Apetamin Alternatives: 8 Food-Based Ways to Gain Weight (2026)
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By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026
A lot of people search for Apetamin because they want a bigger appetite and a fuller figure. If you'd rather gain weight with food you already love, you have plenty of options. This guide walks through the food-based alternatives we recommend, from ready-to-drink shakes to malt drinks, milk powder and soul food snacks, and shows you how to fit them into your day.
Quick answer: the simplest food-based swap is a high-calorie shake between meals (like Boost Very High Calorie, with 530 calories a bottle), plus whole milk powder, malt drinks and calorie-dense soul food snacks. Eating 300 to 500 extra calories a day is what makes the scale move.
How food-based weight gain works
You gain weight when you eat more calories than your body burns. The NHS suggests adding about 300 to 500 extra calories a day, eating smaller meals more often, and having milky, high-calorie drinks between meals. That's exactly what the options below help you do, without forcing down huge plates.
Get your free weight gain calculator & 7-day meal plan8 food-based alternatives to try
1. Boost Very High Calorie shakes
530 calories in one 8 oz bottle. Drink one between lunch and dinner, and another as a bedtime snack if you want more.
2. Ensure Plus shakes
A familiar, doctor-trusted shake with extra calories and protein. Keep a few cold in the fridge for busy days.
3. Whole milk powder (Nido)
Stir 2 to 3 spoonfuls into milk, grits, oatmeal, tea or shakes. It adds calories without adding much volume.
4. Malta Goya
A sweet, non-alcoholic malt drink. Mix it with evaporated milk for a creamy malta that goes down easy.
5. Ovaltine or Milo
Make it with whole milk instead of water, or blend it with ice cream for a malt shake.
6. Pecans, peanut butter & dates
A handful of pecans (about 200 calories an ounce) with 3 Medjool dates is an easy 400-calorie snack. Two tablespoons of peanut butter add about 190 calories.
See snack ideas7. Sweet potato pie smoothie
Blend a cooked sweet potato, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, a spoon of milk powder, oats, cinnamon and a little brown sugar. It tastes like pie and packs about 550 calories.
Get the meal plan8. Soul food, a little richer
Cook grits in whole milk with butter and cheese, add cheese to greens, and keep candied yams and cornbread in the rotation.
Read the tipsA simple food-first day
| Time | What to eat | About |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Cheesy grits made with whole milk, 2 eggs, turkey sausage | 650 |
| Mid-morning | Peanut butter & banana toast | 450 |
| Lunch | Smothered chicken, rice & gravy, green beans | 850 |
| Afternoon | Boost Very High Calorie shake | 530 |
| Dinner | Oven-fried chicken, candied yams, collards | 1,000 |
| Evening | Pecans & 3 Medjool dates | 400 |
About 3,900 calories as written. Start with fewer snacks and build up.
How to boost your appetite naturally
- Eat every 3 to 4 hours. Small, frequent meals are easier than 3 huge plates.
- Drink between meals, not before. Shakes right before dinner fill you up.
- Move your body. A walk or a short workout often makes you hungrier, and strength training helps the weight you gain be muscle.
- Cook what you love. Well-seasoned food you crave is easier to finish.
- Eat with people. Most of us eat more at the table with family and friends.
FAQ
Is there a natural alternative to Apetamin?
The most reliable natural approach is food: eat 300 to 500 extra calories a day with calorie-dense meals, snacks and high-calorie shakes between meals.
What drink helps you gain weight fast?
High-calorie shakes like Boost Very High Calorie (530 calories a bottle), a peanut butter banana shake made with whole milk, or a malt shake made with Ovaltine and ice cream.
How can I increase my appetite naturally?
Eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours, drink between meals instead of with them, stay active, and cook foods you really enjoy.
How long does it take to see results?
At an extra 300 to 500 calories a day, many people gain about half a pound to a pound a week. Stick with it for a month before judging.
Keep reading
Calorie calculator + 7-day soul food planHow to gain weight fast
12 tips that actually workBest weight gainers for women
Shakes and powders comparedHigh-calorie snacks
20 soul food snacks with calories
Sources
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have lost weight without trying, talk to your doctor.