shakes
Use vegan protein sources like soy, pea, and brown rice proteins. Avoid dairy allergies.

Weight gainers
Have higher carb-to-protein ratios to maximize quick calorie intake for bodybuilders.

Ready-to-drink shakes
Premade liquid shakes in portable bottles/cans for convenience. Require no mixing.

Powder shakes
They are offered in tubs of powder to be mixed with milk or water. Usually more affordable.

Organic shakes
It is made with organic ingredients for consumers wanting to avoid GMOs and artificial additives.

Factors to consider when choosing weight gain shakes

Selecting a shake tailored to your specific calorie, protein, and nutrition needs will ensure the best results on your weight gain journey.

Calories/serving
Look for a calorically dense shake, typically 300-500+ calories per serving for weight gain.

Protein amount
Aim for 20-30g of protein per serving to support muscle building. Whey or casein protein are best.

Carb-to-protein ratio
Choose a balance suited to your goals – 1:1 for lean gains or 2:1 or 3:1 for rapid weight gain.

Healthy fats
Shakes with some healthy fats help increase caloric density and nutritional balance.

Micronutrients
Added vitamins/minerals prevent potential deficiencies when increasing calorie intake.

Sugar content
Limit added sugars, which provide empty calories. Under 25g per serving is best.

Natural ingredients
Shakes with fewer artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers are healthier choices.

Lactose tolerance
If you are lactose intolerant, choose shakes with vegan protein sources.

Taste preferences
Sample different shake flavors and textures to find ones you enjoy and will stick with.

Importance of Quality Ingredients in Weight Gain Shakes

Investing in a shake with quality proteins, carbs, fats, and micronutrients ensures nutritional needs are met more wholesomely and sustainably.

Avoids empty calories
Quality proteins, carbs, and fats are more nutritional than added sugars and artificial additives.

Supports lean muscle
Quality proteins like whey are more likely to aid muscle growth than just fat.

Improves absorption
Quality ingredients and proteins are more easily digested and absorbed by the body.

Reduces lactose issues
Quality proteins derived from whey isolate have less lactose than cheaper whey concentrates.

Provides micronutrients
Real food ingredients provide natural vitamins & minerals that are important when ramping up a diet.

Improves taste
Quality proteins like casein have a neutral, mild taste compared to cheaper soy and egg proteins.

Reduces stomach issues
Artificial sweeteners, fibers, and dairy can cause bloating or discomfort in some users.

Sustains healthy weight
Quality nutrition from real foods helps ensure the long-term weight stays on in a healthier form.

Provides peace of mind
Knowing you are consuming quality real food ingredients can also provide mental benefits.

How to Determine the Right Dosage of Weight Gain Shakes?

Determining the ideal shake dosage for your needs and goals requires tracking your diet, calories, and weight changes. Follow usage guidelines while listening to your body.

Consider your weight gain goals
Those looking to gain lean mass can start with 2 shakes daily, while rapid weight gain may need 3-4 shakes daily.

Pay attention to your current calorie intake
Add shakes to meet the additional calorie needs above your maintenance intake for weight gain.

Read the calorie content
Many shakes provide 300-500 calories per serving. Combine shakes to meet your total calorie goal.

Spread out intake
Space shakes throughout the day as snacks or mini-meals to get calories in regularly.

Use alongside proper diet
Shake supplements, but don’t replace healthy, balanced meals as the foundation.

Listen to your body
Increase or decrease dosages based on energy levels, gym performance, and rate of weight changes.

Follow usage guidelines
Adhere to usage recommendations on packaging or by doctors, trainers, and dietitians.

Adjust over time
Tweak the amount of shakes consumed as weight gain needs to evolve so you don’t overdo calorie intake.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Precautions of Weight Gain Shakes

When used properly alongside a healthy diet and fitness regimen, weight gain shakes pose minimal risks for most people. But be aware of potential side effects.

Bloating or stomach upset
Some ingredients may irritate the digestive system or cause gas, especially lactose in dairy-based shakes. Reduce the dose if it occurs.

High blood sugar
Large amounts of carbohydrates from shakes could spike blood sugar levels. Monitor levels if diabetic.

Dehydration
Very high protein intake can increase dehydration risks. Drink extra fluids.

Unbalanced nutrition
Relying solely on shakes long-term could create vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Use a multivitamin.

Weight gain with minimal strength increases
This can occur if nutrition is imbalanced. Follow the guidance to support muscle building.

Interactions with medications
Whey and other components could interact with certain medications. Consult a doctor.

Milk allergies
Whey and casein shakes could trigger reactions in those with dairy/milk allergies.

High cost
The frequent purchase of shakes and supplements carries a substantial price over time.

Best Weight Gain Shakes

Core Power Protein Milk Shakes

The ultra-filtered milk protein contains all nine essential amino acids needed for recovery. These amino acids are the building blocks to regenerate muscle fibers broken down by intense training.

In addition to muscle-nourishing protein, Core Power shakes contain electrolytes to rehydrate and replenish what’s lost in sweat. The shakes also provide bone-strengthening calcium and vitamin D for comprehensive post-workout nutrition. At Fairlife, animal welfare is a priority. The company believes humanely treated, healthy cows produce higher quality, great-tasting milk. This leads to a better protein shake.

With its complete amino acid profile, electrolyte blend, and ethical dairy sourcing, Core Power aims to provide the clean, high-quality protein needed to bounce back from tough workouts and build lean muscle over time.

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Muscle Milk Nutrition Protein Shake

The combination of fast-absorbing whey protein and slow-digesting casein allows for sustained amino acid delivery to muscles over time. This stimulates muscle growth and faster recovery after training.

With just 1g of sugar and 16 added vitamins/minerals, these shakes provide quality nutrition beyond simply protein. The shakes contain 5g of fiber per serving for digestive health.

Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Shakes come in delicious flavors like rich chocolate, vanilla, strawberries & cream. They can be enjoyed independently or added to foods and drinks for an extra protein boost. The shake aims to be a protein-packed extra to an active lifestyle by using them as a pleasurable snack, post-workout recovery drink, or muscle-building shake.

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Soylent Complete Gluten-Free Shake

Soylent Creamy Chocolate Nutrition Shakes provide a quick, convenient plant-based meal replacement. Each 14oz ready-to-drink bottle contains 20g of vegan protein and a complete blend of 39 essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and omega fatty acids.

The protein in Soylent comes from soy and other plant sources and contains all 9 essential amino acids needed to support lean muscle mass and strength. Additional carbs, healthy fats, and key micronutrients provide 400 nutritious calories per bottle.

Whether used as a meal replacement for breakfast or lunch, post-workout recovery, or a substantial snack, Soylent Creamy Chocolate Shakes provide complete, plant-powered nutrition in seconds. A grab-and-go plant-based shake makes getting your daily protein intake, essential nutrients, and vitamins easy.

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Premier Protein Shake

Premier Protein’s deliciously creamy Vanilla Shake provides a solid 30g of hunger-curbing protein in each 160-calorie serving. The complete amino acid profile supports muscle growth and recovery after workouts.

Each shake also delivers 24 essential vitamins and minerals, including 50% of the daily value of calcium for bone health. Antioxidants like Vitamins C, D, and E, plus zinc and magnesium, support your immune system.

Premier Protein offers 11 smooth, dreamy flavors like Cookies & Cream, Peaches & Cream, and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Enjoy them on the go or blended into coffee, pancakes, or smoothies for extra protein. This ready-to-drink shake provides the protein punch of powders in a convenient, portable bottle. Consider it a satisfying mini-meal or pick-me-up anytime.

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Ensure Max Protein Nutrition Shake

Ensure Max Protein shakes provide 30g of high-quality protein to support and maintain muscle health with just 1g of sugar and 150 calories per serving.

New delicious flavors like Creamy Peach and Cherry Cheesecake join vanilla and chocolate options so you can find a taste you enjoy. Ensure is the leading doctor-recommended brand for balanced nutritional shakes. This protein-focused option offers targeted nutrition with 25 essential vitamins/minerals and only 1.5g of fat per serving.

The gluten-free formula suits those with lactose intolerance. Provides muscle-nutritious protein in a great-tasting, nutritionally balanced shake. With its high protein, immune-supporting nutrients, and creamy flavors, Ensure Max Protein makes refueling easy and delicious.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Weight Gain Shakes

Here is a table summarizing common myths and misconceptions about weight gain shakes along with the corresponding facts:

Myth	Fact
Weight gain shakes will cause you to gain only fat, not muscle.	Shakes containing 20-30g of protein can support muscle growth when combined with strength training. Avoid shakes high in sugars which promote fat gain.
You can live off shakes alone without eating whole foods.	Shakes supplement diet, but cannot fully replace balanced whole food meals which provide complete nutrition.
More protein is always better for muscle building.	Excessive protein beyond needs can stress kidneys and liver. Maximum beneficial dose is around 1 gram per pound of body weight.
The more weight gain shakes you drink, the faster you will gain weight.	Consuming too many shakes and calories can lead to excessive fat gain. Increase dosage gradually while monitoring results.
Weight gain shakes are only for bodybuilders.	Shakes can be useful for anyone needing additional calories including seniors, underweight individuals, and those recovering from illness.
Store-bought shakes are better than homemade options.	Homemade shakes using whole foods can potentially have higher quality ingredients and less additives.

Conclusion

The wide variety of weight gain shakes and powders makes it important to select the right one to suit your specific goals and needs. Analyze your target calorie intake, protein requirements, workout regimen, diet, and food sensitivities. Lean muscle builders need protein-focused shakes, while basic weight gainers may want more carbohydrate and calorie density. Ready-to-drink shakes provide convenience, but powder can be more affordable over time. Look for quality ingredients, balanced macronutrient ratios, added vitamins, minimal sugar, and palatable flavors. Stick to reputable brands and follow usage guidelines. Used properly alongside diet and exercise, weight gain shakes can support packing on pounds and muscle in a healthy, manageable way.