Without a doubt, you can add muscle simply by eating right and lifting weights. But to truly maximize your growth potential, supplements are a requirement. Hence, we’ve compiled a rundown of the 11 best mass-gain supplements on which to spend your hard-earned cash.

These supps are listed in order of priority, from the absolute most crucial, can’t-do-without supplements to the less critical, yet still highly-effective ingredients for packing on size. Odds are you already have plenty of these in the cabinet — especially for No. 1. But it’s still worth reminding you just why they’re so important to consume on a regular basis.

The point is to help those on a tight budget decide which supplements to buy. If money is no concern, then by all means knock yourself out and use them all as directed. Because after all, as far as we’re concerned, you can never have too much muscle.

1 of 11

Gabriel Vergani / EyeEm / Getty

Priority

1: Whey Protein Powder

Why it made the list: Whey tops the list of mass-gain supplements because it’s the most crucial for pushing protein synthesis. Whey is a milk protein that has a high level of branched-chain amino acids [BCAAs, No. 4 on our list]. Bottom line: Whey takes the crown because it digests fast and gets to your muscles rapidly to start building muscle. Whey also contains peptides [small proteins] that increase blood flow to the muscles. This is why we always recommend consuming whey protein immediately after training.

How to maximize its effects: Take 20 grams of whey protein powder in the 30 minutes before working out, and take 40 grams within 60 minutes after training. Also consider taking 20-40 grams of whey immediately upon waking every morning to kick-start muscle growth. Your best bet is to choose a whey powder that contains whey protein hydrolysates [whey protein broken down into smaller fragments for faster digestion] or whey protein isolate.

2 of 11

Getty

Priority

2: Casein Protein Powder

Why it made the list: The other milk protein, casein, squeaks in just under whey. Casein has always played second fiddle due to its very slow digestion rate, yet this makes it ideal as a pre-bedtime snack because it prevents catabolism while you sleep by emptying slowly and steadily. Casein also makes you feel less full, which makes it a great snack for those who want to pack on muscle mass. And new research finds that casein gives whey a run for its money – when it’s taken postworkout, casein boosts muscle protein synthesis much like whey does. It’s even suggested that a whey and casein protein shake taken after training increases muscle growth better than either protein taken alone.

How to maximize its effects: Choose a casein protein that contains micellar casein [the slowest-digesting casein you can buy] and take 20-40 grams right before going to bed. After workouts, add 10-20 grams of casein to your whey protein. Also, use 20-40 grams of casein in your protein shakes between meals.

3 of 11

ArishaRay/Getty Images

Priority

3: Creatine

Why it made the list: Creatine is made from three amino acids: arginine, glycine and methionine. Anecdotal reports and scientific studies alike find that guys who take creatine gain a good 10 pounds or more of bodyweight and increase strength dramatically. Creatine works in a number of ways. For one, it increases the amount of fast energy in your muscles needed to perform reps in the gym. The more of this fast energy that’s available, the more reps you can do with a given weight, allowing you to get bigger and stronger in the long run. Creatine also draws more water into your muscle cells, placing a stretch on the cell that increases long-term growth. Most recently, creatine has been found to increase levels of insulin like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] in muscles, which is critical for stimulating growth.

How to maximize its effects: Take 2-5 grams of creatine in the form of creatine monohydrate, creatine malate, creatine ethyl ester or creatine alpha-ketoglutarate with your protein shake immediately before workouts. This will help keep your muscles saturated with creatine, producing the rapid energy they need to perform more reps. Then consume another 2-5 grams with your postworkout shake [in addition to 40-100 grams of fast-digesting carbs], a time when creatine will be rapidly taken up by muscle cells and the boost in IGF-1 levels will help prompt further growth. On days when you don’t train, take 2-5 grams of creatine with a breakfast that contains carbohydrates.

4 of 11

Drazen / Getty

Priority

4: Branched-Chain Amino Acids [BCAAs]

Why they made the list: The term branched-chain amino acids refers to leucine, isoleucine and valine, the absolute most important amino acids for repairing and building muscle tissue. Leucine is the most critical of the three, as research shows that it can stimulate muscle protein synthesis on its own. Yet it’s still best to take all three together, since they work in synergy to provide a multitude of benefits, including muscle growth, increased energy during workouts, the blunting of cortisol [a catabolic hormone that inhibits testosterone and increases muscle breakdown] and decreased delayed-onset muscle soreness.

How to maximize their effects: Taking 60-100 grams of HMCs mixed in your postworkout shake will help push muscle recovery and growth, and the insulin spike it causes will drive more amino acids, creatine and carnitine into your muscle cells. In other words, HMCs will not only boost muscle growth themselves but they will help your other mass supplements work even better.

What is the best supplement brand for bodybuilding?

11 Best Supplements for Muscle Growth in 2023.

Best Mass Gainer for Muscle Growth: Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer..

Best Plant-Based Protein for Muscle Growth: KOS Organic Plant Protein..

Best Carnitine Supplement for Muscle Growth: Kaged L-Carnitine..

Best HMB Supplement for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs HMB + Creatine..

What is the number one rated muscle building supplement?

Creatine is probably the single best supplement for muscle gain for both males and females. Many studies confirm it can help increase muscle mass.nullYour Guide to the Best Supplements for Muscle Growth - Healthlinewww.healthline.com › nutrition › supplements-for-muscle-gainnull

Which is the best supplement company in the world?

Abbott Laboratories stands out as a key player in the dietary supplements industry, offering a diverse range of products aimed at promoting health and well-being.nullTop 10 Dietary Supplement Companies - TechSci Researchwww.techsciresearch.com › blog › top-dietary-supplement-companiesnull

Which product is best for bodybuilding?

Whey Protein Supplements: Whey protein is known for its muscle-building properties. Mass Gainers: These supplements are for those who want to have the higher muscle strength and gain without any spinoff. Weight Gainers: These are the supplements made especially for individuals who struggle to gain weight.nullBodybuilding & Gym Supplements Online in India - MuscleBlazewww.muscleblaze.com › goal › body_buildingnull