What Are The Real Differences Between Clear Protein And Whey?

Getting enough protein doesn't mean you have to spend every meal eating typical high-protein foods like steak, yogurt, and beans. (Here are some uncommon foods that are an excellent source of protein.) Many people supplement their diets with protein powders. But should you choose a clear protein product or one featuring whey protein?

Technically, both are whey protein. Whey is the clear liquid that remains after the milk solids are removed during the traditional cheesemaking process. Whey consists of some fat, carbohydrates, and, protein. Once dried, whey becomes powdery. When it's mixed into water, smoothies, or another liquid, it adds a milky consistency to the drink. Since the whey originally had fat and carbs, whey protein has those nutrients as well.

For some people, whey protein powder is a perfectly fine way for them to get extra protein. However, others complain about the chalky taste, the fact that it doesn't always dissolve completely, and its calorie count. Plus, they may not be able to comfortably digest the lactose in whey protein powder. They're often the ones who prefer clear protein powder.

Meanwhile, clear protein is whey protein isolate that's been refined to remove more fat and carbs, as well as lactose. This leaves the protein behind in a finer powder form that dissolves nearly completely in any drink.

Unlike the milky appearance and texture of whey protein, clear protein leaves a thinner impression. For that reason, it often comes in fruity flavors, whereas whey protein powder tends to have milk-related flavors like chocolate and vanilla.

Explains nutrition expert Samantha Dieras to Vogue, "Some people find traditional protein shakes too heavy or thick. In that case, clear protein may be a way to close the protein consumption gap in a more pleasant way." She adds that although the general public might not have heard before about clear protein, it's actually been used by the medical community for a while to deliver protein in a light, tasty way to patients.

With clear protein powder, you're getting fewer calories. Therefore, it may be a good pick if you've been trying to stay in a calorie deficit as you add more protein to your daily nutrient intake. On the other hand, if you want to bulk up, you may find that clear protein powder just doesn't give you the added nutrition you need. (Here are some healthy foods to help with weight gain.)

There's another issue with clear protein: It's not always economical. Because it's been processed more than whey protein has, its price tag can be much higher for the same amount of product. For example, whey protein powder can average around $1.10 for every 20 grams. In contrast, clear protein powder can be more than $2.00 per comparable serving. That said, prices can vary.

Of course, you may just want to try each type of protein powder and see which you like best. That's fine, but always look at the powder's ingredients. Some powders rely on sugars and additives to boost flavor or hide an unpleasant natural taste. As cardiovascular dietitian Lena Beal told USA Today, "[Clear protein] can have a bitter, astringent taste ... or an aftertaste" due to its acidic taste profile.