Whey protein is one of the best-known bodybuilding supplements, but it's also a great source of protein for non-athletes. Whey comes from milk, which is why it's referred to as “whey protein” — whey separates from the rest of the dairy when cheese is made.
Whey protein has been shown to boost muscle growth. It may also increase your ability to build muscle in response to exercise and help you preserve your muscle mass if you're trying to lose weight.
The variety of whey proteins on the market can be overwhelming, so we've compiled a list of our favorites!
How We Choose
We've done the research, talked to experts and even tried the products ourselves so you don't have to. We've narrowed down the field to only those which offer the best quality ingredients, great taste and good value for money. Read our reviews below to find out which brands we recommend for you.
SEEQ Clear Whey Isolate Protein Powder
The SEEQ Blue Razz Freeze protein shake is a great option if you're looking for a fruity, refreshing blend of protein. This product contains 22g of protein per serving and 4.5g of BCAAs, making it an ideal choice if you're looking for a post-workout or mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
The flavor profile here is also top-notch, with both options being available in mango pineapple and blue razz freeze. The former features notes of fresh mango, while the latter blends passion fruit into the mix to create a truly unique experience.
This product does contain lactose and sugar, but it's still much lower than what you'd find in other shakes on the market today. At just over $50 per bottle, this isn't cheap by any means - but considering what you're getting here - that's not too bad at all!
MuscleTech Clear Whey Protein Isolate
The Muscletech ISO-Whey Clear protein drink is a great choice for those who want to get their protein without adding unnecessary calories or sugar. This drink has 22 grams of whey protein per serving, making it one of the highest in terms of protein content among other shakes on our list.
It also contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners, which makes it an excellent option for those looking to lose weight and keep their cravings under control. The flavor options are limited at this point, but we found the lemon berry blizzard tasted best out of the few options available. It's not super exciting tasting, but it's definitely palatable and will suit most tastes.
The only real downside here is that you can't customize your macros with this product like you can with many others on this list. However, if you're looking for a clean and simple way to get your protein shake fix then we think the Muscletech ISO-Whey Clear is worth checking out - especially considering its price point relative to other shakes on our list.
JYM Supplement Science Iso Bombsicle
The JYM Supplement Science Iso JYM Bombicle is a protein supplement that offers an impressive blend of quality ingredients and clever technology. The bombicle is made from 100% whey protein isolate, which means it's free from any added fillers or flavors.
The product also uses ion-exchange filtration, which removes impurities and enhances the drink's taste profile. This makes the bombicle one of the most refreshing protein shakes on the market today.
Each serving contains 90 calories, making this a great option for those who want to add more protein to their diet but don't want to sacrifice taste or calorie intake. Additionally, each serving provides 20 grams of pure whey protein isolate - enough to meet your daily needs without excess fat or sugars added in.
Myprotein® - Clear Whey Isolate
Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate is a protein supplement that offers a high concentration of whey protein isolate. This means it's pure and doesn't contain any additives or fillers.
The flavor options are also impressive, with flavors such as Lemonade and Tropical Dragon Fruit. The taste isn't too sweet, which makes it perfect for adding to your favorite smoothie recipe. It also has an amino acid profile comparable to other high-end proteins, making it a great choice if you're looking for something that will help build muscle or lose weight effectively.
While this product does have some natural sugar from the fruit extracts used in its flavoring process, the overall sugar content is very low at just 0.3g per serving. If you're looking for a healthy shake option that won't make you feel bloated or heavy, this one should fit the bill nicely.
Clear Whey Protein FAQs
Whey protein is one of the most confusing supplements to shop for.
There are so many different brands and varieties out there, it can be tough to figure out which one is best for you. And if you're looking for the top rated whey protein powders, you've come to the right place! Our team has done all of the hard work for you and found the best answers to any questions you may have about whey protein.
Is Clear Whey Protein Better?
Whey protein is a complete source of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. But there's more to it than that. There are two types of whey protein: concentrate and isolate.
Concentrate is the type you'll find in most whey protein powders. It's made up of all three types of whey: alpha lactalbumin, beta lactoglobulin, and immunoglobulin. On average, concentrates contain around 80 percent total protein by weight (which includes other nutrients besides just the amino acids). Isolates have been processed to remove some of the fat and lactose (an ingredient some people can't tolerate), which almost always results in a higher-quality product.
On average, isolates contain 90-94 percent total protein by weight with little or no lactose or fat. Depending on your situation and needs, this may be worth paying extra for if you're hoping to get as much pure protein as possible from your supplement. If you have issues digesting dairy or simply want something easier to mix into water or another non-milk beverage, then choosing a whey isolate may make sense for you too. However, keep in mind that isolates cost more than concentrates on average too – usually about 20 percent more per ounce compared to 15 percent more when comparing gels versus powders overall – so think carefully before spending extra money on an isolate unless it will work better for your budget and needs specifically
What Is Clear Whey Protein?
As the name implies, clear whey protein is a form of whey protein that has had some of its ingredients removed. This creates a product which is much easier to digest and results in fewer side effects such as bloating and gas.
Most whey proteins are made from skimmed cow's milk but clear whey only contains the egg white portion of the milk before it has been processed into other products. The difference may seem trivial but this means there is less lactose in clear whey compared to regular varieties. Lactose can be difficult for some people to digest so this is an important distinction.
The process used to create clear whey also removes excess fat, cholesterol, and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, and sodium chloride. You'll often find these additional elements listed on the packaging as branched chain amino acids (BCAA).
Can You Drink Clear Whey During A Workout?
While it might be tempting to think that clear whey protein is better for you because it's unflavored, you're actually better off going with a flavored variety. That's because the flavorings used in clear whey are often very high in sugar and can leave you feeling depleted and nauseous during your workout.
If you absolutely must use clear whey during your workout, make sure it's unflavored and go easy on the dosage. Opt for 1-2 scoops maximum, ideally mixed with water or another preferred beverage of yours rather than straight from the bottle.
Does Clear Protein Taste Good?
While it's debatable whether or not any protein powder tastes good, clear protein has a reputation for being one of the better-tasting options out there.
There are plenty of people who swear by the taste of clear protein and say that compared to other brands, this one is far more flavorful and does an excellent job replicating the taste of regular dairy milk. Most flavors have a vanilla flavor to them, so if you're looking for something different from classic chocolate, then you'll probably want to choose carefully.
If you just can't stand the taste of your current brand of protein powder and can't bring yourself to switch over to clear, you might be surprised at how much of a difference switching makes with regard to flavor. We recommend giving it a shot first before deciding on clear if possible!
What Are The Disadvantages Of Clear Whey Isolate?
Clear whey isolate is a product that's very high in protein, but there are some disadvantages of this product as well. First and foremost, clear whey isolate is a processed form of protein. The processing involved can strip the protein of its natural nutritional value, making it less bioavailable than other forms of protein like whole eggs or casein powder.
A second disadvantage is that the purest form of whey (isolate) may not be suitable for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. If you're allergic to dairy products or have digestive issues when consuming them, then you'll want to avoid clear whey isolate altogether.
Is Clear Whey Easier To Digest?
Technically, yes. Whey protein is made up of different parts including amino acids and lactose (milk sugar). When you eat whey protein, your body breaks it down into these parts so that the amino acids can be used by your muscles. The problem is that if your body doesn't have enough enzymes to break down lactose properly, it will ferment in your small intestine and cause gas, bloating, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Clear whey has less lactose than regular whey because it's filtered out during the manufacturing process. This means there's less for your body to digest – which could mean fewer digestive issues. However, keep in mind clear whey does still contain some lactose so it may not solve all of your digestion problems unless you also take a lactase pill with every serving.
Why Is Clear Whey So Expensive?
The production of whey proteins is one of the most expensive steps in making dairy products. Due to the low solubility and lack of flavor, it's not a very popular ingredient among food manufacturers. Add to that the fact that only a small percentage of dairy cows produce high-quality whey and you have a product that can be costly for processors to buy.
Many companies will choose not to use clear whey in their products if there are cheaper alternatives on the market. However, this does create some challenges as clear whey acts as an emulsifier, thickener, and flavor enhancer in many foods so it can be difficult to find a suitable substitute. Additionally, each batch produced must meet exacting specifications set by regulatory bodies such as the FDA so gaining approval for clear whey from these organizations can drive up costs further.
Should I Take Clear Whey With Milk Or Water?
While it's certainly possible to drink whey protein powder with water, we don't recommend it. Whey is a dairy product and as such has that distinct taste you'll find in milk or cheese. While this isn't unpleasant, it can be overwhelming if you aren't expecting it. We found the flavor was much more manageable when mixed with other ingredients like fruit juice or Greek yogurt.
We also tried clear whey in both whole milk and skim milk and found the flavor to be comparable between all three types of milk, which suggests the choice is really up to your personal preference.
Is Clear Whey High In Sugar?
Technically, no. Whey protein is only made up of about 3g of sugar per serving. It's a very low source of sugar compared to other protein sources like meat and eggs, which contain 10-12g of sugar per serving.
However, some manufacturers may add additional sweeteners to their products, so it's important to check the nutrition label before you buy if you're watching your sugar intake. healthier choice for diabetics compared to many other high protein foods like red meat and dairy. Many healthcare professionals recommend whey as a better high-protein option for people with diabetes because it has a lower impact on blood glucose levels than animal proteins and doesn't cause an insulin spike in the way that many plant proteins do.
Can You Put Milk In Clear Whey?
Milk causes the whey to gel, so you can't mix them together. The easiest solution is to strain your clear whey first and then add milk. You could also use a little water as a substitute for milk. Alternatively, you can leave it in its natural state if you're planning on cooking with it immediately; just be aware that it will thicken considerably after about an hour or so.
If you have vanilla extract on hand, this can act as an imposter for real milk when flavoring clear whey. Vanilla extract mimics the flavor of dairy well and will give your recipes a similar consistency without the gelling effect.
Conclusion
Choosing the best clear whey protein can be a daunting task when you're new to working out or don't know where to begin. The key is to find one that fits your budget and meets your specific needs as an athlete or fitness enthusiast.
When evaluating different brands of clear whey protein, think about factors such as taste, quality of ingredients, mixability and price point. Look for flavors you enjoy without artificial flavoring or sweeteners, along with low-carb options that won't interfere with other dietary goals (such as keto). Additionally, check the label for higher-quality proteins like hydrolyzed or micellar casein and lower-grade options such as concentrate or isolate. Lastly, consider cost when comparing different brands so you can get the most value for your money. With these tips in mind, it shouldn't be too difficult to find a great clear whey protein supplement that works for you!
