Have you ever wondered what the difference between mass gainers vs whey protein is? If you don't know the answer, let’s read on!
Have you ever wondered how some people effortlessly pile on muscle while others struggle despite apparently doing everything? Perhaps you struggle with adding strength or maintaining your weight. It's vital to know which workout supplements will help you achieve your goals, whether you're a new gym-goer or a professional bodybuilder. Continue reading to learn about two common and essential supplements used by most gym rats and hard gainers: mass gainers vs whey protein.
TL;DR: Head-to-Head Showdown: Mass Gainers vs. Whey Protein
| Feature | Mass Gainers | Whey Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Weight gain and rapid muscle growth | Muscle building and lean muscle mass development |
| Protein Content | Lower (20-50% per serving) | Higher (70-90% per serving) |
| Calorie Content | High (600-1000+ per serving) | Lower (100-250 per serving) |
| Carbs & Fats | Yes, often high in both | Minimal |
| Best for: | Ectomorphs, hard gainers, bulking phases | Mesomorphs & endomorphs, muscle definition, weight management |
Table Of Contents
- Mass Gainers: In A Nutshell
- Whey Protein: In A Nutshell
- Comparison Between Mass Gainers vs Whey Protein
- Frequently Asked Questions About Mass Gainers Vs Whey Protein
Mass Gainers: In A Nutshell
What Is A Mass Gainer?
Mass gainers, or weight gainers, are supplements designed to aid in gaining mass and weight. They typically have a higher carbohydrate-to-protein ratio, often around 3:1 or 2:1, meaning they contain more carbohydrates than protein. These carbs often come from sources like glucose and maltose, providing a mix of high and low-glycemic carbohydrates essential for post-workout glycogen replenishment.
Benefits Of Mass Gainers
The following are a few significant advantages of mass gainers:
- Quick weight and mass gain
- Enhanced recovery post intense workouts
- Improved overall fitness results
- Accelerated muscle growth
Whey Protein: In A Nutshell
What Is Whey Protein?
Whey protein is a by-product of cheese production, representing the liquid portion of milk separated during cheesemaking. Known for its high bioavailability, whey protein is a pure protein form, easily digestible and swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Forms Of Whey Protein
There are three forms of whey protein:
- Concentrate: Varies from 25% to 89% protein content.
- Isolate: The purest form, containing 90 to 95% protein, low in lactose, fats, and carbs.
- Hydrolyzed: Protein chains broken down for rapid digestion and absorption.
Benefits Of Whey Protein
There are some reasons to adopt a well-balanced diet that includes protein-rich foods. Here are some of the benefits of whey protein for gym-goers:
- Aids in weight loss
- Improves body shape
- Encourages muscle growth
- Reduces hunger
Comparison Between Mass Gainers vs Whey Protein
Mass Gainers vs Whey Protein: Comparison #1
- Mass gainers offer more carbs and fats, ideal for rapid calorie increase, with servings providing 800-1500 calories.
- Whey protein focuses mainly on protein, offering around 100-150 calories per serving, ideal for lean muscle building.
Mass Gainers vs Whey Protein: Comparison #2
- Mass gainers suit those looking to increase body weight or struggling with caloric intake.
- Whey protein is preferred for building lean muscle and maintaining fitness without excessive calorie addition.
Mass Gainers vs Whey Protein: Comparison #3
- Mass gainers provide a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbs.
- Whey protein supplies high-quality protein without additional sugars, fats, or calories.
Now, Ultimate Sup compares mass gainers vs whey protein in specific aspects:
Bulk up/Weight Gain
Weight gain can be a pain in the neck for those who struggle to eat a lot. In that case, mass gainers can be such great support. Weight gainer supplements will assist you in gaining muscle mass quicker and more effectively than chicken and rice. They're useful for skinny people who don't gain weight easily, as well as people of all body sizes who exercise really hard. They will even assist someone who is underweight and unable to get enough calories from their daily diet.
Bodybuilding
Let's face it: most weight gainers are high in carbohydrates, which cause insulin to spike, resulting in unwanted fat accumulation. On the other hand, whey protein supplements provide the body with the most important nutrient: pure protein. As a result, Ultimate Sup would advise you to use whey protein over mass gainers to build muscle and strength.
Performance
Weight is a concern for athletes and sportspeople because it can affect their success in their respective fields. Hence, taking mass gainer supplements may not be the best idea. Athletes should instead refuel with whey protein, which has been shown to improve strength, flexibility, and athletic results. Mass gainers vs whey protein, you should choose whey protein powder.
Health
Many people believe that whey protein can only be consumed when they need to build muscle. This is something Ultimate Sup Singapore disagrees with. Whey protein is not only ideal for body construction, but it also has a lot of health benefits. Whey protein has been shown in studies to help control blood pressure, maintain a healthy heart, and prevent cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mass Gainers Vs Whey Protein
Who Should Take Mass Gainers?
If you fall into one of the following categories, you can include mass gainer supplements in your everyday diet:
- Skinny people who don't gain weight easily.
- Individuals who are underweight and unable to get enough calories
- People who regularly go to the gym
- People who want to build muscle
- Those looking for muscle repair and recovery
Who Should Take Whey Protein?
If you belong to one of the following groups, you can improve your performance by including whey protein in your diet:
- Athletes
- People who regularly go to the gym
- Bodybuilders
- Protein-deficient individuals
- People who like to lose weight
How To Use Mass Gainers?
In 1kg of energy, there are 7,700kcals (kcal=calorie). That means you'll need to consume 7,700 calories to add one kilogram. It's almost impossible to gain a kilogram in just a single day. But, if you desire to gain 1kg in a week, you'll need to add 7,700 calories a week to your everyday diet, equivalent to 1,100 calories a day. That's a perfect reason to use mass gainers. For example, one serving of Masstech Extreme contains 2050 calories. As a result, you'll need to take 0.5-0.7 servings every day, which is equal to 3-4 scoops. Meanwhile, if you use Quick Mass with 1000 calories per serving, 1-1.1 servings (4-4.5 scoops) are enough.
How To Use Whey Protein?
The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight. To be specific, an average sedentary man requires 56g of protein per day, while a daily average sedentary woman requires 46g of protein. However, if you tend to build lean muscle mass, the current daily reference intake of protein is 1.5-2.2g per kg of body weight. An average active man needs 105-154g of protein per day while an average active woman needs 86-127g of protein every day. People can only consume about 20-30g of protein each meal, equivalent to 60-90g of protein daily. So, using whey protein as a dietary supplement is an outstanding option. For instance, in combination with your daily diet, taking a MusclePharm Combat or Dymatize ISO100 shake once a day will meet active women’s protein requirements with 25g of protein per serving. Active guys can have two protein shakes daily to achieve their fitness goals.
When To Take Mass Gainers?
You can take mass gainers several times a day. You know how many mass gainer scoops you need daily doesn't mean you have to take them all at once. You should consume mass gainers between meals and post-workout. Specifically, the most important time to take mass gainers is after your workout, when your body craves nutrients the most.
When To Take Whey Protein?
You should consume whey protein immediately after your exercise. As soon as your muscles begin to relax, they will start the process of repairing micro-tears.
Since it can take 10-20 minutes for your stomach to digest the protein, many people take it after a cool-down phase.
Can I Take A Mass Gainer And Whey Protein Together?
The answer is simple. It is pointless to consume mass gainers and whey proteins at the same time. A useful mass gainer supplement contains 700-800 Kcal per 200g powder, consisting of nearly 140-160g carbohydrates and 28-36g protein (plus some fat). Whereas, a serving (nearly 25-35g) of a healthy whey product provides roughly 22-30 g protein with relatively little carbohydrates and fats.
- A mass gainer provides adequate carbohydrates and proteins to a person looking for a bulky and muscular body. So, he doesn't need any specific protein supplements anymore.
- If a person needs to add muscle mass while gaining just a small amount of body fat, he should use a lean mass gainer, BSN True Mass for instance.
- If an individual just wants to build muscle, he should take a whey protein supplement. He can supplement with casein for gradual and sustained muscle recovery and development.
Skinny Guys Should Use Mass Gainers Or Whey Protein?
If you're a lean guy who wishes to gain mass first, mass gainers are a safer bet. With their high-calorie content, mass gainers are unquestionably the right supplements for weight gain and muscle gain.
Should I Use Mass Gainers Or Whey Protein To Bulk Up?
A muscle gainer is a superior supplement for bulking than whey protein. Although protein is necessary for all stages of muscle development, the calorie surplus decides how much weight you gain and whether you gain any weight at all. You won't be heavier unless you're on a surplus. Furthermore, the muscle you can gain in a calorie deficit isn't as remarkable as the size you can gain while you're bulking.
Where To Buy The Best Mass Gainers And Whey Protein Supplements In Singapore?
You should buy these supplements from a reliable source. Ultimate Sup is Singapore's most reputable source and distributor of nutritional supplements. So, you want to get the best health results possible? Check out the best mass gainers and whey protein supplements right now at Ultimate Sup.
For example, MuscleTech Premium Mass Gainer won't let you down. The supplement includes a clinically-based musclebuilding compound (creatine) that can increase body size and strength while also speeding up muscle recovery. In an 8-week scientific study, participants who consumed 2,000 calories (roughly 1.5 servings of Premium Mass Gainer) added twice as much muscle as the control group (6.2 lbs. vs 3.1 lbs.). In the same report, participants also increased the size of their chest and arms.
Besides, suppose you're looking for the best whey protein powder, you can try Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey. The product contains whey protein isolate as the purest form of whey protein. Along with premium ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey will level up your muscle building.
There are more incredible mass gainers and whey protein supplements available at Ultimate Sup Singapore. When you know the truth of mass gainers vs whey protein, don't hesitate to get yourself the most suitable product. In case you want to add some comparison between mass gainers vs whey protein, just let us know by leaving a comment below.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances between mass gainers and whey protein is crucial in tailoring your supplement intake to your specific fitness needs. Whether it's bulking up or building lean muscle, the right supplement can significantly impact your results. Explore more options and find what works best for you at Ultimate Sup Singapore. Read more of our useful articles on this topic here: Best Mass Gainers In Singapore 2024,10 Best Tasting Whey Protein For Muscle Growth Of 2024.
