Our ReviewLabradaMuscle Mass Gainer
Labrada Muscle Mass Gainer is a high-calorie powder designed for increased daily intake of protein and carbs to support muscle growth. Labrada, a well-known brand in the nutrition space, has formulated this gainer with a blend of whey protein concentrate, casein, and milk protein isolate, alongside a heavy dose of maltodextrin for quick-digesting carbs. Each half-serving delivers 645 calories, 127g of carbohydrates, and 26g of protein, making it a calorie-dense option suited for those struggling to gain weight or needing an easy way to fuel intense training. With added creatine monohydrate, L-glutamine, and a vitamin-mineral blend, it aims to enhance muscle recovery and overall nutrition. It fits the bill for those prioritizing mass gain and replenishing glycogen stores efficiently.
Ingredients
Labrada Muscle Mass Gainer has a straightforward formula designed to deliver a high-calorie intake with a combination of protein sources, carbohydrates, and additional recovery-supporting ingredients. The protein blend includes whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, calcium caseinate, and milk protein isolate.
The carbohydrate content is dominated by maltodextrin, which serves as a fast-digesting carb source. This makes sense for a mass gainer, as it helps replenish glycogen stores and provides quick energy, but it is less useful if you prefer more complex carbohydrate sources for sustained energy. There’s also fructose in the mix, which adds some natural sweetness but this may be a drawback for those avoiding sugar.
For digestion and gut health, the formula includes Fibersol-2, a soluble fiber that aids digestion and promotes better carbohydrate absorption. Additionally, the product contains a vitamin and mineral blend, covering essentials like calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and iron. These inclusions add some nutritional depth, though they aren’t a replacement for a well-rounded diet.
Creatine monohydrate is a valuable addition, supporting strength and power output by aiding ATP production. However, it took a bit of research to try and find out exactly how much was included. Our sources suggest 1g per full serve. While helpful, this will likely still mean you need to supplement with additional creatine depending on your goals.
L-glutamine is also present, which can assist in muscle recovery and immune function. The sweeteners used are sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), both artificial sweeteners that some prefer to avoid. There are also both natural and artificial flavors, which might not be ideal for those looking for a more minimal-ingredient formula. However, when it comes to mass gainers, there is not much choice for those seeking all-natural ingredients.
One thing missing here is digestive enzymes. Given the large serving size and high carbohydrate content, adding enzymes like protease, amylase, or lactase could help with digestion and nutrient absorption. While the blend of proteins, carbs, and recovery ingredients is solid for a mass gainer, the reliance on maltodextrin, artificial sweeteners, and the lack of digestive support could be drawbacks for some.
Effectiveness
Labrada Muscle Mass Gainer is formulated for one primary goal—helping users increase their calorie intake to support weight and muscle gain. With 645 calories per half-serving, this product delivers a substantial energy boost, making it a convenient choice for those struggling to consume enough food throughout the day. The 26g of protein per half-serving is reasonable and provides 127g of carbohydrates.
The protein blend consists of whey protein concentrate, whey isolate, calcium caseinate, and milk protein isolate. The whey proteins offer a fast-digesting source of amino acids, making them useful post-workout when muscles need rapid protein synthesis support. Calcium caseinate and milk protein isolate, on the other hand, digest more slowly, ensuring a steady release of amino acids. This combination provides a balanced approach, delivering both immediate and sustained protein availability, which is beneficial for prolonged muscle repair and recovery.
The carbohydrate content is the defining factor in this formula. With maltodextrin as the dominant carb source, it provides quick-digesting fuel, ideal for replenishing glycogen stores after intense workouts. However, some may find this high reliance on maltodextrin less optimal for overall nutrition, as it lacks the fiber and micronutrients found in more complex carbohydrate sources. The inclusion of fructose adds some natural sugar, which can provide an additional energy spike but may not be ideal for those watching sugar intake.
The addition of creatine monohydrate is a strong point. Creatine is widely studied for its benefits in improving strength, endurance, and recovery by enhancing ATP production. Similarly, L-glutamine may support muscle recovery and immune health, which is beneficial for athletes training frequently.
One area that could have improved effectiveness is digestive support. With a large serving size and high carbohydrate content, digestive enzymes would have helped ensure better absorption and reduce the likelihood of bloating or discomfort.
Taste
The vanilla flavor of Labrada Muscle Mass Gainer delivers a standard sweetness with a creamy undertone, but the artificial flavoring is noticeable. Compared to other vanilla-flavored mass gainers, this one leans slightly on the sweeter side, likely due to the inclusion of sucralose and acesulfame potassium. The sweetness level holds up well when mixed with milk, creating a richer and more balanced flavor, but in water, the artificial notes become more pronounced, and the overall taste can feel somewhat diluted.
In terms of texture, the high carbohydrate content contributes to a slightly thicker consistency, even when mixed with the recommended liquid amount. The shake is smooth but has a somewhat starchy mouthfeel, a common trait among maltodextrin-heavy formulas. While it doesn’t become overly gritty, there is a noticeable thickness that may feel heavy when consumed in larger servings.
Mixability is decent but not perfect. With a standard shaker bottle, some clumping can occur, especially when mixed with water. Using a blender significantly improves the texture, helping to break down any remaining powder and creating a more uniform consistency. With milk, the powder integrates better, producing a creamier and more enjoyable shake. However, the sheer volume of powder required per serving makes it challenging to mix completely without some effort. A gradual mixing approach, adding liquid first and shaking between small scoops, tends to improve the overall smoothness.
Value
Labrada Muscle Mass Gainer falls into the mid-range category of mass gainers, offering a calorie-dense formula with a mix of fast and slow-digesting proteins, a high carbohydrate load, and additional recovery-supporting ingredients like creatine and glutamine. While it provides a solid 26g of protein per half-serving, the overwhelming 127g of carbohydrates, primarily from maltodextrin, raises questions about its overall nutritional balance. Many mass gainers around this price range include a mix of complex and simple carbs to provide more sustained energy, whereas this formula leans heavily on quick-digesting sources.
The protein blend is decent but not premium. While it includes whey protein concentrate, whey isolate, calcium caseinate, and milk protein isolate, the absence of hydrolyzed whey or micellar casein suggests it is designed more for sheer calorie intake than for optimizing protein absorption rates. The lack of digestive enzymes is also a consideration, as higher-carb gainers can sometimes cause bloating or digestive discomfort, which some competing brands address with added enzyme blends.
From a cost perspective, Labrada Muscle Mass Gainer is priced competitively against similar products like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass and Dymatize Super Mass Gainer. The serving size is large, and while the price per tub may seem high, the number of servings offsets the cost to a reasonable level.
For those looking for affordable calorie supplementation with a decent protein blend, this gainer presents a reasonable value. However, those prioritizing high-quality protein sources, more complex carbohydrates, or better digestibility may find better alternatives at a similar price point.
Conclusion
Labrada Muscle Mass Gainer delivers a high-calorie formula designed for those looking to add size efficiently. With a mix of fast and slow-digesting proteins, it provides a decent 26g of protein per half-serving, though the 127g of carbohydrates—primarily from maltodextrin—may not appeal to those preferring a more balanced macronutrient profile.
Compared to similar products like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass or Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, it offers a solid blend of proteins but lacks the inclusion of complex carbohydrates or digestive enzymes that some competitors provide.
The added creatine and L-glutamine help with muscle recovery, adding to their value for hardgainers and athletes with high energy demands. While the taste and mixability are decent for a gainer, it's by no means memorable.
For those prioritizing calorie intake over ingredient purity, this mass gainer is a practical choice, especially if used post-workout or as a meal replacement. However, those seeking a higher protein ratio, fewer artificial ingredients, or more complex carbohydrates may find better alternatives at a similar price point.
Where to buy?
The protein matrix includes the primary protein components included in this product. These protein sources are listed in order of volume from greatest to least in the product.
This diagram provides the digestion profile for the protein types contained within this product. The chart plots the digestion of the included protein types over an hourly timeframe. All profiles have their advantages depending on your goals. More information regarding digestion and timing can be found in our guides.
The cost indicators provide a relative cost comparison with all protein products. The lower the score the better!
The "Product Cost Indicator" provides the comparative product cost, as a whole.
The "Protein Cost Indicator" provides a comparative cost based on only the protein component. While this can be useful for comparing products excluding fillers, many additional ingredients can provide additional benefits and value.
Note: Products that serve a dual purpose, such as mass gainers and ketogenic powders don't include the "Protein Cost Indicator".
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