A mass gainer is a high-calorie supplement that combines protein, carbohydrates, and fats in a single serve. Where a standard whey protein shake gives you 25 to 30 grams of protein and roughly 130 calories, a mass gainer can deliver anywhere from 500 to well over 1,300 calories per serve, making it one of the most efficient ways to hit a calorie surplus.
For hard gainers — people whose bodies burn through calories quickly and struggle to add weight even with consistent training — getting enough food from whole sources alone is genuinely difficult. A mass gainer bridges that gap without requiring you to force down a sixth meal of the day.
Carbohydrate supplements work alongside mass gainers or on their own to replenish muscle glycogen after training, support sustained energy output, and fuel recovery. Whether you train multiple times a day, compete in endurance sports, or simply need more carbs without more fat, a dedicated carb powder gives you precise control over your intake.
Who needs a mass gainer or carb supplement?
Hard gainers who struggle to hit daily calorie targets, athletes in a bulking phase targeting rapid muscle and size gains, those recovering from illness or injury who need to rebuild body weight, and endurance or high-output athletes who burn through carbohydrates at a high rate.
Types of Mass Gainers and Carbohydrate Supplements
High-Calorie Mass Gainers
These are the heavy hitters. Products like Dymatize Super Mass Gainer deliver 1,310 calories, 52 grams of protein, and 253 grams of carbohydrates per serve. Designed for serious hard gainers who need a major calorie surplus to kickstart muscle growth. Best for: underweight individuals and bodybuilders in a dedicated bulking phase.
Lean Mass Gainers
Lower in calories and fat than traditional mass gainers, lean formulas still deliver significant protein and carbs but with a cleaner macro profile. Products like International Protein Extreme Mass sit in this category, offering high-calorie support for muscle growth without excessive fat gain. Best for: those who want to add size without gaining too much body fat.
Heavy Weight Gainers
Formulas like International Protein Heavy Weight Mass Gainer are specifically designed for people with extremely fast metabolisms who need the most calorie-dense product available. Best for: hardest of hard gainers who eat consistently but simply cannot put on weight.
Carbohydrate Powders
Products like International Protein Extreme Carbs and Vitargo S2 are pure carbohydrate supplements with no protein or fat. They deliver fast, medium, and slow-digesting carbohydrates to replenish glycogen quickly after training. Best for: endurance athletes, high-frequency trainers, and those who want precise carb control without the added calories of a full mass gainer.
Night-Time Recovery Formulas
Maxs Anabolic Night is a slow-release protein formula designed for overnight recovery, delivering sustained amino acids while you sleep to support muscle repair and growth. Best for: those who want to maximise the recovery window between sessions.
Top Mass Gainer Brands at Supplement Empire
We stock Australia's most trusted mass gainer brands, each bringing something different to the table.
Dymatize — the Super Mass Gainer is one of the most calorie-dense and protein-rich formulas on the market, suited for serious size goals.
Optimum Nutrition — Gold Standard Gainer and Serious Mass are globally recognised for quality ingredients and balanced macro profiles.
International Protein — three dedicated products covering lean mass, heavy weight, and pure carbohydrate formulas, all tailored for different gainer needs.
Maxs — Absolute Mass for size and strength, and Anabolic Night for overnight recovery support.
Vitargo — the S2 carbohydrate powder uses a patented starch-based carb source with a unique molecular weight designed for faster gastric emptying and quicker glycogen replenishment than standard maltodextrin formulas.
Body Science — BSc Nitrovol Mass Gainer delivers a high-calorie, high-protein formula built around serious muscle growth.
