BSN True Mass: What's Under the Hood?
BSN True Mass is marketed as an ultra-premium mass gainer designed for individuals with above-average caloric needs. The supplement provides a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to fuel muscle growth and recovery, particularly during intense training periods. Unlike some high-calorie formulas that focus heavily on sugar, True Mass utilizes a more balanced approach.
Nutritional Breakdown
The nutritional profile of BSN True Mass is one of its most defining features. The standard formula provides approximately 700 calories per serving with an impressive 2:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. This ratio is generally considered effective for stimulating muscle protein synthesis and replenishing glycogen stores after intense exercise.
- Protein: A multi-source, high-quality protein matrix is a key component, featuring sources like whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, and micellar casein. This blend provides both fast- and slow-digesting proteins, ensuring a sustained release of amino acids to the muscles over an extended period.
- Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate blend includes a mix of maltodextrin and whole oat flour. This provides a mix of high-glycemic and complex carbs for both immediate energy replenishment and sustained energy release.
- Fats: True Mass incorporates Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and serve as a readily available energy source to boost calorie content. This is a healthier fat source than what is found in some lower-quality gainers.
- Other Ingredients: Some formulations of BSN's mass gainers include added fiber and essential amino acids.
The Hardgainer's Perspective: Is It Effective?
For those who struggle to gain weight, often referred to as 'hardgainers,' consuming a large number of calories from whole foods alone can be difficult. BSN True Mass can be a highly effective tool for supplementing a daily diet and achieving the necessary caloric surplus for muscle and weight gain.
Users, including those with a fast metabolism, frequently report gaining significant mass when consistently pairing the supplement with a resistance training program. The blend of multiple protein sources helps ensure that muscles are constantly fed with the building blocks they need, supporting continuous growth and recovery. The inclusion of complex carbohydrates also prevents the rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with simpler sugars, providing more stable energy for workouts.
Taste, Mixability, and Side Effects
BSN has long been praised for its flavor technology, and True Mass is no exception. It is widely considered one of the best-tasting mass gainers on the market, often compared to a delicious milkshake. Flavors like chocolate milkshake and vanilla ice cream are particularly popular.
However, a common criticism, especially with the higher-calorie variants, is mixability. The sheer volume of powder required for a full serving can lead to some grittiness, though many find it still mixes better than comparable products from other brands. For best results, a blender is often recommended over a standard shaker bottle.
Most users tolerate BSN True Mass well, but some individuals may experience side effects, primarily digestive issues like bloating or stomach upset. This can be due to the high calorie and protein load. It's recommended to start with a smaller serving size to assess tolerance. The product also contains several allergens, including milk, egg, wheat, and soy, so those with allergies must be vigilant.
BSN True Mass vs. True Mass 1200
It is important to distinguish between the original True Mass and the more extreme True Mass 1200. While both are designed for mass gain, their nutritional profiles are geared toward different needs.
Comparison Table: True Mass vs. True Mass 1200
| Feature | BSN True Mass | BSN True Mass 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 700 per serving | Over 1200 per serving |
| Protein | 46-50g per serving | 50g per serving |
| Carbs | 87g per serving | 213-215g per serving |
| Carb-to-Protein Ratio | ~2:1 | ~4:1 |
| Best For | Leaner, quality mass gains for moderate needs | Extreme caloric needs, true hardgainers |
| Key Carb Source | Maltodextrin, Whole Oat Flour | Maltodextrin, Ground Whole Oats |
The standard True Mass is a solid option for those looking for controlled, lean mass gains, while the 1200 version is specifically formulated for individuals who need a massive caloric boost to put on weight rapidly. The choice depends on your specific metabolic rate and weight gain goals.
Conclusion: So, Is BSN True Mass Any Good?
Yes, for its intended purpose, BSN True Mass is a very good mass gainer, especially for hardgainers and athletes with high caloric needs. Its formula provides a balanced mix of high-quality protein sources, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, which is superior to many cheaper, sugar-heavy alternatives. The taste is consistently rated as excellent, making it easier to consume the high number of calories required.
However, its effectiveness is only one piece of the puzzle. The large serving sizes and higher price point per serving compared to some competitors are notable drawbacks. Ultimately, whether True Mass is the right choice for you depends on your budget and specific weight gain requirements. For those prioritizing a balanced macro profile and superior taste, and who have the budget, it's an outstanding product. For more extreme calorie needs, the True Mass 1200 variant may be more suitable.
The Verdict
BSN True Mass offers a premium, high-quality formula in a mass gainer, delivering effective results for muscle and weight gain, with great taste to match. It is particularly well-suited for hardgainers seeking a balanced approach to bulking.
Choosing the Right BSN Mass Gainer
- Leaner Gainers: If you have moderate caloric needs and prefer a more balanced macronutrient profile for gradual muscle gain, the standard BSN True Mass is a great choice.
- Extreme Gainers: For individuals with very fast metabolisms who struggle significantly to put on weight, the BSN True Mass 1200 offers a more potent, calorie-dense solution.
For more detailed nutritional information and product specifics, consult the official BSN website.
Who Should Use It?
- Hardgainers: Those with fast metabolisms who need a significant caloric boost to gain weight.
- Bodybuilders: Individuals in a bulking phase who need a convenient and high-quality source of macros to hit their targets.
- Endurance Athletes: Can be used post-workout to help replenish glycogen stores and aid recovery.
Who Should Be Cautious?
- Budget-conscious users: There are more cost-effective options available, though perhaps with lower ingredient quality.
- Those with lactose or gluten intolerance: The product contains milk and wheat ingredients and may cause digestive issues.
- People with lower caloric needs: This is a mass gainer, not a standard protein powder. If you don't need a high calorie count, a regular protein supplement is a better fit.
Final Recommendations
To maximize results with BSN True Mass, combine its use with a structured, heavy resistance training program and a balanced diet. Adjust your serving size based on your individual caloric needs and monitor your progress. This will ensure you are gaining muscle mass effectively and not just adding unwanted fat.
