Unfold Today logo.
Search icon.
Search icon.
MENU
Unfold Today menu icon.
Unfold Today logo.
Search icon.
Unfold Today logo.
X

Evidence-based

This article is based on scientific evidence because it has been written, fact-checked, reviewed, and regularly updated by experts that follow our strict editorial process.

The sources used by our editorial team are trustworthy, experienced, and authoritative, such as peer-reviewed journals and governmental information.

All the pieces of evidence are clearly highlighted in the articles as sources in the form of clickable endnotes ([1],[2],[3]) or simple in-text links.

Learn more about our editorial process.

X

Medically Reviewed

Unfold Today articles that require additional medical expertise are reviewed by a qualified member of our Expert Review Network, a group inside Unfold Today's team that verifies content to guarantee that the information delivered to our readers is thorough, authoritative, accurate, and fact-based.

Learn more about our Expert Review Network.

26 Weight Gain Syrups to Boost Appetite and Body Mass

Last updated on April 19, 2023
Different types of weight gain syrups along with two fit people who gained weight successfully.

Although males and females who struggle to gain weight often claim they've tried everything to get thicker, few of them know that the right quantity and type of syrup can boost their efforts.

As proof, we have seen that maple syrup is a useful ingredient in high-calorie smoothies, weight gain shakes, and high-calorie bars. Moreover, you can find maple syrup in some of the healthiest weight gain meal plans tailored for females.

But there is much more out there apart from maple syrup.

As experts in weight gain who have pointed out the best options for adding size, from high-calorie foods to calorie-dense drinks, we thought it’s time to shine a light on syrups as well.

Therefore, after consulting authoritative nutrition bodies, scientific studies, and more, we uncovered the syrups that can help you gain weight easier along with directions for how to enhance your diet with them in a healthy way.

What are weight gain syrups

When people talk about weight gain syrups, they refer either to high-calorie syrups made of sugar and water, or to syrups formulated to enhance appetite.

Generally, high-calorie syrups are syrups that have more than 400 calories per 3.5 fl oz (100 ml). These syrups can help you gain weight by increasing your caloric intake, thus making it easier for you to get on a caloric surplus.

Yet, since only 5 syrups have over 400 calories and plenty more have close to 400, we will also explore syrups that have over 250 calories.

On the other hand, appetite syrups help you gain weight by increasing your appetite. A bigger appetite will let you eat more food, and thus get more calories from your diet.

We explore both high-calorie and appetite syrups in this article.

Weight gain syrups with most calories

The most effective syrups for gaining weight are the ones with the highest number of calories because they do the best job when it comes to getting you closer to a daily caloric surplus.

You should, however, keep your daily serving size of syrup low because syrups are high-sugar liquids.

Illustration of sugar cubes.

Pay attention to daily sugar intake

The common syrup serving, according to the FDA guidance, is 2 tbsp (30 ml).[1]

Wondering how much sugar that contains?

Our research shows that 2 tbsp (30 ml) of the average high-calorie syrup has 23 g of sugar.

To put things in context, the daily limit for added sugar, according to the American Health Association’s sugar recommendation, is 36 g for men and 25 g for women.[2]

Therefore, provided they don’t have any other added sugars in their diet, women shouldn’t consume more than 2 tbsp (30 ml) of the average high-calorie syrup per day. Men should keep their syrup intake under 3 tbsp (45 ml).

Added sugars, according to CDC’s added sugar definition, are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages when they are processed or prepared. CDC also shares a few syrups as examples: high fructose corn syrup, malt syrup, and maple syrup.[3]

Yet, even with low serving sizes, high-calorie syrups can boost your calories by a couple of hundred calories, which can make the difference between you gaining weight or remaining the same.

Find below the weight gain syrups with the highest number of calories, whether you prefer fruit, starch, or other types of syrups.

Types of weight gain syrup with most calories.

Fruit syrups

Since they have between 264 and 459 calories, fruit syrups that are (or almost are) high in calories can help you gain weight by making it easier for you to get on a caloric surplus.

As a bonus, you get to indulge in fruity flavors.

Nevertheless, fruit syrups should be consumed in small amounts because they are still high in sugar. Fruit syrups with over 250 calories/100 ml (3.5 oz) typically have between 50 and 101 grams of sugar.

Below is a list of the fruit syrups with the most calories.

1. Agave syrup

Agave plants and agave syrup.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 459

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 138

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.2 fl oz (36 ml)
  • For women: 0.8 fl oz (25 ml)

Also containing a couple of vitamins, agave syrup, made from agave plants, is the fruit syrup with the highest number of calories, so no wonder it can help you gain weight.

Agave syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of agave syrup.

  • Calories: 459
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 113 g
  • Sugar: 101 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Vitamins: vitamin C (19-23% of DRI), vitamin K (19-25% of DRI).

2. Raspberry syrup

Raspberry syrup's main ingredient, raspberries.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 367

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 110

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.4 fl oz (43 ml)
  • For women: 1 fl oz (30 ml)

Often used as a sweetener, raspberry syrup is a fruit syrup with vitamin C that can help you gain weight because it is rich in calories.

Raspberry syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of raspberry syrup.

  • Calories: 367
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 87 g
  • Sugar: 83 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Vitamins: vitamin C (22-27% of DRI)

3. Peach syrup

Peaches and a bottle of peach syrup.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 367

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 110

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.4 fl oz (43 ml)
  • For women: 1 fl oz (30 ml)

Since peach syrup is the third fruit syrup in this ranking of high-calorie syrups, it can definitely boost your weight gain efforts. Besides, peach syrup contains some vitamin C.

Peach syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of peach syrup.

  • Calories: 367
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 87 g
  • Sugar: 83 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Vitamins: vitamin C (22-27% of DRI)

4. Blackberry syrup

Blackberry syrup's main ingredient, blackberries.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 367

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 110

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 2.1 fl oz (62 ml)
  • For women: 1.4 fl oz (43 ml)

Often used as a topping, blackberry syrup is a fruit syrup with less sugar than the average syrup but one that still has plenty of calories to boost weight gain.

Blackberry syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of blackberry syrup.

  • Calories: 367
  • Proteins: 2 g
  • Carbs: 92 g
  • Sugar: 58 g
  • Fat: 0 g

5. Sour cherry syrup

Sour cherry syrup's main ingredient - sour cherries.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 367

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 110

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.4 fl oz (43 ml)
  • For women: 1 fl oz (30 ml)

If you’re looking for a syrup with a sour taste that helps you gain weight, try sour cherry syrup, a calorie-filled fruit syrup that also has vitamin C.

Sour cherry syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of cherry syrup.

  • Calories: 367
  • Proteins: 0
  • Carbs: 87 g
  • Sugar: 83 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Vitamins: vitamin C (22-27% of DRI)

6. Fig syrup

Fig syrup's main ingredient, figs.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 340

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 102

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.4 fl oz (43 ml)
  • For women: 1 fl oz (30 ml)

Since it’s a fruit syrup with a lot of calories, fig syrup can be of benefit to people looking to gain weight.

Fig syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of fig syrup.

  • Calories: 340
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 83 g
  • Sugar: 83 g
  • Fat: 0 g

7. Blueberry syrup

Blueberry syrup's main ingredient, blueberries.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 333

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 100

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.6 fl oz (49 ml)
  • For women: 1.1 fl oz (34 ml)

Blueberry syrup is loaded with calories that can help you get on a daily caloric surplus, an essential condition for gaining weight. Besides, it may contain antioxidants since blueberries are rich in these compounds.

Blueberry syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of blueberry syrup.

  • Calories: 333
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 83 g
  • Sugar: 73 g
  • Fat: 0 g

8. Pineapple syrup

Pineapple syrup's main ingredient, pineapple.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 321

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 96

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.5 fl oz (46 ml)
  • For women: 1.1 fl oz (32 ml)

Recommended in drinks and smoothies, pineapple syrup is an exotic syrup, with over 300 calories and an average amount of sugar compared to other syrups, that can help you increase your daily calories so you gain weight easier.

Pineapple syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of pineapple syrup.

  • Calories: 321
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 78 g
  • Sugar: 78 g
  • Fat: 0 g

9. Pear syrup

Pear syrup's main ingredient, pears.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 321

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 96

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.5 fl oz (46 ml)
  • For women: 1.1 fl oz (32 ml)

Pear syrup is a fruity calorie-dense syrup with a light-yellow color that can help you gain weight because of its energy-filled content.

Pear syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of pear syrup.

  • Calories: 321
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 79 g
  • Sugar: 79 g
  • Fat: 0 g

10. Grape syrup

Grape syrup's main ingredient, grapes.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 317

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 95

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.9 fl oz (56 ml)
  • For women: 1.3 fl oz (39 ml)

Tasting great in dressings and cocktails, the grape syrup is a syrup made from grape must that has less sugar than other weight gain syrups but still brings enough calories to boost your caloric intake significantly.

Grape syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of grape syrup.

  • Calories: 317
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 75 g
  • Sugar: 64 g
  • Fat: 0 g

11. Grenadine syrup

Grenadine syrup's main ingredient, pomegranates.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 315

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 95

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 2.2 fl oz (65 ml)
  • For women: 1.5 fl oz (45 ml)

Popular in cocktail recipes, grenadine syrup is a syrup made from pomegranates that has lower amounts of sugar than other syrups but still maintains its ability to help you gain weight easier.

Grenadine syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of grenadine syrup.

  • Calories: 315
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 79 g
  • Sugar: 55 g
  • Fat: 0 g

12. Boysenberry syrup

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 283

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 85

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.8 fl oz (53 ml)
  • For women: 1.2 fl oz (37 ml)

The syrup made from boysenberries, a hybrid type of berries dating back to the early 19th century, can help you gain weight easier because it has almost 300 calories per 100 ml.

Boysenberry syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of boysenberry syrup.

  • Calories: 283
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 68 g
  • Sugar: 68 g
  • Fat: 0 g

13. Plum syrup

Plums and plum syrup.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 264

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 79

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 2.4 fl oz (72 ml)
  • For women: 1.7 fl oz (50 ml)

Plum syrup is the syrup with the lowest amount of sugar on this list. This syrup, however, can still increase your caloric intake significantly, having 264 calories per 100 ml.

Plum syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of plum syrup.

  • Calories: 264
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 63 g
  • Sugar: 50 g
  • Fat: 1 g

Starch syrups

Because they have between 260 and 459 calories, syrups made from starch that are, or almost are, high in calories can help you gain weight by making it easier for you to get on a caloric surplus.

As it’s the case with fruit syrups, starch syrups should be consumed in small quantities because they are extremely rich in sugar. Starch syrups having over 250 calories/3.5 oz (100 ml) have between 39 and 115 grams of sugar.

Below is a list of syrups obtained from starchy plants that can help you gain weight.

1. Golden syrup

Golden syrup's main ingredient, sugar cane.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 459

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 138

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1 fl oz (31 ml)
  • For women: 0.7 fl oz (22 ml)

Made from sugar cane, golden syrup is the syrup with the highest number of calories, and the most sugar, among starch syrups. Golden syrup is often used for baking but it can also be used as a delicious topping.

Golden syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of golden syrup.

  • Calories: 459
  • Proteins: 1 g
  • Carbs: 115 g
  • Sugar: 115 g
  • Fat: 0 g

2. Glucose syrup

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 454

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 136

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 3.1 fl oz (92 ml)
  • For women: 2.1 fl oz (64 ml)

Even though glucose syrup, obtained by hydrolyzing starch, is the high-calorie syrup with the lowest sugar content, it is still one of the weight gain syrups with the most calories.

Glucose syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of glucose syrup.

  • Calories: 454
  • Proteins: 1 g
  • Carbs: 112 g
  • Sugar: 39 g
  • Fat: 0 g

3. Malt syrup

Malt syrup's main ingredient, barley.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 452

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 136

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.2 fl oz (36 ml)
  • For women: 0.8 fl oz (25 ml)

Malt syrup is a syrup made from the starch of barley that will help you gain weight because it’s a high-calorie syrup.

Besides, malt syrup is the only high-calorie syrup with notable amounts of protein.

In terms of micronutrients, the barley-derived syrup has magnesium, selenium, and potassium.

Malt syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of malt syrup.

  • Calories: 452
  • Proteins: 9 g
  • Carbs: 101 g
  • Sugar: 101 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Minerals: magnesium (24-33% of DRI), selenium (31% of DRI), potassium (28% of DRI).

4. Sorghum syrup

Sorghum syrup's main ingredient - sorghum stalks.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 403

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 121

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.2 fl oz (35 ml)
  • For women: 0.8 fl oz (24 ml)

Made from the starch of sorghum stalks, sorghum syrup will help you gain weight because it’s high in calories.

The sorghum plant belongs to the grass family, and is generally cultivated as a cereal.

In terms of micronutrients, sorghum syrup has magnesium and potassium.

Sorghum syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of sorghum syrup.

  • Calories: 403
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 104 g
  • Sugar: 104 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Minerals: magnesium (24-32% of DRI), potassium (50% of DRI).

5. High fructose corn syrup

High fructose corn syrup's main ingredient, corn.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 370

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 111

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.2 fl oz (36 ml)
  • For women: 0.8 fl oz (25 ml)

Made from corn starch, high fructose corn syrup will help you gain weight because it’s rich in calories.

Although high fructose corn syrup is thought by many to cause obesity, it’s not true.

According to a study on the link between the consumption of high fructose corn syrup and obesity, what may cause obesity is the overconsumption of HFCS in beverages sweetened with this syrup, as opposed to the simple act of tasting corn syrup.[21]

Moreover, a University of Maryland examination of high fructose corn syrup’s effects on weight gain, shows that HFCS doesn’t encourage obesity differently than other energy sources.[22]

High fructose corn syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of high fructose corn syrup.

  • Calories: 370
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 100 g
  • Sugar: 100 g
  • Fat: 0 g

6. Cane syrup

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 364

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 109

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.2 fl oz (36 ml)
  • For women: 0.8 fl oz (25 ml)

Especially popular in the Southern United States, cane syrup is a syrup made from sugar cane that will help you gain weight because it has almost 400 calories.

Cane syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of cane syrup.

  • Calories: 364
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 99 g
  • Sugar: 99 g
  • Fat: 0 g

7. Maple syrup

Bucket with maple sap and bottle of maple syrup.

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 260

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 78

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 2 fl oz (59 ml)
  • For women: 1.4 fl oz (41 ml)

Obtained from the sap of the maple tree, the popular maple syrup can help you gain weight because it’s rich in calories.

If you’re having second thoughts about the effectiveness of maple syrup when it comes to weight gain, stop it.

Maple syrup counts among the best weight gain foods for females, being consumed by 27% of the females who successfully gain weight. To help you introduce maple syrup to your diet, here is a 7-day weight gain meal plan tailored for females that features maple syrup.

Moreover, maple syrup is an ingredient in the high-calorie banana peanut butter smoothie, the banana peanut butter shake for weight gain, and the high-calorie Maple Fig Enjoy Life Bar.

If you want to make maple syrup at home or just want to find out how it’s made, watch Morgan Gold, one of the founders of the Gold Shaw Farm, showing the whole process.

Maple syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of maple syrup.

  • Calories: 260
  • Proteins: 0 g
  • Carbs: 67 g
  • Sugar: 61 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Minerals: potassium (13% of DRI).

Other syrups

Below is a list of syrups that are not derived from fruits or starchy plants, but that can nonetheless help you gain weight.

1. Sugar beet syrup

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 422

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 127

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.3 fl oz (38 ml)
  • For women: 0.9 fl oz (26 ml)

Sugar beet syrup, made from the sugar type of beet, can help you gain weight because it’s high in calories.

Besides being high in sugar and calories, sugar beet syrup contains potentially dangerous amounts of iron, so make sure to not consume exaggerated quantities of this syrup.

Stick to the daily limit and you'll be fine.

Sugar beet syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of sugar beet syrup.

  • Calories: 422
  • Proteins: 6 g
  • Carbs: 94 g
  • Sugar: 94 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Minerals: iron (91% of the daily upper limit intake).

2. Chocolate syrup

Cocoa powder and chocolate syrup

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 353

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 106

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.9 fl oz (57 ml)
  • For women: 1.3 fl oz (40 ml)

Chocolate syrup, made from cocoa powder and sugar, is a popular and tasty syrup that can help you gain weight because it’s rich in calories.

In terms of minerals, the chocolate syrup has notable amounts of magnesium and potassium.

Chocolate syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of chocolate syrup.

  • Calories: 353
  • Proteins: 3 g
  • Carbs: 82 g
  • Sugar: 63 g
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Minerals: magnesium (19-27% of DRI), potassium (18% of DRI).

3. Butterscotch or caramel syrup

Sugar and caramel syrup

Calories/100 ml (3.5 fl oz): 292

Calories/serving size (30 ml or 2 tbsp): 88

Daily syrup limit (provided no more added sugars in diet):

  • For men: 1.9 fl oz (47 ml)
  • For women: 1.3 fl oz (32 ml)

Whether you prefer butterscotch syrup, which is made from white sugar, or caramel syrup, which is made from brown sugar, you will be happy to find that both of these weight gain syrups can help you increase your caloric intake because they are both filled with calories.

If you want to make butterscotch syrup at home, learn from famous chef Gordon Ramsay’s recipe below.

Butterscotch or caramel syrup nutrition facts

The nutrition facts below are calculated for 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) of butterscotch or caramel syrup.

  • Calories: 292
  • Proteins: 1 g
  • Carbs: 77 g
  • Sugar: 77 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Minerals: sodium (20% of DRI).

How to consume high-calorie syrups

Now that you know that syrups with many calories can help you gain weight, you should learn how to add them to your diet.

You can use high-calorie syrups to:

Appetite syrups for increasing weight

While low-volume high-calorie foods are the best weight gain foods for people with a low appetite because they don’t overload the stomach, these foods don’t boost your appetite. That's why you may want to try appetite syrups.

Appetite syrups are dietary liquid supplements that can help you gain weight because they increase your appetite. Shortly said, appetite syrups help you eat more food, which in turn translates to a higher caloric intake.

Yet, many appetite syrups have side effects that can affect your health.

Below is a list of different types of appetite syrups made for weight gain.

Cyproheptadine syrups

A large number of the syrups that increase appetite contain cyproheptadine.

Cyproheptadine, according to the National Library of Medicine’s cyproheptadine description, is an antihistamine medicine that can stimulate appetite by blocking serotonin receptors.[29]

The downside of taking cyproheptadine is that it can have harmful side effects, especially if taken without a doctor’s recommendation.

The cyproheptadine syrup called Apetamin, according to a hepatotoxicity case reported by George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, can trigger autoimmune hepatitis, a condition when your immune system attacks your liver cells.[30]

Other side effects of cyproheptadine, according to an African study about the misuse of cyproheptadine, are:

  • Increased obesity risk;
  • Drowsiness;
  • Tiredness;
  • Insomnia;
  • Spinning sensation;
  • Blurred vision;
  • Loss of coordination;
  • Upset stomach;
  • Nausea;
  • Diarrhea.[31]

Cyproheptadine syrups are sold under different names, depending on the targeted country, but most variants are sold in African countries.

In the US, one illegal cyproheptadine syrup brand received special attention, especially on social media. Cyproheptadine tablets, however, are available in the US by medical prescription.

Below we explore some of the most popular cyproheptadine syrups.

Apetamin syrup

Apetamin syrup bottle and its ingredient label.

Ingredient label photo (right) credits: kiliweb from Open Food Facts (license: Creative Commons)

Banned in many countries, Apetamin syrup is an Indian cyproheptadine syrup with B-vitamins and an unsignificant number of proteins that can help you gain weight by increasing your appetite.

The Apetamin syrup – according to the syrup bottle’s label, and the owning company’s official website – is manufactured by TIL Healthcare PVT LTD, an Indian pharmaceutical company.[32]

Apetamin stimulates appetite because it contains cyproheptadine, which may cause unwanted side effects.

Besides cyproheptadine, the lysine component of Apetamin could also help with weight gain, if it were present in larger quantities.

The protein called lysine, according to a Chinese study about lysine’s effects on growth performance in rats, may be helpful for gaining weight. Human studies are, however, needed.[33]

According to a U.S. Dairy Alliance document about whey products, 1 scoop of whey protein concentrate has approximately 2800 mg of lysine, which is 9 times more lysine than the usual daily adult portion of Apetamin.[34]

Apetamin ingredients

Below are the ingredients found in the daily recommended intake of Apetamin syrup (10 ml):

  • 4 mg cyproheptadine hydrochloride
  • 300 mg L-lysine hydrochloride
  • 4 mg thiamine hydrochloride
  • 2 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride
  • 30 mg nicotinamide
  • 9 mg dexpanthenol

Source: Apetamin syrup ingredient label

Where to find

You can’t get Apetamin from authorized sources in the US and the UK.

Since it is on FDA’s Import Red List, Apetamin is banned in the United States.[35]

Also, in a letter sent by the UK’s National Health Service to Instagram, NHS called Apetamin an “unlicensed and dangerous” drug.[36]

Therefore, since versions of Apetamin can still be found on shady websites and across social media, we strongly advise against trying to find it.

Instead, if your doctor thinks it will help you gain weight safely, you can take cyproheptadine from an authorized manufacturer, like Lannett.[37]

Appetite syrups in Africa

Besides Apetamin, the market offers many other cyproheptadine syrups, most of which are sold in Africa.

After all, weight gain syrups, according to Google Trends data about weight gain syrups, are especially popular in two African countries, Ghana and Nigeria.[38]

Here are a few of the cyproheptadine syrup brands sold in African countries as syrups that stimulate appetite:

  • Becoactin syrup
  • Cyprodine syrup
  • Cypon syrup
  • Trimetabol syrup

NutriGain syrup

NutriGain Weight Gain Syrup bottle on a shelf.

The NutriGain Weight Gain Syrup is a dietary supplement that claims to support appetite with their “100% natural and organic vitamin formula.”

Since it’s a dietary supplement, the NutriGain Weight Gain Syrup can’t be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Specifically, the law, according to the FDA’s regulatory practices for supplements, can’t approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness. The FDA, however, can inspect manufacturing facilities and whether labeling requirements are met.[39]

NutriGain claims on the bottle of their weight gain syrup that the syrup is “manufactured at an FDA registered facility,” which may signify that the FDA verified the manufacturing process of the syrup.

Yet, the label of the NutriGain Weight Gain Syrup states that the supplement facts “have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.”

Nevertheless, after looking at reviews of the syrup, we could not identify any side effects appearing after taking the NutriGain syrup.

Nutrition facts

Below are the nutritional facts for 10 ml of Nutrigain Weight Gain Syrup:

  • Calories: 20
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Vitamin B-1: 5 mg (417% of daily value)
  • Vitamin B-3: 5 mg (31% of daily value)
  • Vitamin B-6: 30 mg (1765% of daily value)
  • Pantothenic acid: 10 mg (200% of daily value)

Besides the above, a serving of 10 ml of NutriGain Weight Syrup contains 255 mg of the so-called Max Gains Proprietary Blend, which is made from:

  • L-lysine
  • Creatine
  • Fenugreek extract
  • Blessed thistle extract
  • L-theanine
  • Maca root extract

Other ingredients: purified water, vegetable glycerin, cellulose gum, citric acid, natural flavor, potassium benzoate (to preserve freshness), potassium sorbate (to preserve freshness), xanthan gum, sucralose.

Nutrition facts source: NutriGain Weight Gain Syrup bottle.[40]

Where to find

The NutriGain Weight Gain Syrup ships only to the United States.

You can find the NutriGain Weight Gain Syrup on NutriGain’s official website, or at Walmart.

Unfold Today does not endorse NutriGain and does not gain any commissions if you decide to buy anything from them.

Apetenic syrup

Apetenic is another syrup that claims to improve appetite and promote weight gain with natural ingredients.

Apetenic is manufactured by Herboganic, a company whose headquarters are located in Brooklyn, New York, in a rather shady building.[41]

See the Herboganic headquarters on Google Maps.

Ingredients

Each 5 ml of Apetenic Syrup contains 2.25 mg of the following extracts:

  • Amblica officinalis (also known as Amla or Indian gooseberry);
  • Achillea millefolium (Common yarrow);
  • Elettaria Cardamomum (green or true cardamom);
  • Tinospora Cordifolia (gurjo or heart-leaved moonseed);
  • Terminalia Chebula (chebulic myrobalan);
  • Cichorium intybus (common chicory);
  • Tamarix Gallica (the French tamarisk);
  • Piper longum (long pepper);
  • Tribulus terrestris;
  • Boerhavia Diffusa (also known as Punarnava or tar vine).

Source: Herboganic - Apetenic Appetite Stimulant Syrup.[42]

Where to find

You can find Apetenic Syrup on Herboganic’s official website, or at Walmart.

Unfold Today does not endorse Apetenic and does not gain any commissions if you decide to buy anything from them.

Who can benefit from weight gain syrups

High-calorie and appetite syrups are for everyone looking to gain weight, including:

  • Underweight people;
  • Skinny males struggling to build muscle mass;
  • Thin females that want better curves;
  • Persons with high metabolism;
  • Vegans with limited high-calorie dietary sources.

Besides, since weight gain syrups have zero fats, they can help people on low-fat diets boost their daily caloric intake. For more lean but nutritious dietary choices, check out the list of high-calorie low-fat foods.

Are weight gain syrups safe

Whether you use high-calorie syrups or appetite syrups to gain weight easier, you should know that both of these types of syrups can be harmful, depending on the chosen syrup and the quantity consumed.

Are high-calorie syrups safe for weight gain

Since high-calorie syrups are high in sugar, they should be consumed in small quantities.

Overconsumption of added sugars, according to Dr. Laura Schimdt’s medical commentary on sugar, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, dementia, hypertension, and obesity.[43]

If that wasn't enough, medical nurses, according to the Medical-Surgical Nursing book, are trained to teach patients with diabetes or prediabetes to avoid beverages sweetened with sugar, like syrups.[44]

Moreover, in his book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration: A Comparison of Primitive and Modern Diets and Their Effects, the late famous dentist Weston Price pointed out the low nutritional qualities of syrups.[45]

“There is very little of the body building minerals in maple syrup, cane syrup from sugar or honey. They can all defeat an otherwise efficient dietary.”

- Weston A. Price 

Are appetite syrups safe for weight gain

Appetite syrups that contain cyproheptadine cannot be considered safe because of their many side effects. On the other hand, even though they can’t be approved by the FDA, organic appetite syrups, like NutriGain and Apetenic, are a safer alternative.

Frequently asked questions

Do weight gain syrups work?

Whether you use high-calorie syrups to increase your caloric intake, appetite syrups to be able to eat more, or both, you will gain weight only if you stay on a daily caloric surplus, which means you need to eat more calories than you consume every day.

What syrup will make you gain weight the fastest?

Since you can only eat a low quantity of high-calorie syrups per day because they are rich in sugar, you’re likely to reap benefits faster from an organic appetite syrup that should enable you to eat more healthy food so you can stay on a caloric surplus.

Conclusion

To sum up, there are two types of syrups that can help you gain weight: high-calorie syrups and appetite syrups.

High-calorie syrups are made from fruits, starch, sugar beet, cocoa, or sugar, and can play various roles in the kitchen. They help you gain weight by increasing your caloric intake.

Unfortunately, high-calorie syrups are unhealthy if you consume more than about 2 tablespoons of them a day because they are rich in sugar.

Appetite syrups, whether they are organic or made with cyproheptadine, can help you gain weight by stimulating your appetite. Cyproheptadine syrups, however, can have serious negative side effects.

In the end, a limited amount of high-calorie syrup intake along with the stimulus given by an organic appetite syrup can ultimately make weight gain easier for most people.

But, remember that weight gain syrups are only a supplement that can help you get on a daily caloric surplus easier, and not main nutrient sources.

The foods and beverages that will help you the most in gaining weight are high-calorie foods and weight gain drinks.

Sources

Unfold Today has rigorous sourcing principles adhering to the top journalistic standards, so our writers always look for official, experienced, and first-hand sources. Read more about how we keep our content trustworthy and updated by reading our editorial process.

Written by
Claudiu Pop from Unfold Today, face portrait.
Claudiu Pop is a nutritionist, medical writer, journalist, and the founder of Unfold Today. He specialized in fitness and nutrition, especially in weight gain, by helping people increase their body mass since 2019 with over 20 articles published in the field.
Leave reply
OR
Get more high-calorie food and drink ideas

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore more high-calorie foods and drinks
White Unfold Today Logo for footer.
Our content is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of the owners of Unfold Today.
Follow us
YouTube icon styled for Unfold Today.Facebook icon styled for Unfold Today.Instagram icon styled for Unfold Today.Twitter icon styled for Unfold Today.LinkedIn icon styled for Unfold Today.Pinterest icon styled for Unfold Today.
All rights reserved by Unfold Media SRL (LLC). Copyright © 2019-2023.