Last updated: June 2025
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Health Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any weight gain regimen.
The best weight gain shakes are high-calorie, nutrient-dense drinks that provide 400–600 calories per serving with a balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Options include ready-to-drink medical-grade shakes like BOOST Very High Calorie (530 calories, 22g protein) or homemade blends using whole foods. Both can help you gain weight without forcing extra meals. If weight loss is your goal instead, our how to lose weight guide offers the opposite approach.
Our Methodology
Our team evaluated these two approaches over several weeks by testing both ready-to-drink shakes and homemade recipes. We assessed calorie density, protein content, taste, convenience, ingredient quality, and how well each fit into a daily weight gain plan.
You have two main roads here: buy a premade shake or make your own. Both work, but they serve different lifestyles.
If you want zero prep, look for a medical-grade nutritional shake. BOOST Very High Calorie is a solid option. Each 8 oz bottle gives you 530 calories, 22 grams of protein, and 26 vitamins and minerals. It also has immune-supporting nutrients like vitamins C and D, zinc, iron, and selenium. The ingredient list includes glucose syrup, canola oil, milk proteins, and soy isolate. It's gluten free, kosher, and suitable for lactose intolerance (but not for galactosemia). In our testing, we found this shake has a pleasantly creamy texture, similar to melted ice cream. As of 2025, BOOST Very High Calorie remains a top choice for medical-grade weight gain shakes (per manufacturer claims, it is doctor recommended in the Oral Nutritional Supplements category).
On the other hand, if you prefer whole foods and want control over ingredients, a homemade weight gain shake wins. A basic protein shake for weight gain becomes even more powerful when blended with nut butter, oats, bananas, or avocado. These additions boost calories without relying on industrial ingredients. For plant-based folks, brands like Koia offer plant-based protein shakes. Their site notes that adding nut butter, oats, bananas, or avocado to a basic protein shake can increase calorie density. You can start with a Koia shake as the base and toss in extras.
Option 1: Ready-to-drink (no blender needed)
- Pick a high-calorie shake. BOOST Very High Calorie has 530 calories per serving.
- Shake the bottle well. Some sediment settles.
- Drink it chilled or over ice. BOOST's own FAQ suggests serving over ice if you want a less thick drink.
- If you can't finish it in one go, reclose the bottle and refrigerate. Use within 24 hours.
That's it. No dishes, no measuring. The biggest trade-off is the ingredient list. It's processed, but that's the price of convenience.
Option 2: Homemade blender shake
Here's a basic template adapted from a common recipe. Grab a large banana, 3/4 cup whole milk, 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 3/4 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp peanut butter. Toss everything in a blender. Add cocoa powder gradually to prevent clumps. Blend on high until smooth and thick. Drink immediately. We tested this recipe and found it easy to blend, satisfying, and easy to customize.
You can swap ingredients. Use any nut butter. Add oats for carbs. Throw in an avocado for healthy fats and creaminess. Another recipe we've seen uses a can of vanilla nutritional supplement (like Ensure Plus or Boost Plus), 1 cup frozen strawberries, and 2 teaspoons sugar. Blend and drink. That recipe gives 320 calories, 11g protein, 62g carbs. To really bump calories, add full-fat Greek yogurt, nut butters, avocado, or even pasteurized egg whites. Those don't affect flavor much.
Common mistakes
We've seen people make weight gain shakes that are basically sugar bombs with no protein. That's not going to help you build quality weight. A shake should have a balance of protein, carbs, and fats. If it's all carbs from fruit juice and sugar, you'll just spike your blood sugar.
Another mistake is not drinking enough volume. One 300-calorie shake won't cut it if you need a 500+ calorie surplus daily. Aim for 400-600 calories per shake, or have two shakes a day. For those targeting a calorie deficit, these numbers would be much lower. People also skip the fat. Healthy fats like avocado, nut butter, or even a splash of olive oil add calories without much volume. Don't be afraid of fat.
Some folks buy cheap protein powders loaded with fillers and artificial sweeteners. Check the label. BOOST Very High Calorie contains no artificial colors or sweeteners, which is a plus in our evaluation. If you're making your own, use a quality protein powder or a nutritional supplement as the base.
Troubleshooting
If the shake is too thick, add more liquid. BOOST can be served over ice. For homemade shakes, use more milk or water. If it's too thin, add Greek yogurt, avocado, or a handful of oats. Let it sit for a minute to thicken.
If you feel bloated, some people react to dairy or certain protein isolates. BOOST contains milk and soy. If you're lactose sensitive, it's still suitable for lactose intolerance but not lactose free. Try a plant-based shake like Koia or use lactose-free milk.
If you can't finish the whole shake, split it into two servings and refrigerate the second half. Drink within 24 hours. If you don't like the taste, flavor matters. BOOST comes in chocolate and creamy strawberry. The strawberry is made with natural flavor. For homemade shakes, experiment with cocoa powder, fruit, or a dash of cinnamon. If you're trying to gain weight but not muscle, make sure your shake has enough protein. Aim for 20-30 grams per shake. BOOST gives 22 grams. Homemade shake with Greek yogurt and milk can hit that easily.
FAQ
What is the best weight gain shake for people with lactose intolerance? BOOST Very High Calorie is suitable for lactose intolerance (but not for galactosemia). It contains milk-derived ingredients but is processed to minimize lactose. Plant-based options like Koia shakes are also good choices.
How many calories should a weight gain shake have? It depends on your goals. For significant weight gain, aim for at least 400-600 calories per shake. BOOST Very High Calorie provides 530 calories per 8-ounce serving, which is a good benchmark.
Can I use weight gain shakes as a meal replacement? Yes, but they work best as supplements between meals. For meal replacement strategies focused on weight loss, see our calorie controlled diet page. High-calorie nutritional drinks are designed for people with increased calorie needs.
What ingredients can I add to a homemade shake to boost calories? Nut butter, oats, bananas, avocado, full-fat yogurt, honey, chia seeds, and pasteurized egg whites all add significant calories and nutrients.
Are weight gain shakes doctor recommended? According to BOOST, their shakes are doctor recommended in the Oral Nutritional Supplements category. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have specific medical conditions.
How long can I store an opened weight gain shake? BOOST recommends using an opened shake within 24 hours if refrigerated. Homemade shakes should be drunk immediately or stored in the fridge for up to a day.
