What Is Clear Protein? | Benefits, Misconceptions & Dosage
Clear Whey has made plenty of waves since its release, becoming a firm favourite of trainers who prefer a drink juicier than traditional whey protein shakes. The Clear Protein family has since expanded, and new additions are a regular occurrence. With Clear Gainer,Clear Whey Electrolyte and Clear Vegan making up the range, it can be hard to keep track of all the varieties, their benefits, and which one is best for you.
We’ve enlisted the help of nutritionist Claire Muszalski to take us through each Clear product, explaining what each does and how it supports your goal. Read on to the very end for some super refreshing Clear Protein recipes perfect for the warmer weather.
- What is Clear Protein?
- What are the different types of Clear Protein?
- Which Clear Protein is right for me?
- Clear Protein benefits
- Clear Protein misconceptions
- Clear Protein dosage
- Clear Protein recipes everyone should try
- FAQs
What is Clear Protein?
So, you’re an Impact Whey enthusiast, but Clear Whey has caught your eye. Both are excellent choices to boost your macros, but there are a few differences that make them suited to different goals and occasions. Let’s take a closer look.
Clear Whey has the slight edge on Impact Whey in protein content. With 21g of protein per serving compared to Impact Whey’s 20g. Clear Whey also has fewer calories, with 84 calories per serving compared to Impact Whey’s 103.
But 20 calories and 1g of protein aren’t going to make or break your macros. So which protein you choose may come down to whether you prefer a creamy shake or a juicy shake. And when you’re craving refreshing flavours in warmer weather, Clear Whey is just what you need.
Both are convenient ways to boost your protein intake — it just comes down personal preference and what you fancy. My suggestion? Try both in our variety packs to find your fave.
What are the different types of Clear Protein?
On this comprehensive Clear Protein guide, we’ll list all the different varieties of Clear Protein, including the newest and the oldies. We’ll explain what they do, what they’re made of and how they work.
Clear Whey Vimto®
We absolutely love Vimto®, so much we had to get this iconic flavour into Clear Whey form - we've gotta get our protein in after all, right?
Refreshingly different, Vimto® blends together all the good stuff and we put 20g of high-quality whey protein in. Yes please.
But get your hands on yours quick, they didn't last long last time...
Clear Whey Isolate
Crowned “Best Sports Nutrition Product” at the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Awards in 2019, Clear Whey is a reliable option to get started with when you enter the supplement world. And if a creamy shake hasn’t suited you before, Clear Whey is the ideal alternative to support your macros.
Clear Whey uses high-quality hydrolysed whey protein isolate to provide trustworthy macros in a juicy shake. And did we mention it comes in 16 different flavours? That includes classics like Peach Tea and Orange Mango as well as new favourites like Rainbow Candy and Tropical Dragonfruit.
What Is Clear Whey Isolate? | A Game Changer For Summer Training
It's the answer to killer summer workouts...
Clear Whey Gainer
Say goodbye to the days of heavy bulking meals or shakes leaving you feel about ready to burst. Bulking just got juicy.
Clear Whey Gainer provides a light alternative to gainer shakes, leaving you feeling refreshed and primed to recover from another heavy session. It’s the perfect product for those who struggle to get down enough calories and protein to support their bulk.
Clear Whey Electrolyte
Clear Whey Electrolyte features high-quality whey protein that delivers 11g of protein per serving. Along with a protein boost, you’ll also get a dose of electrolytes and vitamins with this shake, including B6, B12, and vitamin C.
It comes in three juicy flavours, with Lemon and Lime, Pink Grapefruit, and Grape to choose from.
Clear Whey All-In-One
Looking for a shake that hits every macro? All-In-One is the way to go.
Combining protein to build and keep muscle, creatine monohydrate powder to maximise your performance in the gym, and carbs and vitamins to boost recovery, all in one juicy shake.
30g of protein, 24g of carbs, and a unique blend of 25 vitamins and minerals and just 256 calories per serving. With those macros, it’s a no-brainer.
Clear Vegan Protein
Clear Vegan Protein combines high-quality pea protein isolate with B vitamins to create a light and refreshing drink that delivers on macros every time. It’s made with real fruit and comes in loads of flavours.
Choose from Lemon and Lime, Pineapple and Grapefruit, Apple and Elderflower, Strawberry, Blackcurrant, Raspberry Mojito, and Watermelon.
Clear Collagen Powder
Clear Collagen delivers 18g of protein to grow and keep muscle and 20g of collagen to boost the health of hair, skin and nails. In true Clear fashion, Clear Collagen also comes in two juicy fruity flavours — Peach Tea and Cranberry & Raspberry.
Clear Soy Protein
Clear Soy Protein uses high-quality soy protein isolate combined with vitamin C, B-vitamins and fibre to create a refreshingly light shake with macros that don’t disappoint.
Choose from Lemon and Lime or Grape.
Clear Whey Meal Replacement
Another brand new weight loss offering is Clear Whey Meal Replacement. It’s high in protein and fibre, and low in sugar and fat to support a weight loss goal.
23g of high-quality whey protein isolate keeps you feeling full while the low sugar and low fat content helps to keep you in a sustainable calorie deficit.
Clear Whey Meal Replacement looks out for your gut too, with each serving delivering 8g of prebiotic inulin. And with a blend of 27 essential vitamins and minerals, it helps to support general health and wellbeing in case you’re running low on any vits.
This includes vitamin C to support your immune system, vitamin D to support bone health and muscle function and all eight water-soluble B-vitamins to support general health and wellbeing.
The ideal light alternative to support your weight loss goals and a busy lifestyle.
Which Clear Protein is right for me?
Ok, I know all of that info could be a little overwhelming as there is just so much to choose from. But nutritionist Claire Muszalski is here to give you the low-down of which protein will suit your goals, best.
Best For Bulking Up
If bulking is your goal, you need adequate calories (more than you are burning), adequate training (to build muscle), and adequate protein (to support muscle repair and growth).1 For this reason, you’ll want to choose a Clear Protein that’s high in calories and protein content.
Clear Whey Gainer is the best option for bulking due to its calorie and protein content. If you’re getting your work done in the gym, Clear Whey Gainer will do the work of helping to build your muscles for bulking. With 35g of protein per serving and adequate carbs for recovery, Clear Whey Gainer is the right choice for after a workout or to boost your total calorie and protein intake any time of day.
Best For Weight Loss
The key for weight loss is simple: burn more calories than you consume.2 However, this can be tricky when also trying to support your muscles with protein. When trying to achieve a calorie deficit, you need to make sure you get enough protein in your diet to keep your muscles fuelled and healthy. If you have enough protein in your diet, a calorie deficit will result in fat loss while preserving your muscle.3
There are two main ways to achieve a calorie deficit: eating less and exercising more. Clear Whey Meal Replacement is your best bet for sticking to strict calorie goals. If you’re really limiting your calories and not pushing too hard at the gym, a meal replacement is a great way to get your protein and the rest of the nutrition you need for the day.
Clear Whey Electrolyte is ideal for boosting protein intake without adding many calories. With less than 50 calories per serving and offering 11g of protein, Clear Whey Electrolyte also contains electrolytes to keep you hydrated after a workout and throughout the day.
Best For Building Lean Muscle
When it comes to building lean muscle, you need to challenge your muscles (usually in the form of resistance training) and eat enough fuel (in the form of protein) for your muscles to repair and build.4 While protein is key for muscle building, too many calories — from any source — will lead to bulking. Choosing a Clear Protein with a high protein and low calorie content is the best way to build lean muscle.
Clear Whey Isolate is packed with 20 grams of protein and has fewer than 100 calories, making it the best Clear Protein for building lean muscle. Low in sugar and fat, Clear Whey Isolate provides high quality whey protein without anything extra. Clear Whey Isolate is great for after a workout or any other time of the day.
Best For Vegans
Vegan athletes don’t consume any foods or products made by or from animals, which takes whey protein out of the question. There are plenty of plant-based protein options out there, but many replicate the milky texture of whey protein. If you’re looking for a refreshing, clear vegan protein option, Clear Vegan Protein is ideal.
Vegan diets are based on all plant-based foods, making it a bit more challenging to hit a daily protein goal. Clear Vegan Protein provides 10g of protein per serving plus half your daily B vitamin needs. B vitamins are a micronutrient commonly lacking in vegan diets.6 B Vitamins help to support metabolism and energy, which are key components for athletes and those looking to preserve muscle. Other sources of vegan proteins include beans, nuts, seeds, and soy products. Clear Vegan Protein is pea-based protein, making it suitable for those who avoid soy products.
Clear Protein benefits
A refreshing alternative to whey protein
While we love the OG Impact Whey, having a lighter, juicier option means you’ve got a protein for every occasion. Clear Whey is a great alternative to Impact Whey for super-hot days where you need something more refreshing, or just not in the mood for Chocolate or Vanilla.
Clear Protein is lower in calories
If you’re looking to cut some body fat while maintaining your muscle, Clear Protein is a great option as it’s lower in calories and high in protein. One serving of Clear Whey boasts 20g of protein and just 84 calories. For comparison, Impact Whey Protein contains 19g per serving and 100 calories. It's a slight difference, but if you’re watching your macros, every single one counts.
It’s reinforced with vitamins
Many of the Clear Family products are enriched with vitamins to add to its nutritional profile. One serving of Clear Vegan contains half your daily vitamin B requirements, Clear Soy contains added vitamin C, and Clear Whey Electrolyte also contains added vitamin C.
Clear Protein is lighter on the stomach
Although they’re great, sometimes a creamy protein shake can be a little bit much. Especially as it gets warmer, a lighter alternative is a dream post-workout. Just like squash, Clear Protein goes down a treat on a hot summer’s day, but it also delivers a macro boost.
Clear Protein can help build and maintain muscle mass
It’s no secret that protein helps build and maintain muscle mass. Combined with a great training routine, Clear Protein can help you build some serious muscle mass without having to overload on big portions or chicken breast and protein shakes.
Protein Slushies Recipe | Clear Whey Isolate & Clear Vegan Protein
This is post-workout refreshment on a whole new level.
Clear Protein misconceptions
While protein is essential for health and good performance in the gym, too much of any nutrient can have the potential to cause side effects. These vary between products and individuals. In general, protein supplements have been linked to potential minor side effects such as bloating, increased thirst, diarrhoea, and affecting the absorption of other nutrients (like calcium).7
Bloating or diarrhoea
Bloating or diarrhoea (or other stomach upset) can occur for many reasons. Large quantities of any fluid can leave feeling bloated. At other times, these side effects can be down to an intolerance or digestive issue related to ingredients. For instance, some people experience digestive issues with different types of protein, eg whey or pea-based proteins. Clear Whey may upset someone with lactose intolerance. Figuring out how different types affect you and not dramatically increasing fibre or protein consumption all at once can be helpful.
Kidney and liver function
While some early research expressed concerns about the challenges placed on kidney and liver function in high-protein diets, further studies have shown that healthy individuals need not worry at all about protein intakes up to 2.8g per kg of body weight per day (more than most athletes would consume).9,10
Increased thirst or dehydration
Similar to the fear that protein makes your kidneys work harder for digestion, early studies led some researchers to suspect that people consuming protein may have increased levels of thirst or fluid needs that could be linked to dehydration.7 However, later studies showed that consuming protein supplements helped decrease thirst as well as hunger.10 When mixing Clear Whey products with water, you’re likely to boost your fluid intake for the day and help prevent dehydration, both before and after exercise.
Clear Protein dosage
When it comes to taking protein, knowing how much to take and when is essential. Clear Protein dosage requirements vary greatly based on your goals, overall nutrition, exercise plan, and other factors (eg age, weight, and gender). Generally, the body can absorb about 20-30 grams of protein at any time.
Clear Protein dosage for bulking
When bulking is your goal, taking the 2.5 scoop serving of Clear Whey Gainer will provide the greatest amount of protein, along with the carbs and calories needed for bulking. This can be taken after a workout or as a bulking snack any time of day.
Clear Protein dosage for weight loss
There are several options to help support weight loss. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, meaning you don’t want your protein to be contributing too much to your daily calories. While Clear Whey Isolate and Clear Vegan Protein can be part of a weight loss meal plan, Clear Whey Electrolyte is ideal, as it gives you the most protein for your calorie budget. One serving of Clear Whey Electrolyte has 11g of protein, so two scoops will provide 22g of protein to help preserve lean muscle but still keep the drink under 100 calories.
How to use Clear Protein for building lean muscle
Clear Whey Isolate is the best choice if you're trying to build lean muscle, as it’s important to get the greatest concentration of protein per serving. With one scoop providing 20g of protein and very little sugar or fat, a refined protein source like Clear Whey Isolate is your best option.
Clear protein dosage for vegans
When you follow a vegan diet, you’re likely closely monitoring your protein intake. Once you know your protein goals, Clear Vegan Protein can help you meet your daily protein needs. With 10g of protein per serving, you can use up to two scoops to hit a 20g intake as a post-workout drink or for a protein boost between meals.
Clear Protein recipes everyone should try
Of course, you can just shake up your Clear Protein with some water, but if you’re looking for something to switch up your usual shake, we’ve got loads of recipes, from ice lollies to slushies to jelly sweets.
Some of these will include whey or vegan Clear Protein, but just swap it out for your Clear Protein of choice and enjoy.
Clear Protein Mocktails
Who said you couldn’t have mocktailsandmacros?
Clear Protein Mojitos
Oh, and Mojitos and macros too...
Clear Whey Rainbow Ice Lollies Recipe
Yep, we’re in denial about summer being over too.
Clear Protein Slushies
Throw it back to your childhood with these refreshing Clear Protein Slushies
Clear Whey Rainbow Ice Lollies Recipe
Yep, we’re in denial about summer being over too.
Clear Whey Jelly Sweets
Even more of a 90s baby throwback – Jelly. These jelly sweets are low-cal and high-protein. Hitting the mark on all points.
Clear Whey Rainbow Ice Lollies
Rainbow? Ice lollies? Protein? Yes, yes, yes please.
Clear Protein Popsicles
Bring these to your next BBQ and they’re sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Take home message
With all the new additions to the Clear family, protein has never been juicier. Whether you’re looking for a lighter bulking supplement or simply want to boost your vitamin and protein intake, there's something for everyone. So fix up a protein-packed mojito at the BBQ or cool down with a Clear Whey Ice lolly. The options are endless.
FAQs
Is Clear Protein bad for you?
Clear Protein is just an alternative way to get the protein your body needs for optimal health.
How much Clear Protein should I take?
This will depend on your goals and the variety of Clear Protein, but taking between 20 and 30 grams of protein per serving is ideal to help meet your daily protein intake needs.
Will Clear Protein increase body fat?
Excess calories from any source can lead to weight gain. But if you follow serving and dosage suggestions as part of an overall healthy diet and exercise routine, this should not lead to increased body fat.
Who should and should not take Clear Protein?
- Lactose intolerance. If you are very sensitive to lactose, it’s best to avoid any whey-based clear proteins.
- Vegans. Clear Vegan is a suitable option if you wish to avoid animal-based products.
- Pea protein intolerance. If you have experienced digestive side effects from pea proteins in the past, it may be best to avoid Clear Vegan protein and instead try the whey-based Clear Proteins.
When should I take Clear Protein?
Clear Protein can be taken right after your workout or up to 24 hours later to help your muscles recover and rebuild.10 If you are on a recovery day, Clear Protein can still help your muscles recover and prepare for your next gym session. Taking Clear Protein between meals as a snack is another way to boost your total protein intake for the day regardless of workout timing.
Can you take Clear Protein without working out?
Yes. Our bodies need protein every day, and taking Clear Protein helps us reach our daily protein goals.
Do you need to exercise when consuming Clear Protein?
While exercise is required for building muscle, we all need protein regardless of our activity level. It can be taken by anyone at any time.
What’s the difference between whey protein and Clear Whey?
Regular whey protein has a creamy, milky texture, while clear whey has a lighter, refreshing taste. They are both made from high quality protein sources.
Is Clear Protein vegetarian?
Clear Whey is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat, but it does contain dairy-based protein.
Is Clear Protein vegan?
Clear Whey protein is not suitable for vegans, but Clear Vegan protein is made from pea protein and is suitable for vegans.
Is Clear Protein gluten free?
Gluten is found in carbohydrates, so refined Clear Proteins do not contain gluten inherently.
Can you take Clear Protein if you’re lactose intolerant?
Levels of lactose intolerance can vary; while lactose is the sugar made from milk and is often refined in the production of whey, trace levels may exist in whey protein products. Vegan Protein is a better option for people with lactose intolerance and sensitivity.
