Top-Tier Transparent Protein Powders to Avoid Creamy Gunk
In today's muscle-building, health-conscious world, everyone's on a quest for the perfect protein. But let's talk about the clear protein powders, and why they're gaining a cult following. Unlike traditional protein powders, these bad boys are a filtered version of whey protein, stripped of most fats, carbs, and lactose. Instead, you'll be left with a light, fruity liquid that's easy to gulped down like a sports drink, especially when you're all stuffed or it's a sweltering day. Plus, you can serve 'em over ice for an extra refreshing boost.
Now, even though you can slam 'em back like a pro, that doesn't mean you'll authentically want to. I've put every clear whey protein powder on the block through a taste test and here are my top recommendations, ranked based on flavor and texture.
The Crème de la Crème of Clear Protein Powders
- Best Clear Protein Powder Overall: Gramms, priced at $55
Gramms' lemonade flavor gave me life, and I don't use that term lightly. It's zingy, tangy, and tastes straight out of a pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade. Compared to almost every other brand I tried, it's surprisingly clean with no artificial tang lingering. The peach tea flavor was more experimental, but I still appreciated the uniqueness. Bonus, it's non-GMO and lactose-free, perfect for the choosy eaters out there. Unfortunately, the pricetag is steeper than the rest, but if they added a couple more flavors like the Lemonade and ditched their "stronger, not bulkier" motto, it'd be near unbeatable.
- Most Enjoyable Clear Protein Powder: Oath, priced at $35
Oath's clear whey protein flavors make me imagine exotic tropical vacations. Their coconut colada taste instantly transports you to Puerto Rico, and though it's artificially sweetened, it's balanced and keeps it real. Unlike some I tested, it doesn't leave that nasty chalky aftertaste behind. Every flavor didn't hit the jackpot (kiwi strawberry was just okay), but the variety offered is unparalleled. It's the one I reached for even on the days I wasn't working out, saying more than enough about its taste.
- Easiest to Drink Clear Protein Powder: Animal Clear, priced at $42
The branding from Animal Clear may scream gym rat, but don't let that deter you. Its clear whey protein was one of the easiest to drink, with a light, less aggressively sweet flavor profile than most I tasted. It also left the least amount of aftertaste or chalky mouth feel, making it more pleasant to drink post-workout. Just be aware that they use sucralose, an artificial sweetener, if that's a concern for you. My personal favorite was the watermelon limeade, but blueberry acai was a bit too heavy compared to the rest. What made the product stand out was its inclusion of an anti-foaming agent, so it's ready to drink as soon as you shake it. Plus, it throws in five grams of BCAAs to assist with muscle recovery and repair.
- Best Affordable Clear Protein Powder: Seeq, priced at $49
Seeq is practically a steal for the price. You get slightly more protein per serving than most on this list (22 grams instead of the standard 20), and it's noticeably cheaper, especially if you're a protein powder powerhouse. The flavors I sampled (strawberry lemonade and watermelon wave) were both decent, albeit a tad on the sweet side. I needed to dilute them more than suggested on the packaging to mellow things out. They don't taste natural, but they're more like a sugary sports drink minus the added sugar, which is a win if you're trying to cut back on the sugary drinks. The 4.5 grams of BCAAs is a nice bonus that doesn't even cost extra.
- Best Clear Protein Powder with Cane Sugar: Ascent, priced at $38
Ascent takes a different approach from most clear proteins, sweetening it with a mix of organic cane sugar and stevia, which provides a more natural-tasting sweetness with only two grams of sugar per serving. No fake-sweet aftertaste here, just pure protein goodness.
In the realm of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, science has revolutionized the protein powder market with a filtered version of whey protein known as clear protein powders. These sports supplements are garnering a cult following due to their light, fruity liquid style that's reminiscent of a sports drink, making them easy to consume even on warm days or when one is feeling full.
GQ recommends several brands based on flavor and texture, with Gramms priced at $55 being hailed as the best overall for its zingy lemonade flavor and clean taste. Oath, priced at $35, offers exotic tropical vacation-inspired flavors and is the most enjoyable, especially the coconut colada.
Animal Clear, priced at $42, is praised for its easy drinking qualities and inclusion of an anti-foaming agent, while Seeq, priced at $49, offers a more affordable option with slightly more protein per serving. Lastly, Ascent, priced at $38, sweetens its clear protein powder with organic cane sugar and stevia, providing a more natural-tasting option.
When it comes to adding to one's lifestyle or food-and-drink preferences, shopping for the perfect clear protein powder has become a necessity in today's muscle-building, health-conscious world. Technology, too, has played a role in improving the supplement market, allowing for more advanced filtration processes and flavor options.
