How to Find the Best Protein Powder Without Erythritol
📌 Overview and Key Takeaways
This is a Certified Nutrition Coach’s guide to finding the best protein powder without erythritol.
How to meet your protein needs without sugar alcohols.
Erythritol-Free Protein Powder
What Is Erythritol?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol – a type of carbohydrate that tastes sweet, but is not fully absorbed or used by the body like sugar is.
It is added to many processed foods as a sweetener.
Like all sugar alcohols, erythritol contains almost no calories.
This makes it a popular ingredient in low-calorie and sugar-free products like protein powder.
Keep in mind that although erythritol occurs naturally in small amounts in some fruits, the erythritol added to foods, beverages, and supplements is commercially produced by fermenting glucose (a type of sugar).
The amount used in sweeteners is far greater than the small amounts found in nature.
It is also worth noting that erythritol is often combined with other sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit.
You might not realize this, however, because sugar alcohols are not always required to be listed individually on the Nutrition Facts label.
Is Erythritol Bad for You?
Erythritol has several qualities that make it appealing as a sweetener.
To start, it contains only about 0.2 calories per gram, which is much lower than the roughly 4 calories per gram found in sugar.
It is also absorbed into the bloodstream but is largely not metabolized, which means it might have a minimal effect on blood sugar and insulin levels.
Recent research, however, suggests that these benefits might not tell the whole story.
Some studies found a link between elevated erythritol levels in the blood and cardiovascular events (Nat Med, 2023).
That said, this signal applies to blood levels of erythritol both endogenously produced and dietary, and the literature is genuinely mixed (Diabetes, 2024).
Nonetheless, many people choose to avoid erythritol out of an abundance of caution.
It is worth adding that erythritol can cause dose-dependent gastrointestinal symptoms, primarily diarrhea (EFSA J, 2023).
So, if you do consume erythritol, I recommend consuming it in moderation.
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What Is the Best Erythritol-Free Protein Powder?
Instead of using sugar alcohols like erythritol, we sweeten our Protein Powders with pure monk fruit or maple sugar.
Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a melon-like fruit that grows in Southeast Asia.
Its intense sweetness, which is roughly 200 times that of sugar, comes from natural, non-caloric compounds called mogrosides.
There are several reasons why we choose monk fruit.
First, it is one of the most natural sugar substitutes on the market.
Monk fruit sweetener is made by removing the seeds and skin, crushing the fruit, and collecting the juice, which is then dried into a powder.
We also like monk fruit because it tastes like sugar.
Other sugar substitutes, like stevia, can activate bitter taste receptors in addition to sweet taste receptors (Genes Nutr, 2014).
To be clear, the monk fruit we use contains a single ingredient, meaning it is not blended with sugar alcohols or any other sweeteners.
And if you prefer real sugar, you will be pleased to learn that we use maple sugar to sweeten some of our Egg White + Collagen Protein Powders.
Order Samples to try it for yourself.
Sources
- Nature Medicine (Nat Med). The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk. 2023.
- Diabetes (Diabetes). Erythritol as a Potential Causal Contributor to Cardiometabolic Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study. 2024.
- EFSA Journal (EFSA J). Re-evaluation of erythritol (E 968) as a food additive. 2023.
- Genes & nutrition (Genes Nutr). Genetic signature of differential sensitivity to stevioside in the Italian population. 2014.
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 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.
Author(s)
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