How to Find the Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners
📌 Overview and Key Takeaways
This is a Certified Nutrition Coach’s guide on how to find the best protein powder without artificial sweeteners.
Discover how to meet your protein needs without fake sugar.
Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners
What Are Artificial Sweeteners?
Artificial sweeteners 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 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.
In case you were wondering, xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and mannitol are sugar alcohols, not artificial sweeteners.
This does not necessarily mean that they are better for you, however.
Read my article on sugar alcohols to learn more.
Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for You?
Research shows that despite their benefits, artificial sweeteners might not be good for you (J Pharmacol Pharmacother, 2011).
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 (Yale J Biol Med, 2010).
If you are trying to lose weight, you might be better off just eating sugar.
Research has also associated artificial sweeteners with 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 your gut (Adv Nutr, 2019).
This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut microbiota, which is linked 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.
This is one of the main reasons why people look for protein powder without artificial sweeteners.
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, on the contrary, 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 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 and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation (Natural Resources Canada, 2004).
Maple sugar is also seriously delicious!
It has a rich maple flavor and aroma just like maple syrup.
Product Quiz
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.
For instance, 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 (Food Navigator, 2012).
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” (Top Class Actions, 2015).
It is worth adding that stevia, like artificial sweeteners, activates bitter taste receptors, giving it an unpleasant aftertaste (J Neurosci, 2004).
What Is the Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners?
Obviously, protein powder without artificial sweeteners must be free from ingredients like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and aspartame.
But if you are looking to avoid artificial sweeteners, then you probably want to avoid other artificial and ultra-processed ingredients too.
⚠️ Here is a list of the most common artificial and ultra-processed food additives in protein shakes and powders:
- 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
Basically, by avoiding 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
- Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics (J Pharmacol Pharmacother). Sugar substitutes: Health controversy over perceived benefits. 2011.
- 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.
- Nature (Nature). Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota. 2014.
- Advances in Nutrition (Adv Nutr). Effects of Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials. 2019.
- Microorganisms (Microorganisms). Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis: Triggers, Consequences, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options. 2022.
- The Journal of Experimental Medicine (J Exp Med). The gut microbiome: Relationships with disease and opportunities for therapy. 2019.
- The Journal of Neuroscience (J Neurosci). Bitter Taste Receptors for Saccharin and Acesulfame K. 2004.
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Eur J Clin Nutr). Effects of non-nutritive (artificial vs natural) sweeteners on 24-h glucose profiles.. 2017.
- Natural Resources Canada (Natural Resources Canada). Antioxidant capacity of maple products. 2004.
- Food Navigator (Food Navigator). Europe debates stevia’s ‘natural’ claims. 2012.
- Top Class Actions (Top Class Actions). Stevia in the Raw “All Natural” Class Action Lawsuit Settlement. 2015.
Editorial Guidelines
This article was written by a Certified Nutrition Coach and reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Who Is Drink Wholesome for?
Drink Wholesome makes protein powder for sensitive stomachs, GERD, IBS, and other gut issues. It’s suitable for most food sensitivities, including lactose intolerance, and won’t cause side effects like bloating, constipation, and reflux.
Why Is Drink Wholesome Good for Sensitive Stomachs?
Drink Wholesome is the best protein powder for sensitive stomachs because it’s additive, dairy, and gluten-free. It’s also made from minimally-processed protein sources like egg whites and almonds. Other protein powders are made from ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which look nothing like real food.
What’s the Difference Between Protein Powder and Meal Replacement Powder?
Drink Wholesome makes gut-friendly Protein Powders and Meal Replacement Powders. Protein powder is high in protein and low in everything else, whereas meal replacement powder contains fats, carbs, fiber, and protein because it’s intended to replace the nutritional value of a balanced meal.
What’s the Difference Between Almond, Collagen, and Egg White Protein?
We make three types of stomach-friendly Protein Powder: Collagen Protein Powder, Egg White Protein Powder, and Vegan Almond Protein Powder. As long as you get protein from a variety of sources, any type of protein can help you meet your total daily protein needs. In other words, for someone with a balanced diet, there is no advantage to consuming one type of protein over another. Order Samples to see which type you like the most.
Ask Nutrition Coach
If you’re wondering which Drink Wholesome product is best for you, ask our Certified Nutrition Coach. For personalized medical advice, consult your healthcare provider.
High Protein Balls
PREP TIME
5 min
COOK TIME
5 min
SERVES
2
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Protein Powder
- ½ cup nut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
Combine the Protein Powder, nut butter, syrup, extract, and oats in a food processor or blender. Pulse until well combined. Add the chocolate and coconut, and pulse a few more times. Roll the dough into 10 balls. Enjoy!
Author(s)
Protein Powder Samples
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