Artificial sweeteners are often used as zero-calorie alternatives to natural sugars; however, they may come with negative health effects, such as changes in the gut microbiome or even weight gain. We’ll review and rank the best protein supplements without artificial sweeteners, so that you can make an informed purchase decision.
The quest for optimized health should never be tainted by additional calories and negative effects from artificial additives. Today’s market contains a variety of health products to select from, and consumers looking to improve their health will benefit if they’re able to purchase protein supplements without artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners may encourage over-eating, and medical professionals have linked artificial sweeteners with a series of troubling health issues and serious diseases such as cardiac complications and cancer.
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The Best Protein Supplements Without Artificial Sweeteners: 5 Top Brands Reviewed is an original (HisHealthMag) article.
Protein supplements without artificial sweeteners:
Identifying the health risks
Consumption of artificial sweeteners may lead to obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems. One study of over 100,000 people found that artificial sweeteners “were linked to a 9% higher risk of any type of cardiovascular problem (including heart attacks) and an 18% greater risk of stroke.”
Furthermore, artificial sweeteners can be 180 times to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar, potentially altering our taste preferences and leading to an increased desire for sweet foods. “When you’re consuming artificial sweetener, your body starts to crave more of it. And it can be easier to give in to that craving because you think you’re making a healthier choice,” functional medicine specialist Dr. Young explains. “You wind up consuming more calories.”
Obesity and being overweight have been linked to at least 13 types of cancer. There are concerns that some artificial sweeteners may increase obesity, potentially leading to increased cancer risk. However, findings are mixed.
The best protein supplements use natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit, which pack flavor without health risks.
Protein supplements without artificial sweeteners:
Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate 90%
Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate 90% is a gluten-free powder with no additives. This product is designed to help the body recover from workouts while controlling appetite. It contains antimicrobial properties to help maintain gut health, and the cost comes to $33.96 for a 30-gram bag, which is 33 servings. This powder contains a healthy dose of protein and no flavoring, allowing you to mix in additional flavors if desired. However, this product lacks the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are found in other protein supplements.
Protein supplements without artificial sweeteners:
Levels Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Levels Grass-Fed Whey Protein is loaded with high-quality proteins and essential amino acids. Each sachet contains 5.4 grams of BCAAs that help build lean muscle and support post-workout muscle recovery. The simple ingredient list includes whey protein concentrate, cocoa powder, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, stevia leaf extract, and monk fruit extract. The stevia and monk fruit extract give this product a natural flavor boost without artificial additives. Several flavors are available. The unflavored version is available in a 1-pound bag for $24.95. Each bag contains 24 grams of protein.
Protein supplements without artificial sweeteners:
Garden of Life Meal Replacement Vanilla Protein Powder
Garden of Life’s Meal Replacement Vanilla Protein Powder delivers 20 grams of protein per serving and includes 44 superfoods, 18 whole food vitamins and minerals, 7 grams of fiber, probiotics, and minerals. The creamy texture makes it a smooth supplement that curbs hunger cravings and helps with weight management. The 525-gram container offers 14 full servings for $29.95. It is certified USDA-organic and is both gluten-free and certified vegan. Third-party certifications verify the ingredients that are listed on the company’s website.
Protein supplements without artificial sweeteners:
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs’ 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate contains 28 grams of protein per serving. The protein is sourced directly from U.S. cows. This protein powder is made without the use of any artificial sweeteners or colors and is designed to aid in weight loss and post-workout muscle recovery. There are eight different flavor options, including milk chocolate, peanut butter, strawberry, and mocha.
This protein supplement contains zero fat and boasts high macro content. Thirty full servings are available for $59.99 to mix in a beverage of your choosing. The blend is not vegan-friendly but is gluten-free and non-GMO.
Protein supplements without artificial sweeteners:
Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein
Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein is an all-natural, clean source of protein made from a singular ingredient – 100% pea protein isolate. The European golden peas go through a water-based isolation process to extract the protein, and the entire procedure is free from harmful chemicals. 100% of the lectin is removed, as are any elements that interfere with digestion. Clean Lean Protein contains nine essential amino acids and is a natural source of iron. This nutritional powerhouse encourages muscle recovery and vitality and enhances overall health.
Thaumatin, the West African katemfe fruit, is used as a natural sweetening agent to add flavor to the protein. Nuzest has formulated an array of flavors to select from, including chocolate, coffee, and wild strawberry. The blend is smooth and delicious without any grittiness. A 500-gram tub is $53.99, and each serving offers 18-20 grams of protein. It’s vegan-friendly and free of all allergens. “We want to produce products that are suitable for everyone,” founder Trevor Bolland said in a recent interview.
Protein supplements without artificial sweeteners:
The final word
Those interested in optimizing their health with a protein supplement will want to avoid manufacturers that add artificial sweeteners to make products more appealing. Consumers should select a pure product that is plant-based and clean, with emphasis put on naturally-derived sweetness. We recommend supplements that contain stevia or monk fruit extract. Additionally, it may be best to avoid sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, neotame, and advantame to prevent potential health risks. Protein powders that use natural sweeteners offer the same benefits without adverse health risks.
Further Reading:
This Is Why Artificial Sweeteners Are Bad For You – Cleveland Clinic
Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer – National Cancer Institute
Sugar substitutes: New cardiovascular health concerns? – Harvard Health Publishing
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
