Are you a person struggling to gain muscle mass? If so, you’ve likely considered adding a mass gainer to your routine. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
This review dives deep into Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer, a supplement boasting clean ingredients and an affordable price tag. We’ll dissect its formulation, taste, and effectiveness to help you decide if it’s the perfect match for your muscle-building goals.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice. It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting new supplements.
Why Trust Our Review?
At The Supplement Coach, we understand the importance of evidence-based information. That’s why our reviews combine in-depth research with expert opinions from certified nutrition coaches, personal trainers, and seasoned athletes. We test products ourselves and prioritize transparency, ensuring you get the best information available.
What We Look for in a Mass Gainer
When evaluating mass gainers, we focus on several key factors:
- Price per Serving: Mass gainers can be expensive. We compare the cost of Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer to other options.
- Formulation: We prioritize clean ingredients with minimal fillers and a good ratio of carbohydrates to protein.
- Taste and Solubility: Does the gainer mix well and taste good in water or milk?
- Side Effects: We assess potential side effects, both positive (muscle growth) and negative (digestive issues).
- Third-Party Testing: Independent testing ensures quality and transparency regarding ingredients.
Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer: A Closer Look
Rival Nutrition (formerly Rivalus) offers a variety of supplements, including protein powders, pre-workouts, and, of course, Clean Gainer. They emphasize clean, athlete-approved ingredients, and their Illinois facility boasts FDA inspections, NSF certifications, and GMP registrations. Additionally, Informed Choice third-party testing guarantees the product is free of banned substances.
Clean Gainer features a unique complex carb blend with several organic ingredients and oat fiber. The dairy protein blend combines whey and casein protein, while the fat source includes essential fats from flaxseed, avocado, and sunflower. These features all contribute to the “Clean” title.
Before You Buy: Important Considerations
While Clean Gainer prioritizes clean ingredients, it does contain some artificial flavors and sweeteners. It’s also available in 5-, 10-, and 12-pound tubs. Notably, the carb-to-protein ratio is lower than many mass gainers, clocking in at around 3.3 grams of carbs to every gram of protein.
Is Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer Worth It?
Absolutely! At a budget-friendly $40.99 for a 5-pound tub (under $3 per serving!), Clean Gainer is one of the most affordable mass gainers we’ve tested. The price drops even further with larger tubs. Add to that the high-quality organic ingredients, third-party testing, and delicious taste, and you’ve got a winning combination. Plus, with Prime membership, you can enjoy free shipping on Amazon!
However, the formulation might not suit everyone. Bulk seekers might prefer a mass gainer with a higher calorie and carbohydrate count. Clean Gainer offers 560 calories per scoop, enough to create a calorie surplus, but the lower carb-to-protein ratio may not lead to the same muscle gains as other options. This makes it ideal for bodybuilders aiming for lean muscle gains while minimizing fat accumulation.
Here’s Who Can Benefit from Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer:
- Budget-conscious gym goers
- Lifters seeking a clean gainer for lean muscle building
- Athletes who prioritize third-party tested supplements
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Bodybuilders wanting a higher carb-to-protein ratio
- Individuals avoiding artificial flavors and sweeteners
First-Hand Experience: A Lifter’s Perspective
Jacob Penner, a certified weightlifting coach, put Clean Gainer to the test for two weeks, consuming a full serving nightly before bed. He raved about the taste, texture, and the fact it caused no stomach issues – a common complaint with mass gainers. His only minor gripe was the oddly shaped scoop that made transferring the powder a bit messy.
Deep Dive: Formulation Breakdown
Mass gainers typically boast a high calorie count to help athletes achieve a surplus for weight gain. Additionally, a good amount of protein and carbohydrates are crucial for restoring glycogen stores and muscle recovery.
We awarded Clean Gainer a 4 out of 5 for its formulation. The 3.3:1 carb-to-protein ratio falls below the typical range for mass gainers, and the 560 calories per serving are on the lower end. Registered Dietitian Laila Ouldibbat suggests this gainer might be better suited for bodybuilders in a cutting phase or those trying to preserve muscle while losing fat.
However, Clean Gainer shines with its focus on clean, organic ingredients, particularly in the complex carbohydrate blend. The dairy protein blend provides all essential amino acids, and the fat source prioritizes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) known to boost energy and potentially aid in fat loss.
Taste and Solubility: A Winning Combination
Just like Jacob, we were impressed with the taste and solubility of Clean Gainer. He tried the chocolate peanut butter flavor, and it earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in both categories. The powder mixes smoothly without any clumps, a common issue with other mass gainers.
Side Effects: A Dream Come True (for Most)
Large mass gainer servings often lead to unpleasant side effects like bloating and stomach upset. Thankfully, Jacob, who often experiences these issues with other gainers, reported no problems with Clean Gainer, awarding it another 5 out of 5.
Final Verdict: A Clean Gainer with Muscle-Building Potential
Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer is a budget-friendly option for athletes seeking a clean, lean muscle-building mass gainer. It boasts a delicious taste, easy mixing, and minimal side effects. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Pros: Affordable, clean ingredients, third-party tested, good taste, easy to mix, no reported side effects
- Cons: Lower carb-to-protein ratio and calorie count compared to some gainers, contains artificial flavors and sweeteners
The Bottom Line:
The Supplement Coach focused on lean muscle gains and a clean approach to supplements, Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer is a strong contender. Its affordability and quality ingredients make it a steal, especially for those new to mass gainers or those on a tight budget. However, if you prioritize aggressive bulking with a higher carb intake, you might want to explore other options.
We hope this in-depth review empowers you to make an informed decision about incorporating Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer into your muscle-building routine. Remember, consistency is key! So, pair your gainer with a solid workout plan and proper nutrition to achieve your physique goals.
