What is the best protein powder without artificial sweeteners?
drink wholesome is the best protein powder without artificial sweeteners. Learn more.
Written by Jack Schrupp and reviewed by Ella McGonagle, M.S. Nutrition
★★★★★
“I’ve tried a lot of brands but this is the best protein powder I’ve had. Limited and simple ingredients, no artificial sweeteners, and great taste make this one my go to!” – Larry
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What are artificial sweeteners?
Artificial sweeteners are chemicals added to foods and beverages to make them sweet. They appear on the ingredient list of almost every brand of protein powder, and 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 food manufacturers to reduce both the caloric and sugar content of their products. Again, most protein powders contain at least one artificial sweetener, usually sucralose or acesulfame potassium.
Are artificial sweeteners bad for you?
Despite their obvious benefits, artificial sweeteners are not good for you. First of all, several studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can 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. Some people also report that artificial sweeteners cause headaches. There is not much scientific evidence that supports this link, but a few studies have found a positive correlation.
Moreover, research suggests that artificial sweeteners are poorly digested. This means they sit in your gut for longer than they should, which gives your gut bacteria more time to eat. As they eat, gut bacteria produce gas that causes bloating, cramps, and nausea. Gas also slows colonic transit (the amount of time it takes food to travel through the colon) and can lead to constipation. Artificial sweeteners can even cause diarrhea because they draw water into your gut. Now you have something to blame for those post-protein shake trips to the bathroom!
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. The consumption of artificial sweeteners may also contribute to the development of metabolic derangements that lead to obesity and cardiovascular disease. It is therefore safe to say that artificial sweeteners are by no means a healthy alternative to sugar.
If not artificial sweeteners, then what do you use?
If you are struggling to find a protein powder without artificial sweeteners, try drink wholesome. Instead of artificial sweeteners, our protein powders are sweetened with 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, is provided by non-caloric compounds called mogrosides. We use monk fruit for a number of reasons. First of all, monk fruit sweetener is the most natural sugar substitute on the market. It is made by removing the seeds and skin, crushing the fruit, and collecting the juice, which is then dried into a powder. What ends up in your protein powder is basically concentrated fruit juice. We also like monk fruit because it is sweet like sugar. Artificial sweeteners and stevia, on the other hand, have a bitter aftertaste because they activate bitter taste receptors. This bitterness can linger in your mouth for hours.
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. For this reason, as well as those outlined above, we believe that monk fruit is the best available sweetener for our protein powders. In case you were wondering, most companies do not use monk fruit because it is expensive.
What about stevia?
If a company makes protein powder without artificial sweeteners, chances are high that it uses stevia. Stevia, although celebrated as a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners, may not be as natural as you think. 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 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 drink wholesome?
drink wholesome is the best protein powder with no artificial sweetener. It is made with simple, easy to digest ingredients and sweetened with monk fruit. Order samples to see for yourself.
drink wholesome is the best protein powder without artificial sweetener.
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Hi! My name is Jack. I created drink wholesome because I was sick of protein powders that upset my stomach. It is handmade in Plymouth, MA.
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.