drink wholesome is the best caffeine-free protein powder.
Written by Jack Schrupp & endorsed by Baylee Reller, RDN
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in certain plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao beans (used to make chocolate). Caffeine is also synthetically produced and added to certain processed beverages, foods, and medications.
Caffeine affects the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. It works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation.
It is important to note that while caffeine can have positive effects, excessive consumption can cause side effects like restlessness, increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. It is therefore recommended to consume caffeine in moderation.
Does protein powder have caffeine?
Although some protein powders contain added caffeine, most do not. Unless a protein powder contains a naturally caffeinated ingredient like coffee, cocoa, or green tea, it is probably caffeine-free. Our vanilla protein powder, for instance, is made with egg whites, coconut, maple sugar, and vanilla. None of these ingredients contain caffeine, so the protein powder itself is also caffeine-free.
Some protein powders are naturally caffeinated. Our mocha and matcha protein powders, for example, contain a small amount of caffeine because they are made with spray-dried coffee and matcha respectively. In both cases, the caffeinated ingredients are added for flavor, not their stimulating effects.
A few protein powders are intentionally formulated with caffeine-rich ingredients, such as green tea extract. These types of protein powders are often marketed as metabolism-boosting or thermogenic products. If you are looking for a protein powder without caffeine, check the ingredients list, or choose an unflavored protein powder to avoid any potential caffeine content.
It is worth noting that foods, beverages, and dietary supplements containing added caffeine must list “caffeine” as an ingredient on the Supplement/Nutrition Facts label. They are not required to list the amount of caffeine, however, so there is usually no way of knowing how much caffeine you are getting.