I’ve been drinking Clean Simple Eats’ Clear Protein drinks for over a year now. I’m focused on building muscle and aim for about 205 grams of protein a day. Each can gives me 20 grams of whey protein isolate, which digests quickly and doesn’t feel heavy.
Clear protein drinks are part of a newer category of ready-to-drink (RTD) supplements. They use filtered whey protein isolate for a thinner, juice-like consistency instead of the typical thick shake.
I rotate between chicken, beef, protein bars, Greek yogurt, and shakes. These drinks are just one more way to mix it up. They’re light, easy to drink, and help me hit my number.
I started with the Energy version, thinking the caffeine would help. It did at first, but eventually it was too much. Between coffee and the occasional Coke Zero, I didn’t need more.
Now I mostly stick to the regular version with no added caffeine.
I’ve also been into their carbonated Clear Protein soda drinks. They’re fizzy, cold, and kind of satisfying. I’ll bring one out by the pool with the kids. Since I rarely drink alcohol now, it’s a solid swap that still supports my goals.
In this post, I’ll break down the versions I’ve tried, what I still drink today, and how these drinks fit into my routine after using them consistently for over a year.
How I Heard About Clean Simple Eats Clear Protein Drinks
Tami and I had already been using Clean Simple Eats protein powder for a while. It’s grass-fed, the ingredients are solid, and it mixes well in things like shakes and smoothies. We liked it enough to keep buying it.
Then Clean Simple Eats (CSE) announced they were coming out with a canned clear protein drink. Since we were already focused on getting more protein in throughout the day, this felt like something we’d actually use.
They released a regular Clear Protein first. Then came Clear Protein + Energy. After that, they launched a carbonated version too, which a lot of people had been asking for.
We weren’t trying everything they made. But this one stood out as something different. That’s what got us curious enough to look into it.
Why I Tried It
I wanted an easy way to add more protein into my day. Something quick, light, and not another shake.
A cold drink with 20 grams of protein made sense. It felt like a good option to grab in the afternoon or even at night instead of a soda or beer. Next, I'll share when I drink them, how it makes me feel and what surprised me.
My Experience With Clean Simple Eats Clear Protein Drinks (Over Time)
Overall, I've had a great experience with CSE Clear Protein Water, Clear Protein + Energy, and their Clear Protein Soda.
I drink one every day. It’s not at the same time each day, but I always work one in.
Sometimes it’s around 2pm, especially if we’re outside hanging out as a family. Other times I’ll have one later in the evening, after dinner, during a show, or while getting work done in my office. If it’s at night, I try to keep it at least an hour before bed so I’m not waking up to pee.
When we’re by the pool or just relaxing on the weekend, this is usually the drink I reach for. It’s something I enjoy, and it helps me get closer to my daily protein goal.
My favorite flavors:
- Clear Protein Soda: Grape
- Regular Clear: Cran-Apple
- Clear + Energy: Blizzard Berry
This is the back of the can, the supplement facts, for the Clear Protein + Energy. The difference being, it has energy ingredients, like caffeine, whereas the Clear Protein does not.
I keep the cases stored in the pantry and rotate a few into the fridge. I like them ice cold. Once I’m running low, I restock the fridge and repeat.
I’ve been drinking the carbonated version the most. Clean Simple Eats calls it “Clear Protein Soda” now, and they’ve added a bunch of new flavors like Cherry Lime and Frosted Lemonade. Both are solid. Sour Green Apple didn’t really work for me. Grape is still the one I keep coming back to.
How It Makes Me Feel
They usually make me feel full. I get a good sense of satiety, and I feel that protein hit right away. Sometimes they make my mouth a little dry, but I drink water before and after, so it’s never a big issue.
Mentally, it just helps. I know I’m moving closer to my 205 grams of protein for the day, and that’s satisfying. I don’t have to make another shake or meal, and that makes things easier.
What Surprised Me
I didn’t expect to stop drinking the Clear Protein + Energy version. I thought it would be a perfect combo. I liked similar energy drinks in the past, but as I hit 40, I’ve been cutting back on caffeine. Between coffee and the occasional Coke Zero, I didn’t need more.
Another surprise was how much I like the carbonated ones. I didn’t expect that to be the one I stuck with, but now it’s usually what I grab first. It’s a nice option when I want something cold, different, and still in line with my goals.
Key Takeaways
FAQs
Yes. I drink one every day as a simple way to add 20 grams of whey protein isolate to my daily total. It’s not a meal replacement, but it helps me hit my protein goal.
It’s not amazing, but it’s easy to drink. It has a sweet, slightly chalky flavor that’s expected from a protein drink. The carbonated ones feel more refreshing.
The Energy version includes added caffeine. I liked it at first, but over time it was too much alongside coffee or Coke Zero. I now stick to the regular version with no caffeine.
This is the back of the can, the supplement facts, for the Clear Protein + Energy. The difference being, it has energy ingredients, like caffeine, whereas the Clear Protein does not.
Not better or worse. Just different. I use it when I want something cold, light, and quick. It fits into my routine like an afternoon drink or late-night option.
Yes. Whey isolate is filtered to remove most of the lactose and fat. It digests faster than other forms of protein and never leaves me feeling heavy or bloated.
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