Top 10 Essential Supplements for Bulking

Last updated on November 12th, 2023 at 09:11 pm

If putting on serious mass is your goal, then keep reading. In this post, we look at the top 10 essential supplements for bulking that will give you the maximum results while offering good value for money.

It is extremely important to keep in mind that the most important thing you need to be doing is consuming more calories than your body needs. If you're bulking, or in other words, you want to gain weight with the main goal of building muscle mass in mind. If you are not gaining weight, you certainly aren't on a bulk, simple as that. The calories you need to consume will be different for everyone. However, if you already have that all sorted out and you're after supplements supporting your efforts, you are in the right place.

We will list all the essential supplements for bulking and suggest a product for each category to get you started. However, if you have a similar product in any category that you like, feel free to use your favorite product, as the brand doesn't matter as much as the actual supplement. Also, remember that supplements aren't always ‘needed'; however, they can help you achieve your goals much faster.

Best Supplements For Bulking 2023

1. Best weight gainer protein

A  whey protein is certainly one of the best supplements for bulking. However, depending on your body, you may need a different type of whey protein. If you're a hard gainer, or if you find it hard to put on mass, no matter what you eat, then the most important task for your bulking goals is reaching your calorie goal, which is why you need to focus on a supplement that gives you a lot of calories. It would be impossible to gain weight without being in a caloric surplus.

Suggested supplement: ON Mass Gainer

This serious mass whey protein by optimum nutrition has 50g of protein per serving and 1250 calories per serving. Keep in mind one serving is 2 scoops. Nonetheless, if you're a hard gainer, you will have no problems putting on weight with this weight-gainer protein. It will also provide you with 25 vitamins and minerals, such as creatine and glutamine, all of which will help with your bulking goals.

2. Best all-round protein

If you don't necessarily gain weight easily, and at the same time, you don't necessarily find it hard to gain weight, then you should go for a good all-around protein. One that provides you with carbs and protein levels at a reasonable rate. Without overdoing it on the calories.

Suggested supplement: ON Gold Standard Whey Protein

You can't complain about optimum nutrition when it comes to whey protein. Not only is it one of the best protein shakes you will taste, but it also comes with 5.5g of BCAAs and 4g of glutamine per serving. There are 20 different flavors, so you will surely find one you like.

3. Best low-calorie protein

If you find it extremely easy to go over your calorie goal, but your problem seems to be getting enough protein in your diet, then you would need a low-calorie protein shake. These protein shakes are optimized for keeping the carbs and calories low while focusing on getting as much protein as possible in your diet. You can find how much protein your body needs by using any protein intake online calculator such as this one.

Suggested supplement: MyProtein Impact Whey Protein Blend

This whey protein by MyProtein provides 80% protein content per serving. It tastes great and is fairly easy to mix. It comes in 16 flavors, including vanilla, chocolate smooth, and rocky road. Each serving comes with 21g of protein and is only 103 calories.

4. Creatine

Creatine is one of the most well-researched sports ingredients of all time. It is one of the best essential supplements for bulking and is especially useful for building size and strength. It is one of the safest supplements and has proven effects on building lean muscle and strength. There is no reason not to take this supplement.

Suggested supplement: ON Creatine Powder

Creatine is one of those supplements where the brand doesn't matter. All creatine monohydrate is pretty much the same thing. So for our criteria, we will focus more on value. This creatine powder by optimum nutrition is reasonably priced and offers 114 servings. So yes, it will last you a very long time.

5. Multivitamin

It can be difficult to get all your minimum required vitamins and minerals when sticking to a diet focusing on building muscle. Also, when training, the body will require even more vitamins and minerals than it usually does. Not meeting those requirements will leave your body vulnerable to infections and viruses. So, in other words, a multivitamin can be essential. One good multivitamin tablet you take once a day should cover you.

Suggested supplement: Vitafusion Multi-site, Gummy Vitamins

Each gummy vitamin tablet by Vitafusion gives you as much vitamin C as a tangerine, as much vitamin A as a cup of broccoli, as much vitamin D as 5 oz of salmon, and 200% vitamin D. All together the multivitamin has 12 different vitamins and minerals. They also are mixed with berry, peach, and orange flavors. Since you'll take them daily, the tasty flavors will help make them easier to swallow.

6. BCAAs (Amino acids)

Another one of the best supplements for bulking, Amino acids are essentially the building blocks of protein and muscle, which is your main aim if you are bulking. This makes amino acids essential. Even though you would be correct in saying amino acids are found in food, the amount isn't usually enough to meet the demands of our bodies. Especially when training, the body's need for amino acids is greatly increased. BCAAs are essential amino acids. They cannot be created within the body and must be consumed through diet alone. This is why a BCAA supplement would e useful.

Suggested supplement: Scivation, Xtend BCAAs

This supplement by Xtend offers 7g of BCAAs per serving. It has a BCAA ratio of 2:1:1, and it is caffeine free. Which means you can technically take it anytime without worrying about not being able to sleep. However, taking a BCAA near the time you work out is most beneficial.

7. ZMA supplement

So the first question is, ‘what is a ZMA?' A ZMA is a mix of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6. When training, the body usually becomes deficient in zinc and magnesium. However, with a supplement, you can be sure that the demands of your body are met. Research shows that ZMA increases anabolic output and muscle strength; it may also help increase endurance and give you restful sleep.

Suggested supplement: Optimum Nutrition ZMA

This one bottle of ZMA contains 180 capsules. The TEach capsule contains zinc, magnesium, and B6. His is really good value for money, considering you would only take one of these a day, it will last you a very long time. The brand doesn't matter with a product like this as long as it does the job.

8. Pre-Workout Supplement

Although pre-workouts aren't essential, they are still one of the best supplements for bulking. They can help you by helping you with that extra energy you need to push through another set at the gym, which will, of course, lead to you making more gains. Some people do not need a pre-workout before going to the gym. However, if you need that extra energy to help you go into beast mode, keep reading.

Suggested supplement: Cellucor, C4 Original Explosive Pre-Workout Supplement

This pre-workout by C4 offers good value for money with 60 servings instead of the usual 30 servings you get with pre-workouts. It is a great high-quality product with a rapid absorption rate and explosive energy. It also comes in many flavors, including fruit punch, icy blue razz, pink lemonade, and green apple.

9. Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids won't do what the name suggests – put on fat. They promote the opposite. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 have been shown to promote fat loss. It does this by better utilizing fat stores by effectively improving insulin sensitivity. This will then lead to preventing fat storage. Omega 3 also has many other benefits and is one of the best supplements for bulking and is great to include in any diet.

Suggested supplement: Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength

This product by Dr. Tobias is a great omega-3 supplement. It is a quality product with a great absorption rate with prevention of fishy aftertaste. And I'm sure none of us want that. So each serving is 2 capsules, meaning 60 servings will last 30 days. Each serving gives you 2000mg of fish oil with 1400 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. This helps you meet the recommended 600 mg DHA per day. As well as helping with your gains, fish oil supports joints, skin, hair, and the heart's health.

10. Casein Protein

Although casein is not an essential supplement, it can help, making it on our list of the best supplements for bulking. Typically speaking, it does not contain as much protein as a whey protein powder; however, it has a slow digestion rate due to casein's nature. Which is where the benefits of this supplement come from. Taking a casein protein powder before bed is great for your gains as it will ensure you get continuous protein as you sleep.

Suggested supplement: ON Casein Protein Powder

Yep. As you guessed it, another optimum nutrition product. This protein offers 24 grams of slow-digesting protein per serving and 5 grams of BCAAs. It also contains 5 grams of glutamine and glutamine acid per serving. It is a perfect before-bed snack; your body typically goes hours without food.