I wasn’t looking for another protein powder when I first tried METALAB JUCY.
I already had METALAB Bridge, which I genuinely love. But Bridge is a creamy protein shake, and there are times when I simply don’t want something thick and milky – particularly when I’m training.
That’s where JUCY has found its place in my routine.
It’s a clear protein that mixes with cold water to make a juice-like drink, and I find it incredibly easy to drink. I often mix it with creatine for my morning gym session, and because I actually enjoy drinking it, I’ve found it also helps me get through my daily water intake.
And there’s another unexpected bonus: it helps with my sweet tooth. Rather than reaching for something sweet, I can have a cold, fruity drink that gives me around 21g of protein at the same time.
So, after actually using it myself, is METALAB JUCY worth the money? Here’s my honest review.
METALAB JUCY Clear Protein at a glance
- Protein: 20.9g per serving
- Calories: 87
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein source: Beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) whey protein
- Lactose: 0g
- Texture: Clear and juice-like
- Favourite flavour: Lemon
- Runner-up: Litchi
- How I use it: With cold water and creatine around training
- Biggest plus: Very easy to drink
- Would I buy it again? Yes
Why I actually like JUCY Clear Protein
For me, the biggest selling point isn’t the fact that it’s a clear protein. It’s that I actually want to drink it.
I often train in the morning, and breakfast isn’t always particularly appealing afterwards. But as I’ve got older, I’ve become much more conscious of getting enough protein into my diet, particularly at my first meal of the day. Around 30g of protein at a meal is a useful target for many people, especially when you’re trying to support muscle maintenance as you get older, although your individual needs will depend on your overall diet and activity.
JUCY makes that easier for me.
It’s not quite 30g of protein on its own, but at 20.9g per serving, it’s a very easy start. I have a protein bar before my workout and then JUCY during which already brings me to over 40g of protein.
And because I find it so easy to drink, I’m much more likely to actually have it.
That’s important to me. I’ve bought plenty of “healthy” products that were technically good choices but weren’t enjoyable enough to become part of my routine.
JUCY has.
My favourite flavours
Lemon is my clear favourite.
It’s bright, fruity and particularly good when it’s really cold. I find it easy to sip while I’m training, and it doesn’t feel like I’m forcing myself to drink a protein shake.
Litchi comes in second.
It’s a little sweeter and softer than Lemon, but still really enjoyable. If you’re someone with a sweet tooth, this is probably the one I’d try.
I also tried a limited-edition Ice Tea flavour. This one wasn’t for me. I found that the colouring seemed to leave quite a lot of colour behind, which I personally found off-putting. I wouldn’t buy that particular flavour again.
I’m not suggesting it was unsafe – I don’t have evidence to say that. It was simply something I didn’t enjoy about the product, and I think that’s worth mentioning in an honest review.
JUCY Clear Protein vs Bridge
I don’t really see JUCY and Bridge as competitors because I use them for completely different reasons.
Since I use both products, I think this is a useful comparison, as they are designed to give you two very different protein experiences.
| METALAB | JUCY | Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Clear protein | Whey protein blend |
| Protein per serving | 20.9g | Around 26.5g |
| Calories | 87 | Around 129 |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | Around 3g |
| Fat | 0g | Around 1.2g |
| Texture | Clear and juice-like | Creamy and milkshake-like |
| My favourite flavour | Lemon | Salted Caramel |
| Runner-up | Litchi | Matcha & White Choc |
| How I use it | While training | Shakes, smoothies & recipes |
The current JUCY figures come from METALAB’s product information, while Bridge nutrition can vary slightly by flavour, so it’s always worth checking the label on the specific product you’re buying.
For me, the easiest way to explain the difference is that Bridge is what I reach for when I want something creamy and substantial, while JUCY is what I want when I need something light and refreshing.
I don’t think one needs to replace the other, which is why I have both in my cupboard.
If you’re interested in the creamy version, you can read my full METALAB Protein Powder and Bridge review.
Is METALAB JUCY Clear Protein worth it?
The current price is around R989 for approximately 20 servings, so you’re looking at roughly R50 per serving.
That’s not cheap.
If you’re simply looking for the most economical way to get 20g of protein, there are certainly less expensive options.
But I’ve realised that I don’t get much value from a protein powder I don’t enjoy.
I use JUCY regularly. I like the flavours I’ve chosen, it’s easy to prepare, it helps me drink more water, and it gives me an easy protein option when I’m not particularly interested in breakfast.
For me, that’s what makes the premium price easier to justify.
My verdict
I didn’t expect JUCY to become as useful as it has.
I bought it because I wanted a protein powder that didn’t feel like a protein shake. What I’ve ended up with is something I genuinely enjoy drinking, particularly around my morning workouts.
I also love that I can mix it with creatine, sip it while training, satisfy my sweet tooth and get some protein in without having to force down a breakfast when I’m not hungry.
It’s not the cheapest protein powder, and I wouldn’t recommend buying it simply because it’s fashionable to have a clear protein. But if you specifically want something that’s light, easy to drink and genuinely enjoyable, I think JUCY is worth considering.
And yes… it’s protein.
METALAB JUCY Clear Protein FAQs
What is METALAB JUCY?
METALAB JUCY is a clear protein powder made from beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) whey protein. Unlike a traditional whey shake, it mixes with water to create a clear, juice-like drink.
How much protein is in METALAB JUCY?
The current JUCY formula contains 20.9g of protein per 24g serving, with 87 calories, 0g carbohydrate and 0g fat.
Is METALAB JUCY good?
I think JUCY is a particularly good option if you don’t enjoy traditional creamy protein shakes. I personally like how easy it is to drink and use it around my morning workouts.
What is the best METALAB JUCY flavour?
My favourite is Lemon, followed by Litchi. I also tried a limited-edition Ice Tea flavour, but personally didn’t enjoy the colouring and wouldn’t buy that particular flavour again.
Does METALAB JUCY taste like juice?
It’s designed to have a clear, juice-like texture rather than the creamy consistency of a traditional whey protein shake. I find it very easy to drink, particularly when it’s cold.
Can you drink METALAB JUCY while working out?
Yes. That’s how I personally use it. I mix it with cold water and creatine and sip it during my training session.
Can METALAB JUCY help you drink more water?
It can make drinking water easier if you enjoy the flavour. I personally find that having JUCY in my shaker encourages me to drink more because I actually look forward to drinking it. It’s one of the reasons it has become part of my routine.
Can you mix METALAB JUCY with creatine?
Yes. I mix my JUCY with creatine in the same shaker, which makes my morning supplement routine very simple.
Is METALAB JUCY lactose-free?
Yes. METALAB states that JUCY contains zero lactose. However, it is made from milk-derived protein, so lactose-free does not mean dairy-free or suitable for someone with a milk protein allergy.
How do you mix METALAB JUCY?
METALAB recommends mixing two heaped scoops with approximately 350 – 450ml of cold water. Shake well and allow the foam to settle before drinking.
Can you mix METALAB JUCY with milk?
METALAB recommends mixing JUCY with water rather than milk. Milk can cause the powder to clump and also defeats the purpose of the clear-protein format.
How many calories are in METALAB JUCY?
The current standard JUCY formula contains 87 calories per serving.
Does METALAB JUCY contain carbohydrates?
The current standard formula contains 0g carbohydrate per serving.
Does METALAB JUCY contain fat?
The current standard formula contains 0g fat per serving.
How many servings are in a tub of METALAB JUCY?
A tub currently contains approximately 20 servings, with two scoops per serving.
Is METALAB JUCY good for weight loss?
JUCY isn’t a weight-loss product. However, its current formula provides 20.9g of protein for 87 calories, with zero fat and carbohydrate per serving. This can make it a convenient way to increase protein intake without adding a large amount of calories.
Is METALAB JUCY good for muscle?
JUCY provides protein, which contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle. Whether it helps you meet your individual protein needs depends on your overall diet and training programme.
Is METALAB JUCY good for a sweet tooth?
For me, absolutely. One of the unexpected things I like about JUCY is that the fruity flavour gives me something sweet to drink without turning to a dessert or sweet snack. Lemon and Litchi are particularly good for this.
Is METALAB JUCY good for breakfast?
It can be a convenient protein option if you don’t feel like eating a substantial breakfast, particularly if you train early in the morning. One serving provides 20.9g of protein, although I’d personally combine it with another protein source if I’m aiming for around 30g at my first meal.
Is METALAB JUCY better than Bridge?
Neither is universally better. They are designed for different uses. Bridge is a creamy whey protein blend that works well for shakes, smoothies and recipes, while JUCY is a clear protein that I prefer around training.
Is METALAB JUCY worth the price?
At around R989 for approximately 20 servings, JUCY is a premium protein powder. Whether it’s worth the price depends on what you value. I personally think it’s worth it because I use it regularly, enjoy the flavours and find it easier to drink than a traditional protein shake.
Would I buy METALAB JUCY again?
Yes. I’d buy Lemon again first, with Litchi a close second. I wouldn’t repurchase the particular Ice Tea flavour I tried because I personally disliked the colouring.
