Critical Mass Strawberry vs Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter
Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Critical Mass Strawberry and Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter.
Last verified: 01 Mar 2026 · Based on 13 reviews
Our Verdict: Critical Mass Strawberry or Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter?
Applied Nutrition Critical Mass edges ahead with a higher overall score (74 vs 70) and Informed Sport certification, making it the safer pick for tested athletes. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass suits budget-conscious hard gainers who prioritise raw calorie density and don't mind the higher sugar content.
— AIScored Editorial Team
Critical Mass Strawberry scores 74.0/100 vs Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter at 70.0/100. Critical Mass Strawberry wins on ingredient quality, side effects, certifications. Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter is stronger on effectiveness and value for money.
Critical Mass Strawberry vs Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter: What Does the Data Say?
Applied Nutrition's Critical Mass scores higher overall (74/100 vs 70/100) but delivers fewer calories per serving than Serious Mass. Applied Nutrition hits 1,000+ calories at 150g per scoop, whereas Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass reaches 1,263 kcal in roughly the same volume. Both include creatine monohydrate — Applied Nutrition adds HMB, glutamine, and CLA, while Optimum Nutrition uses a whey-casein blend for steady protein release.
Price matters. Serious Mass costs £40 versus Critical Mass at £52.95. Optimum Nutrition scores higher for both value (80/100 vs 71/100) and effectiveness (80/100 vs 73/100). However, Serious Mass packs 26g sugar per serving and 1.56g sodium — genuinely high if you're sodium-sensitive. Critical Mass avoids this but demands 150g powder per shake, which many struggle to consume in one sitting.
Pick Critical Mass if you want lower sugar and sodium with amino acid support. Choose Serious Mass for sheer calorie density and value, provided high sugar doesn't bother you. Taste varies: users report inconsistency with Critical Mass's strawberry, whilst Serious Mass's chocolate peanut butter delivers consistent flavour.
How Do the Scores Compare?
Critical Mass Professional ...
Applied Nutrition
|
Serious Mass Chocolate Pean...
Optimum Nutrition
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 74.0 | 70.0 |
| Effectiveness | 73.0/100 |
80.0/100
Best
|
| Ingredient Quality |
76.0/100
Best
|
70.0/100 |
| Value for Money | 71.0/100 |
80.0/100
Best
|
| Side Effects |
77.0/100
Best
|
70.0/100 |
| Certifications |
83.0/100
Best
|
50.0/100 |
| Best Price |
£69.95
£59.30
Amazon UK →
-15% deal
|
£36.00
Holland & Barrett →
Cheapest
|
| Form | Powder | powder |
| Dose | None | None |
| Third-Party Tested | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Reviews Analysed | 9 | 4 |
Critical Mass Professional Lean ...
Pros
- ✓1,000+ calories per serving well-suited to hard gainers who struggle to hit caloric surplus
- ✓Informed Sport registered — meaningful third-party quality and contamination testing
- ✓Comprehensive formula beyond just protein: creatine monohydrate, HMB, glutamine, CLA, and MCT
- ✓Reduced-sugar formulation compared to older mass gainers — favourable for lean bulk
Cons
- ✗Taste inconsistency across batches — some report a chemical or medicinal aftertaste in the strawberry flavour
- ✗150g per serving is a very high volume, potentially difficult for smaller individuals or those with lower appetite
- ✗Not vegan — whey-based formula unsuitable for plant-based users
- ✗1,000+ kcal per serving requires careful use; excess can lead to unwanted fat gain if training volume is not sufficient
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 Strawberry vs Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter
Applied Nutrition Critical Mass Professional is a high-calorie lean mass gainer delivering 1,000+ calories and 42g of protein per 150g serving, built around ISO-XP 95% Whey Protein Isolate with added creatine monohydrate, HMB, glutamine, leucine, CLA, and MCT powder.
What are the key differences?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Critical Mass Strawberry or Optimum Serious Mass Choc Peanut Butter? ▼
Is Critical Mass Strawberry 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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