Exploring What protein shakes don't use artificial sweeteners?

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent studies suggest a significant portion of consumers are actively reducing artificial sweeteners, with one study indicating over 50% are concerned about them. Finding what protein shakes don't use artificial sweeteners is therefore a growing priority for health-conscious individuals aiming for cleaner ingredient lists.

Quick Summary

Guide to protein powders without synthetic additives. Overview details naturally sweetened and unsweetened options, including key ingredients and brand examples for clean nutrition.

Key Points

Identify Artificial Sweeteners: Be aware of common artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-K in ingredient lists.
Favor Natural Alternatives: Look for protein shakes sweetened with Stevia, Monk Fruit extract, or Erythritol if you prefer sweetness.
Consider Unsweetened Powders: Unsweetened protein powders offer the cleanest option and maximum control over flavor by adding whole foods like fruit.
Read Labels Carefully: Focus on products with short ingredient lists and clear descriptions (e.g., "grass-fed," "organic," "non-GMO").
Potential Health Benefits: Choosing natural options may help avoid gut microbiota disruption and metabolic concerns linked to artificial sweeteners.

The Concern Over Artificial Sweeteners in Supplements

Many commercial protein powders include artificial sweeteners to improve taste without adding calories. However, these ingredients have faced scrutiny due to potential health concerns.

Common Artificial Sweeteners and Why People Avoid Them

Artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) are frequently used in protein supplements. While approved by regulatory bodies, some individuals report adverse effects such as headaches, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Research also indicates potential links between high consumption of artificial sweeteners and changes in gut microbiota, which could contribute to metabolic issues and increased risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, many consumers are seeking alternatives.

Potential Health Implications Associated with High Intake

Gut Microbiota Disruption: Sweeteners like sucralose and saccharin can impact the balance of gut bacteria, essential for digestion and metabolic health.
Metabolic Effects: Observational studies have linked artificial sweetener consumption to higher risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Health: A large study identified a potential association between increased artificial sweetener intake (specifically aspartame, Ace-K, and sucralose) and a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Naturally Sweetened Protein Shakes: Your Best Options

In response to consumer demand, many protein shake options now use natural sweeteners or are unsweetened, generally featuring fewer ingredients.

Sweeteners to Look For

For a sweetened shake without artificial additives, consider products containing:

Stevia Leaf Extract: A zero-calorie sweetener from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, significantly sweeter than sugar and typically doesn't affect blood sugar.
Monk Fruit Extract: Also zero-calorie and sweeter than sugar, this extract may also provide antioxidant benefits.
Erythritol: A naturally occurring sugar alcohol with minimal calories that doesn't cause blood sugar spikes.
Coconut Sugar or Cane Sugar: Some products use small amounts of these natural sugars for flavor, offering a less processed option than artificial sweeteners.

Top Brands and Products Without Artificial Sweeteners

Several brands avoid artificial ingredients. Here is a comparison of some popular choices:

Comparison Table: Natural Protein Powders


Brand	Protein Source	Sweetener Used	Key Feature
Naked Whey	Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate	None (Unflavored) or Coconut Sugar (Flavored)	Minimal ingredients (often 1-3).
Transparent Labs	Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate	Stevia, Monk Fruit	No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
Garden of Life	Organic Plant-Based Blend	Stevia, Organic Cane Sugar	Organic, non-GMO, often includes probiotics and enzymes.
OWYN	Plant-Based Blend (Pea, Pumpkin, Flax)	Cane Sugar, Monk Fruit Extract	Top 9 allergen-free, includes fiber.
Evolve	Plant-Based Blend	None (Natural flavors only)	Vegan, non-GMO, made without artificial flavors or sweeteners.

Unsweetened and Flavorless Protein Powders

For maximum control over ingredients, unsweetened and unflavored protein powders are an excellent choice, typically containing only the protein source.

Benefits of Unsweetened Powders:

Total Control: Allows you to add natural sweetness with ingredients like fruit or honey.
Versatility: Can be easily incorporated into various foods and drinks beyond shakes.
Avoid Additives: Minimizes intake of all types of sweeteners and other additives.

How to Choose the Right Natural Protein Shake

Reading Labels Effectively

When reviewing labels, be wary of "zero sugar" claims and check the ingredient list for artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame. Look for natural sweeteners (Stevia, Monk Fruit) or labels indicating "unsweetened" or "unflavored."

Considering Dietary Needs

Factor in any dietary restrictions. Choose plant-based or lactose-free whey isolates if needed. If sensitive to Stevia's taste, consider Monk Fruit or unsweetened options.

Conclusion

Selecting protein shakes without artificial sweeteners is achievable by identifying undesirable ingredients and seeking out naturally sweetened or unsweetened products from trusted brands. This approach allows for a cleaner supplement that aligns with health goals and helps avoid potential negative effects linked to synthetic additives. Prioritize products with clear labeling and simple ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common artificial sweeteners found in protein shakes are sucralose (Splenda), aspartame, and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K).

No, Stevia is considered a natural zero-calorie sweetener derived from a plant, not an artificial chemical compound. It is often used in products marketed as "natural."

Yes, some individuals may experience digestive issues like bloating, gas, and stomach upset from artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols like erythritol, especially in larger quantities.

Brands like Naked Nutrition (unsweetened options), Transparent Labs, and Garden of Life (certain lines) offer protein powders that avoid artificial sweeteners, often using Stevia or Monk Fruit instead.

Frequently, yes. Products labeled 'zero sugar' or 'diet' often substitute sugar with artificial sweeteners to maintain sweetness without calories. Always check the ingredient list to be sure.

While more research is needed on long-term effects, natural sweeteners like Monk Fruit are generally perceived as healthier and do not appear to cause the same level of gut disruption or metabolic concerns as some artificial counterparts.

Unsweetened protein shakes are available from many health food brands and can be found online or in stores like GNC or Whole Foods. Look for labels that explicitly say "unsweetened" or show only one or two ingredients, such as "whey protein isolate."