How to Choose a Clear Whey Protein Drink: A 5-Point Label Checklist

Clear whey protein drinks have taken over the cooler at the gym, the grocery store, and online. They look similar, but the labels are not. Use this five-point checklist to compare them quickly and pick one that fits your goals.

What is a clear whey protein drink?

A clear whey drink uses whey protein isolate, a highly filtered form of the protein in milk, that dissolves into a transparent liquid. The result is a protein drink that tastes like a flavored water or a light juice instead of a milkshake. Protein water is one type of clear whey drink.

The 5-point label checklist

1. Protein per serving. Look at grams of protein and the serving size. Some cans or bottles hold more than one serving, which changes the math. TATU is 15 grams per 12 ounce can, which is also one serving.

2. Protein source. "Whey protein isolate" is a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. Some clear drinks use collagen peptides instead, which can be useful for other goals but do not supply every essential amino acid. Neither is wrong; just know which one you are buying.

3. Sugar and sweeteners. Check total sugar and what sweetens the drink. Options include sugar, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, sugar alcohols, stevia, and monk fruit. TATU uses organic monk fruit and organic stevia leaf extract and has 0 grams of sugar. If you are sensitive to certain sweeteners, this line matters most.

4. Ingredient list length. A shorter list is easier to understand. TATU lists water, whey protein isolate (milk), natural flavors, sodium citrate, sea salt, organic monk fruit extract, and organic stevia leaf extract.

5. Calories and carbs. If you are tracking either, check them. TATU has 70 calories and 0 grams of carbs per can.

Extra things worth checking

• Allergens. Whey comes from milk, so it is not suitable for milk allergies.
• Where it is made and who makes it. Brand mission, sourcing, and packaging matter to many buyers. TATU is a Benefit Corporation and ships carbon-neutral.
• Price per serving. Divide the price by the number of cans. A 4-pack at $16.99 is about $4.25 a can, and bigger packs and subscriptions lower that.
• Taste you will actually finish. The best protein drink is the one you will drink. A variety pack lets you try more than one flavor before committing.

A simple way to decide

Pick your top priority and let it break ties:

1. If sugar is your concern, choose zero sugar and read the sweetener line.
2. If you want the highest protein, compare grams per serving.
3. If you want clean ingredients, choose the shortest list you recognize.
4. If you are not sure, start with a variety pack and find your favorite flavor.

Try it: Try both flavors in the TATU variety pack: four cans of Juicy Orange Mango and four cans of Vibrant Wild Berry.

Related reading: Is Protein Water Good for You? and Protein Water vs. Protein Shake

FAQ

• What is the difference between whey isolate and whey concentrate? Isolate is filtered further, so it is higher in protein and lower in fat and lactose, and it dissolves clearer.
• Is clear whey protein good for you? It can be a useful way to add protein, especially when it has no added sugar and a short ingredient list.
• Is a clear whey drink better than a powder? Neither is better. A ready-to-drink can is more convenient. A powder is usually cheaper per serving.