Best Weight Gainer Without Sugar (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed
If you’re looking to build muscle mass without the blood sugar spikes and empty calories that come with high-sugar weight gainers, low-sugar and sugar-free options offer the perfect solution. These specialized formulas deliver 700-1,500 calories per serving with minimal added sugars (under 10 grams), using complex carbohydrates and natural sweeteners to fuel muscle growth while maintaining stable energy levels and supporting overall health.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer — zero added sugar with quality ingredients
- Best Value: Naked Mass — naturally sweetened with coconut sugar
- Best Premium: Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer — digestive enzymes and low sugar
Quick Comparison
| Product | Calories | Protein | Added Sugar | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transparent Labs Mass Gainer | 770 | 53g | 0g | Zero sugar option |
| Naked Mass Chocolate | 1,360 | 50g | 0g | Natural sweetening |
| Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer | 488 | 40g | 7.5g | Clean ingredients |
| Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass | 1,250 | 50g | 8g | Low sugar mainstream |
| Naked Vegan Mass | 1,230 | 50g | 0g | Plant-based option |
| Mutant Mass | 1,060 | 56g | 9g | Multi-phase protein |
| Advance Nutratech Lean Mass | 400 | 30g | 0g | Lean gains |
| Iron Vegan Athlete’s Gainer | 720 | 42g | 1g | Vegan low sugar |
| Optimum Gold Standard Gainer | 700 | 53g | 4g | Quality lean mass |
| MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass | 700 | 50g | 0g | Beef protein isolate |
1. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer — Best Overall
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Transparent Labs delivers zero added sugar while providing 770 calories and 53 grams of grass-fed whey protein per serving.
This premium formula uses complex carbohydrates from oat flour, tapioca maltodextrin, and sweet potato for sustained energy without sugar spikes. Sweetened naturally with stevia and monk fruit, it provides clean calories for muscle growth. Each serving includes 3 grams of creatine monohydrate to enhance strength and recovery. The third-party tested, non-GMO formula maintains complete transparency with no proprietary blends.
What We Like
- Zero added sugar with natural sweeteners
- 53g grass-fed whey protein per serving
- 3g creatine monohydrate included
- Quality carbs from whole food sources
What Could Be Better
- Lower calories at 770 vs competitors
- Premium price reflects quality ingredients
Bottom Line: The cleanest mass gainer on the market with zero added sugar, perfect for those prioritizing ingredient quality and blood sugar control.
2. Naked Mass Chocolate — Best Natural Sweetening
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Naked Mass uses only grass-fed whey and organic maltodextrin with zero added sugar or artificial ingredients.
This minimalist formula delivers 1,360 calories and 50 grams of protein using just three ingredients: grass-fed whey protein concentrate, organic maltodextrin, and natural cocoa. The GMO-free, gluten-free, and soy-free powder contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Third-party tested by Eurofins Scientific and manufactured in CGMP facilities, it ensures maximum purity and quality.
What We Like
- 1,360 calories with zero added sugar
- Only three clean ingredients
- Grass-fed whey protein source
- No artificial sweeteners or flavors
What Could Be Better
- Natural cocoa less sweet than flavored options
- Higher price per serving
Bottom Line: The purest mass gainer available with maximum calories and zero artificial ingredients for serious clean bulking.
3. Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer — Best Clean Formula
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Crazy Nutrition delivers 488 calories with only 7.5 grams of sugar and includes digestive enzymes for improved absorption.
This formula combines 40 grams of protein from whey concentrate and milk protein concentrate with 56 grams of carbohydrates from whole food sources. The DigeZyme enzyme blend helps prevent bloating and stomach discomfort common with mass gainers. With minimal sugar content and clean ingredient sourcing, it supports lean muscle growth without excess fat gain.
What We Like
- Only 7.5g sugar from whole foods
- DigeZyme digestive enzymes included
- 40g protein from quality sources
- Prevents bloating and discomfort
What Could Be Better
- Lower 488 calories per serving
- Smaller container sizes available
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting clean ingredients with digestive support and minimal sugar without extreme calorie loading.
4. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass — Best Low-Sugar Mainstream
- HIGH CALORIE WEIGHT GAINER: More than 1,200 calories per 2-scoop serving
- 50 grams of blended protein per 2-scoop serving
- Over 250 grams of carbohydrates per 2-scoop serving
- With over 20 vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C and Zinc to provide immune support
- MORE VERSATILITY: Using an electric blender, add fresh or frozen fruits, peanut butter, nuts, and other calorie dense foods to boost your weight gain potential
Optimum Nutrition’s flagship gainer provides 1,250 calories with only 8 grams of added sugar.
This proven formula delivers 50 grams of protein and 252 grams of carbohydrates with minimal sugar content compared to competitors. Each serving includes 1 gram of creatine monohydrate, 10.7 grams of BCAAs, and 25 essential vitamins and minerals. Available in multiple flavors, it offers accessibility and reliability at an affordable price point.
What We Like
- Only 8g sugar despite 1,250 calories
- 50g protein with creatine and BCAAs
- Widely available and trusted brand
- Excellent price per serving value
What Could Be Better
- Uses maltodextrin for carbohydrates
- Contains artificial flavoring
Bottom Line: The most accessible low-sugar mass gainer offering proven results at mainstream pricing.
5. Naked Vegan Mass — Best Plant-Based Low-Sugar
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Naked provides 1,230 calories with zero added sugar from completely plant-based sources.
This certified vegan formula uses pea protein and brown rice protein delivering 50 grams of complete plant protein. Sweetened only with coconut sugar (naturally occurring, not added), it provides clean vegan calories without artificial sweeteners. The GMO-free, gluten-free, and soy-free powder undergoes third-party testing for purity and quality assurance.
What We Like
- 1,230 calories fully plant-based
- Zero added sugar (coconut sugar natural)
- 50g complete plant protein blend
- Certified vegan and allergen-free
What Could Be Better
- Plant protein texture different from whey
- Premium pricing for vegan formula
Bottom Line: The top vegan mass gainer with maximum calories and zero added sugar for plant-based athletes.
6. Mutant Mass — Best Multi-Phase Low-Sugar
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Mutant delivers 1,060 calories with only 9 grams of sugar using multiple protein sources for extended release.
This formula combines whey concentrate, whey isolate, milk protein concentrate, and micellar casein for sustained amino acid delivery. With 56 grams of protein and 182 grams of carbohydrates, it provides substantial nutrition while keeping sugar content minimal. The 15-pound bag offers excellent value for bulk purchasers.
What We Like
- Only 9g sugar with 1,060 calories
- Multi-phase protein for sustained release
- 56g protein from quality sources
- Large 15lb bag for value
What Could Be Better
- Uses sucralose artificial sweetener
- Very sweet flavor profile
Bottom Line: Excellent low-sugar option with sustained protein delivery and bulk purchasing value.
7. Advance Nutratech Lean Mass Gainer — Best Sugar-Free Budget
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Advance Nutratech provides 400 calories with zero added sugar at an accessible price point.
This lean mass formula delivers 30 grams of protein from whey and soy with 60% less sugar than competing products. Sweetened with natural cocoa only, it contains no aspartame, artificial sweeteners, gluten, or growth hormones. The CGT formula (creatine, glutamine, taurine) supports muscle building and recovery.
What We Like
- Zero added sugar formula
- Budget-friendly pricing
- CGT amino formula included
- No aspartame or artificial sweeteners
What Could Be Better
- Lower 400 calories per serving
- Uses soy protein blend
Bottom Line: Best affordable sugar-free option for those wanting lean mass without excessive calories.
8. Iron Vegan Athlete’s Gainer — Best Vegan Low-Sugar
No products found.
Iron Vegan delivers 720 calories with only 1 gram of total sugar from plant-based sources.
This formula provides 42 grams of protein from pea and brown rice alongside greens, fruit concentrates, plant oils, and sprouted grains and seeds. Sweetened with stevia, it maintains minimal sugar while delivering substantial calories. The gluten-free, non-GMO product is Informed Sport certified for athletes.
What We Like
- Only 1g total sugar per serving
- 42g plant protein from quality sources
- Includes greens and fruit concentrates
- Informed Sport certified
What Could Be Better
- Stevia aftertaste for some users
- Lower calories at 720 per serving
Bottom Line: Premium vegan gainer with minimal sugar and comprehensive nutrition from whole food sources.
9. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pro Gainer — Best Quality Low-Sugar
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Optimum’s premium gainer provides 700 calories with only 4 grams of added sugar.
This formula emphasizes protein quality with 53 grams of premium whey protein and reduced carbohydrates at 109 grams. The digestive enzyme blend prevents bloating and improves nutrient absorption. With minimal sugar content and focus on lean mass, it supports quality muscle growth without excess fat gain.
What We Like
- Only 4g sugar per serving
- 53g premium whey protein
- Digestive enzymes included
- Better protein-to-carb ratio
What Could Be Better
- Lower 700 calories may need supplementing
- Higher price per calorie
Bottom Line: Best for those prioritizing protein quality and minimal sugar over maximum calorie density.
10. MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass — Best Zero-Sugar Beef
No products found.
MuscleMeds provides 700 calories with zero sugar using beef protein isolate as the primary source.
This unique formula delivers 50 grams of protein from beef isolate, making it lactose-free and suitable for dairy-sensitive individuals. With 125 grams of carbohydrates and zero fat, it provides clean nutrition without sugar. The halal-certified formula offers an alternative protein source for those avoiding dairy or plant proteins.
What We Like
- Zero sugar and zero fat formula
- 50g beef protein isolate
- Lactose-free and halal certified
- Unique protein source alternative
What Could Be Better
- Beef protein taste differs from whey
- Limited flavor options
Bottom Line: The best zero-sugar option for those seeking beef protein or avoiding dairy and plant proteins.
How to Choose the Best Weight Gainer Without Sugar
Start by examining the nutrition label’s sugar content carefully. Look for products with under 10 grams of added sugar per serving—ideally under 5 grams or zero. Distinguish between total sugars and added sugars, as some natural carbohydrate sources like oats contain inherent sugars that aren’t problematic. Avoid gainers listing sugar, dextrose, or high fructose corn syrup in the first five ingredients. Check the sweetener type—natural options like stevia and monk fruit are preferable to artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame.
Carbohydrate sources matter significantly when avoiding sugar. Complex carbohydrates from oats, sweet potato, quinoa, or tapioca digest more slowly and maintain stable blood sugar compared to simple sugars or maltodextrin. However, maltodextrin-based gainers can still work if total sugar content remains low—they provide fast-digesting energy post-workout without the blood sugar crash of added sugars. Consider your timing needs and digestive sensitivity when choosing carbohydrate sources.
Protein content and quality deserve close attention in low-sugar gainers. Look for at least 40-50 grams of complete protein from quality sources like whey isolate, whey concentrate, or plant protein blends. Higher protein ratios (protein-to-carb ratios of 1:2 or better) support leaner muscle gains and better satiety. Check whether the formula includes additional recovery support like creatine monohydrate (3-5g per serving) or BCAAs (10g+) to enhance results.
Additional ingredients can enhance or detract from low-sugar gainers. Digestive enzymes like lactase, protease, and amylase improve nutrient absorption and reduce bloating—particularly valuable in high-calorie formulas. Look for products with added vitamins and minerals to support overall health during bulking phases. Avoid excessive artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives that add no nutritional value. Premium gainers often include whole food ingredients like greens or fruit concentrates for micronutrient support.
Calorie density determines how the gainer fits your bulking strategy. Lower-calorie options (400-700 per serving) work well for those wanting controlled weight gain or who already eat substantial meals. Higher-calorie options (1,000-1,500 per serving) suit extreme hardgainers who struggle to eat enough solid food. Consider whether you’ll use the gainer as a meal replacement or supplement, and choose calorie levels accordingly. Starting with moderate servings and adjusting based on results prevents excessive fat gain.
Benefits of Low-Sugar Weight Gainers
Blood sugar stability represents the primary advantage of low-sugar mass gainers. High-sugar formulas cause rapid insulin spikes followed by energy crashes, disrupting workout performance and creating cravings for more sugar. Low-sugar options using complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy for 3-4 hours without the rollercoaster effect. This stable blood sugar supports better focus during training, consistent energy throughout the day, and reduced risk of developing insulin resistance over time.
Body composition improvements occur more reliably with low-sugar gainers compared to high-sugar alternatives. Excessive sugar intake promotes fat storage even in caloric surplus, leading to unfavorable muscle-to-fat ratios during bulking. Low-sugar formulas direct calories toward muscle protein synthesis rather than fat accumulation. The improved protein-to-carb ratios in many low-sugar gainers further support lean mass development by providing adequate amino acids without excess simple carbohydrates.
Long-term health protection matters even during bulking phases. Consistently high sugar intake damages metabolic health, increases inflammation, and raises risks for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Low-sugar gainers allow you to achieve caloric surplus and build muscle while maintaining healthier blood markers. This approach supports sustainable bulking cycles you can maintain for months without compromising overall health or creating metabolic issues that persist after reaching goal weight.
Digestive comfort improves significantly with low-sugar, complex carbohydrate formulas. High-sugar gainers often cause bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort due to rapid fermentation in the digestive system. Complex carbohydrates digest more gradually, reducing gastrointestinal stress. Many low-sugar gainers also include digestive enzymes that further enhance comfort and nutrient absorption, making it easier to consume high calories consistently without digestive rebellion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build muscle with sugar-free weight gainers?
Yes, you can effectively build muscle with sugar-free weight gainers when combined with resistance training and adequate total calorie intake. Sugar is not necessary for muscle growth—what matters is achieving caloric surplus and consuming sufficient protein (1.6-2.2g per kg body weight). Complex carbohydrates in sugar-free gainers provide the same muscle-building energy as sugar without the negative metabolic effects. Research confirms that total calories and protein intake matter more than sugar content for muscle protein synthesis.
Are sugar-free weight gainers better for fat loss while bulking?
Sugar-free gainers support better body composition during bulking by promoting lean muscle gain over fat accumulation. While you can’t lose fat in true caloric surplus, low-sugar formulas minimize fat gain relative to muscle gain. The stable blood sugar from complex carbohydrates and higher protein ratios direct more calories toward muscle tissue rather than fat storage. This results in cleaner bulks requiring less aggressive cutting phases afterward.
Do artificial sweeteners in sugar-free gainers affect muscle growth?
Current research shows no negative impact of artificial sweeteners on muscle growth when consumed in moderate amounts typical of weight gainers. Concerns about artificial sweeteners affecting gut health or insulin response are largely unfounded at normal consumption levels. However, some people experience digestive discomfort or bloating from certain sweeteners like sucralose. If you’re sensitive, choose naturally sweetened options with stevia or monk fruit instead.
How much sugar is too much in a weight gainer?
Aim for weight gainers with under 10 grams of added sugar per serving, ideally under 5 grams or zero. Gainers with 20+ grams of added sugar per serving provide excessive simple carbohydrates that spike blood sugar and promote fat storage. Some total sugar is acceptable if it comes from natural food sources like oats or coconut sugar rather than added refined sugars. Check the ingredients list to distinguish added versus naturally occurring sugars.
Will low-sugar gainers provide enough energy for workouts?
Yes, low-sugar gainers provide excellent workout energy through complex carbohydrates that digest at moderate rates. While they don’t spike blood sugar as quickly as high-sugar options, they deliver sustained energy throughout training sessions. Many athletes find complex carbohydrates provide better endurance and prevent mid-workout crashes. For immediate pre-workout energy, consume the gainer 60-90 minutes before training rather than immediately before.
Can diabetics use sugar-free weight gainers?
Sugar-free weight gainers are generally more suitable for diabetics than high-sugar alternatives, but individuals with diabetes should consult healthcare providers before using any mass gainer. Even sugar-free options contain substantial carbohydrates that affect blood glucose. Monitor blood sugar responses carefully and adjust serving sizes accordingly. Look for gainers with higher fiber content and complex carbohydrates that minimize blood sugar spikes. Consider splitting servings throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once.
Do natural sweeteners like stevia affect insulin response?
No, natural non-caloric sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit do not significantly affect insulin response or blood sugar levels. Unlike sugar, these sweeteners provide sweet taste without calories or glycemic impact. Some research suggests they may even improve insulin sensitivity over time. However, a small percentage of people find stevia has a bitter aftertaste. If taste matters significantly, try samples before buying large containers.
Should I choose maltodextrin-based or whole food carb gainers?
Maltodextrin-based gainers work well post-workout when you need rapid glycogen replenishment, despite technically being a simple carbohydrate. Whole food carbohydrate gainers (oats, sweet potato, quinoa) provide superior nutrition with vitamins, minerals, and fiber but digest more slowly. For most people, whole food carb gainers offer better overall health and stable energy. Use maltodextrin-based options specifically for post-workout timing, and whole food versions for meal replacements or general mass gaining.
