Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Our Top Choice

Protein powder is a popular supplement used by many people to help build muscle, recover after workouts, or simply add extra protein to their diet. However, some protein powders contain artificial sweeteners that may not be good for everyone.

If you want a healthier option, protein powder without artificial sweeteners is a great choice. In this article, we will explore the best protein powders that are free from artificial sweeteners and how to pick the right one for you.

[Related] Protein Powder Without Sucralose: Best Choice for Gut Health

Quick Summary

• What Are Artificial Sweeteners? Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes used to add sweetness without calories, but they may have health concerns.
• Why Avoid Artificial Sweeteners: Some people avoid them due to potential side effects, sensitivity, or a preference for natural ingredients.
• Introducing PEScience Select Vegan Protein: Get an in-depth review of our top product. We'll detail why this product stands out, from its unique blend of pea and rice proteins for a complete amino acid profile to its smooth texture and delicious, naturally sweetened flavors.
• How to Pick the Best (No Artificial Sweeteners!): Look for stevia, monk fruit, or unsweetened options, plus short ingredient lists and third-party testing (like PEScience’s vegan blend).

What Are Artificial Sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners, also known as sugar substitutes, are ingredients used to make foods and drinks taste sweet without adding sugar or calories. They are popular because they can be hundreds, or even thousands, of times sweeter than regular table sugar. This means a very small amount is needed to achieve the same sweet taste.

They are created in a lab and are not naturally found in foods. You'll often see them in products that are labeled "sugar-free," "diet," or "zero-calorie." Because your body doesn't recognize their chemical structure in the same way it recognizes sugar, these sweeteners are not broken down for energy.

This is why they provide sweetness without any calories. In protein powders, artificial sweeteners are added to mask the flavor of the protein itself.

Common Types of Artificial Sweeteners

• Sucralose: You might know this by the brand name Splenda. It is a highly popular choice because it provides a clean, sugar-like taste and is very heat-stable.
• Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): This sweetener is often used alongside sucralose. By itself, it can have a slight aftertaste, but when blended with another sweetener, it creates a more complete and satisfying sweetness.
• Aspartame: Found in many "diet" products, aspartame is made from two common amino acids. It is a well-known sweetener but has been a subject of debate and is often avoided by those who prefer a more natural approach.
• Saccharin: One of the oldest artificial sweeteners, it is calorie-free but has a slightly different aftertaste that some people notice.
• Neotame & Advantame: Newer, super-concentrated sweeteners (7,000-20,000x sweeter than sugar!). Only Tiny amounts needed; often hidden in "proprietary blends."

Why Avoid Artificial Sweeteners in Protein Powders?

Choosing to avoid artificial sweeteners in your protein powder is a personal choice, but many people do so for a few key reasons related to health, taste, and a more natural diet.

Here's why you might want to consider a protein powder without them:

• Digestive Discomfort: For some individuals, artificial sweeteners can lead to digestive issues. Common complaints include bloating, gas, and stomach upset. If you've ever felt a bit off after a protein shake, the sweeteners could be the culprit.
• The "Aftertaste" Problem: Many people dislike the unique aftertaste that artificial sweeteners can leave behind. This can make your protein shake less enjoyable and is a common reason for switching to products that use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
• A "Cleaner" Diet: A growing number of people prefer to eat foods with simple, natural ingredients. By avoiding artificial sweeteners, you can ensure your protein powder aligns with this "clean eating" philosophy, focusing on whole-food ingredients and fewer lab-made additives. If you are already eating clean, using a protein powder with artificial ingredients may feel out of place.
• Avoiding Sugar Cravings: While artificial sweeteners don't contain sugar, some research suggests they can affect your body's response to sweet flavors. Some theories propose that they might not fully satisfy a craving for sweetness, potentially leading you to seek out other sugary foods later on.
• Appetite Control: Protein powder can be useful for staying full, especially when aiming to cut calories for weight loss. But products loaded with refined sugar, cane sugar, or corn syrup can cause blood sugar spikes, which may disturb hunger cues later in the day.
• Long-term Effects: There are concerns about possible long-term health effects, although research is still ongoing. Some studies suggest artificial sweeteners might affect metabolism or gut health negatively.

Benefits of Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners

• Better Digestion & Gut Health: Artificial sweeteners (like sucralose or aspartame) can upset your stomach and harm good gut bacteria. Natural or unsweetened protein powders are gentler, reducing bloating and discomfort.
• Fewer Sugar Cravings: Super-sweet artificial flavors can trick your brain into wanting more sugar. Protein powders without them help reset your taste buds, making it easier to enjoy whole, less processed foods.
• Supports Stable Energy & Metabolism: Unlike some artificial sweeteners that might mess with insulin sensitivity, clean protein powders provide steady fuel without hidden metabolic disruptions.
• Cleaner Ingredients: You avoid unnecessary additives, making your shake closer to whole food nutrition.
• Natural Taste: Powders without artificial sweeteners usually have a lighter, more natural flavor without a chemical aftertaste.
• Flexible Mixing: You can blend them with fruits, honey, or other natural sweeteners to control the taste your own way.
• Works for Almost Every Diet: Whether you’re vegan, keto, paleo, or diabetic-friendly, unsweetened or naturally sweetened protein powders fit almost any eating plan without compromises.

The Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners

Select Vegan Protein by PEScience

Select Vegan Protein is a premium, plant-based protein powder designed to deliver high-quality nutrition without artificial sweeteners. This supplement blends pea protein concentrate and brown rice protein concentrate to closely match the amino acid profile of dairy protein, making it an excellent option for muscle growth and recovery. It delivers a complete amino acid profile (similar to whey protein).

This high quality protein powder is soy-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO, catering to individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions. The product is naturally sweetened with stevia extract, avoiding synthetic sweeteners while maintaining great taste and smooth texture.

Select Vegan Protein is third-party tested for purity and quality, ensuring each batch meets strict standards. It provides 20 grams of protein per scoop with minimal fats and sugars, supporting clean nutrition goals.

Its smooth texture and natural flavor make it stand out from many plant-based proteins, which often have a gritty or earthy taste. This protein powder is ideal for vegans, athletes, or anyone seeking a clean, allergen-free, and effective protein supplement.

Key Benefits of Select Vegan Protein

• Complete Amino Acid Profile: Combines pea and brown rice proteins for a balanced protein intake essential for muscle growth.
• Naturally Sweetened: Uses natural flavoring and stevia extract without any artificial sweeteners.
• Allergen Friendly: Free from soy, gluten, lactose, and non-GMO ingredients.
• Third-Party Tested: Ensures product purity, potency, and absence of harmful heavy metals.
• Smooth Texture and Great Taste: Superior flavor and mixability compared to typical vegan proteins.
• Supports Muscle Growth & Recovery: Provides 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving to complete your protein needs.
• Transparency: Online batch-specific testing results build consumer trust.

Supplement Nutrition Facts (per serving)

While the exact numbers can vary slightly between flavors, a typical serving (one scoop) of PEScience Select Vegan Protein generally contains:

• Calories: ~110-120 kcal
• Total Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 140mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 5g
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugars: 0g (including 0g added sugars)
• Protein: 20g
• Potassium: 176mg
• Calcium: 12mg
• Iron: 1.6mg

Key Ingredients of Select Vegan Protein

• Pea Protein Concentrate: A high-quality plant protein derived from yellow peas. It is rich in essential amino acids and supports muscle growth and repair. It is easily digested and hypoallergenic.
• Brown Rice Protein Concentrate: Plant-based protein extracted from brown rice. It complements pea protein by adding amino acids that peas lack, creating a complete protein profile. It is gentle on digestion.
• Natural Flavor: Used to enhance the taste of the protein powder without artificial additives. These flavors come from natural sources to keep the product clean.
• Cocoa Powder (alkali processed): Added in chocolate flavors, this gives a rich chocolate taste. Alkaline processing reduces acidity and smooths the flavor.
• Stevia Extract: A natural sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia plant. It provides sweetness without calories or artificial chemicals.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances taste, used in small amounts.
• Guar Gum: A natural thickening agent that helps mix the powder smoothly with liquids, improving texture and consistency.

Pros of Select Vegan Protein

• Clean, minimal ingredient list.
• Naturally sweetened—no artificial sweeteners.
• Excellent amino acid profile for a best vegan protein powder
• Smooth texture and pleasant for your taste buds
• Mixes well (no clumping).
• Allergen-friendly (soy, gluten, lactose-free)
• Third-party tested for quality.
• Transparent label

Cons of Select Vegan Protein

• Slightly higher sodium compared to some alternatives.
• Limited flavors vs. whey-based options.
• Contains stevia, which some users may not prefer
• Some may prefer higher protein content.
• Limited availability in some regions
• May be pricier than some low budget protein powder

Flavor Profile

• Vegan Vanilla Indulgence
• Chocolate Bliss
• Chocolate Peanut Butter
• Cinnamon Delight
• Peanut Butter Delight

How to Take Select Vegan Protein

For best results, mix one scoop of Select Vegan Protein with 8-12 ounces of cold water or your favorite milk substitute (like almond or oat milk). Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired thickness.

The powder mixes easily with a shaker bottle, but can also be blended into smoothies, used in protein-packed oatmeal, or even for baking.

The Chocolate Bliss flavor works particularly well as a chocolate protein powder for making protein pancakes, homemade protein bars, and even savory recipes like chocolate-infused energy bites. You can take it after a workout for muscle recovery, or as a convenient snack between meals to help meet your daily protein goals.

Customer Reviews: Select Vegan Protein by PEScience

 My Go to Protein

“I have used this protein for my plant based protein for 3 years now and counting. I enjoy all the flavors especially the cinnamon and peanut butter. It mixes easily and i never get bloated or gassy. It’s a great clean protein with 20gs of protein per one scoop. If you are thinking about it go for it, it’s a great one.”

-Dan

How to Choose the Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners

Check the Sweeteners

Always read the ingredient list carefully. The most common natural sweeteners you’ll find are stevia leaf extract and monk fruit extract. These are zero-calorie, plant-based options that provide sweetness without the synthetic additives.

If you see names like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, or aspartame, the product contains artificial sweeteners. A high-protein, low-sugar formula is usually the best option.

Look for Complete Protein Sources

For the best nutritional value, choose a powder that offers a complete amino acid profile. Blends combining pea and brown rice protein, for example, provide all the essential amino acids your body needs.

• For dairy-based powders, look for whey isolate or whey concentrate from grass-fed cows (grass fed whey protein). However, keep in mind that most of these options contain artificial sweeteners such as sucralose.
• For plant-based powders, look for a blended protein (like pea and brown rice). A blend is crucial for a complete amino acid profile, which is essential for muscle building and recovery.

Consider Dietary Needs and Allergies

Pick a protein powder that fits your dietary requirements—such as vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free or non-GMO. This ensures that your choice supports your health goals and avoids ingredients you may be sensitive to.

Taste and Mixability

Read reviews or try sample packs to see if the powder tastes good and mixes well in liquids, as this can make a big difference in how often you use it.

Brand Reputation

Choose trusted brands with positive reviews and transparency about their sourcing, testing, and manufacturing processes.

Digestibility

If you have a sensitive stomach, go for powders that are soy-free, gluten-free, and low in sugar alcohols. Some powders include digestive enzymes to support your absorption and reduce digestive discomfort.

Quick Checklist Before Buying:

• No artificial sweeteners
• High-quality protein source
• Minimal additives
• Good taste & mixability
• Fits your diet (vegan, keto, etc.)

Artificial Sweetener Alternatives

When a product is labeled as "naturally sweetened," it means the sweetness comes from sources found in nature, rather than from a chemical created in a lab. For protein powders, a few common natural alternatives have become very popular.

Here are the top alternatives to artificial sweeteners:

1. Organic Stevia Leaf Extract: This is a zero-calorie sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is incredibly sweet and doesn't affect blood sugar levels, which is why it's a favorite for many health-conscious brands. Some people may notice a slight aftertaste, which is why it's often blended with other sweeteners.
2. Monk Fruit Extract: Monk fruit is a small, green fruit that grows in Southeast Asia. The extract from this fruit is also calorie-free and does not raise blood sugar. It has a cleaner and natural sweetness than stevia and is often used alongside it to create a more balanced and pleasing flavor profile.
3. Erythritol: This is a type of sugar alcohol that is found naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. It has almost zero calories and is known for its ability to provide a sugar-like taste without the bitter aftertaste that some other alternatives have.
4. Organic Coconut Sugar: Derived from the sap of coconut palms, it has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. Though it contains calories, it is less processed and retains some nutrients like minerals.
5. Raw Honey and Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners contain small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. They add calories but are preferred by those who want unprocessed, wholesome ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Protein powders without artificial sweeteners offer a cleaner option for those who want simple nutrition. Artificial sweeteners are common in many protein powders, but they often raise concerns about taste, digestion, and long-term use.

Choosing a product made with natural ingredients allows the focus to remain on protein quality and overall balance. Select Vegan Protein by PEScience is one such option, combining plant-based protein with natural flavoring.

The supplement offers a superior taste, a complete plant-based protein source, and a simple ingredient list. Choosing the right protein powder depends on personal needs—taste preferences, dietary preference, and ingredient transparency matter most.