Protein Powder With Real Sugar

Whey Protein With Sweeteners Besides Sucralose

Stevia : A Natural Plant Based Sweetener

If you dont like the idea of a plain whey, then you have two options. The first is a real sugar and the other is stevia. The plain coconut sugar is a popular choice for people who want something a bit sweet, and dont mind a touch of sugar. Stevia, on the other hand, is a natural sweetener for people who want something sweetener than regular sugar can make a whey shake. The problem with using coconut sugar is that actual sugar is high in calories, so if you add too much, then your whey shakes will be too high in calories. So the whey protein that is made using coconut sugar tends to be a bit bland. Not unpleasant tasting, but its not going to match the Optimum Nutrition Whey that tastes super great, like a milkshake!

Stevia is a plant and a natural sweetener alternative to things like sucralose and aspartame.

Why Should You Use Sugar

There are multiple reasons why someone may want an sugar-free protein powder. “Most people are mixing protein powder with fruit or other ingredients that naturally sweeten whatever they’re mixing with the powder so they don’t necessarily need added sweeteners,” share The Nutrition Twins. For example, unsweetened protein powder is perfect if you want to add a scoop to a sugar-heavy smoothie or if you’re baking with it . In both cases, you don’t want the extra sweetness from the protein powder to interfere with your recipe.

RELATED: We found the best smoothie recipes for weight loss.

Another reason you may be looking for sugar-free protein powder is because you don’t like the taste of non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit extract, artificial sweeteners, or sugar alcohols, which can often be bitter and leave a lingering off-flavor in your mouth after consuming.

And lastly, perhaps you’ve heard that sugar and sweetener alternatives are bad for you and you’re looking to cut them out of your diet. ” try to limit sweeteners all together and would rather get their sweet flavors from whole foods with nutrients and fiber like fresh fruit,” share The Nutrition Twins.

Ingredients & Potential Interactions

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.

Additives: In addition to considering the protein source, look at the ingredient list and aim to choose powders without artificial ingredients, including colorings, flavorings, or sweeteners. Also, some protein powders contain added dietary fiber, MCT oil, probiotics, digestive enzymes, herbal blends, vitamins, and minerals, some of which may not be backed by adequate research and may not be suitable for all.

Food allergens: Some protein powders contain common food allergens such as milk proteins, so be sure to check the label and choose one that meets your dietary needs. If you have highly sensitive allergies, check to make sure the product is made in a facility that practices cross-contamination precautions.

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The Search For A Clean Protein Powder

As I mentioned at the outset, I dug through a ton of whey protein product material in my quest to find a new mate for my smoothie concoctions, and eventually vegan protein powder brands too.

Talk about a flooded market. Just look at my Amazon search for protein powder over 10,000 product listings:

So I made a short list of requirements for any protein powder Id consider taking, and started weeding out all the products that had ingredients I dont want in my protein powder or in my body.

What Are The Risks

There are numerous risks to consider when using a protein powder. Among them:

• A protein powder is a dietary supplement. The FDA leaves it up to manufacturers to evaluate the safety and labeling of products. So, there’s no way to know if a protein powder contains what manufacturers claim.
• We don’t know the long-term effects. “There are limited data on the possible side effects of high protein intake from supplements,” McManus says.
• It may cause digestive distress. “People with dairy allergies or trouble digesting lactose can experience gastrointestinal discomfort if they use a milk-based protein powder,” McManus points out.
• It may be high in added sugars and calories. Some protein powders have little added sugar, and others have a lot . Some protein powders wind up turning a glass of milk into a drink with more than 1,200 calories. The risk: weight gain and an unhealthy spike in blood sugar. The American Heart Association recommends a limit of 24 grams of added sugar per day for women and 36 grams for men.

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Why Is Protein Powder So Sweet How To Make It Less Sweet

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A common question I receive from clients about protein supplements is: Why is protein powder so sweet?

Simply put:

Protein powder is sweet because it includes artificial sweeteners to help sweeten and create different flavors without adding additional calories. Artificial sweeteners tend to be sweeter than regular sugar, which is why protein powders may taste so sweet.

There are other reasons why your protein is sweet based on what you mix protein powder with, which Ill discuss below. As well, Ill discuss:

• Is protein powder full of sugar?
• What makes protein powder so sweet?
• Is sweet protein powder unhealthy for you?
• How do you make protein powder less sweet?

The Best Whey Protein Isolate Without Artificial Sweeteners

To be clear, you’ve landed on this article because you are not that type of consumer and are interested in procuring the dress-up ingredients yourself. At AGN Roots, we believe it is best to steer clear of products containing ingredients like “natural flavors,” sugar, or high-intensity artificial sweeteners.

Read Also: Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Shake

Designer Whey Natural 100% Whey Protein Concentrate

This is the only dairy protein powder that doesn’t use organic or grass-fed milk however, it is also one of the only sugar-free dairy protein powder tubs that adds prebiotics, probiotics, electrolytes, and B-vitamins. The hydrating electrolytes and energizing B-vitamins will come in handy if you like to use protein powder in a shake after a workout.

What Are Artificial Sweeteners

Sweetening agents or compounds that are fabricated synthetically and used as food additives or sugar substitutes are known as “artificial sweeteners.” Often these compounds are derived from naturally occurring substances by subtle manipulations in chemistry.

Artificial sweeteners can be attractive alternatives to sugar because, in most cases, they are non-caloric and are high-intensity sweeteners up to several thousand times sweeter than table sugar gram for gram.

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Naked Whey Sample Pack

This pack includes both the classic naked whey as well as the less naked whey proteins which has coconut sugar plus something like vanilla, strawberries, or cocoa.

This sample pack is a great way to get a chance to see what the different flavors taste like. If youve only had whey shakes that were sweetened with sucralose before, then you should try a small sampling before you jump in and get yourself a big tub.

Best Unflavored: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• Not certified organic

• Not considered a complete protein

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a great option for those looking to boost their collagen intake. Each 2-scoop serving provides 18 grams of grass-fed, pasture-raised, bovine collagen protein that is almost 100 percent tasteless.

The dynamic product can be mixed into both hot and cold liquids, including coffee. It dissolves quickly and doesn’t clump when mixed properly. The versatile protein supplement is free of gluten, dairy, and sugar.

Collagen peptides provide a great protein boost, and research suggests that collagen peptide supplementation may improve skin health. The supplement contains complementary ingredients, including vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is known to help preserve skin moisture, while research shows that vitamin C boosts the body’s ability to produce collagen and also plays a key role in skin health.

Key protein sources: Collagen Peptides| Serving size: 2 scoops | Amount of protein per serving: 18 grams| Calories per serving: 70 | Vegan: No| Gluten-free: Yes | Additives: No

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What Our Customers Think:

Kathmcg Protein powder 5/5 stars

I have a dessert spoon on cereal, also blueberry and granola Keeps me going longer.

Jenny Br Fab rice protein powder 5/5 stars

Fab protein powder. Use it daily in my porridge with fruit. It has minimal taste that makes it very flexible. I have not experienced any of the nasty side effects often associated with others eg. pea protein, such as bloating.

Best For Fullness And Muscle Recovery: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein

This powder contains casein, which means that it is a slower digesting and absorbing protein.

The brand suggests that it is a suitable powder to use after exercise, between meals, or before bed to support fullness and muscle recovery.

It contains 24 g of protein per serving and includes no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.

Dairy-based sources of protein, such as whey and casein, also contain branched-chain amino acids, which may further help recovering muscles.

This product is available in Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Supreme, and Cookies & Cream flavors. It is available in sizes of 2 and 4 lb.

Egg protein powder options include:

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Body Symphony Raw Power Protein Mix

Body Symphony Raw Power Protein Mix is a paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO powder that is 85 percent raw and 90 percent organic. It is made from a large variety of ingredients including pumpkin seed protein concentrate, hemp, buckwheat groats, almonds, chia seeds, spinach, and maca. It is sweetened with xylitol and stevia. Each serving of one scoop has 15 grams of protein. Reviewers are reporting that this protein mix is tasty, pretty much guilt-free, and extremely versatile . You can get one 23.8-ounce tub for about $40.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Powder White Chocolate & Raspberry 2270g

All of that protein comes with just 1.3g of fat and 0.8g of sugars, with 1.1g of carbs, making it perfect for low-carb and low-sugar diets.

The white chocolate and raspberry flavour takes this no-sugar protein powder to a whole new level of taste, or you can use it bake up some sweet muffins, brownies, cupcakes or pancakes.

Its also got chewy little real bits of raspberry in it, which takes porridge to a whole new level.

Also Check: Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

Do You Really Need A Protein Powder

First off, how much protein do you really need? It really depends on the person, their activity levels, and any other health concerns that they might have. The majority of people get enough protein in their diet, but some individuals may need help in getting more protein, especially if they have specific dietary needs or a health condition, says Valerie Agyamen, RD. For example, vegans and vegetarians may find it difficult to get enough protein in their diet, so a protein powder may be helpful. Also, if you have had recent surgery, exercise a lot, or are postpartum, youll likely have increased nutrient needs where a protein powder might be helpful. Plus, certain exercise goalssay, if youre trying to build muscle massmight require additional protein too.

The current recommended dietary allowance is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. An easier way to think about it? Carolyn Brown, MS, RD says a general rule of thumb is looking at 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal. Most protein powders come with about 18 to 20 grams per serving.

The Benefits Of Natural Sugar

A lot of people see sugar as the enemy and try to avoid it altogether. The sentiment is good because sugar can be quite harmful, but you actually shouldnt be avoiding all sugars all the time!

We must indeed limit our intake of processed and refined sugar even healthier options like cane sugar and coconut sugar but sugar from natural, whole food sources comes with many benefits that we shouldnt ignore. One of the biggest and best sources of natural sugar is fruit! You should never feel you must shy away from fruit.

The best thing about fruit is that in addition to being sweet and delicious, the natural sugar comes along with many other nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and health benefits. Dark chocolate is also a deliciously sweet treat that offers many health benefits, as long as its sweetened naturally and minimally processed!

Recommended Reading: How Much Protein Intake To Gain Muscle

They May Contain Added Sugar Calories Or Even Toxic Chemicals

Adding protein powder to a glass of milk or a smoothie may seem like a simple way to boost your health. After, all, protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle, bone strength, and numerous body functions. And many older adults don’t consume enough protein because of a reduced appetite.

But be careful: a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder can harbor health risks. “I don’t recommend using protein powders except in a few instances, and only with supervision,” says registered dietitian Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Choosing A Protein Powder

When choosing a protein powder, Harbstreet recommends paying particular attention to the products certification. There are no standards for labeling, she says, so seeking an item tested by a third party may offer peace of mind and make for a safer, healthier product.

To me, this is the best indication of high quality and lower/limited contamination or filler products, says Harbstreet. Its a red flag for me if a brand uses a term like proprietary blend without detailing what it contains. Thats a safety concern for things like heavy metals, botanicals and other ingredients that could potentially interact with other foods or medications.

Whether you choose a plant-based or animal-based protein source is a matter of personal preference, she adds.

Also Check: Nutrition Facts On Whey Protein Powder

Naked Whey Protein Powder At A Glance

• Available flavors: unflavored, chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry
• Pros: free of added sugar, easy to mix, third-party certified, certified gluten-free
• Considerations: not suitable for those who prefer organic or dairy-free products
• Nutrition stats per 2-scoop serving :
• Calories: 120

Price: $$

SFH Pure Whey Protein is noted for its amazing taste, ease of absorption, and ingredient content.

Sourced from grass-fed, free-range cows in New Zealand, this minimally processed whey concentrate doesnt contain soy, gluten, or artificial ingredients.

Because its low in carbs and free of added sugar, it may be a good choice for people on a low carb or ketogenic diet who are looking for an easy way to boost their protein intake.

Its also certified by NSF International, a third-party organization that sets strict standards for the quality, strength, and purity of supplements.

Best Overall Whey Protein Powder

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What Is Protein Powder

Protein powders are powdered forms of protein that come from plants , eggs, or milk . The powders may include other ingredients such as added sugars, artificial flavoring, thickeners, vitamins, and minerals. The amount of protein per scoop can vary from 10 to 30 grams. Supplements used for building muscle contain relatively more protein, and supplements used for weight loss contain relatively less.

The Risks Associated With Protein Powders

For most people, theres little direct harm in consuming protein powders, and there can be a time and a place for the convenience and simplicity they offer, says Harbstreet. Depending on lifestyle, budget and performance or training goals, can be one of many useful tools.

However, she adds that protein powders carry a risk of heavy metal contamination. In fact, one study found 40% of 133 protein powder products tested had elevated levels of heavy metalsBandara SB, Towle KM, Monnot AD. A human health risk assessment of heavy metal ingestion among consumers of protein powder supplements. Toxicol Rep. 2020 7:1255-1262. . Finding a brand that uses third-party testing for its products may ease this concern. Additionally, regularly consuming more protein than necessary can come with its own set of risks, namely an increased risk of kidney stones.

A 2021 review also found chronic use of whey protein supplementation without professional guidance can lead to adverse health effects, particularly on liver and kidney functionVasconcelos QDJS, Bachur TPR, Aragão GF. Whey protein supplementation and its potentially adverse effects on health: a systematic review. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2021 46:27-33. . Experts also note that the additional calories from protein powders can add up quickly, potentially leading to weight gain.

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