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Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Gainer Review
calories to support strength gains, recovery, & muscle mass
Intro: A Heavyweight Gainer for Heavyweight Goals
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Weight Gainer Protein Powder, Mass Gainer, Vitamin C and Zinc for Immune Support, Creatine, 12 Pound (Packaging May Vary)
If you’re struggling to eat enough calories to support strength gains, recovery, or muscle mass, weight gainers like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass can help bridge the gap. This is one of the most recognizable names in the mass gainer category—and for good reason.
Each serving delivers over 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein, and a mountain of carbs, plus creatine, glutamine, and a full vitamin/mineral complex. But it’s not for everyone. Below, we’ll break down what it actually delivers, how it compares to similar products, and who it’s best suited for.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Calories: 1,250–1,260 per 2-scoop serving
- Protein: 50g (mostly whey concentrate)
- Carbohydrates: 252g (primarily maltodextrin)
- Fats: 4.5g
- Creatine Monohydrate: 3g–5g per serving
- Additional nutrients: Includes glutamine, 20+ vitamins and minerals, plus added BCAAs and EAAs
This makes it a full-spectrum gainer shake, not just a bag of protein and carbs.
Taste, Texture & Mixability
Strawberry flavor has received solid feedback from our broader athlete network and online reviewers. Most describe it as creamy, milkshake-like, and easy to drink, especially when blended with milk.
- Blender required? Not technically, but highly recommended. The powder volume is massive (over 300g per serving), so mixing it in a shaker cup can leave clumps.
- Best use: Blend with 20–24 oz of water or milk. You can also split a full serving in half to make it easier on your stomach.
Who It’s For
- Hardgainers or lifters with fast metabolisms
- Athletes in a bulking phase or off-season
- High school or college wrestlers who need to move up a weight class
- Busy individuals who don’t have time to prep 4–5 large meals a day
Who It’s Not For
- Those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies (contains milk proteins)
- Athletes cutting weight or staying in a lower weight class
- Lifters who prefer to eat whole foods rather than drink calories
- Anyone sensitive to maltodextrin or artificial sweeteners
Value & Pricing
Serious Mass is competitively priced for a weight gainer, especially considering the serving size and added ingredients (like creatine and glutamine).
- Cost per serving: Roughly $2.75–$3.25 depending on the retailer
- Serving size: 16 full servings per 12-lb bag (each serving = 2 heaping scoops)
Some athletes stretch the value by taking 1 scoop at a time instead of 2, turning it into a 32-serving bag.
Comparison Table: Serious Mass vs. Other Gainers
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Weight Gainer Protein Powder, Mass Gainer, Vitamin C and Zinc for Immune Support, Creatine, 12 Pound (Packaging May Vary)
| Product | Calories | Protein | Creatine | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serious Mass | 1,250 | 50g | Yes | Fast weight gain, budget value |
| Transparent Labs Mass Gainer | 750 | 53g | No | Clean-label bulking |
| Naked Mass | 1,250 | 50g | No | No additives, simple ingredients |
| Muscle Milk Gainer | 650 | 32g | No | Moderate gain, lighter formula |
What Our Team Noticed
From what our gear testing crew has seen across reviews, athlete testimonials, and testing scenarios:
- It’s effective—but very dense. Don’t slam a full serving before a workout.
- Creatine is a welcome addition, though the dose is lower than stand-alone powders.
- You may feel bloated if you jump straight into a full serving. Ease into it.
- Great value for hardgainers or teen/college athletes trying to grow.
- Best if mixed with mutiple glasses of milk, 2 should do the trick.
Final Thoughts
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass is a legitimate tool for those who need to gain weight fast—but like any supplement, it works best when paired with structured training and solid nutrition. The ingredients are well-formulated for recovery and muscle support, but the real value comes from convenience: it’s easier to drink 1,200 calories than eat another steak and rice meal.
This isn’t a daily shake for everyone—but if you’re in a serious growth phase and want proven macros in a reliable brand, Serious Mass can deliver.
Written by Our gear testing crew
Tested, compared, and reviewed for athletes who train for more than just the mirror.
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