Best Clear Whey Protein Drinks (2025): Our 6 Favorites After Extensive Testing

Whey protein is one of the most popular sports nutrition supplements, but sometimes the thick, creamy texture of a traditional protein shake is hard to stomach. The solution? Clear whey protein.

Clear whey protein drinks still have whey protein as the main ingredient, but it’s been hydrolyzed so it’s finer and lighter. The result is a powder that creates a refreshing (usually fruity) drink that tastes more like juice or a high-quality pre-workout blend.

While this is still an emerging category—and there aren’t as many options as regular protein powders—we tested some of the most popular brands available right now, rating them on various factors, including:

• Formulation
• Taste
• Solubility
• Price
• Third-party testing

Because our GGR team is a group of credentialed experts—our testers include certified nutrition coaches, certified personal trainers, and professional athletes—we were able to rate each powder objectively to come up with a short list of our favorites. These are the best clear whey protein drinks, according to our testing.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Best Clear Whey Protein Drinks 

• Best Clear Whey Protein Drink Overall: Seeq
• Best Budget Clear Whey Protein Drink: MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate
• Best Premade Clear Whey Protein Drink: Protein2o
• Best Clean Clear Whey Protein Drink: Isopure Clear Whey
• Best Low-Carb Clear Whey Protein Drink: ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein
• Best Clear Whey Protein Drink for Sensitive Stomachs: MuscleTech Clear Whey Isolate

Best Clear Whey Protein Drink Overall: Seeq

Good for: Anyone looking for a tasty high-protein clear whey

Best Overall

SEEQ Clear Whey Isolate Protein

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Light, refreshing alternative to traditional protein shakes
• Does not contain lactose
• Has 4 g of BCAAs per serving
• Microfiltration leaves protein clear and crisp

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thinner texture
• Sugar-free
• Free from nuts, soy, and gluten
• Light, juice-like flavors

Cons

• Contains sucralose
• Often sold out
• Stevia causes digestive issues for some people

Bottom Line

A great alternative to traditional protein powder, SEEQ Clear Whey Isolate Protein makes drinking protein just like drinking your favorite juice. This protein powder is a great option for those who do not like the traditional thick protein powder texture or just want to shake things up.

During our testing, Seeq clear protein scored at least a 4 out of 5 in several categories, making it easy to name this protein powder our best overall pick. For those looking for a clean, lean whey protein, this one delivers.

Former GGR writer and CPT Amanda Capritto and GGR Head of Content and CPT Nicole Davis tested different flavors and gave them a 4.75 out of 5 for taste (which is why it made our list of the best-tasting protein powder). Amanda tried the Blue Razz Freeze and said it tasted like juice and that she “liked it a lot.” Nicole went with the Mango Pineapple and said she was “actually shook” at how good it is. 

“I get easily burnt out on typical protein flavors like vanilla and chocolate, and I think alternating with something like this will do the trick,” Nicole says. “I love how it’s more of a juice than a shake—that tricks my brain into thinking it’s something different.”

But taste isn’t the only thing we liked about this one. It also got a 4.5 out of 5 for both formulation and solubility. The macronutrient profile is great; it has 22 grams of protein, which is slightly higher than most, with 100 calories and 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving. It’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free so it’s pretty allergy-friendly.

As for solubility? It blends in well, but it has the same foaming problem as some of the others. The foam eventually settles though and while Amanda said it was slightly grainy, she could barely tell.

Interestingly, both of our testers experienced some digestive discomfort (Amanda called it “stomach bumbling”) the first day they drank this. But neither of them had any side effects after that, so it may just take a little getting used to.

One more thing to note: Everything from Seeq is final sale. Because of this, Amanda and Nicole gave them a 1 out of 5 for customer service. Most other companies have some sort of return option in place.

For our comprehensive thoughts about Seeq, read our full Seeq protein powder review.

Best Budget Clear Whey Protein Drink: Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate

Good for: People who are looking for a very lean protein and don’t mind artificial sweeteners and flavors

Best Budget

MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate

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Product Highlights

• Clear whey protein isolate
• 20 g protein per serving
• 8 flavor options
• Fruit and candy inspired flavors
• Subscribe and save options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Light taste and texture
• Low-calorie drink
• Low carb and fat content
• Free shipping with subscription

Cons

• Sweetened with sucralose
• Contains artificial flavoring
• Protein content could be higher
• Comes in small 1-lb containers

Bottom Line

MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate is ideal for anyone looking to consume more protein without the traditional milky taste and texture. This clear whey offers 20 grams of protein per serving with a light taste and texture with eight different flavors to choose from including Cola, Lemonade, and Peach Mango.

The Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate is our budget pick, but don’t get it twisted: a lower price doesn’t mean lower quality.

Erin tested this one, too, and said it “was really good, very different from most whey isolates I’ve tried.” It scored at least a 4 out of 5 in all categories and, overall, we were really impressed.

It has 20 grams of protein per serving with just 80 calories and less than one gram of carbohydrates, so it’s essentially pure protein. This earned it a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation, but admittedly, the ingredient list isn’t the best. 

While the exact ingredients depend on the flavor you choose, they all have a mix of artificial flavors and sweeteners. We like to see natural flavors, colors, and sweeteners, but this can be a personal decision so that might not be a dealbreaker for you.

RELATED: Myprotein Pre-Workout Review

There are eight flavors, from basic lemonade and cola to more out-of-the-box options like Jelly Belly Sizzling Cinnamon. Erin tried the MIKE AND IKE Screamin’ Sour Cherry flavor and said it tasted exactly like the candy, rating it a 4.3 out of 5.

“The taste is fantastic; I used more water-to-scoop than is recommended, and still had plenty of flavor. If you’re a fan of the candy, you’ll probably like this a lot,” she says, adding that there’s a bit of a “zing” because it’s a sour mix, so those with sensitive teeth or gums may want to choose one of the other flavors.

Myprotein also opts into third-party testing and states that their protein powders are LabDoor tested, but it’s unclear whether or not that carries over to the clear whey.

All in all, we were happy with this clear whey and the customer reviews on the site are largely positive, too.

Best Premade Clear Whey Protein Drink: Protein2o

Good for: People who don’t want to fuss with mixing their own clear protein shakes

Best Premade

Protein2o

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Product Highlights

• Pre-made clear whey protein drink
• Packaged in individual bottles
• Sold in packs of 12 bottles
• 15 g of protein per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Refreshing fruit flavors
• Convenient to-go bottles
• Low-calorie drink
• Free from gluten and lactose

Cons

• Prices vary depending on flavor
• Only 15 g of protein per serving
• Contains sugar alcohols

Bottom Line

Protein2o takes clear whey protein to the next level with convenient pre-made drinks in single-serving bottles. You can purchase these ready-made protein drinks on Amazon in packs of 12. Nutritional facts vary slightly for each flavor, but you can expect 70-80 calories per drink with 15 grams of protein per bottle.

If you like the idea of a pre-made drink over a powder, Protein2o is the one for you. At 15 grams of protein per bottle, it’s not as high in protein as the other options on our list, and Nicole said she never felt quite as full from drinking one of these as she does from one of the best protein shakes. Because of this, she gave it a 3 out of 5 for formulation. That being said, we think it’s a good option to pair with a meal or a small snack to boost your protein intake a little bit.

In addition to being lower in protein, this drink is also higher in carbs. It has 7 grams per serving, but 5 grams come from erythritol, which is a sugar alcohol that doesn’t have an impact on your blood sugar¹. If you’re counting net carbs, that means you’ll get 2 grams from this bottle.

Nicole ordered the variety pack so she could try all three flavors and ultimately gave it a 4 out of 5 for taste. She said the Wild Cherry tastes a bit like cough syrup (unsurprising for cherry-flavored anything), but the Peach Mango and Dragonfruit Blackberry are good, albeit very sweet. She does recommend drinking them cold though.

While this is a pre-made drink, the whey protein in it can settle a bit and if you don’t shake it up and there’s a weird mouth feel when you drink it, according to Nicole, who gave it a 4 out of 5 for solubility. 

“It sort of coats your mouth. My husband tried it and was very off-put by it at first. I think it’s fine—it’s definitely not as smooth as a premade protein shake in chocolate or vanilla that you might be used to though,” she says. 

Because it’s pre-bottled, you pay a little more for the convenience factor. One bottle costs $2.75, while most clear wheys break down to about $1.75 per serving. This higher cost combined with a lower protein content earned it a 3 out of 5 for price.

Best Clean Clear Whey Protein Drink: Isopure Clear Whey

Good for: People who want to avoid artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners

Best Clean

Isopure Clear Whey

GGR Score: 3.07

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Product Highlights

• Clear whey isolate protein powder
• 20 g of protein per serving
• Under 100 calories per serving
• 6 fruit flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tastes good with just water
• Gluten and lactose free
• Only 5 ingredients

Cons

• Produces foam after shaking
• Must be shaken, not stirred
• Only 20 g protein per serving

Bottom Line

Isopure Clear Whey Protein is made from an ultra hydrolyzed whey protein isolate that is designed to mix clear smooth. Isopure comes in six fruit-based flavors and is ideal for anyone who wants a refreshing way to drink whey protein. Amazon pricing varies slightly depending on the flavor. You can buy Isopure Clear Whey in 16- or 36-serving containers.

If you’re looking for one of the best clean protein powders, check out Isopure—they’re all about clean ingredients. This clear whey protein has just five ingredients: whey protein isolate, natural flavor, citric acid, stevia leaf extract, and fruit and vegetable color blends that vary depending on which flavor you choose. This clean ingredient list combined with the impressive macronutrient profile—20 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, and 90 calories—earned it a 4 out of 5 for formulation during GGR performance editor and CPT Anthony O’Reilly’s testing.

It’s worth noting that, because of the fruit and vegetable blends, this clear whey does have 1 to 2 grams of sugar, depending on the flavor you choose. Most don’t have any sugar, but the trade-off is that they contain artificial sweeteners and colors.

RELATED: Isopure Protein Review

Anthony tried the Mango Lime and wasn’t a huge fan of that particular flavor, saying the lime overpowered the mango and it was “watered down and artificial-tasting.” Still, it was okay and got a 3 out of 5 for taste. (There are five other flavors to choose from, by the way.)

Price is where this one lost some points. Each tub has only 16 servings (the smallest quantity on the list) and the tub is $41.99. This breaks down to $2.62 per serving, which is over $1.00 more than our lowest-priced pick. That being said, you often get what you pay for, and Isopure uses higher-quality ingredients with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, dyes, or other fillers. If this is important to you, we certainly think it’s worth the extra cost.

And while Isopure doesn’t send its supplements for third-party testing, the brand has a long-standing good reputation and says the products are tested in-house and follow World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, which is good news for competitive athletes.

Best Low-Carb Clear Whey Protein Drink: ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein

Good for: Those looking for more flavor variety with minimal carbs

Best Low-Carb

ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein

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Product Highlights

• Clear whey isolate protein powder
• Formulated by Dr. Jim Stoppani
• Mixes clear and light
• Only 6 ingredients
• Under 100 calories

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Macro-friendly protein powder
• Great solubility
• Light taste and texture
• Low-calorie protein drink

Cons

• Foams after shaking
• Protein content could be higher
• Only 3 flavors
• Contains sucralose

Bottom Line

ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein is formulated by Jim Stoppani, PhD and owner of JYM Supplement Science. ISO JYM is a low-calorie drink with 20 grams of protein per serving. You’ll have three crisp, fruit-inspired flavors to choose from. Prices vary slightly on Amazon depending on flavor.

Most of the clear whey protein powders we recommend are low-carb, but the ISO JYM 100% Whey Protein stands out for a couple of reasons. For starters, it’s very lean. It has 20 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and only 90 calories per scoop. There are no added sugars or hidden-carb fillers, just like those in our roundup of the best low-carb protein powder.

It comes in five flavors, which is more variety than some of the others, and it tastes pretty good too. GGR senior staff writer and CPT Lauren Strong tested the Mango Lime flavor and said it’s pretty accurate: “mango-tasting with a serious punch of lime at the end.”

Like some of the others, it gets super foamy when using a shaker bottle to mix it, but Lauren gave it a 4 out of 5 for solubility because it does mix in will once the foam settles. It also went down easily with no side effects to note.

RELATED: JYM Pre-Workout Review

Another thing we like about this clear whey is that you can get it in two sizes: 20 servings and 35 servings. Most of the others only come in one size that wouldn’t last a full month if you want to take it daily. We like that you don’t have to replenish this one as often.

One downside here is that it’s not third-party tested, or at least JYM doesn’t provide any information about third-party testing. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t get it, it does indicate that there’s no independent verification of purity, potency, and quality. Despite that, the brand is pretty transparent: They list all ingredients on the label and don’t include any proprietary blends so you know what you’re getting.

On the bright side, GGR collaborated with third-party accredited lab Ellipse Analytics to analyze more than 150 protein powder samples for heavy metals, pesticides, and label accuracy and purity. IsoJYM Clear Isolate’s grape flavor scored above average when compared to other samples, and ranked excellent in pesticides, phthalates, and label accuracy. We explain all these terms in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.

Best Clear Whey Protein Drink for Sensitive Stomachs: MuscleTech Clear Whey Isolate

Good for: Anyone who can’t stomach thicker whey drinks

Best for Sensitive Stomachs

MuscleTech Iso Whey Clear

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Product Highlights

• Juice-like formula delivers protein in a lighter option
• Formulated with ProHydrolase to aid with absorption
• Free of sugar and fat while being low in calories

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Light texture
• Low calorie
• Sugar-free

Cons

• May be clumpy when mixed
• Contains sucralose
• Artificial flavors

Bottom Line

MuscleTech Iso Whey Clear delivers 22 grams of protein in three juice-like flavors. Since it mixes more like a BCAA powder, this could be great for those who prefer a lighter texture over the standard thicker protein shake, or for those wanting to try something new.

In general, clear whey protein can be easier on your stomach than other types of whey, but this one has added ingredients—specifically an enzyme blend that includes protease and bromelain—that make it our pick for one of the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs. These enzymes can help you break down the protein so it’s easier to digest and less likely to cause digestive upset.

Aside from that, we really like both the taste and the formulation. This clear whey was tested by two GGR team members—GGR Senior Staff Writer and CPT Lauren Strong and GGR Staff Writer and fitness coach Matt Dustin—who gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for taste.

Both testers tried the Lemon Berry Blizzard flavor, saying the taste was light, crisp, and fruity. While it was a little tart, Matt described it as “refreshing,” although both testers noted that the flavor was kind of intense. They mixed it with the recommended 12 ounces of water, but said you’d likely need to water it down even more unless you like a really strong flavor.

RELATED: MuscleTech Mass Tech Extreme 2000 Review

We also like the macronutrient profile, and it got a 4 out of 5 for formulation. There are 22 grams of protein, 90 calories, and less than one gram of carbohydrates per serving. It does have some questionable ingredients, like sucralose and artificial flavors, plus an anti-foaming agent that our testers said didn’t even work.

Both Matt and Lauren said that after shaking it up, it had an excessive amount of foam. MuscleTech does recommend waiting at least 60 seconds before drinking it and our testers said the foam does settle eventually, but that it’s kind of a pain to mix up. Because of this, it scored a 3 out of 5 for solubility.

All in all, we liked this one, although it did lose some points because it’s not third-party tested.

Other Clear Whey Protein Drinks We Researched

Clear whey is still fairly new to the market, so there aren’t a ton of options to choose from yet. That being said, here are two others that didn’t make the cut based on our testing or research. As this supplement category grows, we’ll be testing additional products and updating as needed.

• Gatorade Zero With Protein: Okay, so maybe this isn’t technically considered a clear whey, but’s worth mentioning since the general idea is the same. We liked the taste of this, but it only has 10 grams of protein per drink, which isn’t enough to earn it a spot on this list.
• Isopure Zero Carb 100% Whey Protein Isolate Drinks: We’re a fan of the Isopure brand—the powdered version of the clear whey made the list as the best clean clear whey—but we haven’t officially tested this pre-bottled version yet (although some GGR team members have tried it in the past). We will report back when we’ve put it through our standardized testing.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Clear Whey Protein Drinks

At GGR, we have a rigorous supplement testing methodology that we use to inform our entire testing process. We tried each product ourselves and then rated them on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following categories:

• Price per serving
• Formulation
• Taste
• Solubility
• Side Effects
• Transparency and third-party testing
• Customer service
• Customer reviews

From there, we pulled out the top-scoring products as the “winners,” or the best clear whey isolates we recommend right now. Additionally, our testers are certified personal trainers, registered dietitian nutritionists, coaches, and athletes, so they’re able to use their expert knowledge to assess each supplement objectively.

Ultimately, it’s our goal to provide unbiased recommendations based on our own personal experience and expertise so you can make the best decision for you. We never recommend products that we wouldn’t personally use ourselves.

Benefits of Clear Whey Protein Drinks

There are tons of general benefits of protein, but whey has a unique branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) profile that makes it superior to other types for muscle growth, weight loss, and satiety, according to Perry Nix, MS, RD, LD. It also digests quickly, is highly bioavailable, and contains significant amounts of leucine, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis², so your body can use it quickly to help build muscle. All of these factors make high-quality whey protein an excellent post-workout supplement.

Because clear protein drinks are made with whey protein, they offer all of these benefits, but they have some additional perks, too.

They’re Refreshing

Clear whey protein drinks are a refreshing post-workout (or anytime) choice, while regular whey can be heavy and not as appealing after a tough workout. They’re available in light, fruity flavors and can be a little easier to get down than thicker shakes. They’re also just a nice change from the more decadent flavors of regular whey protein.

They Can Be More Convenient

Clear whey protein tastes great when it’s mixed only with water. While you can certainly drink regular whey protein with water, many people make high-protein smoothies to make it more palatable, which requires additional ingredients and extra time. You don’t have to worry about any of that with clear protein.

They’re Pure Protein

Clear whey protein drinks are refined more than other types of whey protein. Because of this, they have practically no carbohydrates, fat, or sugar (as long as you choose one that’s made with no-calorie sweeteners instead of sugar). For those prioritizing protein, they’re easier to fit into your macros to help you meet those goals without throwing off the other nutrient counts.

They May Be Easier To Digest

Because they’re pure protein, clear whey drinks are lower in lactose than other types of whey protein, especially whey concentrate. This makes them easier to digest and gentler on the stomach, which is especially beneficial for those with lactose intolerance.

Dosing and Interactions 

While the current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, many reputable nutrition and fitness organizations recommend that you get more—closer to 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram per day—especially if your goal is to support muscle recovery and performance³. And research suggests that 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram per day is a better daily target than the RDA of 0.8⁴.

All this to say that while dose is dependent on your size and fitness goals, somewhere between 1 and 2 grams per kilogram per day is a good general target (talk to a dietitian or a healthcare professional for specific recommendations for you). And make sure you’re spreading your intake out throughout the day; some research suggests that your body can only effectively use around 20 to 25 grams⁵ of protein per meal, while other research caps recommendations for how much protein your body can absorb at 40 grams per meal. 

Just like traditional protein powders, clear whey isolate is meant to supplement your intake from food. So while this can help you meet your goals, it shouldn’t be your only source of protein—you want to make sure you’re varying your choices and getting some menu variety for optimal micronutrient intake.

As for interactions, whey protein is generally considered pretty safe, but it can interact with certain types of medications, including Levodopa, which is often used in the management of Parkinson’s disease, and certain types of antibiotics. If you’re taking these medications, talk to your doctor before supplementing with whey.

Third-Party Testing

Supplement regulations are pretty dismal. There’s not a lot of oversight for the industry, so manufacturers can often get away with misleading labels and claims regarding purity and potency. However, in the spirit of transparency, many supplement manufacturers volunteer for third-party testing. This ensures that what’s in the protein is exactly what they say.

When choosing a clear whey supplement, look for companies that opt into third-party testing. This is a nod to the integrity of the company and can also give you peace of mind that you’re not getting an inferior or contaminated product.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Clear Whey Protein Drinks

When choosing a clear whey protein isolate, you want to be just as discerning as you’d be with any other supplement. Here are the main things you should consider when making your choice.

Protein Content

Clear whey isolate should have just as much protein as other whey supplements, so about 20 to 25 grams of protein per serving. Pay attention to the serving size, too. Ideally, you want one-scoop servings since a lower volume of powder will dissolve easier. This will also stretch your dollar since you won’t be using twice as much to get the same amount of protein.

RELATED: How Much Protein Should I Eat to Lose Weight?

Minimal Ingredients

As with any supplement, the fewer added ingredients the better. Look for clear whey drinks that have only a handful of ingredients that you recognize. Ideally, we recommend natural ingredients over artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives, but this can be a personal choice.

High-Quality Sweeteners

In general, it’s best to choose a clear whey that’s sweetened with natural, low-calorie options, like stevia or monk fruit. While the jury is still out on whether or not artificial sweeteners are “bad” for you, there is some research that suggests that some of them, like sucralose⁶, can have negative health effects.

Price

Because there’s more involved in the production of clear whey protein drinks, they can be more expensive than other types of whey. Typically, you can expect to pay around $1.60 to $2.00 per serving, but make sure you’re shopping within your budget. You may be able to save some money by subscribing to automatic shipments or buying in bulk sizes.

Third-Party Testing

Ideally, you should opt for a clear whey protein that’s been third-party tested. Because the supplement industry is highly unregulated, third-party testing ensures that you’re getting what the manufacturer says you are. 

FAQs About Clear Whey Protein Drinks

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Mazi, TA, Stanhope, KL. Erythritol: An In-Depth Discussion of Its Potential to Be a Beneficial Dietary Component. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 1;15(1):204. doi: 10.3390/nu15010204. 

2. Jäger, R, Kerksick, CM, Campbell, BI, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8.

3. Carbone, JW, Pasiakos, SM. Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1136. doi:10.3390/nu11051136.

4. Phillips, SM, Chevalier, S, Leidy, HJ. Protein “Requirements” Beyond the RDA: Implications for Optimizing Health. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016;41(5):565-572. doi:10.1139/apnm-2015-0550.

5. Schoenfeld, B.J., Aragon, A.A. How Much Protein Can the Body Use in a Single Meal for Muscle-Building? Implications for Daily Protein Distribution. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018;15(10). doi: 10.1186/s12970-018-0215-1.

6. Schiffman, SS, Scholl, EH, Furey, TS, Nagle, HT. Toxicological and Pharmacokinetic Properties of Sucralose-6-Acetate and Its Parent Sucralose: In Vitro Screening Assays. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2023;26(6):307-341. doi:10.1080/10937404.2023.2213903.