Which protein shakes do not contain artificial sweeteners?

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published in 2025, an increasing number of consumers are avoiding artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame, citing potential health concerns and an unpleasant aftertaste. For those seeking cleaner options, knowing which protein shakes do not contain artificial sweeteners is key to making an informed and healthier choice.

Quick Summary

Explore the best protein shakes without artificial sweeteners, featuring brands with clean labels, natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, and unsweetened options. Choose a purer, more natural supplement tailored to your dietary preferences.

Key Points

Check Labels for Sweeteners: Common artificial sweeteners to avoid include sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium, which can cause digestive issues and leave an aftertaste.
Choose Natural Alternatives: Opt for products sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, or choose entirely unsweetened/unflavored varieties for a cleaner profile.
Prioritize Third-Party Testing: Look for certifications like NSF Certified for Sport or Clean Label Project to verify product purity and quality beyond FDA oversight.
Consider Protein Source: Whether you prefer dairy-based (whey) or plant-based (pea, brown rice) protein, numerous brands now offer clean options without artificial sweeteners.
Match to Dietary Needs: Your choice should align with your dietary restrictions (vegan, lactose-free) and flavor preferences, whether you prefer to mix your own or have a pre-flavored option.
Look for Organic Certification: Choosing organic protein powders helps ensure ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, further enhancing the product's 'clean' status.

Why Choose Protein Shakes Without Artificial Sweeteners?

For many, avoiding artificial sweeteners is a matter of personal preference, stemming from concerns about health, digestion, and taste. Common artificial sweeteners like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and aspartame are often added to protein powders to provide intense sweetness without the calories of sugar. However, these compounds can come with potential drawbacks.

Potential Health and Digestive Concerns

Some individuals experience digestive discomfort, bloating, or headaches from consuming artificial sweeteners. Research also suggests that they may alter the gut microbiome and affect metabolic health. For those with sensitive stomachs or a focus on gut health, opting for a protein shake without these additives is a conscious step toward improved wellness.

The Aftertaste Problem

A frequent complaint about artificial sweeteners is the distinct, chemical-like aftertaste they can leave behind. Natural alternatives or unsweetened versions provide a cleaner, more neutral flavor profile that can be customized with real ingredients like fruit, honey, or spices.

Types of Protein Shakes Without Artificial Sweeteners

When searching for a cleaner protein shake, you'll encounter a few main categories, each with distinct benefits:

Unsweetened/Unflavored Protein Powders: These contain no sweeteners at all, offering the purest protein source possible. They are versatile for mixing into smoothies, baking recipes, or adding to oatmeal, giving you complete control over the flavor and sweetness.
Naturally Sweetened Protein Powders: These use plant-based sweeteners like stevia leaf extract or monk fruit extract, which are calorie-free and derived from natural sources. This option provides sweetness without the artificial additives.
Organic Protein Powders: Many organic brands prioritize minimal, clean ingredients. They may be unsweetened or use natural sweeteners, but the organic certification ensures the protein source is produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

Top Protein Shakes Without Artificial Sweeteners

Here are some of the most popular and trusted brands that offer protein shakes free from artificial sweeteners:

Naked Whey

Naked Nutrition offers a minimalist approach with its Naked Whey protein powder. Sourced from grass-fed cows on small California farms, their unflavored version has just one ingredient: whey protein concentrate. They also offer naturally flavored options like Vanilla, which is sweetened with coconut sugar. Naked is a great choice for those who prioritize a short, clean ingredient list and transparency.

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Known for its transparency and third-party testing, Transparent Labs offers a high-quality whey isolate from grass-fed cattle. Their flavored versions, such as Vanilla and Salted Chocolate Caramel, are sweetened with stevia extract instead of artificial sweeteners. This brand is ideal for athletes and health-conscious users seeking purity and performance.

Orgain Organic Protein Powder

For those on a plant-based diet, Orgain is a reliable choice. Their organic vegan protein powder is made from a blend of pea, brown rice, and chia seeds. Many of their options are sweetened with natural sweeteners like organic stevia, and they also offer an unflavored variety with no added sugar. Orgain is an excellent source of clean, plant-based protein with no artificial additives.

OWYN Vegan Protein Shake

OWYN (Only What You Need) offers ready-to-drink protein shakes that are vegan, allergen-friendly, and free from artificial ingredients. Their shakes are sweetened with a combination of organic cane sugar and monk fruit extract, providing a clean, delicious taste without artificial sweeteners.

Comparison of Artificial Sweetener-Free Protein Powders


Feature	Naked Whey	Transparent Labs Whey Isolate	Orgain Organic Protein	OWYN Vegan Protein Shake
Protein Source	Grass-fed Whey	Grass-fed Whey Isolate	Pea, Brown Rice, Chia	Pea, Pumpkin Seed, Flax Oil
Sweeteners Used	Unflavored (None), Vanilla (Coconut Sugar)	Stevia Extract	Stevia, Organic Cane Sugar	Organic Cane Sugar, Monk Fruit
Key Features	Single-ingredient unflavored option, sourced from small farms.	Third-party tested, high protein content, great for athletes.	Organic, plant-based, allergen-friendly, available in unflavored.	Ready-to-drink, vegan, allergen-free, delicious flavor.
Certifications	GMO-Free, Soy Free, Gluten-Free	Informed Choice, Informed Protein	USDA Organic, Vegan, Gluten-Free	Vegan, Gluten-Free, Top 9 Allergen-Free

How to Choose the Right Protein Shake for You

Making the right choice depends on your personal health and fitness goals. Consider the following factors:

Dietary Restrictions: If you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or have other allergies, plant-based options like Orgain or OWYN are a better fit. For dairy tolerance, Naked or Transparent Labs offer high-quality whey options.
Third-Party Testing: Since the FDA does not regulate supplements, look for certifications from independent organizations like NSF Certified for Sport or the Clean Label Project. This ensures the product has been tested for banned substances and contaminants like heavy metals.
Flavor Preference: If you prefer to control the taste of your shake completely, an unflavored powder is the way to go. If you like a ready-made flavor, check the ingredient list for natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. For an even more detailed guide on choosing protein, see WIRED's Best Protein Powders.
Ingredients and Fillers: Read the label carefully. A shorter ingredient list is often better. Avoid unnecessary fillers, gums, or proprietary blends that mask the true contents of the product.

Conclusion

Finding protein shakes that do not contain artificial sweeteners has never been easier, thanks to a growing market of brands committed to clean labels and natural ingredients. By prioritizing brands with third-party certifications, understanding different protein sources, and checking for natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, you can choose a product that aligns with your health and wellness goals. Whether you opt for a minimalist unsweetened powder or a naturally sweetened ready-to-drink shake, you can refuel with confidence, knowing exactly what's fueling your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common artificial sweeteners to look out for on ingredient lists include sucralose, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), and aspartame. Some people find these cause digestive upset or have an undesirable aftertaste.

Yes, stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is widely used as a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners in many protein powders.

Monk fruit is an excellent natural, calorie-free sweetener option derived from monk fruit. It's becoming increasingly popular for its clean sweetness without the potential health concerns or aftertaste of artificial alternatives.

To ensure a protein powder is clean, check for third-party testing certifications like NSF Certified for Sport or the Clean Label Project. These independent verifications ensure the product contains what is listed on the label and is free of banned substances or contaminants.

Unsweetened protein powders are the purest option, containing no sweeteners at all. They offer maximum versatility for customizing flavor with natural ingredients and are ideal for those who are sensitive to all types of sweeteners.

Many vegan protein brands, such as Orgain and OWYN, are committed to using clean ingredients and avoid artificial sweeteners. They often use natural options like stevia, monk fruit, or organic sugars.

Yes, unsweetened protein powder is an excellent ingredient for baking, as it boosts the protein content of recipes without adding unwanted sweetness. This makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.

You can add flavor to an unsweetened shake by mixing it with fruit, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, a small amount of honey or maple syrup, or spices like cinnamon.