Hey guys! Are you on the hunt for the best natural mass gainer? You're definitely not alone. Navigating the world of supplements can feel like wading through a swamp, especially when you're trying to keep things natural. Reddit, that sprawling online community, is a treasure trove of opinions and experiences. So, let's dive into what Redditors are saying about the best natural mass gainers out there.

Why Go Natural?

Before we jump into specific products, let's talk about why you might be interested in a natural mass gainer in the first place. Natural mass gainers typically focus on whole food ingredients, minimizing the use of artificial additives, sweeteners, and fillers. For many, this is a huge plus. It means you're fueling your body with stuff that's closer to what you'd find in your kitchen, which can lead to better digestion, fewer side effects, and an overall feeling of well-being. Plus, you're avoiding the sketchy ingredients that sometimes lurk in conventional supplements. Nobody wants a bunch of artificial colors and flavors when they're trying to build a healthier body, right?

The Appeal of Whole Foods

The core of any good natural mass gainer is its reliance on whole foods. Think things like oats, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and healthy fats from nuts and seeds. These ingredients provide a sustained release of energy, essential vitamins and minerals, and fiber to keep your gut happy. Many natural mass gainers also incorporate protein sources like whey, casein, or plant-based options like pea protein, brown rice protein, and soy protein. The combination of these elements ensures you're getting a balanced macronutrient profile to support muscle growth and overall health. This approach aligns with the philosophy of fueling your body with real, nutrient-dense foods, which resonates with many health-conscious individuals.

Minimizing Artificial Additives

One of the primary reasons people opt for natural mass gainers is to avoid the artificial additives commonly found in conventional supplements. These additives can include artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. While these ingredients might make a product taste better or have a longer shelf life, they can also cause adverse effects in some individuals. Common complaints include digestive issues, headaches, and allergic reactions. By choosing a natural mass gainer, you're minimizing your exposure to these potentially harmful substances, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects. This can be particularly important for those with sensitivities or allergies.

Enhanced Digestion and Absorption

Natural mass gainers often contain ingredients that are easier to digest and absorb compared to their artificial counterparts. Whole foods are naturally broken down by the body, allowing for efficient nutrient uptake. Additionally, many natural mass gainers include digestive enzymes that further aid in the digestive process. These enzymes help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, ensuring that your body can effectively utilize the nutrients for muscle growth and recovery. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with digestive issues or those who struggle to absorb nutrients from food. By improving digestion and absorption, natural mass gainers can help you get the most out of your nutrition, supporting your fitness goals more effectively.

Promoting Overall Well-being

Choosing a natural mass gainer is not just about building muscle; it's also about promoting overall well-being. Whole food ingredients provide a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support various bodily functions. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining energy levels, boosting the immune system, and protecting against chronic diseases. Moreover, natural mass gainers often contain fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. By prioritizing natural ingredients, you're nourishing your body from the inside out, supporting both your fitness goals and your long-term health.

Reddit's Top Picks for Natural Mass Gainers

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. What natural mass gainers are Redditors actually recommending? Keep in mind that everyone's body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. But, these are some of the names that pop up frequently in Reddit discussions:

1. Naked Mass

Naked Nutrition's Naked Mass is a popular choice among the Reddit crowd. It typically contains only a few ingredients: whey protein concentrate, casein protein, and maltodextrin (often derived from tapioca). The appeal here is transparency. You know exactly what you're getting, and there are no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. The downside? Some people find the taste a bit bland since it's not loaded with flavorings. But, that's the price you pay for keeping it natural!

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Transparency

Naked Mass prides itself on using minimal ingredients, focusing on high-quality protein sources and a clean carbohydrate source. This transparency is a major draw for health-conscious consumers who want to know exactly what they're putting into their bodies. The whey protein concentrate and casein protein provide a sustained release of amino acids, supporting muscle growth and recovery over an extended period. The maltodextrin, often derived from tapioca, provides a quick source of energy to fuel workouts and replenish glycogen stores. By avoiding artificial additives, Naked Mass minimizes the risk of unwanted side effects and ensures that you're getting a pure, effective product.

Clean and Simple Formula

The simplicity of Naked Mass's formula is a significant advantage. With only three primary ingredients, it's easy to understand what you're consuming and how it will affect your body. This is particularly appealing to individuals who are sensitive to certain ingredients or who simply prefer to avoid artificial additives. The clean formula also makes it easier to customize your mass gainer by adding your own flavors, fruits, or other supplements. For example, you can blend it with berries, bananas, or nut butter to enhance the taste and nutritional value. This flexibility allows you to tailor your mass gainer to your specific needs and preferences.

Unflavored and Versatile

Naked Mass is typically unflavored, which can be both a pro and a con. On the one hand, the lack of added flavors means that it might not be as palatable as other mass gainers that are loaded with sweeteners and flavorings. On the other hand, it provides a blank canvas for you to create your own flavor combinations. You can mix it with your favorite fruits, vegetables, spices, or natural sweeteners to create a customized taste that you enjoy. This versatility makes Naked Mass a great option for those who want to control the flavor and ingredients of their mass gainer. Additionally, the unflavored nature of the product makes it easier to incorporate into a variety of recipes, such as smoothies, pancakes, and baked goods.

Ideal for Sensitive Individuals

Naked Mass is an excellent choice for individuals with sensitivities or allergies to common additives. By avoiding artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, it minimizes the risk of adverse reactions. This can be particularly important for those with digestive issues or those who are prone to allergies. The simple formula also makes it easier to identify potential triggers if you do experience any side effects. With Naked Mass, you can be confident that you're consuming a clean and pure product that is unlikely to cause unwanted reactions. This makes it a reliable option for those who prioritize their health and well-being.

2. Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal

While not specifically a mass gainer, Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal gets mentioned frequently as a solid base for adding calories and nutrients. It's a plant-based protein powder with a blend of organic whole foods. Redditors often recommend mixing it with other ingredients like oats, nut butter, and fruit to create a more calorie-dense shake. It's a good option if you're looking for a vegan or vegetarian-friendly way to gain weight.

Plant-Based and Nutrient-Rich

Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal stands out as a plant-based option packed with a variety of organic whole foods. It's not just a protein powder; it's a comprehensive blend of sprouted grains, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. This diverse ingredient list ensures that you're getting a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The plant-based protein sources, such as pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds, provide a complete amino acid profile to support muscle growth and recovery. Additionally, the inclusion of probiotics and enzymes aids in digestion and nutrient absorption, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking a natural and nutritious mass gainer.

Versatile Base for Customized Shakes

One of the key advantages of Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal is its versatility. While it can be consumed on its own, it's often used as a base for creating customized mass gainers. Redditors frequently recommend mixing it with other ingredients like oats, nut butter, fruits, and vegetables to increase the calorie and nutrient content. This allows you to tailor your shake to your specific needs and preferences. For example, you can add a banana and a tablespoon of almond butter for a quick and easy calorie boost, or you can blend it with spinach and berries for added vitamins and antioxidants. The possibilities are endless, making it a great option for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.

Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly

Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal is an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians looking to gain weight naturally. It's free from animal products and is made with certified organic ingredients. This ensures that you're consuming a product that aligns with your ethical and dietary values. The plant-based protein sources provide a complete amino acid profile, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, the inclusion of sprouted grains and seeds adds valuable nutrients and fiber to your diet. With Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal, you can be confident that you're fueling your body with a clean and sustainable source of nutrition.

Rich in Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants

Beyond protein, Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting overall health and well-being. The blend of organic fruits and vegetables provides a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. By consuming Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal, you're not just building muscle; you're also nourishing your body with a comprehensive blend of nutrients that support your long-term health.

3. Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Protein Powder

Orgain is another popular plant-based option that often gets mentioned. It's known for its relatively good taste compared to some other natural protein powders. It typically contains a blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds, along with some added flavors and sweeteners (though they aim to keep them natural). It's a convenient option for those who want a ready-to-go shake without having to add a bunch of extra ingredients.

Convenient and Ready-to-Go

Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Protein Powder is designed for convenience, making it an excellent option for those who want a quick and easy mass gainer solution. It's a ready-to-go shake that requires minimal preparation, saving you time and effort. Simply mix it with water or your favorite plant-based milk, and you're good to go. This convenience makes it ideal for busy individuals who don't have time to prepare elaborate meals or shakes. Additionally, the pre-mixed formula ensures that you're getting a consistent dose of nutrients with every serving.

Plant-Based Protein Blend

Orgain's protein powder features a blend of plant-based protein sources, including pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds. This combination provides a complete amino acid profile, ensuring that you're getting all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair. The plant-based protein sources are also easy to digest, making it a suitable option for those with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, the inclusion of chia seeds adds valuable nutrients and fiber to your diet, promoting digestive health and overall well-being.

Relatively Good Taste

One of the standout features of Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Protein Powder is its relatively good taste compared to other natural protein powders. The added flavors and sweeteners, which are aimed to be kept natural, make it more palatable and enjoyable to consume. This can be a significant advantage for those who struggle with the taste of unflavored protein powders. The delicious taste makes it easier to incorporate into your daily routine, ensuring that you're consistently meeting your protein and calorie goals.

Organic and Natural Ingredients

Orgain is committed to using organic and natural ingredients, ensuring that you're consuming a clean and sustainable product. The protein powder is certified organic, meaning that it's free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. The ingredients are also non-GMO, ensuring that you're not consuming genetically modified organisms. By choosing Orgain, you can be confident that you're fueling your body with a product that is both healthy and environmentally friendly.

DIY Natural Mass Gainers

Of course, you don't have to buy a pre-made mass gainer. Many Redditors swear by making their own. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and allows you to tailor the recipe to your specific needs and preferences. Some popular DIY ingredients include:

• Oats: A great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber.
• Nut Butters: Packed with healthy fats and calories.
• Fruits: Add natural sweetness and vitamins.
• Protein Powder: Choose your favorite natural protein source (whey, casein, pea, etc.).
• Milk (or Plant-Based Milk): Adds liquid and extra calories.
• Avocado: Healthy fats and a creamy texture.

Benefits of DIY

Making your own mass gainer offers several benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Complete Control: You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that you're only consuming what you want.
• Customization: You can tailor the recipe to your specific needs and preferences, adjusting the macronutrient ratios and calorie content.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own mass gainer can be more cost-effective than buying pre-made products.
• Freshness: You can ensure that your mass gainer is always fresh and made with high-quality ingredients.

Sample DIY Recipe

Here's a simple DIY mass gainer recipe that you can try:

• 1 cup oats
• 2 tablespoons nut butter
• 1 banana
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1/2 avocado

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Adjust the ingredients as needed to meet your calorie and macronutrient goals.

Important Considerations

Before you start chugging mass gainers, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Calorie Surplus: To gain weight, you need to consume more calories than you burn. A mass gainer can help you achieve this, but it's not a magic bullet.
• Macronutrient Balance: Pay attention to the macronutrient ratios (protein, carbs, and fats) in your mass gainer. Aim for a balance that supports muscle growth and overall health.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to the mass gainer. If you experience any digestive issues or other side effects, adjust the dosage or try a different product.
• Consult a Professional: If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before using a mass gainer.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best natural mass gainer is a personal journey. What works for one Redditor might not work for you. But, by doing your research, reading reviews, and experimenting with different products and DIY recipes, you can find a natural mass gainer that helps you reach your goals. Remember to prioritize whole foods, listen to your body, and consult with a professional if needed. Good luck, and happy gaining!