How to Find a Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners or Stevia

📌 Overview and Key Takeaways

This is a Dietitian’s guide on how to find a protein powder without artificial sweeteners or stevia.

Discover how to supplement your protein intake without fake sugar.

Last Updated
Jan 15, 2026

Author and Medical Reviewer

Written by Kayla Kamen, MS, RD

Kayla Kamen is a Registered Dietitian with a MS in Nutrition.

Medically reviewed by Jennifer Fossett, PA-C

Jennifer Fossett is a Physician Assistant with a BA in Nutritional Sciences.

Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners or Stevia

What Are Artificial Sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners, to put it simply, are synthetic chemicals added to foods, beverages, and supplements to make them sweet.

They can be found in most protein powders and are so popular because just a pinch can be used to achieve the same amount of sweetness as several tablespoons of sugar.

This allows manufacturers to reduce both the calorie and sugar content of their products.

The most common artificial sweeteners are sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

Xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and mannitol are sugar alcohols, not artificial sweeteners, but this does not necessarily mean that they are better for you.

Read my article on sugar alcohols to learn more.

Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for You?

Research shows that despite their benefits, artificial sweeteners are probably not good for you (J Pharmacol Pharmacother, 2011).

For starters, several studies show that artificial sweeteners can increase cravings toward sugary and sweet foods, which can lead to binging and feelings of withdrawal (Yale J Biol Med, 2010).

If you are trying to lose weight, you might be better off just eating sugar.

Research has also linked artificial sweeteners to a higher risk of glucose intolerance, which is a precursor for pre-diabetes and diabetes (Nature, 2014).

This is in part because regularly consuming artificial sweeteners can alter the composition of your microbiome (the collection of microorganisms living in his or her gut) (Adv Nutr, 2019).

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut microbiota, which contributes to the development of many chronic diseases (Microorganisms, 2022; J Exp Med, 2019).

Finally, artificial sweeteners can cause painful side effects like bloating and diarrhea.

What Is Stevia?

If a protein powder does not contain artificial sweeteners, it probably contains stevia.

Stevia is an inexpensive zero calorie sweetener derived from the stevia rebaudiana plant.

It is much sweeter than table sugar, and is widely considered to be a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners.

Is Stevia Bad for You?

Stevia may not be as natural as you think.

That is because it is extracted from the stevia rebaudiana plant using chemicals like ethanol and methyl alcohol.

This, some argue, makes it no more natural than the artificial sweeteners that it seeks to replace.

In fact, a recent class action lawsuit reached a $6.1 million settlement because it was ruled that the company in question falsely labeled and advertised its stevia sweeteners as “natural.”

It is worth adding that stevia activates bitter taste receptors, giving it an unpleasant aftertaste (J Neurosci, 2004).

Why Monk Fruit?

Instead of using artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, we sweeten our Protein Powders with pure monk fruit.

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

Its intense sweetness, which is about 200 times that of sugar, comes from non-caloric compounds called mogrosides.

Firstly, monk fruit sweetener is the most natural sugar substitute on the market.

It is made by removing the seeds and skin of the fruit, crushing the flesh, and collecting the juice, which is then dried into a powder.

We also like monk fruit because it is sweet like sugar.

Artificial sweeteners, like stevia, activate bitter taste receptors in addition to sweet taste receptors, giving them an unpleasant aftertaste (J Neurosci, 2004).

To be fair, monk fruit sweetener has only been commercially available for about a decade, so its impact on 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 does not negatively impact blood sugar or insulin levels (Eur J Clin Nutr, 2017).

Why Maple Sugar?

Some of our Limited Edition Protein Powders are sweetened with maple sugar, which comes from the sap of sugar maple trees.

Along with honey, it is one of the most natural (least processed) sweeteners, and has a number of unique health benefits.

For instance, maple sugar has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, which means it has a smaller impact on blood sugar levels.

Moreover, unlike refined sugar, maple sugar has not been stripped of its nutrients, meaning it contains minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.

Maple sugar is also seriously delicious!

It has a rich maple flavor and aroma just like maple syrup.

What Is the Best Protein Powder Without Stevia or Artificial Sweeteners?

Obviously, protein powder without stevia or artificial sweeteners must be free from stevia and sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

But if you are looking to avoid ingredients like these, then you probably want to avoid all artificial and ultra-processed ingredients.

⚠️ Here is a list of the most common artificial and ultra-processed food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

By avoiding artificial and ultra-processed ingredients like these and prioritizing natural sweeteners like monk fruit, you can ensure that your protein powder is a healthy addition to your diet.

It is worth adding that protein powders made from only natural, whole food ingredients have:

• More nutrients: Protein powders made with natural ingredients contain more nutrients than those made with artificial ingredients. These vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being and support a healthy lifestyle
• Easy digestion: Protein powders made with natural ingredients are easier to digest than those made with artificial ingredients. They contain more enzymes and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.
  Better flavor and texture: Protein powders made with natural ingredients simply taste better than those made with artificial ingredients. Artificial ingredients taste like chemicals, whereas natural ingredients taste like food.

Order Samples to see for yourself.

Sources

1. Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics (J Pharmacol Pharmacother). Sugar substitutes: Health controversy over perceived benefits. 2011.
2. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine (Yale J Biol Med). Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings: Neuroscience 2010. 2010.
3. Nature (Nature). Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota. 2014.
4. Advances in Nutrition (Adv Nutr). Effects of Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials. 2019.
5. Microorganisms (Microorganisms). Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis: Triggers, Consequences, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options. 2022.
6. The Journal of Experimental Medicine (J Exp Med). The gut microbiome: Relationships with disease and opportunities for therapy. 2019.
7. The Journal of Neuroscience (J Neurosci). Bitter Taste Receptors for Saccharin and Acesulfame K. 2004.
8. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Eur J Clin Nutr). Effects of non-nutritive (artificial vs natural) sweeteners on 24-h glucose profiles. 2017.

Editorial Guidelines

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This article was written by a Registered Dietitian and reviewed by a Physician Assistant. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.