Putting on weight can be challenging. Even though there are numerous products you can choose from to help you gain weight, finding the one that is ideal for your needs can prove quite time-consuming. That is why we’re here to help!
We’ll walk you through the top 6 best meal replacements for weight gain so that you don’t have to waste time searching on your own. All you need to do is read this article and choose the product you think will suit your needs best.
Contents
The Types of Meal Replacements You Can Choose From
1. Dairy-Based
A protein source, such as whey protein isolate, milk, or casein proteins, is typically the first ingredient in “normal” (i.e., non-plant-based) shakes. They are the foundation of these shakes since they are complete—that is, they don’t lack any amino acids.
In addition, they are ideal for weight growth. Whey protein digests quickly compared to casein, which takes longer to do so. Which is better for weight growth, casein or whey, you ask? The answer lies in milk protein, which combines the two and improves the quality of vitamin and mineral assimilation from this type of meal replacement drink.
Carbohydrates and good fats are secondary nutrients that may be found in a variety of foods. It is recommended to use extracts from entire meals. The best sources of carbohydrates are usually whole grains, beans, and pulses. Dextrose and maltodextrin are inferior substitutes.
Coconut oil, MCTs, avocado, olives, and even dairy products themselves are the finest sources of healthy fats. The easiest method to know what to search for and what kind of meal replacement shake is ideal is to look at the ingredient list.
2. Plant-Based
A combination of well-known plant foods and whole grains is frequently used in plant-based meal replacements. Typical ingredients in plant-based smoothies include rice, peas, hemp, and beans. They provide a full spectrum of amino acids to strengthen connective and muscular tissues.
This is crucial to promote both quality and quantity of weight growth, which is vital for weight increase in general. It also offers a selection of top-notch carbohydrate sources.
The extra components, chosen for their mineral content, are probably the same as those found in shakes made with other types of plants. The best sources of top-notch micronutrients are fruits and vegetables, therefore it’s always a plus to see them on the label.
Top 6 Best Meal Replacements for Weight Gain
Choosing a delicious meal replacement drink to gain weight requires careful consideration of the shake’s calorie, carb, and protein composition. Take a look at the list below to see which of the following 6 meal replacement products works best for you:
1. Elm & Rye Protein Powder
Elm & Rye Protein Powder is a meal replacement shake that is packed with nutrients. With 25 vitamins and minerals, 8 grams of fiber, 21 grams of plant-based protein, and these nutrients, you can gain weight. Its delectable carrot cake, vanilla, and coconut concoction is entirely vegan and produced without any extra sugar or synthetic components. With a variety of health advantages, the powder is simple to use in shakes or smoothies.
The high-quality plant protein sources will not only provide you with more energy but will also enable you to better manage your hunger pangs in between meals. Elm & Rye Protein Powder will make you feel full and fed, no matter if your goals are to increase muscle development, maintain a healthy weight, or just increase the number of key vitamins in your diet.
2. Kaizen Naturals Complete Meal
For weight growth, Kaizen Naturals Whole Meal is the ideal meal replacement shake. It offers a great macronutrient ratio, a lot of protein, and 21 vital vitamins and minerals. Each serving contains 5g of fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein. This meal replacement shake is ideal for muscular growth. It has low-fat content and is abundant in carbohydrates and protein, all of which help to develop muscle.
This makes it a quicker-absorbing shake that is ideal for consumption before or after working out. Although it is not a true meal replacement, this specialty product is the ideal combination of protein drink, mass gainer, and nutritional support to promote superior muscle building and weight gain.
Considering that the portions are so little, you might wish to get two. They provide 240 calories for each scoop, increasing to 480 calories every double scoop and double all of the fantastic macronutrients we just stated. Even though it may be a touch thicker than Kaizen intended, this shake is great.
Because of this balance, the emphasis on carbohydrates and proteins, and the potency of the vitamin and mineral profile, Kaizen provides one of the greatest meal replacements for weight gain. They add up rapidly, and even one smoothie each day may significantly enhance your diet’s nutritional intake.
3. Penguin Protein
If you want to put on weight, Penguin Protein meal replacement smoothies are also a great option. Every meal substitute shake is loaded with nutrient-dense proteins and carbs that help supply your body with the nutrition it needs to bulk up.
Penguin Protein, in contrast to some other meal replacement shakes, isn’t too sweet or syrupy; it has a light flavor while offering the required macronutrients to increase lean muscle building. Penguin Protein meal replacement shakes provide your body with the nutrients it needs to gain weight healthily and efficiently. Each serving is stuffed with 20 grams of high-quality protein, 20 grams of dietary fiber, and healthy fats.
4. Labrada Lean Body Nutrition Shake
With a whopping 40g of protein per carton, the Labrada nutrition shake is a meal-replacement product that is packed with protein.
Also, it includes caffeine, which makes it an excellent substitute for your daily cup of coffee, particularly if you’re looking to improve your protein consumption during your working or academic day. The lean body has 0g of sugar, along with 22 vital vitamins and minerals. Its excellent balance makes it an obvious choice for gaining high-quality weight (and managing weight) without feeling too full or squandering calories.
As a result, Labrada has 280 calories less per container. But since this is about protein, it’s simple to include into your diet, and you can acquire the calories elsewhere. Labrada’s shake is a fantastic source of protein, vitamins, and minerals; nevertheless, you need also to consume carbohydrates with these beverages.
5. Cellucor Whey Sport
A protein mix called Cellucor Whey Sport is made for athletes as well as other active people. In addition to 10g of the necessary amino acids, it includes whey and milk proteins of the highest quality. To ensure that the customers feel good about what they are putting into their bodies, Whey also only utilizes natural sweeteners and flavors.
Cellucor Whey Sport is a premium protein that comes in a special blend with electrolytes and glutamine for those with dietary limitations. It is also gluten-free. This makes it the ideal option for athletes who are also health-conscious people since it guarantees that your body will be able to recover lost vitamins and minerals.
6. Ample Original
For those following the Keto diet and those aiming to limit their carb consumption, Ample is an ideal low-carb meal shake. One of the greatest meal-replacement protein drinks for weight gain, it has 400 calories, 25 grams of protein, 28 grams of dietary fats, and 11 grams of carbs.
As a result, Ample is a comparatively low-calorie smoothie. The added vitamin and mineral content is where it shines. Iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D are all present in healthy amounts. They are supported by many excellent superfoods, including cinnamon, additional dietary fiber from psyllium, and a potent probiotic combination.
With its low carbohydrate content and high protein-to-fat ratios, Ample isn’t the greatest meal replacement drink for weight gain because it won’t promote muscle building like some others. It’s a fantastic clean energy shake, though. This is a fantastic early-morning option to get over the mid-morning slump and boost your diet with simple calories.
Conclusion
If you’re smart about the time and how you fit these meal replacement products into your diet, the high-calorie shakes for weight growth can be added to your already-prepared meals.
They would be a great source of nutrients for mass-building in a healthy and balanced way, but you need to keep in mind that they are not meant to substitute meals. Having a diverse and healthy diet is important since that is the best way to include all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and stay healthy.
Lazar Sretenović, an IFBB and REPs Level 3 certified trainer, specializes in personalized fitness programs encompassing weight lifting, EMS, and endurance training. With a focus on tailored nutrition and holistic well-being, Lazar Sretenović guides clients through transformative health journeys, emphasizing safety and individual goals.