Best Weight Gainer for Women: Shakes, Powders & Homemade (2026)
Share
By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026
Looking for the best weight gainer for women? Most "weight gainer" tubs are made for bodybuilders, with huge 1,000-plus calorie servings that are hard to finish. Below we compare the options that work for women who want to gain weight and curves, from ready-to-drink shakes to gainer powders and a homemade shake you can make tonight.
Our pick: for most women, a ready-to-drink shake like Boost Very High Calorie (530 calories) between meals is the easiest place to start. If you want more, add a half serving of a gainer powder or our homemade sweet potato pie shake.
Best weight gainers for women, compared
| Option | Calories | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Very High Calorie | 530 per bottle | Easiest, no mixing |
| Ensure Plus | 350 per bottle | Smaller appetites |
| Mass gainer powder (e.g. Serious Mass) | About 1,250 per full serving | Use a half serving |
| Homemade peanut butter banana shake | About 700 | Real food, low cost |
| Sweet potato pie smoothie | About 550 | Tastes like dessert |
Check each label for exact nutrition; formulas change.
The options in detail
Boost Very High Calorie
530 calories and ready to drink. Keep it cold and have one mid-afternoon.
Ensure Plus
Fewer calories per bottle, so it's easier if big shakes fill you up.
Mass gainer powder
Very high calorie. Most women do better starting with a half scoop blended into whole milk.
Peanut butter banana shake
1 1/2 cups whole milk, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 banana, 1/4 cup oats, a spoon of milk powder. Blend. About 700 calories.
Sweet potato pie smoothie
1 cooked sweet potato, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg and a little brown sugar. About 550 calories.
More recipesChocolate malt shake
Ovaltine or Milo, whole milk and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. About 650 calories.
How to choose the right weight gainer
- Calories you can finish: a shake you can actually drink every day beats a giant one you skip.
- Protein: look for at least 15 to 20 grams per serving to support muscle.
- Simple ingredients: milk, oats, peanut butter and fruit are all you need.
- Taste: chocolate, vanilla and malt flavors are easiest to stick with.
Want curves? Pair your shake with these moves
Extra calories give your body something to build with; exercise tells it where. Try glute bridges, squats, lunges, step-ups and hip thrusts 2 to 3 times a week. For the skin on your hips and thighs, our Natural Curves cream and oil moisturize and firm the look of skin.
Get your free weight gain meal planFAQ
What is the best weight gainer for females?
For most women, a ready-to-drink shake like Boost Very High Calorie between meals is the easiest start. Add a half serving of gainer powder or a homemade shake if you need more.
Do weight gainers work for women?
Yes, if they help you eat more calories than you burn. They work best alongside regular meals and strength training.
When should I drink a weight gainer?
Between meals or after a workout. Avoid drinking it right before a meal so you still have room to eat.
Can I make my own weight gainer at home?
Yes. Blend whole milk, peanut butter, a banana, oats and a spoon of milk powder for about 700 calories.
Keep reading
Calorie calculator + 7-day soul food planHow to gain weight fast
12 tips that actually workApetamin alternatives
Food-based ways to eat moreHigh-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.