What is the best protein powder without stevia?

drink wholesome is the best protein powder without stevia.

Written by Jack Schrupp & endorsed by Baylee Reller, RDN

What is stevia?

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It is almost impossible to find a natural protein powder without stevia these days. 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 natural alternative to artificial sweeteners like sucralose. That said, more and more people are starting to avoid stevia.

Why should you avoid stevia?

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First of all, although it is sweet, stevia has an unpleasant bitter aftertaste that can linger in your mouth for hours. This is because stevia, unlike sugar, activates bitter taste receptors in addition to sweet taste receptors. 

Another reason to avoid stevia has to do with how it is made. Stevia is often extracted using chemicals like ethanol and methyl alcohol. This, one could argue, makes it barely 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.’ 

For those of you with gut issues and sensitive stomachs, you may be wondering if stevia is easy to digest. The answer is probably. In a review of 14 studies, researchers found that only 4 of the 14 showed stevia is harmful to gut microbiota. That said, stevia can disrupt communications between bacteria in your gut microbiome. This may or may not be an issue, and more research is needed. 

It is worth nothing that many protein powders containing stevia also contain sugar alcohols like erythritol, which can cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects like bloating and diarrhea. Because stevia is over 100 times sweeter than sugar, it is hard to use. Sugar alcohols are added to provide volume and texture, making stevia more like sugar and easier to work with.

Why maple sugar? 

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If you are looking for a protein powder without stevia, look no further. We are one of only a handful of protein powder companies who sweeten their products with real sugar. We use Vermont maple sugar, which comes from the sap of sugar maple trees. It is one of the most natural (least processed) sugars, and has a number of health benefits.

First of all, maple sugar has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it has less of an impact on blood sugar levels. This is great news for diabetics. Moreover, maple sugar, unlike refined sugar, has not been stripped of its nutrients. It therefore contains minerals and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.

Second, maple sugar is delicious. It has a rich maple flavor and aroma just like maple syrup, and zero aftertaste. Protein powders sweetened with maple sugar therefore make great additions to smoothies and recipes. 

Why monk fruit? 

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We sweeten some of our stevia-free protein powder with monk fruit to accommodate our customers with sensitive stomachs who cannot eat added sugar. Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a melon-like fruit native to Southeast Asia. Its intense sweetness comes from non-caloric compounds called mogrosides.

We like 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 dried into a fine powder. What sweetens your protein powder is basically concentrated fruit juice. We also like monk fruit because it is sweet like sugar. Of all the sugar substitutes, it has the least aftertaste.

Considering that monk fruit sweetener has only been on the market for around a decade, there is not a wealth of information regarding its effects on chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. That said, this sweetener has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries without any reported adverse effects, even when eaten in large amounts. Furthermore, small randomized trials have indicated that monk fruit sweetener does not appear to have any adverse effects on blood sugar or insulin levels.

our ingredients: 

egg whites, coconut, maple sugar, vanilla

the alternative:

Protein Matrix Comprised of (Whey Protein Concentrate,  Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumen, Glutamine Peptides), Polydextrose, Sunflower Creamer (Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids,  Sodium Caseinate, Mono- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols), Natural and Artificial Flavor, MCT Powder (Medium Chain Triglycerides, Nonfat Dry Milk, Disodium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide), Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Salt, Yellow 5, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Papain, Bromelain

What is the best protein powder without stevia?

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We make the best stevia-free protein powder with real maple sugar or monk fruit. You will not find a more natural, or naturally-sweetened protein powder. It has not aftertaste, and blends perfectly into your favorite smoothies and recipes. Order samples to taste the difference.