Critical Mass Banana vs Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter
Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Critical Mass Banana and Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter.
Last verified: 19 Feb 2026 · Based on 8 reviews
Our Verdict: Critical Mass Banana or Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter?
Applied Nutrition Critical Mass wins with an 80/100 score versus Optimum Nutrition's 70/100, driven by superior ingredient quality and faster reported results. Choose Serious Mass if you want added creatine and a higher calorie hit per serving at the same £40 price point.
— AIScored Editorial Team
Critical Mass Banana scores 80.0/100 vs Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter at 70.0/100. Critical Mass Banana wins on effectiveness, ingredient quality, side effects.
Critical Mass Banana vs Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter: What Does the Data Say?
Both products sit at £40 and target the same hard-gainer market, but they differ meaningfully in what they put in the scoop. Applied Nutrition's Critical Mass scores 80/100 overall, with a notably higher effectiveness rating of 90/100, suggesting users see faster results in practice. Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass scores 70/100 overall with an effectiveness rating of 80/100, but it counters with a denser nutritional profile — 1,263 kcal per serving versus Critical Mass's 1,000-plus, and it includes 3g of creatine monohydrate per serving, which Critical Mass does not. Serious Mass also blends whey and casein for sustained protein release, though its 26g of sugar per serving and high sodium (1.56g, 26% of RDA) are worth noting for anyone watching those markers.
Critical Mass is the better pick if you want rapid visible results and can keep your training consistent — the higher effectiveness score reflects that. Serious Mass suits those who want everything bundled into one shake, particularly if you'd otherwise buy creatine separately. Both use banana and chocolate peanut butter flavours respectively, and strong artificial flavours have drawn mixed reviews for both, so starting with smaller servings is sensible.
How Do the Scores Compare?
Critical Mass Professional ...
Applied Nutrition
|
Serious Mass Chocolate Pean...
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
|
50.0/100 |
| 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 Chocolate Peanut Bu...
Pros
- ✓Extremely high calorie density (1,263 kcal/serving) designed specifically for muscle gain
- ✓Substantial protein content (50g per serving) with dual whey/casein blend for sustained release
- ✓Added creatine monohydrate (3g/serving) supports strength and performance
- ✓Complete micronutrient profile with 25 vitamins and minerals at therapeutic doses
Cons
- ✗Very high sugar content (26g per serving) unsuitable for those managing blood glucose
- ✗High sodium per serving (1.56g, 26% RDA) may concern sodium-sensitive individuals
- ✗Large serving size (334g powder + 710ml water) makes it inconvenient for on-the-go use
- ✗Contains multiple allergens: milk, soy, wheat, egg; not suitable for allergic individuals
Best For
Score Breakdown: Critical Mass Banana vs Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter
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 Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter? ▼
Is Critical Mass Banana worth the price compared to Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter? ▼
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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