Critical Mass Banana vs Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Banana
Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Critical Mass Banana and Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Banana.
Last verified: 19 Feb 2026 · Based on 8 reviews
Our Verdict: Critical Mass Banana or Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Banana?
Applied Nutrition Critical Mass wins with an 80/100 score versus Optimum Nutrition's 70/100, backed by superior ingredient quality and faster reported results. Choose Serious Mass if you need maximum calories per serving — its 1,250 kcal dwarfs Critical Mass — but be mindful of the higher sugar content.
— AIScored Editorial Team
Critical Mass Banana scores 80.0/100 vs Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Banana at 70.0/100. Critical Mass Banana wins on effectiveness, ingredient quality, side effects.
Critical Mass Banana vs Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Banana: What Does the Data Say?
Both products sit at £40, but Applied Nutrition's Critical Mass edges ahead with a score of 80/100 compared to Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass at 70/100 — and the gap is most notable in effectiveness (90 versus 80) and ingredient quality (80 versus 70). The Critical Mass delivers over 1,000 calories per serving and users report visible strength and size gains within two to four weeks, suggesting the formula is well-calibrated for lean mass rather than indiscriminate bulk. Serious Mass hits 1,250 calories per serving, which is more aggressive, but also comes with 12g of sugar per serving — something worth factoring in if you're mindful of overall diet quality.
If you train hard and consistently, Applied Nutrition is the better pick. The higher effectiveness score reflects real-world results, and the leaner calorie profile means less risk of unwanted fat if your sessions are intense. Serious Mass suits someone who genuinely struggles to eat enough and needs every calorie they can get — the extra 250 calories per serving adds up meaningfully over time.
On taste, both are banana flavoured and both receive strong feedback in that regard. Applied Nutrition comes in at 2.4kg versus Serious Mass at 2.73kg for the same price, so you get slightly fewer servings — but given the scores, the quality difference likely justifies that.
How Do the Scores Compare?
Critical Mass Professional ...
Applied Nutrition
|
Serious Mass Banana 2.73kg
Optimum Nutrition
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 80.0 | 70.0 |
| Effectiveness |
90.0/100
Best
|
80.0/100 |
| Ingredient Quality |
80.0/100
Best
|
70.0/100 |
| Value for Money |
80.0/100
Best
|
80.0/100
Best
|
| Side Effects |
80.0/100
Best
|
70.0/100 |
| Certifications |
80.0/100
Best
|
30.0/100 |
| Best Price | £40.00 Holland & Barrett → |
£36.00
Holland & Barrett →
Cheapest
|
| Form | None | powder |
| Dose | None | None |
| Third-Party Tested | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Reviews Analysed | 4 | 4 |
Critical Mass Professional Lean ...
Pros
- ✓Rapid results: Users report visible muscle gain and strength increases within 2-4 weeks
- ✓Strong, enjoyable flavor that encourages consistent use
- ✓High caloric density (1,000+ calories) supports the caloric surplus needed for lean mass gain
- ✓Informed Sport registered and Halal certified—meets testing and dietary standards
Cons
- ✗Very high calorie content may lead to excess fat gain if training stimulus is insufficient
- ✗Strong flavor (per reviews) may be overwhelming for some users even at reduced portions
- ✗Not third-party tested beyond Informed Sport registration; lacks independent lab verification
- ✗High sugar content in standard formulation (though 'reduced sugar' variant exists); not suitable for strict carb-controlled diets
Best For
Serious Mass Banana 2.73kg
Pros
- ✓Excellent taste (specifically noted as 'tasty' and 'marvellous')
- ✓High calorie density (1,250 kcal per serving) efficiently supports weight gain goals
- ✓Substantial protein content (50g per serving) supports muscle building and repair
- ✓Good value for money at current pricing
Cons
- ✗Very high sugar content (12g per serving) may be concerning for some users
- ✗Not third-party tested or certified
- ✗High sodium per serving (1.48g salt) may be problematic for sodium-sensitive individuals
- ✗Contains multiple allergens (milk, soy, gluten possible) limiting suitability for those with common allergies
Best For
Score Breakdown: Critical Mass Banana vs Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Banana
Applied Nutrition Critical Mass Professional is a high-calorie lean mass gainer (1,000+ calories per serving) designed for hard gainers and athletes seeking rapid weight gain.
What are the key differences?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Critical Mass Banana or Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Banana? ▼
Is Critical Mass Banana worth the price compared to Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Banana? ▼
Which has fewer side effects? ▼
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Disclaimer: AIScored provides data-driven comparisons based on publicly available reviews. This is not medical advice. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
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