WEIGHT/MASS GAINERS

Weight and mass gainers are high-calorie dietary supplements packed with protein, carbohydrates, and fats, designed to create a calorie surplus for overall weight gain, especially muscle mass, for hard-gainers or those with high energy needs; they provide convenient, calorie-dense nutrition with added nutrients like creatine, vitamins, and minerals, unlike standard protein powders which focus more on protein. 

Key Components & Purpose

High-Calorie Density: They deliver substantial calories (often 1000+ per serving) in one shake to help you exceed your daily needs.

Macronutrient Blend: A mix of protein for muscle repair, carbohydrates (like maltodextrin, oats) for energy, and fats for overall health and calories.

Primary Goal: To facilitate weight gain and muscle building by making it easier to consume excess calories and nutrients. 

Who Uses Them?

Hard-Gainers (Ectomorphs): Individuals with fast metabolisms who struggle to gain weight.

Athletes & Bodybuilders: For bulking up, increasing calorie intake, and promoting muscle growth during intense training.

Recovery: To replenish glycogen and provide nutrients for muscle repair after workouts. 

Key Differences

Mass Gainer vs. Protein Powder: Gainers have significantly more carbs and calories, while protein powders focus primarily on protein.

Weight Gainer vs. Mass Gainer: "Weight gainer" is a broader term, but often "mass gainer" implies a more balanced blend for muscle growth (protein+carbs+fats), whereas some generic "weight gainers" might just be calorie-dense without as much focus on muscle-building macros. 

Typical Ingredients

Proteins: Whey concentrate, milk protein.

Carbohydrates: Maltodextrin, oat flour, sugars.

Fats: Various oils.

Additives: Creatine, glutamine, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, sweeteners.