Whey protein and mass gainer are popular dietary supplements used to promote muscle growth. Despite their similarities, they are far from being interchangeable. This article provides the differences between the two.
Summary table
| Whey Protein | Mass Gainer |
| A supplement derived from whey, which is extracted from the coagulation of milk products such as cheese | A body-building supplement formed by mixing carbohydrates, fats, and protein |
| Protein content reaches up to 90% | Protein content is around 22% – 35% |
| Lower levels of fats and carbohydrates | Higher levels of fats and carbohydrates |
| Caloric content per sering: 100 to 150 | Caloric content per serving: 1,250 to 1,500 |
| Formulated to boost muscle growth and recuperation | An ideal weight gain and a post-workout supplement |
| Ideal during the bulking and cutting stages | Ideal during the bulking stage |
| Advisable for people who easily gain weight | Not advisable for people who easily gain weight |
Descriptions
Whey protein is a dietary supplement derived from whey, which is a liquid by-product of milk. A rich source of branch-chained amino acids, whey protein stimulates protein synthesis, which is essential for muscle growth and recuperation.
Whey protein contains carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
It is available in three major types: whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate.
Depending on its form, whey protein may contain 11% to 90% protein.
Mass gainer, on the other hand, is a workout supplement rich in protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. It is formulated to increase a person’s caloric intake, and it is popular amongst bodybuilders and athletes.
Mass gainer is typically used as either a weight gain or a post-workout supplement. Since it promotes caloric intake, it rapidly develops body mass, making it suitable for the bulking phase of a workout regimen.
Whey Protein vs Mass Gainer
So what’s the difference between whey protein and mass gainer?
Firstly, whey protein is a supplement derived from whey, which is extracted from the coagulation of milk products such as cheese, while mass gainer is a body-building supplement formed by mixing carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
Secondly, whey protein contains a high level of pure protein, reaching as high as 90%. Mass gainer, by contrast, is comprised of around 22% to 35% protein.
Between the two, mass gainer is a richer source of fats and carbohydrates since it was formulated to boost a person’s caloric intake. A serving of mass gainer contains around 1,250 to 1,500 calories.Whey protein, on the other hand, has approximately 100 to 150 calories per serving.
also, whey protein and mass gainer are designed for different purposes. While whey protein is formulated to boost muscle growth and recuperation, mass gainer is typically used as a weight gain and a post-workout supplement.
Since this is the case, whey protein and mass gainer are used in the different phases of a workout regimen. Even though whey protein can be used during the bulking and cutting stages, mass gainer is better during the bulking phase since it contains a high level of calories and carbohydrates.
Nonetheless, mass gainer is not advisable for people who easily gain weight. Whey protein, by contrast, is recommended even for those who are vulnerable in the area of accumulating unwanted fat.
