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Whey protein is one of the most popular sports nutrition supplements, but sometimes the thick, creamy texture of a traditional protein shake is hard to stomach. The solution? Clear whey protein.
Clear whey protein drinks still have whey protein as the main ingredient, but it’s been hydrolyzed so it’s finer and lighter. The result is a powder that creates a refreshing (usually fruity) drink that tastes more like juice or one of the best pre-workouts.
While this is still an emerging category—and there aren’t as many options as regular protein powders—we tested some of the most popular brands available right now, rating them on various factors, including:
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Price
- Third-party testing
Because our GGR team is a group of credentialed experts—our testers include certified nutrition coaches, certified personal trainers, and professional athletes—we were able to rate each powder objectively to come up with a short list of our favorites. These are the best clear whey protein drinks, according to our testing.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Best Clear Whey Protein Drinks
- Best Clear Whey Protein Drink Overall: Clear Naked Whey
- Best Budget Clear Whey Protein Drink: MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate
- Best-Tasting Clear Whey Protein Drink: Seeq
- Best Premade Clear Whey Protein Drink: Protein2o
- Best Clean Clear Whey Protein Drink: Isopure Clear Whey
- Best Low-Carb Clear Whey Protein Drink: ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein
- Best Clear Whey Protein Drink for Sensitive Stomachs: MuscleTech Clear Whey Isolate
Best Clear Whey Protein Drink Overall: Clear Naked Whey
Good for: Anyone looking for a clean clear whey that’s third-party tested
Best Overall
Clear Naked Whey
GGR Score: 4.36
Check Price
Product Highlights
- Clear whey isolate protein powder
- Comes in 3 fruit flavors
- 20 grams of protein per serving
- 6 ingredients, no added sugar
- Made in the USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Subscribe and save options
- No added sugar
- No growth hormones rBGH or rBST
- Free from soy and gluten
Cons
- Protein content could be higher
- Wait until foam settles to drink
- Low-calorie drink not ideal for bulking
- Only 28 servings per container
Bottom Line
The Clear Naked Whey provides a whey isolate protein in refreshing fruit-inspired flavors like Grape, Lemonade, and Fruit Punch. This clear whey protein only has six ingredients and does not contain any artificial sweeteners or additives. It’s also a low-calorie protein shake sweetened with monk fruit.
During our testing, the Clear Naked Whey got high scores in every area, ultimately earning it the spot of best clear whey protein drink overall. For those looking for a clean, lean whey protein, this one delivers.
GGR Senior Editor and certified nutrition coach Erin Chancer gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation. It has 20 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, and 90 calories per serving with only six total ingredients and no unnecessary additives. It does have a small amount of cane sugar, but for the most part it’s sweetened with monk fruit and contains only natural flavors and vegetable juices for color. We also like how Naked lists out the amino acid profile with specific amounts of all essential amino acids and BCAAs.
RELATED: Naked Whey Protein Review
There are only three flavor options, so not a ton of variety, but we think they’re pretty crowd-pleasing. Erin went with the Fruit Punch flavor and didn’t have high expectations going in, but said it was really flavorful and she enjoyed drinking it.
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“It was kind of tart at first, but this wasn’t a cause for concern. I’ll definitely keep using the product,” she says.
In addition to taste, which Erin gave 4.5 out of 5, one area the Naked Clear Whey really stood out was in solubility. Erin said it mixed well and had some mild foaming that dissipated quickly. Some of the other clear wheys we tried had tons of foam that was off-putting. Because of this, Erin rated it a 4.5 out of 5 here, too.
The Naked Clear Whey also got high scores (5 out of 5) for third-party testing, since it’s Informed Choice certified.
With all of these high scores, you would think this would be one of the most expensive options out there, but at $1.60 per serving, it’s actually one of the cheapest—and you can save even more money if you love it and subscribe to a recurring delivery.
Price per serving | $1.60 |
Flavors | Fruit Punch, Grape, Lemonade |
Protein per serving | 20 grams |
Third-party tested? | Yes |
Best Budget Clear Whey Protein Drink: Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate
Good for: People who are looking for a very lean protein and don’t mind artificial sweeteners and flavors
Best Budget
MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate
GGR Score: 4.3
Check Price
Product Highlights
- Clear whey protein isolate
- 20 g protein per serving
- 8 flavor options
- Fruit and candy inspired flavors
- Subscribe and save options
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Light taste and texture
- Low-calorie drink
- Low carb and fat content
- Free shipping with subscription
Cons
- Sweetened with sucralose
- Contains artificial flavoring
- Protein content could be higher
- Comes in small 1-lb containers
Bottom Line
MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate is ideal for anyone looking to consume more protein without the traditional milky taste and texture. This clear whey offers 20 grams of protein per serving with a light taste and texture with eight different flavors to choose from including Cola, Lemonade, and Peach Mango.
The Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate is our budget pick, but don’t get it twisted: a lower price doesn’t mean lower quality.
Erin tested this one, too, and said it “was really good, very different from most whey isolates I’ve tried.” It scored at least a 4 out of 5 in all categories and, overall, we were really impressed.
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It has 20 grams of protein per serving with just 80 calories and less than one gram of carbohydrates, so it’s essentially pure protein. This earned it a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation, but admittedly, the ingredient list isn’t the best.
While the exact ingredients depend on the flavor you choose, they all have a mix of artificial flavors and sweeteners. We like to see natural flavors, colors, and sweeteners, but this can be a personal decision so that might not be a dealbreaker for you.
RELATED: Myprotein Pre-Workout Review
There are eight flavors, from basic lemonade and cola to more out-of-the-box options like Jelly Belly Sizzling Cinnamon. Erin tried the MIKE AND IKE Screamin’ Sour Cherry flavor and said it tasted exactly like the candy, rating it a 4.3 out of 5.
“The taste is fantastic; I used more water-to-scoop than is recommended, and still had plenty of flavor. If you’re a fan of the candy, you’ll probably like this a lot,” she says, adding that there’s a bit of a “zing” because it’s a sour mix, so those with sensitive teeth or gums may want to choose one of the other flavors.
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Myprotein also opts into third-party testing and states that their protein powders are LabDoor tested, but it’s unclear whether or not that carries over to the clear whey.
All in all, we were happy with this clear whey and the customer reviews on the site are largely positive, too.
Price per serving | $1.40 |
Flavors | Lemonade, Cola, Jelly Belly Sizzling Cinnamon, Mike and Ike Screamin’ Sour Cherry, Peach Mango, Strawberry, Strawberry Kiwi, Tropical Dragonfruit |
Protein per serving | 20 grams |
Third-party tested? | Yes |
Best-Tasting Clear Whey Protein Drink: Seeq
Good for: Anyone looking for a tasty high-protein clear whey
Best-Tasting
SEEQ Clear Whey Isolate Protein
GGR Score: 3.5
Check Price
Product Highlights
- Light, refreshing alternative to traditional protein shakes
- Does not contain lactose
- Has 4 g of BCAAs per serving
- Microfiltration leaves protein clear and crisp
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Thinner texture
- Sugar-free
- Free from nuts, soy, and gluten
- Light, juice-like flavors
Cons
- Contains sucralose
- Often sold out
- Stevia causes digestive issues for some people
Bottom Line
A great alternative to traditional protein powder, SEEQ Clear Whey Isolate Protein makes drinking protein just like drinking your favorite juice. This protein powder is a great option for those who do not like the traditional thick protein powder texture or just want to shake things up.
While some whey protein powders can just be a means to an end (get more protein), you don’t want to have to choke them down. You won’t have that problem with Seeq clear protein, which is almost shockingly good (and also on our list of the best-tasting protein powder).
![7 Best Clear Whey Protein Drinks (2024) | Garage Gym Reviews (22) 7 Best Clear Whey Protein Drinks (2024) | Garage Gym Reviews (22)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garagegymreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/seeq-clear-whey-in-shaker.jpg)
Former GGR writer and CPT Amanda Capritto and GGR Head of Content and CPT Nicole Davis tested different flavors and gave them a 4.75 out of 5 for taste. Amanda tried the Blue Razz Freeze and said it tasted like juice and that she “liked it a lot.” Nicole went with the Mango Pineapple and said she was “actually shook” at how good it is.
“I get easily burnt out on typical protein flavors like vanilla and chocolate, and I think alternating with something like this will do the trick,” Nicole says. “I love how it’s more of a juice than a shake—that tricks my brain into thinking it’s something different.”
But taste isn’t the only thing we liked about this one. It also got a 4.5 out of 5 for both formulation and solubility. The macronutrient profile is great; it has 22 grams of protein, which is slightly higher than most, with 100 calories and 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving. It’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free so it’s pretty allergy-friendly.
As for solubility? It blends in well, but it has the same foaming problem as some of the others. The foam eventually settles though and while Amanda said it was slightly grainy, she could barely tell.
Interestingly, both of our testers experienced some digestive discomfort (Amanda called it “stomach bumbling”) the first day they drank this. But neither of them had any side effects after that, so it may just take a little getting used to.
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One more thing to note: Everything from Seeq is final sale. Because of this, Amanda and Nicole gave them a 1 out of 5 for customer service. Most other companies have some sort of return option in place.
For our comprehensive thoughts about Seeq, read our full Seeq protein powder review.
Price per serving | $1.80 |
Flavors | Blue Razz Freeze, Mango Pineapple, Watermelon Wave, Strawberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch |
Protein per serving | 22 grams |
Third-party tested? | No |
Best Premade Clear Whey Protein Drink: Protein2o
Good for: People who don’t want to fuss with mixing their own clear protein shakes
Best Premade
Protein2o
GGR Score: 3.6
Product Highlights
- Pre-made clear whey protein drink
- Packaged in individual bottles
- Sold in packs of 12 bottles
- 15 g of protein per serving
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Refreshing fruit flavors
- Convenient to-go bottles
- Low-calorie drink
- Free from gluten and lactose
Cons
- Prices vary depending on flavor
- Only 15 g of protein per serving
- Contains sugar alcohols
Bottom Line
Protein2o takes clear whey protein to the next level with convenient pre-made drinks in single-serving bottles. You can purchase these ready-made protein drinks on Amazon in packs of 12. Nutritional facts vary slightly for each flavor, but you can expect 70-80 calories per drink with 15 grams of protein per bottle.
If you like the idea of a pre-made drink over a powder, Protein2o is the one for you. At 15 grams of protein per bottle, it’s not as high in protein as the other options on our list, and Nicole said she never felt quite as full from drinking one of these as she does from one of the best protein shakes. Because of this, she gave it a 3 out of 5 for formulation. That being said, we think it’s a good option to pair with a meal or a small snack to boost your protein intake a little bit.
In addition to being lower in protein, this drink is also higher in carbs. It has 7 grams per serving, but 5 grams come from erythritol, which is a sugar alcohol that doesn’t have an impact on your blood sugar1. If you’re counting net carbs, that means you’ll get 2 grams from this bottle.
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Nicole ordered the variety pack so she could try all three flavors and ultimately gave it a 4 out of 5 for taste. She said the Wild Cherry tastes a bit like cough syrup (unsurprising for cherry-flavored anything), but the Peach Mango and Dragonfruit Blackberry are good, albeit very sweet. She does recommend drinking them cold though.
While this is a pre-made drink, the whey protein in it can settle a bit and if you don’t shake it up and there’s a weird mouth feel when you drink it, according to Nicole, who gave it a 4 out of 5 for solubility.
“It sort of coats your mouth. My husband tried it and was very off-put by it at first. I think it’s fine—it’s definitely not as smooth as a premade protein shake in chocolate or vanilla that you might be used to though,” she says.
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Because it’s pre-bottled, you pay a little more for the convenience factor. One bottle costs $2.75, while most clear wheys break down to about $1.75 per serving. This higher cost combined with a lower protein content earned it a 3 out of 5 for price.
Price per serving | $2.75 |
Flavors | Wild Cherry, Dragonfruit Blackberry, Peach Mango, Harvest Grape |
Protein per serving | 15 grams |
Third-party tested? | No |
Best Clean Clear Whey Protein Drink: Isopure Clear Whey
Good for: People who want to avoid artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners
Best Clean
Isopure Clear Whey
GGR Score: 3.075
Product Highlights
- Clear whey isolate protein powder
- 20 g of protein per serving
- Under 100 calories per serving
- 6 fruit flavors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tastes good with just water
- Gluten and lactose free
- Only 5 ingredients
Cons
- Produces foam after shaking
- Must be shaken, not stirred
- Only 20 g protein per serving
Bottom Line
Isopure Clear Whey Protein is made from an ultra hydrolyzed whey protein isolate that is designed to mix clear smooth. Isopure comes in six fruit-based flavors and is ideal for anyone who wants a refreshing way to drink whey protein. Amazon pricing varies slightly depending on the flavor. You can buy Isopure Clear Whey in 16- or 36-serving containers.
If you’re looking for one of the best clean protein powders, check out Isopure—they’re all about clean ingredients. This clear whey protein has just five ingredients: whey protein isolate, natural flavor, citric acid, stevia leaf extract, and fruit and vegetable color blends that vary depending on which flavor you choose. This clean ingredient list combined with the impressive macronutrient profile—20 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, and 90 calories—earned it a 4 out of 5 for formulation during GGR performance editor and CPT Anthony O’Reilly’s testing.
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It’s worth noting that, because of the fruit and vegetable blends, this clear whey does have 1 to 2 grams of sugar, depending on the flavor you choose. Most don’t have any sugar, but the trade-off is that they contain artificial sweeteners and colors.
RELATED: Isopure Protein Review
Anthony tried the Mango Lime and wasn’t a huge fan of that particular flavor, saying the lime overpowered the mango and it was “watered down and artificial-tasting.” Still, it was okay and got a 3 out of 5 for taste. (There are five other flavors to choose from, by the way.)
Price is where this one lost some points. Each tub has only 16 servings (the smallest quantity on the list) and the tub is $41.99. This breaks down to $2.62 per serving, which is over $1.00 more than our lowest-priced pick. That being said, you often get what you pay for, and Isopure uses higher-quality ingredients with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, dyes, or other fillers. If this is important to you, we certainly think it’s worth the extra cost.
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And while Isopure doesn’t send its supplements for third-party testing, the brand has a long-standing good reputation and says the products are tested in-house and follow World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, which is good news for competitive athletes.
Price per serving | $2.62 |
Flavors | Citrus Lemonade, Mango Lime, Mixed Berry, Pineapple Orange Banana, Tropical Punch, Watermelon Lime |
Protein per serving | 20 grams |
Third-party tested? | No |
Best Low-Carb Clear Whey Protein Drink: ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein
Good for: Those looking for more flavor variety with minimal carbs
Best Low-Carb
ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein
GGR Score: 3.675
Product Highlights
- Clear whey isolate protein powder
- Formulated by Dr. Jim Stoppani
- Mixes clear and light
- Only 6 ingredients
- Under 100 calories
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Macro-friendly protein powder
- Great solubility
- Light taste and texture
- Low-calorie protein drink
Cons
- Foams after shaking
- Protein content could be higher
- Only 3 flavors
- Contains sucralose
Bottom Line
ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein is formulated by Jim Stoppani, PhD and owner of JYM Supplement Science. ISO JYM is a low-calorie drink with 20 grams of protein per serving. You’ll have three crisp, fruit-inspired flavors to choose from. Prices vary slightly on Amazon depending on flavor.
Most of the clear whey protein powders we recommend are low-carb, but the ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein stands out for a couple of reasons. For starters, it’s very lean. It has 20 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and only 90 calories per scoop. There are no added sugars or hidden-carb fillers, just like those in our roundup of the best low-carb protein powder.
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It comes in five flavors, which is more variety than some of the others, and it tastes pretty good too. GGR senior staff writer and CPT Lauren Strong tested the Mango Lime flavor and said it’s pretty accurate: “mango-tasting with a serious punch of lime at the end.”
Like some of the others, it gets super foamy when using a shaker bottle to mix it, but Lauren gave it a 4 out of 5 for solubility because it does mix in will once the foam settles. It also went down easily with no side effects to note.
RELATED: JYM Pre-Workout Review
Another thing we like about this clear whey is that you can get it in two sizes: 20 servings and 35 servings. Most of the others only come in one size that wouldn’t last a full month if you want to take it daily. We like that you don’t have to replenish this one as often.
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One downside here is that it’s not third-party tested, or at least JYM doesn’t provide any information about third-party testing. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t get it, it does indicate that there’s no independent verification of purity, potency, and quality. Despite that, the brand is pretty transparent: They list all ingredients on the label and don’t include any proprietary blends so you know what you’re getting.
Price per serving | $1.75 |
Flavors | Mango Lime, Grape, Bombsicle, Watermelon Punch, Green Apple Gummy |
Protein per serving | 20 grams |
Third-party tested? | No |
Best Clear Whey Protein Drink for Sensitive Stomachs: MuscleTech Clear Whey Isolate
Good for: Anyone who can’t stomach thicker whey drinks
Best for Sensitive Stomachs
MuscleTech Iso Whey Clear
GGR Score: 3.68
Product Highlights
- Juice-like formula delivers protein in a lighter option
- Formulated with ProHydrolase to aid with absorption
- Free of sugar and fat while being low in calories
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Light texture
- Low calorie
- Sugar-free
Cons
- May be clumpy when mixed
- Contains sucralose
- Artificial flavors
Bottom Line
MuscleTech Iso Whey Clear delivers 22 grams of protein in three juice-like flavors. Since it mixes more like a BCAA powder, this could be great for those who prefer a lighter texture over the standard thicker protein shake, or for those wanting to try something new.
In general, clear whey protein can be easier on your stomach than other types of whey, but this one has added ingredients—specifically an enzyme blend that includes protease and bromelain—that make it our pick for one of the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs. These enzymes can help you break down the protein so it’s easier to digest and less likely to cause digestive upset.
Aside from that, we really like both the taste and the formulation. This clear whey was tested by two GGR team members—GGR Senior Staff Writer and CPT Lauren Strong and GGR Staff Writer and fitness coach Matt Dustin—who gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for taste.
Both testers tried the Lemon Berry Blizzard flavor, saying the taste was light, crisp, and fruity. While it was a little tart, Matt described it as “refreshing,” although both testers noted that the flavor was kind of intense. They mixed it with the recommended 12 ounces of water, but said you’d likely need to water it down even more unless you like a really strong flavor.
RELATED: MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000 Review
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We also like the macronutrient profile, and it got a 4 out of 5 for formulation. There are 22 grams of protein, 90 calories, and less than one gram of carbohydrates per serving. It does have some questionable ingredients, like sucralose and artificial flavors, plus an anti-foaming agent that our testers said didn’t even work.
Both Matt and Lauren said that after shaking it up, it had an excessive amount of foam. MuscleTech does recommend waiting at least 60 seconds before drinking it and our testers said the foam does settle eventually, but that it’s kind of a pain to mix up. Because of this, it scored a 3 out of 5 for solubility.
All in all, we liked this one, although it did lose some points because it’s not third-party tested.
Price per serving | $2.10 |
Flavors | Lemon Berry Blizzard, Arctic Cherry Blast, Orange Dreamsicle |
Protein per serving | 22 grams |
Third-party tested? | No |
Other Clear Whey Protein Drinks We Researched
Clear whey is still fairly new to the market, so there aren’t a ton of options to choose from yet. That being said, here are two others that didn’t make the cut based on our testing or research. As this supplement category grows, we’ll be testing additional products and updating as needed.
- Gatorade Zero With Protein: Okay, so maybe this isn’t technically considered a clear whey, but’s worth mentioning since the general idea is the same. We liked the taste of this, but it only has 10 grams of protein per drink, which isn’t enough to earn it a spot on this list.
- Isopure Zero Carb 100% Whey Protein Isolate Drinks: We’re a fan of the Isopure brand—the powdered version of the clear whey made the list as the best clean clear whey—but we haven’t officially tested this pre-bottled version yet (although some GGR team members have tried it in the past). We will report back when we’ve put it through our standardized testing.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Clear Whey Protein Drinks
At GGR, we have a rigorous supplement testing methodology that we use to inform our entire testing process. We tried each product ourselves and then rated them on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following categories:
- Price per serving
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side Effects
- Transparency and third-party testing
- Customer service
- Customer reviews
From there, we pulled out the top-scoring products as the “winners,” or the best clear whey isolates we recommend right now. Additionally, our testers are certified personal trainers, registered dietitian nutritionists, coaches, and athletes, so they’re able to use their expert knowledge to assess each supplement objectively.
Ultimately, it’s our goal to provide unbiased recommendations based on our own personal experience and expertise so you can make the best decision for you. We never recommend products that we wouldn’t personally use ourselves.
Benefits of Clear Whey Protein Drinks
There are tons of general benefits of protein, but whey has a unique branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) profile that makes it superior to other types for muscle growth, weight loss, and satiety, according to Perry Nix, MS, RD, LD. It also digests quickly, is highly bioavailable, and contains significant amounts of leucine, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis2, so your body can use it quickly to help build muscle. All of these factors make high-quality whey protein an excellent post-workout supplement.
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Because clear protein drinks are made with whey protein, they offer all of these benefits, but they have some additional perks, too.
They’re Refreshing
Clear whey protein drinks are a refreshing post-workout (or anytime) choice, while regular whey can be heavy and not as appealing after a tough workout. They’re available in light, fruity flavors and can be a little easier to get down than thicker shakes. They’re also just a nice change from the more decadent flavors of regular whey protein.
They Can Be More Convenient
Clear whey protein tastes great when it’s mixed only with water. While you can certainly drink regular whey protein with water, many people make high-protein smoothies to make it more palatable, which requires additional ingredients and extra time. You don’t have to worry about any of that with clear protein.
They’re Pure Protein
Clear whey protein drinks are refined more than other types of whey protein. Because of this, they have practically no carbohydrates, fat, or sugar (as long as you choose one that’s made with no-calorie sweeteners instead of sugar). For those prioritizing protein, they’re easier to fit into your macros to help you meet those goals without throwing off the other nutrient counts.
They May Be Easier To Digest
Because they’re pure protein, clear whey drinks are lower in lactose than other types of whey protein, especially whey concentrate. This makes them easier to digest and gentler on the stomach, which is especially beneficial for those with lactose intolerance.
Dosing and Interactions
While the current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, many reputable nutrition and fitness organizations recommend that you get more—closer to 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram per day—especially if your goal is to support muscle recovery and performance3. And research suggests that 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram per day is a better daily target than the RDA of 0.84.
All this to say that while dose is dependent on your size and fitness goals, somewhere between 1 and 2 grams per kilogram per day is a good general target (talk to a dietitian or a healthcare professional for specific recommendations for you). And make sure you’re spreading your intake out throughout the day; some research suggests that your body can only effectively use around 20 to 25 grams5 of protein per meal, while other research caps recommendations for how much protein your body can absorb at 40 grams per meal.
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Just like traditional protein powders, clear whey isolate is meant to supplement your intake from food. So while this can help you meet your goals, it shouldn’t be your only source of protein—you want to make sure you’re varying your choices and getting some menu variety for optimal micronutrient intake.
As for interactions, whey protein is generally considered pretty safe, but it can interact with certain types of medications, including Levodopa, which is often used in the management of Parkinson’s disease, and certain types of antibiotics. If you’re taking these medications, talk to your doctor before supplementing with whey.
Third-Party Testing
Supplement regulations are pretty dismal. There’s not a lot of oversight for the industry, so manufacturers can often get away with misleading labels and claims regarding purity and potency. However, in the spirit of transparency, many supplement manufacturers volunteer for third-party testing. This ensures that what’s in the protein is exactly what they say.
When choosing a clear whey supplement, look for companies that opt into third-party testing. This is a nod to the integrity of the company and can also give you peace of mind that you’re not getting an inferior or contaminated product.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Clear Whey Protein Drinks
When choosing a clear whey protein isolate, you want to be just as discerning as you’d be with any other supplement. Here are the main things you should consider when making your choice.
Protein Content
Clear whey isolate should have just as much protein as other whey supplements, so about 20 to 25 grams of protein per serving. Pay attention to the serving size, too. Ideally, you want one-scoop servings since a lower volume of powder will dissolve easier. This will also stretch your dollar since you won’t be using twice as much to get the same amount of protein.
![7 Best Clear Whey Protein Drinks (2024) | Garage Gym Reviews (57) 7 Best Clear Whey Protein Drinks (2024) | Garage Gym Reviews (57)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garagegymreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/seeq-clear-whey-foamy.jpg)
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Minimal Ingredients
As with any supplement, the fewer added ingredients the better. Look for clear whey drinks that have only a handful of ingredients that you recognize. Ideally, we recommend natural ingredients over artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives, but this can be a personal choice.
High-Quality Sweeteners
In general, it’s best to choose a clear whey that’s sweetened with natural, low-calorie options, like stevia or monk fruit. While the jury is still out on whether or not artificial sweeteners are “bad” for you, there is some research that suggests that some of them, like sucralose6, can have negative health effects.
Price
Because there’s more involved in the production of clear whey protein drinks, they can be more expensive than other types of whey. Typically, you can expect to pay around $1.60 to $2.00 per serving, but make sure you’re shopping within your budget. You may be able to save some money by subscribing to automatic shipments or buying in bulk sizes.
Third-Party Testing
Ideally, you should opt for a clear whey protein that’s been third-party tested. Because the supplement industry is highly unregulated, third-party testing ensures that you’re getting what the manufacturer says you are.
Experts Who Contributed to This Article
- Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, NASM CNC
- Erin Chancer, CNC, CPT
- Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC
- Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1
- Lauren Strong, CPT
- Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC
FAQs About Clear Whey Protein Drinks
What is Clear Whey?
Clear whey protein is whey isolate that’s been hydrolysed, or broken down into smaller molecules via chemical reactions. Because of this chemical reaction, it turns into a much finer powder—more like collagen powder than regular whey protein. When mixed with water, it has a thinner texture and isn’t as creamy as traditional protein shakes. While it’s called “clear,” many of them are flavored, so they may have slightly tinted colors.
Why Do People Take Clear Whey Isolate?
Clear whey isolate is a convenient way to help increase your protein intake without forcing you to drink a creamy protein shake. It makes a lighter drink that’s refreshing like a lemonade, instead of heavy like a milkshake. If you prefer a creamy, milky texture, you might want to check out our best protein powders roundup instead.
Is Clear Whey Easier On Your Stomach?
Clear whey isolate is lower in lactose than regular whey isolate and whey concentrate, so it can be easier on your stomach, especially if you have lactose intolerance.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
1. Mazi, TA, Stanhope, KL. Erythritol: An In-Depth Discussion of Its Potential to Be a Beneficial Dietary Component. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 1;15(1):204. doi: 10.3390/nu15010204.
2. Jäger, R, Kerksick, CM, Campbell, BI, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8.
3. Carbone, JW, Pasiakos, SM. Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1136. doi:10.3390/nu11051136.
4. Phillips, SM, Chevalier, S, Leidy, HJ. Protein “Requirements” Beyond the RDA: Implications for Optimizing Health. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016;41(5):565-572. doi:10.1139/apnm-2015-0550.
5. Schoenfeld, B.J., Aragon, A.A. How Much Protein Can the Body Use in a Single Meal for Muscle-Building? Implications for Daily Protein Distribution. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018;15(10). doi: 10.1186/s12970-018-0215-1.
6. Schiffman, SS, Scholl, EH, Furey, TS, Nagle, HT. Toxicological and Pharmaco*kinetic Properties of Sucralose-6-Acetate and Its Parent Sucralose: In Vitro Screening Assays. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2023;26(6):307-341. doi:10.1080/10937404.2023.2213903.
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Lindsay Boyers, CN
Lindsay Boyers is a functional nutritionist, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience in online media. She's written 14 books and hundreds of articles on fitness, wellness, nutrition, and lifestyle. Lindsay holds certifications in holistic nutrition, functional nutrition, and professional food safety, as well as a B.S. in food in nutrition.
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