The Best Acesulfame Potassium-Free Protein Powder​


Are you looking for an acesulfame potassium-free protein powder​? We sweetened our protein powder with pure monk fruit.

Acesulfame Potassium-Free Protein Powder​

What is Acesulfame Potassium? 


Acesulfame potassium, also known as Ace-K, was first discovered in 1967.

As the name suggests, it is an artificial sweetener.

To make acesulfame potassium, sulfamic acid and an amine are reacted to form an amidosulfamic acid salt.

The acid salt is then reacted with diketene to form an acetoacetamide salt, which may be cyclized, hydrolyzed, and neutralized.

The point here is that Ace-K looks more like a science experiment than food.

Despite its unnatural origins, acesulfame potassium is popular because of its intense sweetness.

A pinch of ace-K can be used to achieve the same amount of sweetness as several tablespoons of sugar, allowing manufacturers to not only cut costs, but also to reduce calorie and sugar content.

a woman making a protein shake with drink wholesome protein powder

Is Ace-K Bad for You?

Although virtually sugar and calorie-free, acesulfame potassium is not particularly healthy.

For starters, studies have found little to no relationship between changes in body weight and the use of artificial sweeteners like Ace-K.

That is, people who replace sugar with artificial sweeteners lose, on average, less than two pounds.

Other studies have shown that eating artificial sweeteners can cause sugar cravings.

One study even found that people who use artificial sweeteners may actually gain weight because they indulge themselves after having “saved calories” with their diet soda, sugar-free ice cream, etc.

Regularly eating artificial sweeteners like acesulfame potassium can also alter the composition of your gut microbiome.

This, in turn, can lead to glucose intolerance, which is an umbrella term for metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes that cause higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels.

So, you are probably better off eating sugar (in moderation) than adding acesulfame potassium to your diet.

a man and a woman making a protein shake with drink wholesome protein powder

What Is the Best Protein Powder without Acesulfame Potassium?


If you are looking to avoid acesulfame potassium in protein powder, then it is safe to assume you want to avoid all artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, etc.).

This leaves you with a few options for sweeteners, unless you do not mind unflavored (unsweetened) protein powder.

You can either go with real sugar, sugar alcohols, or natural sugar substitutes like stevia and monk fruit.

We use monk fruit to sweeten our Protein Powders because, of all the alternatives, it is both the best tasting and best for you.

Our Ingredients

egg whites

egg whites

coconut

coconut

vanilla

vanilla

monk fruit

monk fruit

NOT Our Ingredients

  • acacia gum

  • acesulfame potassium

  • artificial flavors

  • carrageenan

  • erythritol

  • guar gum

  • inulin

  • maltodextrin

  • 'natural' flavors

  • silica

  • soy lecithin

  • sucralose

  • xanthan gum

  • xylitol

Why Monk Fruit? 

Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a melon-like fruit native to Southeast Asia.

Monk fruit sweetener is made by removing the seeds and skin, crushing the fruit, and collecting the juice, which is dried into a fine powder.

It is over 200 times sweeter than sugar, but sugar-free thanks to compounds called mogrosides.

Not only is it virtually sugar-free, but monk fruit has also been used in Asian cuisine for centuries with no known side effects, even when consumed in large quantities.

Moreover, small randomized trials have shown that monk fruit sweetener does not negatively impact blood sugar or insulin levels.

Monk fruit is also one of the most delicious natural sweeteners on the planet.

In fact, monk fruit is the only non-nutritive sweetener that actually tastes like sugar.

Many other sweeteners, stevia included, activate bitter taste receptors, giving them an unpleasant aftertaste.

If I were you, I would choose monk fruit over stevia in a heartbeat.

Order Samples to taste the difference.

Reviews

Gabriella

3 weeks ago

Verified Purchase As someone who has struggled with chronic conditions for 10+ years, getting in nutrient-dense foods is big part of how I care for my body. Finding options that are tasty and convenient is difficult. And I am always trying to eat enough in order to maintain my weight. Providers consistently recommend smoothies/shakes. I have tried so many over the years and each time the GI symptoms are intense or the flavor is awful! Since finding Drink Wholesome, I have finally been able to incorporate higher protein smoothies and shakes without the digestive upset. As a result, I have been able to maintain my weight more easily and even gain some beneficial weight. digestive issues

For Egg White Protein Powder

Gayle

2 months ago

Verified Purchase Drink Wholesome is really the best handful of ingredients protein powder that didnt give me any stomach issues at all. Anyone who has had bloat, etc should try this protein powder. I’ve been making smoothies since April 2025 and no problems at all. bloating

For Egg White Protein Powder

Matt

2 months ago

Verified Purchase After trying so many protein options and trying to live well with IBS on the go and staying fit and healthy in my 50s, I can honestly say what you are doing at Drink Wholesome is great. Keep up the great work, keep it simple and clean, and keep it positive like you have been. It’s refreshing and it works. Thank you. IBS

For Egg White Protein Powder

Frequently asked questions

Who is Drink Wholesome for?

Drink Wholesome is the best protein powder for sensitive stomachs. Because it’s made from a short list of simple ingredients, it’s also a great option for anyone who wants to avoid artificial and ultra-processed ingredients – including kids, seniors, and moms.

Why is Drink Wholesome easy to digest?

No Dairy 

Drink Wholesome is made without whey and casein, which contain lactose, a sugar most people can’t fully digest. Dairy-based proteins, especially casein, also form a gel-like substance in your stomach, which can upset sensitive stomachs.

No Additives

Drink Wholesome is made without food additives. Regularly eating artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives can cause digestive issues and even long-term gut health problems.

Whole Food Protein

Drink Wholesome is made from whole food protein sources like almonds and egg whites. Unlike ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which have been stripped of fiber, enzymes, and other natural digestive aids, whole foods are easy to break down and absorb.

Collagen vs egg white vs almond protein powder?

We make three types of Protein Powder for sensitive stomachs: Collagen Protein Powder, Egg White Protein Powder, and Vegan Almond Protein Powder. As long as you eat a balanced diet (get protein from a variety of sources), any type of protein powder can help you meet your protein needs. So just pick the type that best suits your personal preferences.

Ask our dietitian.

If you’re wondering which of our products is best for you, ask our registered dietitian. He’ll reply via email within 24 hours.

Ask Our Dietitian
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High Protein Blueberry Pancakes

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

5 min

SERVES

2

Ingredients
  • ¼ cup Drink Wholesome
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 2 egg whites
  • ¼ cup plant milk
  • 1 tbsp nut butter
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 cup blueberries
Instructions

In a blender, combine the egg whites, milk, ¼ cup blueberries, and almond butter. Pour the mixture into a small mixing bowl and add the protein powder and flour. Whisk until smooth. Pour ⅓ cup batter onto a heated and greased (or non-stick) pan to form pancakes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. This recipe makes 4-5 pancakes. Then, in a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup blueberries and the maple syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Plate the pancakes and spoon blueberry jam on top.

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