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The Mass Gainer vs Whey Protein Showdown

The Mass Gainer vs Whey Protein Showdown

Posted by Prolab Nutrition on 8th Mar 2022

Whether you are a new gym-goer or a long-time bodybuilder it's important to know which protein powder can help you accomplish your goals. Keep reading as we focus on two popular and important supplements most gym-goers and hard gainers tend to opt for - mass gainers and whey protein.

Have you ever noticed, some people easily pack on muscle while others have a difficult time, despite seemingly trying everything? Maybe you struggle with gaining muscle or keeping weight on yourself and you need help comparing mass gainer vs whey protein.

In this article is a comparison of Mass Gainer vs Whey Protein and an outline of the differences between mass gainer and whey protein.

Mass Gainer Vs Whey Protein F.A.Q.'s

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What Is Mass Gainer?

Mass gainers (weight gainers) are supplements that have a good blend of protein and other important components essential for building mass or gaining weight such as fats and carbohydrates. The purpose of mass gainers is to provide individuals with enough calories so that they can help gain some weight.

The carbs to protein ratio in the mass gainers are either 3:1 or 2:1 which obviously means that there are more carbs than protein in mass gainers.

A high percentage of carbohydrates in typical mass gainers is achieved by using glucose and maltose. The Best mass gainers provide a blend of high and low glycemic carbohydrates for post-workout glycogen replenishment.

Usually, the mixture that is made has 2 or 3 parts of the carbs and fats and one part of essential proteins. This combination ensures that any person who takes these supplements gets the required carbs and fats to gain weight along with the lean protein that helps build muscle.

What Is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is obtained as a by-product of processing milk and cheese. The liquid portion that is separated from milk during the production of cheese is known as Whey.  The whey is then further processed and converted in a powder form which we know as Whey protein.

Whey protein has the highest rank in terms of the biological value of protein content compared to other forms. Whey Protein is the purest protein form available. Whey protein is popular because it is easy to digest and releases into the bloodstream very quickly.

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Whey Protein Is Produced As Three Different Types:

Protein Concentrate

This is commonly referred to as Whey Protein Concentrate. Protein concentrate can range anywhere between 25 percent to 89 percent and the rest of the 20 percent consists of minerals, fats, and moisture. N-Large2 Mass Gainer contains Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) 80-grade whey protein to promote muscle size, even on hardgainers.

Protein Isolate

Protein isolates are the purest form of protein that contains around 90 to 95 percent of protein. This protein is lactose-free and low in fat and carbohydrates.

Advanced Essential Whey contains is a blend of 21 grams of premium concentrate and isolate proteins to fuel and restore muscle groups. The ultra-pure whey isolate quickly absorbs to ignite muscle repair. The Whey Concentrate helps rebuild muscle tissue and support lean muscle mass. This multi-phase protein is great for promoting muscle growth.

Hydrolyzed Protein

In this form of protein, the protein chains are broken down by the process of hydrolysis in its simplest form. This protein is easily absorbed and fast-digesting. Hydrolyzed whey protein is the fastest way to deliver nutrient-rich whey protein to muscles for growth and recovery.

Now that we know the different types of protein available, let's look at how each protein is used in mass gainers and whey protein supplements.

Prolab's Mass Gainer And Whey Proteins

N-Large2 Mass Gainer is a powerful Mass Gaining Support Formula created to promote muscle size, growth, and recovery on the hardest gainers featuring delicious flavors.

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Advanced Essential Whey is a multi-phase blend of Premium Whey Concentrate and Ultra-Pure Whey Isolate Protein rich with BCAAs and natural enzymes featuring delicious flavors.

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Whey Isolate is a Premium Grade Protein that is Ultra-Pure, Fast Absorbing, and packed with BCAAs to support lean muscle growth and recovery, featuring delicious flavors.

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What Is The Difference Between Mass Gainer And Whey Protein

Because the composition of Whey Protein and Mass Gainer protein is different, there are some unique qualities about each supplement. It is a common misconception that protein supplements are mostly the same, however, the following three points will help you differentiate between mass gainer and whey protein.

Mass Gainer vs Whey Protein Differences

3 Key Differences Between Mass Gainer And Whey Protein

Difference #1: Mass gainers contain more fats and carbs and less protein whereas whey protein contains mostly protein and very few fats and carbs.

The first difference, as mentioned, is the composition of each protein. A mass gainer should have more carbs and fats and less protein than a whey protein powder. Most mass gainers have fats and carbs to protein ratio of 2:1 or 3:1, Whey Protein mixes can have up to 95 percent of protein with only a few grams of carbs or fats.

Difference #2: Mass Gainer is for increasing body weight (bulking) and whey protein is used to build muscle while staying lean.

If your goal is to have a shredded body with a lean physique, then mass gainers are not right for you at this time. Mass gainers can help hardgainers or bodybuilders increase body weight because of the high-calorie mass-generating formula. Whereas whey protein will help you build lean muscles and stay fit.

For Bodybuilding purposes, mass gainers are used because of the high carb and fat content. Mass gainers can raise insulin levels thereby leading to the storage of fats in the body. Whey protein helps support lean muscle mass without unwanted carbohydrates or fats.

If you are a bodybuilder bulking up or an individual who is slim with no mass in body parts such as posteriors, then taking mass gainer can be very beneficial. A mass gainer can provide the additional calories needed to put on extra weight whenever needed. However, the use of mass gainers needs to be limited and has to be combined with exercise.

A Mass Gainer should be used to increase calories, however, in some cases, prolonged use without proper exercise to burn the extra calories could add extra unwanted weight. If you are not a hardgainer or bulking, whey protein can help you continue to build lean muscle without the added calories or weight gain.

Difference #3: Mass gainers are an easy way to consume your total macronutrients. Whey Protein is strictly a quality protein source.

Using a mass gainer is a fast, easy, and accurate way to consume your macronutrients of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Whey protein powder is a great source of quality protein without the added carbs, fats, and ultimately calories.

Should You Use Mass Gainer Or Whey Protein?

Your decision to use mass gainer or whey protein powder should depend on your goals and needs. If you are a hardgainer, wanting to add additional weight, or in bulking season using a mass gainer is a convenient and healthy way to increase calories with adequate macronutrients. Whey protein is a quality, low-calorie protein source rich with BCAAs helpful for building lean muscle and supporting recovery after training.

To help you decide if want a mass gainer or whey protein supplement answer the following questions to determine which one is right for you:

  • Are you a hardgainer (do you have difficulty gaining weight or keeping weight on?
  • Do you a meal replacement or only a protein supplement?
  • Do you want to bulk up or get lean?

Understanding the differences between mass gainer and whey protein can help ensure you buy the best supplement to help you reach your training and health goals.

When To Drink Protein Shakes

When To Take Mass Gainer

A mass gainer is useful for individuals who need or want to put on additional weight or bulk up. Mass gainer can be used before or after a workout. If used before, consume about an hour at least an hour beforehand. It is best to consume immediately after a workout to replenish glycogens and rebuild muscle.

The purpose of using a mass gainer is to gain weight or bulk up. Prolab N-Large2 Mass Gainer is packed with high-quality ingredients to support growth for those who have difficulty gaining weight or who are bulking during the off-season.

Mass gainers are full of additional calories and carbs. Using a mass gainer before weight training can provide extra fuel and energy needed for heavy workout sessions. Especially for the hard gainers, this supplement can help improve performance at the gym. N-LARGE2 Mass Gainer can be combined with a sensible diet and intense training program for best results.

When To Take Whey Protein

Whey protein can be used between meals, after workouts, and during non-training days. Using a multi-phase whey protein post-workout can help muscles quickly absorb essential nutrients to rebuild muscle tissue and support lean muscle mass. Prolab Advanced Essential Whey is a multi-phase blend of Premium Whey Concentrate and Ultra-Pure Whey Isolate Protein rich with BCAAs and natural enzymes featuring delicious flavors.

Whey protein can be used needs to build lean muscles, stay fit, as well as develop good core strength, and also for maintaining overall health. Whey Protein helps improve muscle growth and overall health. It is extremely beneficial to bodybuilders and anyone building lean muscle mass to promote health.

To summarize - Mass Gainers include macronutrients of proteins, carbs, and fats to help promote weight gain. Whereas, whey protein powders are a more pure form of protein to help support lean muscle growth without additional calories from fats and carbohydrates.

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