Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Chocolate
At a glance
Summary
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Chocolate scores 27/100. 1,260-calorie, 50 g protein mass gainer built on whey protein concentrate plus 250 g of carbohydrates per serving — almost entirely maltodextrin and oat flour — with creatine, glutamine, BCAAs, and a 25-vitamin/mineral blend. But Informed Choice certification covers banned substances, NOT heavy metals, and independent third-party lab testing (Consumer Reports, January 2024) detected 8.43 mcg arsenic per serving — the HIGHEST single-metal value in the entire 23-product 2024 protein survey. Likely source: the oat flour and grain-derived carb base. Owned by Glanbia Performance Nutrition.
Contaminants 4
Source: Consumer Reports January 2024
Lead 0.61 mcg per serving Moderate
A moderate level of lead — elevated enough to be a real sourcing concern; cleaner-tested options exist.
Independent third-party testing.
Cadmium not detected Not detected
Not detected — below the laboratory's detection limit. This is the strictest possible result: no measurable amount was found.
Consumer Reports January 2024 reported cadmium below the lab's threshold of detection — no cadmium measurable in this product.
Arsenic 8.43 mcg per serving High
Detected at a high level — at or above health-based exposure limits. Regular exposure at this level is a genuine health concern. Arsenic is an IARC Group 1 carcinogen with no safe exposure level. Likely source: oat / grain / rice ingredients in the carbohydrate base.
Consumer Reports January 2024 detected 8.43 mcg arsenic per serving.
Mercury not detected Not detected
Not detected — below the laboratory's detection limit. This is the strictest possible result: no measurable amount was found.
Consumer Reports January 2024 reported mercury below the lab's threshold of detection — no mercury measurable in this product.
Key ingredients 15
MaltodextrinBad
Highly refined starch filler with a glycemic impact above table sugar.
See more about Maltodextrin →Soy LecithinBad
Typically derived from GMO soybeans using hexane extraction. Adds an emulsifier without nutritional benefit.
See more about Soy Lecithin →Natural and Artificial FlavorsBad
Synthetic chemical compounds with zero transparency on composition and no nutritional value.
See more about Natural and Artificial Flavors →SucraloseBad
Chlorinated artificial sweetener linked to disruption of gut microbiome, potential insulin response issues, and generation of harmful chlorinated compounds during metabolism.
See more about Sucralose →Cocoa (Processed with Alkali)Neutral
Dutch-processed cocoa has reduced flavanol and antioxidant content compared to natural cocoa.
See more about Cocoa (Processed with Alkali) →PABANeutral
Para-aminobenzoic acid; B-vitamin complex member with minimal evidence of supplementation benefit.
See more about PABA →Vitamin and Mineral Blend (25 nutrients)Neutral
Synthetic micronutrient fortification covering vitamins A, C, D, E, B-complex, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and more.
See more about Vitamin and Mineral Blend (25 nutrients) →Whey Protein ConcentrateGood
Complete dairy protein with high bioavailability and a rich amino acid profile. Retains beneficial bioactive compounds; primary protein source delivering 50 g per serving.
See more about Whey Protein Concentrate →Oat FlourGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
See more about Oat Flour →L-LeucineGood
Part of BCAAs. Free-form branched-chain amino acids supporting muscle protein synthesis and recovery.
See more about L-Leucine →L-ValineGood
Part of BCAAs. Free-form branched-chain amino acids supporting muscle protein synthesis and recovery.
See more about L-Valine →L-IsoleucineGood
Part of BCAAs. Free-form branched-chain amino acids supporting muscle protein synthesis and recovery.
See more about L-Isoleucine →L-GlutamineGood
Conditionally essential amino acid supporting recovery and gut health.
See more about L-Glutamine →InositolGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
See more about Inositol →Creatine MonohydrateVery Good
Most-researched ergogenic supplement on the market. Robustly supports strength, power output, and lean mass gains. A genuinely beneficial inclusion in a mass gainer.
See more about Creatine Monohydrate →Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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