5 Best Muscle Gainer Supplements [Expert Approved]
Posted by Leonard Shemtob on Dec 26, 2024
Building muscle and gaining strength takes hard work, but the right supplements can make a big difference in your progress. Muscle gainer supplements provide the extra nutrients and calories your body needs to fuel growth and recovery.
In this article, we’ve selected the 5 best muscle gainer supplements of 2025, all backed by expert recommendations.
[Related Article] 5 Best Muscle Builder Supplements for Serious Bodybuilders
Short Summary
- Purpose: Muscle gainer supplements help you build muscle and gain weight effectively.
- Expert Recommendations: The article features five top supplements approved by fitness experts for 2025.
- Benefits: Using the right muscle gainer can enhance your workout results and support your fitness journey.
- Buying Guide: Learn how to choose the right muscle gainer to achieve your fitness goals.
- Top Choice: Our best muscle gainer is Anafuse, a powerful supplement that promotes mass gains, boosts endurance, and speeds up recovery with its unique blend of all-natural ingredients.
What Are Muscle Gainer Supplements?
Muscle gainer supplements are products designed to help you build muscle faster and recover better after workouts. They are usually made with a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, which provide the extra calories your body needs to grow muscle.
These supplements work by giving your body the right nutrients to fuel strenuous workouts and help repair muscles afterward. The extra calories and protein in muscle gainers help increase muscle size and strength over time.
Benefits of Muscle Gainers
Muscle gainers offer several benefits, especially if you want to build muscle quickly and effectively:
- Faster Muscle Growth: Muscle gainers provide the extra calories and protein needed to speed up muscle growth, helping you gain size faster.
- Increased Strength: With the added nutrients, muscle gainers support your workouts, helping you get stronger over time.
- Better Recovery: After intense workouts, muscle gainers help your muscles recover by giving them the nutrients they need to heal and grow.
- Enhanced exercise performance: They can help improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and support faster recovery between workouts.
- Supports Healthy Weight Gain: For people who want to gain weight in the form of muscle (not fat), muscle gainers provide the right balance of protein and carbs to support healthy weight gain.
Our List for the Best Muscle Builder Supplements
Natural
- AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy – Best Natural Muscle Builder Overall
- AlphaBulk by Olympus Labs – Best Natural Muscle Builder for Lean Muscle Growth
- Glaxon Anomaly – Best Natural Muscle Builder for Muscle Strength and Recovery
Hormonal
- Androvar™ by Hard Rock Supplements – Best Hormonal Muscle Builder Overall
- Super Mandro by Hard Rock Supplements – Best Hormonal Muscle Builder for Lean Muscle Mass + Muscle Hardness.
1. AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy
Anafuse by Vital Alchemy is a dual-agent bulking stack formulated to support muscle growth and retention. It combines several anabolic ingredients intended to work synergistically to enhance muscle development.
The formulation aims to support lean muscle mass gains through a comprehensive approach. It is designed to improve muscle endurance and exercise capacity by potentially reducing muscle fatigue.
Anafuse is formulated to inhibit and reduce Myostatin, a protein that can limit muscle growth potential. It also aims to accelerate muscle repair, potentially leading to the development of stronger and denser muscle tissue.
The ingredients are intended to increase blood flow to muscles during workouts, delivering essential nutrients and promoting muscle pumps. This increased blood flow may also contribute to improved muscle recovery and reduced muscle soreness.
Key Ingredients of AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy
Epicatechin: A flavanol found in dark chocolate and green tea, epicatechin is known for its potential to inhibit myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth. By reducing myostatin levels, it may help maximize your muscle-building potential.
Turkesterone: This is a natural compound derived from plants, often used for its anabolic properties. Turkesterone may help increase muscle mass and improve exercise performance without the side effects associated with synthetic steroids.
HICA (Alpha-Hydroxy-Isocaproic Acid): HICA is an amino acid metabolite that may help reduce muscle soreness and enhance recovery after workouts. It supports muscle retention during cutting phases and promotes lean muscle gains.
Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be particularly beneficial for athletes. By reducing exercise-induced inflammation, quercetin may improve endurance and overall performance. Furthermore, it supports immune health, helping individuals recover more effectively after strenuous physical activity.
Eriobotrya Japonica (Loquat Extract): Eriobotrya Japonica, commonly known as loquat, is a fruit rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. The extract from this fruit may support respiratory health and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. By including loquat extract in AnaFuse, the supplement aims to provide additional health benefits that complement the primary goals of muscle growth and recovery.
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a crucial fat-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in calcium absorption and bone health. It is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it also supports immune function. Additionally, research suggests that adequate levels of vitamin D can enhance muscle strength and overall athletic performance.
Black Pepper Extract (Piperine): Black pepper extract contains piperine, a natural compound that enhances the bioavailability of various nutrients. By increasing the absorption of other active ingredients in supplements, piperine plays a crucial role in maximizing their effectiveness. Additionally, piperine has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Key Benefits of AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy
- This supplement increases your mass gains.
- It helps reduce your body fat.
- It enhances your muscle endurance.
- It improves your muscle hardness.
- It boosts your muscle pumps.
- It helps inhibit myostatin.
- It speeds up your muscle recovery.
- It increases your protein synthesis.
Customer Reviews: AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy
Great product
“Stacked this with daa max and my smashed my pr's. Would be nice to have a 2 month supply but this product does what it says.”
-Gerek
results
“i notice massive muscle hardening in a short period of time, i know this is from the anafuse because this is the only supplement/ product i am using”
-Dustin
AnaFuse changed my mind
“This stuff works. I'm happy! I'm kinda old school. Saying that hard work and protein is all I need. But I was wrong. Anafuse helps. Safely.”
-Jim
2. AlphaBulk by Olympus Labs
AlphaBulk is designed to deliver potent lean mass gains alongside fat loss, offering a unique combination of cutting-edge ingredients. It features an industry-first anabolic agent, α-Cedrene, dosed at a clinically effective level.
Research has shown that it can enhance skeletal muscle mass and strength while also promoting fat loss. Working alongside α-Cedrene is α-Ionone, which is presented in its most effective liquid form. This ingredient supports muscle protein synthesis and acts as an anti-catabolic and lipotropic agent.
AlphaBulk also includes innovative Liquigel capsules designed to maximize the benefits of the ingredients. This delivery system aims to improve absorption compared to traditional supplement forms.
Key Ingredients of AlphaBulk by Olympus Labs
- α-Cedrene (70%): Derived from Virginia cedar oil, α-cedrene is known for its aromatic properties. While primarily recognized for its scent, it enhances skeletal muscle mass and strength while promoting fat loss.
- α-Ionone (80%): This compound is found in various essential oils and fruits. This ingredient is provided in a potent liquid form to support muscle protein synthesis. It also acts as an anti-catabolic agent, helping to preserve muscle tissue, and serves as a lipotropic agent to assist in fat metabolism. It is believed to contribute to muscle health and may enhance overall physical performance.
- PhytoFUSE: Extracted from black ginger root, PhytoFUSE is rich in methoxyflavones, which are suggested to support muscle recovery and improve endurance during workouts.
- UroBolin: Derived from Shilajit extract, UroBolin is associated with potential benefits for muscle health and overall well-being. It may help enhance energy levels and support recovery processes.
Key Benefits of AlphaBulk by Olympus Labs
- It increases your muscle protein synthesis.
- It helps boost your anabolic signaling.
- It enhances your lean muscle growth.
- It improves your strength.
- It helps enhance myogenesis.
- It increases your fat oxidation.
- It enhances your lipolysis.
- It accelerates your muscle recovery.
- It boosts your exercise performance.
Customer Reviews: AlphaBulk by Olympus Labs
Alpha Bulk
“I recently purchased Alpha Bulk two weeks ago and all I can say is WOW!!!! The only up downside about the pills are the taste, I’m taking 3 pills daily on an empty stomach. I like to train that way. They give me more endurance and can get out an extra rep or two before failure. No size yet, I’m only two weeks in. I ordered 2 bottles to run so I’m hoping to get a bit vascular full size.”
-LaMichael W.
Quality supplement
“I’m using this a in my pct and it’s been 3 weeks and I haven’t lost any weight.”
-DJ
Stellar Pumps and Vascularity!
“About 3 weeks in and man the pumps in the gym are incredible. Feel like Alphabulk really is starting to bring out my physique. Noticing it feels better when I am in a caloric surplus. Also I am just now seeing the strength increases. Each week the weight and reps are going up on my bench and squat. Excited to see how 8 weeks treats me.”
-Tony H.
3. Glaxon Anomaly
Anomaly is a performance-enhancing supplement designed for individuals focused on strength, recovery, and building lean muscle. This formula combines innovative ingredients to support fitness goals. The formula combines several ingredients, including PeptiStrong™ and GG Gold®.
PeptiStrong is a peptide network extracted from Fava Bean Hydrolysate. This ingredient is known for its anti-catabolic properties and its ability to stimulate muscle tissue growth by targeting specific muscle-related genes.
GG Gold® is an Annatto extract standardized for geranylgeraniol. This ingredient is also intended to contribute to the anti-catabolic properties of the supplement."
Key Ingredients of Glaxon Anomaly
- Fava Bean Hydrolysate (as PeptiStrong) – 2,400 mgPeptiStrong is a unique network of peptides derived from fava beans. It is designed to optimize muscle protein synthesis, promote muscle growth, and enhance recovery.
- Achiote Tree Seed Extract (Bixa Orellana) – 500 mg: Standardized to contain 30% geranylgeraniol (yielding 150 mg), this extract has been shown to stimulate energy metabolism and support muscle growth. Geranylgeraniol helps increase testosterone production and suppresses atrogin-1, a protein that promotes muscle loss. This dual action aids in enhancing endurance and overall performance.
Key Benefits of Glaxon Anomaly
- It improves muscle growth and strength.
- It increases muscle protein synthesis.
- It accelerates your muscle recovery.
- It increases your energy metabolism.
- It enhances your calorie burn.
- It improves your cardiovascular health.
- It also supports your digestive health.
- It boosts your mood and overall cognitive functions.
- It enhances your immune health.
4. Androvar™ by Hard Rock Supplements
Androvar™ is the anabolic agent designed to give you more in every way—more muscle, more strength, and more options for your cycle. The key ingredient in Androvar™ is Epiandrosterone, which converts into Stanolone in the body. Stanolone is significantly stronger and more androgenic than testosterone, leading to lean, dry, and hard muscle gains.
Androvar™ doesn’t just provide dry gains. Epiandrosterone doesn’t convert to estrogen; in fact, it helps reduce estrogen levels in the body.
This promotes the shedding of stubborn body fat and water weight and can even help reduce the risk of gynecomastia. One of the most notable effects of Epiandrosterone is its ability to increase muscle density and boost strength, allowing your muscles to become fuller, harder, and more solid.
Key Ingredients of Androvar™ by Hard Rock Supplements
- 3b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-17-one (also known as Androsterone): This compound is a natural steroid hormone that acts as a precursor to testosterone. It is known for its potential to increase muscle mass, strength, and overall athletic performance. By boosting testosterone levels, it can enhance recovery and promote a leaner physique.
- Bergamottin (6,7-Dihydroxy-bergamottin): Bergamottin is a compound found in grapefruit that acts as an inhibitor of the enzyme CYP3A4. This inhibition can enhance the bioavailability of other active ingredients in the supplement, allowing for better absorption and effectiveness. Additionally, bergamottin may contribute to improved metabolic health.
Key Benefits of Androvar™ by Hard Rock Supplements
- It enhances lean muscle mass.
- It helps reduce muscle hardness.
- It improves your strength.
- It boosts your fat loss.
- It helps improve muscle definition.
- It enhances your vascularity.
- It increases your exercise intensity.
- It improves your muscle pumps.
- It increases your protein synthesis.
- It also supports your sex drive.
- It helps improve your overall sense of well-being.
Customer Reviews: Androvar™ by Hard Rock Supplements
Great product
“Great product, got awesome results the first time I used it. Looking forward to starting the next cycle”
-Jox
Androvar
“Great product from a great supplement shop. I add *********** while also cutting. Highly recommend this product. It does what they promote. And the the price is cheap.”
-Rubberneck
Greta product
“Great product. Kept my body fat down and added muscle. Definitely felt some good pumps. Definitely recommend.”
-Surfersoldier92
5. Super Mandro by Hard Rock Supplements
Super Mandro by Hard Rock Supplements is a powerful formula that has helped customers gain significant muscle in just 30 days. This formula is up to 7 times more anabolic than natural testosterone.
The Super Mandro formula, tested with a group of 17 men over 30 days at West Texas A&M University, showed an average gain of 8.8 lbs of solid lean muscle while losing 4.4 lbs of body fat. These results demonstrate some serious gains with no water retention. Participants also experienced strength increases ranging from 20 to 50 pounds on major lifts.
The effectiveness of this advanced muscle gainer due to its unique ingredient stack and precise dosages. The primary ingredient converts into a compound that acts as a potent lean bulking agent, over 7 times more anabolic than testosterone, promoting solid lean muscle gains.
Ingredients like 1-Androsterone typically require high dosages to be effective, as the body often breaks down much of the compound. To address this, Hard Rock Supplements enhanced the formula with the Liposomal Stealth Delivery System, a technology that protects the compound from breakdown as it passes through the body, ensuring it reaches its full potential.
Key Ingredients of Super Mandro by Hard Rock Supplements
3-beta-hydroxy-5-alpha-androst-1-en-17-one (1-Andro): This ingredient is a derivative of DHEA that undergoes a two-step conversion process to become a compound that is seven times more anabolic than testosterone. One of the key benefits of 1-Andro is that it does not convert to estrogen, which means users typically experience minimal water retention. As a result, the muscle gains achieved with this compound are lean and dry, making them easier to maintain during and after post-cycle therapy.
Key Benefits of Super Mandro by Hard Rock Supplements
- It increases lean muscle mass.
- It enhances muscle hardness.
- It improves your strength.
- It enhances your muscle pumps.
- It improves your muscle definition.
- It supports your fat loss.
- It enhances your protein synthesis.
Customer Reviews: Super Mandro by Hard Rock Supplements
12 lbs in 4 weeks
“Built a lot of mass. Gained about 12 lbs in 4 weeks without experiencing any side effects. All of my major compound lifts improved and strength went up dramatically. Liked my first cycle so much that I plan on running it again this year for the 2nd time.”
-Anthony C.
Best Supplement
“Have been using this for past two months on my second bottle and have seen 12 pounds of sold muscle gains and crazy strength gains. Best product on the market.”
-Jason
Major Strength Gains!
“Loved it. No dislikes whatsoever. Noticed major strength gains with no side effects. Put on about 5 to 7 pounds of lean muscle within a 6 week cycle”
-Dan L.
How to Choose the Best Muscle Gainer
Choosing the right muscle gainer can help you build muscle effectively. Here are some simple tips to consider:
- Consider Your Goals: If you want to gain size and strength, look for a muscle gainer that has a high amount of calories and protein. If you want to stay lean while gaining muscle, choose one with a balanced ratio of carbs, protein, and fats.
- Check the Ingredients: Look for muscle gainers that contain high-quality protein sources, like whey protein or casein, and healthy carbohydrates. Ingredients like creatine and BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) can also be beneficial.
- Read Reviews: Check customer reviews and feedback to see how well the product works for others.
- Avoid Excessive Sugars: Some muscle gainers are high in sugar, which can lead to unwanted fat gain. Check the sugar content and choose one that focuses on clean calories.
FAQs: Muscle Gainer
Q: Will a muscle gainer make me fat?
A: Consuming more calories from any source, including muscle gainers, can lead to fat gain. It's important to choose a gainer that fits your calorie needs and combine it with a proper diet and exercise program.
Q: Can I replace meals with a muscle gainer?
A: While convenient, muscle gainers shouldn't completely replace whole-food meals. They are meant to supplement your diet, not replace it entirely.
Q: Can I use a muscle gainer while cutting fat?
A: If you're cutting fat and still want to gain muscle, you may want to choose a leaner muscle gainer with a higher protein-to-carb ratio. This will support muscle growth without adding too many extra calories that could lead to fat gain.
Q: Can I use muscle gainers with other supplements?
A: Yes, muscle gainers can be combined with other supplements like protein powders and pre-workouts. Just be sure to monitor your total calorie and protein intake to avoid over-consuming.
Q: Are muscle gainers safe?
A: Generally, yes, when used as directed by healthy individuals. However, it's important to choose a reputable brand and follow the recommended serving size. If you have any health concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before using them.
Q: What's the difference between a muscle gainer and a mass gainer?
A: While the terms are often used interchangeably, there's a slight difference:
- Mass gainer: Focuses on overall weight gain by providing a high number of calories, often with a higher proportion of carbohydrates. Good for people who struggle to gain weight in general.
- Muscle gainer: Focuses more specifically on building muscle by providing a good amount of protein along with calories. It usually has a more balanced ratio of protein to carbohydrates.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we’ve explored what muscle gainers are and how they can support your muscle-building goals. Muscle gainers provide essential nutrients, including protein and calories, to help promote muscle growth and recovery.
There are different options available, ranging from those focused on lean muscle gains to those that also help with weight gain. With various options available, muscle gainers differ in calorie content, protein levels, and additional ingredients.
Choosing the right one depends on your goals, body type, and preferences. Overall, muscle gainers are an effective tool for anyone looking to enhance their muscle-building efforts.
Sources:
https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/anafuse-by-vital-labs
https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/alphabulk-by-olympus-labs
https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/glaxon-anomaly
https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/androvar-by-hard-rock-supplements
https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/super-mandro-by-hard-rock-supplements
Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob
Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding.
Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.