Best Protein Drinks for Weight Gain If you want to gain weight at a fast rate, so that people will start noticing you, then it is imperative that you should do the following basic things- eat more and exercise regularly. Countless men have tried exercising, but they are still looking out to gain weight. I am sure that this could be frustrating.
The Best Protein Shakes For Weight Gain
If you’re working out to build muscle, but are struggling with weight loss, it is probably because you aren’t getting enough protein in your diet. Protein is an important macronutrient that helps us develop muscle mass and gives us energy. It is mostly found in animal products, legumes, and nuts. We’ve got the scoop on the best protein drinks for weight gain!
While those foods contain protein, it is often hard for someone to get enough protein from their diet alone. This is especially true if you don’t eat meat, but there are other ways to add protein into your diet.
Protein shakes are one of the most convenient ways to start building muscle and gaining weight! They are considered dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration, so they’re a great way to get in some extra nutrients and protein.
Keep reading to get the scoop on the benefits of protein shakes, the different types of protein, and our picks for the best protein shakes for weight gain!
Health Benefits of Protein Shakes
Weight Gain and Muscle Growth: Drinking protein shakes is the best way to make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet to help you gain weight. Our bodies need the amino acids, which is the building blocks of protein, to build muscle.
When we workout, we push our muscles to the limit and they can break down. Because of this, we need protein to help build them back up again! Consuming protein shakes is an easy way to do this, because we can easily get the right amount that we need after a workout.
Recovery: Not only do protein shakes help with building muscle, but they help with recovery as well. If your muscles are sore after working out, a simple protein shake can help ease any pain you have, while actively working to improve muscle performance.
Meeting Nutritional Needs: All of the cells in our body contain proteins, so we need a certain amount in our body to stay healthy. The amount you need varies depending on your gender, age, and most importantly, your current body weight.
Those who have chronic illnesses, are older, or don’t eat meat or animal products will need more than others. But, no matter what it is important that we meet our daily requirement for protein. It helps us keep a strong immune system, gives us energy, and helps us with skin and nail health!
Types of Protein
Whey Protein: Whey protein is the most popular choice when it comes to different types of protein. It is a complete protein made from cow’s milk, which means it has all nine of the essential amino acids we need.
On top of that, it absorbs quickly and has a lot of leucine, which is an essential acid that helps us build muscle. Whey protein comes in different types, such as whey concentrate or whey isolate, so you can pick one that works for you!
Casein Protein: Casein protein is also found in cow’s milk, but is slightly different than whey protein. It digests much slower, allowing the body more time to absorb the amino acids it needs.
Although it is absorbed at a different rate, casein protein is still full of essential amino acids and is a great tool for gaining muscle!
Plant Proteins: If you are vegetarian or vegan, you’ll want to opt for a plant based protein. Lucky for you, there are many different kinds. Plant proteins can be made from nuts, seeds, grains, peas, chickpeas, and more!
They vary more than dairy-based protein powders in the amount of protein that you get, but when you find a plant protein that has the same amount, it’s just as effective! It may even have added vitamins and minerals that you couldn’t get from whey or casein.
Now that you know a little more about the benefits of protein and the different types, let’s dive into our choices for 50 of the best protein shakes for weight gain!
1. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder
The Dymatize Super protein powder is considered the best protein powder by many people! It contains both whey and casein to help you build muscle and has 52 grams of protein and 1,280 calories.
This protein powder contains 10.7 BCAA’s, including leucine, and 17 different vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition. You can get this powder in a rich chocolate flavor or gourmet vanilla. This is one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
2. Gatorade Super Shake
This protein shake is one of the best protein shakes you can get if you are trying to gain weight. It contains 30 grams of protein and comes in three different flavors: chocolate, chocolate caramel, and vanilla!
The Gatorade super shake also contains electrolytes for additional benefits, and has many vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium.
3. Premier Protein Shake
The Premier protein shake is a favorite among Amazon shoppers with 4.7 out of 5 stars! It has 30 grams of protein, with only 1 gram of sugar, 6 grams of carbs, and 140 calories. The Premier shake has all of the essential amino acids, and tons of vitamins that help with muscle gain!
It’s easy to incorporate this shake into your daily routine because it’s already made! Just grab one and go. Plus, it comes in two classically delicious flavors: chocolate and vanilla.
4. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
The Optimum whey protein powder is considered by many to be the best weight gainer powder that you can get! It has 24 grams of protein and 130 calories per serving. It is also great nutrition for older adults!
This is a great protein powder for making homemade protein shakes. It comes in 4 different sizes and you can choose from chocolate, french vanilla, strawberry, and vanilla to really customize your shake!
5. Soylent Complete Nutrition Protein Shake
This high protein, high calorie shake is one of the best protein shakes you can get that doesn’t use animal products! It has 20 grams of vegan protein, over 30 essential nutrients, and 400 calories per serving to help you gain weight!
The Soylent shakes come in a wide variety of flavors, such as banana, cafe mocha, cafe chai, creamy chocolate, mint chocolate, original, strawberry, and vanilla. On top of being vegan, it’s also gluten free, nut-free, kosher, and contains no artificial flavors or colors.
6. Alani Nu Whey Protein Powder
If you aren’t getting much protein in your diet, the Alani Nu whey protein powder is another great option to help you reach the recommended daily value of protein. Each serving contains 23 grams of premium protein to help you gain weight and muscle mass!
This powder has so many different flavors: confetti cake, fruity cereal, lemon meringue, munchies, and peanut butter brownie. Try mixing it with water, milk, or throwing it in a blender to make a smoothie. Either way it’ll be delicious!
7. Kate Farms Organic Nutrition Shakes
This protein shake is great for weight gain with 16 grams of plant protein, 38 grams of carbs, and 330 calories. It can even be used as a meal replacement or added in after a workout for additional calories.
The Kate Farms shakes are made without dairy, soy, corn, gluten, nuts, artificial colors or sweeteners so it’s great for those with irritable bowel syndrome who may need to avoid those ingredients. You can try this shake in chocolate, vanilla, or coffee!
This is one of the best protein drinks for weight gain!
Protein Shake Glowing Banana Beet Smoothie
I call this my “glowing” banana beet protein smoothie because the star ingredient in this drink recipe is beetroot. And, beets are great for purifying the blood, which leads to healthier and more vibrant skin.
Beets are also a great source of folate. They can also improve energy levels thanks to their high levels of naturally occurring nitrates. Beets are an underrated superfood that definitely don’t get enough credit!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Frozen Banana
- 1 Raw Beet Bulb, peeled & roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp Chia Seeds (can also use ground chia seeds)
- 1 Tbsp Unsweetened Almond Butter
- Juice from 1/2 a Lemon
- 1-2 Scoops of Protein Powder (I use Collagen Peptides)
- Water or Unsweetened Nut Milk, to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
- ENJOY!
Macros for Glowing Banana Beet Protein Smoothie
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1
Servings Per Container 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 430Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat g0%
Trans Fat g
Cholesterol mg0%
Sodium mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 49g16%
Dietary Fiber 14g56%
Sugars 20g
Protein 19.5g39%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Protein Shake #2 – Everything Green Superfood Smoothie
My Everything Green Superfood Protein Smoothie is not only packed with protein, but is also packed with loads of nutrients and natural fibers. This protein shake can be used as a meal replacement if you’re trying to lose weight.
It’s also super energizing thanks to the matcha powder, so I would suggest drinking this in the morning or early afternoon.
Tip: To make this smoothie extra creamy, you can pre-freeze the zucchini slices and avocado.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Medium Granny Smith Apple, de-seeded & roughly chopped
- 1 Medium Zucchini, sliced (can sub with cucumber)
- 1 Kiwi, peeled & sliced
- 1/2 Ripe Avocado
- 1 Handful Spinach
- 1 tsp Matcha Powder
- 1-2 Scoops of Protein Powder (I use Collagen Peptides)
- Water or Unsweetened Nut Milk, to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
- ENJOY!
Macros for Everything Green Superfood Protein Smoothie
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1
Servings Per Container 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 415Calories from Fat 157.5
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17.5g27%
Saturated Fat g0%
Trans Fat g
Cholesterol mg0%
Sodium mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 51.5g17%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g74%
Sugars 28g
Protein 18.5g37%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs
.
Protein Shake #3 – Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Orange, peeled & de-seeded
- 1/2 C. Carrots
- 2 Tbsp Hemp Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Unsweetened Almond Butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1-2 Scoops of Protein Powder (I use Collagen Peptides)
- Unsweetened Nut Milk, to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
- ENJOY!
Macros for Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1
Servings Per Container 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 385Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat g0%
Trans Fat g
Cholesterol mg0%
Sodium mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 29g10%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g38%
Sugars 19g
Protein 22.5g45%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Protein Shake #4 – Brownie Oatmeal Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 Frozen Banana (use 1 whole banana for more sweetness)
- 1/4 C. Rolled Oats
- 1 Tbsp Unsweetened Almond Butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 Tbsp Ground Flax Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Cacao Powder
- 1-2 Scoops of Protein Powder
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon (optional)
- Unsweetened Nut Milk, to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
- ENJOY!
Macros for Brownie Oatmeal Protein Smoothie
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1
Servings Per Container 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 380Calories from Fat 157.5
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17.5g27%
Saturated Fat g0%
Trans Fat g
Cholesterol mg0%
Sodium mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 40g13%
Dietary Fiber 10g40%
Sugars 7g
Protein 20g40%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.