According to Harvard University, the average American (adults, teenagers, and children) in the United States consumes around 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day (68 grams of sugar). (1) That’s nearly 90% more than the recommendation of the American Heart Association to limit added sugar to no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day. (2)
With many Americans desiring to reduce their sugar intake, many food and drink manufacturers turn to artificial sweeteners to sweeten their products without added sugar. Protein powders are no exception, with many including artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium. If you’d rather keep artificial sweeteners out of your protein powder for any reason, you’re in the right place. Check out our take on the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners.
The 6 Best Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners of 2024
- Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate
- Best Whey Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: XWERKS Grow
- Best Organic Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Nutricost Organic Whey Protein
- Best Vegan Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Gainful Plant Protein
- Best Budget Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Sports Research Whey Protein
- Best Tasting Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Legion Whey+
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is a high-quality powder with 28 grams of protein per serving, providing essential amino acids and BCAAs to support muscle growth. It’s Informed Choice certified, reassuring competitive athletes and other consumers that it’s free from banned substances and safe for consumption.
Specs
- Protein Per Serving: 28g
- Flavors: Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Mint Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Pancakes
- Main Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, natural flavors, salt, stevia extract, sunflower lecithin
- Third-Party Testing: Yes
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Price Per Serving: $2
One thing we love about this (and some of the other picks for best whey isolates) is how high in protein they are! Transparent Labs Whey Isolate earns the prestigious title of best protein powder without artificial sweeteners overall for a few reasons.
One of our expert testers raved about the taste and solubility of this protein powder, saying: “I tried Peppermint Hot Chocolate and it is divine. Literally what it says on the flavor label — just add marshmallows and whipped cream to complete the ambiance. An easy 5 out of 5 for flavor.” Plus, our tester reports: “No problems at all with solubility — this also scores a 5 out of 5.”
Our product tester recommends blending this protein powder with milk instead of water, which tends to be the best option regardless of the protein powder you use. “I tried Milk Chocolate, and I found it a little chalky, but I didn’t use the recommended amount of milk — I’m sure that would fix the problem.”
Another bonus of using milk instead of water is that you can boost the protein content — especially if you’re using higher-protein milk like cow’s milk or soy milk. Even if you use a lower-protein plant milk, you’re still getting a whopping 28 grams of protein per serving. That’s the highest protein per serving in our lineup. The satiating power of all that protein isn’t lost on our product tester: “This is one of the most filling protein powders I’ve had.”
I like how rich in protein this is thanks to the whey protein isolate and that it’s free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. I can’t give it a perfect 5 out of 5 because it uses natural flavors, which are an ambiguous term and you don’t know exactly where that “natural flavor” is coming from (it can come from plants, animals, eggs, and many other sources, according to the FDA). (1) Given that, I give it a 4.5 out of 5, which is still very solid!
Best Whey Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: XWERKS Grow
This formula is 100 percent New Zealand Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate with 25 grams of protein per serving. It includes no hormones, antibiotics or pesticides and comes in four delicious flavors --- Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Peanut Butter.
Specs
- Protein Per Serving: 23-25g
- Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Strawberry
- Main Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, natural and artificial flavoring, stevia
- Third-Party Testing: Yes
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Price Per Serving: $2.13
XWERKS Grow is our top pick for the best whey protein powder without artificial sweeteners. What makes it so amazing? Just ask our expert tester, who has nothing but good things to say about it: “The Chocolate flavor is absurdly tasty and ridiculously smooth. You barely even need the blender ball in a shaker bottle to get this to mix — it might be the most easily mixable protein powder I’ve ever had.”
Another one of our expert testers concurs, saying: “This is one of the best protein powders I’ve ever tried out. Absolutely no notes — it tastes great, it mixes well… amazing.”
But it’s not just the taste that we love. Our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD, praises the powder, saying: “XWERKS Grow is a lean protein powder with 25 grams of protein per scoop. And with 6 g of BCAAs, it’s ideal for muscle building…XWERKS Grow scores a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation, with high marks for its protein content and natural sweeteners.”
I love that you can access the third-party testing results directly from the product’s page – talk about transparency! In terms of the formulation, I give it a 4 out of 5. It contains two types of fillers, xanthan gum and sunflower lecithin. While you sometimes need fillers and emulsifiers to help the protein powder mix evenly and smoothly, most of our other choices for best protein powder without artificial sweeteners only contain one type of filler (e.g. xanthan gum, sunflower lecithin, etc). In addition, it contains both natural and artificial flavoring — the latter being less preferable than natural flavoring.
The great thing about this protein powder for muscle gain is that it’s very high in protein per serving thanks to the whey protein isolate. It’s sourced from grass-fed cows and has a 30-day guarantee. If you’ve never tried it before, you’ll have to commit to a 2-pound canister, which will set you back $64 before any taxes. Plus, you only get free shipping on orders of $75+. You can find it on Amazon with free Prime shipping, though!
Best Organic Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Nutricost Organic Whey Protein
Need a protein powder that’s light on cost yet heavy on flavor? Available in four traditional tastes — Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, and Vanilla — this Nutricost offering is available for less than $1 per serving, which can be ideal for athletes looking to build a well-rounded supplement regimen on a budget.
Specs
- Protein Per Serving: 20g
- Flavors: Chocolate, Unflavored, Vanilla
- Main Ingredients: Organic whey protein concentrate, organic chocolate or vanilla flavor, Himalayan rock salt, organic stevia
- Third-Party Testing: Yes
- Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate
- Price Per Serving: $2.61 (1 lb.) or $2.50 (2 lbs.)
If you’re looking for the best organic protein powder without artificial sweeteners, look no further than Nutricost’s option, which has earned the certified organic seal from the USDA. With three flavors to choose from (including unflavored, if that’s your jam), Nutricost’s protein powder offers a respectable 20 grams of protein per serving from whey protein concentrate.
As a dietitian, I’m pretty impressed with the formulation of Nutricost’s organic protein powder. Unlike competitor products, Nutricost specifies what types of natural flavors are present (vanilla or chocolate) instead of lumping them under the ambiguous term “natural flavors.” I love that it’s third-party tested (as are the other protein powders in our lineup) and made with organic and non-GMO ingredients.
I wish the protein content was slightly higher, but that’s not surprising given the protein source is whey protein concentrate, not isolate. Overall, I give Nutricost Organic Whey Protein a 4.75 out of 5.
Like most organic products, expect to pay quite a bit more for this compared to non-organic varieties. Even in the 2-pound canister, this is the most expensive protein powder without artificial sweeteners among our top choices.
Best Vegan Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Gainful Plant Protein
Gainful Plant-Based Protein Powder offers up to 24 grams of organic brown rice and pea protein, which delivers a complete amino acid profile. Right now, take 50% off your first order with the code: BF50.
Specs
- Protein Per Serving: 24g
- Flavors: Caffe Mocha, Rich Cocoa, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Madagascar Vanilla, Strawberry Cream, Cookies & Cream
- Main Ingredients: Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract, natural flavor, organic oat powder (gluten-free)
- Third-Party Testing: Each ingredient has a Certificate of Analysis, but the finished product isn’t third-party tested
- Protein Source: Pea protein, brown rice protein
- Price Per Serving: $3.21
Gainful’s formula uses some good vegan protein sources: pea protein and brown rice protein. The plant-based version of this customizable powder is generally considered one of the best vegan protein powders, and our product tester is pretty pleased with the flavor. Certified nutrition coach, personal trainer, and one of BarBend’s editorial team members Alex Polish tried it with oat milk, saying, “I chose Chocolate Peanut Butter and Cafe Mocha [as flavor boosts], both of which are delightful.”
Being a big fan of mocha flavor in particular, Polish adds, “The Mocha flavor doesn’t quite give me the coffee-esque vibe that I want, but it’s still very pleasant. It’s even strong enough to completely mask some pretty grassy greens powder when I tossed all of the above into a blender with a banana and some oat milk. 4.5 out of 5 for taste, just because I’m a sucker for strong mocha flavor.”
Of the solubility, Polish says: “In the blender, this comes out smooth and delightful. In a shaker cup, it’s pretty sticky on the sides, but then again it doesn’t take the most shaking in the world to get it into a nice solution. A 3.5 out of 5 from me.” (You’ll probably have good luck mixing it into smoothies, as well.)
I give Gainful’s plant-based protein powder a solid 4.5 out of 5. That’s the same rating it gets from fellow RD Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, who says: “I really like that Gainful offers a personalized protein powder formula, and I like that it’s unsweetened and free from artificial ingredients.” She also appreciates that a subscription is pretty personalized and comes with access to dietitians. “I like the idea of a personalized protein powder that caters to your fitness needs and health goals. I took the quiz to formulate a protein powder according to my goals, and the resulting formula was pretty spot on. Is there a comparable, more cost-effective option out there? Probably. “
One major drawback of Gainful is the cost, not to mention how few servings there are per bag. “I’ve taken this for almost a couple of weeks now, which takes me to almost a full bag. Right off the bat, I don’t love that there are so few servings per bag,” explains Polish.
Read our full Gainful Protein Powder Review.
Best Budget Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Sports Research Whey Protein
Offering 25 grams pf whey protein isolate alongside nearly 7 grams of BCAAs, Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate is a great option for those looking to supplement their diets, build muscle, and enhance workout recovery.
Specs
- Protein Per Serving: 25g
- Flavors: Creamy Vanilla
- Main Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, natural flavors, salt, stevia,
- Third-Party Testing: Yes
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Price Per Serving: $1.46 (2.26 lb) or $1.17 (5.42 lb)
If you’re on a budget, check out the price per serving of Sports Research Whey Protein as our pick for the best budget protein powder without artificial sweeteners. If you choose the 5.42-pound bag, the price per serving is $1.17, which is wildly low given some of the competitor products. That said, this award only goes to the Vanilla flavor.
Our expert tester is a fan of both the taste and how easily this whey protein mixes into liquid, saying: “Definitely got the Vanilla flavor right with this protein and it does have a creamier aspect to it, whether it was taken in water or milk. The only real taste you get is vanilla, nothing extra. Would rate this as a very good tasting protein powder, going with a 5 out of 5 on the taste scale.”
Further elaborating on the solubility, our expert tester has this to say: “Mixed very well, not chunky at all and was smooth to drink”, giving it 5 out of 5 for solubility. One thing they do suggest: “I would recommend that its consumed with milk, but if you were in a rush or do not have milk readily accessible at the time of consumption then water is a good alternative.”
One of the biggest frustrations I have with Sports Research is their lack of transparency regarding the ingredients on their website. Instead of an easy-to-find list of ingredients, your only source for this information is a blurry photo of the back of the bag, which you can’t even zoom in to clearly read.
Upon further investigation (thanks to Amazon and their clearer product images), you’ll note that only the Vanilla flavor is free of artificial sweeteners. The same product in Chocolate flavor contains both sucralose and acesulfame potassium, two artificial sweeteners. This is misleading since most people assume that the ingredients are similar among flavor variations of the same product. So remember: for the artificial sweetener-free option, go with Vanilla.
I like how high in protein this is, and the ingredients for the vanilla flavor are respectable and simple. Given the discrepancy in ingredients among flavors and the lack of ingredient transparency, I give it a 3.5 out of 5.
Best Tasting Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Legion Whey+
An all natural, non-GMO, fat-free whey that's cheaper than many competitors, Legion Whey Isolate Protein Powder is made from 100 percent grass-fed whey protein isolate from sustainable dairy farms in Ireland. It's also higher in calcium compared to other powders on the market.
Specs
- Protein Per Serving: 22g
- Flavors: Dutch Chocolate, French Vanilla, Coconut Cream, Peanut Butter Fudge, Cinnamon Cereal, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Hazelnut, Cookies & Cream, Birthday Cake, Banana Bread, Strawberry Banana, Cocoa Cereal, Unflavored, Mocha Cappuccino, Fruity Cereal, Apple Pie, Honey Cereal
- Main Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, natural flavors, salt, stevia leaf extract
- Third-Party Testing: Yes
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Price Per Serving: $1.60 (1 lb.) or $1.37 (5 lbs.)
Not only is Legion Whey+ the best-tasting protein powder without artificial sweeteners but it’s formulated with grass-fed whey protein. That makes it a double win in our book since grass-fed milk is found to have more whey protein than milk from grain-fed cows, and it’s also easier to process the nutrients compared to cows fed a mixed diet, typically including grain. (2)
Our expert tester gives Legion Whey+ a perfect score for the chocolate flavor, raving, “The Dutch Chocolate flavor is amazing. It reminds me a lot of Ovaltine. You can taste the stevia, but it’s not too sweet. A definite 5 out of 5 on taste.”
While slightly less impressed with another one of the many flavor options, the Cinnamon Cereal flavor was also enjoyed by our tester: “The Cinnamon Cereal flavor tasted like the beginning of a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, before it’s been incorporated into the milk. I want just a little bit more of an intense flavor from it — it gets a 4.5 out of 5.”
So it tastes amazing — but how does it perform when it comes to mixing it into liquid to make a protein shake? What’s even more impressive beyond the perfect flavor score is how well Legion Whey+ dissolves, with our tester adding, “No problems at all with solubility. A 5 out of 5 for sure.”
One thing to look out for amidst all the deliciousness? According to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD, “Some flavors of Legion Whey+ contain a significant amount of potassium, which may be a concern if you also take an electrolyte supplement. Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing, especially if you have kidney issues.” So enjoy in moderation, with a keen eye on your overall sodium intake.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweetener
Why should you trust our supplement review? Glad you asked! Our team of product reviewers include personal trainers, athletes (some of whom are competitive), nutrition coaches, and registered dietitians, just to name a few qualifications. Using our supplement testing methodology, members of our team personally over 100 protein powders to come up with the best protein powder without artificial sweeteners. Specifically, we focus on several factors that we think are pretty important.
- Protein Content: If you’re in the market for protein powder, you want protein – plain and simple. We choose protein powders with at least 20 grams of protein per serving.
- Taste: You can’t benefit from protein powder if you can’t choke it down. Taste is an important factor, and our expert product testers give honest opinions in this area!
- Protein Source: Different types of protein impact people’s bodies differently. If you have allergies or are on a special diet, the source of protein matters. Our picks for the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners come from whey and plant-based sources like peas (especially helpful if you need a lactose-free option).
- Cost: With costs that seem to keep rising these days, we’ve priced each product out in terms of cost per serving so you can determine if it’s a good match for your budget.
Benefits of the Best Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners
Whether you want to get more dietary protein to help make you feel satiated longer, to promote weight loss, muscle recovery, or for muscle building (aka hypertrophy), you can reap those benefits from a protein supplement such as protein powder. (3) The best protein powders are rich in protein and BCAAs and aren’t loaded with unnecessary additives like multiple types of fillers.
Let’s consider some of the benefits of choosing from the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners:
- Suitable for Special Diets: Since they utilize natural sugar substitutes like stevia and monk fruit, protein powders without artificial sweeteners are low in carbohydrates and have little effect on your blood sugar levels. They’re even suitable for very low-carb diets like keto!
- Potential for Reduced GI Upset: Some protein powders (as well as sugar-free products or those with no added sugar) utilize sugar alcohols as a low-calorie (sometimes zero-calorie), low-sugar alternative. These sugar alcohols can cause side effects like digestive issues in some people, such as bloating, stomach pain, and similar knocks to your wellness — and none of our top picks contain sugar alcohols.
- Complete Protein: The best protein powders without artificial sweeteners utilize protein sources that are considered complete proteins. These high-quality proteins provide all of the essential amino acids your body can’t create on its own, helping to support functions like muscle growth.
How Much Do The Best Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners Cost?
The cost per serving for the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners ranges from $1.37 to $3.21 per serving. Your best bet for a more budget-friendly option is to buy larger containers whenever possible – just be sure you test it out in a smaller container first to be sure you like how it tastes!
| Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners Overall | Transparent Labs Whey Isolate | $2 |
| Best Whey Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners | XWERKS Grow | $2.13 |
| Best Organic Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners | Nutricost Organic Whey Protein | $2.61 (1 lb.) or $2.50 (2 lbs.) |
| Best Vegan Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners | Gainful Plant Protein | $3.21 |
| Best Budget Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners | Sports Research Whey Protein (vanilla flavor only) | $1.46 (2.26 lb) or $1.17 (5.42 lb) |
| Best Tasting Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners | Legion Whey+ | $1.60 (1 lb.) or $1.37 (5 lbs.) |
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners
Not every protein powder is going to be the perfect match for everyone. The protein powder that works great for your gym buddy might not sit well with your stomach, or it might be too steep for your budget. No need to fret, though — there are several great options out there so you can consider unique factors such as these before choosing your ideal protein powder.
Sweetener
While many protein powders utilize artificial sweeteners, the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners utilize natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. If you’re used to artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, or even regular sugar, these might be a bit of a shock to your taste buds and can leave an aftertaste in some cases. (Some of the best-tasting protein powders utilize these sweeteners, so they’re generally very well received!)
Allergies & Intolerances
Most of the protein powders in our lineup utilize whey protein as the protein source (except the vegan option). Even the best whey protein powders aren’t suitable for true milk allergies, though, since they’re made from cow’s milk. You should also be mindful of whey protein powder if you have lactose intolerance, though some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate whey protein powders (especially those made from whey protein isolate). (Fun fact — the other abundant protein in milk besides whey is casein, and it’s even lower in lactose than whey!)
Protein Source
Some of the best protein powders utilize whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate (the latter usually contains more protein due to the way it’s processed). If you’re on a special diet like paleo or vegan, then you’ll want to avoid those and opt for plant-based protein like pea protein and brown rice protein, common protein blends in some of the best dairy-free protein powders! These high-quality protein sources pack a lot of protein given the serving size, helping you to boost your protein intake.
Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners FAQs
Which protein shake does not have artificial sweeteners?
There are several protein powders and protein shakes that don’t contain artificial sweeteners and instead rely on sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit sweeteners, or caloric sweeteners like brown rice syrup. A couple of examples of the best protein shakes that come premade that don’t contain artificial sweeteners are Orgain Organic Protein Shakes and Kate Farms Nutrition Shakes. That said, you can also easily whip up your own protein shakes without artificial sweeteners with any of the protein powders on this list — just add other ingredients of choice and press blend!
Is there a protein powder that isn’t sweet?
If you’d prefer a neutral, non-sweet protein powder, many brands offer unflavored versions. One example is Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate Powder, which only contains whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin – no added sweeteners of any kind.
What is the best protein powder without artificial sweeteners or stevia?
While all of our top picks for best protein powder without artificial sweeteners contain stevia, some good alternatives are unflavored protein powders (like Bulk Supplements brand) or unflavored collagen powder, which is rich in protein and can be used like protein powder.
Are there any protein powders with real sugar?
Given that most people want to reduce their sugar intake, it might be harder to find a protein powder with real sugar than without it. NAKED Whey uses coconut sugar, and Opportuniteas Whey Protein Isolate Powder uses cane sugar — both are examples of protein powders with real sugar.
References
- Added Sugar: Where Is It Hiding? (2019) Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/added-sugar-where-is-it-hiding
- How Much Sugar Is Too Much? American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-much-sugar-is-too-much
- CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=101.22
- Alothman, M., Hogan, S. A., Hennessy, D., Dillon, P., Kilcawley, K. N., O’Donovan, M., … O’Callaghan, T. F. (2019). The “grass-fed” milk story: Understanding the impact of pasture feeding on the composition and quality of Bovine Milk. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723057/
- Alothman, M., Hogan, S. A., Hennessy, D., Dillon, P., Kilcawley, K. N., O’Donovan, M., … O’Callaghan, T. F. (2019). The “grass-fed” milk story: Understanding the impact of pasture feeding on the composition and quality of Bovine Milk. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723057/
