We shake things up with the best clear protein powders in 2026

If you struggle to stomach conventional protein powders, or just fancy a change, there’s an alternative that’s more squash than shake. Here’s our pick of the best clear protein powders.

If you’re looking to up your protein intake, there are a variety of protein bars and as well as the best protein powders on the market. However, the new kid on the block within the world of supplements for muscle growth – clear protein powders – offer a lighter, more refreshing way to boost your muscle recovery.

What are clear protein powders?

More fruit squash than chocolate milkshake, these protein powders are easy to mix, light and refreshing.

Unlike traditional whey protein powders that mix into a milky, opaque shake, clear whey mixes into a transparent, squash-like drink. Here’s a closer look at what makes clear whey protein distinct:

1. Processing: Clear whey protein undergoes a different filtration process that removes most of the fats and lactose, resulting in a cleaner and purer protein product. This process leaves behind a whey protein isolate, which is then formulated to dissolve clearly in water.
2. Appearance and taste: As the name suggests, clear whey protein dissolves into a clear, translucent liquid, resembling a fruit drink rather than a creamy shake. This makes it a refreshing alternative for those who prefer lighter beverages, especially post-workout. The flavors available are often fruit-based.
3. Protein content: Despite its different form, clear whey protein packs a strong protein punch, often providing around 20 grams of protein per serving. It’s effective for muscle recovery and growth, similar to traditional whey protein supplements.
4. Digestibility: Many users find clear whey protein easier to digest compared to standard whey protein powders. The filtration process reduces lactose content, making it a suitable option for individuals with mild lactose intolerance.
5. Versatility: Clear whey protein can be a versatile part of your nutrition plan. It’s easy to mix with water, making it convenient to prepare and consume on the go, without the heavier texture associated with traditional milkshake-like protein powders.

It’s still an emerging product, so you won’t find the huge range on offer for more conventional powders, but to help you make the right choice we’ve rounded up five of the most effective clear whey protein powders on the market right now.

Best clear protein powders at a glance

Best for protein per serving	Matched only by More Nutrition, the ESN Isoclear Whey Protein Isolate contains a sizeable 25g per serving – enough for your post-workout needs
Best fat-free option	The Naturecan Clear Whey Protein Isolate has zero sugar, zero fat and just 85 calories per serving
Best for buying in bulk	Just like it says on the tin, you can pick up Bulk Clear Whey Isolate Protein in whopping 2kg bags
Best for flavor	There are six delicious flavors in the More Nutrition Clear Protein range to choose from: peach, mojito, lemon, apple, passionfruit and mango
Best for supplements	Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate also has 4g performance-boosting BCAAs and 3g immune-boosting glutamine
Best for low calories	For anyone trying to trim down this summer, check out Protein Works Clear Diet Whey, which has just 70 calories

1. ESN Isoclear Whey Protein Isolate

Taste: 4/5
Protein: 4.5/5
Texture: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

We prefer ESN’s flavorsome Isoclear powders to its slightly cloying Designer Whey Protein versions we’ve tested. Packing 25g of quality protein in each serving, these sugar-, fat- and lactose-free shakes come in a whopping 17 flavors, including the refreshing strawberry lime we sampled, and come in at just over 100kcals. It’s not the cheapest option but it’s one of our favorites.

2. Naturecan Clear Whey Protein Isolate

Taste: 4/5
Protein: 4.5/5
Texture: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

From a company committed to high-quality ingredients, Naturecan’s clear protein contains nothing but natural goodness in the form of 21g protein per serving, zero sugar, zero fat and just 85 calories.

The juicy Tropical flavour gets MF’s seal of approval.

3. Bulk Clear Whey Isolate Protein

Taste: 4.5/5
Protein: 4.5/5
Texture: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

A competitive 20g protein per serving means Bulk’s offering stands up to most whey powders, and each of the fruity flavors (Cherry Bomb gets the nod for us) are perfectly suited to the heat of summer. One of the best clear protein powders on the market.

4. More Nutrition Clear Protein

Taste: 4.5/5
Protein: 4.5/5
Texture: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

I tested the peach iced tea flavor of More Nutrition’s Clear Protein powder and was really impressed with its fresh, invigorating taste. There’s none of the unpleasant or cloying aftertaste that I’ve often found with clear protein powders.

There are five other flavors to choose from: mojito, lemon, apple, passionfruit and mango. The numbers look good across the entire range, with 24g protein in every 30g serving, as well as zero fat, 104 calories and just trace elements of salt. A great choice, particularly after hotter workouts – when you want a tasty protein drink you can chug.

5. Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate

Taste: 4/5
Protein: 4.5/5
Texture: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Made from high-quality hydrolysed whey protein isolate, My Protein’s offering comes in 11 flavours and packs 20g protein per serving, as well as 4g performance-boosting branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and 3g immune-boosting glutamine, making it one of the best clear protein powders on test.

6. The Protein Works Clear Diet Whey

Taste: 4.5/5
Protein: 3.5/5
Texture: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Three cocktail-inspired recipes make up TPW’s range of clear protein powders, with each providing 16g protein per serving, along with BCAAs and energy-boosting green tea extract.

For anyone trying to trim down for summer, there’s also an impressive return of less than 70 calories.

• October 2025: More Nutrition Clear Protein Powder added
• June 2026: We removed the PhD Smart Clear Whey as it’s no longer available. We have also added Schema tables and added every product to the summary box.

Related content:

• What is casein protein?
• How to use protein powder
• What is clear protein?