Best Protein Powder for Bulking (UK 2026)

The best protein powder for bulking is one that delivers plenty of protein and the extra calories you need to build muscle and put on mass quickly. If you're looking to push through plateaus in the gym during a bulking phase, this is our breakdown of the best bulking protein powders available in the UK today.

We've reviewed dozens of bulking powders and selected the three best plant-based mass gainers money can buy. Below you'll find an overview of each, the pros and cons, and where to buy them.

Bulk Vegan Mass Gainer: Best overall for bulking

The Bulk Vegan Mass Gainer is an affordable vegan protein powder that comes in a massive 2.5kg bag and delivers 30g of plant-based protein and 367kcal per serving, making it our top all-round pick for adding mass.

It's made from pea, brown rice and pumpkin seed protein, combined with vitamins and minerals to help the body recover after big training sessions. It also packs over 40g of complex carbohydrates while keeping sugar content low. You can choose from a range of flavours, including Chocolate Peanut, Strawberry and Banana Caramel.

• Premium, high-quality vegan mass gainer from a leading sports nutrition brand
• 367kcal and 30g of protein per serving, high in fibre and low in sugar
• No artificial sweeteners, colourings or flavourings, for a natural taste, gluten and soya free
• Environmentally friendly, compostable packaging
• Available in a range of flavours

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The Protein Works Vegan Mass Gainer: Highest calorie content

The Protein Works Vegan Mass Gainer is a high-calorie vegan powder that provides over 32g of protein per serving. It's made using a blend of soy, pea and brown rice protein, giving a complete amino acid profile from a great mix of protein sources.

Research shows that consuming an extra 3,500kcal per week increases body weight by around 1lb. To achieve this you need to eat roughly 450kcal above your maintenance level (the amount of calories needed to neither gain nor lose weight) each day. With up to 500kcal per serving, this is a serious mass builder for anyone looking to bulk.

• 100% vegan and sustainably sourced
• Over 500kcal per serving, packed with 39g of pure protein
• Tri-protein matrix (soy, brown rice and pea) for a complete amino acid profile
• Innovative carbohydrate blend with up to 90g of carbs per serving
• Contains high-quality oats rich in zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamin E and fibre
• Ultra-smooth and available in a range of flavours

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Vivo Life Perform Vegan Protein: Best balanced all-rounder

Vivo Life Perform Vegan Protein is a well-balanced powder containing a blend of pea and hemp proteins. With 25g of protein and 6g of BCAAs per scoop, it's an extremely well-rounded option with added recovery benefits.

Each scoop contains around 140kcal (this varies by flavour), which is good but not ideal for a dedicated bulking powder. As with The Protein Works, we simply upped it to two scoops, which turns it into an excellent bulking shake. There are five flavours to choose from: Acai Berry & Blueberry, Salted Maca Caramel, Madagascan Vanilla, Cacao, and Banana & Cinnamon.

• 25g of protein and 6g of BCAAs per scoop
• Turmeric extract to optimise recovery
• Hemp and pea protein, with digestive enzymes for fast absorption
• Allergen free and 100% vegan
• Made in the UK without pesticides, herbicides or fungicides

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Which protein powder should I buy?

If your goal is a powder focused purely on bulking, we'd recommend the Bulk Vegan Mass Gainer. It's designed specifically to be a mass-gaining protein.

If you'd prefer something more balanced with additional benefits such as BCAAs, consider either The Protein Works Vegan Mass Gainer or Vivo Life Perform.

What is bulking?

Bulking is the process of gaining weight in order to increase muscle mass. The goal isn't just to gain weight, but to increase strength levels at the same time.

A bulk should only last a set period of time, typically fairly short. We suggest six weeks at most, with longer rest periods between each bulk cycle.

Protein powder can be a useful part of any bodybuilder's diet, but not all powders are suitable for bulking. That's why the three plant-based powders above are chosen specifically for building muscle mass.

How do I bulk with protein powder?

If you want to use protein powder to help you bulk, the key is choosing the right one for your goals. Not all powders are made equal, so it's worth doing your research on what different bulking powders offer before committing. Fortunately, we've done the hard work for you above.

To follow a successful bulking plan, your diet needs to be on point first. Protein powder should complement your diet, not be the main act.

1. Calculate your BMR (your resting calorie requirements). There are plenty of free calculators online. A typical person's BMR is usually between 2,000 and 2,500 calories per day.
2. Eat above your BMR, but not by too much, otherwise you'll pile on excessive fat. A good starting point is around 2,500 to 3,000 calories per day, depending on your sex, weight and age.
3. Track your calories and macros. MyFitnessPal is a free app that makes this easy. It also helps you see how much energy you have available for exercise. Some people find it helpful to break their food into three to five smaller meals throughout the day.
4. Lift weights regularly. Bulking and lifting go hand in hand, and you can't build serious muscle mass without it. Aim to train each muscle group at least twice a week when bulking.

When bulking, your lifts should increase steadily. If they aren't, revisit your training regime and look at how often, and how much, you're lifting each week.