Finding a Protein Drink That Does Not Have Artificial Sweeteners: Your Guide to Clean Options

With the global market for natural sweeteners expected to reach $6.5 billion by 2025, it's clear more consumers are searching for a protein drink that does not have artificial sweeteners. Finding clean, minimally processed protein options is a key goal for many health-conscious individuals and those with sensitivities to artificial additives.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals how to find protein drinks free of artificial sweeteners, detailing both powders and ready-to-drink options from top brands like Naked, Orgain, and OWYN. It also teaches how to identify artificial sweeteners on labels and understand different types of natural and zero-calorie alternatives.

Key Points

• Check Labels Carefully: Read the ingredient list for names like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and aspartame to identify and avoid artificial sweeteners.

• Embrace Natural Sweeteners: Many brands use plant-derived, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract for a clean, sweet taste.

• Choose Unsweetened Options: For the purest protein, opt for unflavored and unsweetened powders from brands like Naked Whey or Isopure, and add your own natural flavors.

• Find Clean RTD Shakes: Ready-to-drink options like OWYN and Koia offer convenient, on-the-go protein shakes without artificial additives.

• Consider Third-Party Testing: Look for certifications like Informed-Choice or NSF Certified for Sport to ensure product purity and ingredient verification.

Why Choose a Protein Drink Without Artificial Sweeteners?

Many individuals opt for protein drinks without artificial sweeteners for various reasons, including better digestive health, avoiding an unpleasant aftertaste, and reducing overall consumption of synthetic additives. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium have been linked to digestive issues, such as bloating and gas, in some sensitive individuals. Furthermore, some people simply prefer a more natural taste profile without the cloying sweetness that artificial ingredients can impart. The long-term effects of consuming high amounts of artificial sweeteners are still a subject of ongoing research, prompting many to take a cautious approach.

Decoding the Ingredient List: What to Avoid

To ensure your protein drink is free of artificial sweeteners, you must become a savvy label reader. Start by scanning the ingredient list for common offenders. Look for chemical-sounding names and anything containing 'sucr' or 'ace' in it. Familiarize yourself with the following names of synthetic or highly processed sweeteners:

• Acesulfame potassium (also called Ace-K, Sunett, or Sweet One)
• Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal)
• Sucralose (Splenda)
• Saccharin (Sweet'N Low)
• Neotame
• Advantame
• Sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol) can also cause digestive issues in larger quantities.

Naturally Sweetened and Unsweetened Protein Options

Fortunately, a growing number of brands cater to those who prefer clean-label products. There are two main paths to take: choosing a product naturally sweetened with plant-derived ingredients or opting for a completely unsweetened, unflavored variety.

Naturally Sweetened with Plant-Derived Sweeteners

Many companies use natural, zero-calorie sweeteners to flavor their protein drinks. The most common are stevia leaf extract and monk fruit extract. These are derived from plants and do not contain calories. Brands like OWYN (Only What You Need), Transparent Labs, and Legion often use these natural alternatives to achieve a sweet taste without relying on artificial compounds.

Unsweetened and Unflavored for Purity

For the purest option, unsweetened and unflavored protein powders and drinks contain no sweeteners whatsoever. This allows for maximum control over the flavor and sweetness by adding your own ingredients like fruit, honey, or spices. Brands like Naked Whey and Isopure offer popular unflavored protein powders.

Ready-to-Drink Shakes (RTDs) Without Artificial Sweeteners

If convenience is key, several ready-to-drink options have a clean ingredient profile. Always check the label, as formulations can vary.

• OWYN Vegan Protein Shakes: These are made with a blend of pea, pumpkin seed, and flax oil, and are sweetened with cane sugar and monk fruit extract.
• Koia Plant-Based Protein Shakes: These shakes use brown rice, pea, and chickpea protein, sweetened with organic cane sugar and monk fruit.
• Ensure Plant-Based Protein: This option is sweetened with natural flavors and is free of artificial sweeteners or colors.
• Jocko Mölk Shakes: These ready-to-drink shakes contain 30g of grass-fed protein and are made without artificial sweeteners or colors.

Comparison Table: Clean Protein Brands

Brand	Protein Source	Sweetener(s) Used	Vegan Option	Key Features
Naked Nutrition Naked Whey	Whey	None (Unflavored) or Natural	Yes (Vegan powders)	Simple, pure ingredients; unflavored version is completely sweetener-free.
Orgain	Plant-Based (Pea, Rice, Chia)	Organic Stevia, Monk Fruit	Yes	Organic ingredients, wide availability, ready-to-drink and powder formats.
OWYN (Only What You Need)	Plant-Based (Pea, Pumpkin, Flax)	Cane Sugar, Monk Fruit Extract	Yes	Free of the top 9 allergens, ready-to-drink shakes and powders.
Transparent Labs	Grass-Fed Whey Isolate	Stevia Extract	Yes (Vegan powder)	High-quality, transparent sourcing, third-party tested.
Legion Whey+	Grass-Fed Whey Isolate	Stevia Extract	No (Whey only)	Naturally flavored, grass-fed source, third-party tested.

Making the Switch to a Clean Protein Drink

Transitioning to a protein drink without artificial sweeteners can be a simple process. First, assess your current intake by checking labels. If you find your current product contains artificial additives, start exploring alternatives based on the recommendations above. You can experiment with different types of protein (whey vs. plant-based) and sweeteners (monk fruit, stevia, or unsweetened) to find what works best for your body and taste buds. For those using unflavored powder, consider mixing it into smoothies with natural sweetness from fruits like bananas and berries, or into oatmeal.

Remember that 'sugar-free' and 'no artificial sweeteners' are different claims. Always read the ingredients list to verify that the product aligns with your goals. Third-party certifications, such as NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Choice, can also provide extra assurance of a product's purity and ingredient accuracy.

Benefits of Avoiding Artificial Sweeteners

• Improved Digestion: For many, removing artificial sweeteners, especially sugar alcohols, can significantly reduce digestive distress.
• Better Taste Perception: Constant consumption of highly potent artificial sweeteners can alter taste perception, making natural sweetness seem less flavorful.
• Support for Healthy Gut Microbiome: Some research suggests artificial sweeteners may negatively impact the balance of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Reduced Cravings: Some evidence suggests that artificial sweeteners may contribute to sugar cravings, so removing them could help normalize cravings over time.

Conclusion

Finding a protein drink that does not have artificial sweeteners is easier than ever with the rise of clean-label products. Whether you prefer a naturally sweetened shake with stevia and monk fruit or a completely unflavored powder, there are numerous high-quality options available from brands like Naked, Orgain, OWYN, and Transparent Labs. By reading ingredient labels carefully and knowing what to look for, you can make informed choices that align with your health goals and personal preferences. The best protein drink is one that provides clean, effective nutrition without any unwanted additives.

Visit Naked Nutrition's website for product details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common artificial sweeteners found in protein drinks?

The most common artificial sweeteners to look out for are sucralose (often as Splenda), acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), and aspartame (Equal). These are typically listed in the ingredients section of the nutritional label.

Are stevia and monk fruit extract considered artificial sweeteners?

No, stevia and monk fruit extract are natural, zero-calorie sweeteners derived from plants. They are generally considered clean alternatives to artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame.

Which brands offer pre-made protein shakes without artificial sweeteners?

Brands like OWYN, Koia, and Jocko Mölk offer ready-to-drink protein shakes that do not contain artificial sweeteners. They typically use natural sweeteners or other low-sugar options.

What is the benefit of choosing an unsweetened protein powder?

Choosing an unsweetened protein powder, such as Naked Whey Unflavored, gives you full control over the flavor profile and sweetness. This is ideal for those who want to avoid all sweeteners and customize their drinks with natural ingredients like fruit or spices.

Can I find vegan protein drinks without artificial sweeteners?

Yes, many vegan protein brands, including Orgain and OWYN, offer plant-based protein powders and shakes without artificial sweeteners. These are often sweetened with stevia or monk fruit.

How can I avoid hidden sugars in my protein drink?

Hidden sugars can sometimes appear under different names like 'evaporated cane juice' or 'malt syrup'. Always check the ingredients list thoroughly. The safest bet is to choose products explicitly labeled 'unsweetened' or 'naturally sweetened' and verify the ingredients.

Why do some people experience digestive issues from protein drinks with artificial sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners, particularly sugar alcohols like xylitol and mannitol, can cause digestive upset, bloating, and gas in sensitive individuals because they are not fully absorbed by the body and can be fermented by gut bacteria.