Author: Oleksandr Maksymenko (5 years as FPA-Certified Nutritionist, MS in Sports Dietetics)
Sweeteners are often included in protein powders as a way of improving the flavor of protein powders without the additional calories. While some FDA approved sweeteners are used in reputable protein, not everyone wants these additives in their protein powders. The best protein powder without artificial sweeteners would allow you to find The ideal protein powder for your goals.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate.
Starting our list of the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners is Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate. The protein is sourced directly from cows in the US and does not contain any artificial sweeteners or colorings.
Our certified nutritionists, professional athletes, and medical professionals have put 16 protein powders without artificial sweeteners through extensive testing and 7 of them made the cut. The products were analyzed on 6 of the most important criteria, and our expert team spent 4 weeks extensively testing them to evaluate them thoroughly. In addition to this, we've also reviewed hundreds of online customer reviews. We continually update our lineup, so share your feedback, experiences, and join the conversation!
7 Best Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners Reviewed
- Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate - Best Overall
- Promix Whey Protein Powder - Runner Up
- PlantFusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder
- Levels Grass Fed 100% Protein Whey Protein Powder
- Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
- Isopure Unflavored Whey Isolate Protein Powder
- Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Concentrate
1. Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate - Best Overall
The Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is one of the first protein powders in the Protein Series, which features 100% grass-fed protein powders. The protein is sourced directly from cows in the US and does not contain any artificial sweeteners or colorings. It gives you around 28 grams of protein per serving.
- Best For (Diet): Cutting, (Weight loss), Bulking, Muscle recovery
- Suitable For Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Grass-fed whey isolate
- Serving Size: 33-34.5g
- Price Per Serving: $2
- Protein Percentage Of Calories: 93%
- Proteins: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g
- Fat: 0g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded: 2015
- Recommended By Athletes: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, David De Las Morenas, Paul Sklar, Paulina Andrade
Macronutrient Breakdown
This protein powder features a solid macro breakdown, which is high in protein, but very low in other macronutrients. You will get around 28 grams of protein per serving, with only 1-2 grams of carbs and 0 grams of fat. It is the ideal protein shake without artificial sweeteners.
Taste/Flavor
Nutrition Label Transparency
A small discrepancy can be found in the number of carbohydrates. Depending on the illustration, the brand indicates 1-gram of carbohydrates, while the other illustration shows 2-grams. However, this is only a minor nuance.
Fat Content Transparency
The protein powder does not contain any fat. The shake states that it would have around 0 grams of fat per serving.
Mixability
It is easy to mix this protein powder and by simply putting it inside your shaker, you should be able to thoroughly mix it with either water or milk. However, it does taste slightly better when mixed with milk.
Value for Money
While it might be a rather expensive protein, you will know that you are getting everything, which is displayed on the label. The transparency does make it one of the better sucralose free protein powder options on the market today. However, $2 per serving is rather expensive
Positives:
Easy to mix
Includes 8 great flavors
Great macro content
Ideal for all protein needs
Could be better:
Not suitable for vegans
2. Promix Whey Protein Powder - Runner Up
The Promix Whey Protein Powder is one of the most unique protein powders on the market today and features a cold-pressed process, which is made from milk and grass-fed cows. It is one of the smoothest protein powders, which often leads to ease of mixing.
- Best For (Diet): Cutting (Weight loss), Bulking, Muscle Recovery
- Suitable For Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Grass-Fed Whey Concentrate
- Serving Size: 30g
- Price Per Serving: $0.93
- Protein Percentage Of Calories: 83%
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 1.5g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded: 2011
- Recommended By Athletes: Odell Beckham Jr, DJ Sackmann, Declan McCarthy, Brian Pruett
Macronutrient Breakdown
In terms of macros, this protein powder is slightly out of sorts and contains a lot more fat and carbohydrates than some of the others. However, you will still get around 25 grams of protein per serving and 1.5 grams of fat is not that bad.
Taste/Flavor
Nutrition Label Transparency
Most information on the label seems to be in order. It does not make unrealistic claims to levels of macronutrients
Fat Content Transparency
The fat content is accurate and you can rest assured that you don’t have too much fat in your protein powder that would spike calories.
Mixability
Due to the smooth nature and texture of this protein powder, it does mix rather easily. The upside of the unflavored version is that it can also be used for making smoothies or other types of shakes.
Value for Money
Compared to some of the other protein powders, the price seems to be in check and this means that you would likely get what you are paying for. It does offer you great value for your money when you have this protein powder.
Positives:
Easy to mix
- Regular protein content
- Reasonable price
- Ideal for those who need more carbs
Could be better:
Not suitable for vegans
PlantFusion is one of the top companies, which often promote their vegan protein powders. The PlantFusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder is one of the best complete protein powders, which targets all the branched-chain amino acids. Ideally, it is best for vegan usage.
- Best For (Diet): Plant based diets, Weight loss, Cutting, Bulking, Muscle Recovery
- Suitable For Vegans: Yes
- Protein Source: Pea protein isolate and other plant based proteins
- Serving Size: 30g
- Price Per Serving: $1.53
- Protein Percentage Of Calories: 70%
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Added Sugar: None
- Company Founded: 2009
- Recommended by Athletes: Kimi V, Kyle Labadie, Saarah Wassel
Macronutrient Breakdown
This is one of the solid protein powders, which features a steady macros nutrient breakdown. The macros are what you would expect in various protein powders and would be great for those not looking to have extra calories in their shakes.
Taste/Flavor
Nutrition Label Transparency
No discrepancies between what you see on the label and the actual content of the product have been found, which makes it one of the more reliable label options to focus on for your shake.
Fat Content Transparency
The protein powder features has around 3-grams of fat and this is congruent with what is stated on the label.
Mixability
Most vegan proteins are very easy to mix and would easily be mixed when you have the right shaker. You should not need to deal with clumps.
Value for Money
This vegan protein powder might be slightly more expensive per serving than some of the whey protein powders, but it would be worth it. If you don’t want any animal products in your protein powder, this is the one to go for.
Positives:
100% vegan
- Transparent label content
- Easy to mix
- Low in carbs
- 5 different flavors
Could be better:
Contains lower protein than dairy-based alternatives
If you are looking for a great-tasting protein powder, the Levels Grass Fed 100% Protein Whey Protein Powder would be one of the best options. It is easy to mix and offers a rich and creamy taste when you are using the product.
- Best For (Diet): Bulking, maintaining muscle mass
- Suitable For Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Grass-fed Whey Concentrate
- Serving Size: 32g
- Price Per Serving: $1.00
- Protein Percentage Of Calories: 74%
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 2.5g
- Added Sugar: None
- Company Founded: 2017
- Recommended by Athletes: Mike Gettier, Igal Ghitelman, Alyssa Reyes, Ryan Tchoungoua
Macronutrient Breakdown
The shake features a good macronutrient breakdown, with 2.5-grams of fat and 3-grams of carbohydrates. More than 70% of the calories is protein.
Taste/Flavor
Nutrition Label Transparency
The label seems accurate and the label does not imply any outrageous levels of protein or other ingredients. You should be able to trust the ingredients.
Fat Content Transparency
The protein powder contains around 2.5-grams of fat, which is slightly higher than other competitive brands.
Mixability
There have been some reports of the protein powder not mixing well. However, it does tend to offer you great mixability and the variety of flavors would work if you are using it with other shakes as well.
Value for Money
In terms of the price per serving, it is cheaper than what most commercial protein powders sell for. The price should be a great indication that this is one of the top protein powders currently on the market today.
Positives:
Includes 9 flavors
- Affordable price
- Great mixability
Could be better:
Not suitable for vegans
It is one thing to get a vegan protein powder. However, an organic vegan protein powder would be even better and ensure that you have a solid basis for healthy living. The Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder is one of the best products on the market today and offers a great-tasting protein shake.
- Best For (Diet): Bulking, Plant based diets, muscle recovery
- Suitable For Vegans: Yes
- Protein Source: Pea protein, rice protein
- Serving Size: 46g
- Price Per Serving: $1.70
- Protein Percentage Of Calories: 56%
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 4g
- Added Sugar: None
- Company Founded: 2009
- Recommended by Athletes: Langston Galloway, Blake Griffin, Byron Jones
Macronutrient Breakdown
One of the biggest downsides of this shake would be the macronutrient breakdown. Unfortunately, it only has around 56% of protein per serving. The high carbohydrate content of 15 grams might seem a bit overly excessive.
Taste/Flavor
Nutrition Label Transparency
The nutritional label is accurate and we could not find any discrepancies between the label and the nutritional content.
Fat Content Transparency
It does have a higher fat percentage than some of the competing protein powder at 4-grams of fat per serving.
Mixability
Plant-based protein powders tend to mix very easily and this is also the case with this protein powder. It has a smooth and soft texture, which would make it one of the top options when it comes to mixing the product.
Value for Money
If we look at the price per serving, this one tends to be a bit expensive. However, you will get some decent value for your money.
Positives:
Vegan-friendly
- Natural ingredients
- Easy to mix
- Good variety of flavors
Could be better:
Low protein content and percentage compared to others
High in carbohydrates which can be problematic for those who pursue weight loss
If you love mixing different products with your protein powder, the Isopure Unflavored Whey Isolate Protein Powder would be one of the best options on the market today. It offers you a good amount of protein powder but is not sourced from grass-fed cows.
- Best For(Diet): Cutting, weight loss, Maintaining muscle
- Suitable For Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Serving Size: 29g
- Price Per Serving: $1.50
- Protein Percentage Of Calories: 100%
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Added Sugar: None
- Company Founded: 1984
- Recommended by Athletes: Betina Gozo Shimonek, Kailey Lynn, Ashley Joi
Macronutrient Breakdown
This protein powder has some of the tightest macronutrient classifications on the market today. It contains 25 grams of protein, and the label states that it does not contain any fat or carbohydrates.
Taste/Flavor
Nutrition Label Transparency
The nutritional label is accurate and we could not find any discrepancies suggesting that there are any issues.
Fat Content Transparency
It does not contain any fat according to the label. The fat content is completely transparent.
Mixability
This is by far one of the easiest proteins to mix and since you don’t use a lot, it would work well in around 8 ounces of water. The shake can easily be mixed with other shakes to give you something worth drinking.
Value for Money
This is also one of the cheapest protein powders per serving on the market today and you will get great value for your money. It would work wonders for those looking to lose weight by cutting down on the extra calories.
Positives:
Easy to mix
- No fat or carbs
- Ideal for mixing with other shakes
- Inexpensive
Could be better:
Not suitable for vegans
If you are looking for a quick protein powder that you can get a few servings from and that would ensure that you get some value for your money, the Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Concentrate is often a great option. It comes in a quick-use package, which should give you great value for your money.
- Best For (Diet): Cutting, weight loss, calorie control
- Suitable For Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate
- Serving Size: 30g
- Price Per Serving: $1.00
- Protein Percentage Of Calories: 77%
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 2.6g
- Added Sugar: None
- Company Founded: 2012
- Recommended by Athletes: Andrew Lutomski, Bridget Freeman, Dylan Hellriegel, Ella Martyn
Macronutrient Breakdown
It is always great to have a good protein powder, which gives you a decent protein breakdown. This protein powder does not contain a lot of fat or carbohydrates, which would make it another good option for cutting calories.
Taste/Flavor
Nutrition Label Transparency
The nutritional label seems in line with many of the other products and this does give us confidence that you can believe the label.
Fat Content Transparency
The shake might be a bit higher in fat at 2.6-grams per serving, but we didn't find any discrepancies in the label.
Mixability
Since this is one of the protein powders, which is available in a smaller container, it is also one of the easiest for you to mix. You will not need to deal with any clumps. However, some have been reported by users.
Value for Money
If you are looking for an affordable protein sachet you can use on the go, this is the ideal option for traveling or drinking a protein shake on the go.
Positives:
Small sachets to be used on the go
- Low in carbohydrates
- Ideal for mixing with other shakes
Could be better:
Not suitable for vegans
Subscribe!
Get more reviews about training equipment, special offers and discounts from different stores.
What Are Artificial Sweeteners?
In most products that are sweet, you will have a few sweeteners or natural sugars that are often added to the products. These would enhance the flavor, but they also come with additional calories. Artificial sweeteners are low to zero-calorie additives that would improve the overall taste of a product. They are often used by companies as sugar substitutes.
2 Benefits Of Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners
✅ Personal Preference
Some people might not prefer the additives found in many protein powders. If you don't like the taste of certain sweeteners in your protein powders, it would be a major benefit to have one without artificial sweeteners.
✅ Possible Sugar Cravings
It has been suggested that artificial sweeteners could potentially increase your sweet tooth. Although there is no conclusive evidence supporting this claim, those who are cautious could settle for a protein powder without artificial sweeteners.
How to Find the Best Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners?
1. Macronutrients
One of the first things that you need to look for is the macronutrient content. You ideally want a shake that has good macros, which include at least 70% of protein per serving in relation to total caloric content. The lower you keep the carbohydrates and fats, the lower it would also keep the overall calories.
Tips From the Champ
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
2. Mixability
Some protein powders are hard to mix and this is because they often clump when you are mixing them. You should consider reading some of the reviews to find out how easy it would be to mix the protein powder.
3. Sweeteners
If you are looking to enhance the flavor of your shake, adding sweeteners would often be one of the best ways to do this. However, some individuals would prefer a shake that does not contain any artificial additives, which is why you need to check the label and ingredients.
4. Label Transparency
Label transparency is important and while most reputable brands will always be transparent. When buying a protein powder without artificial sweeteners, it is best to buy from a reputable company and reputable source.
FAQ
Do All Protein Powders Have Artificial Sweeteners?
No, you can find various protein powders, which do not have any artificial sweeteners in the product and would give you a natural flavor that you could potentially enjoy.
Are Artificial Sweeteners In Protein Powders Bad?
There is no evidence suggesting that artificial sweeteners are bad or harmful to your health. However, some individuals might prefer protein powders without artificial sweeteners to help them achieve their own goals. Others might just not like the taste.
Why Do So Many Protein Powders Use Sucralose?
Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are two of the most common ingredients you find in protein powders and these often help to enhance the flavor. It is one of the cheapest forms of sweetening a product and many companies use this as an alternative to sugar when trying to cut it out.
Conclusion
Buying the best protein with no artificial sweeteners would be a great investment if you don’t like the taste or you simply want something different. The Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is one of the best options on the market today and offers everything an athlete would need. We would love to see some of your comments on which protein powder without artificial sweeteners or stevia you prefer.
References:
- Low-Calorie Sweeteners // School of Public Health: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/artificial-sweeteners
- Replacing Sugar with Artificial Sweeteners // University of South California: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/research/news_and_pubs/caravel/archive/2012/2012-caravel-artificial-sweeteners.php
- Choose a Diet Low in Fat, Saturated Fat, and Cholesterol // Dietary Guidelines for Americans Introduction: https://www.uc.edu/cdc/urban_database/food_resources/lowfat.htm
- Could artificial sweeteners be bad for your brain? // Harvard Medical School: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/could-artificial-sweeteners-be-bad-for-your-brain-2017060711849.html
- What Is Acesulfame Potassium? // Nourish by WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-acesulfame-potassium.html
- All Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team.
Why Trust Us?
Experience: 7 years
Specializing in: Weight management, Fitness / Sports nutrition
Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist, certified by FPA (Fitness Professional Association). Oleksandr adheres to the principles of evidence-based dietetics and instills in his clients a healthy relationship with food - without strict prohibitions on favorite foods and regular disruptions. His main task – not only get a result for you, but also maintain it for many years, enjoying tasty and delicious food.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.
Torokhtiy Team
Hi @Alessan!
Sucralose is generally considered safe in protein powder. It’s a low-calorie artificial sweetener that provides sweetness without adding many calories. Studies have shown that sucralose is not toxic and does not have any harmful effects on human health. However, some individuals may experience digestive issues or sensitivities to artificial sweeteners. It’s always a good idea to check the ingredients and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or specific dietary needs.
Alessan
Is sucralose safe in protein powder?
Natalie
I’ve been using Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, and it’s a truly fitting supplement for my sports goals. As a pro athlete, I prioritize quality and transparency in my supplements, and this protein powder checks all the boxes. The 28 grams of protein per serving fuels my workouts, while the absence of artificial sweeteners like sucralose in protein powder ensures a clean and natural taste. It mixes effortlessly and the taste with milk is simply unbeatable. Though it’s a bit pricey at $2 per serving, the assurance of getting exactly what’s on the label is worth it.
Torokhtiy Support
Kgrillz, Just like stevia, erythritol is not one of the six artificial sweeteners, but is a sugar alcohol (which also occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables). That is why Orgain is included in this rating.
Regarding the new study. This is an observational study that does not establish a causal effect, only an association. In order to establish causation, long-term randomized clinical trials are needed. Moreover, the protein serving from Orgain has 6 times less erythritol than was used in the second part of that study. Keep that in mind.
Also note that this ranking was published in December 2022 and the new study on erythritol came out at the end of February 2023 ;-), so even if this study established causation (which is not the case), there is no way we could take this new data into account.
Torokhtiy Support
Thank you for your comments, Kgrillz! The fact is that the FDA classifies only 6 sweeteners as artificial: saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame and advantame.
Because stevia is included in the general list of non-nutritive sweeteners or sugar substitutes, there is a bit of confusion. However, stevia is classified as a plant/fruit based high-intensity sweetener, but not as an artificial sweetener. In any case, we rely on the classification from the FDA, which is why only those products that contain one of the six artificial sweeteners are not included in this rating.
You can read more here: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-sweet-it-all-about-sugar-substitutes