What Is the Best Protein Powder Without Stevia or Sucralose?

Are you looking for the best protein powder without stevia or sucralose? We sweeten our protein powders with pure monk fruit and real maple sugar.

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Protein Powder Without Sucralose or Stevia

What is Sucralose?

Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener popularized by Splenda, the brand in the little yellow packet.

Unlike other artificial sweeteners, sucralose is made from real sugar.

Through a multi-step chemical process, the chemical structure of sugar is tweaked, making it hundred of times sweeter, but virtually calorie-free.

At first glance, this makes sucralose seem like a fantastic alternative to sugar, promising sweetness without the calories.

Unfortunately, however, the benefits of sucralose are too good to be true. 

Why Should I Avoid Sucralose? 

First of all, several studies have shown artificial sweeteners can increase your cravings for sugary and sweet foods, leading to binge eating and feeling of withdrawal.

Research has also linked artificial sweeteners to a higher risk of glucose intolerance, a precursor to conditions like pre-diabetes and diabetes.

In short, artificial sweeteners like sucralose, despite their benefits, may not be any better for you than sugar.

In fact several studies have found little to no relationship between changes in body weight and the use of artificial sweeteners.

That is, people who replace sugar with low-calorie sweeteners like sucralose lose, on average, less than two pounds.

One study even suggests that people who use artificial sweeteners may gain weight because they indulge themselves after having “saved calories” with their diet soda, sugar-free ice cream, etc.

Another reason to avoid artificial sweeteners is the risk they alter the composition of your gut microbiome (the collection of microorganisms living in your gut). 

Over time, this could lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which has been linked to the development of a wide range of chronic diseases.

What is Stevia?

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If a protein powder does not contain sucralose or another artificial sweetener, there is a good chance it 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 considered by many to be a healthy, natural alternative to artificial sweeteners.

That said, stevia may not be as natural as you think.

Why Should I Avoid Stevia?

Did you know that stevia is extracted using chemicals like ethanol and methyl alcohol?

One could argue that this makes it only slightly more natural than the artificial sweeteners it aims to replace.

In fact, a recent class action lawsuit in California resulted in a $6.1 million settlement because a company was found to have falsely labeled and advertised its stevia sweeteners as ‘natural.’

It is worth noting that stevia is often cut with erythritol, a sugar alcohol that has been linked to the occurrence of cardiovascular events.

You should also note that manufacturers are required by the FDA to list erythritol if it is added as an ingredient, they do not have to declare it if it is included in a sweetener blend.

Why Monk Fruit? 

Instead of using sucralose or stevia, 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 and stevia activate bitter taste receptors in addition to sweet taste receptors, giving them an unpleasant aftertaste.

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.

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 and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.

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 Sucralose or Stevia?

Sucralose and stevia are two of the most common sugar substitutes used in protein powder.

They are so popular that it can be hard to find a protein powder without them.

Luckily for you, however, you just stumbled across Drink Wholesome.

We make the best protein powder without stevia or sucralose with a short list of simple ingredients, including monk fruit.

Our Ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT Our Ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

You will not find a more natural protein powder.

Order samples to taste the difference.