Here’s How Clear Dry Serum Differs From Regular Serum.
While there are many different types of protein powders, I’ve always preferred plain, unflavored whey protein. Its creamy taste and texture make it a great option not only for smoothies but also for other dairy-based dishes, like yogurt parfaits . But I’ve finally been won over by another remarkable protein powder, and it’s quite unusual: clear whey protein.
It’s exactly what the name implies: a whey protein powder that turns clear when dissolved in water. The resulting drink is more like lemonade or juice than a creamy smoothie. It comes almost exclusively in fruit flavors, which might remind you of an energy drink rather than a milkshake.
That’s because the chemical process that turns whey protein clear requires it to be in an acidic solution, and acid pairs well with fruit flavors. I’ve tried MyProtein’s peach-mango and lemonade flavors; I’ve also heard about margarita and mojito flavors. I was intrigued by this flavor of sour strips from Ghost .
How are things with nutrition?
Purified whey protein is still whey protein, so you get high-quality protein (with all nine essential amino acids) whether you choose the purified or regular version. However, there is one difference: purified whey protein is made from whey protein isolate , not whey protein concentrate . Whey protein isolate contains protein and almost nothing else, while whey protein concentrate is approximately 80% protein. The remaining 20% includes small amounts of fat and carbohydrates. Therefore, the nutritional value of purified whey protein is virtually identical to that of traditional (milk-like) whey protein isolate powder.
Both isolate and concentrate are good choices if you’re looking to add some protein to your diet. The “extra” fats and carbs in whey protein concentrate only add about 20 calories per serving, so they won’t significantly impact your diet. However, if you’re lactose intolerant or find that whey protein sometimes upsets your stomach, an isolate, such as clear whey protein, may be a better choice.
What does clear whey taste like?
Making my first cup of clear protein powder was a strange experience. The powder clumped a bit on the ball of my shaker (I used a shaker bottle), and the resulting liquid was clear but very foamy. The instructions said to let the drink sit for 15 seconds to allow the foam to dissipate.
Later, I realized that the whisk ball wasn’t really necessary. Shaking without the ball worked just fine, and the foam quickly subsided, leaving a clear liquid that wasn’t at all thick or sticky. If you’re expecting lemonade, you’ll get a drink that’s very close in taste and texture to real lemonade. Clear whey definitely tastes better than regular whey when mixed with pure water.
However, it is very sour. The brand I tested had sweeteners (sucralose and acesulfame K), which soften the flavor, making it less sour. But the sourness will still be noticeable , like in a strong-flavored lemonade. This flavor may not be for everyone, but it’s a great option if you want variety. If I want a creamy smoothie or yogurt, I use my regular whey protein; and if I want a protein drink that doesn’t taste too good, I use clear whey protein.