Critical Mass Professional Lean Mass Gainer Strawberry 6kg (40 Servings) vs Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder High Calorie Mass Gainer
Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Critical Mass Professional Lean Mass Gainer Strawberry 6kg (40 Servings) and Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder High Calorie Mass Gainer.
Last verified: 07 Apr 2026 · Based on 23 reviews
Critical Mass Professional Lean Mass Gainer Strawberry 6kg (40 Servings) scores 74.0/100 vs Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder High Calorie Mass Gainer at 72.0/100. Critical Mass Professional Lean Mass Gainer Strawberry 6kg (40 Servings) wins on ingredient quality, side effects, certifications. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder High Calorie Mass Gainer is stronger on effectiveness and value for money.
Which is better: Critical Mass Professional ... or Optimum Nutrition Serious M...?
Applied Nutrition Critical Mass edges ahead with a 74 vs 72 overall score, thanks to its Informed Sport certification and broader formula including creatine, HMB, and CLA. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass suits those prioritising proven effectiveness (80 vs 73) and palatability, with years of loyal users reporting consistent gains.
— AIScored Editorial Team
How Do the Scores Compare?
Critical Mass Professional ...
Applied Nutrition
|
Optimum Nutrition Serious M...
Optimum Nutrition
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 74.0 | 72.0 |
| Effectiveness | 73.0/100 |
80.0/100
Best
|
| Ingredient Quality |
76.0/100
Best
|
68.0/100 |
| Value for Money | 71.0/100 |
72.0/100
Best
|
| Side Effects |
77.0/100
Best
|
58.0/100 |
| Certifications |
83.0/100
Best
|
70.0/100 |
| Best Price |
£52.95
Amazon UK →
Cheapest
|
£52.95
Amazon UK →
Cheapest
|
| Form | Powder | N/A |
| Dose | None | N/A |
| Third-Party Tested | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Reviews Analysed | 9 | 14 |
Critical Mass Professional Lean ...
Pros
- ✓1,000+ calories per serving well-suited to hard gainers who struggle to hit caloric surplus
- ✓Informed Sport registered — meaningful third-party quality and contamination testing
- ✓Comprehensive formula beyond just protein: creatine monohydrate, HMB, glutamine, CLA, and MCT
- ✓Reduced-sugar formulation compared to older mass gainers — favourable for lean bulk
Cons
- ✗Taste inconsistency across batches — some report a chemical or medicinal aftertaste in the strawberry flavour
- ✗150g per serving is a very high volume, potentially difficult for smaller individuals or those with lower appetite
- ✗Not vegan — whey-based formula unsuitable for plant-based users
- ✗1,000+ kcal per serving requires careful use; excess can lead to unwanted fat gain if training volume is not sufficient
Best For
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass P...
Pros
- ✓Highly effective for calorie surplus and weight gain, with multiple reviewers reporting measurable mass gains (e.g. 2 stone in 3 months with training)
- ✓Strong long-term loyalty — several reviewers report 5–10+ years of consistent use
- ✓Good flavour profile (strawberry and banana rated as milkshake-like)
- ✓Excellent calorie density (1,250 kcal/serving) makes it practical for those who struggle to eat enough food
Cons
- ✗Inconsistent quality between batches — at least one reviewer reported a virtually flavourless delivery
- ✗Mixing challenges: oversized scoop won't fit most shaker bottles, and blender is often needed to avoid clumping
- ✗Digestive discomfort (bloating, gas, heaviness) reported by multiple users — typical of high-maltodextrin mass gainers
- ✗Premium price point relative to own-brand alternatives, though most reviewers consider it justified
Best For
What does the data say about Critical Mass Professi... vs Optimum Nutrition Seri...?
Both products sit at the same £52.95 price point, but they take noticeably different approaches to helping you gain mass. Applied Nutrition's Critical Mass (74/100) includes creatine monohydrate, HMB, glutamine, CLA, and MCT oil alongside its protein and carbohydrates — it's a more complex formula designed to support muscle retention and recovery, not just calorie loading. Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass (72/100) keeps things simpler, leaning heavily on raw calorie and protein delivery, which is likely why it scores higher on effectiveness (80 vs 73) despite lower ingredient quality marks (68 vs 76).
If you're a serious athlete or someone returning from illness who wants a formula doing more than just adding calories, Critical Mass makes more sense — particularly if you'd benefit from the creatine and HMB inclusion. Serious Mass suits beginners or anyone who simply needs a reliable, no-fuss calorie surplus; the long-term user loyalty it attracts is worth noting. Critical Mass's 150g serving size may be genuinely difficult to stomach if your appetite is small. Serious Mass has its own logistical headache — the scoop won't fit a standard shaker, so budget for a blender.
Applied Nutrition Critical Mass Professional is a high-calorie lean mass gainer delivering 1,000+ calories and 42g of protein per 150g serving, built around ISO-XP 95% Whey Protein Isolate with added creatine monohydrate, HMB, glutamine, leucine, CLA, and MCT powder.
What are the key differences?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Critical Mass Professional Lean Mass Gainer Strawberry 6kg (40 Servings) or Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder High Calorie Mass Gainer? ▼
Is Critical Mass Professional Lean Mass Gainer Strawberry 6kg (40 Servings) worth the price compared to Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder High Calorie Mass Gainer? ▼
Which has fewer side effects? ▼
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Disclaimer: AIScored provides data-driven comparisons based on publicly available reviews. This is not medical advice. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
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