What Drink Makes You Gain Weight Fast and Healthily?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research from Healthline, increasing your daily calorie intake through liquid calories is one of the easiest and most effective ways to gain weight. While many drinks can increase your calorie count, knowing what drink makes you gain weight fast in a healthy and sustainable way is key for achieving your goals without compromising your health.

Quick Summary

Nutrient-dense, high-calorie drinks like homemade protein smoothies, fortified milk, and commercial mass gainers are effective for healthy and fast weight gain. These options provide a concentrated source of energy, protein, and nutrients without excessive volume, making them easy to incorporate into your diet. Combining these with a balanced diet and strength training optimizes results.

Key Points

Homemade Smoothies: Create personalized, nutrient-dense shakes with high-calorie ingredients like nut butters, whole milk, Greek yogurt, and protein powder for effective and healthy weight gain.
Whole Milk and Dairy: Use whole milk as a calorie and protein-rich base for shakes and other beverages. Fortified milk with added milk powder can further increase calorie density.
Consider Mass Gainers: If you have a high metabolism or low appetite, commercial mass gainers or nutritional drinks like BOOST can provide a convenient, concentrated source of high-quality calories.
Avoid Empty Calories: Steer clear of sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices, which provide poor nutritional value and can lead to unhealthy weight gain and other health problems.
Balance is Key: Pair your high-calorie drinks with a balanced diet and resistance training to ensure weight gain is primarily from healthy muscle mass rather than fat.

The Power of Liquid Calories for Weight Gain

For individuals seeking to increase their weight, especially those with high metabolisms or small appetites, consuming enough calories can be a struggle. Liquid calories offer a simple and convenient solution, allowing you to consume a large number of calories without feeling overly full. High-calorie drinks provide a concentrated dose of energy, protein, and other nutrients that support healthy weight gain, muscle growth, and overall well-being. By focusing on nutrient-dense options rather than empty calories, you can achieve your weight goals sustainably.

Top Healthy Drinks to Support Fast Weight Gain

When exploring what drink makes you gain weight fast, consider options rich in a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. These ingredients are essential for building lean muscle mass and providing sustained energy.

Homemade Protein Smoothies

Homemade protein smoothies are a highly effective and customizable way to pack a significant amount of calories and nutrients into a single serving. You can tailor the ingredients to your taste preferences and nutritional needs, making them a cornerstone of any healthy weight gain plan.

Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bulk-Up Shake

Ingredients:
- 1 large banana, frozen
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a large glass and enjoy. This recipe alone can provide over 800 calories, depending on your portion sizes and ingredient choices.

Whole Milk and Fortified Milk

For decades, milk has been recognized as a reliable and affordable weight gainer. It provides an excellent balance of protein (whey and casein), carbs, and fat, making it an ideal beverage for muscle building, especially when combined with strength training. To boost the calorie and protein content even further, you can fortify whole milk by mixing in dry milk powder.

Commercial Nutritional and Mass Gainer Shakes

For maximum convenience and calorie density, especially for those with very high energy needs, commercial mass gainers and nutritional shakes are an excellent option. Products like BOOST Very High Calorie nutritional drink offer a pre-formulated, nutrient-rich beverage designed to help you meet your calorie goals effortlessly. Mass gainers provide a robust blend of protein and carbohydrates, making them perfect for "hardgainers" or athletes needing to gain mass quickly.

Comparison of Healthy Weight Gain Drink Options

This table outlines the key differences between various healthy high-calorie drink options.


Drink Type	Primary Calorie Source	Protein Content	Customization	Convenience	Best For
Homemade Smoothie	Whole Foods (Fruits, Nuts, Oats)	High, Adjustable (from protein powder, yogurt)	High (fully adjustable ingredients)	Medium (requires preparation)	Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Gains
Mass Gainer Shake	Powdered Carbs, Fats, and Proteins	Very High, Fixed Macro Ratios	Low (pre-formulated powder)	High (quick mixing with water/milk)	Rapid, Significant Calorie Intake
Fortified Milk	Whole Milk, Milk Powder	High, Concentrated	Medium (can add flavorings)	High (quick mixing)	Simple, Affordable Calorie Boost

The Problem with Sugary Drinks

While high in calories, sugary beverages like soda, energy drinks, and excessive fruit juice are not recommended for healthy weight gain. They contain empty calories that offer little nutritional value and can contribute to health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver issues. Unlike nutrient-dense shakes, these beverages promote unhealthy weight gain and can undermine your overall health goals. For a healthier alternative, choose whole fruit smoothies to retain beneficial fiber and avoid the harmful effects of added sugars.

Building Your Ideal Weight Gain Strategy

The effectiveness of any weight gain drink is significantly enhanced when paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise, particularly strength training. A drink should act as a supplement, not a replacement, for solid, nutritious meals. To optimize your results, consider the following strategy:

Consume high-calorie drinks consistently: Incorporate one to two shakes per day, ideally between meals or after workouts, to maintain a steady caloric surplus.
Focus on nutrient timing: Use a whey-based shake after a workout for fast absorption to aid muscle repair. Consider a casein-based shake or a smoothie with Greek yogurt before bed to provide a slower release of amino acids overnight.
Prioritize whole foods: Use your weight gain drinks to fill nutritional gaps, but rely on whole foods like lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats for the majority of your diet.

Conclusion: The Path to Sustainable Weight Gain

The answer to what drink makes you gain weight fast lies in choosing nutrient-dense, high-calorie beverages that support your body's needs. Homemade smoothies offer maximum control and nutritional quality, while commercial gainers provide unmatched convenience and density. By combining your chosen drink with a balanced diet and an appropriate exercise regimen, you can achieve your weight gain goals safely and effectively. Remember to prioritize quality ingredients and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice to ensure your approach is tailored to your individual health requirements.

Create Your Own High-Calorie Drink with These Add-ins

Add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut or almond butter for healthy fats, protein, and creamy texture.
Blend in 1/2 cup of rolled oats to boost calories, fiber, and complex carbs.
Include full-fat Greek yogurt or kefir for a significant protein and calorie increase, along with beneficial probiotics.
Use whole milk as the liquid base instead of water or low-fat milk for extra calories and nutrients.
Incorporate a scoop of protein powder, either whey or a plant-based alternative, for a concentrated protein boost.
Mix in chia or flax seeds for a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and additional calories.
Add nutrient-dense fruits like avocado or dried dates for calories, fiber, and vitamins.

Boost Your Weight Gain with Nutritious Strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if made with nutritious ingredients like protein powder, healthy fats (nut butter, avocado), and complex carbs (oats), high-calorie drinks can be a very healthy way to boost your calorie intake and gain weight.

Drinking whole milk can certainly help you gain weight as it is a good source of calories, protein, and fat. For better results, combine it with other nutrient-dense foods or use it as a base for a high-calorie smoothie.

Most people can benefit from drinking one to two high-calorie shakes per day, depending on their caloric needs and fitness goals. It is best to have them between meals or after a workout to supplement your food intake.

The 'best' option depends on your specific needs. Mass gainers are highly convenient and calorie-dense, which is great for those with very high metabolisms. Homemade shakes, however, offer more control over ingredients and can be more nutrient-rich from whole foods.

While 100% fruit juice is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, it's not the healthiest option. It lacks fiber and can cause blood sugar spikes. It's better to blend whole fruits into smoothies to retain fiber and nutrients.

For vegans, a high-calorie smoothie can be made with a base of full-fat coconut or soy milk, mixed with plant-based protein powder, avocado, bananas, and a nut or seed butter for a nutrient-dense option.

No, carbonated drinks like soda and energy drinks are poor choices for weight gain. They contain empty calories and high amounts of sugar, which can negatively impact your health and offer little nutritional benefit.