Having trouble gaining weight and sick of eating the same old bland thing?
These weight gainer shakes are healthy, nutritious and simple to make. Each of them contains at least 800 calories, and are comprised of easy to find ingredients.
When putting together these recipes I made sure to add some form of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Feel free to tweak the recipes as needed, and add in additional ingredients to taste.
Here are the 10 recipes contained in this article:
- Dark Chocolate and Almond Butter Shake
- Cookies & Cream Shake
- Mint and Ice Cream Dessert Shake
- Banana and Strawberries Shake
- Peanut Butter and Bacon Shake
- Pineapple, Coconut and Cinnamon Shake
- Caramel Cream and Coffee Shake
- Chocolate Malt Shake
- Oatmeal and Brown Sugar Breakfast Shake
- Chocolate Avocado Shake
Related: 3 Healthy High Calorie Snacks for Hardgainers
Dark Chocolate and Almond Butter Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk, 16 ounces | 292 | 15.7 g | 15.8 g | 25.6 g |
| Dark Chocolate, 2 ounces (melted) | 340 | 4.4 g | 24.2 g | 26.1 g |
| Almond Butter, 2 tablespoons | 203 | 4.8 g | 18.9 g | 6.8 g |
| Chocolate Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 220 | 50 g | 0 g | 2 g |
For protein powder choices, any popular chocolate or dark chocolate flavor will work. Here are some dark chocolate and chocolate flavors worth consideration:
- MuscleTech Nitro-Tech 100% Whey Gold 4lb, Dark Chocolate M&S Exclusive Flavor
- PERFECT Sports Creed Whey Protein Isolate, Triple Rich Dark Chocolate
- Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard, Double Rich Chocolate
- Ronnie Coleman Signature Series King Mass XL, Dark Chocolate
For additional calories, here are some mass gainers you might want to try:
- Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Chocolate
- MuscleTech Mass-Tech, Milk Chocolate
Directions: Melt dark chocolate in a double boiler, or gently in the microwave. Place all ingredients in a blender, and gently pulse blend until all protein powder lumps are gone.
Cookies & Cream Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk, 12 ounces | 223 | 12 g | 12 g | 17 g |
| Heavy Cream, 2 ounces | 200 | 0 g | 20 g | 4 g |
| Oreos, 2 cookies | 107 | 1 g | 5 g | 17 g |
| Cookies & Cream Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 280 | 50 g | 4 g | 10 g |
There are several brand that make delicious cookies & cream flavored protein. You can also use any popular vanilla protein powder.
Here are some cookies & cream flavors worth consideration:
- MuscleTech Phase8, Cookies & Cream
- BPI Sports ISO HD, Cookies & Cream
- MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder, Cookies N' Cream
- RIVALUS Promasil, Cookies & Cream
Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender, and gently pulse blend until all protein powder lumps are gone.
Mint and Ice Cream Dessert Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk, 8 ounces | 146 | 7.9 g | 7.9 g | 12.8 g |
| Ice Cream, 1 cup of vanilla or chocolate | 460 | 8 g | 28 g | 46 g |
| Mint Extract, 1/4 teaspoon | 0 | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Chocolate Mint Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 230 | 48 g | 3 g | 4 g |
You can use either vanilla or chocolate ice cream. You can also use plain vanilla or chocolate protein powder with the fresh mint, instead of using a mint protein powder.
Here are some chocolate mint protein powder flavors worth consideration:
- Rule 1 R1 Whey Blend, Mint Chocolate Chip
- Primeval Labs ISOLIT, Coco Mint Chip
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate, Mint Brownie
- Muscle Gauge Nutrition Pure Whey Protein Isolate, Chocolate Mint
- RIVALUS Rival Whey, Mint Chocolate Chip
Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender, and gently pulse blend until all protein powder lumps are gone.
Banana and Strawberry Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk, 12 ounces | 293 | 15.7 g | 15.9 g | 25.7 g |
| Heavy Cream, 4 ounces | 413 | 2.5 g | 44.3 g | 3.3 g |
| Banana, 1 large | 120 | 1.5 g | 0.4 g | 31.1 g |
| Strawberries, 4 medium | 15 | 0.3 g | 0.1 g | 3.7 g |
| Strawberry Banana Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 240 | 48 g | 2 g | 8 g |
For protein powder choices, I recommend you choose a strawberry banana flavor. If you don't have access to this flavor, use a banana flavored powder or vanilla.
Here are some strawberry banana and banana flavors worth consideration:
- Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard, Strawberry Banana or Banana Cream
- MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder, Banana Cream
- Rule 1 R1 Whey Blend, Frozen Banana
- Dymatize ISO100, Smooth Banana
- ProSupps PS Whey, Strawberry Banana
Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender, and gently pulse blend until all protein powder lumps are gone.
Caramel Cream and Coffee Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk, 8 ounces | 146 | 7.9 g | 7.9 g | 12.8 g |
| Heavy Cream, 4 ounces | 413 | 2.5 g | 44.3 g | 3.3 g |
| Brewed Coffee, 4 ounces | 1 | 0.1 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Caramel Topping, 2 tablespoons | 103 | 0.6 g | 0 g | 27 g |
| Caramel Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 240 | 48 g | 2 g | 8 g |
For protein powder choices, there are several companies that make an "caramel" flavor. Here are some flavors worth consideration:
- Scivation Xtend Pro Whey Isolate, Salted Caramel Shake
- Magnum Nutraceuticals Quattro, Salted Freakin' Caramel
- BPI Sports Whey-HD, Vanilla Caramel
- Nutrex Plant Protein, Vanilla Caramel
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate, Slow Churned Caramel Ice Cream
Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender, and gently pulse blend until all protein powder lumps are gone.
Peanut Butter and Bacon Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk, 16 ounces | 293 | 15.7 g | 15.9 g | 25.7 g |
| Peanut Butter, 3 tablespoons | 282 | 12 g | 24.2 g | 9.4 g |
| Bacon, 2 strips, cooked | 92 | 6.3 g | 7.1 g | 0.2 g |
| Peanut Butter Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 240 | 50 g | 2 g | 4 g |
There are several delicious options for peanut butter flavored protein. You can also use any popular vanilla protein powder.
Here are some peanut butter flavors worth consideration:
- Muscle Gauge Nutrition Pure Whey Protein Isolate, Peanut Butter
- Cellucor COR-Performance Whey, Peanut Butter Marshmallow
- RYSE Loaded Protein, Peanut Butter Cup
- BSN Syntha-6, Peanut Butter Cookie
Directions: Cook bacon until crispy. Break up one piece and place on top of the shake as a garnish. Place all ingredients in a blender, including the second piece of bacon, and gently pulse blend until the piece of bacon is completely incorporated and appears as speckles in the shake, not small pieces.
Pineapple, Coconut and Cinnamon Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk, 12 ounces | 219 | 11.8 g | 11.9 g | 19.2 g |
| Heavy Cream, 2 ounces | 205 | 1.2 g | 22 g | 1.7 g |
| Canned Coconut Milk, 2 ounces | 111 | 1.1 g | 12 g | 1.6 g |
| Pineapple, 3 ounces | 43 | 0.5 g | 0.1 g | 11.2 g |
| Cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground | 3 | 0 g | 0 g | 0.9 g |
| Cinnamon Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 240 | 48 g | 2 g | 8 g |
For protein powder choices, there are several "cinnamon" flavor choices that you might want to try in this recipe. You can also use any popular vanilla protein powder.
Here are some cinnamon-based flavors worth consideration:
- Dymatize ISO100, Cinnamon Bun
- Cellucor COR-Performance Whey, Cinnamon Swirl
- Nutrex Plant Protein, Cinnamon Cookie
- Primeval Labs ISOLIT, Cinnamon Milk
- RYSE Loaded Protein, Cinnamon Toast
Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender, and gently pulse blend until all protein powder lumps are gone.
Oatmeal and Brown Sugar Breakfast Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk, 12 ounces | 219 | 11.8 g | 11.9 g | 19.2 g |
| Heavy Cream, 2 ounces | 205 | 1.2 g | 22 g | 1.7 g |
| Instant or Regular Oats, 1 ounces | 107 | 3.7 g | 1.8 g | 19.2 g |
| Brown Sugar, 4 teaspoons | 69 | 0 g | 0 g | 17.9 g |
| Vanilla Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 240 | 50 g | 2 g | 4 g |
For protein powder choices, there are numerous companies that make a "vanilla" flavor.
Here are some vanilla flavors worth consideration:
- Rule 1 R1 Whey Blend, Vanilla Ice Cream
- MuscleTech Nitro-Tech 100% Whey Gold, French Vanilla La Creme
- Primeval Labs Whey, Diner Vanilla
- Cellucor COR-Performance Whey, Whipped Vanilla
- MuscleTech Phase8, Vanilla
Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender, and gently pulse blend until all protein powder lumps are gone.
Chocolate Malt Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk, 12 ounces | 219 | 11.8 g | 11.9 g | 19.2 g |
| Heavy Cream, 2 ounces | 205 | 1.2 g | 22 g | 1.7 g |
| Hershey's Whoppers, 10 pieces | 100 | 0.5 g | 3.5 g | 16 g |
| Dark Chocolate, 1 ounces (melted) | 170 | 2.2 g | 12.1 g | 13 g |
| Chocolate Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 240 | 50 g | 2 g | 4 g |
For protein powder choices, there are numerous companies that make a "chocolate" flavor.
Here are some chocolate flavors worth consideration:
- Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard, Chocolate Malt
- Primeval Labs Whey, Chocolate Milkshake
- BPI Sports ISO HD, Chocolate Brownie
- MuscleTech Phase8, Milk Chocolate
- AllMax Nutrition AllWhey Classic, Chocolate
Directions: Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and pour into the blender. Place the rest of the ingredients in the blender, and gently pulse blend until all protein powder and Whoppers lumps are gone.
Chocolate Avocado Weight Gainer Shake
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Milk, 12 ounces | 311 | 11.9 g | 12.7 g | 38.7 g |
| Avocado, 1 ripe, halved and pitted | 240 | 3 g | 22 g | 12.8 g |
| Banana, 1 medium | 105 | 1 g | 0 g | 27 g |
| Dark Chocolate, 1 ounces (melted) | 170 | 2.2 g | 12.1 g | 13 g |
| Chocolate Protein Powder, 2 scoops | 240 | 50 g | 2 g | 4 g |
For protein powder choices, there are numerous companies that make a "chocolate" flavor.
Here are some chocolate flavors worth consideration:
- BSN Syntha-6, Chocolate Milkshake or Chocolate Cake Batter
- MuscleTech Nitro-Tech 100% Whey Gold, Double Rich Chocolate
- MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder, Chocolate Milk
- Scivation Xtend Pro Whey Isolate, Chocolate Lava Cake
- PERFECT Sports Diesel New Zealand Whey Protein Isolate, Chocolate Wafer Crisp
Directions: Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and pour into the blender. Place the rest of the ingredients in the blender, and gently pulse blend until all protein powder and avocado lumps are gone.
Notes
Have you tried any of these recies, or experimented with your own weight gaining shakes? Please let us know in the comments section below.
25 Comments
I heard that your after workout protein shake should not include any fat for some reason. Is there any truth to that?
Never heard that before, and I found fats actually help with recovery.
Great. That was the answer I was hoping for. Thanks again, Roger.
Is there any harm in making a big jug of a high protein smoothie and consume one full glass in morning and one then again at night time ? Any harm in this or is just one glass/day sufficient?
2600+ calorie weight gain shake.
1 cup whole milk (150 cal)
8oz nutritional plus shake (ie Ensure plus) (350 cal)
6oz almonds (1,020 cal)
1/2 cup oatmeal (150 cal)
2 large bananas (210 cal)
4 tbsp honey (240 cal )
1 cup chocolate ice cream (340 cal)
1 scoop of chocolate protein powder (140 cal )
or
1500+ calorie shake if that one's too thick
1 cup whole milk (150 cal)
1 nutritional plus shake (ie Ensure plus) (350 cal)
1 cup chocolate ice cream (340 cal)
2 large bananas (210 cal)
4 tbsp honey(240 cal)
2 scoops of protein powder (280 cal)
Silly question. But should the oatmeal be cooked before going into the blender ?
No definitely not, lol
2large bananas
250ml milk
3egg whites
1 tbs peanut butter
3scoops oats
3scoops mass gainer
Try this for heavy gain
boiled eggs white?
and how to use oats ?
can you digest it all bro?
This is my recipe so far :
-8 ounces of whole milk (160 kcal, 8gr protein, 8gr fat, 13gr carbs)
-1 tbsp of peanut butter (180 kcal, 8gr protein, 14gr fat, 6gr carbs)
-2 scoops of oatmeal (210 kcal, 6gr protein, 4gr fat, 37gr carbs)
-1 scoops chocolate whey (120 kcal, 25gr protein, 1gr fat, 2gr carbs)
Total : 670 kcal (47gr protein, 27gr fat, 58gr carbs).
Might need an addition of carbs to meet 800 kcal requirements though. I personally wanted to achieve the F:P:C ratio to be around 1:2:3
Most of the recipes contain whey protein, which contains lactose if I'm not mistaken. My question is can the whey protein be substituted for an egg based protein and which kind of peanut butter is best for weight gain; organic, regular or some alternative kind?
Yep, Egg white protein or soy/rice/pea protein are alternatives.
Ya just put egg whites into the shake.
Don't fit the taste but helps a lot
A healthy juice/shake I made last night:
- 200ml of pineapple jice
- 1X serving yoghurt
- 1X palm of cranberries, cashews and almonds
- 1X palm of almonds
- 50ml of milk
- 1X banana
- 1X orange
- 2 scoops of protein powder
This served as a juice/smoothie along side a filled toasted crossant of eggs and ham.
This smoothie is good because it contains protein, calcium, pulps and nuts, and fresh fruit and juice. Full of minerals, vitamins, and protein and fibre.
The crossant assists with extra KJ intake, plus the protein and nutrients from the egg and ham.
Yes, each day this can be constly, but health always should come first.
2 scoops chocolate whey
12 oz low fat milk
Handful of kale
1/4 cup oat(ground in blender)
1 banana
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp Peanut butter
1200 calories and over 80 grams of protein,110 carbs and 35 grams of fat.
really terrible shakes ''recipes'' imo.
basically whey + milk + sugary/fatty crappy ingredient.
Is there any truth to what people say about protein powder, that it hardly does anything at all to increase muscle mass? A friend says that it hasn't helped him.
Quality protein powder is helpful, but you need to eat healthy food too. The serving size for quality whey is usually around 30g and should have ~25g of protein per serving.
2 cups ice
.5 cup chocolate milk
.5 cup coffee
.25 cup heavy cream
1 banana
.5 cup frozen berries
.5 cup dry oatmeal
1 scoop vanilla whey
2 scoop mass gainer
------ MONSTER SHAKE------
Steve, thanks for teh recipes, def want to give them a try. If you make up a large batch of one of these, how long could you keep portions of it in the fridge for while still maintaining the protein levels etc? Are there any timescales where you need to consume one you've made (obviously before the milk, cream etc goes sour)? Does whey have any limits for how long it can be dissolved in a liquid before you should drink it?
Long awaited .Thank you
I got one that doesn't require heavy cream or milk and doesn't have a boat load for sugary ingredients.
1 cup of Almond Milk
1 Large Banana (i.e., 140g and >)
1 cup of rolled oats
2 tbsp of peanut butter
.5 tbsp of Nutella
1 scoop of vanilla whey
approx. calories: 1000 c:120 f:37 p:50
Can you substitute the vanilla whey for anything?
substitute it for any protein powder you would like. a lot of people use vanilla because its a basic flavour that would normally go with anything.
I myself infact like the Magnum Quatro soft service vanilla flavour. (mixes well and is lactose free for those who have some intolerance to it.)
hope this helps :)