7 Best Clear Protein Powders to Skip the Milky Sludge in 2026

The Easiest to Drink Clear Protein Powder: Animal Clear

The branding from Animal Clear definitely leans gym-rat, but don’t let that scare you off. This clear whey protein was one of the easiest to drink, with a flavor profile that was lighter and less aggressively sweet than most of the others I tried. It also left the least amount of aftertaste or chalky mouth feel, which made it way more appealing to sip after a workout. But keep in mind that it does use sucralose, an artificial sweetener, if that type of thing matters to you. Watermelon limeade was by far my favorite—light and refreshing—while blueberry acai was a bit too full-boded and muddled by comparison. One thing I appreciated: unlike most clear proteins that foam up like a bubble bath, this one includes an anti-foaming agent, so it’s ready to drink as soon as you shake it. It also has five grams of BCAAs added, which boosts the recovery effects by aiding with muscle repair.

The Best Affordable Clear Protein Powder: Seeq

Seeq is sneaky good for the price. You get slightly more protein per serving than most of the others on this list (22 grams instead of the standard 20), and it’s noticeably cheaper, especially if you’re burning through a tub a week. The flavors I tried (strawberry lemonade and watermelon wave) were both decent, if a little sweet. I ended up diluting them with more water than the label suggested, which helped mellow things out. They don’t taste super natural, but they’re more like a sweet, sugary sports drink (without the added sugar), which is great if you’re trying to kick a Gatorade habit. The 4.5 grams of BCAAs is a nice touch to help build muscle and reduce soreness, and you don’t even need to pay extra for it.

The Best Clear Protein Powder Sweetened with Cane Sugar: Ascent

Ascent goes a slightly different route from most clear protein powders: It’s sweetened with a mix of organic cane sugar and stevia, which gives it a more natural-tasting sweetness. At two grams of sugar per serving, it’s still low-sugar, but the difference is noticeable than those that rely on artificial products. It doesn’t have that fake-sweet edge that a lot of other powders do. The pineapple coconut was mellow and beachy, while orange mango had a bit more of a punch. Neither flavor is going to blow you away, but both are easy to drink. If you want something subtle and a little less processed (the ingredients list is minimal), Ascent is a solid pick.

The Best Pre-Mixed Clear Protein Powder: Protein2O

I tested the premixed, ready-to-drink version of Protein2O, which comes in a standard bottle and is incredibly convenient (no shaker bottle required.) You can grab a variety pack to try multiple flavors, though they were a hit or miss for me. The strawberry watermelon flavor was excellent—clean, straightforward, and even easy to drink at room temperature. The berry flavor, on the other hand, was too medicinal. I do appreciate that it includes electrolytes for an added hydration boost, as I often need that after a sweaty workout. There’s also a powder version, but those pouches only have eight servings, which doesn’t go far if you’re using it regularly. Still, for ease and portability, this one’s tough to beat.

The Clear Protein Powder with the Best Flavors: MyProtein

This one has the most flavor options by far, which would be impressive…if I liked any of them. I tested a couple and found them all just a little off, with a lingering artificial aftertaste that was hard to ignore. That said, if you’re into sweet, candy-inspired flavors—think Rocket Pop or the Mike and Ike collab—you might like it. The range is extensive, and they’re often on sale, so it could be worth a shot if you’re chasing nostalgia (which plenty of them provide.) Otherwise, there are better options on this list with more balanced flavors.