12 Healthy Protein Shakes for Weight Gain: Effective Protein Mass Gainers for Women

Tired of eating all sorts of things and still not gaining any weight? Many people think that gaining weight is easier than losing, but it's far from the truth, and many struggle with it, especially women. Technically, gaining weight requires consuming more calories than you burn. But what should you eat exactly?

You may recall your grandmothers and mothers giving banana shakes and protein shakes to gain weight, but did you ever wonder about the science behind it? Protein mass gainer powders and shakes are a great way to add a few kilos, as these provide a concentrated source of nutrients such as proteins, carbs, and fats.

Apart from the traditional protein shakes, there are several other options that include a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds. Rich in vitamins and minerals, these shakes can help you not only gain weight but also enhance your overall health.

In this blog, we'll explore why women should consider protein shakes, the best options for increasing weight safely, and some delicious alternatives to the usual protein powder and water.

Proteins are the key elements for muscle building and repairing tissues, and also improve the production of hormones and enzymes. This helps gain muscle mass and maintain a healthy immune system.

Here are some of the benefits of consuming protein mass gainer shakes for women:

• Promotes healthy hair and skin
• Builds muscle mass
• Improves bone health

A weight gainer powder for women is slightly different from standard protein powders. How, you ask? While whey or plant-based proteins focus on muscle recovery, protein mass gainer powders combine protein with extra calories from carbs and fats, perfect for those with a fast metabolism.

If you are confused about which protein powder is best for weight gain, look for the following:

• At least 20g of protein per serving
• Moderate sugar content
• Added vitamins and minerals
• Good digestibility, especially for lactose-intolerant women

In a banana milkshake, calories are usually between 250 and 400, but this can vary based on the ingredients used. In a plain banana milkshake, calories are around 160 to 180, but adding ingredients such as ice cream, sugar, or protein powder can increase them.

If you are looking for delicious protein shake recipes, here are 12 nutrient-packed options that provide at least 300 to 500 Kcal per serving.

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter with Whey Protein

Calories: 480 Kcal

• 1 scoop whey protein (120 kcal)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (90 kcal)
• 1 cup whole milk (150 kcal)
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (20 kcal)
• 1 tsp honey (20 kcal)

This shake is best for post-workout recovery and muscle gain.

2. Banana and Almond Butter

Calories: 520 Kcal

• 1 large banana (120 kcal)
• 2 tbsp almond butter (180 kcal)
• 1 cup oat milk (120 kcal)
• 1 scoop protein powder (100 kcal)

This is among the best for those looking to gain weight, as it boosts your energy levels.

3. Greek Yoghurt and Mixed Berries

Calories: 350 Kcal

• 1 cup Greek yoghurt (150 kcal)
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (40 kcal)
• 1 scoop whey protein (120 kcal)
• 1 tsp flaxseeds (40 kcal)

This protein shake is high in antioxidants and gut-friendly probiotics, making a safe and healthy option.

4. Oats and Honey

Calories: 400 Kcal

• 1/2 cup oats (150 kcal)
• 1 cup milk (150 kcal)
• 1 tbsp honey (60 kcal)
• 1 scoop protein powder (100 kcal)

Slow-releasing carbs and other benefits make it one of the best weight-gaining protein shakes for women.

5. Avocado and Spinach Green

Calories: 370 kcal

• 1/2 avocado (120 kcal)
• 1 cup spinach (20 kcal)
• 1 scoop protein powder (100 kcal)
• 1 cup coconut milk (130 kcal)

This women's weight gainer shake is rich in healthy fats and vitamins that boost skin health.

6. Peanut Butter and Banana Power

Calories: 530 kcal

• 1 large banana (120 kcal)
• 2 tbsp peanut butter (180 kcal)
• 1 cup milk (150 kcal)
• 1 scoop protein powder (100 kcal)

This woman's weight gainer shake is a great pre-workout drink for high energy.

7. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple

Calories: 350 kcal

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese (100 kcal)
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (40 kcal)
• 1 cup milk (150 kcal)
• 1 scoop whey protein (100 kcal)

This ladies’ weight gain shake is high in casein protein for overnight muscle repair.

8. Mango and Coconut Milk

Calories: 420 kcal

• 1 cup mango chunks (100 kcal)
• 1 cup coconut milk (200 kcal)
• 1 scoop protein powder (100 kcal)
• 1 tsp chia seeds (20 kcal)

High in omega-3 fatty acids, this is one of the protein shakes best for women.

9. Vanilla and Flaxseed

Calories: 390 kcal

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (120 kcal)
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds (40 kcal)
• 1 cup milk (150 kcal)
• 1 tsp honey (20 kcal)

This shake is great for weight gain, heart health, as well as balancing hormones.

10. Chocolate and Banana with Whey Protein

Calories: 430 kcal

• 1 large banana (120 kcal)
• 1 scoop chocolate whey protein (120 kcal)
• 1 cup milk (150 kcal)
• 1 tsp cocoa powder (20 kcal)

This ladies’ weight gainer is packed with potassium for muscle recovery, making a great option.

11. Strawberry and Chia Seed

Calories: 350 kcal

• 1 cup strawberries (50 kcal)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (60 kcal)
• 1 cup milk (150 kcal)
• 1 scoop protein powder (100 kcal)

This shake is a good source of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, which should be part of a safe weight-gaining program.

12. Coffee and Hazelnut Protein Powder Shake

Calories: 370 kcal

• 1 cup brewed coffee (5 kcal)
• 1 tbsp hazelnut butter (90 kcal)
• 1 cup milk (150 kcal)
• 1 scoop protein powder (120 kcal)
• 1 tsp cocoa powder (5 kcal)

This shake boosts energy and metabolism, both of which can help with weight gain.

To make the most of your women's weight gainer powder:

• Have one to two shakes per day between meals
• Pair with strength training for lean muscle gain
• Rotate flavours to avoid taste fatigue

Here are some ways you can maximise the effect of women’s weight gainer powders:

• Eat every three to four hours to keep calories high
• Add calorie boosters like nut butters, seeds, and oats
• Track your intake to ensure you’re in a calorie surplus
• Choose the protein powder best for weight gain based on digestibility and protein quality

Q. What is the best protein powder for women to gain weight fast?

A. One of the best protein powder options for quick weight gain is a high-calorie mass gainer option with quality protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Whey protein blends or plant-based gainers work well when combined with a calorie-surplus diet and resistance training.

Q. How many calories are in a banana milkshake?

A. A banana milkshake made with whole milk, one large banana, and sugar contains around 250 to 300 calories. Adding protein powder or nut butter can increase it to 400 to 500 calories, making it an effective drink for healthy weight gain.

Q. What role does whey protein play in women’s weight gain?

A. Whey protein provides easily digestible, high-quality protein that supports muscle repair and growth. For women aiming to increase their weight, it helps increase lean mass when paired with strength training and calorie-dense ingredients in shakes or meals.

Q. How much protein powder should women use for weight gain?

A. Women should generally use one to two scoops of a protein mass gainer powder (20–40g protein) per day for weight gain, depending on their dietary intake. It’s best consumed alongside calorie-rich foods to create a surplus and support healthy muscle growth.

Q. Which weight gainer powders are best for women?

A. The best options combine high-quality protein, complex carbs, vitamins, and healthy fats. Options like whey-based mass gainers, soy protein blends, and plant-based powders work well when tailored to dietary preferences and calorie needs.

Q. Can protein shakes replace meals for weight gain?

A. Yes, but only occasionally. Whole foods should remain the primary source of nutrition. Shakes work best as calorie-boosting snacks or post-workout meals rather than complete meal replacements.

Q. How do protein mass gainers help with healthy weight gain?

A. These provide concentrated calories from protein, carbohydrates, and fats, helping women achieve a calorie surplus. This promotes healthy weight gain by increasing muscle mass, energy stores, and nutrient intake when combined with balanced meals and resistance training.

Q. What are the best homemade protein shakes for weight gain in women?

A. Great homemade options include banana-peanut butter shakes, mango-coconut milk blends, oats-honey protein smoothies, and Greek yoghurt with berries. Combining protein mass gainer powders with calorie-rich ingredients boosts both taste and effectiveness for women’s healthy weight gain.

Q. Are there specific protein powders designed for women’s weight gain?

A. Yes. Many brands offer women-specific protein mass gainer powders with added vitamins, minerals, and lower sugar content. These cater to women’s nutritional needs while providing enough calories and protein to support muscle growth and overall weight gain goals.