{"id":636968,"date":"2026-05-11T17:42:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T17:42:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/636968\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T17:42:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T17:42:09","slug":"what-is-clear-protein-and-should-you-be-taking-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/636968\/","title":{"rendered":"What is clear protein \u2014 and should you be taking it?"},"content":{"rendered":"

From snack bars<\/a> and \u201cproffee\u201d<\/a> to carnivore diets, protein consumption is being hyped up everywhere these days.<\/p>\n

Getting enough is crucial not just to build bigger muscles, but to help fight infection, provide energy and support wound healing as well.<\/p>\n

And the newest addition to \u201cprotein-maxxing\u201d? Clear protein, a superstar nutrient that\u2019s not your typical shake. But what exactly is it, and how does it stack up to other versions of the essential nutrient?<\/p>\n

\"AClear protein is the latest version of the trendy yet essential macronutrient, but how does it compare to other versions? Inga \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n

Clear protein starts out as whey protein<\/a> \u2014 the most well-known complete protein derived from milk \u2014 but is filtered and further processed, according to New York-based certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a more refined protein that\u2019s engineered to have a lighter, airier, less milk-like consistency than whey protein consistency,\u201d DeCicco told The Post.<\/p>\n

With the fat and lactose removed, the end result is a supplement that has high protein concentrate, but can be mixed into water for \u201cmore of a juice-like drink as opposed to a thicker, creamier, \u2018milkshake-like\u2019 consistency,\u201d DeCicco said.<\/p>\n

It also tends to have fewer calories and no fat or carbs \u2014 but it provides the same gains as animal-based protein, including muscle building and recovery after a tough workout.<\/p>\n

It even contains the same full amino-acid protein profile, including branched-chain amino acids<\/a> (BCAAs), the building blocks of protein<\/a> that assist several bodily functions, support longevity<\/a> and even cure hangovers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also rapidly absorbed and easier to drink, according to registered dietitian nutritionist Meaghan Ormsby<\/a> \u2014 and may be easier on the stomach if you have lactose intolerance or a sensitivity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe lighter texture is also worth noting,\u201d she said. \u201cFor people who find traditional protein shakes too heavy or filling, the refreshing juice-like format may simply make it easier to use consistently.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AA filtered version of whey protein found in milk, clear protein offers a lactose-free supplement with the same benefits. Marko \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n

Are there any cons to clear protein?<\/p>\n

A big difference between clear and whey protein is acidity level, which can play a role in who drinks which version.<\/p>\n

\u201cClear has a purposeful lower pH level to prevent cloudiness,\u201d DeCicco said. \u201cThe higher acidity content can trigger stomach acid production for someone who has acid reflux, heartburn or indigestion.\u201d<\/p>\n

The biggest drawback for DeCicco, though?<\/p>\n

\u201cMost clear protein brands use artificial sweeteners for the \u2018fruit juice\u2019 taste,\u201d she said, adding that she never recommends them. \u201cThese are linked to increased sugar cravings, weight gain, metabolic conditions, cognitive decline and stomach distress.\u201d<\/p>\n

The better choice is brands that use more natural sugars like stevia, monk fruit or real fruit to sweeten.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re looking for a meal replacement, this own\u2019t do it: \u201cIf the goal is adding healthy fats and fiber alongside protein, traditional whey or plant-based protein powders may be better suited,\u201d Ormsby said.<\/p>\n

So \u2014 which is better, clear protein or whey protein?<\/p>\n

\u201cClear protein and traditional whey protein isolate are nutritionally quite similar in terms of protein content and amino acid profile,\u201d she said. \u201cThe best protein supplement is simply the one a person will use consistently, that fits their digestive needs and has a label they feel good about.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re debating which type to use, both contain about 20 to 26 grams of protein, although the calorie count may be slightly lower for clear protein, although this can depend on the brand.<\/p>\n

While the choice is clear if you\u2019re lactose sensitive or prefer a lighter, fruitier-flavored protein drink, one protein isn\u2019t better than the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no extra benefit to using clear protein over whey if you are using it for post-resistance training to aid in your recovery,\u201d DeCicco added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"From snack bars and \u201cproffee\u201d to carnivore diets, protein consumption is being hyped up everywhere these days. Getting…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":636969,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[61],"tags":[186,674,337,3286,97,269,5119,582],"class_list":["post-636968","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nutrition","tag-exclusive","tag-exercise","tag-fitness","tag-food-drink","tag-health","tag-nutrition","tag-protein","tag-supplements"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/636968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=636968"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/636968\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/636969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=636968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=636968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=636968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}