Arrae Clear Protein Review: Taste, Ingredients, and Is It Worth It?
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I have been struggling to hit my daily protein goal of 90 to 120 grams, so I have been looking for simple ways to increase my intake. I have seen plenty of fun protein mixes and powders online, but the ingredient list matters to me. I do not want a drink filled with artificial sweeteners, gums, artificial colors, or unnecessary ingredients.
I used ChatGPT to compare popular clear protein powders designed to mix with water, rather than creamy protein shakes or meal replacements. That search led me to Arrae’s light, fruity drink that combines protein, collagen, and electrolytes without sugar, sucralose, gums, or artificial coloring.
Those are three of the things I liked immediately: it contains protein, collagen, and electrolytes in one convenient stick pack.
I prefer mixing one packet with more than 24 ounces of water, although it is still enjoyable with 16 ounces. I have also added freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice to make it a little more tart. It creates a light, refreshing summer drink that feels nothing like a protein shake.
Nutrition and Ingredients
Each serving contains:
Protein: 15 grams from bovine collagen peptides and hydrolyzed whey protein
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Magnesium: 60 milligrams
Sodium: 500 milligrams from sodium chloride and Himalayan pink salt
Potassium: 200 milligrams from potassium chloride
Sugar: 0 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Serving size: One stick pack
The product uses a natural raspberry yuzu flavor and is colored with beetroot juice.
Because the protein comes from both bovine collagen peptides and hydrolyzed whey protein, the collagen does count toward the 15 grams of protein listed per serving. It also contains dairy because of the whey protein.
Taste
The raspberry yuzu flavor is sweet with a slightly tart finish. I do not notice a stevia-like or artificial-sweetener aftertaste, and it does not taste like a traditional protein powder.
I personally prefer it served very cold. It tastes best after sitting over ice for a few minutes.
Texture and Consistency
The texture is light and refreshing rather than thick or creamy. One of my initial concerns was that the powder might settle and become granular again after mixing, but I have not experienced that.
Once dissolved, it stays mixed and does not leave a gritty layer at the bottom of the bottle.
The drink is effervescent and will foam no matter how you shake or mix it. The foam settles quickly, though, and it is usually ready to drink within about a minute.
How Easy Is It to Mix?
The easiest method is to pour one packet into a water bottle and shake it.
I have also mixed it using:
A handheld rechargeable whisk
A Vitamix blender
A Vitamix immersion blender
All of these methods work, but you really do not need a blender. A water bottle and a good shake are enough.
Digestive Experience
I have not experienced any digestive issues while using this product, and I am not a first-time user.
I ordered the 20-serving box for my first purchase. I would have ordered the same size again, but it was out of stock, so I purchased the 14-serving box for my second order.
Of course, digestive experiences can vary from person to person, especially with whey protein, collagen, and electrolyte products.
Travel and Convenience
The individual stick packs are especially convenient for work and travel. There is no measuring, no large container to carry, and no need to bring a blender or shaker cup.
I travel about 20% of the year, and the packets are already packed for my next trip. I can place one in my purse, work bag, suitcase, or carry-on and mix it into a bottle of water whenever I need it.
Who Is This Best For?
This may be a good option for someone who wants to:
Add more protein without drinking a thick shake
Increase protein intake with a light, fruity beverage
Combine protein, collagen, and electrolytes in one drink
Carry individual protein packets to work or while traveling
Avoid sugar, sucralose, gums, and artificial coloring
This is not intended to be a meal replacement.
Who Might Not Like It?
This product may not be the right choice if you:
Dislike sweet drinks
Prefer unflavored protein
Avoid dairy
Want 25 to 30 grams of protein in a single serving
Prefer a traditional creamy protein shake
Quick Facts
Protein: 15 grams per serving
Protein sources: Bovine collagen peptides and hydrolyzed whey protein
Calories: 70 per serving
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Sugar: 0 grams
Sweetener: Ono Sweet (made from fermented rice)
Serving size: One stick pack
Water recommendation: 16 to 24 ounces, although I prefer more than 24 ounces
Texture: Light and non-creamy
Flavor: Natural raspberry yuzu
Color: Light pink from beetroot juice
Best for: Adding protein without drinking a thick shake
Not intended as: A meal replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it taste like protein powder?
No. It tastes more like a sweet, fruity water enhancer than a traditional protein shake.
Is there an aftertaste?
I do not notice an artificial-sweetener or stevia-like aftertaste.
Does it foam when shaken?
Yes. It is effervescent and foams regardless of how it is mixed, but the foam settles within about a minute.
Does it contain dairy?
Yes. It contains hydrolyzed whey protein.
Is it suitable for someone avoiding artificial sweeteners?
Based on the product information, it does not contain sucralose or artificial sweeteners. Always check the current ingredient label before purchasing because formulas can change. It contains Ono Sweet, which is made from fermented rice.
Does the collagen count toward the advertised protein total?
Yes. The 15 grams of protein come from a combination of bovine collagen peptides and hydrolyzed whey protein.
Is 15 grams of protein enough to make it worth the price?
Yes, it gives me a convenient way to add 15 grams of protein without drinking a heavy or creamy shake.
Will it help me hit my protein goal?
It can help if you are tracking your daily protein intake. One serving adds 15 grams toward my daily goal of 90 to 120 grams.
Is it easy to take to work or while traveling?
Yes. The product comes in individual packets that are easy to place in a purse, work bag, suitcase, or carry-on.
Is it better than a traditional creamy protein shake?
They are very different products. I personally prefer this to a creamy protein shake because it is lighter and easier to drink with water.
Can I drink it every day?
I drink it most days. Individual nutrition needs vary, so anyone with dietary restrictions or health concerns should review the ingredients and speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Is it worth buying again?
Yes. I am already on my second box!