The essentials in 30 seconds
- What it is: a whey isolate made clear, which mixes with water like a cordial. Fruity or iced tea flavours.
- The numbers: 21 to 27 g of protein for about 90 to 110 kcal per serving, with almost no sugar or fat.
- How to mix: 500 ml of very cold water, shaker, then 1 to 2 minutes' rest so the foam settles.
- Who it's for: anyone who dislikes milky shakes, after a sweaty session, or for variety. It isn't vegan: it comes from milk.
What exactly is clear whey?
It is whey isolate, the most filtered whey protein, processed to stay clear in a slightly acidic liquid. The manufacturer adds an acidifier (often citric acid), fruity flavourings and sweeteners. The result: a clear, light and refreshing drink, far from a creamy chocolate shake.
When the label states it, whey protein isolate makes up about 94% of the powder: it is what provides the protein. To understand the different types of whey (concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate), read our whey guide.
Milky flavours (chocolate, vanilla, cookies), milkshake texture, mixes with water or milk. Also great for cooking: porridge, pancakes.
Fruity or iced tea flavours, juice-like texture, water only. Lighter in the mouth, especially after a sweaty session.
Tonic Food tip: many customers keep both: a chocolate whey for breakfast, a clear whey after training. Both provide milk protein of the same quality.
Our 6 clear whey proteins compared
Values come from the labels, for one serving as recommended by the brand.
| Product | Serving | Kcal | Protein | Sugar | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nanosupps Ä Protein Water Clear Beef (beef protein) | 30 g | 109 | 27 g | 0 g | 450 g |
| ESN Isoclear Whey Isolate | 30 g | 105 | 25 g | < 0.5 g | 908 g |
| Inlead Clear Whey Isolate | 30 g | 103 | 25 g | 0.2 g | 500 g |
| Body Attack Clear Iso Whey | 30 g | 103 | 24.7 g | 0 g | 300 g or 900 g |
| Nanosupps Ä Epic Juice | 25 g | 91 | 22.3 g | < 0.1 g | 875 g |
| BioTech USA Iso Whey Clear | 25 g | 88 | 21 g | < 0.5 g | 400 g |
Label values as of 05/11/2026, for the reference flavour. They vary slightly by flavour: the product page is the reference.
Our takeaway: for the same 30 g serving, whey-based clear proteins are on a par (about 25 g of protein). The difference is in taste and choice of flavours: ESN Isoclear offers around ten (peach iced tea, cactus, mango…) and is the most requested; Body Attack comes in 900 g; Nanosupps Epic Juice goes for juice flavours (mojito, watermelon). Protein Water Clear Beef stands apart: its protein comes from beef, not milk.
How to mix it (and avoid the foam)
A few ice cubes make it even nicer. Avoid milk, though: clear whey is made for water, and its tangy taste doesn't suit it.
Who is it for, and when?
A big cold glass when a milky shake doesn't appeal, especially after an intense session or in summer.
No milky taste or thick texture. Note: it is still milk protein.
About 100 kcal per glass: a protein drink instead of a sugary one.
Clear whey comes from milk. For a protein with no animal products, see our vegan protein guide.
For protein, only EU-authorised claims count:
Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass and to the maintenance of muscle mass.
This claim may be used for a product providing at least 12% of its energy as protein: true, by far, of every clear whey in the comparison.How much? One or two servings a day is enough for most athletes: what matters is your total protein for the day, which you can work out with our protein needs calculator.
The questions we get asked in store
What is clear whey?
A whey isolate (highly filtered whey protein) processed to stay clear in water. You drink it like a juice or an iced tea, with about 21 to 25 g of protein per serving.
What's the difference between clear whey and classic whey?
The protein is the same (whey), but clear whey is fruity, clear and light, while classic whey is creamy and milky. Clear whey is mixed with water only.
Why does my clear whey foam?
That's normal: shaking traps air in the protein. Shake briefly with cold water and let it rest 1 to 2 minutes; the foam settles.
Is clear whey vegan?
No, it comes from milk. For a vegan protein, you need a plant protein (pea, rice, soy…).
What is the best clear whey?
The whey-based clear proteins in our comparison all provide about 25 g of protein per 30 g of powder: choose the flavour first. ESN Isoclear is the most requested for its wide choice of flavours.
Can I mix it with milk?
It isn't recommended: it is designed for water, and its tangy taste doesn't go with milk. For a milk shake, choose a classic whey.
