CLEAR PROTEIN

More squash than milkshake, clear protein is light and refreshing – and often less calorific than whey protein alternatives. If you find conventional shakes a bit sickly, clear protein could be your best bet. “It’s worth noting that all of these mixed with a fair amount of foam,” says Lovell. “It does go down eventually, but you need to mix the shake, then wait for the foam to reduce back before drinking.”

Protein Works Clear Diet Whey Protein £37.99 (20 servings), theproteinworks.com

As well as 20g protein, Protein Works’ Clear Whey contains a few very useful additions, including Acetyl L Carnitine for assisting fatty acid transport into cells; green tea extract for additional fat-burning potential; and a B-vitamin blend for energy production and some methylation support. Added chromium also helps with normal glucose and insulin metabolism.

WHY WE LIKE IT

• Added fat-burning ingredients

• Great taste

• Mixes well

WHAT YOU GET

• 20g whey protein isolate

• Just 82 calories

• Six different flavours

PhD Smart Clear Whey Protein Powder £22.99 (20 servings), phd.com

PhD has used hydrolysate whey, the purest and most expensive, ultra-refined whey. As such, it’s a very pure product (other than the sweetener sucralose). Whey protein hydrolysate has the highest insulin index of almost any food, so to help spike insulin post-workout and provide plentiful amino acids this is a solid product.

WHY WE LIKE IT

• Purest source of whey in this category

• Simple ingredients list

WHAT YOU GET

• 20g whey protein hydrolysate

• 85 calories

• Less than 1g sugar