Does Nutrament Help Gain Muscle? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

A single 12 fl oz can of Nutrament contains approximately 360 calories and 16 grams of protein. While these figures suggest a potential benefit for growth, understanding how this nutritional profile compares to specialized muscle-building supplements is crucial for anyone with serious fitness goals.

Quick Summary

Nutrament can assist with muscle gain as part of a calorie-surplus diet, providing both energy and protein. However, its high sugar content and moderate protein level make it a less efficient option compared to purpose-built whey protein or mass gainer supplements.

Key Points

Moderate Protein: Nutrament contains 15-16 grams of protein per serving, which is lower than most dedicated muscle-building shakes.
High Calories: With approximately 360 calories per can, it can contribute to the necessary calorie surplus for weight and muscle gain.
Significant Sugar Content: A high level of simple sugars provides quick energy but is not ideal for gaining lean muscle and may contribute to fat gain.
Not a Dedicated Supplement: Nutrament is a general nutritional drink and not a replacement for specialized whey protein or mass gainer products.
Can be Used Strategically: It is best used as a high-calorie snack or supplemental energy source, not as the primary driver for muscle growth.
Cost-Inefficient for Protein: Per gram of protein, it is typically more expensive than purchasing powdered protein supplements.

The Nutrients in a Can of Nutrament

To understand if Nutrament is effective for muscle gain, one must first look at its components. The primary ingredients are skim milk, sugar, corn syrup, and vegetable oils, along with a blend of protein isolates and numerous vitamins and minerals. This composition is designed to offer a balance of macronutrients to serve as a meal replacement or energy supplement, but it has important implications for muscle building.

Protein for Muscle Repair and Growth

Protein is the undisputed king of muscle repair and growth. Nutrament contains 15 to 16 grams of protein per can, sourced from skim milk, sodium and calcium caseinates, and soy protein isolate. This is a decent amount for a snack or general nutritional support, but it falls short of the higher concentrations found in dedicated protein powders, which often offer 20-30+ grams per serving. The combination of whey (from milk) and casein protein provides a mix of fast and slow-digesting proteins, which is beneficial for sustained amino acid release.

Calories and Carbohydrates: The Fuel for Gains

Each can of Nutrament also delivers a substantial calorie boost, around 360 calories, along with a high carbohydrate count, roughly 52 grams. For muscle gain, being in a calorie surplus is essential. The calories in Nutrament can help meet this requirement, especially for individuals who struggle to consume enough solid food. The high carbohydrate content, primarily from sugars, provides quick energy, making it suitable for a pre- or post-workout boost. However, the large amount of simple sugars can lead to a quick insulin spike and isn't ideal for those trying to gain lean mass without adding excessive body fat.

Nutrament vs. Dedicated Muscle-Building Shakes

Understanding how Nutrament stacks up against specialized products like whey protein and mass gainers is key to making an informed choice. Here is a comparison of Nutrament with these typical muscle-building supplements.


Feature	Nutrament	Whey Protein	Mass Gainer
Protein per Serving	15-16g	20-30g+	30-50g+
Calories per Serving	~360 kcal	100-150 kcal	500-1,200+ kcal
Primary Carbohydrate	Simple Sugars	Often Low/Complex Carbs (depends on type)	Complex Carbs, Sugars
Primary Goal	General Nutrition/Energy	Lean Muscle Repair/Growth	High-Calorie Intake
Primary Audience	General Population, Weight Gain Support	Fitness Enthusiasts, Bodybuilders	Hardgainers, Athletes in Bulking Phase
Best for Muscle Gain?	Can contribute, but not optimal	Excellent for targeted protein intake	Excellent for high-calorie needs

Strategic Ways to Use Nutrament for Muscle Gain

While not a top-tier muscle builder, Nutrament can still play a role in a well-rounded fitness plan. Here are some strategies:

As a high-calorie snack: For those struggling with a low appetite, a can of Nutrament can be a convenient way to add 360 calories to your daily intake. This helps maintain the necessary calorie surplus for growth.
Post-workout recovery: The combination of carbohydrates for glycogen replenishment and protein for muscle repair can aid recovery after a moderate workout. While less efficient than whey, it's better than nothing.
Supplemental calories: Use it to bridge nutritional gaps throughout the day. It's an easy way to get extra calories and protein when you're on the go and can't have a full meal.

The Potential Downsides of Relying on Nutrament for Muscle Growth

Despite its benefits, there are several drawbacks to consider, especially when compared to more advanced supplements:

High sugar content: The 40+ grams of sugar per can is a significant concern. Consuming this much sugar regularly can increase body fat and isn't optimal for building lean muscle mass.
Moderate protein: For someone engaged in intense resistance training, 16 grams of protein may not be enough to maximize muscle protein synthesis, especially for larger individuals.
High cost: Per gram of protein, Nutrament is generally more expensive than purchasing a bulk container of whey protein powder. The latter allows for greater control over calories, protein, and sugar content.

Conclusion: Is Nutrament Right for You?

So, does Nutrament help gain muscle? The answer is yes, but only as a contributor within a broader, calorie-surplus diet. It is not a dedicated muscle-building product and should not be confused with specialized supplements like whey protein or mass gainers. Nutrament can be a useful, convenient source of extra calories and protein for those with lower nutritional demands or who are simply looking for a tasty and quick way to fuel their day.

For serious athletes or bodybuilders, relying solely on Nutrament is an inefficient and potentially counterproductive strategy due to its high sugar and moderate protein content. A comprehensive diet with high-quality, whole foods and targeted supplementation, like whey protein, remains the gold standard for maximizing muscle growth. The key is to see Nutrament for what it is: a general-purpose nutritional drink, not a specific tool for lean muscle development.

For more insight on how different nutritional approaches impact muscle mass, you can refer to relevant studies on protein supplementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrament can be used as an occasional meal replacement, but it lacks the balanced macronutrients and fiber of a complete meal. For serious muscle gain, it is better used as a supplemental snack to increase calorie intake.

There is no set amount, as it depends on your individual calorie and protein needs. However, due to its high sugar content, it's best to limit intake to one or two cans per day to avoid excessive sugar consumption.

The protein blend, which includes casein and soy isolate, is of decent quality, offering a mix of fast and slow absorption. However, the total quantity is moderate compared to performance-focused protein supplements.

For lean muscle gain, better alternatives include high-quality whey protein powder mixed with milk, Greek yogurt, or a homemade high-calorie smoothie with healthier fats like nuts and avocado.

Any food or drink consumed in a calorie surplus can cause fat gain. Because Nutrament is high in sugar, overconsumption without sufficient exercise can lead to more fat gain than lean muscle gain.

For recovery, a can of Nutrament can be consumed shortly after a moderate workout. It can also be used as a snack between meals to boost daily calorie and protein intake.

Nutrament provides 35% of the daily value for 24 vitamins and minerals per can. While this is a good bonus, serious athletes often have higher nutritional needs that are best met through a balanced diet and targeted supplements.