7 best clear whey protein powders GLAMOUR editors love
We don't need to tell you that a shake is a popular way to hit your daily protein goals. Hate thick shakes? Enter clear whey protein: a lighter, fruity protein-packed drink which boasts all the nutritional benefits of your classic whey protein powder.
“Clear whey is a filtered form of whey protein isolate that mixes into a juice-like drink rather than a creamy shake," explains a registered nutritionist and consultant with Healthspan, Rob Hobson. “It’s still a high-quality, complete protein, but it doesn’t have the milky texture or heaviness you get from traditional protein powder.”
And research suggests there are plenty of nutritional benefits to clear whey protein, too. “It’s great both pre- and post-workout when you want something quick to sip on while your muscles recover and rebuild,” says menopause fitness coach and founder of Owning Your Menopause, Kate Rowe-Ham. “Plus, it’s low in sugar and carbs, which can be helpful if you’re balancing energy, mood or are trying to lose weight”.
So, if you're looking to up your protein intake, the next step is finding a flavour to suit. Thankfully, we've tested a number of the most popular and nutritionist-approved clear whey proteins. And, as always, only the highest-scoring made it into our shortlist. So, read on for our favourites, as well as answers to all your protein FAQs.
Load up on this essential macronutrient.
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Disclaimer: Keep in mind that this article isn't a substitute for professional medical advice, and our recommendations won't replace a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.
| Rob Hobson | A registered nutritionist and consultant with Healthspan. |
| Kate Rowe-Ham | menopause fitness coach and founder of Owning Your Menopause. |
What is clear whey protein?
Simply put, it's a refined form of whey protein which contains a higher concentration of protein but lower levels of fat, carbohydrates, and lactose and is typically made by hydrolysing (essentially breaking down) the whey protein isolate.
“It’s a type of whey protein isolate that mixes into water like squash, juice, and some have it in their coffee,” says Rowe-Ham. “You get a good amount of protein — usually more than 20g — without the bloating or heaviness some of us feel with traditional protein powders mixed as creamy shakes,” she continues.
All the ways it's changed my life (and work).
Since 2021, the GLAMOUR team — writers, editors and committed freelancers — has made it a priority to personally test a host of supplements, multivitamins and protein powders which claim to supercharge your nutrition and overall well-being.
Every clear whey protein in this round-up was mixed with water and made into a shake before being reviewed against the following criteria:
- Ease of use — Were the capsules easy to swallow? Did the powder mix well with water?
- Efficacy — How long into the four weeks did they notice a difference, if any?
- Taste — On a scale of one to five, how pleasurable was the taste?
- Value for money — Would they be happy to commit to the weekly, monthly or bi-monthly spend?
We also considered the quality of ingredients and additional benefits before rounding up our favourites below.
Ahead, the best clear whey protein powders for 2025, tested by GLAMOUR editors:
ESN Isoclear Whey Protein Isolate
Protein type: Clear whey protein isolate.
Dose: 30g (1 to 3 scoops).
Servings per container: 30.This clear whey protein isolate from ESN has rave reviews and for very good reason. Not only does it provide 25 grams of protein per serving, but it also does everything well - from mixing easily to tasting great. It’s fat, sugar and lactose free, so you can support your workouts and muscle growth without worrying about adding hidden ingredients into your diet. If you do find it works well for you, the good news is that it comes in 20 different flavours to keep things interesting. It tends to sell out, so you may want to stock up and look out for sales to reduce its higher price point.
Pros:
- 25g of protein per serving.
- Sugar, fat and lactose free.
- Great taste and easy to digest.
Cons:
- Most expensive option in our shortlist.
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Protein Works Clear Diet Whey Protein
Protein type: Clear whey protein isolate.
Dose: 25g (1 scoop).
Servings per container: 40.This Clear Diet Whey from Protein Works is a good option if you want to add extra protein to your diet without adding unwanted extra calories. Each shake contains ultra-premium hydrolysed whey isolate that’s ideal if you’re sensitive to traditional lactose, as it allows for quick digestion, plus there’s extra vitamins and minerals to support your nutritional needs. The formula has also been improved with an anti-foam action, so you don’t get any of the froth usually associated with clear whey shakes. Choose from four different flavours, including sour cherry and apple, or watermelon breeze, but make sure you give it a really good shake. It doesn’t mix quite as well as others.
Pros:
- Low calorie, at just 82 calories per shake.
- Doesn’t contain fat or sugar.
- Contains additional B6 and B12.
Cons:
- Harder to mix than others.
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MyProtein Clear Whey Protein Powder
Protein type: Clear whey protein.
Dose: 26g (1 scoop).
Servings per container: 20.As Hobson said in his earlier advice, if you’re an athlete and compete regularly, you’ll want a clear whey protein with Informed Choice certification. This ensures the product is safe for voluntary random testing and recognised by international standards. My Protein is a trusted option for certification, as well as offering 20 grams of protein in each serving to support muscle growth and recovery. There’s also a huge variety of flavours to choose from, including clear whey protein Vimto, blood orange and refreshing grapefruit, so you need never get bored. You get 20 servings per small tub and 35 servings from the larger 910-gram option, so it works out as a pretty good value for money to boot.
Pros:
- Informed Choice certified.
- Wide variety of flavours.
- Good value.
Cons:
- Plastic containers are unnecessarily large.
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Best clear whey protein with collagen
Optimum Nutrition Clear Whey and Collagen
Protein type: Clear whey protein isolate with collagen.
Dose: 24g (2 scoops).
Servings per container: 10.Another great option with added nutritional value is this clear whey protein isolate from Optimum Nutrition. It provides 10 grams of protein per serving along with 10 grams of collagen peptides and vitamin C for muscle and joint support. While this is a lower level of protein per serve than other options in this list, it’s good to remember that this is still a healthy amount for women who also get plenty of protein from their diet — FYI, the recommended amount of protein for women each day is approximately 45 grams or, more specifically, 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. It comes in two refreshing flavours — apple and raspberry, or summer fruit iced tea — and provides 10 portions per tub.
Pros:
- Supports muscle and joint health.
- Suitable for vegetarians.
- Contributes to normal collagen formation.
Cons:
- Less protein per serving than some other options.
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Protein type: Clear whey protein isolate.
Dose: 50g (2 scoops).
Servings per container: 10.If you’re keen to cut down on the number of different supplements you take daily but still want to get those gains, consider an all-in-one product. This option from Bulk helps you smash your protein goals with 29 grams per serving with the addition of 3g creatine monohydrate, 3g L-glutamine and 8g BCAAs. It comes in five delicious, award-winning flavours — peach iced tea is our personal fave — and is best enjoyed after the powder has been mixed and allowed to settle.
Pros:
- Another low-calorie option, coming in at under 90.
- Fat and sugar-free.
- Contains additional B6 and B12.
Cons:
- Not the best in terms of value.
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Warrior Clear Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Protein type: Clear whey protein.
Dose: 25g (1 scoop).
Servings per container: 15.If you’re looking for a fruity post-workout shake, this one from Warrior mixes well and tastes great. I tried the pineapple flavour, which tastes like a regular fruity drink but with that slight tang of an energy drink. It mixes well in a shaker (while creating a bit of foam) and is quick and convenient to drink after a workout. It’s also pretty refreshing on a warmer day, so I’ve found myself opting for this over my usual milky protein shake. On the nutritional side, it contains 22 grams of protein per shake sourced from the Purest Isolate Whey and is designed to be easy to digest, so it doesn’t create any bloating.
Pros:
- Great pineapple taste that’s not too strong.
- Mixes well.
- Low sugar.
Cons:
- Initially has a foamy texture, but settles quickly.
The Health Project Clear Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Protein type: Clear whey protein isolate.
Dose: 30g (1 scoop).
Servings per container: 20.This low-sugar clear whey isolate from The Health Project provides plenty of protein and flavour per serving. It contains whey protein isolate, which is a better choice for anyone who finds traditional whey too harsh on their digestive system, not to mention being low in sugar and suitable for vegetarians. I tried the orange and mango flavour, which is pretty punchy (a bit like a strong squash), but you can always add more water to dilute the taste. Finally, it mixes well, and each pack provides 20 servings, which works out to approximately £1.20 a shake. If you have allergies, be sure to check the ingredients list as it does contain ingredients such as egg and gluten.
Pros:
- Suitable for vegetarians.
- Low sugar.
- Mixes well.
Cons:
- Contains a few allergens such as milk, soy, egg and gluten.
Clear whey protein FAQs, answered:
“You still get the core benefits of whey, which is fast absorption, high levels of essential amino acids, and a good dose of leucine, which is key for muscle repair and growth, as it triggers muscle protein synthesis,” details Hobson.
“It’s great post-workout (stimulating muscle protein synthesis), and because it’s light and easy to digest, it’s good for people who don’t feel like eating straight after training”. Hobson adds that it also works well for anyone with a small appetite.
“I opt for unflavoured ones with at least 20g of protein, low sugar, and minimal junk," says Rowe-Ham. "Personally, I steer clear of anything overly artificial,” says Rowe-Ham.
“If you’re an athlete, look for Informed Sport certification to ensure it’s free from banned substances,” recommends Hobson. “Some clear wheys are quite acidic (like juice), so you might want to check the reviews on taste, especially if you’re drinking it regularly. Also, avoid brands with low protein content per scoop.”
For someone who has trouble eating vegetables and suffers from bloating, this is a great option.
“You can add to smoothies, coffee or water," advises Rowe-Ham. "Some people also like to cook with it. Make sure you add it to cold liquids first as it can become gloopy otherwise”.
In terms of when, she suggests that after a workout is best: "But really it's about making it fit in with your day. It’s also worth remembering that if you are hitting protein targets through food, you don't need to add it to your diet. You should be aiming to have around 1.2 g of protein per kilogram of bodyweight.”
“It’s generally safe and well-tolerated, but as it’s derived from milk, it’s not suitable for people with a true milk allergy,” explains Hobson. “Some people with lactose intolerance may tolerate it well, since whey isolate is very low in lactose, but it can vary between people”. If you're vegan or plant-based, you can find clear vegan protein alternatives made from sources like pea or rice protein.
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