Best Clear Whey Protein Powder 2024, Tried and Rated by Experts

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Say goodbye to thick, dark protein shakes that are difficult to drink. With the addition of clear whey protein powder, your drinks are about to get lighter and juicier. Unlike traditional protein powders, which have a thick, shake-like consistency, clear whey protein powder offers a more refreshing alternative. Blended drinks with a clear wheat flavor, such as juice or flavored water, are easy to drink while providing the extra protein you need to reach your fitness goals.

According to registered dietitian and author Rob Hobson The Detox Kitchen Bible, brands achieve this light consistency by filtering out the fats and carbohydrates found in traditional whey protein powders. “The intensive filtration process involved in making clear whey powder achieves a much higher purity than regular whey powder because it removes the protein components that contribute to the creaminess and thickness,” explains Hobson. “The purity of this protein isolate means it dissolves easily in water, so it’s been used to create fruit-flavored clear wheys that are refreshing and lighter than cream alternatives.”

Clear whey often has more protein by weight (about 90-95 percent) than whey protein concentrate, which is roughly 70 to 80 percent protein by weight. Both forms of whey protein—concentrate and clear isolate—are rapidly absorbed and contain naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids (BCAs) such as leucine, making them excellent for use in a post-workout drink. “Leucine activates the mTOR pathway, a critical regulator of cell growth and muscle protein synthesis,” adds Hobson. “This amino acid is necessary for activating muscle protein synthesis – the process of repairing and building new muscle protein – and is critical for muscle growth and repair after training.”

Because most of the lactose in clear whey isolate has been filtered out, it is easier for anyone with lactose intolerance to digest. Both forms of whey protein are beneficial, and it Most likely It comes down to your preference of taste and texture. “The difference is mostly superficial,” says Mary O’Leary, senior lecturer at the University of Exeter’s BioActivEx research group. “There is no evidence that clarified and ‘regular’ whey proteins differ in their effectiveness.”

While protein powder can help you reach your goals, it’s still a highly processed food, says Hobson, and O’Leary is good to point out that supplements aren’t necessary. “For active people who want to build muscle or do a lot of endurance training, a protein intake of 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day is considered optimal,” explains O’Leary. “Whole foods may be more than enough to meet this goal.”

But for those with busy lives or struggling to meet their protein goals with whole foods, we’ve tried, tested and evaluated the best clear whey protein powders with the help of sports nutritionists and dietitians.

How we tested the best clear whey protein powder

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Regular use of protein powder takes between six and 12 weeks to make a difference in muscle definition, growth and optimization. We consulted several nutritionists, personal trainers, and nutritionists to help analyze the ingredients, macronutrients, and benefits of each protein powder. These include Scott Laidler, a personal trainer, and Rachel Clarkson, a registered dietitian at DNA Dietitian.

We paid special attention to taste, ease of use, mixability, cost per serving and additional nutritional benefits. In the end, did it taste good, blend well in juice form and serve our muscle growth goals?

It turns out that each protein powder is made according to the brand’s instructions with water (in several cases) to see how easily it mixes and how it affects the taste. We used both a shaker bottle and a blender to see if there was a difference in clumping and foaming. These are clear whey protein powders that pack a punch.

The best clear whey protein powders for 2024: