Our ReviewNutricostMass Gainer

The carbohydrate backbone of the product is maltodextrin, a rapidly digestible carb that supplies immediate energy. This ingredient is commonly found in mass gainers because it quickly replenishes glycogen stores and fuels intense workouts. However, it’s important to note that maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, which may lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar. While this is beneficial post-workout, some users may prefer a slower-digesting carb source to sustain energy over longer periods. Still, in the context of a mass gainer, its use is effective for quick energy replenishment and weight gain.

In addition to the primary macronutrients, Nutricost Mass Gainer includes L-glutamine and creatine monohydrate. L-glutamine plays a significant role in muscle recovery, supporting immune health, and reducing muscle soreness, making it a valuable inclusion, particularly for those with high training volume. Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched and effective supplements for increasing muscle strength, endurance, and size. The 2,500mg dosage of creatine here is a moderate amount that can help saturate muscle creatine stores, though some users may prefer a higher dose closer to the 5g range for maximum effectiveness.

When it comes to sweeteners, sucralose is the artificial sweetener used here, which is fairly commonplace with many mass gainers. Similarly, natural flavors and sodium chloride (salt) are standard inclusions that contribute to the overall taste, though they don’t add any nutritional benefit.

One aspect that may be considered a drawback is the absence of digestive enzymes, which could aid in the digestion and absorption of the large amounts of protein and carbohydrates present in each serving. For users with sensitive digestion or those consuming multiple servings daily, enzymes could improve the product’s usability.

However, it's important to question the necessity of such a high protein content, especially when it’s delivered in a single, fast-digesting source like whey concentrate. The body can typically absorb and utilize around 25-30g of protein per digestion window. Consuming excess protein is more likely converted to other forms of energy or stored. This brings into question whether the additional 20g of protein is really necessary or simply included for marketing appeal.

In terms of carbohydrate content, the 250g of carbs comes predominantly from maltodextrin, a fast-digesting carbohydrate. This is beneficial for quickly replenishing glycogen stores post-exercise, but it also means the product may not be suitable for users looking for sustained energy throughout the day or those who wish to avoid high glycemic index carbs. Maltodextrin’s rapid absorption can lead to blood sugar spikes, which may cause an energy crash later, although this isn't necessarily an issue for users specifically targeting quick mass gain or post-workout recovery.

The added creatine monohydrate is a welcome inclusion, though the dosage is on the lower end compared to standard creatine supplements (typically 3-5g per day for optimal results). Still, the presence of creatine enhances strength, endurance, and muscle volume, which aligns well with the product’s mass-gaining purpose. Regular use should lead to improvements in strength, and is essential for muscle hypertrophy during a bulking phase.

The inclusion of L-glutamine (2,500mg) further supports muscle recovery and immune function. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that helps reduce muscle soreness and accelerates the healing process after strenuous workouts. This makes it especially useful for those engaging in high-volume training where recovery times are critical to maintaining progress.

The 5g of fat keeps the product relatively low in fats, so the primary focus is on carbs and protein. However, the relatively high sodium content (720mg, 31% DV) could be a concern for some users who are watching their sodium intake. That said, sodium plays a role in electrolyte balance, which is beneficial during intense training and recovery.

For those looking for a straightforward, calorie-dense formula with fast-digesting carbs and a solid protein source, Nutricost Mass Gainer is effective. However, it may not be the best choice for users seeking a slower, more sustained release of energy, or for those sensitive to high glycemic index carbohydrates.

The ingredient profile, which includes whey protein concentrate and maltodextrin as the primary components, is relatively straightforward. Whey concentrate is a solid protein choice for this product, though it’s not the most premium form of protein available. That said, for a mass gainer, where the goal is to pack in calories, whey concentrate works just fine and keeps costs lower. The inclusion of creatine monohydrate and L-glutamine also adds to the overall value, as these are ingredients often purchased separately. While the creatine dose is moderate, it's a nice bonus in a product at this price point.

Compared to premium mass gainers that may include more specialized ingredients, such as digestive enzymes or slower-digesting carbs like oat flour, Nutricost’s more basic formula may not appeal to those looking for a cleaner or more sophisticated ingredient list. Additionally, the use of maltodextrin, a high-glycemic carb source, can be seen as a cost-cutting measure, as it’s cheaper than complex carbohydrates. This makes it less suitable for those who prefer sustained energy release or who are avoiding fast-digesting carbs, but it’s still highly effective for quick weight gain and post-workout recovery.

In terms of pricing, Nutricost is highly competitive. Given the size of the serving and the sheer number of calories you’re getting, it’s hard to find a comparable mass gainer at this price that offers such a high caloric load. However, the trade-off is a simpler, less premium ingredient list. The product is best suited for those who prioritize budget and bulk calories over ingredient quality or those not looking for additional micronutrients and digestive support.

Overall, Nutricost Mass Gainer provides a great deal of value for its intended purpose—packing on weight without breaking the bank. If you’re seeking an affordable, no-frills mass gainer, this product does the job effectively, though those looking for more refined ingredients or digestive aids may find it lacking.