Does pure protein contain erythritol?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to ingredient lists reviewed from multiple sources, most Pure Protein brand products use artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, not erythritol. The misconception often arises due to ingredient variability between different protein brands and products.

Quick Summary

Pure Protein brand items typically do not include erythritol, opting for other artificial sweeteners instead. Consumers should always check product labels to confirm ingredients, as different brands and product lines may vary in their sweetener choices.

Key Points

Ingredient Clarity: The popular Pure Protein brand typically does not use erythritol, opting for sucralose and acesulfame potassium instead.
Brand Confusion: A common point of confusion is with the brand Pure Plant Protein, which explicitly states that it uses erythritol along with stevia.
Label Literacy: Consumers should always check the ingredient label of their specific product, as formulations differ significantly across brands and product types.
Erythritol Facts: Erythritol is a zero-calorie sugar alcohol often used as a sweetener in 'sugar-free' and 'keto' foods, and is generally well-tolerated.
Spotting Sugar Alcohols: Look for a 'sugar alcohol' line under total carbohydrates on the nutrition facts, which can indicate the presence of sweeteners like erythritol or sorbitol.
Beyond Sweeteners: Product claims like 'keto-safe' or 'naturally sweetened' can be clues that a non-sugar alternative like erythritol is present, regardless of brand.

Does Pure Protein Contain Erythritol? The Full Answer

The simple answer is generally no, the popular brand Pure Protein does not typically include erythritol in its products, such as its ready-to-drink shakes or powder. Instead, the company opts for other artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium to achieve a sweet taste without adding sugar. This distinction is crucial for consumers who may be watching their sugar intake or are sensitive to specific ingredients.

The Pure Protein vs. Pure Plant Protein Distinction

One major source of confusion comes from the similarity in brand names. While the brand Pure Protein uses sucralose, a different brand, Pure Plant Protein, has explicitly stated that it uses a blend of erythritol and stevia to sweeten its products. This highlights the importance of not generalizing about ingredients based solely on brand name recognition and underscores the need for careful label reading.

What is Erythritol?

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (also known as a polyol) that is used as a zero-calorie sweetener. It is found naturally in small quantities in fruits like grapes and melons, and in fermented foods. However, the erythritol used in commercial food production is typically produced by fermenting glucose from sources like corn starch.

Its key characteristics include:

It has about 60–70% of the sweetness of sugar.
It is nearly calorie-free.
The body absorbs about 90% of erythritol in the small intestine, and it is excreted largely unchanged in the urine, which is why it is often better tolerated digestively than other sugar alcohols.
It does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes.

How to Spot Erythritol and Other Sweeteners on Product Labels

To be an informed consumer, it is essential to know how to identify different sweeteners on nutrition labels. While not always mandatory to list explicitly, you can find clues by looking for the “sugar alcohol” line item under total carbohydrates.

Tips for checking your labels:

Look for 'Sugar Alcohols': Check the total carbohydrate section. If a sugar alcohol is used, it may be listed here. This is an important indicator, although not all sugar alcohols are erythritol.
Read the Ingredients List: Scrutinize the full ingredients list. Sweeteners like erythritol, sucralose, stevia, and acesulfame potassium are typically listed among the last ingredients.
Beware of Claims: Phrases like 'Keto-safe,' 'No Sugar Added,' or 'Naturally Sweetened' might indicate the presence of erythritol or other low-calorie alternatives.
Search Online: If the physical label is unclear, perform an online search for the specific product and flavor, often including the word 'ingredients' to find a detailed list.

Sweetener Comparison: Sucralose vs. Erythritol

To help clarify the differences between the sweeteners often used in protein products, here is a comparison table.


Feature	Sucralose	Erythritol	Pure Protein (Brand) Products	Pure Plant Protein (Brand) Products
Type	Artificial Sweetener	Sugar Alcohol (Polyol)	Artificial Sweetener	Sugar Alcohol/Natural Sweetener
Derived From	Modified sucrose molecule	Fermentation of glucose	Chemical process	Fermentation of glucose / Stevia plant
Calories	Zero	Zero	Zero	Zero
Effect on Blood Sugar	None	None	None	None
Potential Side Effects	Some individuals report sensitivities	Potential bloating or digestive discomfort with excessive intake	Very few reported side effects from typical intake	Potential bloating or digestive discomfort from erythritol
Use Case	Sweetening a wide range of low-calorie products	Sweetening and bulking in low-calorie and sugar-free foods	Used to sweeten ready-to-drink shakes, bars, and powders	Used with stevia to sweeten protein powders
Examples	Pure Protein products, Diet sodas	Orgain Organic Protein (some flavors), Keto products	Ready-to-drink shakes, chocolate deluxe bars	Vegan protein powder flavors

Conclusion: Always Check the Label

In conclusion, while erythritol is a common sweetener in the low-sugar and keto product market, the specific brand Pure Protein does not use it. Its products are typically sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium. The key takeaway for any health-conscious consumer is that ingredient formulations can differ dramatically between brands and even between different product lines from the same company. Always take a few moments to read the ingredients label thoroughly to know exactly what you're consuming. This simple habit will ensure you choose a product that aligns with your dietary needs and preferences. A great resource for further information on food additives can be found on the FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the official Pure Protein brand does not typically use erythritol. They primarily use sucralose and acesulfame potassium for sweetening their protein bars and shakes.

While the Pure Protein brand does not use erythritol, some other brands, like Pure Plant Protein, do. Some flavors of Orgain Organic Protein have also been reported to contain erythritol.

Check the ingredient list on the product label for the word 'erythritol' or other sugar alcohols ending in '-ol'. You can also look for a 'sugar alcohol' line under the total carbohydrates on the nutrition facts panel.

No, sucralose is an artificial sweetener derived from a modified sugar molecule. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol, a different class of compound, although both are used as low-calorie sweeteners.

While generally well-tolerated, excessive consumption of erythritol can cause some digestive issues like bloating, gas, and cramping in some individuals.

Erythritol is used to add sweetness without the calories or sugar of traditional sweeteners, making it a popular choice for low-carb, keto, and 'sugar-free' products.

Both sucralose and erythritol are considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA for their approved uses. The 'safest' choice often depends on individual digestive tolerance and recent health concerns raised in observational studies regarding erythritol.