What Is Clear Whey (and Why Should You Try It)?
While there are many different types of protein powders , I have always preferred plain unflavored whey. Its creamy taste and texture make it great not only for cocktails, but also for other dairy dishes like yogurt parfaits . But finally another great protein powder won me over, and it’s very strange: a clear whey.
It’s just what it looks like: a whey protein powder that turns clear when dissolved in water. The result is something that tastes more like lemonade or juice than a creamy shake. It has an almost exclusively fruity flavor that might remind you of an energy drink rather than a milkshake. This is because the chemical composition that allows the whey to be clear requires it to be in an acidic solution, and this acid works well with fruit flavors.
I’ve tried MyProtein’s peach-mango and lemonade; I’ve heard that the mojito tastes good too. (There are many brands to choose from. Almost all of the major supplement manufacturers support this trend.)
How do you compare nutrition?
The clear whey stays whey, so you’re still getting good quality protein (with all nine essential amino acids), whether you choose pure or regular.
One difference, however, is that clear whey is made from whey isolate rather than concentrate . Whey isolate contains protein and almost nothing else, while whey concentrate is 80% protein. The remaining 20% contains small amounts of fat and carbohydrates.
Nutritionally, both are good choices if you want to add some protein to your diet. The “extra” fats and carbohydrates in whey concentrate only add about 20 calories per scoop, so they won’t improve or disrupt your diet. That said, if you’re lactose intolerant or find that whey powder sometimes causes stomach upset, the isolate might agree a little better with you. (However, clear whey is not the only type of whey isolate.)
How does it taste?
Mixing my first cup of pure whey was an odd experience. The powder collected a little on the shaker ball (I used a shaker) and the resulting liquid was clear but very foamy. The instructions indicate that the drink must stand for 15 seconds for the foam to evaporate.
Later I realized that a shaker is not needed. Shaking without a ball worked great, the foam really subsides quickly, leaving a clear liquid that is not thick or sticky. If you’re expecting lemonade, what you get really isn’t that far from the taste and texture of real lemonade. Clear whey is definitely more appetizing than regular whey when mixed with plain water.
However, it is very sour. The brand I tried had sweeteners (sucralose and acesulfame K) and they remove the pungency so it’s not too sour. But you will feel the acidity, just like with the highly aromatic lemonade.
The scent may not be for everyone, but it’s a great option for a change. If I want a creamy shake or yogurt, I have regular whey; and if I want a protein-only drink that won’t be too disgusting, I go for a clear whey.