People shopping for weight gain supplements usually look at mass gainers, carbohydrate powders and protein. We explain what each contains and how to compare value. Extra food is the foundation: these products are a convenient way to add calories, not a shortcut.
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How do you gain weight healthily?
Eat more calories than you use, steadily, from nutritious food. The NHS suggests adding around 300 to 500 extra calories a day, eating smaller meals more often with snacks in between, and having high-calorie drinks such as milkshakes between meals rather than before them.
The NHS also advises against relying on chocolate, cakes and sugary drinks, and says strength training can help you build muscle and may improve your appetite. If you've lost weight suddenly or without trying, speak to a GP first.
What's in a mass gainer?
Mass gainers are mostly carbohydrate with some protein, designed to give a lot of calories per serving, and the amounts vary widely between products. Where a product is at least a source of protein, "Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass", but muscle gain also depends on training.
Carbohydrate powders, such as cyclic dextrin and cream of rice, add calories with little protein. Browse mass gainers or carbohydrate powders.
How do you compare weight gainers?
Compare the cost per serving alongside the calories and protein per serving, using the label rather than the front of the pack.
"The amount of protein on the front of the packaging doesn't always tell you which product offers the best value," says Andy Arshad, who runs SupplementHQ.
How to compare value (example figures, not real products): a £30 bag of 3kg with 150g servings gives 20 servings at £1.50 each, with 600kcal and 30g protein per serving, or £2.50 per 1,000kcal. A £25 tub of 2kg with 100g servings gives 20 servings at £1.25 each, with 380kcal per serving, or about £3.29 per 1,000kcal.
We sell the products on this page. That's our commercial interest, and it's why we show the evidence alongside them. This page is general information for adults, not personalised medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet.
Written by Andy Arshad, SupplementHQ. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.