Clear protein powders have quietly become one of the more interesting protein-specific products over the past few years. Unlike the creamy, thick protein shakes most of us are accustomed to, the best clear protein powders use ultra fine whey isolate that dissolves in water to create a light, juice-like drink that’s easy to sip. I surveyed the latest options and spoke with an expert to determine which clear powders, if any, are worth the money. Based on my findings, Seeq’s Clear Protein topped the list for most people, while PlantFusion’s Clear Plant Protein stood out as the best option if you’re vegan.
We spoke with an expert and performed exhaustive research to find the best clear protein powders.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Beyond texture and taste, clear protein powders pack other benefits. “Whey isolate and hydrolysate are more refined, filtered and processed down to contain over 90% protein, with almost all the fat and carbohydrates removed,” explains Eloise Garbutt, a specialist gastroenterology dietitian at The Gut Health Clinic. “A small-volume, fruit-flavored drink is often easier to face than a denser shake.” Below, the best clear protein powders, and how to find one that meets your needs.
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Why We Named It Best For Most People
Seeq’s Clear Protein Powder hits a sweet spot that makes it easy to recommend to a wide range of people. Each 28-gram serving delivers 22 grams of whey protein isolate, and at just 100 calories with 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbs and no added sugar, it’s a simple profile that works whether you’re cutting, maintaining or trying to hit a daily protein target.
Still, what really sets it apart is the taste and texture, because unlike thick, milky shakes, it dissolves into a light, juice-like drink. “It’s a nice change from the heavier protein powders, and I don’t feel the need to mix it with milk to make it palatable, because it’s meant to be a lighter drink,” explains Forbes Vetted commerce writer Fran Sales. “It helps that the flavors lean toward a refreshing drink, as opposed to the typical chocolate and vanilla.”
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Like most clear protein powders, Seeq isn’t a good option for vegans or anyone avoiding animal products—it’s made from whey protein isolate, which is derived from milk. It also contains polysorbate-80 to improve texture, so it’s worth looking elsewhere if you prefer a cleaner, simpler ingredient list.
Why We Named It Best Value
At around $1.75 per serving (when purchased through Amazon), MyProtein’s Clear Whey Isolate costs a bit less than the competition, and it doesn’t make any meaningful sacrifices to quality in spite of the price. Each serving of all of the flavors but strawberry delivers 20 grams of hydrolyzed whey protein, a fast-absorbing form of protein that supports muscle recovery. The strawberry variety uses whey protein isolate, which may deliver a tastier flavor, but is not quite as easy to absorb and digest. At fewer than 100 calories with zero fat and zero sugar, all of the flavors are light and simple.
MyProtein also offers one of the widest flavor selections I’ve found, with 12 options to choose from, so you aren’t stuck drinking the same two or three flavors over and over again.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Again, MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate isn’t a good option for vegans or anyone avoiding animal-derived ingredients, as it’s made from whey. It also contains artificial sweeteners, and with 20 grams of protein per serving, it delivers a bit less than some pricier blends that offer 22 to 25 grams per serving.
Why We Named It Best Pre-Mixed
Protein2O takes care of the one thing that most clear protein powders still require by mixing everything together for you. Each 16.9-ounce bottle is ready to drink, delivering 15 grams of whey protein isolate at just 70 or 80 calories with zero grams of added sugar and zero fat. Beyond protein, each bottle also contains 340 milligrams of electrolytes and 100% of your daily value of vitamins B5 and B6. For anyone who wants a grab-and-go clear protein drink that’s great for the office, travel or an afternoon at the gym, it’s hard to beat.
Who Shouldn’t But It
Because Protein2O is a ready-to-drink option, it tends to cost more per serving than mix-it-yourself powders. It’s also whey-based, making it a non-option for vegans or vegetarians. And again, at 15 grams of protein per bottle, it delivers less than most powders that pack 22 to 25 grams per scoop.
Why We Named It Best Vegan
As you may have noticed, most clear protein powders are whey-based, which makes PlantFusion’s offering one of the few solid plant-based options on the market. Each serving delivers 20 grams of hydrolyzed pea protein isolate, a form of pea protein that’s been broken down into smaller peptides for faster absorption and easier digestion. It mixes well into water with no clumps and little foam, and the tropical flavoring holds up well against its whey-based counterparts. It’s also non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free and USDA organic.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
At 20 grams of protein per serving, PlantFusion’s Clear Protein matches most of its whey-based competitors but doesn’t quite surpass them. It’s also less widely available in retail stores, and while the natural tropical flavors are good, people who prefer a wider variety of flavor options may find the lineup a bit limited.
Additionally, at about $4.25 per serving, this is a relatively expensive option, probably due to the general limited availability of clear, plant-based protein powders.
How We Chose The Best Clear Protein Powders
We selected clear protein powders based on a few simple but important criteria, analyzing products for the following:
- Protein type: To accommodate a wide variety of fitness goals and dietary needs, we made sure to include multiple protein types in this guide, even though most clear protein powders are made with whey isolate. We also considered each blend’s protein content per serving.
- Ingredients: We prioritized powders with simple, quality ingredients and steered clear of blends packed with lots of additives or fillers.
- Effectiveness: We spoke with a gastro dietitian to learn more about different formulas that actually support muscle growth, satiety and overall health.
How To Shop For Clear Protein Powders
When it comes to picking a safe, nutritious clear protein powder, consider a blend’s protein type, the ingredients it contains, how well it mixes and your preferred taste and texture.
Protein Type
The protein source plays a significant role in how effective it is. There are four main types of protein powder to consider—whey, casein, collagen and plant-based—but most clear protein powders use whey isolate because it’s a complete protein that’s more pure by weight.
- Whey protein: Derived from milk, whey is an animal-based protein and one of the most widely used options on the market. It’s a complete protein, which means it delivers all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts and is effective for post-workout recovery and building muscle. It also absorbs quickly and is safer and gentler on the stomach, making it a great option if you have any dairy sensitivities. Garbutt notes that “whey protein typically contains around 10 to 12% leucine, providing approximately 2.5 to 3 grams per 25 gram serving,” which comfortably meets the threshold needed to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
- Plant-based protein: A go-to for vegans, vegetarians and anyone avoiding dairy, plant-based proteins draw from sources like pea, soy, brown rice, quinoa, hemp, chia and lentils. As Garbutt explains, “The most promising plant-based approach, after soy, is a blend: a pea and rice combination at roughly 70:30 produces a complementary amino acid profile that gets considerably closer to whey than either manages alone, and increasingly this is what better-formulated plant-based clear proteins use.”
Ingredients
When it comes to the ingredients list, less is generally considered more. Try to steer clear of powders that contain artificial sweeteners, unnecessary fillers or preservatives that add little nutritional value and may even work against health goals. If you prefer a sweet, dessert-like drink, natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit are great alternatives to sugar. And if you have any food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to scan the label for soy, gluten or dairy.
Clear protein powders are known for being lighter and easier to digest, but Garbutt cautions that this catchy headline doesn’t paint the full picture. “The idea that ‘clear equals lighter on your gut’ could be considered an oversimplification,” she explains. “The benefit lies in the processing rather than the format itself, and it’s always worth checking the ingredient list before assuming a more refined protein is automatically a more gut-friendly option.”
She flags several specific additives to watch for: “Polyols—sweeteners ending in -ol, like sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol and mannitol—these are osmotically active, meaning they draw water into the bowel during digestion. In doses above 10 to 15 grams, they can directly cause bloating, cramping and loose stools.” She also highlights emulsifiers, noting that “ingredients like polysorbate-80, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and carrageenan are added to improve mixability and texture.” They’ve been shown to thin the gut’s protective mucus layer, reduce microbial diversity and impair gut barrier function.
Texture And Taste
No matter how clean the formula, a clear protein powder you dread drinking doesn’t do you much good. A chalky consistency or overpowering sweetness can quickly turn you off from using it regularly, so prioritize powders that mix smoothly into water, milk or a smoothie. It’s also worth thinking about how much effort it takes to get a lump-free consistency.
It’s common for clear powders to produce foam that needs time to settle after you’ve mixed everything together. For those who struggle with traditional shakes, Garbutt notes that the lighter format can genuinely help with compliance: “For anyone training hard in the heat or during a long endurance session, a lighter, more refreshing drink is often easier to get down.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team writes and maintains a vast library of health and wellness guides. We cover products for every stage of the fitness journey, including several popular supplements backed by years of well-founded research.
- Author of this guide and Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta has over six years of experience reviewing health and wellness equipment. With a degree in kinesiology, he understands the importance of safe, healthy supplements that help support your body, like protein powders.
- The supplement industry is loosely regulated by the FDA and FTC, which means thousands of products make bold claims that aren’t backed by research, and some even contain unsafe ingredients. That’s why we worked with a dietitian to source safe, effective protein powders and reliable information.
