The Quick Answer: Calories Per Scoop
For Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, one heaping scoop, which is a half-serving, contains approximately 625-630 calories. The manufacturer’s official serving size is two scoops, which delivers the full caloric value of 1,250 to 1,260 calories. New users and those looking for a lower calorie boost are often advised to start with this half-serving amount.
Serious Mass Serving Sizes Explained
Understanding the standard serving is crucial for accurate calorie tracking. Serious Mass is designed to provide a massive caloric and nutritional punch for individuals with high metabolic rates who struggle to gain weight from food alone.
The Official 2-Scoop Serving
The full, recommended serving is about 334–340 grams of powder, or two heaping scoops. When mixed with water, this full serving provides:
- Calories: 1,250 to 1,260
- Protein: 50 grams from a blended protein source
- Carbohydrates: Over 250 grams
- Fat: Less than 5 grams
- Added Nutrients: Includes creatine, glutamine, and various vitamins and minerals
The 1-Scoop (Half) Serving
For those who find the full serving too large or want to spread their calorie intake throughout the day, one scoop (about 167 grams) is the ideal starting point. A single scoop, when mixed with water, provides:
- Calories: Approximately 625-630
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 125 grams
Comparison Table: 1 Scoop vs. 2 Scoops
| Nutrient | 1 Scoop (Half Serving) | 2 Scoops (Full Serving) | Reference | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~625-630 kcal | 1,250-1,260 kcal | , | 
| Protein | 25 g | 50 g | , | 
| Carbohydrates | ~125 g | >250 g | , | 
| Fat | <2.5 g | <5 g | |
| Creatine | ~2.5 g | 5 g | 
Optimizing Your Serious Mass Shake
While the baseline nutritional values are important, your choice of liquid and additional ingredients can significantly alter the final calorie count.
Impact of Liquid Choice
- Water: Mixing with cold water provides the baseline calorie counts as listed above. This is the lowest-calorie option for preparing your shake.
- Milk: Mixing with milk substantially increases the calories, protein, and fat. For example, using whole milk instead of water can add several hundred extra calories to your shake.
Boosting Calories with Additional Ingredients
One of the benefits of Serious Mass is its versatility, allowing you to create a customized shake to meet your specific weight gain targets. Here are some popular additions to boost your calorie count even further:
- Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: A couple of tablespoons can add over 200 calories and healthy fats.
- Fruits: Adding a banana or a cup of berries provides extra carbs, vitamins, and fiber.
- Oats: Blending in a half-cup of rolled oats can add complex carbohydrates and fiber.
- Yogurt or Ice Cream: Mixing with full-fat yogurt or ice cream turns your shake into a rich, calorie-dense dessert.
- MCT Oil: Adding a tablespoon of Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil is a way to get extra calories from fat.
How to Determine the Right Serving Size for You
Your ideal serving size depends on several factors, including your metabolism, current diet, and fitness goals. Using a single scoop is a great strategy for several situations.
When to Consider a Single Scoop
- For Beginners: If your body isn't accustomed to high-calorie supplements, starting with a half-serving can help your digestive system adjust and prevent bloating.
- As a Caloric 'Top-Off': A single scoop works well as a post-workout recovery drink or a between-meal snack to add a moderate boost of calories and nutrients to an already solid diet.
- To Spread Intake: Spreading your intake throughout the day with two half-servings can help maintain a positive nitrogen balance and provide a steady stream of nutrients to your muscles.
Is One Scoop Enough to Gain Weight?
Whether one scoop is sufficient for weight gain is highly individual. For some, especially those with a moderately active metabolism, one scoop on top of a regular, calorie-surplus diet might be enough to see progress. However, for serious ectomorphs or athletes with very high metabolic rates, a full two-scoop serving is likely necessary to achieve significant weight gain.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Serious Mass Intake
While the definitive answer to how many calories are in 1 scoop of Serious Mass Gainer is approximately 625-630, the real takeaway is that your serving size should align with your personal needs. For beginners, a single scoop is a great way to start and test tolerance, while more advanced users or those with higher caloric needs will likely benefit from the full, recommended two-scoop serving. By understanding the nutritional breakdown and how to customize your shake, you can effectively use Serious Mass to achieve your specific muscle-building and weight-gain objectives. For more information on the product, you can visit the official Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass page.