Best Clear Protein Powders

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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. 

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. 

There are two forms of whey protein —  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 content20 g
Ingredient qualityZero allergens
No sugar
Amino acid profile4 g of branch chain amino acids (BCAAs)
3 g of glutamine.
Taste and flavor optionsCaramel Apple
Lemonade
Strawberry
Cola
Peach Mango
Sour Cherry
Tropical Dragonfruit
Caribbean Punch (MIKE AND IKE only)
Sour Watermelon (MIKE AND IKE only)
MixabilityDissolves easily
PriceClear 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 ratingsClear 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 content22 g
Ingredient qualityNo sugar
Amino acid profile220 mg (ProHydrolase)
Taste and flavor optionsLemon Berry Blizzard
Arctic Cherry Blast
Orange Dreamsicle
MixabilityCan form clumps when not mixed well
Price$24.99 – One-Time Purchase
$19.99 – Subscription Price
User reviews and ratings4.7 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 content15 g
Ingredient qualityZero sugarNon-GMOGluten-free
Amino acid profileIsoleucine – 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 optionsGrape
Fruit Punch
Lemonade
MixabilityBlends well
Price$44.99 – One-Time Purchase
$35.99 – Subscription Price
User reviews and ratings4.5 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 content22 g
Ingredient qualityZero sugar
Nut-free
Contains dairy
Amino acid profileLeucine – 2g
Isoleucine 1g
Valine – 1g
Taste and flavor optionsMango Pineapple
Blue Razz Freeze
Tropical Punch
Watermelon Wave
MixabilityBlends well
Price$44.99
User reviews and ratings4.6 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 content20 g
Ingredient qualityContains milk
May contain soy
Amino acid profileN/A
Taste and flavor optionsMango Lime
Citrus Lemonade
Mixed Berry
Pineapple Orange Banana
Watermelon Lime
MixabilityDissolves easily
Price$41.99 (16 servings)
User reviews and ratings5 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.

BrandProtein ContentIngredient QualityTaste and Flavor OptionsMixabilityPriceUser Reviews and Ratings
Myprotein20 gNo 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 easilyClear 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
Muscletech22 gZero sugarLemon 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 Nutrition15 gZero sugar
Non-GMO
Gluten-free
Grape
Fruit Punch
Lemonade
Dissolves easily$44.99 – One-Time Purchase
$35.99 – Subscription Price
4.5 stars
SEEQ22 gZero sugar
Nut-free
Contains milk
Mango Pineapple
Blue Razz Freeze
Tropical Punch
Watermelon Wave
Dissolves easily$44.994.6 stars
Isopure20 gContains 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:

  1. Input your body weight in pounds (lbs) into the designated field.
  2. Click on the “Calculate” button.
  3. 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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