What is the best protein powder without erythritol?

drink wholesome is the best protein powder without erythritol.

Written by Jack Schrupp & endorsed by Baylee Reller, RDN

What is erythritol? 

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Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used in many processed foods as a sweetener and sugar substitute. It is virtually sugar-free, but still stimulates sweet taste receptors on your tongue.

Erythritol occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods, but can also be commercially produced through the fermentation of glucose. When used as a sweetener, erythritol levels are typically more than 1,000-times greater than levels found in nature.

Erythritol has only 0.2 calories per gram, which is significantly lower than the 4 calories per gram found in sugar. It is also unique among sugar alcohols because it is absorbed into the bloodstream, but not metabolized by the body. As a result, it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels and insulin response.

Erythritol is often used in combination with other sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract to provide a sugar-like experience without the added calories. Interestingly, because it is a sugar alcohol, it is not required to be listed individually on the Nutrition Facts label. This means that your protein powder could contain erythritol and you would never know it.

Is erythritol bad for you?

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Most sugar alcohols, especially isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, and xylitol, are known to cause digestive issues when consumed in large amounts. They are also known to disrupt the composition and function of the gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut. Erythritol is the exception, however, as it does cause gastrointestinal side effects or gut damage. It is generally well-tolerated, although consuming excessive amounts may lead to mild digestive discomfort in some individuals. That said, erythritol is far from the perfect sugar substitute.

An NIH-funded study recently examined the relationship between erythritol and heart attacks and stroke. Results appeared in Nature Medicine on February 27, 2023. The researchers found that elevated levels of erythritol were associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events. In fact, people with the highest erythritol levels (top 25%) were about twice as likely to have cardiovascular events as those with the lowest (bottom 25%).

In trying to better understand how erythritol might increase these health risks, the researchers determined that consuming erythritol may increase blood clot formation, which, in turn, could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. For this reason, many people are looking to cut erythritol out of their diet.

Why maple sugar? 

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If you are looking for a protein powder without erythritol, you have come to the right place. We are one of only a few protein powder companies to use real sugar to sweeten our products. We opt for Vermont maple sugar, which comes straight from the sap of sugar maple trees. It is one of the least processed sugars and has some fantastic health perks.

First off, maple sugar has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. This means it does not affect your blood sugar levels as much, which is great news for diabetics and people trying to lose weight. Plus, unlike refined sugar, maple sugar is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can help fight inflammation.

The best part about maple sugar is that it tastes amazing. It has a rich maple flavor and aroma, just like maple syrup, without any weird aftertaste. Unlike artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and stevia, which all have bitter aftertaste because they trigger bitter taste receptors, maple sugar leaves your taste buds happy.

Why monk fruit? 

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We sweeten some of our erythritol-free protein powder with monk fruit for our customers with sensitive stomachs who cannot tolerate added sugar. Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a melon-like fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is incredibly sweet, about 200 times sweeter than sugar, thanks to non-caloric compounds called mogrosides.

We are big fans of monk fruit for a few reasons. Firstly, monk fruit sweetener is the most natural sugar substitute available. 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.

Another great thing about monk fruit is that it is sweet like sugar. Among all the sugar substitutes, it has the least noticeable aftertaste.

It is worth noting that there is no evidence linking monk fruit to chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. It has been safely used in Asian cuisine for centuries and has no known side effects, even when consumed in large amounts. Additionally, small randomized trials have shown that monk fruit sweetener does not have a negative impact 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 about stevia? 

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If a company makes protein powder without artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols chances are high that it uses stevia. Stevia, often seen as a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, may not be as natural as you think.

Stevia is derived from the stevia rebaudiana plant using chemicals like ethanol and methyl alcohol. This has led some to question whether it is actually more natural than the sugar substitutes it aims 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.”

What is the best protein powder without erythritol? 

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We make the best protein powder without erythritol because we use a short list of simple ingredients, including real maple sugar or monk fruit. You will not find a more natural, or naturally sweetened protein powder. Order samples to taste the difference.

★★★★★

delicious

“Finally a protein powder made with real sugar. This stuff is excellent. I mean literally the best protein powder I’ve ever had. The taste is good and I feel good after drinking it too. I’ve never had a protein powder that didn’t make me bloat before. 🤜 🤛” – Ron

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