Do you often find yourself in the middle of a dilemma, while discussing which protein source to turn to for maximum benefit? If you have been looking at the protein options in the market, you might have come across several products that are either classed under Whey Protein vs. Mass Gainers. While both are known for their roles in helping build muscles, which one is best suited for you when it comes to whey protein vs. mass gainers.
Here we revise all that we know about the difference between Whey Protein and Mass Gainer Protein.
Whey Protein vs. Mass Gainers – What is Whey Protein?
Whey Protein is widely known to be acquired when milk is processed (such as during making of cheese). Whey, as it is identified, is the purest form of protein you can get from milk, which is further classified into Whey concentrate, Whey Isolate and Whey Hydrolysate- based on the difference in the protein content.
Suggested read – The Best Ways To Consume Whey Protein
If you check the label for a Whey Protein product for nutrition facts, you will find that it has maximum amount of protein and few to zero amount of carbs and fat (depending on what it is classified as).
Whey Protein vs. Mass Gainers – What is A Mass Gainer?
When it comes to whey protein vs. mass gainers, the difference is stark. To put it simply, mass gainers or weight gainers are products that contain not only protein but also carbohydrates and fat to facilitate meeting of caloric demand by the body and development of muscles in those who are lean and want to gain weight.
While Whey protein specifically focuses on providing purely protein, the usual macronutrient ratio (Carb: Protein) in Mass gainers would be 5:1 or 3:1 which means you get about 60- 70 gm. of Carb and 20-30 gm. of Protein in one serving. Good quality mass gainers contain complex forms of carbohydrates that are non-sugar and help in prolonging the energy supply.
Have you decided on the debate of whey protein vs. mass gainers or are you looking forward to buying one? Here’s what you need to know:
Are you wondering if you can take mass gainer or whey? Before you decide upon the purchase of the mass gainer (or if you have come to the mass gainer side in the whey protein vs. mass gainer debate), you might need to consider certain facts that will help steer you towards buying the perfect supplement suiting your need.
As we know it, the Body Mass Index or BMI cut off by WHO stands as:
| BMI | Classification |
| < 18.5 | underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | normal weight |
| 25.0–29.9 | overweight |
| 30.0–34.9 | class I obesity |
If you are someone whose BMI is lower than 18.5 and are looking for a good protein option, your choice of product should be a mass gainer that has a good blend of macronutrients and helps meet your energy demands per day.
Pro tip: Go for a gainer that gives you at least 60-70 gm. of good quality, complex carbs in combination with no less than at least 20 gm of protein and good quality fat.
On the other hand in the debate of whey protein vs. mass gainers, if you are someone who is looking to reduce or maintain your body fat% and build lean muscle mass or find that you fall under the normal weight – overweight category of BMI, you need a whey protein that will take care of your steady gains and muscle toning.
Suggested read – How is Whey Protein made – in 10 Steps
Pro tip: While you have decided to go ahead with a whey protein, ensure that you invest in a good quality protein powder that proves fruitful for the long run. Opt for pure whey protein supplements that give you at least 85-90% protein per serving. Avoid products that offer a blend of plant and whey protein as in these cases, the chances are the quantity of whey protein is less as compared to the amount of plant protein.
The important bit: Would not working out and just taking Whey Protein or Mass Gainer still have the same benefits?
It is important that you know regarding whey protein vs. mass gainers that no amount of whichever product you choose to take is going to have any significant effect on the body unless regularly exercising is brought into the equation.
Though the visible effects may not appear overnight or even over a fortnight, the purpose of taking protein or mass gainer lies in the very reason why you need to workout- for facilitating muscle synthesis, which is a continuous process. If you take away either the workout part or fueling your muscles with the necessary supplement, it will be a sure-shot method towards failure in achieving the desired results
Last modified: October 10, 2023
