What is a weight gainer?

Weight gainers, while they contain whey, always contain a higher ratio of carbohydrates than protein. Most, if not all, weight gainers are a blend of proteins together with fast and slow digesting carbohydrates. As carbohydrates are comparably cheaper as a raw material, weight gainers are typically more affordable than a same-sized whey or mixed blend protein product.

Many stores will categorise weight gainers and all-in-one supplements in the same group and it's fair to say they're one and the same. We differentiate them by looking at their ingredients and the manufacturer's guidelines. A weight gainer to us typically will have upwards of 700 calories per serving and the nutritionals will be weighted 1 : 3 protein to carbohydrates. They will also have more fats per serving than what we would categorise as an all-in-one. Unlike all-in-one's, most pure weight gainers don't include the added goodies you would otherwise expect to find – things like creatine, glutaimine, added amino acids, HMB and taurine. That's what makes weight gainers more affordable.

Would a weight gainer suit me?

They might be the envy of many, but some people with fast metabolisms struggle to put on weight, and even when they do they can find it equally difficult to maintain the gains. If you're familiar with different body types, these people have what is called an ectomorph body. If your goal is to bulk up or just to add a few pounds, weight gainers are a recommended option.

The bottom line

If you need to put on pounds, look at weight gainers, but be sure to monitor your progression as it's easy to add unwanted fat without realising it.

If you're still not sure, you can find a supplement that will suit your goals with our protein finder.