Druggenius.com is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our editorial process here.
Tired of the usual thick, milkshake-type protein powder supplements? Thankfully, more manufacturers are starting to make clear protein powders, which offer a fruitier taste, less sugar, and are considerably lighter to drink, making them a more convenient option.
If you’re considering trying out clear protein powders, this article will rank the best clear protein powders to help you pick one that will best suit your preferences and needs.
- Top 5 Clear Protein Powders
- What Are Clear Protein Powders
- Benefits of Clear Protein Powders
- The List – Brand Reviews & Rankings
- Comparison Table
- Understanding Whey Isolate And Its Role In Clear Protein Powders
- How to Use Clear Protein Powder
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are clear protein powders?
- Why should I choose clear protein powder over traditional protein powder?
- How do I use clear protein powder?
- Are clear protein powders suitable for vegans/vegetarians?
- How does the taste of clear protein powder compare to regular protein powder?
- Are there any side effects of consuming clear protein powder?
- Conclusion
- Protein Calculator: How Much Protein Do You Need Per Day?
Top 5 Clear Protein Powders
What Are Clear Protein Powders
Clear whey protein powder is a form of protein supplement made from hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. Whey protein is considered a high-quality protein because it contains important amino acids needed by the body, and is particularly beneficial for increasing the production of new protein for muscle synthesis.Â
There are two forms of whey protein â whey isolate and whey concentrate. Whey isolate undergoes more processing, which increases its protein content and lowers its carbohydrates, lactose, and fat per serving. Making it comparatively more expensive than whey concentrate.
Benefits of Clear Protein Powders
Clear Protein Powders vs. Traditional Protein Powders
Here’s how clear protein powders are a better, more refreshing alternative to traditional protein powders:
- Better flavor & texture – The most notable difference between clear and traditional milky protein powders is their flavor and mouthfeel. Clear protein powders come in fruit flavors and are considerably easier to drink than traditional ones.
- Protein content – Given their processing procedure, clear protein powders tend to have a higher protein content compared to traditional ones.
- Less of everything else – Clear protein powders are considerably lower in sugar, calories, carbohydrates, and fat content per serving.
- Easier to blend/shake – Traditional milky protein powders tend to clump even when shaken thoroughly. The clear protein powder composition makes it easier to blend well, making it more convenient for you to enjoy it anywhere, removing the need for a blender or hot water.
- Suits all diet types – The composition of clear protein powder and its properties – low carbs, zero sugar, no animal products, zero allergens – make it suitable for people with dietary preferences and restrictions (e.g., vegan, keto, paleo, sugar-free, gluten-free)
- Lower sodium content – all of the powders we featured on this list have less than 15g of sodium per serving, which is significantly less than the average we found across the protein powder market. If you’re looking for the best low-sodium protein powders, we created that list here.
Criteria for Ranking
Before we delve into our selection of clear protein powder brands, here are the factors we’ve taken into consideration and serve as the basis of our round-up:
- Protein content
- Ingredient quality
- Amino acid profile
- Taste and flavor options
- Mixability
- Price
- User reviews and ratings
The List – Brand Reviews & Rankings
1. Clear Protein – Myprotein
Myprotein’s Clear Whey Isolate supplements readily provide you with refreshing alternatives to thick and clumpy milky protein shakes. With 20 g of protein and zero sugar, carbs, and fats, Myprotein will help you gain muscle mass, stronger endurance, and overall optimal physical performance.
Myprotein | |
Protein content | 20 g |
Ingredient quality | Zero allergens No sugar |
Amino acid profile | 4 g of branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) 3 g of glutamine. |
Taste and flavor options | Caramel Apple Lemonade Strawberry Cola Peach Mango Sour Cherry Tropical Dragonfruit Caribbean Punch (MIKE AND IKE only) Sour Watermelon (MIKE AND IKE only) |
Mixability | Dissolves easily |
Price | Clear Whey MIKE AND IKE® – $36.99 Clear Whey Isolate – $39.99 Clear Whey Isolate – Jelly Belly® Edition – $29.99 Clear Vegan Isolate – $34.99 Clear Whey Meal Replacement -$44.99 Clear Collagen – $34.99 Clear Whey Thermo – $54.99 |
User reviews and ratings | Clear Whey MIKE AND IKE® – 5.0 stars Clear Whey Isolate – 4.54 stars Clear Whey Isolate – Jelly Belly® Edition – 3.88 stars Clear Vegan Isolate – 4.45 stars Clear Whey Meal Replacement – 2.5 stars Clear Collagen – 2.83 stars Clear Whey Thermo – 5.0 stars Average rating – 4.03 stars |
Product Variant(s)
- Clear Whey MIKE AND IKE® Flavors
- Clear Whey Isolate
- Clear Whey Isolate – Jelly Belly® Edition
- Clear Vegan Isolate
- Clear Whey Meal Replacement
- Clear Collagen
- Clear Whey Thermo
Pros
- Light flavors
- Mixes well and dissolves easily
- Zero sugar, carbs, and calories
- Has vegan and vegetarian options
- Keto-friendly
- Offers free shipping
Cons
- Tends to foam excessively
- Contains milk
2. ISO Whey Clear – Muscletech
Muscletech’s ISO Whey Clear delivers ultra-pure whey protein isolate in a light and refreshing supplement mix made without all the sugar, carbs, and calories. Its formula made even more powerful with ProHydrolase®, aids in breaking down protein and enhances the absorption of essential amino acids to build muscle mass and accelerate muscle recovery.
Muscletech | |
Protein content | 22 g |
Ingredient quality | No sugar |
Amino acid profile | 220 mg (ProHydrolase) |
Taste and flavor options | Lemon Berry Blizzard Arctic Cherry Blast Orange Dreamsicle |
Mixability | Can form clumps when not mixed well |
Price | $24.99 – One-Time Purchase $19.99 – Subscription Price |
User reviews and ratings | 4.7 stars |
Pros
- Formulated with ProHydrolase to aid with absorption
- Smooth consistency
- High protein content
Cons
- Contains sucralose
- May become clumpy when not mixed properly
- Contains dairy
3. Clear Naked Whey – Naked Nutrition
Naked Nutrition allows you to meet your daily protein goals, and promote muscle synthesis and recovery, thanks to its 100% whey isolate powder (15 g per serving), carefully flavored to make supplementation easier and more enjoyable.
Naked Nutrition | |
Protein content | 15 g |
Ingredient quality | Zero sugarNon-GMOGluten-free |
Amino acid profile | Isoleucine – 1058 mg Leucine – 1886 mg Valine – 890 mg Alanine – 868 mg Arginine – 328 mg Aspartic Acid – 1852 mg Cystine – 482 mg Glutamic Acid – 2840 mg Glycine – 250 mg Histidine – 260 mg Lysine – 1550 mg Methionine – 372 mg Phenylalanine – 496 mg Proline – 878 mg Serine – 690 mg Threonine – 1042 mg Tyrosine – 504 mg |
Taste and flavor options | Grape Fruit Punch Lemonade |
Mixability | Blends well |
Price | $44.99 – One-Time Purchase $35.99 – Subscription Price |
User reviews and ratings | 4.5 stars |
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Dairy and soy-free
- No artificial sweeteners
- Offers free shaker on the first purchase
- No growth hormones rBGH or rBST
Cons
- Pricier compared to other brands
4. Clear Whey Isolate Protein – SEEQ
Enjoy SEEQ’s Clear Whey Isolate Protein supplements and you will find increased muscle mass, efficient weight loss, and optimized muscle recovery thanks to its masterfully-crafted blend of BCAAs and 22 g of protein – all present in its unique fruity array of flavors.
SEEQ | |
Protein content | 22 g |
Ingredient quality | Zero sugar Nut-free Contains dairy |
Amino acid profile | Leucine – 2g Isoleucine 1g Valine – 1g |
Taste and flavor options | Mango Pineapple Blue Razz Freeze Tropical Punch Watermelon Wave |
Mixability | Blends well |
Price | $44.99 |
User reviews and ratings | 4.6 stars |
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- Nut-free
Cons
- Contains milk and sucralose
- Taste may not be agreeable to some customers
5. Isopure Infusions – Isopure
A generous serving of Isopure Infusions delivers 20 grams of 100% whey protein isolate blended in a fruity, refreshing pre/post workout protein drink that will help you maximize your workouts and effectively gain intense muscle gains, stronger bones, and healthier skin.
Isopure | |
Protein content | 20 g |
Ingredient quality | Contains milk May contain soy |
Amino acid profile | N/A |
Taste and flavor options | Mango Lime Citrus Lemonade Mixed Berry Pineapple Orange Banana Watermelon Lime |
Mixability | Dissolves easily |
Price | $41.99 (16 servings) |
User reviews and ratings | 5 stars |
Pros
- Light flavor
- Non-GMO
- No artificial flavorings and preservatives
Cons
- Contains milk
- May contain soy
Comparison Table
We’ve laid out all of the clear protein brands’ factors together and here’s how they fare with each other.
Brand | Protein Content | Ingredient Quality | Taste and Flavor Options | Mixability | Price | User Reviews and Ratings |
Myprotein | 20 g | No sugar Contains milk (except for vegan option) | Caramel Apple Lemonade Strawberry Cola Peach Mango Sour Cherry Tropical Dragonfruit Caribbean Punch (MIKE AND IKE only) Sour Watermelon (MIKE AND IKE only) | Dissolves easily | Clear Whey MIKE AND IKE – $36.99 Clear Whey Isolate – $39.99 Clear Whey Isolate (Jelly Belly) – $29.99 Clear Vegan Isolate – $34.99 Clear Whey Meal Replacement -$44.99 Clear Collagen – $34.99 Clear Whey Thermo – $54.99 | 4.3 stars |
Muscletech | 22 g | Zero sugar | Lemon Berry Blizzard Arctic Cherry Blast Orange Dreamsicle | May cause occasional when not mixed thoroughly | $24.99 – One-Time Purchase $19.99 – Subscription Price | 4.7 stars |
Naked Nutrition | 15 g | Zero sugar Non-GMO Gluten-free | Grape Fruit Punch Lemonade | Dissolves easily | $44.99 – One-Time Purchase $35.99 – Subscription Price | 4.5 stars |
SEEQ | 22 g | Zero sugar Nut-free Contains milk | Mango Pineapple Blue Razz Freeze Tropical Punch Watermelon Wave | Dissolves easily | $44.99 | 4.6 stars |
Isopure | 20 g | Contains milk May contain soy | Mango Lime Citrus Lemonade Mixed Berry Pineapple Orange Banana Watermelon Lime | Dissolves easily | $41.99 (16 servings) | 5 stars |
Myprotein takes the top 1 spot of our top 5 picks for the best clear protein powder because it offers more in terms of product diversity, being the only clear whey protein isolate product in our roster to offer a vegan/non-dairy option, allowing vegans and those who have lactose intolerance to reap its benefits. Its flavor options feature rarer, more interesting blends which are gaining rave reviews among its consumers.
Available Flavors In Clear Protein Powders
Having a variety of flavors in protein powders can significantly impact and influence a consumer’s experience and satisfaction and allows them to better enjoy and experiment with different tastes that can suit their liking and help maintain brand loyalty.
Clear protein powders, unlike traditional milky protein powders, are more juice-like and are available in fruit flavors, with popular ones like fruit punch, lemonade, tropical fruits, berries, citrus, or watermelon.
Our top 5 brands offer a wide variety of fruit flavors; other lesser-known flavors and flavor combinations stand out such as Myprotein’s Caramel Apple and Tropical Dragon Fruit, Isopure’s Pineapple x Orange x Banana blend, and SEEQ’s Blue Razz Freeze.
Protein Calculator: How Much Protein Do You Need Per Day?
Our Personalized Protein Intake Calculator is a user-friendly online tool designed to provide an estimated daily protein requirement based on your body weight. This can be a helpful resource for those looking to optimize their diet for general health or specific fitness goals.
How to Use It:
Using the calculator is easy:
- Input your body weight in pounds (lbs) into the designated field.
- Click on the “Calculate” button.
- The calculator will then provide you with a range of your estimated daily protein requirements in grams (g). This range represents the minimum and maximum amounts of protein you might need depending on your level of physical activity and health status.
Remember, while this calculator provides a convenient way to estimate your protein needs, it should be used as a guide and does not replace professional nutritional advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized dietary planning.
How To Read Your Results
The minimum and maximum values in the protein intake calculator are based on the range of protein intake recommendations for average adults, which are typically 0.8g to 1.6g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
Minimum Protein Intake
The minimum value represents the lower end of this range, which is approximately 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight. This is the general recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein for average adults to meet basic nutritional requirements. This amount is enough to prevent deficiency, but it may not be sufficient for individuals who are very active, those who are recovering from injury or illness, or those who have other specific health needs.
Maximum Protein Intake
The maximum value represents the higher end of the range, which is approximately 1.6g of protein per kilogram of body weight. This amount is often recommended for people who are more physically active, especially those who are involved in regular strength training or endurance activities. Consuming this amount of protein can help support muscle repair and growth, enhance recovery, and optimize physical performance.
In addition, higher protein intakes can be beneficial for individuals trying to lose weight, as protein can promote feelings of fullness and help preserve lean muscle mass when dieting.
It’s important to remember that these are general estimates and individual protein needs can vary based on a variety of factors. For personalized advice, individuals should consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.
Understanding Whey Isolate And Its Role In Clear Protein Powders
As mentioned, whey protein isolate is the most concentrated form of whey protein. further processed to remove most of the lactose and fat for it to be composed of about 90% protein.
Whey protein isolate delivers almost the same benefits as whey protein concentrate and other protein forms. However, it’s more characterized by its lower sugar, lactose, fat, carbohydrate, and calorie contents, which makes it a great option for people with lactose intolerance, as well as those looking to maintain muscles while losing fat.
Comparison With Other Types of Protein Powders
Clear protein powder, compared to other protein forms like collagen, casein, and soy protein, is more superior and efficient. For example, it’s much more effective at facilitating faster muscle growth than collagen, absorbed faster than casein, and has a higher quantity of amino acids compared to soy protein.
However, studies show that collagen is more effective than whey protein isolate in speeding up injury recovery and the rebuilding of connective tissues and structures in the body. Casein, on the other hand, protects your muscle mass and prolongs satiety (feeling full).
How to Use Clear Protein Powder
Clear protein powders are best enjoyed as a pre or post-workout drink. It can be taken on its own and shaken/stirred thoroughly, while others often use them as a smoothie base and blended with other fresh fruits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are clear protein powders?
Clear whey protein powder is a juice-like protein beverage made from hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. Compared to traditional protein powders, it’s lighter and more refreshing to drink.Â
Why should I choose clear protein powder over traditional protein powder?
Whey clear protein powders generally have less fat, lactose, sugar, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and calories than most traditional whey protein powders
How do I use clear protein powder?
Clear protein powders are best enjoyed as a pre or post-workout drink. Simply add the prescribed amount of scoops into your (shaker) bottle and shake thoroughly. You can also make them as smoothies and blend them with other fresh fruits.Â
Are clear protein powders suitable for vegans/vegetarians?
Clear protein powders are more suitable for people who follow vegetarian and keto diets. Since most brands contain milk/dairy, it’s not suitable for vegans.Â
How does the taste of clear protein powder compare to regular protein powder?
Clear protein powders have a lighter, juice-like feel compared to the milky/cocoa-like texture of regular ones. They’re more refreshing to drink and easier to fully dissolve.Â
Are there any side effects of consuming clear protein powder?
Consuming excessive amounts of clear protein powder carries the same risks and side effects as ordinary protein powder, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other stomach problems.
Conclusion
Clear protein powders are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a less messy and more convenient and refreshing way to meet your protein needs. It has less sugar, carbs, calories, and fats, making them more suitable for people with dietary needs or simply those who want to see better results with their supplementations.
Always consider your health needs and goals when picking out any supplement, to help make them more efficient and beneficial to your overall well-being. Sharing your experiences with these brands can also help others have an idea of what to expect from taking protein-based supplements.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.