What is the best protein powder without artificial sweeteners or stevia?

Written by Jack Schrupp and reviewed by Ella McGonagle, M.S. Nutrition

drink wholesome is the best protein powder without artificial sweeteners or stevia. It is additive-free, dairy-free, and made with real foods, not protein isolates – 99% of supplements fail to meet at least one of these criteria. This makes it perfect for people with gut issues and sensitive stomachs, as well as for people just looking to boost their protein intake without the processing and added junk. Order samples to see if our protein powder is right for you. 

★★★★★

“It has ingredients you can actually pronounce and is freaking delicious.”

-Kallie

drink wholesome is the best protein powder without artificial sweeteners or stevia.

What are artificial sweeteners? 

Why are artificial sweeteners bad? 

What is stevia? 

Why is stevia bad? 

Why monk fruit?

Looking for a protein powder without stevia or artificial sweeteners? If so, you have come to the right place. Keep learning why these sugar substitutes are a bad choice, and what to choose instead.

What are artificial sweeteners? 

Artificial sweeteners are chemicals added to foods and beverages to make them sweet, and appear on the ingredient list of most protein powders. The two most popular artificial sweeteners are sucralose and acesulfame potassium. They are so popular because of their intense sweetness. A pinch of artificial sweetener, for example, can be used to achieve the same amount of sweetness as several tablespoons of sugar. This allows protein powder companies to reduce both the caloric and sugar content of their products.

Why are artificial sweeteners bad? 

Although artificial sweeteners offer sweetness with virtually zero calories or sugar, they are not good for you. Several studies suggest that artificial sweeteners increase cravings toward sugary and sweet foods, which can lead to binging and feelings of withdrawal. Other studies have associated artificial sweeteners with a higher risk of glucose intolerance, which is a precursor for pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Research also suggests that artificial sweeteners are bad for your gut. In the short term, artificial sweeteners are poorly digested and feed your gut bacteria, which produce gas that causes bloating, cramps, and nausea. In the long term, artificial sweeteners alter the composition of your gut microbiota (the collection of microorganisms that help you digest food). This can lead to serious GI problems and widespread inflammation. Finally, some artificial sweeteners can cause diarrhea because they draw water into your gut. Now you have something to blame for those post-protein shake trips to the bathroom! 

Another reason to avoid artificial sweeteners is the bad aftertaste. Artificial sweeteners are often way too sweet, and have a bitter aftertaste because they activate bitter taste receptors. This bitterness, which many say reminds them of licking aluminum foil, can linger in your mouth for hours. 

What is stevia?

If a protein powder does not contain sucralose or another artificial sweetener, it probably contains stevia. Stevia is an inexpensive zero calorie sweetener derived from the stevia rebaudiana plant. It is over 100 times sweeter than table sugar, and a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners. It is therefore no surprise that this sweetener has found its way into protein powders looking to please health conscious consumers.

Why is stevia bad?

Although it is is sweet, stevia has an unpleasant bitter aftertaste. Unlike sugar, it activates bitter taste receptors in addition to sweet taste receptors. Many protein protein powder brands work like mad to mask these off-flavors, and it is causing them quite the headache. Stevia is also extracted from the stevia rebaudiana plant using chemicals like ethanol and methyl alcohol. This, one could argue, makes it barely more natural than sucralose and the other artificial sweeteners that it seeks to replace. In fact, a recent class action lawsuit filed in California reached a $6.1 million settlement because it was ruled that the company in question falsely labeled and advertised its stevia sweeteners as natural. 

Why monk fruit? 

Instead of artificial sweeteners or stevia, we make the protein powder without artificial sweetener or stevia with a natural sweetener called monk fruit. Monk fruit – also known as luo han guo – is a melon-like fruit native to Southeast Asia. Monk fruit sweetener is created by removing the seeds and skin of the fruit, crushing the fruit, and collecting the juice, which is then dried into a concentrated powder. As far as low/zero calorie sweeteners go, monk fruit is the most natural and best tasting. It actually tastes like sugar.

Given that monk fruit sweetener has only been commercially available for about a decade, its impact on, and association with, chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes has not been well documented. That said, it has been safely used in Asian cuisine for centuries and has 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. In case you were wondering, few companies use monk fruit because it is expensive.

★★★★★

easy to digest

“I’ve had Crohn’s disease for 20+ years and it’s always been hard to find a protein powder my stomach can handle. I’ve had no problem digesting drink wholesome AND it tastes great. I highly recommend this protein powder if you have IBS or Crohn’s.” – Jesse

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drink wholesome is the best protein powder without artificial sweetener or stevia.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. drink wholesome is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.