Informed Mass, Strawberries and Cream, 3kg vs Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder High Calorie Mass Gainer

Pros

• ✓No maltodextrin — oat flour provides complex carbs with a lower glycaemic impact, widely praised by reviewers
• ✓Informed Sport certified, providing reliable banned-substance assurance for competitive athletes
• ✓Added creatine monohydrate (3g) and HMB (1.5g) add meaningful ergogenic value beyond a standard gainer
• ✓Generally well-tolerated, with DigeZyme enzyme blend supporting digestion of the large serving size

Cons

• ✗Mixes poorly in a shaker without a blender — clumping and undissolved particles reported by multiple reviewers
• ✗Thick, heavy texture is polarising; some users found it unpleasant to drink
• ✗Only 20 servings per 3kg bag — serving size (150g) is large and the bag depletes quickly
• ✗Taste described as average to decent across flavours; some find it overly saline or requiring large water volume

Best For

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