- I switched my regular protein shake with a pre-packaged clear protein drink for three weeks.
- The drinks from Clean Simple Eats had a thinner consistency than shakes and a fruity taste.
- I loved the taste and texture, but for $35.99 a pack, it’s too expensive for me to drink every day.
A balanced meal never used to be my thing, let alone chugging a protein shake for breakfast.
I used to rotate between a sandwich from Chick-fil-A (always with a side of fries), a chicken biryani from the Indian restaurant around the block, or a slice — or two — from Joe’s Pizza.
Then, last year, after realizing how my health was spiraling, I set a goal to learn more about nutrition and exercise and made slow, sustainable changes to my diet.
Around this time, I also began incorporating protein shakes — whey isolate powder mixed with water — first in my breakfast and then in any meal that lacked protein. This was a convenient way for me to consume more protein, which helps with muscle maintenance, boosts metabolism, and enhances satiety.
While this was a quick fix that easily added 25 grams of protein to my meal each time, it was often the most annoying part of my new plan.
After trying about 10 different protein powder brands, the same two problems remained: First, my stomach would feel heavy after drinking the shake, and second, the protein powders I tried tasted too sweet, thick, and milk-like for my liking.
I’d long been on the hunt for a protein powder that tasted lighter, so when I found out about Clean Simple Eats’ protein water, which is made from clear whey protein, I was excited to try it.
While whey is a type of protein sourced from dairy and available in two forms (concentrate and isolate), clear whey protein “is made by filtering out fats and lactose from whey isolate,” Micaela Riley, a certified functional nutritionist, told Business Insider over email.
This filtration process, Riley said, leaves “behind a light, water-like protein drink instead of a thick, milky shake.”
Despite its growing popularity, there are still only a few brands —besides Clean Simple Eats — that have ventured into developing clear whey powders or ready-to-drink options. Some other brands include MyProtein, 1Up Nutrition, and GNC, though they each differ in nutritional value, calorie count, and protein content.
Curious to see if Clean Simple Eat’s clear protein tasted as light as water, I tried the brand’s 12-can variety pack over three weeks.
